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

13In love, hold them in highest regard because of their work. Live in peace with one another. 14And we urge you, brothers, to admonish the unruly, encourage the fainthearted, help the weak, and be patient with everyone. Make sure that no one repays evil for evil. Always pursue what is good for one another and for all people. 16Rejoice at all times. 17Pray without ceasing.

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

• Make sure thatὁράωhoraō · to see: seeG3708
• noμήmē · notG3361
• oneτιςtis · oneG5100
• repaysἀποδίδωμιapodidōmi · to payG591
• evilκακόςkakos · evil/harm: evilG2556
• forἀντίanti · forG473
• ·ἀλλάalla · butG235
• Alwaysπάντοτεpantote · alwaysG3842
• pursueδιώκωdiōkō · to pursueG1377
• whatὁho hē to · the/this/whoG3588
• goodἀγαθόςagathos · goodG18
• ·καίkai · andG2532
• forεἰςeis · towardG1519
• one anotherἀλλήλωνallēlōn · one anotherG240
• allπᾶςpas · allG3956

Cross-references for 1 Thessalonians 5:15

• Genesis 45:24Then Joseph sent his brothers on their way, and as they were leaving, he said to them, “Do not quarrel on the way!”
• 1 Corinthians 16:10If Timothy comes, see to it that he has nothing to fear while he is with you, for he is doing the work of the Lord, just as I am.
• Ephesians 5:15Pay careful attention, then, to how you walk, not as unwise but as wise,
• 1 Peter 1:22Since you have purified your souls by obedience to the truth so that you have a genuine love for your brothers, love one another deeply, from a pure heart.
• Revelation 19:10So I fell at his feet to worship him. But he told me, “Do not do that! I am a fellow servant with you and your brothers who rely on the testimony of Jesus. Worship God! For the testimony of Jesus is the spirit 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 keep the words of this book. Worship God!”
• Exodus 23:4If you encounter your enemy’s stray ox or donkey, you must return it to him.
• Leviticus 19:18Do not seek revenge or bear a grudge against any of your people, but love your neighbor as yourself. I am the LORD.
• 1 Samuel 24:13As the old proverb says, ‘Wickedness proceeds from the wicked.’ But my hand will never be against you.
• Psalms 7:4if I have rewarded my ally with evil, if I have plundered my foe without cause,
• Proverbs 17:13If anyone returns evil for good, evil will never leave his house.
• Proverbs 20:22Do not say, “I will avenge this evil!” Wait on the LORD, and He will save you.
• Proverbs 24:17Do not gloat when your enemy falls, and do not let your heart rejoice when he stumbles,
• Proverbs 25:21If your enemy is hungry, give him food to eat, and if he is thirsty, give him water to drink.
• Matthew 5:39But I tell you not to resist an evil person. If someone slaps you on your right cheek, turn to him the other also;
• Luke 6:35But love your enemies, do good to them, and lend to them, expecting nothing in return. Then your reward will be great, and you will be sons of the Most High; for He is kind to the ungrateful and 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