1 Thessalonians 5:15

1 Thessalonians 5:15 in other versions

• King James Version (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.
• New International Version (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.
• English Standard Version (ESV)See that no one repays anyone evil for evil, but always seek to do good to one another and to everyone.
• New King James Version (NKJV)See that no one renders evil for evil to anyone, but always pursue what is good both for yourselves and for all.

Context of 1 Thessalonians 5:15

13and [we ask that you appreciate them and] hold them in the highest esteem in love because of their work [on your behalf]. Live in peace with one another. 14We [earnestly] urge you, believers, admonish those who are out of line [the undisciplined, the unruly, the disorderly], encourage the timid [who lack spiritual courage], help the [spiritually] weak, be very patient with everyone [always controlling your temper]. See that no one repays another with evil for evil, but always seek that which is good for one another and for all people. 16Rejoice always and delight in your faith; 17be unceasing and persistent in prayer;

1 Thessalonians 5:15 word by word

ὁρᾶτε μή τις κακὸν ἀντὶ κακοῦ τινι ἀποδῷ, ἀλλὰ πάντοτε τὸ ἀγαθὸν διώκετε καὶ εἰς ἀλλήλους καὶ εἰς πάντας.Read the interlinear

Words taken from the KJV.

• ·ὁho hē to · the/this/whoG3588
• Seeὁράωhoraō · to see: seeG3708
• that noneμήmē · notG3361
• renderἀποδίδωμιapodidōmi · to payG591
• evilκακόςkakos · evil/harm: evilG2556
• forἀντίanti · forG473
• unto anyτιςtis · oneG5100
• butἀλλάalla · butG235
• everπάντοτεpantote · alwaysG3842
• followδιώκωdiōkō · to pursueG1377
• that which is goodἀγαθόςagathos · goodG18
• bothκαίkai · andG2532
• amongεἰςeis · towardG1519
• yourselvesἀλλήλωνallēlōn · one anotherG240
• allπᾶςpas · allG3956

Cross-references for 1 Thessalonians 5:15

• Genesis 45:24So he sent his brothers away, and as they departed, he said to them, “See that you do not quarrel on the journey [about how to explain this to our father].”
• 1 Corinthians 16:10If Timothy comes, see to it that [you put him at ease, so that] he has nothing to fear in regard to you, for he is [devotedly] doing the Lord’s work, just as I am.
• Ephesians 5:15Therefore see that you walk carefully [living life with honor, purpose, and courage; shunning those who tolerate and enable evil], not as the unwise, but as wise [sensible, intelligent, discerning people],
• 1 Peter 1:22Since by your obedience to the truth you have purified yourselves for a sincere love of the believers, [see that you] love one another from the heart [always unselfishly seeking the best for one another],
• Revelation 19:10Then I fell down at his feet to worship him, but he [stopped me and] said to me, “You must not do that; I am a fellow servant with you and your brothers and sisters who have and hold the testimony of Jesus. Worship God [alone]. For the testimony of Jesus is the spirit of prophecy [His life and teaching are the heart of prophecy].”
• Revelation 22:9But he said to me, “Do not do that. I am a fellow servant with you and your brothers the prophets and with those who heed and remember [the truths contained in] the words of this book. Worship God.”
• Exodus 23:4“If you meet your enemy’s ox or his donkey wandering off, you must bring it back to him.
• Leviticus 19:18You shall not take revenge nor bear any grudge against the sons of your people, but you shall love your neighbor (acquaintance, associate, companion) as yourself; I am the Lord.
• 1 Samuel 24:13As the proverb of the ancients says, ‘Out of the wicked comes wickedness’; but my hand shall not be against you.
• Psalms 7:4If I have done evil to him who was at peace with me, Or without cause robbed him who was my enemy,
• Proverbs 17:13Whoever returns evil for good, Evil will not depart from his house.
• Proverbs 20:22Do not say, “I will repay evil”; Wait [expectantly] for the Lord, and He will rescue and save you.
• Proverbs 24:17Do not rejoice and gloat when your enemy falls, And do not let your heart be glad [in self-righteousness] when he stumbles,
• Proverbs 25:21If your enemy is hungry, give him bread to eat; And if he is thirsty, give him water to drink;
• Matthew 5:39But I say to you, do not resist an evil person [who insults you or violates your rights]; but whoever slaps you on the right cheek, turn the other toward him also [simply ignore insignificant insults or trivial losses and do not bother to retaliate—maintain your dignity, your self-respect, your poise].
• Luke 6:35But love [that is, unselfishly seek the best or higher good for] your enemies, and do good, and lend, expecting nothing in return; for your reward will be great (rich, abundant), and you will be sons of the Most High; because He Himself is kind and gracious and good to the ungrateful and the wicked.

