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. | Do not repay evil for evil |
| Luke 6:27 | But I say to you who hear: Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you, | Love enemies, do good |
| Luke 6:35 | but love your enemies, and do good, and lend, expecting nothing in return, and your reward will be great... | Love enemies, active good |
| Matt 5:39 | but if anyone strikes you on the right cheek, turn to him the other also. | Turn the other cheek |
| Matt 5:44 | But I say to you, Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, | Love and pray for persecutors |
| 1 Pet 3:9 | Do not repay evil for evil or reviling for reviling, but on the contrary, bless, for to this you were called... | Bless, do not revile |
| 1 Pet 4:8 | Above all, keep loving one another earnestly, since love covers a multitude of sins. | Earnest love covers sins |
| Prov 20:22 | Do not say, “I will pay evil”; wait for the LORD, and he will deliver you. | Wait for the Lord's justice |
| Prov 15:1 | A soft answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger. | Gentle words diffuse anger |
| Prov 25:21 | If your enemy is hungry, give him bread to eat, and if he is thirsty, give him water to drink... | Care for an enemy |
| Eph 4:32 | Be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving each other, as God in Christ forgave you. | Kindness, forgiveness |
| Col 3:12 | Put on then, as God's chosen $[\ldots]$, holy and beloved, compassionate hearts, kindness, humility, meekness, and patience... | Attributes of God's people |
| Gal 5:22-23 | But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, meekness, self-control... | Fruit of the Spirit |
| 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. | Do good to everyone |
| 1 Cor 13:4-7 | Love is patient and kind; love does not envy or boast; it is not arrogant or rude. It does not insist on its own way; it is not irritable or resentful; it does not rejoice at wrongdoing, but rejoices with the truth. Love bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things. | Definition of love |
| Phil 2:3-4 | Do nothing from selfish ambition or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves. Let each of you look not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others. | Humility, consider others |
| John 13:34-35 | A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another: just as I have loved you, you also are to love one another. By this all people will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another. | Command to love |
| Rom 15:1-2 | We who are strong ought to bear with the failings of the weak and not to please ourselves. Each of us must please his neighbor for his good, to build him up. | Bear the weak, please neighbor |
| Col 3:13 | bearing with one another and, if one has a complaint against another, forgiving each other; as the Lord has forgiven you, so you also must forgive. | Forgive one another |
| Matt 6:14-15 | For if you forgive others their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you, but if you do not forgive others their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses. | Forgiveness |
1 Thessalonians 5 verses
1 Thessalonians 5 15 Meaning
See that no one repays anyone evil for evil, but always pursue what is good for one another and for all. This verse is a foundational ethical principle for Christian living, emphasizing a proactive and sacrificial approach to relationships, even in the face of adversity. It’s not merely about avoiding retaliation but actively seeking the well-being of others.
1 Thessalonians 5 15 Context
This verse is part of a larger section in 1 Thessalonians chapter 5 dealing with practical instructions for Christian living, particularly concerning the return of Christ. Paul encourages believers to live holy and purposeful lives, awaiting the Lord's coming. Within this chapter, he addresses attitudes and actions towards various groups and situations: the diligent, the unruly, the timid, the weak, and the persistent in prayer and faith. Verse 15 is a crucial ethical directive that should guide their interactions with everyone, including those who might have wronged them. The letter to the Thessalonians, a young and growing church facing external opposition and internal challenges, needed these clear admonishments.
1 Thessalonians 5 15 Word Analysis
- Orp(n) (opon) - Greek word for "see" or "behold." It's an imperative verb, urging the reader to take careful notice and consider.
- tis (tis) - Greek indefinite pronoun, "someone" or "anyone."
- kakon (kakon) - Greek adjective meaning "evil," "bad," "wicked." Refers to harmful actions or a morally bad quality.
- anti (anti) - Greek preposition meaning "instead of," "in return for," "for." It indicates a reciprocal action.
- kakon (kakon) - Repetition of the word "evil." Reinforces the concept of responding to negative actions.
- apon(k)t (apokteinō) - Greek verb meaning "to kill," "to slay," or metaphorically "to destroy." Here it implies paying back harm for harm.
- all(á) (alla) - Greek conjunction, "but" or "rather." Introduces a contrasting or modifying thought.
- diōkete (diōkete) - Greek verb from diōkō, meaning "to pursue," "to chase," "to persecute." It's an imperative, meaning "continually pursue" or "keep on chasing."
- to (to) - Greek article, "the."
- agathon (agathon) - Greek adjective meaning "good," "beneficial," "virtuous." Refers to actions that are morally right and beneficial.
- eis (eis) - Greek preposition, "into," "towards," "for." Indicates the direction or object of the pursuit.
- allēloōs (allēlōn) - Greek reciprocal pronoun, "one another." Denotes mutual relationships within the community.
- kai (kai) - Greek conjunction, "and."
- tois (tois) - Greek article, "the."
- pasin (pasin) - Greek adjective, "all," "every." Broadens the scope of the instruction beyond the immediate community.
Group Analysis:
- "See that no one repays anyone evil for evil": This is a strong prohibition. The "see that" (orp(n) tis) suggests a need for vigilance in preventing such behavior from occurring within the community. The repetition of "evil" (kakon anti kakon) emphasizes the direct tit-for-tat that is forbidden. The force of the prohibition is absolute against reciprocating malicious actions.
- "but always pursue what is good for one another and for all": This presents the positive counterpart. "Always pursue" (diōkete) indicates a continuous, active effort, not passive avoidance. "What is good" (to agathon) points to a pursuit of beneficial actions. The scope is widened from "one another" (allēlōn), referring to the church community, to "for all" (tois pasin), extending the ethical imperative to the entire human race.
1 Thessalonians 5 15 Bonus Section
The principle of not repaying evil for evil is directly linked to the teachings of Jesus in the Sermon on the Mount (Matt 5:38-48). This concept challenges common cultural norms of vengeance and honor. The early church, in a context often hostile, was called to demonstrate a superior ethic rooted in God's character. The pursuit of good for "all" signifies a universalizing of God's love and justice, reflecting the broader biblical narrative of God's redemptive plan for all humanity. This active goodness is often termed "beneficence."
1 Thessalonians 5 15 Commentary
This verse encapsulates the radical ethical standard of the New Covenant. Instead of a law of retribution, Jesus and Paul teach a law of redemptive love. It’s not merely a plea to restrain oneself from anger but a command to actively seek the welfare of others, even those who have wronged you. This is achievable through the power of the Holy Spirit, enabling believers to overcome natural desires for revenge and to embody Christ's sacrificial love. This commitment to doing good is a distinctive mark of Christian discipleship, differentiating believers in the world.
- Practical Application: If someone slanders you, instead of slandering them back, speak a kind word or do them a favor. If a fellow believer errs, address their sin with gentleness and truth, seeking their restoration, not their condemnation. Extend this generosity and goodwill even to those outside the church.