1 Thessalonians 5:9

KJV

For God hath not appointed us to wrath, but to obtain salvation by our Lord Jesus Christ,

KJV (with Strong's)

For {G3754} God {G2316} hath {G5087} not {G3756} appointed {G5087} us {G2248} to {G1519} wrath {G3709}, but {G235} to {G1519} obtain {G4047} salvation {G4991} by {G1223} our {G2257} Lord {G2962} Jesus {G2424} Christ {G5547},

Complete Jewish Bible

For God has not intended that we should experience his fury, but that we should gain deliverance through our Lord Yeshua the Messiah,

Berean Standard Bible

For God has not appointed us to suffer wrath, but to obtain salvation through our Lord Jesus Christ.

American Standard Version

For God appointed us not unto wrath, but unto the obtaining of salvation through our Lord Jesus Christ,

Commentary

### SUMMARY
1 Thessalonians 5:9 provides profound assurance to believers, declaring God's gracious and sovereign purpose for them. It starkly contrasts the divine appointment of believers to salvation through Jesus Christ with the wrath destined for unbelievers, emphasizing that God's people are not objects of His eschatological judgment but recipients of His redemptive grace. This verse serves as a foundational theological statement, underpinning the hope and vigilance encouraged throughout the epistle.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is strategically positioned within Paul’s eschatological discourse in 1 Thessalonians 5. Following his detailed teaching on the "Day of the Lord" in [1 Thessalonians 5:1-3](/1_thessalonians/5-1-3 "The Day of the Lord Comes Like a Thief"), Paul distinguishes between those who will be caught unaware by this sudden judgment (unbelievers, described as "children of darkness") and believers, whom he identifies as "children of light and children of the day" ([1 Thessalonians 5:4-5](/1_thessalonians/5-4-5 "Children of Light and Day")). Verse 9 serves as the theological bedrock for this distinction, explaining *why* believers are not destined for wrath but for salvation, thereby reinforcing the call to vigilance and sober living in [1 Thessalonians 5:6-8](/1_thessalonians/5-6-8 "Exhortation to Watchfulness and Soberness"). It transitions from the imperative of living in light of the Day of the Lord to the indicative truth of God's saving purpose.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The Thessalonian church was a relatively young congregation, founded during Paul’s second missionary journey. They were facing significant persecution from both Jewish and Gentile opposition ([1 Thessalonians 2:14-16](/1_thessalonians/2-14-16 "Paul's Defense and the Persecution of the Thessalonians")). Furthermore, they had concerns and misunderstandings regarding the return of Christ and the fate of deceased believers ([1 Thessalonians 4:13-18](/1_thessalonians/4-13-18 "The Resurrection of the Dead and the Coming of the Lord")). In this context of external pressure and internal anxieties about eschatology, Paul's assurance in [1 Thessalonians 5:9](/1_thessalonians/5-9 "God's Appointment to Salvation") would have been immensely comforting. It addressed their fears about divine judgment, affirming their secure standing in Christ despite their present sufferings and uncertainties about the future.

