1 Thessalonians 4:18

KJV

Wherefore comfort one another with these words.

KJV (with Strong's)

Wherefore {G5620} comfort {G3870} one another {G240} with {G1722} these {G5125} words {G3056}.

Complete Jewish Bible

So encourage each other with these words.

Berean Standard Bible

Therefore encourage one another with these words.

American Standard Version

Wherefore comfort one another with these words.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
The Apostle Paul concludes his profound teaching on the resurrection of believers and the Lord's return by urging the Thessalonian Christians to actively comfort one another with the eschatological truths he has just revealed. This verse serves as a pastoral imperative, emphasizing that the hope of Christ's second coming and the future reunion with deceased loved ones is not merely theological doctrine but a powerful, communal source of solace and encouragement in the face of grief and uncertainty.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** [1 Thessalonians 4:18](/1_thessalonians/4-18 "1 Thessalonians 4:18 - Comfort One Another") serves as the concluding exhortation to a crucial passage (verses [1 Thessalonians 4:13-17](/1_thessalonians/4-13-17 "1 Thessalonians 4:13-17 - The Resurrection of Believers")) where Paul addresses the Thessalonians' anxiety regarding believers who had died before the Lord's return. They feared these individuals would miss out on the blessings of Christ's second coming. Paul reassures them with a detailed explanation of the "rapture" – the resurrection of the dead in Christ and the catching up of living believers to meet the Lord in the air, followed by eternal fellowship with Him. Verse 18 directly applies this teaching, transforming it from mere information into a practical command for mutual edification and consolation within the community.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The Thessalonian church was relatively young, founded amidst significant persecution ([1 Thessalonians 1:6](/1_thessalonians/1-6 "1 Thessalonians 1:6 - Imitators of the Lord")). Their pagan background meant they lacked a robust understanding of resurrection, often viewing death with despair, as seen in the common pagan inscription "I was not; I was; I am not; I care not." The Christian hope of resurrection was revolutionary. Furthermore, the early church anticipated Christ's imminent return, and the death of fellow believers before this event would naturally cause distress and theological questions, particularly concerning their participation in the coming kingdom. Paul's letter, written around 50-51 AD, is one of the earliest New Testament documents, providing foundational teaching on these vital eschatological matters.
* **Key Themes:** This verse encapsulates several key themes prevalent in [1 Thessalonians](/1_thessalonians/1 "1 Thessalonians - Paul's Letter to the Thessalonians"). Firstly, it highlights the **Christian hope** in the face of death, emphasizing that believers "do not grieve as others who have no hope" ([1 Thessalonians 4:13](/1_thessalonians/4-13 "1 Thessalonians 4:13 - Grieving with Hope")). Secondly, it underscores the **communal responsibility** within the body of Christ, where believers are called to actively minister to one another's spiritual and emotional needs, especially through sharing truth. Thirdly, it reinforces the **practical application of doctrine**, demonstrating that theological understanding is not abstract but profoundly impacts daily life and relationships. Finally, the passage as a whole contributes to the theme of **Christ's glorious return** and the **eternal fellowship** believers will have with Him.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **comfort (Greek, _parakaléō_):** From G3870, this verb means "to call near," carrying the sense of inviting, invoking, imploring, exhorting, or consoling. It's a rich word encompassing both encouragement and consolation. In this context, it specifically denotes providing solace and strength, alleviating sorrow through the truths just presented. It's not passive comfort, but an active, verbal ministry.
* **one another (Greek, _allḗlōn_):** From G240, this reciprocal pronoun emphasizes mutual interaction. The comfort is not to be received from Paul alone, or from God in isolation, but is to be actively exchanged within the community. It highlights the horizontal dimension of Christian fellowship and responsibility.
* **words (Greek, _lógos_):** From G3056, this term refers to "something said," encompassing thought, discourse, or communication. Here, "these words" specifically points back to the preceding explanation of the resurrection and Christ's return in [1 Thessalonians 4:13-17](/1_thessalonians/4-13-17 "1 Thessalonians 4:13-17 - The Resurrection of Believers"). It signifies that the comfort is rooted in divine revelation and specific theological truth, not mere sentiment or human philosophy.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Wherefore":** This conjunction (Greek, _hṓste_, G5620) indicates a logical conclusion or result. It signals that what follows is a direct consequence or application of the preceding teaching about the resurrection and the Lord's coming. Because these truths are certain, therefore, the following action is commanded.
* **"comfort one another":** This is the central imperative of the verse. It's a command for mutual encouragement and consolation within the Christian community. The comfort is not just for the grieving, but for all believers to share, reinforcing their hope and alleviating fear or sorrow concerning death. The reciprocal nature ("one another") is crucial, highlighting the shared responsibility and communal aspect of Christian life.
* **"with these words":** This phrase specifies the content and basis of the comfort. "These words" unequivocally refers to the detailed exposition of the resurrection and the Lord's return found in [1 Thessalonians 4:13-17](/1_thessalonians/4-13-17 "1 Thessalonians 4:13-17 - The Resurrection of Believers"). The comfort is not based on platitudes or human wisdom, but on the revealed, certain truths of God's plan for His people. It is the hope of future glory and reunion that provides genuine solace.

