Devine Scripture

1 Thessalonians 4:14

What does 1 Thessalonians 4:14 mean?

A plain-English look at 1 Thessalonians 4:14 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.

What 1 Thessalonians 4:14 means

Christian hope rests on the historical gospel: “Jesus died and rose again.” If that is true, then those who “are fallen asleep in Jesus” will also share in His resurrection life. God will “bring with him” the departed saints at the Lord’s coming, showing they are not lost or left behind. The path Jesus walked through death to life becomes the pattern for His people. Our assurance is not wishful thinking but tied to what God has already done in raising Jesus. Because He lives, those who died trusting Him will live as well, participating in the glory of His return and the fullness of His kingdom.

Parallel translations

WEB

World English Bible · 2000

For if we believe that Jesus died and rose again, even so them also that are fallen asleep in Jesus will God bring with him.

KJV

King James Version · 1611

For if we believe that Jesus died and rose again, even so them also which sleep in Jesus will God bring with him.

ASV

American Standard Version · 1901

For if we believe that Jesus died and rose again, even so them also that are fallen asleep in Jesus will God bring with him.

BBE

Bible in Basic English · 1949

For if we have faith that Jesus underwent death and came back again, even so those who are sleeping will come again with him by God's power.

YLT

Young's Literal Translation · 1862

for if we believe that Jesus died and rose again, so also God those asleep through Jesus he will bring with him,

DRA

Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752

For this we say unto you in the word of the Lord, that we who are alive, who remain unto the coming of the Lord, shall not prevent them who have slept.

DBY

Darby Bible · 1890

For if we believe that Jesus has died and has risen again, so alsoGod will bring with him those who have fallen asleep through Jesus.

Context

Paul now gives the theological basis for comfort (v. 13): Jesus’ death and resurrection guarantee the future of those who have died in Him. This sets up the detailed assurance that the dead in Christ are not disadvantaged (v. 15) and, in fact, rise first at the Lord’s descent (v. 16). The sequence will conclude with the living being caught up together with them to meet the Lord (v. 17). The argument moves from gospel foundation to authoritative word to the order of events, all aimed at pastoral consolation (v. 18).

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.

v.14This passage

v.15For this we say unto you by the word of the Lord, that we that are alive, that are left unto the coming of the Lord, shall in no wise precede them that are fallen asleep.

Cross references

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

  • Matthew 24:31

    And he shall send forth his angels with a great sound of a trumpet, and they shall gather together his elect from the four winds, from one end of heaven to the other.

  • 2 Corinthians 4:13

    But having the same spirit of faith, according to that which is written, I believed, and therefore did I speak; we also believe, and therefore also we speak;

  • Isaiah 26:19

    Thy dead shall live; my dead bodies shall arise. Awake and sing, ye that dwell in the dust; for thy dew is as the dew of herbs, and the earth shall cast forth the dead.

  • 1 Thessalonians 4:17

    then we that are alive, that are left, shall together with them be caught up in the clouds, to meet the Lord in the air: and so shall we ever be with the Lord.

  • 1 Thessalonians 4:13

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

  • 1 Corinthians 15:12

    Now if Christ is preached that he hath been raised from the dead, how say some among you that there is no resurrection of the dead?

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