1 Thessalonians 4:14

KJV

For if we believe that Jesus died and rose again, even so them also which sleep in Jesus will God bring with him.

KJV (with Strong's)

For {G1063} if {G1487} we believe {G4100} that {G3754} Jesus {G2424} died {G599} and {G2532} rose again {G450}, even so {G3779} them also {G2532} which sleep {G2837} in {G1223} Jesus {G2424} will {G71} God {G2316} bring {G71} with {G4862} him {G846}.

Complete Jewish Bible

do who have nothing to hope for. For since we believe that Yeshua died and rose again, we also believe that in the same way God, through Yeshua, will take with him those who have died.

Berean Standard Bible

For since we believe that Jesus died and rose again, we also believe that God will bring with Jesus those who have fallen asleep in Him.

American Standard Version

For if we believe that Jesus died and rose again, even so them also that are fallen asleep in Jesus will God bring with him.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
1 Thessalonians 4:14 offers profound assurance to grieving believers, anchoring their hope for deceased loved ones in the foundational truth of Jesus Christ's death and resurrection. It declares that just as Christ triumphed over death, so too will God, at Christ's return, bring with Him those who have died in faith, ensuring their participation in the glorious future resurrection and eternal fellowship with the Lord. This verse serves as a pivotal statement on Christian eschatology, transforming sorrow into a confident expectation of reunion and ultimate victory over death.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is a crucial part of Paul's extended teaching on the Parousia, the second coming of Christ, which begins in [1 Thessalonians 4:13](/1_thessalonians/4-13 "1 Thessalonians 4:13 - Paul's Instruction on Those Who Sleep"). The Thessalonian believers were distressed and confused about the fate of their fellow Christians who had died before Christ's anticipated return. They feared their deceased loved ones might miss out on the blessings of the Lord's coming. Paul addresses this directly, aiming to alleviate their sorrow and provide a clear, hopeful understanding of resurrection and reunion. The verses immediately following, [1 Thessalonians 4:15-18](/1_thessalonians/4-15-18 "1 Thessalonians 4:15-18 - The Lord's Descent and the Resurrection"), elaborate on the mechanics of Christ's return and the resurrection event, with [1 Thessalonians 4:14](/1_thessalonians/4-14 "1 Thessalonians 4:14 - The Hope of Resurrection") serving as the theological premise for that detailed explanation.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The church in Thessalonica was a relatively young community, established during Paul's second missionary journey (Acts 17). As new converts from paganism, they lacked a developed understanding of Christian eschatology, particularly concerning death and the afterlife. Unlike their pagan neighbors who grieved without hope, the Thessalonians, though believers, were still struggling with the concept of death in light of Christ's imminent return. The prevailing Greco-Roman philosophies often viewed the body as a prison and its dissolution as a release, but offered little hope for bodily resurrection. Jewish thought, while having a concept of resurrection, was diverse. Paul's teaching here provides a distinctly Christian perspective, rooted in the unique event of Christ's resurrection, offering a hope fundamentally different from either pagan despair or traditional Jewish expectations.
* **Key Themes:** [1 Thessalonians 4](/1_thessalonians/4 "1 Thessalonians 4 - Living a Holy Life and the Lord's Coming") contributes significantly to several major theological themes. The **Centrality of Christ's Resurrection** is paramount, as the entire Christian hope for the future is predicated on Jesus' victory over death, as seen in [1 Corinthians 15:20-23](/1_corinthians/15-20-23 "1 Corinthians 15:20-23 - Christ, the Firstfruits of Resurrection"). This verse also highlights the **Hope for Deceased Believers**, assuring that death is not a final separation but a temporary "sleep" for those united with Christ, a concept also found in [John 11:11-13](/john/11-11-13 "John 11:11-13 - Jesus Speaks of Lazarus's Sleep"). Furthermore, the theme of **God's Sovereign Action in Bringing Believers** underscores divine faithfulness and power in fulfilling His promises, emphasizing that the ultimate reunion is a work of God, not dependent on human timing or understanding. This passage also addresses the broader theme of **Comfort and Encouragement** in the face of grief, providing a theological basis for enduring sorrow with Christian hope, as Paul explicitly states in [1 Thessalonians 4:18](/1_thessalonians/4-18 "1 Thessalonians 4:18 - Comfort One Another with These Words").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **believe (Greek, _pisteúō'_):** From G4100, meaning "to have faith (in, upon, or with respect to, a person or thing), i.e., credit; by implication, to entrust (especially one's spiritual well-being to Christ)." In this context, "believe" signifies not merely intellectual assent to the facts of Jesus' death and resurrection, but a deep, trusting reliance upon Him. This active faith is the prerequisite for the promise that follows, indicating a personal union with Christ that extends beyond physical death.
* **sleep (Greek, _koimáō'_):** From G2837, meaning "to put to sleep, i.e. (passively or reflexively) to slumber; figuratively, to decease." This term is a common biblical euphemism for the death of believers. It highlights the temporary nature of death for those in Christ, implying a peaceful rest from which they will awaken, much like one awakens from sleep. It contrasts sharply with the finality of death as understood by those without hope, underscoring the certainty of future resurrection.
* **bring (Greek, _ágō'_):** From G71, meaning "properly, to lead; by implication, to bring, drive, (reflexively) go, (specially) pass (time), or (figuratively) induce." Here, "bring" conveys God's active and powerful role in leading or accompanying deceased believers. It suggests that at Christ's return, God will not only raise them but will also present them, or bring them along with Christ, into His glorious presence, signifying their full participation in the eschatological triumph.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"For if we believe that Jesus died and rose again":** This opening clause establishes the bedrock of Christian hope. The "if" (G1487, _ei_) here functions not as an expression of doubt, but as a statement of logical premise, akin to "since" or "because." The belief in Jesus' historical death (G599, _apothnḗskō_) and powerful resurrection (G450, _anístēmi_) is the non-negotiable foundation of the gospel and the guarantee of future resurrection for believers. It links the believer's destiny directly to Christ's own triumph over death.
* **"even so them also which sleep in Jesus":** "Even so" (G3779, _hoútō_) indicates a direct correspondence or parallel. Just as Jesus died and rose, so too will those who "sleep in Jesus" experience a similar triumph. "Sleep in Jesus" (G2837, _koimáō_ G1223, _diá_ G2424, _Iēsoûs_) is a tender and hopeful euphemism for believers who have died. The phrase "in Jesus" signifies their spiritual union with Christ, indicating that their death does not sever this vital connection but rather confirms their ultimate security and participation in His victory.
* **"will God bring with him.":** This final clause provides the ultimate assurance. It is God (G2316, _theós_) who will perform this sovereign act. The verb "bring" (G71, _ágō_) implies a powerful, purposeful action. "With him" (G4862, _sýn_ G846, _autós_) refers to Christ. This means that when Christ returns, God will bring the resurrected believers along with Christ, ensuring their presence and participation in the glorious event. It does not mean their spirits are brought back from heaven, but rather that their resurrected bodies will be united with their spirits, and they will be present with the returning Lord.

