1 Thessalonians 5:15 meaning summary explained with word-by-word analysis enriched with context, commentary and Cross References from KJV, NIV, ESV and NLT.
1 Thessalonians 5:15 kjv
See that none render evil for evil unto any man; but ever follow that which is good, both among yourselves, and to all men.
1 Thessalonians 5:15 nkjv
See that no one renders evil for evil to anyone, but always pursue what is good both for yourselves and for all.
1 Thessalonians 5:15 niv
Make sure that nobody pays back wrong for wrong, but always strive to do what is good for each other and for everyone else.
1 Thessalonians 5:15 esv
See that no one repays anyone evil for evil, but always seek to do good to one another and to everyone.
1 Thessalonians 5:15 nlt
See that no one pays back evil for evil, but always try to do good to each other and to all people.
1 Thessalonians 5 15 Cross References
| Verse | Text | Reference |
|---|---|---|
| Rom 12:17 | Repay no one evil for evil, but give thought to do what is honorable in the sight of all. | Non-retaliation ethic. |
| Rom 12:19-21 | Beloved, never avenge yourselves... if your enemy is hungry, feed him... | Overcoming evil with good, loving enemies. |
| 1 Pet 3:9 | Do not repay evil for evil or reviling for reviling, but on the contrary bless... | Blessing in response to harm. |
| Matt 5:38-39 | You have heard that it was said, ‘An eye for an eye...’ But I say to you, Do not resist the one who is evil. | Jesus' command against retaliation. |
| Matt 5:44 | But I say to you, Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you... | Loving enemies. |
| Luke 6:27-29 | But I say to you who hear, Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you... | Doing good to those who harm. |
| Prov 20:22 | Do not say, “I will repay evil!” Wait for the Lord, and he will deliver you. | Trusting God for justice. |
| Prov 24:29 | Do not say, “I will do to him as he has done to me; I will pay the man back for what he has done.” | Prohibits personal vengeance. |
| Gal 6:10 | So then, as we have opportunity, let us do good to everyone, and especially to those who are of the household of faith. | Universal good, special care for believers. |
| Col 3:12-13 | Put on then, as God’s chosen ones... forgiving one another... | Forgiveness within the community. |
| Eph 4:32 | Be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, as God in Christ forgave you. | Imitating divine forgiveness and kindness. |
| Heb 12:14 | Strive for peace with everyone, and for the holiness without which no one will see the Lord. | Actively seeking peace. |
| Phil 2:3-4 | Do nothing from selfish ambition or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves. | Considering others' well-being. |
| Titus 3:1-2 | Remind them to be submissive to rulers and authorities... to speak evil of no one, to avoid quarreling... | Gentle conduct towards all. |
| 1 Pet 2:19-20 | For this is a gracious thing, when, conscious of God, one endures sorrows while suffering unjustly. | Enduring injustice with grace. |
| 3 John 1:11 | Beloved, do not imitate evil but imitate good. Whoever does good is from God... | Imitating good, not evil. |
| Prov 17:13 | If anyone returns evil for good, evil will not depart from his house. | Negative consequence of returning evil for good. |
| Exod 23:4-5 | If you meet your enemy’s ox or his donkey going astray, you shall bring it back to him. | Kindness to enemies in OT law. |
| Isa 58:6-7 | Is not this the fast that I choose:... to share your bread with the hungry...? | Practicing tangible good. |
| Jer 29:7 | But seek the welfare of the city where I have sent you into exile, and pray to the Lord on its behalf... | Seeking the good of community/city. |
| Mic 6:8 | He has told you, O man, what is good; and what does the Lord require of you but to do justice, and to love kindness... | Divine requirements include kindness. |
1 Thessalonians 5 verses
1 Thessalonians 5 15 meaning
This verse issues a clear and profound ethical command for believers, prohibiting personal retaliation and simultaneously enjoining the active and persistent pursuit of good. It calls for a counter-cultural response to evil, replacing vengeful impulses with a proactive and intentional dedication to righteousness and well-being, extended both within the Christian community and to all people without exception.
1 Thessalonians 5 15 Context
1 Thessalonians 5 is the concluding chapter of Paul's first letter to the Thessalonian church. The preceding verses (1-11) address the Day of the Lord, urging vigilance, sobriety, and faith for believers. Verses 12-22 provide a series of short, pithy ethical instructions, covering various aspects of Christian conduct within the community and towards outsiders. These instructions include respecting leaders, helping the weak, being patient, and generally living a life consistent with their calling. Verse 15 fits squarely within these practical admonitions, emphasizing the distinctive Christian ethic of love and non-retaliation, which serves as a vital component of living honorably in anticipation of Christ's return and demonstrating the reality of their faith in their daily interactions. Historically, the Thessalonian Christians, like believers in many Roman-controlled cities, would have lived in a society where vengeance and social hierarchy often dictated interactions, making Paul's commands particularly counter-cultural.
