1 Thessalonians 4:13

KJV

¶ But I would not have you to be ignorant, brethren, concerning them which are asleep, that ye sorrow not, even as others which have no hope.

KJV (with Strong's)

But {G1161} I would {G2309} not {G3756} have {G2309} you {G5209} to be ignorant {G50}, brethren {G80}, concerning {G4012} them which are asleep {G2837}, that {G3363} ye sorrow {G3076} not {G3363}, even {G2532} as {G2531} others {G3062} which {G3588} have {G2192} no {G3361} hope {G1680}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Now, brothers, we want you to know the truth about those who have died; otherwise, you might become sad the way other people

Berean Standard Bible

Brothers, we do not want you to be uninformed about those who sleep in death, so that you will not grieve like the rest, who are without hope.

American Standard Version

But we would not have you ignorant, brethren, concerning them that fall asleep; that ye sorrow not, even as the rest, who have no hope.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
The Apostle Paul, in 1 Thessalonians 4:13, addresses a profound concern within the early Christian community in Thessalonica regarding the fate of believers who had died before the Lord's return. His primary aim is to dispel their ignorance and provide comfort, ensuring they do not grieve without hope, unlike those in the pagan world who lacked a clear understanding of resurrection and eternal life. This verse serves as a foundational statement for Paul's subsequent teaching on the *Parousia* and the resurrection of believers.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse initiates a crucial eschatological section in [1 Thessalonians 4:13-18](/1_thessalonians/4-13-18 "1 Thessalonians 4:13-18 - The Return of the Lord and the Resurrection"). Prior to this, Paul has been commending the Thessalonians for their faith, love, and endurance, while also providing ethical instructions on living a life pleasing to God, particularly concerning sexual purity and brotherly love ([1 Thessalonians 4:1-12](/1_thessalonians/4-1-12 "1 Thessalonians 4:1-12 - Exhortations to Holy Living")). The abrupt shift to the topic of deceased believers suggests that this was a pressing issue or a specific question that had arisen within the community, perhaps due to recent deaths among their number. Paul's response is designed to correct theological misunderstanding and offer pastoral comfort, leading into a detailed description of the Lord's coming and the reunion of all believers.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The Thessalonian church was relatively young, founded by Paul during his second missionary journey ([Acts 17:1-9](/acts/17-1-9 "Acts 17:1-9 - Paul's Ministry in Thessalonica")). They were primarily Gentile converts, emerging from a pagan background where death was often viewed with despair and finality. Greek and Roman funerary practices and philosophies, such as Epicureanism or Stoicism, offered little to no hope of personal resurrection or a joyful afterlife, often emphasizing the dissolution of the body and soul. Consequently, grief in the pagan world was typically characterized by unrestrained sorrow, wailing, and a sense of permanent loss. The Thessalonian believers, having recently embraced Christianity, likely struggled to reconcile their newfound hope in Christ with the deep-seated cultural norms of grieving, especially concerning those who died before Christ's anticipated return. They feared that their deceased loved ones might miss out on the blessings of the *Parousia*.
* **Key Themes:** The passage contributes significantly to several key themes within [1 Thessalonians](/1_thessalonians/1 "The Book of 1 Thessalonians"). Foremost is **Eschatology**, particularly the doctrine of the *Parousia* (the coming or presence of Christ), which is a pervasive theme throughout the letter, often linked to the Thessalonians' suffering and endurance ([1 Thessalonians 1:9-10](/1_thessalonians/1-9-10 "1 Thessalonians 1:9-10 - Waiting for God's Son")). This verse also highlights the theme of **Christian Hope**, contrasting the confident expectation of believers with the hopelessness of the pagan world. Paul emphasizes that Christian hope is not wishful thinking but a firm assurance rooted in the resurrection of Jesus Himself ([1 Thessalonians 4:14](/1_thessalonians/4-14 "1 Thessalonians 4:14 - God will bring with Jesus those who have fallen asleep")). Finally, the passage addresses **Pastoral Comfort and Instruction**, as Paul seeks to alleviate anxiety and provide theological clarity, demonstrating his deep care for the spiritual well-being of the church. The distinct nature of Christian grief—sorrow, yet not without hope—is a central message.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **asleep (Greek, _koimáō'_):** From G2837, meaning "to put to sleep, i.e. (passively or reflexively) to decease." This is a crucial euphemism consistently used in the New Testament for the death of believers. It signifies a temporary state of rest, implying a future awakening or resurrection, rather than a permanent end. This metaphor directly counters the pagan view of death as annihilation.
* **sorrow (Greek, _lypéō'_):** From G3076, meaning "to distress; reflexively or passively, to be sad." This word describes the natural human emotion of grief and sadness. Paul does not forbid sorrow itself, acknowledging its inevitability in loss, but rather qualifies it. The emphasis is on the *manner* and *nature* of the sorrow, distinguishing it from the despair of those without spiritual hope.
* **hope (Greek, _elpís'_):** From G1680, meaning "expectation (abstractly or concretely) or confidence." In a biblical context, this is not a mere wish or uncertainty, but a confident and assured expectation rooted in God's promises and the reality of Christ's resurrection. It is a theological virtue, a firm conviction about future divine blessings, particularly eternal life and reunion with Christ and fellow believers.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"But I would not have you to be ignorant, brethren, concerning them which are asleep":** Paul begins with a strong pastoral declaration, signaling an important correction or clarification. The phrase "I would not have you to be ignorant" (οὐ θέλω ὑμᾶς ἀγνοεῖν) is a common Pauline idiom used to introduce a vital piece of teaching that addresses a misunderstanding or lack of knowledge. He directly addresses the believers as "brethren" (ἀδελφοί), emphasizing their shared spiritual family and his affectionate concern. The subject of their ignorance is "them which are asleep" (τοὺς κοιμωμένους), referring to deceased Christians, using the gentle metaphor of sleep to denote their temporary state.
* **"that ye sorrow not, even as others which have no hope."** This clause presents the purpose of Paul's instruction: to prevent a specific kind of sorrow. The negative command "that ye sorrow not" (ἵνα μὴ λυπῆσθε) does not prohibit grief entirely, but rather grief *like that of others who have no hope*. The comparison "even as others which have no hope" (καθὼς καὶ οἱ λοιποὶ οἱ μὴ ἔχοντες ἐλπίδα) highlights the stark contrast between Christian and pagan grieving. "Others" (οἱ λοιποὶ) refers to non-believers, particularly those in the surrounding pagan culture who lacked any concept of resurrection or a meaningful afterlife, and thus experienced unmitigated despair in the face of death. Christian sorrow, while real, is tempered by a confident expectation of future reunion and resurrection.

