Devine Scripture

1 Thessalonians 4:12

What does 1 Thessalonians 4:12 mean?

A plain-English look at 1 Thessalonians 4:12 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.

What 1 Thessalonians 4:12 means

The aim of quiet diligence is twofold. First, believers should “walk becomingly toward them that are without,” living in a way that earns respect from those outside the church. Integrity, peacefulness, and industry display the gospel’s credibility. Second, they should “have need of nothing,” avoiding unnecessary dependence that could burden the community or discredit their testimony. Honest work and sober living serve both mission and mercy: they free resources to help the truly needy and silence critics. In this way, ordinary faithfulness becomes a witness, showing that the hope of the Lord produces stability and responsibility in the present world.

Parallel translations

WEB

World English Bible · 2000

that ye may walk becomingly toward them that are without, and may have need of nothing.

KJV

King James Version · 1611

That ye may walk honestly toward them that are without, and that ye may have lack of nothing.

ASV

American Standard Version · 1901

that ye may walk becomingly toward them that are without, and may have need of nothing.

BBE

Bible in Basic English · 1949

That you may be respected by those who are outside, and may have need of nothing.

YLT

Young's Literal Translation · 1862

that ye may walk becomingly unto those without, and may have lack of nothing.

DRA

Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752

And we will not have you ignorant brethren, concerning them that are asleep, that you be not sorrowful, even as others who have no hope.

DBY

Darby Bible · 1890

that ye may walk reputably towards those without, and may have need of no one.

Context

Verse 12 concludes the practical counsel of verses 9–11 by giving its purpose: a credible public witness and material self-sufficiency. Having secured the church’s life together and its outward reputation, Paul now addresses a pressing pastoral concern (v. 13): grief and confusion about believers who have died. The flow shifts from ethics to eschatological hope. The remaining verses (13–18) will teach about those who “fall asleep,” the return of the Lord, the resurrection of the dead in Christ, the catching up of the living, and the comfort all this brings.

v.11and that ye study to be quiet, and to do your own business, and to work with your hands, even as we charged you;

v.12This passage

v.13But we would not have you ignorant, brethren, concerning them that fall asleep; that ye sorrow not, even as the rest, who have no hope.

Cross references

Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.

  • Philippians 4:8

    Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honorable, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things.

  • Mark 4:11

    And he said unto them, Unto you is given the mystery of the kingdom of God: but unto them that are without, all things are done in parables:

  • 1 Timothy 3:7

    Moreover he must have good testimony from them that are without; lest he fall into reproach and the snare of the devil.

  • Romans 13:13

    Let us walk becomingly, as in the day; not in revelling and drunkenness, not in chambering and wantonness, not in strife and jealousy.

  • 1 Peter 2:12

    having your behavior seemly among the Gentiles; that, wherein they speak against you as evil-doers, they may by your good works, which they behold, glorify God in the day of visitation.

  • 1 Peter 3:1

    In like manner, ye wives, bein subjection to your own husbands; that, even if any obey not the word, they may without the word be gained by the behavior of their wives;

Related questions readers ask

Keep reading

Want to dig deeper? Explore 1 Thessalonians 4

Hand-picked devotionals, topical studies, and pastoral answers that draw on 1 Thessalonians 4.

Keep exploring

Follow this verse across Scripture

Topics, devotionals, original-language word studies, and figures connected to 1 Thessalonians 4:12.

Browse every hub

BibleTopicsBible answersDevotionalsFamous passagesWord studiesPeoplePlacesVerses for…Reading plansCommentary