* **Key Themes:** The verse significantly contributes to several key themes prevalent in 1 Thessalonians and Pauline theology. It powerfully articulates the theme of **Divine Sovereignty and Purpose**, highlighting God's deliberate and unchangeable plan for His elect. Central to this is the theme of **Deliverance from Wrath**, which refers not to temporal difficulties but to the ultimate eschatological judgment that will be poured out on ungodliness, as described in [Romans 1:18](/romans/1-18 "The Wrath of God Revealed"). In stark contrast, the theme of **Obtaining Salvation** is presented, encompassing not just an escape from judgment but a comprehensive, holistic deliverance that culminates in eternal life and fellowship with God. Crucially, the verse underscores the **Centrality of Jesus Christ** as the sole means by which this salvation and deliverance are achieved, echoing the truth found in [Romans 5:9](/romans/5-9 "Justification by Christ's Blood"). This truth provides the basis for the **Assurance and Hope** that permeates Paul's pastoral counsel to the Thessalonians.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **appointed (Greek, _títhēmi'_):** From G5087, meaning "to place (in the widest application, literally and figuratively; properly, in a passive or horizontal posture, and thus different from ἵστημι, which properly denotes an upright and active position, while κεῖμαι is properly reflexive and utterly prostrate):--+ advise, appoint, bow, commit, conceive, give, X kneel down, lay (aside, down, up), make, ordain, purpose, put, set (forth), settle, sink down." In this context, it signifies a divine decree, a sovereign act of God to establish or destine someone for a particular outcome. It speaks to God's deliberate and unalterable purpose.
* **wrath (Greek, _orgḗ'_):** From G3709, meaning "properly, desire (as a reaching forth or excitement of the mind), i.e. (by analogy), violent passion (ire, or (justifiable) abhorrence); by implication punishment:--anger, indignation, vengeance, wrath." Here, it refers to God's righteous indignation and punitive judgment against sin and ungodliness, particularly in an eschatological sense. It is a just and holy response to rebellion against His nature and law.
* **salvation (Greek, _sōtēría'_):** From G4991, meaning "rescue or safety (physically or morally):--deliver, health, salvation, save, saving." In this theological context, it refers to the comprehensive deliverance from sin, its penalty, and its power, leading to eternal life and reconciliation with God. It encompasses past justification, present sanctification, and future glorification.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"For God hath not appointed us to wrath,"**: This opening clause establishes a profound negative truth. The conjunction "For" (G3754, _hóti'_) indicates that this statement provides the reason or basis for the preceding exhortations to live as "children of light." God's divine purpose (expressed by "appointed," _títhēmi'_) for "us" (G2248, _hēmâs'_), referring to believers, is emphatically *not* "wrath" (G3709, _orgḗ'_). This "wrath" is God's just and final judgment against sin, a destiny reserved for those who reject Him. This declaration offers immense comfort, assuring believers that they are eternally exempt from divine condemnation.
* **"but to obtain salvation"**: Following the strong contrast introduced by "but" (G235, _allá'_), this clause presents God's positive and gracious purpose for believers. Instead of wrath, God has appointed them "to obtain" (G4047, _peripoíēsis'_), meaning to acquire or possess, "salvation" (G4991, _sōtēría'_). This salvation is not merely an escape from judgment but a positive, comprehensive deliverance that includes reconciliation with God, adoption into His family, and the promise of eternal life. It is a secure and certain future.
* **"by our Lord Jesus Christ,"**: This final phrase is crucial, identifying the sole means and agent through whom this glorious salvation is obtained and this exemption from wrath is secured. The preposition "by" (G1223, _diá'_) indicates the channel or instrument. It is entirely "by our Lord Jesus Christ" (G2962, _kýrios'_ G2424, _Iēsoûs'_ G5547, _Christós'_), emphasizing that this divine appointment is not based on human merit or effort but solely on the finished redemptive work of Jesus Christ—His atoning death, resurrection, and ascension. He is the mediator and the ground of all Christian hope and security.

#### Literary Devices
The verse employs several powerful **literary devices**. The most prominent is **Antithesis**, a stark contrast between "wrath" and "salvation," highlighting the two distinct destinies God has appointed for humanity based on their relationship with Christ. This contrast is amplified by the use of the conjunction "but" (G235, _allá'_), which forcefully shifts the reader's focus from condemnation to deliverance. The phrase "God hath not appointed us" followed by "but to obtain salvation" also functions as a form of **Parallelism**, specifically **Antithetical Parallelism**, where two opposing ideas are presented in a balanced structure to emphasize the profound difference. The use of "appointed" (G5087, _títhēmi'_) conveys **Divine Sovereignty** through a single verb, suggesting a pre-determined, unchangeable decree. Finally, the concluding phrase "by our Lord Jesus Christ" serves as a powerful **Climax** and **Emphasis**, underscoring the absolute centrality of Christ as the exclusive means of salvation, without whom neither the escape from wrath nor the obtaining of salvation would be possible.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
1 Thessalonians 5:9 is a cornerstone of Christian assurance, deeply rooted in the broader biblical narrative of God's redemptive plan. It articulates the core truth that while humanity stands condemned under divine wrath due to sin, God, in His sovereign love, has provided a way of escape and a path to eternal life through His Son. This verse highlights the profound distinction between the righteous judgment of God against sin and His merciful provision for those who are "in Christ." It underscores the unmerited favor of God (grace) and the pivotal role of Christ's atoning work as the sole basis for reconciliation and salvation, moving believers from a state of condemnation to one of secure adoption and inheritance.

