King James Version

What Does 1 Thessalonians 5:11 Mean?

1 Thessalonians 5:11 in the King James Version says “Wherefore comfort yourselves together, and edify one another, even as also ye do. comfort: or, exhort — study this verse from 1 Thessalonians chapter 5 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

Wherefore comfort yourselves together, and edify one another, even as also ye do. comfort: or, exhort

1 Thessalonians 5:11 · KJV


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.


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Wherefore comfort yourselves together, and edify one another, even as also ye dodio parakaleite allēlous kai oikodomeite heis ton hena, kathōs kai poieite (διὸ παρακαλεῖτε ἀλλήλους καὶ οἰκοδομεῖτε εἷς τὸν ἕνα, καθὼς καὶ ποιεῖτε). Dio (διό, 'therefore') draws practical conclusion from theological teaching (vv. 1-10). Parakaleite allēlous (παρακαλεῖτε ἀλλήλους, 'comfort one another') echoes 4:18—mutual encouragement using eschatological truth. Oikodomeite (οἰκοδομεῖτε, 'edify/build up') uses construction metaphor: believers build each other up spiritually through truth, encouragement, and accountability.

The phrase heis ton hena (εἷς τὸν ἕνα, 'one the one')—literally 'one the one,' idiomatically 'one another individually.' Church community provides mutual comfort and edification; isolated believers lack essential support. Even as also ye do (kathōs kai poieite, καθὼς καὶ ποιεῖτε)—Paul commends present practice while encouraging continuation. The Thessalonians already comforted and edified mutually; Paul urges persistence. Christian community isn't optional but essential—we need each other's encouragement to persevere unto Christ's return.

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Historical & Cultural Context

The early church practiced intensive mutual care—meeting daily (Acts 2:46), sharing possessions (Acts 2:44-45), bearing one another's burdens (Gal 6:2). This community sustained faith through persecution when isolation would have crushed individuals. The Thessalonians' mutual comfort and edification despite external hostility demonstrated authentic Christianity. Contemporary individualism threatens this biblical community model; recovering 'one another' ministry (over 40 NT commands) is essential for spiritual health and eschatological readiness. Isolated believers rarely remain watchful; community sustains vigilance.

Reflection Questions

  1. How do you actively comfort and edify other believers, not just receive ministry but provide it?
  2. What evidence demonstrates that your Christian relationships include mutual edification (building up) rather than merely social affinity?
  3. How can churches recover intensive 'one another' ministry in cultures promoting independence over interdependence?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 11 words
Διὸ1 of 11

Wherefore

G1352

through which thing, i.e., consequently

παρακαλεῖτε2 of 11

comfort

G3870

to call near, i.e., invite, invoke (by imploration, hortation or consolation)

ἀλλήλους3 of 11

yourselves together

G240

one another

καὶ4 of 11

and

G2532

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

οἰκοδομεῖτε5 of 11

edify

G3618

to be a house-builder, i.e., construct or (figuratively) confirm

ἕνα6 of 11

another

G1520

one

τὸν7 of 11
G3588

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

ἕνα8 of 11

another

G1520

one

καθὼς9 of 11

even

G2531

just (or inasmuch) as, that

καὶ10 of 11

and

G2532

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

ποιεῖτε11 of 11

ye do

G4160

to make or do (in a very wide application, more or less direct)


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 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 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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