#### Literary Devices
Paul employs several effective literary devices in this verse. The most prominent is **Euphemism**, using "asleep" (κοιμάομαι) to describe the death of believers. This gentle term softens the harsh reality of death and immediately introduces a theological perspective that views death not as an end, but as a temporary state preceding an awakening. This euphemism sets a comforting and hopeful tone for the entire passage. Secondly, Paul utilizes **Contrast**, explicitly drawing a distinction between the sorrow of believers and the sorrow of "others which have no hope." This highlights the unique nature of Christian grief, which, while real, is fundamentally different due to the presence of an assured future hope. Finally, there is an element of **Didacticism** or direct instruction, as Paul states his intention "not to have you to be ignorant," signaling his role as a teacher providing essential theological clarity.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
[1 Thessalonians 4:13](/1_thessalonians/4-13 "1 Thessalonians 4:13 - Paul's Comfort for Grieving Believers") serves as a cornerstone for understanding the Christian perspective on death and the afterlife. It establishes that while grief is a natural human response to loss, the believer's sorrow is fundamentally transformed by the reality of Christ's resurrection and the promise of future reunion. This hope is not a mere wish, but a confident assurance rooted in God's faithfulness and power. It underscores the unique identity of the Christian community, set apart from the despair of the world by their living hope in Christ. This verse sets the stage for Paul's detailed explanation of the *Parousia* and the resurrection of believers, emphasizing that those who have died in Christ will not be disadvantaged but will be raised first to meet the Lord.

* [Romans 8:24-25](/romans/8-24-25 "Romans 8:24-25 - Hope that is Seen and Unseen")
* [1 Corinthians 15:51-57](/1_corinthians/15-51-57 "1 Corinthians 15:51-57 - Victory Over Death")
* [Titus 2:13](/titus/2-13 "Titus 2:13 - Our Blessed Hope")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
[1 Thessalonians 4:13](/1_thessalonians/4-13 "1 Thessalonians 4:13 - Paul's Comfort for Grieving Believers") offers profound comfort and a distinctive framework for understanding and experiencing grief. In a world where death often brings despair and a sense of ultimate finality, this verse reminds believers that their experience of loss, while painful, is not without a profound and certain hope. We are permitted to sorrow, for grief is a natural and healthy human response to separation, but our sorrow is tempered by the knowledge that death for the Christian is but a temporary sleep, a transition awaiting a glorious awakening. This truth should empower us to grieve authentically, yet with an underlying peace and confidence that our loved ones who have died in Christ are not lost forever, but are awaiting reunion with us and with the Lord. It calls us to live with an eternal perspective, valuing our time on earth while eagerly anticipating the blessed hope of Christ's return and the resurrection.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the understanding of death as "sleep" change your perspective on grieving the loss of a loved one who was a believer?**
* **In what ways does your hope in Christ's return and the resurrection differ from the "no hope" Paul describes?**
* **How can you practically apply the truth of this verse to comfort yourself or others who are experiencing sorrow due to death?**

