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  • 1 Thessalonians 4
  • New World Translation of the Holy Scriptures (Study Edition)

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Overview of 1 Thessalonians

    • C. INSTRUCTIONS ON HOW TO WALK IN ORDER TO PLEASE GOD (4:1-12)

      • How to walk in order to please God more fully (4:1, 2)

      • Warning against sexual immorality (4:3-8)

      • Love one another in fuller measure (4:9-12)

    • D. COMMENTS ABOUT THE RESURRECTION AND THE COMING OF JEHOVAH’S DAY (4:13–5:11)

      • Those dead in union with Christ will rise first (4:13-18)

      • “Jehovah’s day is coming exactly as a thief in the night” (5:1-5)

      • Stay awake, and keep your senses; display faith, love, and hope (5:6-11)

1 Thessalonians 4:1

Marginal References

  • +Col 1:10; 1Pe 2:12

Indexes

  • Publications Index

    w75 184

1 Thessalonians 4:2

Footnotes

  • *

    Or “orders.”

Indexes

  • Research Guide

    The Watchtower,

    10/1/1986, pp. 11-12

  • Publications Index

    w86 10/1 11-12

1 Thessalonians 4:3

  • that you should be holy: This phrase renders a Greek expression that could also be translated “your sanctification.” Paul uses the Greek word ha·gi·a·smosʹ twice more in this context, at 1Th 4:4 and 4:7, where it is rendered “holiness.” In the Christian Greek Scriptures, the words rendered “holy” and “holiness” denote being set aside for God’s service. These terms also include the idea of purity in moral conduct. (Mr 6:20; 2Co 7:1; 1Pe 1:15, 16) In this context, holiness refers to avoiding sexual immorality, that is, certain sexual activities forbidden by God.​—See Glossary, “Holy; Holiness.”

    sexual immorality: See study note on Ac 15:20.

Marginal References

  • +Joh 17:19; Eph 5:25-27; 2Th 2:13; 1Pe 1:15, 16
  • +1Co 5:9; Eph 5:3; Heb 12:16; 13:4

Indexes

  • Research Guide

    Enjoy Life Forever!, lesson 41

    The Watchtower,

    6/1/2012, p. 21

    7/15/1997, pp. 17-18

    11/1/1989, p. 12

    10/1/1986, p. 11

  • Publications Index

    wp24.1 13; lff lesson 41; w12 6/1 21; w97 7/15 17-18; w89 11/1 12; w86 10/1 11;

    w81 11/1 9; hp 66; g75 5/8 8; g74 4/22 13-14; g66 11/22 13; g65 2/22 28; w63 584; w59 166; w54 305; w50 205

1 Thessalonians 4:4

  • body: Lit., “vessel.” Paul compares a person’s body to a vessel. For a person to “control his own body in holiness,” he must bring his thoughts and desires into harmony with God’s holy moral laws. The Greek term for “vessel” is used in a figurative sense also at Ac 9:15; Ro 9:22; and 2Co 4:7.

Marginal References

  • +Col 3:5; 2Ti 2:22
  • +Ro 6:19

Indexes

  • Research Guide

    Awake!,

    10/8/2003, p. 14

    The Watchtower,

    10/1/1986, p. 11

  • Publications Index

    wp24.1 13; g03 10/8 14; w86 10/1 11;

    w85 4/15 16; w81 11/1 9; w68 54; g66 11/22 13; w63 584; g63 1/8 4; g62 3/8 20; w59 166; w54 313

1 Thessalonians 4:5

  • uncontrolled sexual passion: This expression renders a Greek word (paʹthos) that refers to a strong desire, or an uncontrolled passion. The same Greek word appears at Ro 1:26 and Col 3:5. In this letter to the Thessalonians, Paul combines the same word with a term (e·pi·thy·miʹa) that literally means “desire.” In this context, it denotes a covetous desire or an inordinate craving, or lust, and is therefore rendered greedy. The context makes it clear that this combined expression refers to wrong desires of a sexual nature. While sexual desires can be properly satisfied within an honorable marriage (1Co 7:3, 5; Heb 13:4), Paul shows that “Jehovah exacts punishment” for improper sexual conduct (1Th 4:3-6).

