1 Thessalonians Chapter 5 · Verse 13

Authorized King James Version

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And to esteem them very highly in love for their work's sake. And be at peace among yourselves.

Original Language Analysis

καὶ And G2532
καὶ And
Strong's: G2532
Word #: 1 of 14
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
ἡγεῖσθαι to esteem G2233
ἡγεῖσθαι to esteem
Strong's: G2233
Word #: 2 of 14
to lead, i.e., command (with official authority); figuratively, to deem, i.e., consider
αὐτῶν their G846
αὐτῶν their
Strong's: G846
Word #: 3 of 14
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
ὑπερ very G5228
ὑπερ very
Strong's: G5228
Word #: 4 of 14
"over", i.e., (with the genitive case) of place, above, beyond, across, or causal, for the sake of, instead, regarding; with the accusative case super
ἐκπερισσοῦ G4057
ἐκπερισσοῦ
Strong's: G4057
Word #: 5 of 14
superabundantly
ἐν among G1722
ἐν among
Strong's: G1722
Word #: 6 of 14
"in," at, (up-)on, by, etc
ἀγάπῃ love G26
ἀγάπῃ love
Strong's: G26
Word #: 7 of 14
love, i.e., affection or benevolence; specially (plural) a love-feast
διὰ for G1223
διὰ for
Strong's: G1223
Word #: 8 of 14
through (in very wide applications, local, causal, or occasional)
τὸ G3588
τὸ
Strong's: G3588
Word #: 9 of 14
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
ἔργον work's sake G2041
ἔργον work's sake
Strong's: G2041
Word #: 10 of 14
toil (as an effort or occupation); by implication, an act
αὐτῶν their G846
αὐτῶν their
Strong's: G846
Word #: 11 of 14
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
εἰρηνεύετε And be at peace G1514
εἰρηνεύετε And be at peace
Strong's: G1514
Word #: 12 of 14
to be (act) peaceful
ἐν among G1722
ἐν among
Strong's: G1722
Word #: 13 of 14
"in," at, (up-)on, by, etc
ἑαυτοῖς yourselves G1438
ἑαυτοῖς yourselves
Strong's: G1438
Word #: 14 of 14
(him- her-, it-, them-, my-, thy-, our-, your-)self (selves), etc

Analysis & Commentary

And to esteem them very highly in love for their work's sake. And be at peace among yourselves—kai hēgeisthai autous hyperekperissou en agapē dia to ergon autōn. eirēneuete en heautois (καὶ ἡγεῖσθαι αὐτοὺς ὑπερεκπερισσοῦ ἐν ἀγάπῃ διὰ τὸ ἔργον αὐτῶν. εἰρηνεύετε ἐν ἑαυτοῖς). Hēgeisthai autous hyperekperissou en agapē (ἡγεῖσθαι αὐτοὺς ὑπερεκπερισσοῦ ἐν ἀγάπῃ, 'esteem them beyond measure in love')—hyperekperissou (ὑπερεκπερισσοῦ) is superlative: 'exceedingly abundantly.' Leaders deserve extraordinary honor, not grudging acknowledgment. En agapē (ἐν ἀγάπῃ, 'in love')—honor flows from love, not mere duty. Dia to ergon autōn (διὰ τὸ ἔργον αὐτῶν, 'for their work's sake')—honor is based on ministry, not personality or status.

And be at peace among yourselves (eirēneuete en heautois, εἰρηνεύετε ἐν ἑαυτοῖς)—church unity requires both honoring leaders and maintaining mutual peace. Apparently some Thessalonians resisted pastoral authority, creating conflict. Paul addresses both sides: members must honor leaders; the community must maintain peace. Leadership without honor breeds contempt; honor without peace breeds factions. Biblical church life requires both vertical respect (toward leaders) and horizontal harmony (among members). Peace flows from gospel truth rightly applied (Jas 3:17-18).

Historical Context

Early churches faced leadership challenges—converts from paganism lacked models for church polity, resistance to authority was common, and young churches had immature members. The Thessalonians needed instruction on honoring leaders and maintaining peace. Paul's counsel balanced extremes: not despising leaders (treating them as equals) nor idolizing them (treating them as infallible). Leaders deserved honor 'for their work's sake'—based on faithful ministry, not inherent superiority. This prevented both rebellion and clericalism, fostering healthy church life where leaders served and members followed willingly.

Questions for Reflection