1 Thessalonians 4:17

Then we which are alive [and] remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds, to meet the Lord in the air: and so shall we ever be with the Lord.

Then {G1899} we {G2249} which {G3588} are alive {G2198} and remain {G4035} shall be caught up {G726} together {G260} with {G4862} them {G846} in {G1722} the clouds {G3507}, to {G1519} meet {G529} the Lord {G2962} in {G1519} the air {G109}: and {G2532} so {G3779} shall we {G2071} ever {G3842} be {G2071} with {G4862} the Lord {G2962}.

then we who are left still alive will be caught up with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air; and thus we will always be with the Lord.

After that, we who are alive and remain will be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air. And so we will always be with the Lord.

then we that are alive, that are left, shall together with them be caught up in the clouds, to meet the Lord in the air: and so shall we ever be with the Lord.

Commentary

1 Thessalonians 4:17 (KJV)

Then we which are alive [and] remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds, to meet the Lord in the air: and so shall we ever be with the Lord.

Commentary

This verse is a pivotal part of Paul's teaching to the Thessalonian believers regarding the return of Jesus Christ. They were concerned about the fate of fellow Christians who had died before Christ's return. Paul assures them that those who have died in Christ will rise first, and then those who are still alive will join them.

The key theme here is the future "catching up" or "rapture" of believers. Paul describes a dramatic event where living believers will be transformed and ascend to meet the resurrected saints and the Lord Jesus in the air. This is not the final descent of Christ to establish His earthly kingdom (described elsewhere, e.g., Zechariah 14:4, Acts 1:11), but a meeting "in the air."

The phrase "caught up" translates the Greek word harpazo (ἁρπάζω), which means to seize, snatch away, or carry off by force. This is the word from which the Latin Vulgate translation uses raptura, giving us the English term "rapture." It signifies a sudden, powerful removal.

The ultimate promise and assurance in this verse is that after this meeting, believers "shall we ever be with the Lord." This is the glorious and eternal destiny of those who belong to Christ – unbroken fellowship and presence with Him.

This passage brings immense comfort and hope, reminding believers that death is not the end and that a glorious reunion with Christ and with loved ones who died in faith awaits. It is a powerful motivation for living in readiness for His return (see 1 Thessalonians 4:18).

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Cross-References

  • 1 Corinthians 15:52 (38 votes)

    In a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trump: for the trumpet shall sound, and the dead shall be raised incorruptible, and we shall be changed.

  • Revelation 11:12 (30 votes)

    And they heard a great voice from heaven saying unto them, Come up hither. And they ascended up to heaven in a cloud; and their enemies beheld them.

  • John 14:3 (22 votes)

    And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again, and receive you unto myself; that where I am, [there] ye may be also.

  • 1 Thessalonians 4:15 (15 votes)

    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.

  • Revelation 7:14 (14 votes)

    And I said unto him, Sir, thou knowest. And he said to me, These are they which came out of great tribulation, and have washed their robes, and made them white in the blood of the Lamb.

  • Revelation 7:17 (14 votes)

    For the Lamb which is in the midst of the throne shall feed them, and shall lead them unto living fountains of waters: and God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes.

  • Revelation 1:7 (13 votes)

    Behold, he cometh with clouds; and every eye shall see him, and they [also] which pierced him: and all kindreds of the earth shall wail because of him. Even so, Amen.