1 Thessalonians 5:9
What does 1 Thessalonians 5:9 mean?
A plain-English look at 1 Thessalonians 5:9 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.
What 1 Thessalonians 5:9 means
Paul assures them that God’s design for believers is not condemnation but the possession of salvation through the Lord Jesus Christ. The ultimate wrath of the Day does not aim at those who belong to Jesus. Salvation here is future-oriented—the full deliverance to be revealed when Christ returns—yet secured by God’s appointment and Christ’s work. This promise calms fearful hearts and anchors hope. Believers need not dread the Day as a day of doom, because God’s purpose toward them in Christ is rescue. The verse emphasizes divine initiative: God appoints; Jesus accomplishes. The right response is confidence that issues in holy living, not presumption or despair.
Parallel translations
WEB
World English Bible · 2000For God appointed us not unto wrath, but unto the obtaining of salvation through our Lord Jesus Christ,
KJV
King James Version · 1611For God hath not appointed us to wrath, but to obtain salvation by our Lord Jesus Christ,
ASV
American Standard Version · 1901For God appointed us not unto wrath, but unto the obtaining of salvation through our Lord Jesus Christ,
BBE
Bible in Basic English · 1949For God's purpose for us is not wrath, but salvation through our Lord Jesus Christ,
YLT
Young's Literal Translation · 1862because God did not appoint us to anger, but to the acquiring of salvation through our Lord Jesus Christ,
DRA
Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752For God hath not appointed us unto wrath: but unto the purchasing of salvation by our Lord Jesus Christ,
DBY
Darby Bible · 1890becauseGod has not set us for wrath, but for obtaining salvation through our Lord Jesus Christ,
Context
This assurance directly supports the call in verse 8 to wear the helmet of hope. The logic progresses: be sober and armored because God has destined you for salvation, not wrath. Verse 10 will ground this appointment in Christ’s death and describe the shared destiny of believers, whether alive or dead. Then verse 11 will draw the practical conclusion: use these truths to encourage and strengthen each other as you await the Lord’s coming.
Cross references
Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.
- 1 Peter 2:8
and, A stone of stumbling, and a rock of offence; for they stumble at the word, being disobedient: whereunto also they were appointed.
- 2 Thessalonians 2:13
But we are bound to give thanks to God always for you, brethren beloved of the Lord, for that God chose you from the beginning unto salvation in sanctification of the Spirit and belief of the truth:
- Ezekiel 38:10
Thus saith the Lord Jehovah: It shall come to pass in that day, that things shall come into thy mind, and thou shalt devise an evil device:
- 2 Timothy 2:19
Howbeit the firm foundation of God standeth, having this seal, The Lord knoweth them that are his: and, Let every one that nameth the name of the Lord depart from unrighteousness.
- Matthew 26:24
The Son of man goeth, even as it is written of him: but woe unto that man through whom the Son of man is betrayed! good were it for that man if he had not been born.
- Romans 11:30
For as ye in time past were disobedient to God, but now have obtained mercy by their disobedience,
Related questions readers ask
Keep reading
Want to dig deeper? Explore 1 Thessalonians 5
Hand-picked devotionals, topical studies, and pastoral answers that draw on 1 Thessalonians 5.
Topics that quote it
Topic
Bible Verses About Drunkenness
Drunkenness in the Bible is consistently depicted as a vice that leads to spiritual and practical harm, urging believers toward self-control.
Topic
Bible Verses About Gratitude
Gratitude is a heartfelt thankfulness to God for His many blessings, recognizing His sovereignty and goodness in all circumstances.
Topic
Bible Verses About Prayer
Prayer is communication with God, a spiritual discipline inviting us into deeper relationship with our Creator.
What the Bible says about…