* [Romans 5:9](/romans/5-9 "Justification and Salvation Through Christ's Blood")
* [Romans 8:1](/romans/8-1 "No Condemnation in Christ Jesus")
* [Ephesians 2:3-5](/ephesians/2-3-5 "From Wrath to Grace")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
1 Thessalonians 5:9 offers a bedrock of comfort and a powerful call to live in light of our secure hope. For believers, this verse eradicates the fear of future divine judgment, replacing it with the peace that comes from knowing God's gracious appointment. It reminds us that our salvation is not precarious or dependent on our fluctuating performance, but is a settled, sovereign act of God through Christ. This profound assurance should motivate us not to complacency, but to a deeper love for God and a more earnest pursuit of holiness. If God has delivered us from wrath and appointed us to salvation, how then shall we live? We are called to live as "children of light," reflecting the character of the One who saved us, marked by watchfulness, soberness, and a steadfast hope that fuels our daily walk. This truth empowers us to face present trials and future uncertainties with courage, knowing our ultimate destiny is secure in Christ.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the assurance of being "not appointed to wrath" impact your daily anxieties and fears about the future?**
* **In what ways does knowing that your salvation is "by our Lord Jesus Christ" deepen your appreciation for His sacrifice and sovereignty?**
* **If we are appointed to salvation, how should this truth shape our priorities, actions, and witness in the world?**
* **How can we live more fully as "children of light" in response to God's gracious appointment to salvation?**

### FAQ
**What does "wrath" specifically refer to in this verse?**

Answer: In 1 Thessalonians 5:9, "wrath" (Greek, _orgḗ'_) refers to God's righteous and just indignation against sin and ungodliness, specifically His eschatological judgment. It is the final, decisive outpouring of divine judgment on those who have rejected His Son and remained in rebellion against Him. It is distinct from temporal consequences or human anger. Paul often uses this term to describe the ultimate divine condemnation that awaits unbelievers at the Day of the Lord, as seen in passages like [Romans 1:18](/romans/1-18 "The Wrath of God Revealed") and [Ephesians 5:6](/ephesians/5-6 "The Wrath of God on the Disobedient"). Believers, through Christ, are divinely exempted from this ultimate judgment.

**How does "appointed" relate to human free will or responsibility?**

Answer: The term "appointed" (Greek, _títhēmi'_) signifies a divine decree or sovereign purpose. While this verse highlights God's sovereign initiative in salvation, it does not negate human responsibility. Paul consistently teaches that salvation is a gift of God's grace, received through faith ([Ephesians 2:8-9](/ephesians/2-8-9 "Salvation by Grace Through Faith")). God's appointment is His gracious decision to save those who believe in His Son. The New Testament presents a tension, or rather a divine harmony, between God's sovereign election and humanity's genuine response of faith. This verse assures believers of the certainty of their salvation because it rests on God's unchangeable purpose, not on their own fluctuating efforts.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
1 Thessalonians 5:9 finds its ultimate Christ-centered fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ, who is simultaneously the object of God's wrath as the sin-bearer and the source of our salvation. The "wrath" from which believers are exempted was fully poured out upon Christ on the cross. As [Isaiah 53:5](/isaiah/53-5 "The Suffering Servant") prophesied, "he was wounded for our transgressions, he was bruised for our iniquities: the chastisement of our peace was upon him." Jesus became our substitute, experiencing the divine wrath that was due to us, so that we might be reconciled to God. His atoning sacrifice is the singular basis for God's "appointment" of believers to salvation. Through His death and resurrection, Christ secured our deliverance from the penalty of sin and opened the way to eternal life. He is the "Lamb of God, which taketh away the sin of the world" ([John 1:29](/john/1-29 "Jesus, the Lamb of God")), and it is "by our Lord Jesus Christ" that we are not only spared from wrath but actively "obtain salvation," a comprehensive deliverance that culminates in eternal communion with God. This truth resonates deeply with [2 Corinthians 5:21](/2_corinthians/5-21 "Christ Became Sin for Us"), which states that "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." Our secure standing, our hope, and our very destiny are entirely bound up in His finished work.

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 1:10

And to wait for his Son from heaven, whom he raised from the dead, [even] Jesus, which delivered us from the wrath to come.

1 Peter 2:10

Which in time past [were] not a people, but [are] now the people of God: which had not obtained mercy, but now have obtained mercy.

2 Timothy 2:10

Therefore I endure all things for the elect's sakes, that they may also obtain the salvation which is in Christ Jesus with eternal glory.

Acts 13:48

And when the Gentiles heard this, they were glad, and glorified the word of the Lord: and as many as were ordained to eternal life believed.

Romans 9:11

(For [the children] being not yet born, neither having done any good or evil, that the purpose of God according to election might stand, not of works, but of him that calleth;)

Romans 9:23

And that he might make known the riches of his glory on the vessels of mercy, which he had afore prepared unto glory,

1 Thessalonians 3:3

That no man should be moved by these afflictions: for yourselves know that we are appointed thereunto.