1 Thessalonians 5:15

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1 Thessalonians 5:15 in Multiple Translations

Berean Standard Bible BSB

Make sure that no one repays evil for evil. Always pursue what is good for one another and for all people.

King James Version KJV

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

American Standard Version ASV

See that none render unto any one evil for evil; but always follow after that which is good, one toward another, and toward all.

Bible in Basic English BBE

Let no one give evil for evil; but ever go after what is good, for one another and for all.

Free Bible Version FBV

Make sure none of you pays back evil for evil, but always try to do good to one another, and to everyone.

Geneva Bible 1599 GNV

See that none recompense euil for euil vnto any man: but euer follow that which is good, both toward your selues, and toward all men.

Young's Literal Translation YLT

see no one evil for evil may render to any one, but always that which is good pursue ye, both to one another and to all;

World English Bible WEB

See that no one returns evil for evil to anyone, but always follow after that which is good for one another and for all.

Noah Webster Bible WBS

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

Douay-Rheims 1899 DRV

See that none render evil for evil to any man; but ever follow that which is good towards each other, and towards all men.

Translation for Translators T4T

Make sure that none of you does evil things to anyone who has done evil to you. On the contrary, you must always try to do good things for each other (OR, to fellow believers) and to everyone else.

Plain English Version PEV

If somebody does something bad to you, don’t try to do payback to them, but always try to be good to each other and to everyone else too.

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Berean Amplified Bible — 1 Thessalonians 5:15

BAB

Word Study

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1 Thessalonians 5:15 Interlinear (Deep Study)

BIB

GRK ορατε μη τις κακον αντι κακου τινι αποδω αλλα παντοτε το αγαθον διωκετε και εις αλληλους και εις παντας

ορατε horaō G3708 to see: see Verb-PAM-2P

μη mē G3361 not Particle-N

τις tis G5100 one Indef-NSM

κακον kakos G2556 evil/harm: evil Adj-ASN

αντι anti G473 for Prep

κακου kakos G2556 evil/harm: evil Adj-GSN

τινι tis G5100 one Indef-DSM

αποδω apodidōmi G591 to pay Verb-2AAS-3S

αλλα alla G235 but Conj

παντοτε pantote G3842 always Adv

το ho G3588 the/this/who Art-ASN

αγαθον agathos G18 good Adj-ASN

διωκετε diōkō G1377 to pursue Verb-PAM-2P

και kai G2532 and Conj

εις eis G1519 toward Prep

αλληλους allēlōn G240 one another C-APM

και kai G2532 and Conj

εις eis G1519 toward Prep

παντας pas G3956 all Adj-APM

Greek Word Study

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Greek Word Reference — 1 Thessalonians 5:15

ορατε horaō G3708 "to see: see" Verb-PAM-2P

This word means 'to see' or 'to perceive', and can also mean 'to attend to' or 'to experience', like in Mark 6:38 and John 1:46. It's a key word for understanding and perceiving things.

Definition: ὁράω, -ῶ, [in LXX chiefly for ראה, also for חזה, etc. ;] in "durative" sense (hence aor. act., εἶδον, pass., ὤφθην, fut., ὄψομαι, from different roots; see M, Pr., 110f.), to see (in colloq. even the present is rare, its place being generally taken by θεωρέω, see BL, §24). __1. Of bodily vision, to see, perceive, behold: absol., Mrk.6:38, al.; ἔρχου καὶ ἴδε, Jhn.1:46, al.; before ὅτι, Mrk.2:16, al.; with accusative, Mat.2:2, Mrk.1:10 16:7, Gal.1:19, al.; θεόν, Jhn.1:18, 1Jn.4:20, al. __2. to see with the mind, perceive, discern: absol, Rom.15:21; with accusative of thing(s), Mat.9:2 27:54, Act.8:23, Col.2:18, al. __3. to see, take heed, beware: ὅρα μή, with aor. subjc., Mat.8:4 18:10, Mrk.1:44, 1Th.5:15; id., sc. μὴ ποήσῃς, Rev.19:10 22:9 (Bl., §81, 1); before imperat. Mat.9:30 16:6, Mrk.8:15 __4. to experience: τ. θάνατον, Luk.2:26, Heb.11:5; ζωήν, Jhn.3:36; τ. διαφθοράν, Act.2:27. __5. to visit: with accusative of person(s), Luk.8:20, Jhn.12:21, Rom.1:11, al.; with accusative loc, Act.19:21. __6. to see to, care for: Mat.27:4, Act.18:15 (cf. ἀφ-, καθ-, προ-, συν-οράω). SYN.: see: βλέπω. (AS)

Usage: Occurs in 605 NT verses. KJV: behold, perceive, see, take heed See also: 1 Corinthians 2:9; Acts 16:40; 1 Peter 1:8.

μη mē G3361 "not" Particle-N

Not is a word used to show that something is not true or is not happening, like in phrases that say 'lest' or 'God forbid', as seen in various parts of the New Testament.

Definition: μή, subjective negative particle, used where the negation depends on a condition or hypothesis, expressed or understood, as distinct from οὐ, which denies absolutely. μή is used where one thinks a thing is not, as distinct from an absolute negation. As a general rule, οὐ negatives the indic, μή the other moods, incl, ptcp. [In LXX for אֵין ,אַיִן ,אַל ] __I. As a neg. adv., not; __1. with ref. to thought or opinion: Jhn.3:18, Tit.1:11, 2Pe.1:9. __2. In delib. questions, with subjc. (M, Pr., 185): Mrk.12:14, Rom.3:8. __3. In conditional and final sentences, after εἰ, ἐάν, ἄν, ἵνα, ὅπως: Mat.10:14, Mrk.6:11 12:19, Luk.9:5, Jhn.6:50, Rom.11:25, al. __4. C. inf. (see M, Pr., 234f., 239, 255), __(a) after verbs of saying, etc.: Mat.2:12 5:34, Mrk.12:18, Act.15:38, Rom.2:21, al.; __(b) with artic. inf.: after a prep., Mat.13:5, Mrk.4:5, Act.7:19, 1Co.10:6, al.; without a prep., Rom.14:13, 2Co.2:1, 13 1Th 4:6; __(with) in sentences expressing consequence, after ὥστε: Mat.8:28, Mrk.3:20, 1Co.1:7, 2Co.3:7, al. __5. C. ptcp. (see M, Pr., 231f., 239), in hypothetical references to persons of a certain character or description: Mat.10:28 12:30, Luk.6:49, Jhn.3:18, Rom.4:5, 1Co.7:38, 1Jn.3:10, al.; where the person or thing being definite, the denial is a matter of opinion: Jhn.6:64, 1Co.1:28 4:7, 18, 2Co.5:21, al.; where the ptcp. has a concessive, causal or conditional force, if, though, because not: Mat.18:25, Luk.2:45, Jhn.7:49, Act.9:26, Rom.2:14 5:13, 2Co.3:14, Gal.6:9, Ju 5; where the ptcp. has a descriptive force (being such as), not: Act.9:9, Rom.1:28, 1Co.10:33, Gal.4:8, Heb.12:27, al. __6. μή prohibitive, in indep. sentences, __(a) with subjc. praes., 1 of person(s) pl.: Gal.5:26 6:9, 1Th.5:6, 1Jn.3:18; __(b) with imperat. praes., usually where one is bidden to desist from what has already begun (cf. M, Pr., 122ff.): Mat.7:1, Mrk.5:36, Luk.6:30, Jhn.2:16 5:45, Act.10:15, Rom.11:18, Jas.2:1, Rev.5:5, al.; __(with) forbidding that which is still future: with imperat. aor., 3 of person(s), Mat.24:18, Mrk.13:15, Luk.17:31, al.; with subjc. aor., 2 of person(s), Mat.3:9 10:26, Mrk.5:7, Luk.6:29, Jhn.3:7, Rom.10:6, al.; __(d) with optative, in wishes: 2Ti.4:16 (LXX); μὴ γένοιτο (see M, Pr., 194; Bl., §66, 1), Luk.20:16, Rom.3:3, al.; μή τις, Mrk.13:5, al. __II. As a conj., __1. after verbs of fearing, caution, etc., that, lest, perhaps (M, Pr., 192f.): with subjc. praes., Heb.12:15; with subjc. aor., Mat.24:4, Mrk.13:5, Luk.21:8, Act.13:40, Gal.5:15, al.; ὅρα μή (see M, Pr., 124, 178), elliptically, Rev.19:10 22:9; with indic, fut. (M, Pr., l.with), Col.2:8. __2. in order that not: with subjc. aor., Mrk.13:36, 2Co.8:20 12:6. __III. Interrogative, in hesitant questions (M, Pr., 170), or where a negative answer is expected: Mat.7:9, 10, Mrk.2:19, Jhn.3:4, Rom.3:3 10:18, 19, 1Co.1:13, al.; μή τις, Luk.22:35, al.; before οὐ (Rom.10:17, al. in Pl.), expecting an affirm, ans.; οὐ μή, Luk.18:7, Jhn.18:11. __IV. οὐ μή as emphatic negation (cf. M, Pr., 188, 190ff.; Bl. §64, 5), not at all, by no means: with indic, fut., Mat.16:22, Jhn.6:35, Heb.10:17, al.; with subjc. aor., Mat.24:2, Mrk.13:2, Luk.6:37, Jhn.13:8, 1Co.8:13, al. (AS)

