1 Thessalonians Chapter 5 · Verse 18

Authorized King James Version

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In every thing give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you.

Original Language Analysis

ἐν In G1722
ἐν In
Strong's: G1722
Word #: 1 of 12
"in," at, (up-)on, by, etc
παντὶ every thing G3956
παντὶ every thing
Strong's: G3956
Word #: 2 of 12
all, any, every, the whole
εὐχαριστεῖτε· give thanks G2168
εὐχαριστεῖτε· give thanks
Strong's: G2168
Word #: 3 of 12
to be grateful, i.e., (actively) to express gratitude (towards); specially, to say grace at a meal
τοῦτο this G5124
τοῦτο this
Strong's: G5124
Word #: 4 of 12
that thing
γὰρ for G1063
γὰρ for
Strong's: G1063
Word #: 5 of 12
properly, assigning a reason (used in argument, explanation or intensification; often with other particles)
θέλημα is the will G2307
θέλημα is the will
Strong's: G2307
Word #: 6 of 12
a determination (properly, the thing), i.e., (actively) choice (specially, purpose, decree; abstractly, volition) or (passively) inclination
θεοῦ of God G2316
θεοῦ of God
Strong's: G2316
Word #: 7 of 12
a deity, especially (with g3588) the supreme divinity; figuratively, a magistrate; exceedingly (by hebraism)
ἐν In G1722
ἐν In
Strong's: G1722
Word #: 8 of 12
"in," at, (up-)on, by, etc
Χριστῷ Christ G5547
Χριστῷ Christ
Strong's: G5547
Word #: 9 of 12
anointed, i.e., the messiah, an epithet of jesus
Ἰησοῦ Jesus G2424
Ἰησοῦ Jesus
Strong's: G2424
Word #: 10 of 12
jesus (i.e., jehoshua), the name of our lord and two (three) other israelites
εἰς concerning G1519
εἰς concerning
Strong's: G1519
Word #: 11 of 12
to or into (indicating the point reached or entered), of place, time, or (figuratively) purpose (result, etc.); also in adverbial phrases
ὑμᾶς you G5209
ὑμᾶς you
Strong's: G5209
Word #: 12 of 12
you (as the objective of a verb or preposition)

Analysis & Commentary

In every thing give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you—en panti euchareisteite; touto gar thelēma Theou en Christō Iēsou eis hymas (ἐν παντὶ εὐχαριστεῖτε· τοῦτο γὰρ θέλημα Θεοῦ ἐν Χριστῷ Ἰησοῦ εἰς ὑμᾶς). En panti (ἐν παντί, 'in everything') is comprehensive—not 'for everything' (suggesting thanksgiving for sin or evil) but 'in everything' (maintaining thankful spirit amid all circumstances). Eucharistia (εὐχαριστία, 'thanksgiving') flows from recognizing God's sovereign goodness even when circumstances appear bad.

For this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you—Christians seek God's will regarding vocation, marriage, location; Paul declares it plainly: rejoice evermore (v. 16), pray without ceasing (v. 17), give thanks in everything (v. 18). These three commands constitute God's will 'in Christ Jesus'—not apart from Christ but through union with Him. Only Christ-connection enables constant joy, unceasing prayer, and universal thanksgiving. Apart from Christ, circumstances dictate emotions; in Christ, gospel truth sustains joy, prayer, and thanksgiving regardless of circumstances. These aren't personality traits (some are 'naturally' joyful or thankful) but Spirit-produced fruit available to all believers.

Historical Context

Paul writes from adversity to adversity—he's suffering (3:7), they're persecuted (2:14; 3:3), yet he commands thanksgiving 'in everything.' This isn't positive thinking or denial but faith-based perspective: God sovereignly works all things for believers' good (Rom 8:28), including suffering. Early Christians thanked God for persecution (Acts 5:41), imprisonment (Phil 1:12-14), and martyrdom (Polycarp's prayer thanking God for martyrdom privilege). This thankfulness amid suffering puzzled pagans and attracted observers—how could people give thanks when losing everything? Gospel truth produces gratitude transcending circumstances.

Questions for Reflection