King James Version

What Does 1 Thessalonians 5:15 Mean?

1 Thessalonians 5:15 in the King James Version says “See that none render evil for evil unto any man; but ever follow that which is good, both among yourselves, and to all m... — study this verse from 1 Thessalonians chapter 5 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

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

1 Thessalonians 5:15 · KJV


Context

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.

16

Rejoice evermore.

17

Pray without ceasing.


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
See that none render evil for evil unto any man; but ever follow that which is good, both among yourselves, and to all menhorate mē tis kakon anti kakou tini apodō, alla pantote to agathon diōkete kai eis allēlous kai eis pantas (ὁρᾶτε μή τις κακὸν ἀντὶ κακοῦ τινι ἀποδῷ, ἀλλὰ πάντοτε τὸ ἀγαθὸν διώκετε καὶ εἰς ἀλλήλους καὶ εἰς πάντας). Horate mē (ὁρᾶτε μή, 'see that... not')—imperative warning. Kakon anti kakou (κακὸν ἀντὶ κακοῦ, 'evil for evil')—the natural response to mistreatment is retaliation. Paul forbids this, echoing Jesus (Matt 5:38-44) and Peter (1 Pet 3:9).

But ever follow that which is good (alla pantote to agathon diōkete, ἀλλὰ πάντοτε τὸ ἀγαθὸν διώκετε)—diōkō (διώκω, 'pursue/chase actively') indicates aggressive pursuit, not passive avoidance. Christians don't merely avoid revenge; we actively pursue good. This applies kai eis allēlous kai eis pantas (καὶ εἰς ἀλλήλους καὶ εἰς πάντας, 'both toward one another [believers] and toward all [including enemies]'). The Thessalonians faced persecution from neighbors (2:14); Paul commands pursuing good toward persecutors, not vengeance. This supernatural ethic distinguishes Christianity—overcoming evil with good (Rom 12:21).

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Historical & Cultural Context

The Thessalonians suffered persecution (2:14; 3:3-4) that naturally provoked desire for retaliation. Jewish zealots advocated violent resistance against oppressors; Greco-Roman honor culture demanded avenging insults. Paul teaches radically different ethics: absorb evil without retaliation, pursue good toward enemies. This countercultural response eventually conquered Rome—when Christians loved enemies, cared for plague victims, and blessed persecutors, observers were amazed. Tertullian: 'The blood of the martyrs is the seed of the church.' Non-retaliation's power exceeded violent resistance; sacrificial love won more converts than armed rebellion.

Reflection Questions

  1. How do you actively pursue good toward those who've harmed you rather than merely avoiding revenge?
  2. What specific actions demonstrate that you're 'following that which is good' toward enemies, not just fellow believers?
  3. How does pursuing good toward persecutors become more powerful witness than defending your rights or seeking justice?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 19 words
ὁρᾶτε1 of 19

See

G3708

by extension, to attend to; by hebraism, to experience; passively, to appear

μή2 of 19

that none

G3361

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

τινι3 of 19

unto any

G5100

some or any person or object

κακοῦ4 of 19

evil

G2556

worthless (intrinsically, such; whereas g4190 properly refers to effects), i.e., (subjectively) depraved, or (objectively) injurious

ἀντὶ5 of 19

for

G473

opposite, i.e., instead or because of (rarely in addition to)

κακοῦ6 of 19

evil

G2556

worthless (intrinsically, such; whereas g4190 properly refers to effects), i.e., (subjectively) depraved, or (objectively) injurious

τινι7 of 19

unto any

G5100

some or any person or object

ἀποδῷ8 of 19

render

G591

to give away, i.e., up, over, back, etc. (in various applications)

ἀλλὰ9 of 19

man but

G235

properly, other things, i.e., (adverbially) contrariwise (in many relations)

πάντοτε10 of 19

ever

G3842

every when, i.e., at all times

τὸ11 of 19

that which

G3588

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

ἀγαθὸν12 of 19

is good

G18

"good" (in any sense, often as noun)

διώκετε13 of 19

follow

G1377

compare the base of g1169 and g1249); to pursue (literally or figuratively); by implication, to persecute

καὶ14 of 19

and

G2532

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

εἰς15 of 19

among

G1519

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

ἀλλήλους16 of 19

yourselves

G240

one another

καὶ17 of 19

and

G2532

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

εἰς18 of 19

among

G1519

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

πάντας19 of 19

all

G3956

all, any, every, the whole


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 5:15 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 5:15 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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