1 Thessalonians 5:15
What does 1 Thessalonians 5:15 mean?
A plain-English look at 1 Thessalonians 5:15 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.
What 1 Thessalonians 5:15 means
Christians must vigilantly prevent the cycle of retaliation. Instead of returning harm for harm, they are to actively pursue what is good for fellow believers and for all people. This goes beyond passive non-retaliation; it is a positive chase after what benefits others. Such goodness reflects the character of the Lord they await and breaks the tit-for-tat logic of the world. The command protects unity in the church and commends the gospel to outsiders. By seeking the good of both “one another” and “all,” believers show that their ethics are not tribal but are shaped by God’s generous grace and justice.
Parallel translations
WEB
World English Bible · 2000See that none render unto any one evil for evil; but always follow after that which is good, one toward another, and toward all.
KJV
King James Version · 1611See that none render evil for evil unto any man; but ever follow that which is good, both among yourselves, and to all men.
ASV
American Standard Version · 1901See that none render unto any one evil for evil; but always follow after that which is good, one toward another, and toward all.
BBE
Bible in Basic English · 1949Let no one give evil for evil; but ever go after what is good, for one another and for all.
YLT
Young's Literal Translation · 1862see no one evil for evil may render to any one, but always that which is good pursue ye, both to one another and to all;
DRA
Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752See that none render evil for evil to any man: but ever follow that which is good towards each other and towards all men.
DBY
Darby Bible · 1890See that no one render to any evil for evil, but pursue always what is good towards one another and towards all;
Context
This command follows the call to patient, tailored care within the church and guards that ministry from being undermined by vengeance. It transitions into a cluster of brief, foundational exhortations (verses 16–18) about constant joy, prayer, and thanksgiving, which shape inner disposition. Then verses 19–22 will address responsiveness to the Spirit and discernment regarding prophetic speech, forming a balanced spirituality that is both open and tested.
Cross references
Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.
- 1 Peter 2:17
Honor all men. Love the brotherhood. Fear God. Honor the king.
- 1 Samuel 24:13
As saith the proverb of the ancients, Out of the wicked cometh forth wickedness; but my hand shall not be upon thee.
- Deuteronomy 16:20
That which is altogether just shalt thou follow, that thou mayest live, and inherit the land which Jehovah thy God giveth thee.
- 1 Corinthians 16:10
Now if Timothy come, see that he be with you without fear; for he worketh the work of the Lord, as I also do:
- Romans 12:9
Let love be without hypocrisy. Abhor that which is evil; cleave to that which is good.
- 1 Peter 1:22
Seeing ye have purified your souls in your obedience to the truth unto unfeigned love of the brethren, love one another from the heart fervently:
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