### FAQ

**Does "asleep" mean that believers are unconscious until Christ's return?**

Answer: The term "asleep" (κοιμάομαι) is a consistent biblical euphemism for the death of believers, emphasizing its temporary nature and the certainty of future awakening (resurrection). It does not necessarily imply unconsciousness of the soul. Other New Testament passages suggest that the spirits of deceased believers are immediately in the presence of the Lord ([2 Corinthians 5:8](/2_corinthians/5-8 "2 Corinthians 5:8 - Absent from the Body, Present with the Lord"), [Philippians 1:23](/philippians/1-23 "Philippians 1:23 - To Depart and Be with Christ")). The "sleep" refers to the body resting in the grave, awaiting resurrection, while the spirit is with Christ. The primary theological point is that death is not the end, but a transition, awaiting the full restoration of body and soul at the Lord's return.

**What is the difference between Christian sorrow and the sorrow of "others who have no hope"?**

Answer: The fundamental difference lies in the presence or absence of a confident expectation of future life and reunion. The "others" Paul refers to are those, typically pagans in his context, who lacked a clear understanding of resurrection or a meaningful afterlife. Their sorrow was often characterized by despair, finality, and an absence of future hope. Christian sorrow, while real and deeply felt, is tempered by the assured hope of resurrection and eternal life through Jesus Christ. Believers grieve the separation, but they do so with the knowledge that death is not the ultimate victor and that reunion with Christ and fellow believers is certain ([1 Thessalonians 4:14-17](/1_thessalonians/4-14-17 "1 Thessalonians 4:14-17 - The Lord's Descent and Resurrection")). This hope transforms the nature of their grief, allowing for peace amidst the pain.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
[1 Thessalonians 4:13](/1_thessalonians/4-13 "1 Thessalonians 4:13 - Paul's Comfort for Grieving Believers") finds its ultimate fulfillment and foundation in the person and work of Jesus Christ. The hope that distinguishes Christian sorrow from the world's despair is entirely predicated on Christ's victory over death. It is because Jesus Himself died and rose again ([1 Corinthians 15:3-4](/1_corinthians/15-3-4 "1 Corinthians 15:3-4 - Christ's Death and Resurrection")) that believers can have a confident expectation of their own resurrection. Paul explicitly states in the very next verse that "God will bring with Jesus those who have fallen asleep in him" ([1 Thessalonians 4:14](/1_thessalonians/4-14 "1 Thessalonians 4:14 - God will bring with Jesus those who have fallen asleep")). Christ is the "firstfruits of those who are asleep" ([1 Corinthians 15:20](/1_corinthians/15-20 "1 Corinthians 15:20 - Christ, the Firstfruits")), inaugurating the new creation and conquering the power of the grave. His resurrection is the guarantee of ours, transforming death from a final enemy into a temporary sleep, a passage to eternal life in His presence. Thus, our hope in the face of death is not a vague optimism, but a concrete assurance rooted in the historical reality and ongoing power of the crucified and risen Lord, who holds the keys of death and Hades ([Revelation 1:18](/revelation/1-18 "Revelation 1:18 - Jesus, the Living One")).

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Daniel 12:2

And many of them that sleep in the dust of the earth shall awake, some to everlasting life, and some to shame [and] everlasting contempt.

1 Thessalonians 4:15

For this we say unto you by the word of the Lord, that we which are alive [and] remain unto the coming of the Lord shall not prevent them which are asleep.

1 Corinthians 15:18

Then they also which are fallen asleep in Christ are perished.

1 Corinthians 15:19

If in this life only we have hope in Christ, we are of all men most miserable.

1 Thessalonians 5:10

Who died for us, that, whether we wake or sleep, we should live together with him.

Ephesians 2:12

That at that time ye were without Christ, being aliens from the commonwealth of Israel, and strangers from the covenants of promise, having no hope, and without God in the world:

2 Peter 3:4

And saying, Where is the promise of his coming? for since the fathers fell asleep, all things continue as [they were] from the beginning of the creation.