1 Thessalonians 5:13
What does 1 Thessalonians 5:13 mean?
A plain-English look at 1 Thessalonians 5:13 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.
What 1 Thessalonians 5:13 means
Believers are to hold their leaders in the highest regard, not because of status, but for the sake of the work they do in the Lord. Esteem is to be expressed “in love,” recognizing the cost and weight of shepherding souls. Paul immediately adds, “Be at peace among yourselves,” showing that honoring godly leadership and maintaining congregational peace go together. Strife often begins where respect and love are lacking. When leaders serve diligently and members respond with affectionate esteem, peace is preserved. The focus remains on Christ’s work carried on through them, not on personalities or preferences.
Parallel translations
WEB
World English Bible · 2000and to esteem them exceeding highly in love for their work’s sake. Be at peace among yourselves.
KJV
King James Version · 1611And to esteem them very highly in love for their work’s sake. And be at peace among yourselves.
ASV
American Standard Version · 1901and to esteem them exceeding highly in love for their work’s sake. Be at peace among yourselves.
BBE
Bible in Basic English · 1949And have a high opinion of them in love because of their work. Be at peace among yourselves.
YLT
Young's Literal Translation · 1862and to esteem them very abundantly in love, because of their work; be at peace among yourselves;
DRA
Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752That you esteem them more abundantly in charity, for their work's sake. Have peace with them.
DBY
Darby Bible · 1890and to regard them exceedingly in love on account of their work. Be in peace among yourselves.
Context
This instruction completes the brief exhortation concerning leaders begun in verse 12. With respect and love for leaders established, Paul turns next (verse 14) to the community’s duty to various groups within the church—those who are disorderly, fainthearted, or weak—calling for wise, patient care. The flow moves from honoring leadership to practicing mutual ministry, all aimed at preserving peace and strengthening the body’s witness while awaiting the Lord’s return.
Cross references
Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.
- 1 Corinthians 4:1
Let a man so account of us, as of ministers of Christ, and stewards of the mysteries of God.
- James 3:18
And the fruit of righteousness is sown in peace for them that make peace.
- Luke 7:3
And when he heard concerning Jesus, he sent unto him elders of the Jews, asking him that he would come and save his servant.
- John 15:17
These things I command you, that ye may love one another.
- Galatians 4:14
and that which was a temptation to you in my flesh ye despised not, nor rejected; but ye received me as an angel of God, even as Christ Jesus.
- Hebrews 12:14
Follow after peace with all men, and the sanctification without which no man shall see the Lord:
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