Usage: Occurs in 910 NT verses. KJV: any but (that), X forbear, + God forbid, + lack, lest, neither, never, no (X wise in), none, nor, (can-)not, nothing, that not, un(-taken), without See also: 1 Corinthians 1:7; 1 Peter 2:16; 1 Peter 1:8.

τις tis G5100 "one" Indef-NSM

This pronoun refers to a person or thing in a general sense, as seen in Luke 9:49 and John 11:1. It can mean someone, anyone, or anything. This term is often used to describe an unspecified individual or object.

Definition: τις, neut., τι, genitive, τινός, enclitic indefinite pron., related to interrog. τίς as πού, πως, ποτέ to ποῦ, πῶς, πότε. __I. As subst., __1. one, a certain one: Luk.9:49, Jhn.11:1, Act.5:25, al.; pl., τίνες, certain, some: Luk.13:1, Act.15:1, Rom.3:8, al. __2. someone, anyone, something, anything: Mat.12:29, Mrk.9:30, Luk.8:46, Jhn.2:25, Act.17:25, Rom.5:7, al.; = indef., one (French on), Mrk.8:4, Jhn.2:25, Rom.8:24, al.; pl., τινες, some, Mrk.14:4, al. __II. II. As adj., __1. a certain: Mat.18:12, Luk.1:5 8:27, Act.3:2, al.; with proper names, Mrk.15:21, Luk.23:26, al.; with genitive partit., Luk.7:19, al. __2. some: Mrk.16:[8], Jhn.5:14, Act.17:21 24:24, Heb.11:40, al. (AS)

Usage: Occurs in 490 NT verses. KJV: a (kind of), any (man, thing, thing at all), certain (thing), divers, he (every) man, one (X thing), ought, + partly, some (man, -body, - thing, -what), (+ that no-)thing, what(-soever), X wherewith, whom(-soever), whose(-soever) See also: 1 Corinthians 1:15; 2 Corinthians 12:17; 1 Peter 2:19.

κακον kakos G2556 "evil/harm: evil" Adj-ASN

This word means evil or worthless, describing something or someone as bad or depraved. It appears in Matthew 21:41 and Romans 13:3, contrasting with what is good. It is often translated as 'evil' or 'wicked'.

Definition: κακός, -ή, -όν [in LXX chiefly for רַע ;] __1. in general, opposite to ἀγαθός, καλός, in various senses, bad, mean, base, worthless (cl.). __2. In ethical sense, base, evil, wicked: of persons, Mat.21:41 24:48, Php.3:2, Rev.2:2; διαλογισμοί, Mrk.7:21; ὁμιλίαι, 1Co.15:33; ἐπιθυμία (Pro.12:12), Col.3:5; ἔργον, Rom.13:3; neut., κακόν, τὸ κ., evil: Jhn.18:23, Act.23:9, Rom.7:21 14:20 16:19, 1Co.13:5, Heb.5:14, 1Pe.3:10-11, 3Jn.11; pl., Rom.1:30, 1Co.10:6, 1Ti.6:10, Jas.1:13; κ. (τὸ, τὰ κ.) ποιεῖν (πράσσειν), Mat.27:23, Mrk.15:14, Luk.23:22, Jhn.18:30, Rom.3:8 7:19 13:4, 2Co.13:7, 1Pe.3:12; κατεργάζεσθαι, Rom.2:9; of wrongs inflicted, Act.9:13, Rom.12:17, 21 13:10, 1Th.5:15, 2Ti.4:14, 1Pe.3:9. __3. pernicious, harmful, evil: Luk.16:25, Act.16:28 28:5, Tit.1:12, Jas.3:8, Rev.16:2 (Cremer, 325, 741). † SYN.: see: (ἄθεσμος) (AS)

Usage: Occurs in 46 NT verses. KJV: bad, evil, harm, ill, noisome, wicked See also: 1 Corinthians 10:6; Luke 23:22; 1 Peter 3:9.

αντι anti G473 "for" Prep

For means instead of or in place of something, like when Jesus says to give someone your cloak if they ask for your shirt in Matthew 5:38. It can also show succession or exchange, as in Matthew 2:22.

Definition: ἀντί (the ι is elided only in ἀνθ᾽ ὧν), prep. with genitive (cf. MM, VGT, see word); __1. prop, in local sense, over against, opposite, hence __2. instead of, in place of, for (Hom., etc.): Mat.5:38 17:27, Luk.11:11, 1Co.11:15, Heb.12:2; with artic. inf. (cl.), Jas.4:15; of succession, Mat.2:22; χάριν ἀ. χάριτος, Jhn.1:16 (M, Pr., 100); of price in exchange, Heb.12:16; λύτρον ἀ. πολλῶν, Mat.20:28, Mrk.10:45 (M, Pr., 105); of requital, Rom.12:17, 1Th.5:16, 1Pe.3:9 (cf. Wis.11:15); ἀνθ᾽ ὧν, because, Luk.1:20 19:44, Act.12:23, 2Th.2:10 (cl., LXX for אֲשֶׁר תַּחַת); id. therefore (cl., LXX), Luk.12:3; ἀ. τούτου (LXX for כֵּן נַעֲרָה)Eph.5:31. As a prefix, ἀντι- (before vowels ἀντ-, ἀνθ᾽-), denotes __(a) over against, ἀντιπέραν; __(b) co-operation, ἀντιβάλλειν; __(with) requital, ἀντιμισθία; __(d) opposition, ἀντίχριστος; __(e) substitution, ἀνθύπατος. Compounds of ἀ. usually govern dative (B1., § 37, 7).† (AS)

Usage: Occurs in 20 NT verses. KJV: for, in the room of See also: 1 Corinthians 11:15; Luke 1:20; 1 Peter 3:9.