1 Thessalonians 5 15 Word analysis
- See (Blepete / βλέπετε): An imperative verb, literally "to look, perceive, discern." Here, it signifies a strong command to be continually observant and actively aware, taking care and making sure that a particular action does not occur. It implies a conscious and vigilant effort.
- that no one (mē tis / μή τις): A negative prohibition emphasizing that not a single person among them, not an individual member of the community, should engage in the specified behavior.
- repays (apodidōmi / ἀποδίδωμι): Literally "to give back," often in the sense of recompense, retribution, or rendering what is due. In this context, it specifically denotes giving back "evil for evil" – exact retaliation.
- evil for evil (kakon anti kakou / κακὸν ἀντὶ κακοῦ): A concise phrase directly echoing the lex talionis (law of retaliation) but prohibiting its personal application. Kakon refers to what is bad, harmful, or wicked. Anti means "instead of, in place of, in return for." The phrase encapsulates the entire concept of vengeful recompense.
- but (alla / ἀλλά): A strong adversative conjunction, introducing a contrast and pivoting to the positive command, marking a clear and absolute departure from the previous negative prohibition.
- always (pantote / πάντοτε): Emphasizes the continuous, unceasing, and persistent nature of the command that follows. It's not an occasional or conditional act but a perpetual commitment.
- pursue (diōkete / διώκετε): Another imperative verb, often meaning "to chase, run after, hunt, persecute." Here, it signifies an eager, active, and persistent seeking, running after, or striving towards an aim. It suggests intentional effort, not passive acceptance. It’s an energetic, even aggressive, pursuit.
- good (agathon / ἀγαθὸν): Refers to that which is morally good, beneficial, wholesome, kind, and excellent. It encompasses well-being and moral righteousness. This is the object of the active pursuit.
- toward one another (eis allēlous / εἰς ἀλλήλους): Specifies the primary target of this pursuit of good – the members within the Christian community itself. It promotes internal harmony and brotherly love.
- and (kai / καὶ): Connects the two spheres of action, indicating an expansion of the command's scope.
- toward all (eis pantas / εἰς πάντας): Expands the command beyond the internal Christian community to encompass everyone—believers and unbelievers alike, friends and foes. It denotes a universal scope for Christian kindness and goodness.
1 Thessalonians 5 15 Bonus section
This verse implicitly outlines a 'two-part' ethical injunction: a negative prohibition followed by a positive command. This common biblical pattern emphasizes both abstaining from sin and actively practicing virtue. The call to "pursue good" (diōkete agathon) is strong and is seen in classical Stoicism as a pursuit of virtue, but here it is uniquely Christian in its universal and love-motivated scope, distinct from self-sufficient ethical systems. The emphasis on "always" (pantote) highlights the unwavering nature of this commitment, regardless of circumstances or provocation. The command "See" (Blepete) functions as a warning to guard against letting a spirit of revenge infiltrate the community, recognizing its destructive potential. The comprehensive nature "to one another and toward all" defines a boundary for Christian living that seeks to extend God's grace outwards into an often-hostile world.
1 Thessalonians 5 15 Commentary
1 Thessalonians 5:15 encapsulates a core tenet of Christian ethics: the rejection of personal retaliation and the proactive embodiment of benevolent love. Paul's initial imperative, "See that no one repays anyone evil for evil," directly confronts the natural human inclination towards revenge and stands in stark contrast to both the societal norms of his day, which often glorified retribution, and a misunderstanding of Mosaic Law's lex talionis when applied individually. It is not enough to simply avoid evil; the believer is commanded to "always pursue good." The Greek term for "pursue" (diōkete) conveys an active, intentional, and persistent effort, similar to a hunter eagerly pursuing prey, implying diligence and resolve. This goodness is not limited to those within the Christian fellowship ("toward one another") but extends universally ("and toward all"), including those outside the church, even adversaries. This demonstrates the transformative power of the Gospel, which produces a community characterized by radical grace and love, reflecting God’s own character. It’s a call to proactive peacemaking and demonstrating righteousness through actions, effectively conquering evil with good.