God’s Word Translation

1 Thessalonians 5:16

16Always be joyful.

1 Thessalonians 5:16 in other versions

King James Version (KJV)Rejoice evermore.
New International Version (NIV)Rejoice always,
English Standard Version (ESV)Rejoice always,
New King James Version (NKJV)Rejoice always,

Context of 1 Thessalonians 5:16

14We encourage you, brothers and sisters, to instruct those who are not living right, cheer up those who are discouraged, help the weak, and be patient with everyone. 15Make sure that no one ever pays back one wrong with another wrong. Instead, always try to do what is good for each other and everyone else. Always be joyful. 17Never stop praying. 18Whatever happens, give thanks, because it is God’s will in Christ Jesus that you do this.

Read all of 1 Thessalonians 5

1 Thessalonians 5:16 word by word

πάντοτε χαίρετε·Read the interlinear

Words taken from the KJV.

Rejoiceχαίρωchairō · to rejoiceG5463
evermoreπάντοτεpantote · alwaysG3842

Cross-references for 1 Thessalonians 5:16

2 Corinthians 6:10People think we are sad although we’re always glad, that we’re beggars although we make many people spiritually rich, that we have nothing although we possess everything.
Philippians 4:4Always be joyful in the Lord! I’ll say it again: Be joyful!
Matthew 5:12Rejoice and be glad because you have a great reward in heaven! The prophets who lived before you were persecuted in these ways.
Luke 10:20However, don’t be happy that evil spirits obey you. Be happy that your names are written in heaven.”
Romans 12:12Be happy in your confidence, be patient in trouble, and pray continually.

Commentaries on 1 Thessalonians 5:16

Adam Clarke Bible Commentary · v. 16Rejoice evermore - Be always happy; the religion of Christ was intended to remove misery. He that has God for his portion may constantly exult. Four MSS. of good note add ͅ ͅ, in the Lord: Rejoice in the Lord evermore.Read the comment
Barnes’ Notes on the Bible · v. 16Rejoice evermore - See the notes on Philemon 3:1; Philemon 4:4.Read the comment
Matthew Henry Concise Commentary · v. 16-22Verses 16-22 We are to rejoice in creature-comforts, as if we rejoiced not, and must not expect to live many years, and rejoice in them all; but if we do rejoice in God, we may do that evermore. A truly religious life is a life of constant joy. And we should rejoice more, if we prayed more. Prayer will help forward all lawful business, and every good work. If we pray without ceasing, we shall not want matter for thanksgiving in every thing. We shall see…Read the comment
Tyndale Open Study Notes · v. 1-22The second part of the letter discusses Timothy's news about the church and the questions the Christians had for Paul. Paul addresses: the problem of sexual immorality (4:3–8) before responding to the Thessalonians’ questions about love for other Christians (4:9–12), the fate of Christians who have died (4:13–18), and the timing of "the Day of the Lord" (5:1–11). Paul offers advice on topics such as leadership and community relations, the relationship…Read the comment
Jamieson–Fausset–Brown Commentary · v. 16-1716-17. In order to "rejoice evermore," we must "pray without ceasing" (1Th 5:17). He who is wont to thank God for all things as happening for the best, will have continuous joy [Theophylact]. Ep 6:18; Php 4:4, 6, "Rejoice in the Lord ... by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving"; Ro 14:17, "in the Holy Ghost"; Ro 12:12, "in hope"; Ac 5:41, "in being counted worthy to suffer shame for Christ's name"; Jas 1:2, in falling "into divers temptations."Read the comment

Topics related to 1 Thessalonians 5:16

Commandments
Joy
Religion

In the dictionaries

Edify
Greet
Patient
Quench
Render
Sudden
Warn
Joy
Thessalonians, the First Epistle of Paul to the