κακου kakos G2556 "evil/harm: evil" Adj-GSN

Usage: Occurs in 46 NT verses. KJV: bad, evil, harm, ill, noisome, wicked See also: 1 Corinthians 10:6; Luke 23:22; 1 Peter 3:9.

τινι tis G5100 "one" Indef-DSM

αποδω apodidōmi G591 "to pay" Verb-2AAS-3S

In the Bible, this word means to give or pay something back, like a debt or wages, as seen in Matthew 18:25 and Luke 7:42. It's about returning what is owed. This concept is also found in Romans 13:7 and Revelation 22:2.

Definition: ἀπο-δίδωμι [in LXX for מָכַר, שׁוּב hi., נָתַן, שָׁלֵם pi., etc. ;] to give up or back, restore, return: Mat.27:58, Luk.4:20 9:42 19:8; esp. of wages, debts, oaths, etc. (MM, see word), to render what is due, to pay (Deiss., LAE, 334 f.): absol., Mat.18:25, 28, Luk.7:42. with accusative, Mat.5:26 18:29-30, 34 20:8 21:41 22:21, Mrk.12:17, Luk.10:35 12:59 20:25, Rom.13:7, Heb.12:11, Rev.22:2; ὅρκους, Mat.5:33 (cf. Num.30:3, Deu.23:21 al.); of conjugal duty, τ. ὀφειλήν, 1Co.7:3; ἀμοιβάς, 1Ti.5:4; μαρτύριον, to give (as in duty bound) testimony, Act.4:33; λόγον, to render account, Mat.12:36, Luk.16:2, Act.19:40, Heb.13:17, 1Pe.4:5; hence of requital, recompense, both in good and bad sense, Mat.6:4, 6 6:18 16:27, Rom.2:6, 2Ti.4:8 4:14 Rev.18:6 22:12; κακὸν ἀντὶ κακοῦ, Rom.12:17, 1Th.5:15, 1Pe.3:9. Mid., to give up of one's own, hence to sell (fr. Hdt. on): with accusative of thing(s), Act.5:8, Heb.12:16; with accusative of person(s), Act.7:9 (cf. ἀνταποδίδωμι) .† (AS)

Usage: Occurs in 45 NT verses. KJV: deliver (again), give (again), (re-)pay(-ment be made), perform, recompense, render, requite, restore, reward, sell, yield See also: 1 Corinthians 7:3; Matthew 5:26; 1 Peter 3:9.

αλλα alla G235 "but" Conj

But is a strong opposing word, used in Matthew 5:15 and John 7:16. It shows contrast or surprise, like in the phrase 'but God' in Romans 3:31.

Definition: ἀλλά (ἀλλ᾽ usually bef. α and υ, often bef. ε and η, rarely bef. ο and ω, never bef. ι; Tdf., Pr., 93 f.; WH, App., 146), adversative particle, stronger than δέ; prop. neuter pl. of ἄλλος, used adverbially, with changed accent; hence prop. otherwise, on the other hand (cf. Rom.3:31); __1. opposing a previous negation, but: οὐ (μὴ) . . . ἀ., Mat.5:15, 17 Mrk.5:39, Jhn.7:16, al.; rhetorically subordinating but not entirely negativing what precedes, οὐ . . . ἀ., not so much . . . as, Mrk.9:37, Mat.10:20, Jhn.12:44, al.; with ellipse of the negation, Mat.11:7-9, Act.19:2, 1Co.3:6 6:11 7:7, 2Co.7:1, Gal.2:3, al.; in opposition to a foregoing pos. sentence, ἀ. οὐ, Mat.24:6, 1Co.10:23; οὐ μόνον . . . ἀ. καί, Jhn.5:18, Rom.1:32, al.; elliptically, after a negation, ἀ. ἵνα, Mrk.14:49, Jhn.1:8 9:3, al.; = εἰ μή (Bl., §77, 13; M, Pr., 241; but cf. WM, §iii, 10), Mat.20:23, Mrk.4:22. __2. Without previous negation, to express opposition, interruption, transition, etc., but: Jhn.16:20 12:27, Gal.2:14; before commands or requests, Act.10:20 26:16, Mat.9:18, Mrk.9:22, al.; to introduce an accessory idea, 2Co.7:11; in the apodosis after a condition or concession with εἰ, ἐάν, εἴπερ, yet, still, at least, Mrk.14:29, 1Co.9:2, 2Co.4:16, Col.2:5, al.; after μέν, Act.4:17, Rom.14:20, 1Co.14:17; giving emphasis to the following clause, ἀλλ᾽ ἔρχεται ὥρα, yea, etc., Jhn.16:2; so with neg., ἀλλ᾽ οὐδέ, nay, nor yet, Luk.23:15. __3. Joined with other particles (a practice which increases in late writers; Simcox, LNT, 166), ἀ. γε, yet at least, Luk.24:21, 1Co.9:2; ἄ ἤ., save only, except, Luk.12:51, 2Co.1:13; ἀ. μὲν οὖν, Php.3:8 (on this usage, see MM, VGT, see word). (AS)

Usage: Occurs in 603 NT verses. KJV: and, but (even), howbeit, indeed, nay, nevertheless, no, notwithstanding, save, therefore, yea, yet See also: 1 Corinthians 1:17; 1 Thessalonians 5:9; 1 Peter 1:15.

παντοτε pantote G3842 "always" Adv

Always means at all times, like in Matthew 26:11 where Jesus says the poor will always be present.

Definition: πάντοτε adv. of time (πᾶς), [in LXX: Wis.11:21 19:18 * ;] in late writers (once in Arist.) for διαπαντός, ἑκάστοτε, at all times, always: Mat.26:11, Mrk.14:7, Luk.15:31, Jhn.6:34, Rom.1:10, and frequently in Paul. Epp (AS)

Usage: Occurs in 38 NT verses. KJV: alway(-s), ever(-more) See also: 1 Corinthians 1:4; Ephesians 5:20; Hebrews 7:25.

το ho G3588 "the/this/who" Art-ASN

The Greek word for 'the' or 'this', used to point out a specific person or thing, like in Acts 17:28. It can also mean 'he', 'she', or 'it'.

