King James Version
What Does 1 Thessalonians 5:11 Mean?
“Wherefore comfort yourselves together, and edify one another, even as also ye do. comfort: or, exhort”
Context
9
For God hath not appointed us to wrath, but to obtain salvation by our Lord Jesus Christ,
10
Who died for us, that, whether we wake or sleep, we should live together with him.
11
Wherefore comfort yourselves together, and edify one another, even as also ye do. comfort: or, exhort
12
And we beseech you, brethren, to know them which labour among you, and are over you in the Lord, and admonish you;
13
And to esteem them very highly in love for their work's sake. And be at peace among yourselves.
Topics in This Verse
Commentary
Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers(11) **Comfort.**—Rightly translated. St. Paul is here catching up once more the thought of 1Thessalonians 4:18. They are to comfort one another about their communion with the dead who live in Christ; but perhaps the word also involves the comfort to be imparted by the thought of predestination to earn salvation. The command to “Edify one another” certainly refers to the instruction given in 1Thessalonians 5:1-10 :” Build one another up “in these settled purposes of holy living. This metaphor of building is one which St. Paul uses frequently in his later writings, and which St. Peter (who uses the same) may have adopted from his brother Apostle. St. Paul considers not only the whole Catholic Church to be a great Temple of the Spirit, the stones of which are individual souls (1Peter 2:5; 1Corinthians 3:16), but each believer is a temple too, complete in himself, or, rather, in continual process of completion (1Corinthians 6:19).
Charles John Ellicott (1819–1905). Public Domain.
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 5:11 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 5:11
Cross-references from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge