King James Version

What Does 1 Thessalonians 2:15 Mean?

1 Thessalonians 2:15 in the King James Version says “Who both killed the Lord Jesus, and their own prophets, and have persecuted us; and they please not God, and are contrar... — study this verse from 1 Thessalonians chapter 2 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

Who both killed the Lord Jesus, and their own prophets, and have persecuted us; and they please not God, and are contrary to all men: persecuted us: or, chased us out

1 Thessalonians 2:15 · KJV


Context

13

For this cause also thank we God without ceasing, because, when ye received the word of God which ye heard of us, ye received it not as the word of men, but as it is in truth, the word of God, which effectually worketh also in you that believe.

14

For ye, brethren, became followers of the churches of God which in Judaea are in Christ Jesus: for ye also have suffered like things of your own countrymen, even as they have of the Jews:

15

Who both killed the Lord Jesus, and their own prophets, and have persecuted us; and they please not God, and are contrary to all men: persecuted us: or, chased us out

16

Forbidding us to speak to the Gentiles that they might be saved, to fill up their sins alway: for the wrath is come upon them to the uttermost.

17

But we, brethren, being taken from you for a short time in presence, not in heart, endeavoured the more abundantly to see your face with great desire.


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Who both killed the Lord Jesus, and their own prophets, and have persecuted us; and they please not God, and are contrary to all men—Paul indicts unbelieving Jews (not all Jews, but specifically those who reject Christ) with four charges: (1) killing Jesus (kai ton Kyrion apokteninantōn Iēsoun, καὶ τὸν Κύριον ἀποκτείνάντων Ἰησοῦν), (2) killing prophets (kai tous prophētas, καὶ τοὺς προφήτας), (3) persecuting apostles (kai hēmas ekdiōxantōn, καὶ ἡμᾶς ἐκδιωξάντων), (4) displeasing God (kai Theō mē areskontōn, καὶ Θεῷ μὴ ἀρεσκόντων) and opposing humanity (kai pasin anthrōpois enantōn, καὶ πᾶσιν ἀνθρώποις ἐναντίον).

This isn't anti-Semitism but prophetic indictment in Israel's own tradition (Matt 23:29-36; Acts 7:51-53). Jesus and prophets denounced Israel's covenant unfaithfulness; Paul continues this pattern. The phrase pasin anthrōpois enantōn ('contrary to all men') describes preventing Gentiles' salvation (v. 16), an ultimate act of hostility. God's covenant people have become covenant breakers; chosen for blessing nations, they prevent it. This tragedy intensifies Paul's anguish for Israel (Rom 9:1-5; 10:1) and anticipates God's judicial hardening (Rom 11:7-10, 25).

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

Paul writes from experience—Jews from Thessalonica followed him to Berea, inciting persecution there (Acts 17:13). Earlier, Judean Jews opposed his ministry (Acts 9:23, 29), Antioch of Pisidia (Acts 13:50), Iconium (Acts 14:2, 5), Lystra (Acts 14:19), and would later in Corinth (Acts 18:12-17) and Jerusalem (Acts 21:27-36). This pattern fulfilled Jesus's warning (Matt 10:17, 23; 23:34). Yet Paul never abandoned his kinsmen, maintaining 'great heaviness and continual sorrow' for Israel (Rom 9:2) and longing for their salvation (Rom 10:1; 11:14).

Reflection Questions

  1. How do you distinguish between prophetic indictment of covenant unfaithfulness and sinful ethnic hatred?
  2. What does opposition to the gospel's spread reveal about the human heart's hostility toward God?
  3. How can Paul simultaneously indict Jewish opposition and maintain 'great sorrow' for Israel's salvation (Rom 9:2-3)? What does this teach about biblical confrontation?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 21 words
τῶν1 of 21
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

καὶ2 of 21

Who both

G2532

and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words

τὸν3 of 21
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

κύριον4 of 21

the Lord

G2962

supreme in authority, i.e., (as noun) controller; by implication, master (as a respectful title)

ἀποκτεινάντων5 of 21

killed

G615

to kill outright; figuratively, to destroy

Ἰησοῦν6 of 21

Jesus

G2424

jesus (i.e., jehoshua), the name of our lord and two (three) other israelites

καὶ7 of 21

Who both

G2532

and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words

τοὺς8 of 21
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

ἰδίους9 of 21

their own

G2398

pertaining to self, i.e., one's own; by implication, private or separate

προφήτας10 of 21

prophets

G4396

a foreteller ("prophet"); by analogy, an inspired speaker; by extension, a poet

καὶ11 of 21

Who both

G2532

and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words

ἡμᾶς12 of 21

us

G2248

us

ἐκδιωξάντων13 of 21

have persecuted

G1559

to pursue out, i.e., expel or persecute implacably

καὶ14 of 21

Who both

G2532

and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words

θεῷ15 of 21

God

G2316

a deity, especially (with g3588) the supreme divinity; figuratively, a magistrate; exceedingly (by hebraism)

μὴ16 of 21

not

G3361

(adverb) not, (conjunction) lest; also (as an interrogative implying a negative answer (whereas g3756 expects an affirmative one)) whether

ἀρεσκόντων17 of 21

they please

G700

to be agreeable (or by implication, to seek to be so)

καὶ18 of 21

Who both

G2532

and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words

πᾶσιν19 of 21

to all

G3956

all, any, every, the whole

ἀνθρώποις20 of 21

men

G444

man-faced, i.e., a human being

ἐναντίων21 of 21

are contrary

G1727

opposite; figuratively, antagonistic


Study Guide

Historical Context

This verse is found in the book of 1 Thessalonians. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.

Theological Significance

1 Thessalonians 2:15 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

Cross-References

Verses related to 1 Thessalonians 2:15 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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