Definition: ὁ, ἡ, τό, the prepositive article (ἄρθρον προτακτικόν), originally a demonstr. pron. (so usually in Hom.), in general corresponding to the Eng. definite article. __I. As demonstr. pron. __1. As frequently in Hom., absol., he (she, it), his (etc.): Act.17:28 (quoted from the poet Aratus). __2. Distributive, ὁ μὲν . . . ὁ δέ, the one . . . the other: 1Co.7:7, Gal.4:22; pl., Act.14:4, 17:32, Php.1:16, al.; οἱ μὲν . . . ἄλλοι δέ, Mat.16:14, Jhn.7:12; οἱ μεν̀ . . . ὁδέ, Heb.7:21, 23. __3. In narration (without ὁ μὲν preceding), ὁ δέ, but he: Mat.2:14, Mrk.1:45, Luk.8:21, Jhn.9:38, al. mult. __II. As prepositive article, the, prefixed, __1. to nouns unmodified: ὁ θεός, τὸ φῶς, etc.; to abstract nouns, ἡ σοφία, etc., to pl. nouns which indicate a class, οἱ ἀλώπεκες, foxes, Mat.8:20, al.; to an individual as representing a class, ὁ ἐργάτης, Luk.10:7; with nom. = voc. in addresses, Mat.11:26, Jhn.19:3, Jas.5:1, al.; to things which pertain to one, ἡ χεῖρ, his hand, Mrk.3:1; to names of persons well known or already mentioned; usually to names of countries (originally adjectives), ἡ Ἰουδαία, etc. __2. To modified nouns: with of person(s) pron. genitive, μοῦ, σοῦ, etc.; with poss. pron., ἐμός, σός, etc.; with adj. between the art. and the noun, ὁ ἀγαθὸς ἄνθρωπος, Mat.12:35; the noun foll, by adj., both with art., ὁ ποιμὴν ὁ καλός, Jhn.10:11 (on ὁ ὄχλος πολύς, Jhn.12:9, see M, Pr., 84); before adjectival phrases, ἡ κατ᾽ ἐκλογὴν πρόθεσις, Rom.9:11. __3. To Other parts of speech used as substantives; __(a) neuter adjectives: τ. ἀγαθόν, etc.; __(b) cardinal numerals: ὁ εἶς, οἷ δύο, etc.; __(with) participles: ὁ βαπτίζων (= ὁ Βαπτιστής, Mat.14:2), Mrk.6:14; πᾶς ὁ, with ptcp., every one who, etc.; __(d) adverbs: τὸ πέραν, τὰ νῦν, ὁ ἔσω ἄνθρωπος; __(e) infinitives: nom., τὸ θέλειν, Rom.7:18, al.; genitive, τοῦ, after adjectives, ἄξιον τοῦ πορεύεσθαι, 1Co.16:4; verbs, ἐλαχεν τοῦ θυμιᾶσαι, Luk.1:9; and frequently in a final sense, ἐξῆλθεν ὁ σπείρειν, Mat.13:3 (on the artic. inf., see Bl., §71). __4. In the neut. to sentences, phrases or single words treated as a quotation: τὸ Ἐι δύνῃ, Mrk.9:23; τὸ ἔτι ἅπαξ, Heb.12:27; τὸ ἀνέβη, Eph.4:9, al. __5. To prepositional phrases: οἱ ἀπὸ Ἰταλίας, Heb.13:24; οἱ ἐκ νόμου, Rom.4:14; neut. accusative absol., in adverbial phrases, τὸ καθ᾽ ἡμέραν, daily, Luk.11:3; τὸ κατὰ σάρκα, as regards the flesh, Rom.9:5. __6. To nouns in the genitive, denoting kinship, association, etc.: ὁ τοῦ, the son of (unless context indicates a different relationship), Mat.10:2, al.; τὰ τοῦ θεοῦ, the things that pertain to God, Mat.16:23; τὰ τῆς εἰρήνης, Rom.14:19 (cf. M, Pr., 81ff.; Bl, §§46, 47). (AS)

Usage: Occurs in 7033 NT verses. KJV: the, this, that, one, he, she, it, etc See also: 1 Corinthians 1:1; 1 Corinthians 7:16; 1 Corinthians 11:24.

αγαθον agathos G18 "good" Adj-ASN

Good or beneficial, as seen in Luke 8:8 where it describes good soil producing a good crop. This word means something that is pleasant, useful, or morally good. In the Bible, it is used to describe things that are pleasing to God and beneficial to people.

Definition: ἀγαθός, -ή, -όν, [in LXX chiefly for טוֹב ;] in general, good, in physical and in moral sense, used of persons, things, acts, conditions, etc., applied to that which is regarded as "perfect in its kind, so as to produce pleasure and satisfaction, . . . that which, in itself good, is also at once for the good and the advantage of him who comes in contact with it" (Cremer, 3): γῆ, Luk.8:8; δένδρον, Mat.7:18; καρδία, Luk.8:15; δόσις, Jas.1:17; μέρις, Luk.10:42; ἔργον (frequently in Pl.), Php.1:6; ἐλπίς, 2Th.2:16; θησαυρός, Mat.12:35; μνεία, 1Th.3:6 (cf. 2Ma.7:20); as subst., τὸ ἀ, that which is morally good, beneficial, acceptable to God, Rom.12:2; ἐργάζεσθαι τὸ ἀ, Rom.2:10, Eph.4:28; πράσσειν, Rom.9:11, 2Co.5:10; διώκειν, 1Th.5:15; μιμεῖσθαι, III Jo 11; κολλᾶσθαι τῷ ἀ, Rom.12:9; ερωτᾶν περὶ τοῦ ἀ., Mat.19:17; διάκονος εἰς τὸ ἀ., Rom.13:4; τὸ ἀ. σου, thy favour, benefit, Phm 14; pl., τὰ ἀ., of goods, possessions, Luk.12:18; of spiritual benefits, Rom.10:15, Heb.9:11, 10:1. ἀ is opposite to πονηρός, Mat.5:45, 20:5; κακός, Rom.7:19; φαῦλος, Rom.9:11, 2Co.5:10 (cf. MM, VGT, see word). SYN.: καλός, δίκαιος. κ. properly refers to goodliness as manifested in form: ἀ. to inner excellence (cf. the cl. καλὸς κἀγαθός and ἐν καρδία κ. καὶ ἀ., Luk.8:15). In Rom.5:7, where it is contrasted with δ., ἀ. implies a kindliness and attractiveness not necessarily possessed by the δίκαιος, who merely measures up to a high standard of rectitude (cf. ἀγαθωσύνη). (AS)

Usage: Occurs in 90 NT verses. KJV: benefit, good(-s, things), well See also: 1 Peter 2:18; Luke 16:25; 1 Peter 3:10.

διωκετε diōkō G1377 "to pursue" Verb-PAM-2P

To pursue or follow someone, which can be done with or without hostile intent, as seen in Matthew 5:10-12 and Luke 17:23. It can also mean to persecute, as in Acts 26:11 and Revelation 12:13. This word is used to describe chasing after something or someone.

Definition: διώκω [in LXX chiefly for רָדַף ;] __1. to put to flight, drive away: Mat.23:34. __2. to pursue; __(a) of persons; with accusative, without hostility, to follow after: Luk.17:23; with hostile purpose: Act.26:11, Rev.12:13. Hence, to persecute: Mat.5:10-12, 44 10:23, Luk.11:49 21:12, Jhn.5:16 15:20, Act.7:52 9:4-5 22:4, 7-8 26:14-15 Rom.12:14, 1Co.4:12 15:9, 2Co.4:9, Gal.1:13, 23 4:29 5:11 6:12, Php.3:6, 2Ti.3:12; __(b) metaphorically, with accusative of thing(s), of seeking eagerly after: Rom.9:30, 1Ti.6:11, 2Ti.2:22; νόμον δικαιοσύνης, Rom.9:31; τ. φιλοξενίαν, Rom.12:13; εἰρήνην, Heb.12:14, 1Pe.3:11; τὰ τῆς εἰ., Rom.14:19; τ. ἀγάπην, 1Co.14:1; τὸ ἀγαθόν, 1Th.5:15; absol., to follow on, drive, or speed on (Æsch.), Php.3:12, 14.† (AS)

Usage: Occurs in 43 NT verses. KJV: ensue, follow (after), given to, (suffer) persecute(-ion), press forward See also: 1 Corinthians 4:12; Galatians 5:11; 1 Peter 3:11.

