King James Version

What Does 1 Thessalonians 4:15 Mean?

1 Thessalonians 4:15 in the King James Version says “For this we say unto you by the word of the Lord, that we which are alive and remain unto the coming of the Lord shall n...” — study this verse from 1 Thessalonians chapter 4 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

“For this we say unto you by the word of the Lord, that we which are alive and remain unto the coming of the Lord shall not prevent them which are asleep. prevent: or, come before, or, anticipate, or, precede”

1 Thessalonians 4:15 · KJV

Context

13

But I would not have you to be ignorant, brethren, concerning them which are asleep, that ye sorrow not, even as others which have no hope.

14

For if we believe that Jesus died and rose again, even so them also which sleep in Jesus will God bring with him.

15

For this we say unto you by the word of the Lord, that we which are alive and remain unto the coming of the Lord shall not prevent them which are asleep. prevent: or, come before, or, anticipate, or, precede

16

For the Lord himself shall descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trump of God: and the dead in Christ shall rise first:

17

Then we which are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds, to meet the Lord in the air: and so shall we ever be with the Lord.

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Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
For this we say unto you by the word of the Lord, that we which are alive and remain unto the coming of the Lord shall not prevent them which are asleep—touto gar hymin legomen en logō Kyriou, hoti hēmeis hoi zōntes hoi perileipomenoi eis tēn parousian tou Kyriou ou mē phthasōmen tous koimēthentas (τοῦτο γὰρ ὑμῖν λέγομεν ἐν λόγῳ Κυρίου, ὅτι ἡμεῖς οἱ ζῶντες οἱ περιλειπόμενοι εἰς τὴν παρουσίαν τοῦ Κυρίου οὐ μὴ φθάσωμεν τοὺς κοιμηθέντας). En logō Kyriou (ἐν λόγῳ Κυρίου, 'by the word of the Lord') grounds Paul's teaching in Christ's authority—either direct revelation from the risen Christ or teaching from Jesus's earthly ministry (cf. Matt 24:30-31).

Shall not prevent them which are asleep (ou mē phthasōmen tous koimēthentas, οὐ μὴ φθάσωμεν τοὺς κοιμηθέντας)—phthanō means 'to precede/arrive before.' The double negative ou mē (οὐ μή) emphatically denies: living believers will absolutely not precede dead believers. This corrects the Thessalonians' fear: dead believers aren't disadvantaged. Paul includes himself ('we which are alive'), demonstrating his expectation of Christ's possible return in his lifetime. This doesn't mean Paul predicted the timing but maintained readiness—every generation should live prepared for Christ's imminent return.

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Historical & Cultural Context

Paul's first-person plural ('we which are alive') has sparked debate: Did Paul expect Christ's return in his lifetime, or did he use inclusive language applicable to any generation? Scripture teaches imminency (Christ could return at any time) without date-setting (the day is unknown, Matt 24:36). Paul's language maintains this tension—live expectantly as if Christ could return today, while faithfully occupying until He comes (Luke 19:13). Every generation should anticipate possible return in their lifetime, producing both hope (anticipating His coming) and diligence (working until He arrives).

Reflection Questions

  1. How does knowing dead believers aren't disadvantaged at Christ's return comfort you regarding believing loved ones who've died?
  2. What does Paul's expectation of potential return in his lifetime teach about living with imminency without date-setting?
  3. How do you balance eager anticipation of Christ's return with faithful fulfillment of present responsibilities?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 23 words
Τοῦτο1 of 23

“this”

G5124

that thing

γὰρ2 of 23

“For”

G1063

properly, assigning a reason (used in argument, explanation or intensification; often with other particles)

ὑμῖν3 of 23

“unto you”

G5213

to (with or by) you

λέγομεν4 of 23

“we say”

G3004

properly, to "lay" forth, i.e., (figuratively) relate (in words (usually of systematic or set discourse; whereas g2036 and g5346 generally refer to an

ἐν5 of 23

“by”

G1722

"in," at, (up-)on, by, etc

λόγῳ6 of 23

“the word”

G3056

something said (including the thought); by implication, a topic (subject of discourse), also reasoning (the mental faculty) or motive; by extension, a

κυρίου7 of 23

“of the Lord”

G2962

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

ὅτι8 of 23

“that”

G3754

demonstrative, that (sometimes redundant); causative, because

ἡμεῖς9 of 23

“we”

G2249

we (only used when emphatic)

τοὺς10 of 23

“them which”

G3588

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

ζῶντες11 of 23

“are alive”

G2198

to live (literally or figuratively)

τοὺς12 of 23

“them which”

G3588

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

περιλειπόμενοι13 of 23

“and remain”

G4035

to leave all around, i.e., (passively) survive

εἰς14 of 23

“unto”

G1519

to or into (indicating the point reached or entered), of place, time, or (figuratively) purpose (result, etc.); also in adverbial phrases

τοὺς15 of 23

“them which”

G3588

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

παρουσίαν16 of 23

“the coming”

G3952

a being near, i.e., advent (often, return; specially, of christ to punish jerusalem, or finally the wicked); (by implication) physically, aspect

τοὺς17 of 23

“them which”

G3588

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

κυρίου18 of 23

“of the Lord”

G2962

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

οὐ19 of 23
G3756

the absolute negative (compare g3361) adverb; no or not

μὴ20 of 23
G3361

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

φθάσωμεν21 of 23

“prevent”

G5348

to be beforehand, i.e., anticipate or precede; by extension, to have arrived at

τοὺς22 of 23

“them which”

G3588

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

κοιμηθέντας·23 of 23

“are asleep”

G2837

to put to sleep, i.e., (passively or reflexively) to slumber; figuratively, to decease

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 4:15 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 4:15 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

1 Corinthians 15:51-532 Corinthians 4:141 Thessalonians 2:191 Kings 13:17-18Psalms 88:13

Test Your Knowledge

1 Thessalonians 4 QuizTest your knowledge of this chapter1 Thessalonians Book QuizComprehensive quiz for the entire book

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