Marginal References

  • +1Co 6:18; Eph 5:5
  • +Ps 79:6; Eph 4:17, 19; 1Pe 4:3

Indexes

  • Research Guide

    Awake!,

    9/2013, p. 5

    The Watchtower,

    6/1/2012, p. 21

    10/1/1986, p. 11

  • Publications Index

    wp24.1 13; g 9/13 5; w12 6/1 21; w86 10/1 11;

    w85 4/15 16; w83 6/1 27; g66 11/22 13; w63 584; w59 166

1 Thessalonians 4:6

  • take advantage of his brother in this matter: The Greek expression rendered “take advantage of” is related to a term for “greed” and denotes a greedy, selfish view of sexual pleasure. The Greek word may also mean to “rob,” “defraud,” or “cheat.” Here it may suggest that a Christian who selfishly commits sexual sins robs a fellow Christian of a clean conscience. If either is married, the innocent mate is deprived of marital security and happiness. Such actions could also rob the individuals involved, their families, and the congregation of a clean reputation. Above all, those who commit sexual immorality show disregard for God.​—1Th 4:8.

    because Jehovah exacts punishment for all these things: This phrase could also be rendered “because Jehovah is the Avenger concerning all these things.” Paul is apparently alluding to Ps 94:1, where Jehovah is addressed as “O God of vengeance.” While appointed elders are responsible for removing unrepentant wrongdoers from the Christian congregation (1Co 5:1, 13), Jehovah is the one who ultimately punishes those who sin unrepentantly by practicing sexual immorality.​—For the use of the divine name in this verse, see App. C3 introduction; 1Th 4:6.

Indexes

  • Research Guide

    Insight, Volume 1, pp. 863-864

    Insight, Volume 2, p. 1150

    Awake!,

    11/2006, p. 29

    4/22/2000, p. 14

    The Watchtower,

    6/15/2002, pp. 20-21

    1/15/2001, p. 7

    7/15/1997, pp. 17-18

    11/15/1989, p. 31

    True Peace, pp. 144-146

  • Publications Index

    it-1 863-864; it-2 1150; g 11/06 29; w02 6/15 20-21; w01 1/15 7; g00 4/22 14; w97 7/15 17-18; w89 11/15 31; tp 144-146;

    fl 135-136; tp73 147-149; ad 602; g71 1/8 4; w41 46

1 Thessalonians 4:7

  • uncleanness: See study note on Eph 4:19.

Marginal References

  • +Heb 12:14; 1Pe 1:15, 16

Indexes

  • Research Guide

    The Watchtower (Study),

    6/2023, pp. 12-13

    The Watchtower,

    6/1/2012, p. 21

  • Publications Index

    w23.06 12; w12 6/1 21;

    w74 160; w74 340; w73 567; w59 166

1 Thessalonians 4:8

Marginal References

  • +1Co 6:18, 19
  • +1Jo 3:24

Indexes

  • Research Guide

    Insight, Volume 1, pp. 863-864

  • Publications Index

    it-1 864;

    w74 340; ad 602; w46 91

1 Thessalonians 4:9

  • brotherly love: See study note on Ro 12:10.

    taught by God: This phrase renders the Greek expression the·o·diʹda·ktos, which occurs only here in the Christian Greek Scriptures. It is composed of the Greek word for “God” and the word for “taught.” Paul may be alluding to Isa 54:13, where the Hebrew text reads: “Your sons will be taught by Jehovah.” As recorded at Joh 6:45, Jesus quotes Isaiah’s words. Other scriptures also speak of Jehovah God as one who teaches his people. (De 6:1; Isa 48:17) At least one translation of the Christian Greek Scriptures into Hebrew uses the divine name here; some translations into other languages do so as well.

    taught by God to love one another: God created man in his image with the ability to love. (Ge 1:27) By his own example, God teaches humans to love. (Mt 5:44, 45; Ac 14:17; 1Jo 4:9-11) His Word repeatedly highlights the importance of showing love. (Le 19:34; De 10:18, 19; 1Jo 3:16; 4:21) According to Jesus, one of the two principal commandments of God’s Law to Israel stated: “You must love your neighbor as yourself.” (Mt 22:39; Le 19:18) The disciple James called this command “the royal law.” (Jas 2:8) Jesus added to this command by stating that Christians must love one another just as he had loved his disciples.​—Joh 13:34.

