1 Thessalonians 5:10

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

Who {G3588} died {G599} for {G5228} us {G2257}, that {G2443}, whether {G1535} we wake {G1127} or {G1535} sleep {G2518}, we should live {G2198} together {G260} with {G4862} him {G846}.

who died on our behalf so that whether we are alive or dead, we may live along with him.

He died for us so that, whether we are awake or asleep, we may live together with Him.

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

Commentary

Context of 1 Thessalonians 5:10

This verse is part of Paul's concluding exhortations in his first letter to the Thessalonians, specifically building on his teaching about the Day of the Lord. Chapters 4 and 5 address questions and concerns the Thessalonian believers had regarding the return of Christ, particularly concerning those who had already died. Paul reassures them that believers, whether living or deceased at Christ's coming, will ultimately be united with Him. Verses 1-9 emphasize the need for spiritual vigilance and sobriety, as the Day of the Lord will come unexpectedly for unbelievers. Believers, however, are "children of light" and "children of the day," destined not for wrath but for salvation through Jesus Christ. Verse 10 grounds this assurance in Christ's atoning work.

Key Themes and Messages

  • Christ's Sacrificial Death: The phrase "Who died for us" is central, highlighting the foundational truth of the Christian faith: Jesus Christ gave His life as a substitute for humanity. This act of divine love and sacrifice secures salvation and eternal life for believers.
  • Assurance of Eternal Life with Christ: The core promise is that believers "should live together with him." This emphasizes a permanent, intimate union with Christ beyond earthly existence. It signifies the ultimate destiny of all who are in Him, a future filled with His presence.
  • Unity in Life and Death: The expression "whether we wake or sleep" directly addresses the Thessalonians' anxiety about deceased believers. "Wake" refers to those who are alive at Christ's return, while "sleep" is a common biblical metaphor for the physical death of believers. Paul assures them that regardless of their state at the time of Christ's return, all believers—living or deceased—will share in this eternal life with Him. This echoes his earlier teaching in 1 Thessalonians 4:17 about being "caught up together" with the Lord.

Linguistic Insights

The Greek phrase for "whether we wake or sleep" is eite gregorōmen eite katheudōmen (εἴτε γρηγορῶμεν εἴτε καθεύδωμεν). Gregorōmen (wake/be awake) refers to being spiritually alert and physically alive, while katheudōmen (sleep) is a tender euphemism for death, specifically for believers. This choice of words underscores the Christian hope that death is not an end but a temporary slumber from which believers will awaken to eternal life with Christ. The phrase "live together with him" (σὺν αὐτῷ ζήσωμεν - syn autō zēsōmen) strongly conveys the idea of intimate fellowship and shared eternal existence with Jesus, providing profound comfort and security.

Practical Application

1 Thessalonians 5:10 offers immense comfort and hope to believers today. It reminds us:

  • Security in Christ: Our salvation and future are not dependent on our physical state at Christ's return, but on His finished work on the cross. This provides profound assurance and peace.
  • Hope Beyond Death: For those grieving the loss of loved ones in Christ, this verse confirms that death does not separate believers from Him. They are "asleep" in Him and will awaken to live together with Him eternally.
  • Motivation for Holy Living: Knowing our ultimate destiny is to live with Christ should motivate us to live lives that honor Him, characterized by spiritual alertness, love, and good works, as described in the surrounding verses.

This verse powerfully encapsulates the Christian hope: Christ's death guarantees our eternal life and inseparable union with Him, whether we are alive or have passed away when He returns.

Note: If the commentary doesn’t appear instantly, please allow 2–5 seconds for it to load. It is generated by Gemini 2.5 Flash using a prompt focused on Biblical fidelity over bias. While the insights have been consistently reliable, we encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit.

Please note that only the commentary section is AI-generated — the main Scripture and cross-references are stored on the site and are from trusted and verified sources.

Cross-References

  • Romans 14:8

    For whether we live, we live unto the Lord; and whether we die, we die unto the Lord: whether we live therefore, or die, we are the Lord's.

  • Romans 14:9

    For to this end Christ both died, and rose, and revived, that he might be Lord both of the dead and living.

  • 1 Peter 3:18

    ¶ For Christ also hath once suffered for sins, the just for the unjust, that he might bring us to God, being put to death in the flesh, but quickened by the Spirit:

  • Romans 8:34

    Who [is] he that condemneth? [It is] Christ that died, yea rather, that is risen again, who is even at the right hand of God, who also maketh intercession for us.

  • Ephesians 5:2

    And walk in love, as Christ also hath loved us, and hath given himself for us an offering and a sacrifice to God for a sweetsmelling savour.

  • 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.

  • 2 Corinthians 5:21

    For he hath made him [to be] sin for us, who knew no sin; that we might be made the righteousness of God in him.
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