Commentaries on 1 Thessalonians 5:15

• Adam Clarke Bible Commentary · v. 15See that none render evil for evil - Every temper contrary to love is contrary to Christianity. A peevish, fretful, vindictive man may be a child of Satan; he certainly is not a child of God. Follow that which is good - That by which ye may profit your brethren and your neighbors of every description, whether Jews or Gentiles.Read the comment
• Barnes’ Notes on the Bible · v. 15See that none render evil for evil - See the notes on Matthew 5:39, Matthew 5:44. The meaning here is, that we are not to take vengeance; compare notes on Romans 12:17, Romans 12:19. This law is positive, and is universally binding. The moment we feel ourselves acting from a desire to “return evil for evil,” that moment we are acting wrong. It may be right to defend our lives and the lives of our friends; to seek the protection of the law for our persons…Read the comment
• Matthew Henry Concise Commentary · v. 12-15Verses 12-15 The ministers of the gospel are described by the work of their office, which is to serve and honour the Lord. It is their duty not only to give good counsel, but also to warn the flock of dangers, and reprove for whatever may be amiss. The people should honour and love their ministers, because their business is the welfare of men's souls. And the people should be at peace among themselves, doing all they can to guard against any differences…Read the comment
• Tyndale Open Study Notes · v. 15Jesus and the apostles advised against revenge (Matthew 5:38–48; Luke 6:27–36; Romans 12:17–21; 1 Peter 3:9). In contrast, the Roman author Seneca believed revenge was necessary to restore lost social honor. Paul urged Christians to do good to everyone, including church members and those outside the Christian community, even those who persecuted them (1 Thessalonians 2:14; see 3:12; Galatians 6:10).Read the comment
• Jamieson–Fausset–Brown Commentary · v. 1515. (Ro 12:17; 1Pe 3:9.) unto any man--whether unto a Christian, or a heathen, however great the provocation. follow--as a matter of earnest pursuit.Read the comment

Topics related to 1 Thessalonians 5:15

• Commandments
• Malice
• Meekness
• Religion
• Retaliation
• Revenge

In the dictionaries

• Edify
• Greet
• Patient
• Quench
• Render
• Sudden
• Warn
• Follow
• Good
• Intercession

Commentaries on 1 Thessalonians 5

• Adam Clarke Bible Commentary
• Barnes’ Notes on the Bible
• Matthew Henry Concise Commentary
• Tyndale Open Study Notes
• Jamieson–Fausset–Brown Commentary
• Calvin’s Commentaries
• John Wesley’s Notes
• Illustrated New Testament
• Burkitt’s Expository Notes
• Darby Translation Notes
• Family Bible Notes
• Geneva Bible Translation Notes
• Kingcomments
• Luther’s Commentary on Selected Bible Passages
• Matthew Henry’s Complete Commentary
• Matthew Henry’s Modern English Commentary
• The People’s New Testament
• Robertson’s Word Pictures
• Scofield Reference Notes, 1917 Edition
• Original Douay–Rheims Annotations
• Seventh-day Adventist Bible Commentary
• EGW Writings