Devine Scripture

1 Thessalonians 4:9

What does 1 Thessalonians 4:9 mean?

A plain-English look at 1 Thessalonians 4:9 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.

What 1 Thessalonians 4:9 means

Paul warmly acknowledges their brotherly love. They do not require fresh commands because God Himself has taught them to love one another—love is part of the new life He works in His people. This is not to say instruction is unnecessary, but to affirm that genuine grace is already at work among them. Brotherly love is a family trait of those who know God. Paul’s approach models wise shepherding: he recognizes God’s work before urging more growth. True love is learned from God and reflects His heart, especially within the household of faith where mutual care and unity are vital witnesses to the world.

Parallel translations

WEB

World English Bible · 2000

But concerning love of the brethren ye have no need that one write unto you: for ye yourselves are taught of God to love one another;

KJV

King James Version · 1611

But as touching brotherly love ye need not that I write unto you: for ye yourselves are taught of God to love one another.

ASV

American Standard Version · 1901

But concerning love of the brethren ye have no need that one write unto you: for ye yourselves are taught of God to love one another;

BBE

Bible in Basic English · 1949

But about loving the brothers, there is no need for me to say anything to you in this letter: for you have the teaching of God that love for one another is right and necessary;

YLT

Young's Literal Translation · 1862

And concerning the brotherly love, ye have no need of <FI>my<Fi> writing to you, for ye yourselves are God-taught to love one another,

DRA

Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752

But as touching the charity of brotherhood, we have no need to write to you: for yourselves have learned of God to love one another.

DBY

Darby Bible · 1890

Now concerning brotherly love ye have no need that we should write to you, for ye yourselves are taught ofGod to love one another.

Context

After a firm section on sexual purity (vv. 3–8), Paul now turns to commendation. Verse 9 highlights what God has already produced in the Thessalonians, setting a positive tone for the following exhortation in verse 10 to “abound more and more.” The flow moves from acknowledging God’s internal teaching to encouraging continued growth and practical expressions of love, which Paul will outline in verse 11. This prepares for the rationale in verse 12: such a lifestyle affects how believers appear to outsiders and supports a community free from unnecessary dependency.

v.8Therefore he that rejecteth, rejecteth not man, but God, who giveth his Holy Spirit unto you.

v.9This passage

v.10for indeed ye do it toward all the brethren that are in all Macedonia. But we exhort you, brethren, that ye abound more and more;

Cross references

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

  • 1 Peter 4:8

    above all things being fervent in your love among yourselves; for love covereth a multitude of sins:

  • 1 John 3:23

    And this is his commandment, that we should believe in the name of his Son Jesus Christ, and love one another, even as he gave us commandment.

  • Hebrews 10:16

    This is the covenant that I will make with them After those days, saith the Lord: I will put my laws on their heart, And upon their mind also will I write them; then saith he,

  • John 6:44

    No man can come to me, except the Father that sent me draw him: and I will raise him up in the last day.

  • Isaiah 51:13

    and hast forgotten Jehovah thy Maker, that stretched forth the heavens, and laid the foundations of the earth; and fearest continually all the day because of the fury of the oppressor, when he maketh ready to destroy? and where is the fury of the oppressor?

  • John 14:26

    But the Comforter, even the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, he shall teach you all things, and bring to your remembrance all that I said unto you.

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