1 Thessalonians 4:17
Then we which are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds, to meet the Lord in the air: and so shall we ever be with the Lord.
Original Language Analysis
τοῦ
which
G3588
τοῦ
which
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
3 of 24
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
τοῦ
which
G3588
τοῦ
which
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
5 of 24
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
περιλειπόμενοι
and remain
G4035
περιλειπόμενοι
and remain
Strong's:
G4035
Word #:
6 of 24
to leave all around, i.e., (passively) survive
ἅμα
together
G260
ἅμα
together
Strong's:
G260
Word #:
7 of 24
properly, at the "same" time, but freely used as a preposition or adverb denoting close association
σὺν
with
G4862
σὺν
with
Strong's:
G4862
Word #:
8 of 24
with or together (but much closer than g3326 or g3844), i.e., by association, companionship, process, resemblance, possession, instrumentality, additi
αὐτοῖς
them
G846
αὐτοῖς
them
Strong's:
G846
Word #:
9 of 24
the reflexive pronoun self, used (alone or in the comparative g1438) of the third person, and (with the proper personal pronoun) of the other persons
νεφέλαις
the clouds
G3507
νεφέλαις
the clouds
Strong's:
G3507
Word #:
12 of 24
properly, cloudiness, i.e., (concretely) a cloud
εἰς
in
G1519
εἰς
in
Strong's:
G1519
Word #:
13 of 24
to or into (indicating the point reached or entered), of place, time, or (figuratively) purpose (result, etc.); also in adverbial phrases
τοῦ
which
G3588
τοῦ
which
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
15 of 24
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
κυρίῳ
the Lord
G2962
κυρίῳ
the Lord
Strong's:
G2962
Word #:
16 of 24
supreme in authority, i.e., (as noun) controller; by implication, master (as a respectful title)
εἰς
in
G1519
εἰς
in
Strong's:
G1519
Word #:
17 of 24
to or into (indicating the point reached or entered), of place, time, or (figuratively) purpose (result, etc.); also in adverbial phrases
καὶ
and
G2532
καὶ
and
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
19 of 24
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
σὺν
with
G4862
σὺν
with
Strong's:
G4862
Word #:
22 of 24
with or together (but much closer than g3326 or g3844), i.e., by association, companionship, process, resemblance, possession, instrumentality, additi
Cross References
1 Corinthians 15:52In a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trump: for the trumpet shall sound, and the dead shall be raised incorruptible, and we shall be changed.Revelation 11:12And they heard a great voice from heaven saying unto them, Come up hither. And they ascended up to heaven in a cloud; and their enemies beheld them.John 14:3And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again, and receive you unto myself; that where I am, there ye may be also.1 Thessalonians 4:15For 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.Revelation 1:7Behold, he cometh with clouds; and every eye shall see him, and they also which pierced him: and all kindreds of the earth shall wail because of him. Even so, Amen.Acts 1:9And when he had spoken these things, while they beheld, he was taken up; and a cloud received him out of their sight.Daniel 7:13I saw in the night visions, and, behold, one like the Son of man came with the clouds of heaven, and came to the Ancient of days, and they brought him near before him.John 17:24Father, I will that they also, whom thou hast given me, be with me where I am; that they may behold my glory, which thou hast given me: for thou lovedst me before the foundation of the world.John 12:26If any man serve me, let him follow me; and where I am, there shall also my servant be: if any man serve me, him will my Father honour.Acts 8:39And when they were come up out of the water, the Spirit of the Lord caught away Philip, that the eunuch saw him no more: and he went on his way rejoicing.
Historical Context
Paul's rapture teaching became foundational Christian eschatology. Early believers eagerly anticipated Christ's return, viewing death as temporary separation ending at the parousia. The vivid imagery—Lord descending, dead rising, living transformed, all meeting Christ in clouds—provided concrete hope for persecuted churches. Later theological debates (pre-/mid-/post-trib rapture, etc.) sometimes obscure Paul's main point: believers (dead and living) will be reunited and eternally present with Christ. The timing details matter less than the certain reality of resurrection and reunion.
Questions for Reflection
- How does the promise of being 'caught up together' (reunited with believing loved ones) comfort you regarding death's separations?
- What does 'ever be with the Lord' teach about heaven's essence—not location but Christ's presence?
- How should expectation of Christ's sudden return affect your daily priorities and readiness?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
Then we which are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds, to meet the Lord in the air: and so shall we ever be with the Lord—epeita hēmeis hoi zōntes hoi perileipomenoi hama syn autois harpagēsometha en nephelais eis apantēsin tou Kyriou eis aera, kai houtōs pantote syn Kyriō esometha (ἔπειτα ἡμεῖς οἱ ζῶντες οἱ περιλειπόμενοι ἅμα σὺν αὐτοῖς ἁρπαγησόμεθα ἐν νεφέλαις εἰς ἀπάντησιν τοῦ Κυρίου εἰς ἀέρα, καὶ οὕτως πάντοτε σὺν Κυρίῳ ἐσόμεθα). After dead believers rise (v. 16), living believers are harpazō (ἁρπάζω, 'caught up/snatched away')—the Latin rapio gives us 'rapture.' This instantaneous transformation (1 Cor 15:51-52) grants resurrection bodies without experiencing death.
Together with them in the clouds (hama syn autois en nephelais, ἅμα σὺν αὐτοῖς ἐν νεφέλαις)—the living join resurrected saints, reuniting believers separated by death. Eis apantēsin (εἰς ἀπάντησιν, 'to meet') was used of official delegations going out to meet visiting dignitaries and escort them back; believers meet Christ in the air to accompany Him to earth. And so shall we ever be with the Lord (kai houtōs pantote syn Kyriō esometha, καὶ οὕτως πάντοτε σὺν Κυρίῳ ἐσόμεθα)—the goal isn't heaven but eternal presence with Christ, whether in renewed creation or intermediate heaven. The crucial reality is syn Kyriō (σὺν Κυρίῳ, 'with the Lord')—eternal fellowship with Christ.