1 Thessalonians Chapter 5 · Verse 11
Wherefore comfort yourselves together, and edify one another, even as also ye do.
Original Language Analysis
παρακαλεῖτε
comfort
G3870
παρακαλεῖτε
comfort
Strong's:
G3870
Word #:
2 of 11
to call near, i.e., invite, invoke (by imploration, hortation or consolation)
καὶ
and
G2532
καὶ
and
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
4 of 11
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
οἰκοδομεῖτε
edify
G3618
οἰκοδομεῖτε
edify
Strong's:
G3618
Word #:
5 of 11
to be a house-builder, i.e., construct or (figuratively) confirm
τὸν
G3588
τὸν
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
7 of 11
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
Cross References
Ephesians 4:29Let no corrupt communication proceed out of your mouth, but that which is good to the use of edifying, that it may minister grace unto the hearers.Hebrews 10:25Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as the manner of some is; but exhorting one another: and so much the more, as ye see the day approaching.Romans 15:2Let every one of us please his neighbour for his good to edification.Hebrews 3:13But exhort one another daily, while it is called To day; lest any of you be hardened through the deceitfulness of sin.1 Thessalonians 4:18Wherefore comfort one another with these words.Romans 14:19Let us therefore follow after the things which make for peace, and things wherewith one may edify another.1 Corinthians 14:12Even so ye, forasmuch as ye are zealous of spiritual gifts, seek that ye may excel to the edifying of the church.Ephesians 4:12For the perfecting of the saints, for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ:Ephesians 4:16From whom the whole body fitly joined together and compacted by that which every joint supplieth, according to the effectual working in the measure of every part, maketh increase of the body unto the edifying of itself in love.Jude 1:20But ye, beloved, building up yourselves on your most holy faith, praying in the Holy Ghost,
Historical Context
The early church practiced intensive mutual care—meeting daily (Acts 2:46), sharing possessions (Acts 2:44-45), bearing one another's burdens (Gal 6:2). This community sustained faith through persecution when isolation would have crushed individuals. The Thessalonians' mutual comfort and edification despite external hostility demonstrated authentic Christianity. Contemporary individualism threatens this biblical community model; recovering 'one another' ministry (over 40 NT commands) is essential for spiritual health and eschatological readiness. Isolated believers rarely remain watchful; community sustains vigilance.
Questions for Reflection
- How do you actively comfort and edify other believers, not just receive ministry but provide it?
- What evidence demonstrates that your Christian relationships include mutual edification (building up) rather than merely social affinity?
- How can churches recover intensive 'one another' ministry in cultures promoting independence over interdependence?
Analysis & Commentary
Wherefore comfort yourselves together, and edify one another, even as also ye do—dio parakaleite allēlous kai oikodomeite heis ton hena, kathōs kai poieite (διὸ παρακαλεῖτε ἀλλήλους καὶ οἰκοδομεῖτε εἷς τὸν ἕνα, καθὼς καὶ ποιεῖτε). Dio (διό, 'therefore') draws practical conclusion from theological teaching (vv. 1-10). Parakaleite allēlous (παρακαλεῖτε ἀλλήλους, 'comfort one another') echoes 4:18—mutual encouragement using eschatological truth. Oikodomeite (οἰκοδομεῖτε, 'edify/build up') uses construction metaphor: believers build each other up spiritually through truth, encouragement, and accountability.
The phrase heis ton hena (εἷς τὸν ἕνα, 'one the one')—literally 'one the one,' idiomatically 'one another individually.' Church community provides mutual comfort and edification; isolated believers lack essential support. Even as also ye do (kathōs kai poieite, καθὼς καὶ ποιεῖτε)—Paul commends present practice while encouraging continuation. The Thessalonians already comforted and edified mutually; Paul urges persistence. Christian community isn't optional but essential—we need each other's encouragement to persevere unto Christ's return.