1 Thessalonians 5:11

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

Wherefore {G1352} comfort {G3870} yourselves together {G240}, and {G2532} edify {G3618} one {G1520} another {G1520}, even {G2531} as also {G2532} ye do {G4160}.

Therefore, encourage each other, and build each other up — just as you are doing.

Therefore encourage and build one another up, just as you are already doing.

Wherefore exhort one another, and build each other up, even as also ye do.

1 Thessalonians 5:11 is a powerful exhortation from the Apostle Paul to the believers in Thessalonica, emphasizing the vital role of mutual support and spiritual growth within the Christian community. This verse serves as a practical application of the theological truths Paul has just laid out regarding the Day of the Lord and Christian hope.

Context

This verse follows directly from Paul's teaching in 1 Thessalonians 5:1-10, where he discusses the certainty of Christ's return (the "Day of the Lord") and the need for believers to live in readiness, sobriety, and faith. Paul assures them that they are "children of light" and not destined for wrath, but for salvation through Jesus Christ. Given these profound truths, especially the comfort concerning believers who have died before Christ's return (as discussed in 1 Thessalonians 4:18), the natural response is to foster a supportive and spiritually nurturing environment. The "Wherefore" connects this practical command directly to the preceding theological foundation.

Key Themes

  • Mutual Encouragement and Comfort: The command to "comfort yourselves together" speaks to the need for believers to actively console, reassure, and strengthen one another, especially in times of uncertainty, grief, or spiritual struggle. This is a communal responsibility, not just for leaders.
  • Spiritual Edification: To "edify one another" means to build each other up, promoting spiritual growth and maturity. It involves acts and words that contribute to the spiritual well-being and strength of fellow believers, helping them grow in faith and understanding. This theme is echoed in other Pauline letters, such as when he speaks of using speech that is "good to the use of edifying" in Ephesians 4:29.
  • Affirmation of Existing Practice: Paul's concluding phrase, "even as also ye do," is an affirmation. It shows that the Thessalonians were already engaged in these positive practices, and Paul encourages them to continue and excel in them. This provides both commendation and motivation.

Linguistic Insights

The Greek word for "comfort" is parakaleo (παρακαλέω), which carries a rich meaning of calling alongside, exhorting, encouraging, consoling, and comforting. It's the same root as Paraclete, often translated as 'Helper' or 'Comforter' for the Holy Spirit. The word for "edify" is oikodomeo (οἰκοδομέω), literally meaning "to build a house." In a spiritual context, it signifies building up, strengthening, and promoting spiritual growth and maturity within the community. These two actions, comfort and edification, are deeply intertwined and essential for a healthy church.

Practical Application

For believers today, 1 Thessalonians 5:11 remains a timeless call to active participation in the life of the church community. It reminds us that Christianity is not a solitary journey but a collective one, where each member has a role in supporting and strengthening others. This can manifest through:

  • Words of Affirmation: Speaking words of encouragement, hope, and truth to those who are struggling or discouraged.
  • Active Listening: Being present and attentive to the needs and concerns of fellow believers.
  • Sharing Spiritual Insights: Helping others understand Scripture and grow in their faith, perhaps by pointing them to verses like Romans 15:2, which speaks of pleasing our neighbour for his good to edification.
  • Prayer: Lifting one another up in prayer, a powerful act of comfort and support.
  • Practical Help: Offering tangible assistance when needed, demonstrating love in action.

The verse emphasizes that this mutual care is not just for leaders but is an expected behavior for all members of the body of Christ, fostering resilience and spiritual vitality within the community.

Note: Commentary was generated by an advanced AI, utilizing a prompt that emphasized Biblical fidelity over bias. We've found these insights to be consistently reliable, yet we always encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

  • Ephesians 4:29

    Let no corrupt communication proceed out of your mouth, but that which is good to the use of edifying, that it may minister grace unto the hearers.

  • 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.

  • Romans 15:2

    Let every one of us please [his] neighbour for [his] good to edification.

  • Hebrews 3:13

    But exhort one another daily, while it is called To day; lest any of you be hardened through the deceitfulness of sin.

  • 1 Thessalonians 4:18

    Wherefore comfort one another with these words.

  • Romans 14:19

    Let us therefore follow after the things which make for peace, and things wherewith one may edify another.

  • 1 Corinthians 14:12

    Even so ye, forasmuch as ye are zealous of spiritual [gifts], seek that ye may excel to the edifying of the church.
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