1 Thessalonians 5:18
What does 1 Thessalonians 5:18 mean?
A plain-English look at 1 Thessalonians 5:18 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.
What 1 Thessalonians 5:18 means
Believers are to give thanks in every circumstance, not because every circumstance is good, but because God works in all things and anchors them in Christ. Gratitude acknowledges God’s sovereign care and the salvation they possess in Jesus. Paul says this is God’s will in Christ Jesus for them, meaning that God desires a thankful people whose perspective is shaped by redemption. Thanksgiving protects from bitterness, fosters humility, and keeps the community oriented to grace. It is the fitting response of those who await the Lord’s coming, remembering that their present trials are not the final word and that God’s purposes will stand.
Parallel translations
WEB
World English Bible · 2000in everything give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus to you-ward.
KJV
King James Version · 1611In every thing give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you.
ASV
American Standard Version · 1901in everything give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus to you-ward.
BBE
Bible in Basic English · 1949In everything give praise: for this is the purpose of God in Christ Jesus for you.
YLT
Young's Literal Translation · 1862in every thing give thanks, for this <FI>is<Fi> the will of God in Christ Jesus in regard to you.
DRA
Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752In all things give thanks for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you all.
DBY
Darby Bible · 1890in everything give thanks, for this is [the] will ofGod in Christ Jesus towards you;
Context
This completes the triad of inner-life commands (rejoice, pray, give thanks). With this foundation laid, Paul turns in verses 19–22 to warn against stifling the Spirit’s work and to instruct on the right handling of prophetic speech—neither despising nor naively accepting, but testing and holding fast to what is good while rejecting all evil. The flow maintains balance between devotion, openness to God, and discernment in practice.
Cross references
Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.
- Psalms 34:1
I will bless Jehovah at all times: His praise shall continually be in my mouth.
- Philippians 4:6
In nothing be anxious; but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God.
- Colossians 3:17
And whatsoever ye do, in word or in deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.
- Ephesians 5:20
giving thanks always for all things in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ to God, even the Father;
- Hebrews 13:15
Through him then let us offer up a sacrifice of praise to God continually, that is, the fruit of lips which make confession to his name.
- 1 John 2:17
And the world passeth away, and the lust thereof: but he that doeth the will of God abideth for ever.
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