και kai G2532 "and" Conj

And or also, a connecting word used to join ideas or words, like in Matthew 2:18 and Hebrews 1:1.

Definition: καί, conj., and __I. Copulative. __1. Connecting single words; __(a) in general: Mat.2:18, 16:1, Mrk.2:15, Luk.8:15, Heb.1:1, al. mult.; repeated before each of the terms in a series, Mat.23:23, Luk.14:21, Rom.7:12, 9:4, al. __(b) connecting numerals (WM, §37, 4): Jhn.2:20, Act.13:20; __(with) joining terms which are not mutually exclusive, as the part with the whole: Mat.8:33, 26:59, Mrk.16:17, Act.5:29, al. __2. Connecting clauses and sentences: Mat.3:12, Act.5:21, al. mult.; esp. __(a) where, after the simplicity of the popular language, sentences are paratactically joined (WM, §60, 3; M, Pr., 12; Deiss., LAE, 128ff.): Mat.1:21, 7:25, Mrk.9:5, Jhn.10:3, al.; __(b) joining affirmative to negative sentences: Luk.3:14, Jhn.4:11, IIIJhn.10; __(with) consecutive, and so: Mat.5:1, 23:32, Heb.3:19, al.; after imperatives, Mat.4:19, Luk.7:7, al.; __(d) = καίτοι, and yet: Mat.3:14, 6:26, Mrk.12:12, Luk.18:7 (Field, Notes, 72), 1Co.5:2, al.; __(e) beginning an apodosis (= Heb. וְ; so sometimes δέ in cl.), then: Luk.2:21, 7:12, Act.1:10; beginning a question (WM, §53, 3a): Mrk.10:26, Luk.10:29, Jhn.9:36. __3. Epexegetic, and, and indeed, namely (WM, §53, 3c): Luk.3:18, Jhn.1:16, Act.23:6, Rom.1:5, 1Co.3:5, al. __4. In transition: Mat.4:23, Mrk.5:1, 21, Jhn.1:19, al.; so, Hebraistically, καὶ ἐγένετο (וַי:הִי; also ἐγένετο δέ), Mrk.1:9 (cf. Luk.5:1; V. Burton, §§357-60; M, Pr., 14, 16). __5. καὶ . . . καί, both . . . and (for τε . . . καί, see: τε); __(a) connecting single words: Mat.10:28, Mrk.4:41, Rom.11:33, al.; __(b) clauses and sentences: Mrk.9:13, Jhn.7:28, 1Co.1:22, al. __II. Adjunctive, also, even, still: Mat.5:39, 40; Mrk.2:28, al. mult.; esp. with pron., adv., etc., Mat.20:4, Jhn.7:47, al; ὡς κ., Act.11:17; καθὼς κ., Rom.15:7; οὑτω κ., Rom.6:11; διὸ κ., Luk.1:35; ὁ κ. (Deiss., BS, 313ff.), Act.13:9; pleonastically, μετὰ κ.. (Bl., §77, 7; Deiss., BS, 265f,), Php.4:3; τί κ., 1 Co 15:29; ἀλλὰ κ., Luk.14:22, Jhn.5:18, al.; καίγε (M, Pr., 230; Burton, §437), Act.17:27; καίπερ, Heb.5:8; κ. ἐάν, see: ἐάν. ἐάν, contr. fr. εἰ ἄν, conditional particle, representing something as "under certain circumstances actual or liable to happen," but not so definitely expected as in the case of εἰ with ind. (Bl., §65, 4; cf. Jhn.13:17, 1Co.7:36), if haply, if; __1. with subjc. (cl.); __(a) pres.: Mat.6:22, Luk.10:6, Jhn.7:17, Rom.2:25, 26 al.; { __(b) aor. (= Lat. fut. pf.): Mat.4:9 16:26 (cf. ptcp. in Luk.9:25; M, Pr., 230), Mrk.3:24, Luk.14:34, Jhn.5:43, Rom.7:2, al.; = cl. εἰ, with opt., Jhn.9:22 11:57, Act.9:2; as Heb. אִם = ὅταν, Jhn.12:32 14:3, I Jhn.2:28 3:2, Heb.3:7" (LXX) . __2. C. indic, (as in late writers, fr. Arist. on; see WH, App., 171; VD, MGr. 2, App., §77; Deiss., BS, 201f., LAE, 155, 254; M, Pr., 168, 187; Bl., §65, 4); __(a) fut.: Mat.18:19 T, Luk.19:40, Act.7:7; __(b) pres.: 1Th.3:8 (see Milligan, in l.). __3. With other particles: ἐ. καί (Bl., §65, 6), Gal.6:1; ἐ. μή (M, Pr., 185, 187; Bl., l.with), with subjc. pres., Mat.10:13, 1Co.8:8, Jas.2:17, 1Jn.3:21; aor., Mat.6:15, Mrk.3:27, Jhn.3:3, Rom.10:15, Gal.1:8 2:16 (see Lft., Ellic., in ll.); ἐ. τε . . . ἐ. τε, [in LXX for אִם . . . אִם, Est.19:13, al.,] Rom.14:8. __4. = cl. ἄν (which see) after relat. pronouns and adverbs (Tdf., Pr., 96; WH, App., 173; M, Pr., 42f.; Bl., §26, 4; Mayser, 152f.; Deiss., BS, 202ff.): ὃς ἐ., Mat.5:19, Mrk.6:22, 23 Luk.17:32, 1Co.6:18, al.; ὅπου ἐ., Mat.8:19; ὁσάκις ἐ., Rev.11:6; οὗ ἐ., 1Co.16:6; καθὸ ἐ., 2Co.8:12; ὅστις ἐ., Gal.5:10. (AS)

Usage: Occurs in 5212 NT verses. KJV: and, also, both, but, even, for, if, or, so, that, then, therefore, when, yet See also: 1 Corinthians 1:1; 1 Corinthians 10:4; 1 Corinthians 16:1.

εις eis G1519 "toward" Prep

This word means toward or into, indicating direction or purpose, as seen in Matthew 8:23 and Mark 1:45. It can also imply a sense of movement or action. The KJV translates it in various ways.

