1 Thessalonians 5 · Verse 15

1 Thessalonians 5:15

See that none render evil for evil unto any man; but ever follow that which is good, both among yourselves, and to all men.
1 Thessalonians 5:15, King James Version

1 Thessalonians 5:15 in other translations

BSBMake sure that no one repays evil for evil. Always pursue what is good for one another and for all people.
WEBSee that no one returns evil for evil to anyone, but always follow after that which is good for one another and for all.
ASVSee that none render unto any one evil for evil; but always follow after that which is good, one toward another, and toward all.
YLTsee no one evil for evil may render to any one, but always that which is good pursue ye, both to one another and to all;
DARBYSee that no one render to any evil for evil, but pursue always what is good towards one another and towards all;
BBELet no one give evil for evil; but ever go after what is good, for one another and for all.
WebsterSee that none render evil for evil to any man; but ever follow that which is good, both among yourselves, and to all men.

What does 1 Thessalonians 5:15 mean?

Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
15. (Ro 12:17; 1Pe 3:9.) unto any man--whether unto a Christian, or a heathen, however great the provocation. follow--as a matter of earnest pursuit.

Robert Jamieson, A. R. Fausset & David Brown, 1871 · public domain

Barnes' Notes
Verse 15. See that none render evil for evil. Mt 5:39,44. The meaning here is, that we are not to take vengeance. Comp. Rom 12:17, Rom 12:19. This law is positive, and is universally binding. The moment we feel ourselves acting from a desire to "return evil for evil," that moment we are acting wrong. It may be right to defend our lives, and the lives of our friends; to seek the protection of the law for our persons, reputation, or property, against those who would wrong us; to repel the assaults of calumniators and slanderers; but in no case should the motive be to do them wrong for the evil which they have done us.

But ever follow that which is good. Which is benevolent, kind, just, generous. Rom 12:20, Rom 12:21.

Both among yourselves, and to all men. The phrase "to all men," seems to have been added to avoid the possibility of misconstruction. Some might possibly suppose that this was a good rule to be observed towards those of their own number, but that a greater latitude in avenging injuries might be allowable towards their enemies out of the church. The apostle, therefore, says that the rule is universal. It relates to the heathen, to infidels, sceptics, and persecutors, as well as to the members of the church. To every man we are to do good as we are able--no matter what they do to us. This is the rule which God himself observes toward the evil and unthankful, (Mt 5:45,) and is one of the original and beautiful laws of our holy religion.

(a) "render evil" Prov 20:22,24,29, Mt 5:39,44, 1Pet 3:9

Albert Barnes, 1834 · public domain

Adam Clarke's Commentary
Verse 15 See that none render evil for evil - Every temper contrary to love is contrary to Christianity. A peevish, fretful, vindictive man may be a child of Satan; he certainly is not a child of God. Follow that which is good - That by which ye may profit your brethren and your neighbors of every description, whether Jews or Gentiles.

Adam Clarke, 1831 · public domain

Matthew Henry's Concise Commentary on 1 Thessalonians 5:12-15

The ministers of the gospel are described by the work of their office, which is to serve and honour the Lord. It is their duty not only to give good counsel, but also to warn the flock of dangers, and reprove for whatever may be amiss. The people should honour and love their ministers, because their business is the welfare of men's souls. And the people should be at peace among themselves, doing all they can to…

Read the full comment on 1 Thessalonians 5:12-15 →

1 Thessalonians 5:15 in the original Greek

Word-by-word with transliteration, English gloss and Strong's number. Tap a number for the full definition and every place the word is used.

ὁρᾶτεhoratedo see thatG3708
μήmēnoG3361
τιςtisoneG5100
κακὸνkakonevilG2556
ἀντὶantiforG473
κακοῦkakouevilG2556
τινιtinito anyoneG5100
ἀποδῷ,apodōmay repay,G591
ἀλλὰallabutG235
πάντοτεpantotealwaysG3842
τὸtotheG3588
ἀγαθὸνagathongoodG18
διώκετεdiōketedo pursueG1377
καὶkaialsoG2532
εἰςeistowardG1519
ἀλλήλουςallēlousone anotherG240
καὶkaiandG2532
εἰςeistowardG1519
πάντας.pantasall.G3956

Source: STEPBible TAHOT/TAGNT (Tyndale House, CC BY 4.0).

