1 Thessalonians 5:27
What does 1 Thessalonians 5:27 mean?
A plain-English look at 1 Thessalonians 5:27 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.
What 1 Thessalonians 5:27 means
Paul solemnly commands, invoking the Lord’s authority, that this letter be read to all the believers. Public reading ensures that the entire congregation—not just a select few—receives the apostolic teaching and encouragement. The solemn tone underscores the letter’s authority and the necessity of full dissemination. This practice promotes unity, accountability, and shared understanding, preventing misinformation and partiality. By binding the church to hear the same message together, Paul protects them against error and equips them to live out the instructions as one body under Christ’s lordship.
Parallel translations
WEB
World English Bible · 2000I adjure you by the Lord that this epistle be read unto all the brethren.
KJV
King James Version · 1611I charge you by the Lord that this epistle be read unto all the holy brethren.
ASV
American Standard Version · 1901I adjure you by the Lord that this epistle be read unto all the brethren.
BBE
Bible in Basic English · 1949I give orders in the name of the Lord that all the brothers are to be present at the reading of this letter.
YLT
Young's Literal Translation · 1862I charge you <FI>by<Fi> the Lord, that the letter be read to all the holy brethren;
DRA
Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752I charge you by the Lord that this epistle be read to all the holy brethren.
DBY
Darby Bible · 1890I adjure you by the Lord that the letter be read to all the [holy] brethren.
Context
This charge comes near the end of the letter, after the greetings. It emphasizes the importance and authority of what has been written, ensuring corporate reception. With the letter’s reading mandated, Paul closes in verse 28 with a benediction invoking the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, the very grace that has framed the entire message—from hope in His coming to the daily conduct befitting children of the day.
Cross references
Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.
- 2 Chronicles 18:15
And the king said to him, How many times shall I adjure thee that thou speak unto me nothing but the truth in the name of Jehovah?
- 1 Thessalonians 2:11
as ye know how we dealt with each one of you, as a father with his own children, exhorting you, and encouraging you, and testifying,
- Colossians 4:16
And when this epistle hath been read among you, cause that it be read also in the church of the Laodiceans; and that ye also read the epistle from Laodicea.
- Acts 19:13
But certain also of the strolling Jews, exorcists, took upon them to name over them that had the evil spirits the name of the Lord Jesus, saying, I adjure you by Jesus whom Paul preacheth.
- Matthew 26:63
But Jesus held his peace. And the high priest said unto him, I adjure thee by the living God, that thou tell us whether thou art the Christ, the Son of God.
- 1 Timothy 5:7
These things also command, that they may be without reproach.
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