1 Thessalonians 4:15

KJV

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.

KJV (with Strong's)

For {G1063} this {G5124} we say {G3004} unto you {G5213} by {G1722} the word {G3056} of the Lord {G2962}, that {G3754} we {G2249} which {G3588} are alive {G2198} and remain {G4035} unto {G1519} the coming {G3952} of the Lord {G2962} shall {G5348} not {G3364} prevent {G5348} them which {G3588} are asleep {G2837}.

Complete Jewish Bible

When we say this, we base it on the Lord’s own word: we who remain alive when the Lord comes will certainly not take precedence over those who have died.

Berean Standard Bible

By the word of the Lord, we declare to you that we who are alive and remain until the coming of the Lord will by no means precede those who have fallen asleep.

American Standard Version

For this we say unto you by the word of the Lord, that we that are alive, that are left unto the coming of the Lord, shall in no wise precede them that are fallen asleep.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
In 1 Thessalonians 4:15, the Apostle Paul provides divine assurance to the grieving Thessalonian believers regarding the destiny of those who have died in Christ before His return. He reveals that, by the direct word of the Lord, living believers at the time of Christ's *parousia* (coming) will not precede or have any advantage over those who have "fallen asleep" (died) in faith. This verse serves as a foundational declaration of equality in resurrection, offering profound comfort and correcting misconceptions about the sequence of events at the Lord's glorious advent.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is an integral part of Paul's extended teaching on eschatology in 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18. The preceding verses, [1 Thessalonians 4:13-14](/1_thessalonians/4-13-14 "Paul's Comfort for Grieving Believers"), introduce the problem: the Thessalonians were distressed about believers who had died, fearing they would miss out on Christ's return. Paul addresses their ignorance and sorrow, grounding his comfort in the belief that "Jesus died and rose again" and that God will bring those who have "fallen asleep" with Him. Verse 15 then initiates the explanation of *how* this will happen, setting the stage for the dramatic description of the Lord's descent, the resurrection of the dead, and the rapture of the living in [1 Thessalonians 4:16-17](/1_thessalonians/4-16-17 "The Lord's Descent and the Gathering of Believers"). The entire passage culminates in the exhortation to "comfort one another with these words" in [1 Thessalonians 4:18](/1_thessalonians/4-18 "Exhortation to Comfort One Another").
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The Thessalonian church was relatively young, founded amidst persecution, and grappling with various theological questions, particularly concerning the end times. In the Greco-Roman world, death was often viewed with despair, as a final and irreversible separation. For new converts, the Christian hope of resurrection was a radical departure from their pagan backgrounds. Their anxiety stemmed from a genuine concern that their departed loved ones, having died before Christ's anticipated return, would be disadvantaged or excluded from the glorious event. Paul's emphasis on "the word of the Lord" (G3056, G2962) was crucial, as it distinguished his teaching from human speculation or philosophical debate, lending divine authority to his message and directly addressing their specific anxieties with a certain hope. The concept of *parousia* (G3952), while used for the arrival of dignitaries in the secular world, takes on profound theological significance here, referring to the majestic and authoritative return of Christ.
* **Key Themes:** [1 Thessalonians 4](/1_thessalonians/4 "1 Thessalonians 4 - Living a Holy Life and the Lord's Coming") is rich in eschatological themes. This verse specifically contributes to the themes of **Divine Authority**, as Paul explicitly states his message comes "by the word of the Lord," underscoring the divine inspiration and certainty of what he is about to reveal concerning the Lord's return. This lends absolute weight to his prophecy. Another key theme is **The Lord's Coming ( _Parousia_ )**, referring to His glorious return, which is central to Christian hope and belief in the [second coming of Jesus Christ](/acts/1-11 "Acts 1:11 - Christ's Promised Return"). The most prominent theme is **Equality in Resurrection**, as the core message is that living believers "shall not prevent them which are asleep." This means those alive at Christ's return will not precede or have any advantage over those who have died in faith. All believers, living and dead, will participate in the same glorious event. Ultimately, the passage is about **Comfort and Hope**, assuring the grieving that their loved ones who have died in Christ are not forgotten but will be resurrected and united with the Lord, alleviating sorrow and fostering a hopeful anticipation of the future.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Word (Greek, _lógos'_):** (G3056) From the verb "to lay forth," this term signifies something said, including the thought, a topic, reasoning, or even the Divine Expression (Christ). Here, "by the word of the Lord" emphasizes that Paul's message is not his own conjecture but a direct revelation from God, carrying ultimate authority and truth. It underscores the divine origin and certainty of the eschatological teaching.
* **Coming (Greek, _parousía'_):** (G3952) Derived from "being near," this word denotes an "arrival," "presence," or "coming." In ancient secular contexts, it often described the official visit of a king or dignitary, implying majesty, authority, and a significant event. In biblical eschatology, it refers specifically to the glorious, visible, and authoritative return of Christ, marking the culmination of God's redemptive plan.
* **Prevent (Greek, _phthánō'_):** (G5348) This primary verb means "to be beforehand," "anticipate," or "precede." In the KJV, its meaning is closer to its Latin root *praevenire*, which means "to come before." Therefore, the verse asserts that the living will not "go before" or "precede" the dead in the sequence of events at Christ's return, ensuring no one misses out.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"For this we say unto you by the word of the Lord":** Paul introduces his statement with an emphatic declaration of divine authority. He is not offering a personal opinion or theological speculation, but rather a direct revelation received from the Lord Himself. This phrase establishes the absolute certainty and trustworthiness of the information that follows, intended to dispel doubt and provide unwavering comfort.
* **"that we which are alive and remain unto the coming of the Lord":** This clause identifies the group of believers who will be living at the specific moment of Christ's *parousia*. "Alive and remain" refers to those who survive until that glorious advent, highlighting their presence on earth when the Lord returns. The phrase "unto the coming of the Lord" specifies the precise eschatological event to which Paul refers, emphasizing its future, definitive nature.
* **"shall not prevent them which are asleep":** This is the core message of reassurance. The word "prevent" (G5348, *phthánō*) in KJV English means "to precede" or "to go before," not "to hinder" as in modern usage. Thus, Paul assures the Thessalonians that living believers will *not* have an advantage or precede those who have died in Christ. The term "asleep" (G2837, *koimáō*) is a common biblical euphemism for the death of believers, emphasizing that death is a temporary, sleep-like state from which they will awaken through resurrection, rather than an eternal end. This ensures that the deceased believers will participate fully in the Lord's return, alongside the living.

