1 Thessalonians 5:11
What does 1 Thessalonians 5:11 mean?
A plain-English look at 1 Thessalonians 5:11 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.
What 1 Thessalonians 5:11 means
On the basis of the hope and assurance just declared, Paul calls the believers to keep on encouraging and building each other up. Truth about Christ’s return and salvation is meant to strengthen community life, not fuel debate. Their present practice is commended, but it must continue. Encouragement counters fear and weariness; edification strengthens faith, love, and hope. Each believer has a part in helping others stand firm until the Day arrives. Sound eschatology leads to practical care—words that uplift, actions that support, and a shared resolve to persevere together under God’s promises.
Parallel translations
WEB
World English Bible · 2000Wherefore exhort one another, and build each other up, even as also ye do.
KJV
King James Version · 1611Wherefore comfort yourselves together, and edify one another, even as also ye do.
ASV
American Standard Version · 1901Wherefore exhort one another, and build each other up, even as also ye do.
BBE
Bible in Basic English · 1949So then, go on comforting and building up one another, as you have been doing.
YLT
Young's Literal Translation · 1862wherefore, comfort ye one another, and build ye up, one the one, as also ye do.
DRA
Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752For which cause comfort one another and edify one another, as you also do.
DBY
Darby Bible · 1890Wherefore encourage one another, and build up each one the other, even as also ye do.
Context
This verse concludes the section on the Day of the Lord by applying its comfort to community life. Having taught about surprise for the world and security for believers, Paul now urges edifying fellowship. From here (verses 12–22), he will broaden into a series of concise instructions about church order, relationships, and personal piety—how to live as children of light in ordinary congregational life while awaiting the Lord’s return.
Cross references
Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.
- 2 Peter 1:12
Wherefore I shall be ready always to put you in remembrance of these things, though ye know them, and are established in the truth which is with you.
- 1 Corinthians 10:23
All things are lawful; but not all things are expedient. All things are lawful; but not all things edify.
- 1 Thessalonians 4:10
for indeed ye do it toward all the brethren that are in all Macedonia. But we exhort you, brethren, that ye abound more and more;
- Ephesians 4:12
for the perfecting of the saints, unto the work of ministering, unto the building up of the body of Christ:
- Romans 15:14
And I myself also am persuaded of you, my brethren, that ye yourselves are full of goodness, filled with all knowledge, able also to admonish one another.
- 1 Corinthians 14:5
Now I would have you all speak with tongues, but rather that ye should prophesy: and greater is he that prophesieth than he that speaketh with tongues, except he interpret, that the church may receive edifying.
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