King James Version

What Does 1 Thessalonians 5:27 Mean?

1 Thessalonians 5:27 in the King James Version says “I charge you by the Lord that this epistle be read unto all the holy brethren. charge: or, adjure” — study this verse from 1 Thessalonians chapter 5 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

“I charge you by the Lord that this epistle be read unto all the holy brethren. charge: or, adjure”

1 Thessalonians 5:27 · KJV

Context

25

Brethren, pray for us.

26

Greet all the brethren with an holy kiss.

27

I charge you by the Lord that this epistle be read unto all the holy brethren. charge: or, adjure

28

The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you. Amen. The first epistle to the Thessalonians was written from Athens.

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Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
I charge you by the Lord that this epistle be read unto all the holy brethren—enorkizō hymas ton Kyrion anagnōsthēnai tēn epistolēn pasin tois adelphois (ἐνορκίζω ὑμᾶς τὸν Κύριον ἀναγνωσθῆναι τὴν ἐπιστολὴν πᾶσιν τοῖς ἀδελφοῖς). Enorkizō (ἐνορκίζω, 'I adjure/charge solemnly,' putting under oath) is extremely strong—Paul invokes divine authority. Ton Kyrion (τὸν Κύριον, 'by the Lord') grounds the charge in Christ's authority. Anagnōsthēnai (ἀναγνωσθῆναι, 'to be read') indicates public reading in worship assembly.

Pasin tois adelphois (πᾶσιν τοῖς ἀδελφοῖς, 'to all the brothers')—entire church must hear the letter, not just leaders. Why such solemn charge? Possibly: (1) Paul feared leaders might suppress content challenging them (warnings to the unruly, commands to honor leaders), (2) some members might be excluded from gatherings (poor, slaves with limited freedom), requiring specific inclusion, (3) Paul emphasizes Scripture's authority—his letters carry divine weight requiring universal hearing. This verse establishes apostolic letters as Scripture to be publicly read in worship, anticipating NT canon formation.

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Historical & Cultural Context

Early churches read apostolic letters in worship assemblies (Col 4:16: 'when this epistle is read among you, cause that it be read also in the church of the Laodiceans'). This public reading established these texts as authoritative Scripture alongside OT readings. Literate members were few; public reading ensured all heard God's word. Paul's solemn charge prevented leaders from filtering content—all members needed all instruction. Later, these apostolic letters were copied, circulated, collected, and recognized as NT canon. The practice of Scripture reading in worship continues, rooted in synagogue liturgy (Luke 4:16-17) and apostolic command.

Reflection Questions

  1. What does Paul's solemn charge that the letter be read to 'all the holy brethren' teach about Scripture's authority and accessibility?
  2. How do contemporary worship practices (or failures) reflect Paul's emphasis on universal hearing of God's word?
  3. What does public Scripture reading in worship accomplish that private reading alone cannot?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 11 words
ὀρκίζω1 of 11

“I charge”

G3726

to put on oath, i.e., make swear; by analogy, to solemnly enjoin

ὑμᾶς2 of 11

“you”

G5209

you (as the objective of a verb or preposition)

τὸν3 of 11
G3588

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

κύριον4 of 11

“by the Lord”

G2962

supreme in authority, i.e., (as noun) controller; by implication, master (as a respectful title)

ἀναγνωσθῆναι5 of 11

“be read”

G314

to know again, i.e., (by extension) to read

τὴν6 of 11
G3588

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

ἐπιστολὴν7 of 11

“that this epistle”

G1992

a written message

πᾶσιν8 of 11

“unto all”

G3956

all, any, every, the whole

τοῖς9 of 11
G3588

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

ἁγίοις10 of 11

“the holy”

G40

sacred (physically, pure, morally blameless or religious, ceremonially, consecrated)

ἀδελφοῖς11 of 11

“brethren”

G80

a brother (literally or figuratively) near or remote (much like g0001)

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 5:27 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 5:27 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Colossians 4:161 Kings 22:161 Timothy 5:7Acts 19:131 Timothy 5:212 Timothy 4:1

Test Your Knowledge

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

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