#### Literary Devices
The verse employs **Imperative Mood** ("comfort"), which functions as a direct command, underscoring the urgency and importance of Paul's instruction. This imperative is immediately followed by a **Reciprocal Pronoun** ("one another"), highlighting the communal and mutual nature of the action. The phrase "with these words" serves as a **Referential Pointer**, directing the reader back to the specific theological content that forms the foundation of the comfort, thereby emphasizing the **Didactic** purpose of the preceding passage. The verse also functions as a **Summary Exhortation**, encapsulating the practical application of the eschatological teaching.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
[1 Thessalonians 4:18](/1_thessalonians/4-18 "1 Thessalonians 4:18 - Comfort One Another") profoundly connects the certainty of future eschatological events—the resurrection of the dead in Christ and the Lord's glorious return—with the present-day pastoral responsibility of believers. It establishes that Christian hope is not a passive expectation but an active, shared resource for enduring grief and uncertainty. The passage elevates the truth of Christ's ultimate victory over death and His promise of eternal fellowship with His people as the supreme source of comfort, far surpassing any worldly consolation. This truth transforms sorrow into hope, not by denying the pain of loss, but by placing it within the larger, glorious narrative of God's redemptive plan.

* [Romans 15:4](/romans/15-4 "Romans 15:4 - Scripture for Our Instruction and Comfort")
* [2 Corinthians 1:3-4](/2_corinthians/1-3-4 "2 Corinthians 1:3-4 - God of All Comfort")
* [Philippians 3:20-21](/philippians/3-20-21 "Philippians 3:20-21 - Our Citizenship in Heaven")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
This verse offers a timeless and deeply practical directive for the Christian community. In a world permeated by loss, fear, and uncertainty, the command to "comfort one another with these words" reminds us that the most profound and lasting solace comes from the revealed truths of God concerning our eternal future. It calls us to be active ministers of hope, not just recipients. When we encounter fellow believers who are grieving, anxious, or struggling with the reality of death, our primary response should be to remind them of Christ's victory over the grave, the promise of resurrection, and the certainty of being forever with the Lord and with one another. This isn't about offering trite platitudes, but about grounding our comfort in the unshakeable promises of God, thereby strengthening faith and fostering a resilient hope that transcends earthly sorrow. It encourages us to internalize these truths so deeply that they become the wellspring from which we draw and share comfort.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the specific content of [1 Thessalonians 4:13-17](/1_thessalonians/4-13-17 "1 Thessalonians 4:13-17 - The Resurrection of Believers") provide unique comfort that worldly perspectives cannot offer?**
* **In what practical ways can I actively "comfort one another" with these eschatological truths within my own Christian community?**
* **How does understanding the hope of Christ's return and the resurrection impact my own approach to grief, whether personal or that of others?**

### FAQ

**What does Paul mean by "these words"?**

Answer: By "these words," Paul is directly referring to the detailed explanation he has just provided in the preceding verses, [1 Thessalonians 4:13-17](/1_thessalonians/4-13-17 "1 Thessalonians 4:13-17 - The Resurrection of Believers"). This passage describes the future resurrection of deceased believers, their reunion with living believers, and the collective meeting of all believers with the Lord in the air, followed by their eternal presence with Him. The comfort is specifically rooted in these revealed truths about the Lord's return and the destiny of His people.

**Why was this comfort necessary for the Thessalonian believers?**

Answer: The Thessalonian believers were experiencing grief and anxiety over fellow Christians who had died, fearing that these individuals might miss out on the blessings of Christ's anticipated return. As new converts from paganism, they likely lacked a clear understanding of the Christian doctrine of resurrection and eternal life. Paul's teaching was therefore vital to alleviate their sorrow and provide them with a sure hope, assuring them that those who had died in Christ would indeed participate fully in His glorious return and eternal fellowship.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
While [1 Thessalonians 4:18](/1_thessalonians/4-18 "1 Thessalonians 4:18 - Comfort One Another") directly speaks of comforting one another with the hope of Christ's return, its ultimate fulfillment and power are deeply rooted in the person and work of Jesus Christ Himself. The "words" of comfort are not abstract theological concepts but promises made possible by Christ's own resurrection from the dead, which serves as the firstfruits and guarantee of our own future resurrection ([1 Corinthians 15:20-23](/1_corinthians/15-20-23 "1 Corinthians 15:20-23 - Christ the Firstfruits")). Jesus conquered death and the grave, and it is His sovereign power that will call forth the dead and transform the living ([Philippians 3:20-21](/philippians/3-20-21 "Philippians 3:20-21 - Our Citizenship in Heaven")). The promise of being "forever with the Lord" ([1 Thessalonians 4:17](/1_thessalonians/4-17 "1 Thessalonians 4:17 - Forever with the Lord")) is the ultimate expression of the believer's union with Christ, a union established through His atoning sacrifice on the cross and secured by His resurrection and ascension. Thus, the comfort we share is not merely a future hope, but a present reality grounded in the finished work of the "resurrection and the life" ([John 11:25](/john/11-25 "John 11:25 - Jesus, the Resurrection and the Life")), Jesus Christ, who is Himself the very embodiment of the "blessed hope" ([Titus 2:13](/titus/2-13 "Titus 2:13 - Our Blessed Hope")).

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 Thessalonians 5:11

¶ Wherefore comfort yourselves together, and edify one another, even as also ye do.

1 Thessalonians 5:14

Now we exhort you, brethren, warn them that are unruly, comfort the feebleminded, support the weak, be patient toward all [men].

Luke 21:28

And when these things begin to come to pass, then look up, and lift up your heads; for your redemption draweth nigh.

Hebrews 10:24

And let us consider one another to provoke unto love and to good works:

Hebrews 10:25

Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as the manner of some [is]; but exhorting [one another]: and so much the more, as ye see the day approaching.

Isaiah 40:1

¶ Comfort ye, comfort ye my people, saith your God.

Isaiah 40:2

Speak ye comfortably to Jerusalem, and cry unto her, that her warfare is accomplished, that her iniquity is pardoned: for she hath received of the LORD'S hand double for all her sins.