#### Literary Devices
Paul employs several literary devices to convey his message with clarity and impact. The most prominent is **Euphemism**, seen in the phrase "them which are asleep" (G2837, *koimáō*). This gentle term for the death of believers softens the harsh reality of physical demise, transforming it into a temporary state akin to slumber, from which one will awaken. This choice of language underscores the Christian hope of resurrection, contrasting sharply with the despair often associated with death in the ancient world. Furthermore, the passage utilizes **Authoritative Declaration**, as Paul explicitly states, "For this we say unto you by the word of the Lord." This direct appeal to divine revelation elevates the message above mere human teaching, entitling it with unquestionable truth and certainty. The **Contrast** between "we which are alive and remain" and "them which are asleep" highlights the two groups of believers who will be affected by Christ's coming, setting up the crucial point of their equal participation.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
1 Thessalonians 4:15 is a pivotal verse in Christian eschatology, establishing a foundational truth about the resurrection and the *parousia* of Christ. It assures believers that death does not disenfranchise those who have died in Christ from participating in His glorious return. The theological implication is profound: God's redemptive plan encompasses all believers, regardless of when they die, ensuring a unified and simultaneous glorification. This truth underscores the power of Christ's resurrection, which guarantees the future resurrection of all who are in Him, providing immense comfort and hope in the face of grief and uncertainty about the future. It emphasizes the unity of the body of Christ, both living and dead, in the ultimate consummation of God's kingdom.

* [1 Corinthians 15:20-23](/1_corinthians/15-20-23 "Christ as the Firstfruits of Resurrection")
* [John 5:28-29](/john/5-28-29 "The Voice of the Son of God and Resurrection")
* [Philippians 3:20-21](/philippians/3-20-21 "Our Citizenship is in Heaven")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
This verse offers profound solace and a clear theological framework for understanding the Christian hope in the face of death. For believers today, it means that our loved ones who have died in faith are not lost or forgotten, nor have they missed out on the ultimate hope. Instead, they are merely "asleep," awaiting the glorious awakening at Christ's return, and they will be raised first. This truth should transform our perspective on grief, allowing us to mourn with hope, not as those who have no hope ([1 Thessalonians 4:13](/1_thessalonians/4-13 "Paul's Comfort for Grieving Believers")). It encourages us to live with a confident expectation of the Lord's coming, knowing that our ultimate destiny is secure in Him, and that all who are in Christ will share in His triumph. This assurance fosters a sense of unity among believers across time, reminding us that we are all part of one body, destined for eternal life with our Lord.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the assurance that deceased believers will not be "prevented" by the living impact your understanding of death and resurrection?**
* **In what ways does this verse offer comfort to you or to those you know who are grieving the loss of a loved one in Christ?**
* **How does the "word of the Lord" as the source of this revelation strengthen your faith in these eschatological truths?**