Marginal References

  • +Ro 12:10
  • +Joh 13:34, 35; 1Pe 1:22; 1Jo 4:21

Indexes

  • Research Guide

    The Watchtower,

    10/1/1986, pp. 11-12

  • Publications Index

    w86 10/1 11-12;

    w80 9/15 26; w75 339; g72 2/8 3; w40 230

1 Thessalonians 4:10

Indexes

  • Research Guide

    The Watchtower,

    2/1/2003, pp. 13-14

    10/1/1986, pp. 11-12

  • Publications Index

    w03 2/1 13-14; w86 10/1 11-12;

    w80 9/15 26

1 Thessalonians 4:11

Marginal References

  • +2Th 3:11, 12
  • +1Pe 4:15
  • +1Co 4:11, 12; Eph 4:28; 2Th 3:10; 1Ti 5:8

Indexes

  • Publications Index

    w83 4/1 10; g74 9/22 11; g73 7/22 26; g73 8/8 3; w72 205-206; g65 10/8 18; w60 500; w56 435

1 Thessalonians 4:12

Marginal References

  • +Ro 12:17

Indexes

  • Publications Index

    g74 9/22 11; g73 7/22 26; w72 594, 597

1 Thessalonians 4:13

  • those who are sleeping in death: Lit., “the ones sleeping.” The Scriptures use the expressions “sleep” and “fall asleep” to refer both to physical sleep (Mt 28:13; Lu 22:45; Joh 11:12; Ac 12:6) and to the sleep of death (Joh 11:11; Ac 7:60; 13:36; 1Co 7:39; 15:6, 51; 2Pe 3:4). When these expressions appear in contexts that refer to death, Bible translators often use such wording as “sleeping in death” or simply “died.” The Bible’s use of this expression is fitting for at least two reasons. First, because the Scriptures show that the unconscious condition of the dead is like sleep. (Ec 9:5, 10; Joh 11:11, 13) Second, because the Scriptures give the hope that those “sleeping in death” will “wake up” to life by means of a resurrection.​—Da 12:2; see study notes on Joh 11:11; Ac 7:60.

Footnotes

  • *

    Or “uninformed.”

Marginal References

  • +Joh 11:11; Ac 7:59, 60; 1Co 15:6
  • +1Co 15:32

Indexes

  • Research Guide

    Insight, Volume 2, p. 1091

    Awake!,

    7/8/2001, pp. 12-13

    5/8/1994, p. 27

    8/8/1987, p. 11

    The Watchtower,

    10/15/1994, p. 32

    10/1/1986, pp. 12-13

  • Publications Index

    it-2 1091; g01 7/8 12-13; w94 10/15 32; g94 5/8 27; g87 8/8 11; w86 10/1 12-13;

    g81 2/8 10; w80 3/15 6; g79 8/8 8, 10-11; w78 6/1 7; us 52; lp 95; g77 3/22 14-15; g76 3/22 28; g75 5/8 23; w74 254-255; g74 12/8 28; w73 252; w73 452; w73 494; w73 606; w73 640; g71 12/8 28; w69 391; w68 433; w63 260; g62 9/8 26; g59 5/22 8; g32 12/21 189

1 Thessalonians 4:14

Marginal References

  • +Ro 14:9; 1Co 15:3, 4
  • +1Co 15:22, 23; Php 3:20, 21; 2Th 2:1; Re 20:4

Indexes

  • Publications Index

    w79 6/15 23; w78 6/1 8; w74 254-256; g74 12/8 28; w73 252; w73 640; ka 242-243; sr55 104

1 Thessalonians 4:15

  • by Jehovah’s word: In a broad sense, this expression refers to a message from Jehovah.​—Compare study notes on Ac 8:25; 1Th 1:8; for the use of the divine name in this verse, see App. C3 introduction; 1Th 4:15.

    the presence of the Lord: That is, the presence of the Lord Jesus Christ. (1Th 2:19; 3:13; 5:23) One ancient Greek manuscript reads “the presence of Jesus.”

Indexes

  • Research Guide

    The Watchtower,

    1/1/2007, p. 28

    1/15/1993, p. 5

    Revelation Climax, pp. 103-104

  • Publications Index

    w07 1/1 28; re 103-104; w93 1/15 5;

    w79 6/15 23-24, 29-30; w74 254-256; ka 242-243; w64 400; g64 1/8 27; w62 339; w61 639; w53 280; nh 316; w49 231; tf 303

1 Thessalonians 4:16

  • the Lord: That is, Jesus Christ.

    will descend from heaven: The Lord Jesus will descend in a figurative way by turning his attention to the earth and extending his power to it. In the Hebrew Scriptures, such terms as “go down” and “stoops down” are used in a similar way. (Ge 11:5; 18:21; Ps 113:6) For example, Ge 11:5 says that “Jehovah went down to see the city” of Babel. He did so to survey the situation in Babel and determine what action to take.

