1 Thessalonians 5:14
What does 1 Thessalonians 5:14 mean?
A plain-English look at 1 Thessalonians 5:14 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.
What 1 Thessalonians 5:14 means
Paul widens the circle of responsibility to every believer: warn the unruly who won’t keep in step with Christian order; encourage those whose hearts are timid; support the weak who lack strength; and be patient with everyone. The church must not treat all needs the same. Some require firm admonition; others need gentle consolation or ongoing assistance. In all cases, longsuffering is essential, because growth is often slow and messy. This verse portrays a pastoral community where each member participates in tailored care, aiming to restore the straying, lift the discouraged, and uphold the fragile while mirroring God’s own patience with His people.
Parallel translations
WEB
World English Bible · 2000And we exhort you, brethren, admonish the disorderly, encourage the fainthearted, support the weak, be longsuffering toward all.
KJV
King James Version · 1611Now we exhort you, brethren, warn them that are unruly, comfort the feebleminded, support the weak, be patient toward all men.
ASV
American Standard Version · 1901And we exhort you, brethren, admonish the disorderly, encourage the fainthearted, support the weak, be longsuffering toward all.
BBE
Bible in Basic English · 1949And our desire is that you will keep control over those whose lives are not well ordered, giving comfort to the feeble-hearted, supporting those with little strength, and putting up with much from all.
YLT
Young's Literal Translation · 1862and we exhort you, brethren, admonish the disorderly, comfort the feeble-minded, support the infirm, be patient unto all;
DRA
Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752And we beseech you, brethren, rebuke the unquiet: comfort the feeble minded: support the weak: be patient towards all men.
DBY
Darby Bible · 1890But we exhort you, brethren, admonish the disorderly, comfort the faint-hearted, sustain the weak, be patient towards all.
Context
Having addressed attitudes toward leaders, Paul outlines how the congregation should minister to different kinds of people. This prepares for the broader ethical stance in verse 15—refusing retaliation and pursuing good—and then the rapid series of personal and corporate spiritual disciplines in verses 16–22. The sequence shows that life as children of light involves both structured leadership and shared responsibility for the health and holiness of the whole church.
Cross references
Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.
- Colossians 1:28
whom we proclaim, admonishing every man and teaching every man in all wisdom, that we may present every man perfect in Christ;
- Romans 15:1
Now we that are strong ought to bear the infirmities of the weak, and not to please ourselves.
- Matthew 12:20
A bruised reed shall he not break, And smoking flax shall he not quench, Till he send forth judgment unto victory.
- 1 Timothy 6:11
But thou, O man of God, flee these things; and follow after righteousness, godliness, faith, love, patience, meekness.
- Titus 1:10
For there are many unruly men, vain talkers and deceivers, specially they of the circumcision,
- Isaiah 40:1
Comfort ye, comfort ye my people, saith your God.
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