#### Literary Devices
The verse employs several significant literary devices. **Euphemism** is prominently used in the phrase "sleep in Jesus" (G2837, _koimáō_). This gentle term for death among believers serves to soften the harsh reality of physical demise, transforming it from a fearful end into a temporary, peaceful rest with the promise of awakening. This contrasts starkly with the finality of death in a pagan worldview. Furthermore, there is a clear **Parallelism** established between Jesus' death and resurrection and the future experience of believers. The structure "if we believe that Jesus died and rose again, even so them also which sleep in Jesus will God bring with him" creates a symmetrical relationship, emphasizing that Christ's victory is the direct pattern and guarantee for His followers. This also functions as a powerful **Argument from Analogy**, where the known truth of Christ's resurrection provides the logical basis for believing in the future resurrection of His people.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
1 Thessalonians 4:14 is a cornerstone of Christian eschatology, offering a profound theological statement on the nature of death for believers and the certainty of future resurrection. It firmly establishes that the resurrection of believers is not merely a possibility but a divine certainty, directly grounded in the historical and theological reality of Jesus' own resurrection. This verse assures us that death does not separate believers from Christ's ultimate triumph but rather marks a transition into a state of rest, awaiting a glorious reunion. It underscores God's faithfulness to His covenant people and His power to overcome even death, ensuring that those united with Christ in life will also be united with Him in His glorious return. The hope presented here is not a vague wish but a confident expectation rooted in the very character and power of God.