Definition: εἰς, prep. with accusative, expressing entrance, direction, limit, into, unto, to, upon, towards, for, among (Lat. in, with accusative). __I. Of place. __1. After verbs of motion; __(a) of entrance into: Mat.8:23, 9:7, Mrk.1:45, Luk.2:15, 8:31, al.; __(b) of approach, to or towards: Mrk.11:1, Luk.6:8, 19:28, Jhn.11:31, 21:6, al.; __(with) before pl. and collective nouns, among: Mrk.4:7, 8:19, 20, Luk.11:49, Jhn.21:23, al.; __(d) Of a limit reached, unto, on, upon: Mat.8:18, 21:1, Mrk.11:1, 13:16, Luk.14:10, Jhn.6:3, 11:32, al.; with accusative of person(s) (as in Ep. and Ion.), Act.23:15, Rom.5:12, 16:19, 2Co.10:14; __(e) elliptical: ἐπιστολαὶ εἰς Δαμασκόν, Act.9:2; ἡ διακονία μου ἡ εἰς Ἱ., Rom.15:31; metaphorically, of entrance into a certain state or condition, or of approach or direction towards some end (Thayer, B, i, 1; ii, 1), εἰς τ. ὄνομα, M, Pr., 200. __2. Of direction; __(a) after verbs of seeing: Mat.6:26, Mrk.6:41, Luk.9:16, 62, Jhn.13:22, al.; metaphorically, of the mind, Heb.11:26, 12:2, al.; __(b) after verbs of speaking: Mat.13:10, 14:9, 1Th.2:9, al. __3. After verbs of rest; __(a) in "pregnant" construction, implying previous motion (cl.; see WM, 516; Bl., §39, 3; M, Pr., 234f.): Mat.2:23, 4:13, 2Th.2:4, 2Ti.1:11, Heb.11:9, al.; __(b) by an assimilation general in late Gk (see Bl., M, Pr., ll. with) = ἐν: Luk.1:44, 4:23, Act.20:16, 21:17, Jhn.1:18 (but see Westc, in l.), al. __II. Of time, for, unto; __1. accentuating the duration expressed by the accusative: εἰς τ. αἰῶνα, Mat.21:19; εἰς γενεὰς καὶ γ., Luk.1:50; εἰς τ. διηνεκές, Heb.7:3, al. __2. Of a point or limit of time, unto, up to, until: Mat.6:34, Act.4:3, 25:21, Php.1:10, 2:16, 1Th.4:15, 2Ti.1:12; of entrance into a future period, σεις τὸ μέλλον (see: μέλλω), next (year), Luk.13:9 (but with ICC, in l.); εἰς τ. μεταξὺ σάββατον, on the next Sabbath, Act.13:42; εἰς τὸ πάλιν (see: πάλιν, 2Co.13:2. __III. Of result, after verbs of changing, joining, dividing, etc.: στρέφειν εἰς, Rev.11:6; μετας-, Act.2:20, Jas.4:9; μεταλλάσσειν, Rom.1:26; σχίζειν εἰς δύο, Mat.27:51, al.; predicatively with εἴναι, Act.8:23. __IV. Of relation, to, towards, for, in regard to (so in cl., but more frequently in late Gk., εἰς encroaching on the simple dative, which it has wholly displaced in MGr.; Jannaris, Gr., §1541; Robertson, Gr., 594; Deiss., BS, 117f.): Luk.7:30, Rom.4:20, 15:2, 26, 1Co.16:1, Eph.3:16, al.; ἀγάπη εἰς, Rom.5:8, al.; χρηστός, Eph.4:32; φρονεῖν εἰς, Rom.12:16; θαρρεῖν, 2Co.10:1. __V. Of the end or object: εὔθετος εἰς, Luk.14:34; σόφος, Rom.16:19; ἰσχύειν, Mat.5:13; εἰς τοῦτο, Mrk.1:38, al.; ἀφορίζειν εἰς, Rom.1:1; indicating purpose, εἰς φόβον, Rom.8:15; εἰς ἔνδειξιν, Rom.3:25; εἰς τό, with inf. (= ἵνα or ὥστε; Bl., §71, 5; M, Pr., 218ff.): Mat.20:19, Rom.1:11, 1Co.9:18, al. __VI. Adverbial phrases: εἰς τέλος, εἰς τὸ πάλιν, etc (see: τέλος, πάλιν, etc.). (AS)

Usage: Occurs in 1512 NT verses. KJV: (abundant-)ly, against, among, as, at, (back-)ward, before, by, concerning, + continual, + far more exceeding, for (intent, purpose), fore, + forth, in (among, at, unto, -so much that, -to), to the intent that, + of one mind, + never, of, (up-)on, + perish, + set at one again, (so) that, therefore(-unto), throughout, til, to (be, the end, -ward), (here-)until(-to), …ward, (where-)fore, with See also: 1 Corinthians 1:9; 1 Timothy 1:16; 1 Peter 1:2.

αλληλους allēlōn G240 "one another" C-APM

This word means one another, indicating mutual action or relationship. In Matthew 25:32 and John 13:22, it describes how people interact with each other.

Definition: ἀλλήλων (genitive pl.), dative -οις, -αις, accusative -ους, -ας, -α (no nom.), recipr. pron. (ἄλλος), of one another, mutually: Mat.25:32, Mrk.4:41, Jhn.13:22, al. (AS)

Usage: Occurs in 93 NT verses. KJV: each other, mutual, one another, (the other), (them-, your-)selves, (selves) together (sometimes with G3326 (μετά) or G4314 (πρός)) See also: 1 Corinthians 7:5; John 4:33; 1 Peter 1:22.

και kai G2532 "and" Conj

And or also, a connecting word used to join ideas or words, like in Matthew 2:18 and Hebrews 1:1.

Usage: Occurs in 5212 NT verses. KJV: and, also, both, but, even, for, if, or, so, that, then, therefore, when, yet See also: 1 Corinthians 1:1; 1 Corinthians 10:4; 1 Corinthians 16:1.

εις eis G1519 "toward" Prep

This word means toward or into, indicating direction or purpose, as seen in Matthew 8:23 and Mark 1:45. It can also imply a sense of movement or action. The KJV translates it in various ways.

παντας pas G3956 "all" Adj-APM

This word means all or every, as in Matthew 3:10 and Romans 7:8, where it refers to everything or all people, emphasizing the universal nature of God's message.

