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 that you esteem them very highly in love because of their work. Live in peace with one another. 14We urge you, brethren, admonish the unruly, encourage the fainthearted, help the weak, be patient with everyone. See that no one repays another with evil for evil, but always seek after that which is good for one another and for all people. 16Rejoice always; 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

• Seeὁράωhoraō · to see: seeG3708
• noμήmē · notG3361
• oneτιςtis · oneG5100
• repaysἀποδίδωμιapodidōmi · to payG591
• with evilκακόςkakos · evil/harm: evilG2556
• but alwaysπάντοτεpantote · alwaysG3842
• seekδιώκωdiōkō · to pursueG1377
• that whichἀγαθόςagathos · goodG18
• for oneἀλλήλωνallēlōn · one anotherG240
• and for 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, “Do not quarrel on the journey.”
• 1 Corinthians 16:10Now if Timothy comes, see that he is with you without cause to be afraid, for he is doing the Lord’s work, as I also am.
• Ephesians 5:15Therefore be careful how you walk, not as unwise men but as wise,
• 1 Peter 1:22Since you have in obedience to the truth purified your souls for a sincere love of the brethren, fervently love one another from the heart,
• Revelation 19:10Then I fell at his feet to worship him. But he said to me, “Do not do that; I am a fellow servant of yours and your brethren who hold 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 of yours and of your brethren the prophets and of those who heed the words of this book. Worship God.”
• Exodus 23:4“If you meet your enemy’s ox or his donkey wandering away, you shall surely return it to him.
• Leviticus 19:18You shall not take vengeance, nor bear any grudge against the sons of your people, but you shall love your neighbor as yourself; I am the Lord.
• 1 Samuel 24:13As the proverb of the ancients says, ‘Out of the wicked comes forth wickedness’; but my hand shall not be against you.
• Psalms 7:4If I have rewarded evil to my friend, Or have plundered him who without cause was my adversary,
• Proverbs 17:13He who returns evil for good, Evil will not depart from his house.
• Proverbs 20:22Do not say, “I will repay evil”; Wait for the Lord, and He will save you.
• Proverbs 24:17Do not rejoice when your enemy falls, And do not let your heart be glad 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 say to you, do not resist an evil person; but whoever slaps you on your right cheek, turn the other to him also.
• Luke 6:35But love your enemies, and do good, and lend, expecting nothing in return; and your reward will be great, and you will be sons of the Most High; for He Himself is kind to ungrateful and evil men.

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