1 Thessalonians 5:15

Authorized King James Version

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

Word-by-Word Analysis

ὁρᾶτε

G3708

See

by extension, to attend to; by hebraism, to experience; passively, to appear

μή

G3361

that none

(adverb) not, (conjunction) lest; also (as an interrogative implying a negative answer (whereas g3756 expects an affirmative one)) whether

τινι

G5100

unto any

some or any person or object

κακοῦ

G2556

evil

worthless (intrinsically, such; whereas g4190 properly refers to effects), i.e., (subjectively) depraved, or (objectively) injurious

ἀντὶ

G473

for

opposite, i.e., instead or because of (rarely in addition to)

κακοῦ

G2556

evil

worthless (intrinsically, such; whereas g4190 properly refers to effects), i.e., (subjectively) depraved, or (objectively) injurious

τινι

G5100

unto any

some or any person or object

ἀποδῷ

G591

render

to give away, i.e., up, over, back, etc. (in various applications)

ἀλλὰ

G235

man but

properly, other things, i.e., (adverbially) contrariwise (in many relations)

#10

πάντοτε

G3842

ever

every when, i.e., at all times

#11

τὸ

G3588

that which

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

#12

ἀγαθὸν

G18

is good

"good" (in any sense, often as noun)

#13

διώκετε

G1377

compare the base of g1169 and g1249); to pursue (literally or figuratively); by implication, to persecute

#14

καὶ

G2532

and

and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words

#15

εἰς

G1519

among

to or into (indicating the point reached or entered), of place, time, or (figuratively) purpose (result, etc.); also in adverbial phrases

#16

ἀλλήλους

G240

yourselves

one another

#17

καὶ

G2532

and

and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words

#18

εἰς

G1519

among

to or into (indicating the point reached or entered), of place, time, or (figuratively) purpose (result, etc.); also in adverbial phrases

#19

πάντας

G3956

all

all, any, every, the whole

Analysis

Within the broader context of 1 Thessalonians, this passage highlights salvation through universal language and absolute statements. The theological weight of divine revelation connects to fundamental Christian doctrine about divine revelation, contributing to our understanding of God's nature and relationship with humanity. This verse contributes to the book's overall argument by building upon previous themes while advancing the overall message of 1 Thessalonians.

Historical Context

The historical context of the biblical period relevant to this book's composition provides crucial background for understanding this verse. The historical and cultural milieu of the biblical world informed the author's theological expression and the audience's understanding. The the cultural context of the biblical world would have shaped how the original audience understood divine revelation. Archaeological and historical evidence reveals Archaeological discoveries continue to illuminate the historical context of biblical texts.

Questions for Reflection

What systematic theological implications arise from this verse's treatment of salvation, and how does it contribute to a biblical theology of soteriology and the doctrine of salvation?
What practical applications emerge from understanding salvation as presented in this verse, particularly in light of addressing questions of religious pluralism and the exclusivity of Christ?
How does this passage contribute to our understanding of from physical deliverance in the Old Testament to spiritual redemption in the New, and what implications does this have for Christian discipleship?

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