Cross references for 1 Thessalonians 5:15

  • 1 Peter 3:9

    Not rendering evil for evil, or railing for railing: but contrariwise blessing; knowing that ye are thereunto called, that ye should inherit a blessing.

  • Galatians 6:10

    As we have therefore opportunity, let us do good unto all men, especially unto them who are of the household of faith.

  • Leviticus 19:18

    Thou shalt not avenge, nor bear any grudge against the children of thy people, but thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself: I am the Lord.

  • 3 John 1:11

    Beloved, follow not that which is evil, but that which is good. He that doeth good is of God: but he that doeth evil hath not seen God.

  • Romans 12:17-21

    Recompense to no man evil for evil. Provide things honest in the sight of all men. If it be possible, as much as lieth in you, live peaceably with all men. Dearly beloved, avenge not yourselves, but rather give place unto wrath: for it is written, Vengeance is mine; I will repay, saith the Lord. Therefore if thine enemy hunger, feed him; if he thirst, give him drink: for in so doing thou shalt heap coals of fire on his head. …

  • Hebrews 12:14

    Follow peace with all men, and holiness, without which no man shall see the Lord:

  • 1 Peter 3:11-13

    Let him eschew evil, and do good; let him seek peace, and ensue it. For the eyes of the Lord are over the righteous, and his ears are open unto their prayers: but the face of the Lord is against them that do evil. And who is he that will harm you, if ye be followers of that which is good?

  • 1 Peter 2:22-23

    Who did no sin, neither was guile found in his mouth: Who, when he was reviled, reviled not again; when he suffered, he threatened not; but committed himself to him that judgeth righteously:

  • 1 Peter 1:22

    Seeing ye have purified your souls in obeying the truth through the Spirit unto unfeigned love of the brethren, see that ye love one another with a pure heart fervently:

  • 1 Corinthians 6:7

    Now therefore there is utterly a fault among you, because ye go to law one with another. Why do ye not rather take wrong? why do ye not rather suffer yourselves to be defrauded?

  • Psalms 38:20

    They also that render evil for good are mine adversaries; because I follow the thing that good is.

  • 1 Timothy 6:11

    But thou, O man of God, flee these things; and follow after righteousness, godliness, faith, love, patience, meekness.

Ranked by reader votes · OpenBible.info cross references (CC BY).

Treasury of Scripture Knowledge
See.
Ge 45:24; 1Co 16:10; Eph 5:15,33; 1Pe 1:22; Re 19:10; 22:9
none.
Ex 23:4,5; Le 19:18; 1Sa 24:13; Ps 7:4; Pr 17:13; 20:22; 24:17,29
Pr 25:21; Mt 5:39,44,45; Lu 6:35; Ro 12:17-21; 1Co 6:7
1Pe 2:22,23; 3:9
ever.
2:12; De 16:20; Ps 38:20; Ro 14:19; 1Co 14:1; 1Ti 6:11; Heb 12:14
1Pe 3:11-13; 3Jo 1:11
and.
Ro 12:17,18; Ga 6:10; 2Ti 2:24; Tit 3:2; 1Pe 2:17

Treasury of Scripture Knowledge (Samuel Bagster, c. 1836) · public domain

Context

  • 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.

  • 1 Thessalonians 5:15

    See that none render evil for evil unto any man; but ever follow that which is good, both among yourselves, and to all men.

  • 1 Thessalonians 5:16

    Rejoice evermore.

Read all of 1 Thessalonians 5

1 Thessalonians 5:15 in other languages

Spanish
Reina-Valera 1909		Mirad que ninguno dé á otro mal por mal; antes seguid lo bueno siempre los unos para con los otros, y para con todos.
French
Bible J.N. Darby 1885		Prenez garde que nul ne rende à personne mal pour mal; mais poursuivez toujours ce qui est bon, et entre vous, et à l’égard de tous les hommes.
German
Elberfelder 1871		Sehet zu, daß niemand Böses mit Bösem jemand vergelte, sondern strebet allezeit dem Guten nach gegeneinander und gegen alle.
Latin
Clementine Vulgate		Videte ne quis malum pro malo alicui reddat: sed semper quod bonum est sectamini in invicem, et in omnes.