    a commanding call: Or “a shout of command.” The Greek word used here occurs only once in the Christian Greek Scriptures. It could refer to an order given to an army to attack or to a command issued by a king. The Lord Jesus figuratively descends from heaven to make this commanding call to awaken from the sleep of death those who are dead in union with Christ, that is, his spirit-anointed followers. The Scriptures show elsewhere that it is Jesus’ “voice” that the dead will hear (Joh 5:25) and that “in the Christ all will be made alive” (1Co 15:22).​—See study note on 1Co 15:55.

    with an archangel’s voice: The Greek term for “archangel” (ar·khagʹge·los) appears only twice in the Christian Greek Scriptures and always in the singular. The Greek prefix rendered “arch” means “chief” or “principal”; therefore, “archangel” means “chief angel,” or “principal angel.” The second occurrence of “archangel,” at Jude 9, associates the term with the name Michael. Hence, in the Scriptures, Michael is the only one called “the archangel.” He is the one whom God has designated chief, or head, of the angelic hosts. At 1Th 4:16, the Lord Jesus is said to have the “voice” of an archangel and the power to resurrect the dead. (See study note on Joh 11:25.) So the expression “an archangel’s voice” apparently focuses attention on the authoritativeness of Jesus’ voice of command.​—Joh 5:26-29.

    with God’s trumpet: Trumpets had various uses in the Scriptures. (See Glossary, “Trumpet.”) Here the purpose of the sounding of “God’s trumpet” is to assemble Jehovah’s people, as was done when the two silver trumpets were sounded in Moses’ day to assemble the 12 tribes of Israel. (Nu 10:1-10) At 1Co 15:52, the apostle Paul connects such a rousing assembly “trumpet” with the resurrection of spirit-anointed Christians.

Marginal References

  • +Jude 9
  • +1Co 15:51, 52

Indexes

  • Research Guide

    Bible Questions Answered, article 121

    Insight, Volume 1, p. 156

    Insight, Volume 2, pp. 393-394, 1161

    The Watchtower (Public),

    No. 5 2017, p. 5

    The Watchtower,

    1/1/2007, p. 28

    1/15/1993, pp. 5-6

    10/1/1986, pp. 13-14

    Revelation Climax, pp. 103-104, 180-181

    Awake!,

    2/8/2002, p. 17

    Reasoning, pp. 218, 312-317

  • Publications Index

    ijwbq article 121; it-1 156; it-2 393-394, 1161; wp17.5 5; w07 1/1 28; re 103-104, 181; g02 2/8 17; w93 1/15 5-6; rs 218, 312-317; w86 10/1 13-14;

    w84 12/15 28; w82 4/1 22; g82 11/22 14-15; w79 6/15 21, 23-27, 29; g79 7/22 28; w74 254-256; w74 558-559; ka 242-243; ad 114, 1152, 1640; g67 12/8 27; w66 71, 575; w65 241; w64 415, 720; g64 1/8 27; w61 29; w60 221; pa 192; yw 326; sr55 120; w54 277; w53 280; nh 316; el 228; w49 231; w47 103, 197; w42 68; w41 27-28, 140; w36 85, 190, 325; w34 24, 216

1 Thessalonians 4:17

  • be caught away in clouds to meet the Lord in the air: In this context, both “clouds” and “air” are used in a figurative sense. “Clouds” often denote invisibility.​—See study notes on Mt 24:30; Ac 1:11.

    meet the Lord: That is, the Lord Jesus Christ, as shown by the context.​—1Th 4:15, 16.

    be with the Lord: That is, the Lord Jesus Christ.​—1Th 4:15, 16.

Marginal References

  • +Ac 1:9
  • +2Th 2:1
  • +Joh 14:3; 17:24; 2Co 5:8; Php 1:23; Re 20:6

Indexes

  • Research Guide

    Insight, Volume 2, p. 787

    The Watchtower,

    7/15/2015, pp. 18-19

    9/15/2008, p. 29

    1/1/2007, p. 28

    1/15/1993, pp. 4-6

    10/1/1986, p. 14

    Revelation Climax, pp. 103-104, 211

    Reasoning, pp. 312-317

  • Publications Index

    it-2 787; w15 7/15 18-19; w08 9/15 29; w07 1/1 28; re 103-104, 211; w93 1/15 4-6; rs 312-317; w86 10/1 14;

    g82 11/22 14-15; w79 6/15 25-26, 29-30; g79 7/22 28; w75 89; w74 254-256; w74 558-559; ka 243-244; w66 71; w64 415, 720; g64 1/8 27; sr55 109, 120; w53 280; el 228; w49 231; w47 103; tf 303; w41 27-28; w36 85; w34 24-25, 134

1 Thessalonians 4:18

Indexes

  • Research Guide

    The Watchtower,

    10/1/1986, pp. 10-14

  • Publications Index

    w86 10/1 10-14;

    w74 255; w53 280

Parallel Translations

Click a verse number to display parallel Bible verses.

