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 very highly in love for their work’s sake. And be at peace among yourselves. 14Now we exhort you, brethren, warn them that are unruly, comfort the feebleminded, support the weak, be patient toward all men. See that none render evil for evil unto any man; but ever follow that which is good, both among yourselves, and to all men. 16Rejoice evermore. 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

• ·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 brethren away, and they departed: and he said unto them, See that ye fall not out by the way.
• 1 Corinthians 16:10Now if Timothy come, see that he may be with you without fear: for he worketh the work of the Lord, as I also do.
• Ephesians 5:15See then that ye walk circumspectly, not as fools, but as wise,
• 1 Peter 1:22Seeing ye have purified your souls in obeying the truth through the Spirit unto unfeigned love of the brethren, see that ye love one another with a pure heart fervently:
• Revelation 19:10And I fell at his feet to worship him. And he said unto me, See thou do it not: I am thy fellowservant, and of thy brethren that have the testimony of Jesus: worship God: for the testimony of Jesus is the spirit of prophecy.
• Revelation 22:9Then saith he unto me, See thou do it not: for I am thy fellowservant, and of thy brethren the prophets, and of them which keep the sayings of this book: worship God.
• Exodus 23:4If thou meet thine enemy’s ox or his donkey going astray, thou shalt surely bring it back to him again.
• Leviticus 19:18Thou shalt not avenge, nor bear any grudge against the children of thy people, but thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself: I am Yhwh.
• 1 Samuel 24:13As saith the proverb of the ancients, Wickedness proceedeth from the wicked: but mine hand shall not be upon thee.
• Psalms 7:4If I have rewarded evil unto him that was at peace with me; (yea, I have delivered him that without cause is mine enemy:)
• Proverbs 17:13Whoso rewardeth evil for good, evil shall not depart from his house.
• Proverbs 20:22Say not thou, I will recompense evil; but wait on Yhwh, and he shall save thee.
• Proverbs 24:17Rejoice not when thine enemy falleth, and let not thine heart be glad when he stumbleth:
• Proverbs 25:21If thine enemy be hungry, give him bread to eat; and if he be thirsty, give him water to drink:
• Matthew 5:39But I say unto you, That ye resist not evil: but whosoever shall smite thee on thy right cheek, turn to him the other also.
• Luke 6:35But love ye your enemies, and do good, and lend, hoping for nothing again; and your reward shall be great, and ye shall be the children of the Highest: for he is kind unto the unthankful and to the evil.

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