### FAQ

**What does "shall not prevent them which are asleep" mean in modern English?**

Answer: In modern English, "prevent" typically means to hinder or stop something from happening. However, in the King James Version (KJV) of 1 Thessalonians 4:15, the word "prevent" (from the Greek _phthánō_ (G5348) and Latin _praevenire_) means "to precede" or "to go before." Therefore, the phrase means that those believers who are alive at the time of the Lord's coming will *not* precede or have any advantage over those believers who have died ("fallen asleep"). Instead, the dead in Christ will rise first, ensuring that all believers, living and deceased, will participate together in the glorious event of Christ's return, as described in [1 Thessalonians 4:16-17](/1_thessalonians/4-16-17 "The Lord's Descent and the Gathering of Believers").

**Why does Paul refer to deceased believers as "asleep"?**

Answer: The term "asleep" (Greek _koimáō_ (G2837)) is a common biblical euphemism for the death of believers. It is used to convey several important theological truths. Firstly, it emphasizes that for a Christian, death is not a final end, but a temporary state, much like sleep, from which one will awaken. Secondly, it highlights the hope of future resurrection, implying that just as one wakes from sleep, believers will be raised to new life. This contrasts sharply with the pagan world's view of death as an irreversible, often terrifying, cessation of existence. Paul uses this metaphor to offer comfort and assure the Thessalonians that their departed loved ones are not lost forever but are awaiting a glorious awakening at the Lord's coming, as further explained in [1 Corinthians 15:51-52](/1_corinthians/15-51-52 "The Mystery of Resurrection").

**What is the "coming of the Lord" mentioned in this verse?**

Answer: The "coming of the Lord" refers to the Greek word _parousía_ (G3952), which signifies an "arrival," "presence," or "advent." In the New Testament, particularly in eschatological contexts, it specifically denotes the glorious, visible, and triumphant return of Jesus Christ. This event is a central tenet of Christian faith, signifying the culmination of God's redemptive plan, the resurrection of the dead in Christ, the gathering of believers, and the full establishment of His eternal kingdom. It is the blessed hope for which believers eagerly wait, as seen in passages like [Titus 2:13](/titus/2-13 "Waiting for the Blessed Hope").

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
1 Thessalonians 4:15, though focused on the sequence of events at the Lord's return, finds its ultimate Christ-centered fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Himself. The assurance that the living will not precede the dead in Christ is entirely dependent on Christ's victory over death. His own resurrection from the dead ([1 Corinthians 15:3-4](/1_corinthians/15-3-4 "Christ Died, Was Buried, and Rose Again")) is the guarantee and "firstfruits" ([1 Corinthians 15:20](/1_corinthians/15-20 "Christ, the Firstfruits of Those Who Sleep")) of the resurrection for all who believe in Him. It is because Jesus "died and rose again" ([1 Thessalonians 4:14](/1_thessalonians/4-14 "God Will Bring with Him Those Who Sleep in Jesus")) that those who have "fallen asleep in Jesus" will be brought with Him. The "coming of the Lord" (G3952) is the *parousia* of Christ, the very one who conquered sin and death, and who promises to return to gather His own unto Himself ([John 14:3](/john/14-3 "Jesus Promises to Return")). Therefore, this verse is not merely about a future event, but about the sovereign power and faithful promise of Christ, who unites all believers, living and dead, in His glorious triumph, ensuring that no one in Him will ever be lost or left behind ([John 6:39-40](/john/6-39-40 "Jesus Will Raise Them Up on the Last Day")).

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

1 Corinthians 15:51

¶ Behold, I shew you a mystery; We shall not all sleep, but we shall all be changed,

1 Corinthians 15:53

For this corruptible must put on incorruption, and this mortal [must] put on immortality.

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 2:19

For what [is] our hope, or joy, or crown of rejoicing? [Are] not even ye in the presence of our Lord Jesus Christ at his coming?

Psalms 88:13

But unto thee have I cried, O LORD; and in the morning shall my prayer prevent thee.

1 Kings 13:17

For it was said to me by the word of the LORD, Thou shalt eat no bread nor drink water there, nor turn again to go by the way that thou camest.

1 Kings 13:18

He said unto him, I [am] a prophet also as thou [art]; and an angel spake unto me by the word of the LORD, saying, Bring him back with thee into thine house, that he may eat bread and drink water. [But] he lied unto him.