General

1 Thess. 4:1Col 1:10; 1Pe 2:12
1 Thess. 4:3Joh 17:19; Eph 5:25-27; 2Th 2:13; 1Pe 1:15, 16
1 Thess. 4:31Co 5:9; Eph 5:3; Heb 12:16; 13:4
1 Thess. 4:4Col 3:5; 2Ti 2:22
1 Thess. 4:4Ro 6:19
1 Thess. 4:51Co 6:18; Eph 5:5
1 Thess. 4:5Ps 79:6; Eph 4:17, 19; 1Pe 4:3
1 Thess. 4:7Heb 12:14; 1Pe 1:15, 16
1 Thess. 4:81Co 6:18, 19
1 Thess. 4:81Jo 3:24
1 Thess. 4:9Ro 12:10
1 Thess. 4:9Joh 13:34, 35; 1Pe 1:22; 1Jo 4:21
1 Thess. 4:112Th 3:11, 12
1 Thess. 4:111Pe 4:15
1 Thess. 4:111Co 4:11, 12; Eph 4:28; 2Th 3:10; 1Ti 5:8
1 Thess. 4:12Ro 12:17
1 Thess. 4:13Joh 11:11; Ac 7:59, 60; 1Co 15:6
1 Thess. 4:131Co 15:32
1 Thess. 4:14Ro 14:9; 1Co 15:3, 4
1 Thess. 4:141Co 15:22, 23; Php 3:20, 21; 2Th 2:1; Re 20:4
1 Thess. 4:16Jude 9
1 Thess. 4:161Co 15:51, 52
1 Thess. 4:17Ac 1:9
1 Thess. 4:172Th 2:1
1 Thess. 4:17Joh 14:3; 17:24; 2Co 5:8; Php 1:23; Re 20:6
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New World Translation of the Holy Scriptures (Study Edition)
1 Thessalonians 4:1-18

The First to the Thessalonians

4 Finally, brothers, just as you received instruction from us on how you should walk in order to please God,+ just as you are in fact walking, we request you and appeal to you by the Lord Jesus to keep doing it more fully. 2 For you know the instructions* we gave you through the Lord Jesus.

3 For this is the will of God, that you should be holy+ and abstain from sexual immorality.+ 4 Each one of you should know how to control his own body+ in holiness+ and honor, 5 not with greedy, uncontrolled sexual passion+ like the nations have that do not know God.+ 6 No one should go beyond proper limits and take advantage of his brother in this matter, because Jehovah exacts punishment for all these things, just as we told you previously and also strongly warned you. 7 For God has called us, not for uncleanness, but for holiness.+ 8 So, then, the man who disregards this is disregarding, not man, but God,+ who gives you his holy spirit.+

9 However, concerning brotherly love,+ you do not need us to write to you, for you yourselves are taught by God to love one another.+ 10 In fact, you are doing so toward all the brothers in all of Mac·e·doʹni·a. But we urge you, brothers, to go on doing so in fuller measure. 11 Make it your aim to live quietly+ and to mind your own business+ and to work with your hands,+ just as we instructed you, 12 so that you may walk decently in the eyes of people outside+ and not need anything.

13 Moreover, brothers, we do not want you to be ignorant* about those who are sleeping in death,+ so that you may not sorrow as the rest do who have no hope.+ 14 For if we have faith that Jesus died and rose again,+ so too God will bring with him those who have fallen asleep in death through Jesus.+ 15 For this is what we tell you by Jehovah’s word, that we the living who survive to the presence of the Lord will in no way precede those who have fallen asleep in death; 16 because the Lord himself will descend from heaven with a commanding call, with an archangel’s+ voice and with God’s trumpet, and those who are dead in union with Christ will rise first.+ 17 Afterward we the living who are surviving will, together with them, be caught away in clouds+ to meet the Lord+ in the air; and thus we will always be with the Lord.+ 18 So keep comforting one another with these words.

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