1 Thessalonians 5:16
What does 1 Thessalonians 5:16 mean?
A plain-English look at 1 Thessalonians 5:16 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.
What 1 Thessalonians 5:16 means
“Rejoice always” calls believers to a continual posture of joy rooted in God, not in changing circumstances. This joy arises from the hope of salvation, the presence of the Lord, and His promises. It is compatible with sorrow and struggle, yet it persists because it rests on realities that do not shift. Continuous joy is not forced cheerfulness but a settled gladness that flows from union with Christ and confidence in His coming. Such joy strengthens endurance, tempers reactions, and fuels worship. It is a mark of those who live in the day, whose hearts are anchored beyond the fluctuations of present trials.
Parallel translations
WEB
World English Bible · 2000Rejoice always;
KJV
King James Version · 1611Rejoice evermore.
ASV
American Standard Version · 1901Rejoice always;
BBE
Bible in Basic English · 1949Have joy at all times.
YLT
Young's Literal Translation · 1862always rejoice ye;
DRA
Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752Always rejoice.
DBY
Darby Bible · 1890rejoice always;
Context
This is the first in a triad of brief commands that shape the believer’s inner life. Joy sets the tone for the following commands about prayer and thanksgiving. Together they form habits that sustain watchfulness and sobriety mentioned earlier. Verse 17 will add the call to continual prayer, and verse 18 will complete the triad with thanksgiving in all things, presenting this as God’s will in Christ Jesus for His people.
Cross references
Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.
- Luke 10:20
Nevertheless in this rejoice not, that the spirits are subject unto you; but rejoice that your names are written in heaven.
- 2 Corinthians 6:10
as sorrowful, yet always rejoicing; as poor, yet making many rich; as having nothing, and yet possessing all things.
- Romans 12:12
rejoicing in hope; patient in tribulation; continuing stedfastly in prayer;
- Matthew 5:12
Rejoice, and be exceeding glad: for great is your reward in heaven: for so persecuted they the prophets that were before you.
- Philippians 4:4
Rejoice in the Lord always: again I will say, Rejoice.
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