King James Version

What Does 1 Thessalonians 5:13 Mean?

1 Thessalonians 5:13 in the King James Version says “And to esteem them very highly in love for their work's sake. And be at peace among yourselves.” — study this verse from 1 Thessalonians chapter 5 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

“And to esteem them very highly in love for their work's sake. And be at peace among yourselves.”

1 Thessalonians 5:13 · KJV

LovePeace

Context

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.

14

Now we exhort you, brethren, warn them that are unruly, comfort the feebleminded, support the weak, be patient toward all men. exhort: or, beseech unruly: or, disorderly

15

See that none render evil for evil unto any man; but ever follow that which is good, both among yourselves, and to all men.

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Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
And to esteem them very highly in love for their work's sake. And be at peace among yourselves—kai hēgeisthai autous hyperekperissou en agapē dia to ergon autōn. eirēneuete en heautois (καὶ ἡγεῖσθαι αὐτοὺς ὑπερεκπερισσοῦ ἐν ἀγάπῃ διὰ τὸ ἔργον αὐτῶν. εἰρηνεύετε ἐν ἑαυτοῖς). Hēgeisthai autous hyperekperissou en agapē (ἡγεῖσθαι αὐτοὺς ὑπερεκπερισσοῦ ἐν ἀγάπῃ, 'esteem them beyond measure in love')—hyperekperissou (ὑπερεκπερισσοῦ) is superlative: 'exceedingly abundantly.' Leaders deserve extraordinary honor, not grudging acknowledgment. En agapē (ἐν ἀγάπῃ, 'in love')—honor flows from love, not mere duty. Dia to ergon autōn (διὰ τὸ ἔργον αὐτῶν, 'for their work's sake')—honor is based on ministry, not personality or status.

And be at peace among yourselves (eirēneuete en heautois, εἰρηνεύετε ἐν ἑαυτοῖς)—church unity requires both honoring leaders and maintaining mutual peace. Apparently some Thessalonians resisted pastoral authority, creating conflict. Paul addresses both sides: members must honor leaders; the community must maintain peace. Leadership without honor breeds contempt; honor without peace breeds factions. Biblical church life requires both vertical respect (toward leaders) and horizontal harmony (among members). Peace flows from gospel truth rightly applied (Jas 3:17-18).

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Historical & Cultural Context

Early churches faced leadership challenges—converts from paganism lacked models for church polity, resistance to authority was common, and young churches had immature members. The Thessalonians needed instruction on honoring leaders and maintaining peace. Paul's counsel balanced extremes: not despising leaders (treating them as equals) nor idolizing them (treating them as infallible). Leaders deserved honor 'for their work's sake'—based on faithful ministry, not inherent superiority. This prevented both rebellion and clericalism, fostering healthy church life where leaders served and members followed willingly.

Reflection Questions

  1. How do you demonstrate 'exceedingly abundant' esteem in love for faithful spiritual leaders?
  2. What specific actions honor leaders 'for their work's sake' rather than personality preferences?
  3. How do you contribute to peace among believers versus feeding conflict through criticism or factionalism?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 14 words
καὶ1 of 14

“And”

G2532

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

ἡγεῖσθαι2 of 14

“to esteem”

G2233

to lead, i.e., command (with official authority); figuratively, to deem, i.e., consider

αὐτῶν3 of 14

“their”

G846

the reflexive pronoun self, used (alone or in the comparative g1438) of the third person, and (with the proper personal pronoun) of the other persons

ὑπερ4 of 14

“very”

G5228

"over", i.e., (with the genitive case) of place, above, beyond, across, or causal, for the sake of, instead, regarding; with the accusative case super

ἐκπερισσοῦ5 of 14
G4057

superabundantly

ἐν6 of 14

“among”

G1722

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

ἀγάπῃ7 of 14

“love”

G26

love, i.e., affection or benevolence; specially (plural) a love-feast

διὰ8 of 14

“for”

G1223

through (in very wide applications, local, causal, or occasional)

τὸ9 of 14
G3588

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

ἔργον10 of 14

“work's sake”

G2041

toil (as an effort or occupation); by implication, an act

αὐτῶν11 of 14

“their”

G846

the reflexive pronoun self, used (alone or in the comparative g1438) of the third person, and (with the proper personal pronoun) of the other persons

εἰρηνεύετε12 of 14

“And be at peace”

G1514

to be (act) peaceful

ἐν13 of 14

“among”

G1722

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

ἑαυτοῖς14 of 14

“yourselves”

G1438

(him- her-, it-, them-, my-, thy-, our-, your-)self (selves), etc

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 5:13 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 5:13 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Mark 9:50Hebrews 12:14John 13:34-351 Corinthians 9:7-11James 3:18Galatians 6:6

Test Your Knowledge

1 Thessalonians 5 QuizTest your knowledge of this chapter1 Thessalonians Book QuizComprehensive quiz for the entire book

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