1 Thessalonians 5:9
For God hath not appointed us to wrath, but to obtain salvation by our Lord Jesus Christ,
Original Language Analysis
ὅτι
For
G3754
ὅτι
For
Strong's:
G3754
Word #:
1 of 18
demonstrative, that (sometimes redundant); causative, because
ἔθετο
appointed
G5087
ἔθετο
appointed
Strong's:
G5087
Word #:
3 of 18
to place (in the widest application, literally and figuratively; properly, in a passive or horizontal posture, and thus different from g2476, which pr
ὁ
G3588
ὁ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
5 of 18
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
θεὸς
God
G2316
θεὸς
God
Strong's:
G2316
Word #:
6 of 18
a deity, especially (with g3588) the supreme divinity; figuratively, a magistrate; exceedingly (by hebraism)
εἰς
to
G1519
εἰς
to
Strong's:
G1519
Word #:
7 of 18
to or into (indicating the point reached or entered), of place, time, or (figuratively) purpose (result, etc.); also in adverbial phrases
ὀργὴν
wrath
G3709
ὀργὴν
wrath
Strong's:
G3709
Word #:
8 of 18
properly, desire (as a reaching forth or excitement of the mind), i.e., (by analogy), violent passion (ire, or (justifiable) abhorrence); by implicati
ἀλλ'
but
G235
ἀλλ'
but
Strong's:
G235
Word #:
9 of 18
properly, other things, i.e., (adverbially) contrariwise (in many relations)
εἰς
to
G1519
εἰς
to
Strong's:
G1519
Word #:
10 of 18
to or into (indicating the point reached or entered), of place, time, or (figuratively) purpose (result, etc.); also in adverbial phrases
περιποίησιν
obtain
G4047
περιποίησιν
obtain
Strong's:
G4047
Word #:
11 of 18
acquisition (the act or the thing); by extension, preservation
διὰ
by
G1223
διὰ
by
Strong's:
G1223
Word #:
13 of 18
through (in very wide applications, local, causal, or occasional)
τοῦ
G3588
τοῦ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
14 of 18
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
κυρίου
Lord
G2962
κυρίου
Lord
Strong's:
G2962
Word #:
15 of 18
supreme in authority, i.e., (as noun) controller; by implication, master (as a respectful title)
Cross References
1 Thessalonians 1:10And to wait for his Son from heaven, whom he raised from the dead, even Jesus, which delivered us from the wrath to come.1 Peter 2:10Which in time past were not a people, but are now the people of God: which had not obtained mercy, but now have obtained mercy.Acts 13:48And when the Gentiles heard this, they were glad, and glorified the word of the Lord: and as many as were ordained to eternal life believed.Proverbs 16:4The LORD hath made all things for himself: yea, even the wicked for the day of evil.2 Timothy 2:10Therefore I endure all things for the elect's sakes, that they may also obtain the salvation which is in Christ Jesus with eternal glory.Exodus 9:16And in very deed for this cause have I raised thee up, for to shew in thee my power; and that my name may be declared throughout all the earth.1 Timothy 1:16Howbeit for this cause I obtained mercy, that in me first Jesus Christ might shew forth all longsuffering, for a pattern to them which should hereafter believe on him to life everlasting.1 Thessalonians 3:3That no man should be moved by these afflictions: for yourselves know that we are appointed thereunto.1 Timothy 1:13Who was before a blasphemer, and a persecutor, and injurious: but I obtained mercy, because I did it ignorantly in unbelief.1 Peter 2:8And a stone of stumbling, and a rock of offence, even to them which stumble at the word, being disobedient: whereunto also they were appointed.
Historical Context
The distinction between wrath and salvation at the day of the Lord comforted persecuted Thessalonians—their present suffering wasn't God's wrath but Satan's opposition and human persecution (2:18; 3:5). God's wrath awaited persecutors (2:16; 2 Thess 1:6-9), not persecuted believers. This theology sustained martyrs throughout church history: present suffering isn't divine judgment but diabolic hostility; Christ will vindicate believers when He returns. Romans 5:9 confirms: 'Being now justified by his blood, we shall be saved from wrath through him.' Believers are saved from wrath, not saved from suffering.
Questions for Reflection
- How does understanding that God appointed you 'to obtain salvation,' not 'unto wrath,' provide assurance during trials?
- What does 'through our Lord Jesus Christ' teach about salvation's exclusive means and Christ's unique role?
- How do you distinguish between present suffering (not divine wrath) and future wrath (which believers escape)?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
For God hath not appointed us to wrath, but to obtain salvation by our Lord Jesus Christ—hoti ouk etheto hēmas ho Theos eis orgēn alla eis peripoiēsin sōtērias dia tou Kyriou hēmōn Iēsou Christou (ὅτι οὐκ ἔθετο ἡμᾶς ὁ Θεὸς εἰς ὀργὴν ἀλλὰ εἰς περιποίησιν σωτηρίας διὰ τοῦ Κυρίου ἡμῶν Ἰησοῦ Χριστοῦ). Etheto (ἔθετο, aorist of tithēmi, 'to place/appoint') indicates divine determination. God appointed believers not eis orgēn (εἰς ὀργήν, 'unto wrath') but eis peripoiēsin sōtērias (εἰς περιποίησιν σωτηρίας, 'unto obtaining salvation'). Orgē (ὀργή) is God's judicial wrath against sin; believers are exempt not because they're sinless but because Christ bore wrath on their behalf (1:10).
Through our Lord Jesus Christ (dia tou Kyriou hēmōn Iēsou Christou, διὰ τοῦ Κυρίου ἡμῶν Ἰησοῦ Χριστοῦ)—salvation is mediated exclusively through Christ. This verse provides assurance: the day of the Lord brings wrath for unbelievers (v. 3) but salvation for believers (v. 9). Divine appointment (not human decision) determined this distinction. Those 'in Christ' escape wrath not through works but through Christ's propitiatory sacrifice (Rom 3:25). This doesn't mean believers avoid all suffering (2:14; 3:3-4) but that we escape God's eschatological wrath poured out on unbelief.