* [Romans 8:11](/romans/8-11 "Romans 8:11 - The Spirit Will Give Life to Your Mortal Bodies")
* [1 Corinthians 15:20](/1_corinthians/15-20 "1 Corinthians 15:20 - Christ, the Firstfruits")
* [John 14:19](/john/14-19 "John 14:19 - Because I Live, You Also Will Live")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
This verse offers immense comfort and profound hope, especially in times of grief and loss. It transforms our understanding of death from a feared enemy into a temporary transition for those who are in Christ. For those mourning the loss of a loved one who died in faith, [1 Thessalonians 4:14](/1_thessalonians/4-14 "1 Thessalonians 4:14 - The Hope of Resurrection") provides the assurance that their loved one is not lost forever but is "asleep in Jesus," awaiting a glorious awakening and reunion. This truth should empower believers to grieve with hope, not as those who have no hope (as Paul states in [1 Thessalonians 4:13](/1_thessalonians/4-13 "1 Thessalonians 4:13 - Grieving with Hope")). It calls us to live with an eternal perspective, knowing that our present sufferings are temporary and that a future of perfect fellowship with Christ and fellow believers awaits. Our belief in Jesus' resurrection is not just an intellectual assent but the living hope that guarantees our own future. This should motivate us to live lives worthy of this hope, sharing the good news of Christ's victory over death with a world that desperately needs it.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the truth of Jesus' resurrection personally impact your hope regarding death?**
* **In what ways does knowing that deceased believers "sleep in Jesus" change your perspective on grief?**
* **How can you use the comfort found in this verse to encourage others who are grieving?**

### FAQ

**Does "sleep in Jesus" mean that the souls of believers are unconscious until the resurrection?**

Answer: No, the term "sleep" (G2837, _koimáō_) is a common biblical euphemism for the physical death of believers, emphasizing its temporary nature and the certainty of future awakening through resurrection. It does not imply soul sleep or an unconscious state. Other New Testament passages indicate that the spirits of believers go immediately to be with the Lord upon death. For example, Paul states in [2 Corinthians 5:8](/2_corinthians/5-8 "2 Corinthians 5:8 - Absent from the Body, Present with the Lord") that to be "absent from the body" is to be "present with the Lord." Similarly, Jesus assured the penitent thief on the cross, "Today you will be with me in Paradise" ([Luke 23:43](/luke/23-43 "Luke 23:43 - Today You Will Be with Me in Paradise")). Therefore, "sleep" refers to the body resting in the grave, awaiting resurrection, while the spirit is alive and conscious with Christ.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
1 Thessalonians 4:14 finds its ultimate fulfillment and meaning in the person and work of Jesus Christ. His resurrection is not merely a historical event but the **firstfruits** of all who will rise, as powerfully articulated in [1 Corinthians 15:20-23](/1_corinthians/15-20-23 "1 Corinthians 15:20-23 - Christ, the Firstfruits of Resurrection"). Jesus' victory over death, hell, and the grave (as foreshadowed in [Revelation 1:18](/revelation/1-18 "Revelation 1:18 - I Hold the Keys of Death and Hades")) guarantees the future resurrection of all who believe in Him. He is the **resurrection and the life** ([John 11:25](/john/11-25 "John 11:25 - I Am the Resurrection and the Life")), and because He lives, those united with Him by faith will also live ([John 14:19](/john/14-19 "John 14:19 - Because I Live, You Also Will Live")). The promise that God will "bring with him" those who "sleep in Jesus" means that at Christ's glorious return, He will not come alone, but will be accompanied by His redeemed, resurrected people. This profound truth underscores that our hope is not in an abstract concept of immortality, but in the living, reigning Christ, who has overcome death and holds the keys to eternal life, ensuring that all who are "in Christ" will share in His ultimate triumph and eternal glory ([Romans 8:11](/romans/8-11 "Romans 8:11 - The Spirit Will Give Life to Your Mortal Bodies")).

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

Romans 8:11

But if the Spirit of him that raised up Jesus from the dead dwell in you, he that raised up Christ from the dead shall also quicken your mortal bodies by his Spirit that dwelleth in you.

Isaiah 26:19

Thy dead [men] shall live, [together with] my dead body shall they arise. Awake and sing, ye that dwell in dust: for thy dew [is as] the dew of herbs, and the earth shall cast out the dead.

Philippians 3:20

For our conversation is in heaven; from whence also we look for the Saviour, the Lord Jesus Christ:

Philippians 3:21

Who shall change our vile body, that it may be fashioned like unto his glorious body, according to the working whereby he is able even to subdue all things unto himself.

2 Corinthians 4:13

We having the same spirit of faith, according as it is written, I believed, and therefore have I spoken; we also believe, and therefore speak;

2 Corinthians 4:14

Knowing that he which raised up the Lord Jesus shall raise up us also by Jesus, and shall present [us] with you.

1 Thessalonians 4:13

¶ 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.