1 Thessalonians 4:18
What does 1 Thessalonians 4:18 mean?
A plain-English look at 1 Thessalonians 4:18 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.
What 1 Thessalonians 4:18 means
The doctrine of the Lord’s return is given for comfort, not contention. Paul commands mutual encouragement: “comfort one another with these words.” Sharing this hope lightens grief, steadies the heart, and unites the church around God’s promises. The focus is on what is clear—Jesus will come, the dead in Christ will rise, the living will be gathered, and all will be forever with the Lord. These truths should be rehearsed in community, especially in seasons of loss. Comfort flows from God’s revealed plan, reminding believers that death does not have the last word and that the Lord’s presence is their eternal portion.
Parallel translations
WEB
World English Bible · 2000Wherefore comfort one another with these words.
KJV
King James Version · 1611Wherefore comfort one another with these words.
ASV
American Standard Version · 1901Wherefore comfort one another with these words.
BBE
Bible in Basic English · 1949So then, give comfort to one another with these words.
YLT
Young's Literal Translation · 1862so, then, comfort ye one another in these words.
DRA
Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752DBY
Darby Bible · 1890So encourage one another with these words.)
Context
This final verse draws out the pastoral purpose of verses 13–17. After establishing a God-pleasing life (vv. 1–12) and then unfolding the hope of Christ’s return and the resurrection, Paul ends with application: encourage one another. It closes the chapter on a note of shared consolation and prepares the way for chapter 5, where Paul will address the “times and seasons” of the day of the Lord and further exhort the church to steadfastness and sobriety as they await His coming.
v.17then 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.
v.18This passage
Cross references
Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.
- 1 Thessalonians 5:14
And we exhort you, brethren, admonish the disorderly, encourage the fainthearted, support the weak, be longsuffering toward all.
- Hebrews 12:12
Wherefore lift up the hands that hang down, and the palsied knees;
- Hebrews 10:24
and let us consider one another to provoke unto love and good works;
- Luke 21:28
But when these things begin to come to pass, look up, and lift up your heads; because your redemption draweth nigh.
- 1 Thessalonians 5:11
Wherefore exhort one another, and build each other up, even as also ye do.
- Isaiah 40:1
Comfort ye, comfort ye my people, saith your God.
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