Definition: πᾶς, πᾶσα, πᾶν, genitive, παντός, πάσης, παντός, [in LXX chiefly for כֹּל ;] all, every. __I. As adj., __1. with subst. anarth., all, every, of every kind: Mat.3:10 4:23, Mrk.9:49, Luk.4:37, Jhn.2:1o, Act.27:20, Rom.7:8, Rev.18:17, al. mult.; pl., all, Act.22:15, Rom.5:12, Heb.1:6, al.; of the highest degree, π. ἐξουσία (προθυμία, χαρά), Mat.28:18, Act.17:11, Phi 2:29, al.; also the whole (though in this sense more frequently with art.), Mat.2:3, Act.2:36, Rom.11:26. __2. C. art. (before the art., after the noun, or, denoting totality, between the art. and noun), all, whole: Mat.8:32 13:2, Mrk.5:33, Luk.1:10, Act.7:14, Rom.3:19, Gal.5:14, Eph.4:16, al.; pl., Mat.2:4, Mrk.4:13, Rom.1:5, al. __II. As pron., __1. masc. and fem., every one: Mrk.9:49, Luk.16:16, Heb.2:9; before rel. pron., Mat.7:24, Act.2:21, Gal.3:10, al.; with ptcp. (anarth.), Mat.13:19, Luk.11:4; with ptcp. (with art.), Mat.5:22, Mrk.7:8, Luk.6:47, Jhn.3:8, Rom.1:16, al.; pl., πάντες, absol., all, all men, Mat.10:22, Mrk.13:13, Luk.20:38, Jhn.1:7 3:26, 1Co.8:1, al.; οἱ π. (collectively, as a definite whole), Rom.11:32, 1Co.1:17, Eph.4:13, al.; π. οἱ (ὅσοι), Mat.4:24, Mrk.1:32, Luk.4:40, al. __2. Neut., __(a) sing., πᾶν, everything, all: πᾶν τό, with ptcp., 1Co.10:25, 27, Eph.5:13, 1Jn.2:16 5:4 (sc. ὄν); πᾶν ὅ, Jhn.17:2, Rom.14:23; collectively, of persons (Westc., in l.), Jhn.6:37, 39; with prep., in adverbial phrases, διὰ παντός, always, Mat.18:10, al.; ἐν παντί, in everything, in every way, 2Co.4:8, Phi 4:6, al.; __(b) pl., πάτνα, all things: absol., Jhn.1:3, 1Co.2:10, Heb.2:8, al.; of certain specified things, Mrk.4:34, Luk.1:3, Rom.8:28, 1Th.5:21, al.; accusative, πάντα, adverbially, wholly, in all things, in all respects, Act.20:35, 1Co.9:25, al.; with art., τὰ π., all things (a totality, as distinct from anarth. πάντα, all things severally; cf. Westc, Eph., 186f.), absol.: Rom.11:36, 1Co.8:6, Eph.3:9, Heb.1:3, al.; relatively, Mrk.4:11, Act.17:25, Rom.8:32, al.; πάντα, with ptcp., Mat.18:31, al.; πάντα ταῦτα (ταῦτα π.), Mat.6:32, 33, al.; πάντα, with prep, in adverbial phrases, πρὸ πάντων, above all things, Jas.5:12, 1Pe.4:8; ἐν π́, in all things, in all ways, 1Ti.3:11, 1Pe.4:11, al.; κατὰ πάντα, in all respects, Act.17:22, al. __3. C. neg., πᾶς οὐ (μή) = οὐδείς, see: οὐ and μή, and cf. M, Pr., 245f. (AS)

Usage: Occurs in 1080 NT verses. KJV: all (manner of, means), alway(-s), any (one), X daily, + ever, every (one, way), as many as, + no(-thing), X thoroughly, whatsoever, whole, whosoever See also: 1 Corinthians 1:2; 1 Peter 2:13; 1 Peter 1:15.

Study Notes — 1 Thessalonians 5:15

Show Verse Quote Highlights

Context
Cross References
1 Thessalonians 5:15 Summary
Frequently Asked Questions
Reflection Questions
Gill's Exposition on 1 Thessalonians 5:15
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on 1 Thessalonians 5:15
Matthew Poole's Commentary on 1 Thessalonians 5:15
Trapp's Commentary on 1 Thessalonians 5:15
Ellicott's Commentary on 1 Thessalonians 5:15
Adam Clarke's Commentary on 1 Thessalonians 5:15
Cambridge Bible on 1 Thessalonians 5:15
Barnes' Notes on 1 Thessalonians 5:15
Whedon's Commentary on 1 Thessalonians 5:15
Sermons on 1 Thessalonians 5:15

Context — Christian Living

13In love, hold them in highest regard because of their work. Live in peace with one another. 14And we urge you, brothers, to admonish the unruly, encourage the fainthearted, help the weak, and be patient with everyone.

15Make sure that no one repays evil for evil. Always pursue what is good for one another and for all people.

16Rejoice at all times. 17Pray without ceasing.

Cross References

	Reference	Text (BSB)
1	1 Peter 3:9	Do not repay evil with evil or insult with insult, but with blessing, because to this you were called so that you may inherit a blessing.
2	Galatians 6:10	Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to everyone, and especially to the family of faith.
3	Leviticus 19:18	Do not seek revenge or bear a grudge against any of your people, but love your neighbor as yourself. I am the LORD.
4	3 John 1:11	Beloved, do not imitate what is evil, but what is good. The one who does good is of God; the one who does evil has not seen God.
5	Romans 12:17–21	Do not repay anyone evil for evil. Carefully consider what is right in the eyes of everybody. If it is possible on your part, live at peace with everyone. Do not avenge yourselves, beloved, but leave room for God’s wrath. For it is written: “Vengeance is Mine; I will repay, says the Lord.” On the contrary, “If your enemy is hungry, feed him; if he is thirsty, give him a drink. For in so doing, you will heap burning coals on his head.” Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.
6	Hebrews 12:14	Pursue peace with everyone, as well as holiness, without which no one will see the Lord.
7	1 Peter 3:11–13	He must turn from evil and do good; he must seek peace and pursue it. For the eyes of the Lord are on the righteous, and His ears are inclined to their prayer. But the face of the Lord is against those who do evil.” Who can harm you if you are zealous for what is good?
8	1 Peter 2:22–23	“He committed no sin, and no deceit was found in His mouth.” When they heaped abuse on Him, He did not retaliate; when He suffered, He made no threats, but entrusted Himself to Him who judges justly.
9	1 Peter 1:22	Since you have purified your souls by obedience to the truth so that you have a genuine love for your brothers, love one another deeply, from a pure heart.
10	1 Corinthians 6:7	The very fact that you have lawsuits among you means that you are thoroughly defeated already. Why not rather be wronged? Why not rather be cheated?

1 Thessalonians 5:15 Summary

[This verse teaches us that when someone does something bad to us, we should not try to get back at them. Instead, we should try to do good to them and to everyone else, as Jesus taught in Matthew 5:38-42. This means trusting God to take care of the situation and to work everything out for our good, as promised in Romans 8:28. By choosing to do good, even when it is hard, we can show the love and kindness of God to those around us.]

Frequently Asked Questions

What does it mean to 'repay evil for evil' in 1 Thessalonians 5:15?

To repay evil for evil means to respond to hurt or wrongdoing with more hurt or wrongdoing, as seen in Romans 12:17, but instead, we are called to overcome evil with good, as taught in Romans 12:21.

How can I 'pursue what is good' for others, especially those who may have wronged me?

Pursuing what is good for others involves actively seeking their well-being and showing them kindness, as encouraged in Matthew 5:44, and praying for them, as taught in 1 Timothy 2:1-4.

Does this verse mean I should never stand up for myself or defend what is right?

No, it does not mean that; rather, it means that our defense of what is right should be done in a way that is loving and peaceful, as seen in 1 Peter 3:15-16, and that we should trust God to vindicate us, as promised in Romans 12:19.

How can I balance the command to 'not repay evil for evil' with the need to protect myself or others from harm?

This balance is found in seeking wisdom from God, as encouraged in James 1:5, and in trusting that He will guide us in how to respond to difficult situations in a way that honors Him, as taught in Proverbs 3:5-6.

Reflection Questions

What are some ways I have repaid evil for evil in the past, and how can I change my response to difficult situations?
How can I actively pursue what is good for those around me, including my family, friends, and community?
What are some practical ways I can show kindness to someone who has wronged me, and how can I trust God to work in that situation?
In what ways can I trust God to vindicate me and work out situations for my good, even when I am treated unfairly or with evil intent?

