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1 Thessalonians 4:15

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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.

For {G1063} this {G5124} we say {G3004} unto you {G5213} by {G1722} the word {G3056} of the Lord {G2962}, that {G3754} we {G2249} which {G3588} are alive {G2198} and remain {G4035} unto {G1519} the coming {G3952} of the Lord {G2962} shall {G5348} not {G3364} prevent {G5348} them which {G3588} are asleep {G2837}.

When we say this, we base it on the Lord’s own word: we who remain alive when the Lord comes will certainly not take precedence over those who have died.

By the word of the Lord, we declare to you that we who are alive and remain until the coming of the Lord will by no means precede those who have fallen asleep.

For this we say unto you by the word of the Lord, that we that are alive, that are left unto the coming of the Lord, shall in no wise precede them that are fallen asleep.

Commentary

1 Thessalonians 4:15 is a foundational verse in Paul's teaching to the church in Thessalonica, addressing their concerns about believers who had died before the return of Christ. This verse offers profound comfort and clarity regarding the sequence of events at the Lord's coming.

Context

The Thessalonian believers were deeply worried about the fate of their loved ones who had "fallen asleep" (died) before Christ's return. They feared these deceased believers might miss out on the glorious event of the Lord's coming. Paul, having previously taught them about the Second Coming, now provides specific reassurance, emphasizing that his teaching is not mere human speculation but delivered "by the word of the Lord." This verse, along with 1 Thessalonians 4:13-14 and the subsequent verses, forms a crucial passage on Christian eschatology and the hope of the resurrection.

Key Themes

  • Divine Authority: Paul explicitly states his message comes "by the word of the Lord," underscoring the divine inspiration and certainty of what he is about to reveal concerning the Lord's return. This lends absolute weight to his prophecy.
  • The Lord's Coming (Parousia): The verse speaks of the "coming of the Lord," referring to His glorious return. This event is central to Christian hope and belief in the second coming of Jesus Christ, often associated with concepts like the rapture.
  • Equality in Resurrection: The core message is that living believers "shall not prevent them which are asleep." This means those alive at Christ's return will not precede or have any advantage over those who have died in faith. All believers, living and dead, will participate in the same glorious event.
  • Comfort and Hope: This teaching serves as immense comfort to the grieving, assuring them that their loved ones who have died in Christ are not forgotten but will be resurrected and united with the Lord.

Linguistic Insights

  • "prevent": In modern English, "prevent" means to hinder or stop. However, in KJV English, derived from the Latin praevenire, it means "to precede" or "to go before." Thus, the verse clearly states that the living will not go before the dead in Christ in the sequence of events at His coming.
  • "asleep": This is a common biblical euphemism for the death of believers. It highlights that death for a Christian is not an end but a temporary state, awaiting the resurrection. It emphasizes the hope of future awakening, much like waking from sleep, rather than eternal unconsciousness.
  • "coming" (Greek: parousia): The Greek word used here, parousia (παρουσία), signifies an "arrival," "presence," or "coming." It was often used in ancient secular contexts for the arrival of a king or dignitary, conveying a sense of majesty, authority, and official presence.

Practical Application

This verse provides enduring comfort and a clear perspective on the resurrection of believers. It assures us that:

  • There is no disadvantage for those who have died in faith; they are equally part of God's redemptive plan and will participate fully in the Lord's return.
  • The hope of Christ's return is for all believers, regardless of when they die, fostering a sense of unity and shared destiny in Christ.
  • It encourages us to live with a hopeful anticipation of the Lord's coming, knowing that our ultimate destiny is secure in Him. This truth should alleviate anxiety about death and deepen our understanding of Christian hope, allowing us to grieve with hope, not as those who have no hope.
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 (May 20, 2025) 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

  • 1 Corinthians 15:51 (25 votes)

    ¶ Behold, I shew you a mystery; We shall not all sleep, but we shall all be changed,

  • 1 Corinthians 15:53 (25 votes)

    For this corruptible must put on incorruption, and this mortal [must] put on immortality.

  • 2 Corinthians 4:14 (9 votes)

    Knowing that he which raised up the Lord Jesus shall raise up us also by Jesus, and shall present [us] with you.

  • 1 Thessalonians 2:19 (2 votes)

    For what [is] our hope, or joy, or crown of rejoicing? [Are] not even ye in the presence of our Lord Jesus Christ at his coming?

  • Psalms 88:13 (0 votes)

    But unto thee have I cried, O LORD; and in the morning shall my prayer prevent thee.

  • 1 Kings 13:17 (0 votes)

    For it was said to me by the word of the LORD, Thou shalt eat no bread nor drink water there, nor turn again to go by the way that thou camest.

  • 1 Kings 13:18 (0 votes)

    He said unto him, I [am] a prophet also as thou [art]; and an angel spake unto me by the word of the LORD, saying, Bring him back with thee into thine house, that he may eat bread and drink water. [But] he lied unto him.