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 to esteem them most highly in love because of their work. Be at peace among yourselves. 14And we urge you, brothers and sisters, admonish the undisciplined, comfort the discouraged, help the weak, be patient toward all. See that no one pays back evil for evil to anyone, but always pursue what is good for one another and for all. 16Always rejoice, 17constantly pray,

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 45:24Then he sent his brothers on their way and they left. He said to them, “As you travel don’t be overcome with fear.”
• 1 Corinthians 16:10Now if Timothy comes, see that he has nothing to fear among you, for he is doing the Lord’s work, as I am too.
• Ephesians 5:15Therefore be very careful how you live – not as unwise but as wise,
• 1 Peter 1:22You have purified your souls by obeying the truth in order to show sincere mutual love. So love one another earnestly from a pure heart.
• Revelation 19:10So I threw myself down at his feet to worship him, but he said, “Do not do this! I am only a fellow servant with you and your brothers who hold to the testimony about Jesus. Worship God, for the testimony about Jesus is the spirit of prophecy.”
• Revelation 22:9But he said to me, “Do not do this! I am a fellow servant with you and with your brothers the prophets, and with those who obey the words of this book. Worship God!”
• Exodus 23:4“If you encounter your enemy’s ox or donkey wandering off, you must by all means return it to him.
• Leviticus 19:18You must not take vengeance or bear a grudge against the children of your people, but you must love your neighbor as yourself. I am the Lord.
• 1 Samuel 24:13It’s like the old proverb says: ‘From evil people evil proceeds.’ But my hand will not be against you.
• Psalms 7:4or have wronged my ally, or helped his lawless enemy,
• Proverbs 17:13As for the one who repays evil for good, evil will not leave his house.
• Proverbs 20:22Do not say, “I will pay back evil!” Wait for the Lord, so that he may vindicate you.
• Proverbs 24:17Do not rejoice when your enemy falls, and when he stumbles do not let your heart rejoice,
• 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 the evildoer. But whoever strikes you on the right cheek, turn the other to him as well.
• Luke 6:35But love your enemies, and do good, and lend, expecting nothing back. Then your reward will be great, and you will be sons of the Most High, because he is kind to ungrateful and evil people.

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