Gill's Exposition on 1 Thessalonians 5:15

See that none render evil for evil unto any man,.... Not an ill word for an ill word, railing for railing, nor an ill action for an ill action; no, not to any man whatever, not to an enemy, a

Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on 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. Christianity first taught this.

Matthew Poole's Commentary on 1 Thessalonians 5:15

These words seem directed to the guides of the church, who are called overseers, , and therefore the apostle requires them to see that none render evil, &c. Or if to the whole church, as before, then it is a solemn charge which they ought to be all circumspect in observing. And the charge is: 1. Negative, not to render evil for evil; which is to revenge themselves; and that is forbidden by the apostle, ,19 ; and is the resisting of evil forbidden by our Saviour, . But it is to be understood of private revenge rising out of malice, not of public censures, either civil or ecclesiastical, or of seeking reparations for injuries received in courts of justice according to law and equity. This private revenge cannot consist with that patience that he required towards all men in the foregoing verse, nor is it conformable to the example of Christ, , nor to the Christian calling and profession, . 2. Positive; good in itself, or that which is good to others, as the word is often taken, ; and so stands opposite here to the rendering of evil. And the word follow signifies an earnest following, which is sometimes taken in a bad sense, for persecution, , and sometimes in a good sense, as ; and to follow good imports more than only to do good, , when the inward bent of the soul and the outward endeavours are towards doing good. And this ought to be ever, or always, that is, in all places, times, occasions, company. Man’ s course of life ought in this to be uniform, though his outward condition vary; sometimes to do good to the souls, sometimes to the bodies of men, and that either in a privative or positive good; preventing evil, or bestowing that which is good. Both among yourselves, and to all men: Do good unto all men, especially unto them who are of the household of faith, . As they say of good, the commoner the better; but the contrary of evil. Christians stand in a special relation to one another, but in a common relation to all, and every relation ought to be filled up with good. As love is a common debt to all men, so the fruit of it, which is doing good. Our doing good should not be confined among Christians only of one way, opinion, or congregation; nor to men only under some limiting circumstances; but it should reach all men as we have ability, opportuniy, and call, even enemies themselves, as our Saviour requires, . This is to act like God, and may commend religion to all men, and is not to be looked upon as commended by way of counsel, as the papists say, but commanded by precept.

Trapp's Commentary on 1 Thessalonians 5:15

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. Ver. 15. See that none render] Nothing is so natural to us; and Aristotle commends revenge as a piece of manhood, when indeed it is doghood rather. Excellently Lactantius, Non est minus mall referre iniuriam, quam inferre. It is as bad to recompense wrong as to do wrong. But ever follow that which is good] Not to do good is to do evil; not to save a man when we can, is to destroy him, Mark 3:4.

Ellicott's Commentary on 1 Thessalonians 5:15

(15) See that.—The exhortation is given to those who have the authority to oversee the Church (Acts 19:28; 1 Peter 5:2). None render evil for evil.—Like the prohibition of fornication, abstinence from revenge is practically a new thought for Greeks, among whom feuds were frequent and undying. (Comp. Romans 1:31; Titus 3:3.) That which is good—i.e., that which is kind. (See Note on 1 Thessalonians 3:6.) This duty is to be “followed,” i.e., made an object to be pursued eagerly, “toward all men.” There is not one standard of morals towards the brethren and another towards the world.

Adam Clarke's Commentary on 1 Thessalonians 5:15

Verse 15. See that none render evil for evil] Every temper contrary to love is contrary to Christianity. A peevish, fretful, vindictive man may be a child of Satan; he certainly is not a child of God. Follow that which is good] That by which ye may profit your brethren and your neighbours of every description, whether Jews or Gentiles.

Cambridge Bible on 1 Thessalonians 5:15

15. See that none render evil for evil unto any man] The stress lies not on the personal object, as in the former clause (all, any), but on the quality of the act: better, See that none render unto any one evil in return for evil. The Thessalonian Christians were receiving much evil from the world; possibly some of its members were wronging others: there must be no retaliation. “Blows may fall on you; you must never return them.” This command is linked closely with the last; for while that bids each man restrain his own anger, this requires him to check the resentful spirit wherever it appears. It is a reproach to all, a discredit to the common faith, when a Christian gives back wrong for wrong. Comp. Romans 12:19-21, “Be not overcome of evil, but overcome evil with good;” also 1 Peter 2:18-25; and especially the teaching of Christ in Matthew 5:38-48. On evil, see note to 1 Thessalonians 5:22.but ever follow that which is good] This is to “follow” not by way of imitation, as in ch. 1 Thessalonians 1:6, 1 Thessalonians 2:14, but by way of aim and pursuit: hence, follow after (R. V.). And “the good” is here “the beneficial.” As much as to say: “Make the good of your fellow-men your constant pursuit, and let no Injury or unworthiness on their part tarn you aside from it.”This line of conduct is to be pursued both within and without the Church: one toward another, and toward all. Amongst Christians such seeking of the good of others is mutual, and there its best results will appear. But its exercise is to be unlimited. No follower of Christ will do wilful harm to any man. The distinction made “by them of old time. Thou shalt love thy neighbour, and hate thine enemy,” Christ, our Lawgiver, has abolished (Matthew 5:43-48).From social duties the Apostle’s homily now rises to matters of religion, from the claims of Christians on each other to “the will of God” concerning them. See note introductory to 1 Thessalonians 5:12.

Barnes' Notes on 1 Thessalonians 5:15

See that none render evil for evil - See the notes on Matthew 5:39, Matthew 5:44. The meaning here is, that we are not to take vengeance; compare notes on Romans 12:17, Romans 12:19.

Whedon's Commentary on 1 Thessalonians 5:15

15. The negative cautions, necessary to the above positive duties, are now added. Avoid the law of retaliation in order to the above peace.

Sermons on 1 Thessalonians 5:15

	Sermon	Description
	1 Thessalonians 5:17 by Paul Washer	In this sermon, the speaker focuses on the importance of prayer and rejoicing always. He emphasizes that even in difficult circumstances, believers should find joy because it is Go
	Overcoming Evil With Good by Vernon Helmuth	The sermon titled "Overcome Evil with Good" discusses the principle of responding to evil with good in our lives. The speaker shares that as we grow in our Christian life, God ofte
	Stephen's Fullness (Acts Vi. 5) by Seth Rees	Seth Rees preaches about the life and blessings of Stephen, a man full of faith and the Holy Ghost. Stephen's Christian experience is highlighted as the most important aspect in th
	1 Peter 2:23 by John Gill	John Gill emphasizes the profound example set by Jesus in 1 Peter 2:23, illustrating how Christ, when reviled and mistreated, chose not to retaliate but instead responded with pati
	On Zeal by John Wesley	John Wesley emphasizes the critical importance of true Christian zeal, distinguishing it from the destructive zeal that has historically caused harm in the name of religion. He arg
	1 Thessalonians 5:12, 13 by St. John Chrysostom	John Chrysostom emphasizes the importance of respecting and supporting leaders in the church, acknowledging the challenges they face in guiding and admonishing the congregation. He
	The Blessing of Simple Goodness by J.R. Miller	J.R. Miller emphasizes the profound impact of simple goodness in serving Christ, arguing that while eloquence and wealth may attract attention, it is the quiet influence of goodnes