1 Thessalonians 5:15
See that none render evil for evil unto any man; but ever follow that which is good, both among yourselves, and to all men.
Original Language Analysis
ὁρᾶτε
See
G3708
ὁρᾶτε
See
Strong's:
G3708
Word #:
1 of 19
by extension, to attend to; by hebraism, to experience; passively, to appear
μή
that none
G3361
μή
that none
Strong's:
G3361
Word #:
2 of 19
(adverb) not, (conjunction) lest; also (as an interrogative implying a negative answer (whereas g3756 expects an affirmative one)) whether
κακοῦ
evil
G2556
κακοῦ
evil
Strong's:
G2556
Word #:
4 of 19
worthless (intrinsically, such; whereas g4190 properly refers to effects), i.e., (subjectively) depraved, or (objectively) injurious
ἀντὶ
for
G473
ἀντὶ
for
Strong's:
G473
Word #:
5 of 19
opposite, i.e., instead or because of (rarely in addition to)
κακοῦ
evil
G2556
κακοῦ
evil
Strong's:
G2556
Word #:
6 of 19
worthless (intrinsically, such; whereas g4190 properly refers to effects), i.e., (subjectively) depraved, or (objectively) injurious
ἀποδῷ
render
G591
ἀποδῷ
render
Strong's:
G591
Word #:
8 of 19
to give away, i.e., up, over, back, etc. (in various applications)
ἀλλὰ
man but
G235
ἀλλὰ
man but
Strong's:
G235
Word #:
9 of 19
properly, other things, i.e., (adverbially) contrariwise (in many relations)
τὸ
that which
G3588
τὸ
that which
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
11 of 19
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
διώκετε
follow
G1377
διώκετε
follow
Strong's:
G1377
Word #:
13 of 19
compare the base of g1169 and g1249); to pursue (literally or figuratively); by implication, to persecute
καὶ
and
G2532
καὶ
and
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
14 of 19
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
εἰς
among
G1519
εἰς
among
Strong's:
G1519
Word #:
15 of 19
to or into (indicating the point reached or entered), of place, time, or (figuratively) purpose (result, etc.); also in adverbial phrases
καὶ
and
G2532
καὶ
and
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
17 of 19
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
Cross References
1 Peter 3:9Not rendering evil for evil, or railing for railing: but contrariwise blessing; knowing that ye are thereunto called, that ye should inherit a blessing.Galatians 6:10As we have therefore opportunity, let us do good unto all men, especially unto them who are of the household of faith.Leviticus 19:18Thou shalt not avenge, nor bear any grudge against the children of thy people, but thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself: I am the LORD.3 John 1:11Beloved, follow not that which is evil, but that which is good. He that doeth good is of God: but he that doeth evil hath not seen God.Hebrews 12:14Follow peace with all men, and holiness, without which no man shall see the Lord:1 Peter 1:22Seeing ye have purified your souls in obeying the truth through the Spirit unto unfeigned love of the brethren, see that ye love one another with a pure heart fervently:Psalms 38:20They also that render evil for good are mine adversaries; because I follow the thing that good is.1 Timothy 6:11But thou, O man of God, flee these things; and follow after righteousness, godliness, faith, love, patience, meekness.2 Timothy 2:24And the servant of the Lord must not strive; but be gentle unto all men, apt to teach, patient,Psalms 7:4If I have rewarded evil unto him that was at peace with me; (yea, I have delivered him that without cause is mine enemy:)
Historical Context
The Thessalonians suffered persecution (2:14; 3:3-4) that naturally provoked desire for retaliation. Jewish zealots advocated violent resistance against oppressors; Greco-Roman honor culture demanded avenging insults. Paul teaches radically different ethics: absorb evil without retaliation, pursue good toward enemies. This countercultural response eventually conquered Rome—when Christians loved enemies, cared for plague victims, and blessed persecutors, observers were amazed. Tertullian: 'The blood of the martyrs is the seed of the church.' Non-retaliation's power exceeded violent resistance; sacrificial love won more converts than armed rebellion.
Questions for Reflection
- How do you actively pursue good toward those who've harmed you rather than merely avoiding revenge?
- What specific actions demonstrate that you're 'following that which is good' toward enemies, not just fellow believers?
- How does pursuing good toward persecutors become more powerful witness than defending your rights or seeking justice?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
See that none render evil for evil unto any man; but ever follow that which is good, both among yourselves, and to all men—horate mē tis kakon anti kakou tini apodō, alla pantote to agathon diōkete kai eis allēlous kai eis pantas (ὁρᾶτε μή τις κακὸν ἀντὶ κακοῦ τινι ἀποδῷ, ἀλλὰ πάντοτε τὸ ἀγαθὸν διώκετε καὶ εἰς ἀλλήλους καὶ εἰς πάντας). Horate mē (ὁρᾶτε μή, 'see that... not')—imperative warning. Kakon anti kakou (κακὸν ἀντὶ κακοῦ, 'evil for evil')—the natural response to mistreatment is retaliation. Paul forbids this, echoing Jesus (Matt 5:38-44) and Peter (1 Pet 3:9).
But ever follow that which is good (alla pantote to agathon diōkete, ἀλλὰ πάντοτε τὸ ἀγαθὸν διώκετε)—diōkō (διώκω, 'pursue/chase actively') indicates aggressive pursuit, not passive avoidance. Christians don't merely avoid revenge; we actively pursue good. This applies kai eis allēlous kai eis pantas (καὶ εἰς ἀλλήλους καὶ εἰς πάντας, 'both toward one another [believers] and toward all [including enemies]'). The Thessalonians faced persecution from neighbors (2:14); Paul commands pursuing good toward persecutors, not vengeance. This supernatural ethic distinguishes Christianity—overcoming evil with good (Rom 12:21).