King James Version

What Does 1 Thessalonians 5:13 Mean?

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

Context

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

And we beseech you, brethren, to know them which labour among you, and are over you in the Lord, and admonish you;

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

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

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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Topics in This Verse

Love Peace

Commentary

Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers

(13) **Very highly in love.**—The original here is difficult; but it seems best, with most good commentators, ancient and modern, to construe “in love” with “esteem,” and to make “very highly” (a very enthusiastic word in the Greek) an expletive attached to “in love,” implying “hold in a most extraordinary degree of love.” The bond which binds the Christian community to their directors is not to be one of “recognition” and obedience only (1Thessalonians 5:12), but of holy affection above all. **For their work’s sake.**—Our love is to be paid them not for any social or intellectual qualities they may have in themselves; it is the work which they have to do that should attract our sympathy. The original seems to mean that we are to love them, not only *because they do* such work, but also *‘for the sake of* their work,” *i.e., *to help it forward. **Be at peace among yourselves.**—Discipline to be observed towards equals, as well as superiors.

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 5:13 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.