1 Thessalonians 5:15

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

World English Bible
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Other translations

WEBBE

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

BSB

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

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.

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.

BBE

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

Original Greek

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ὁρᾶτε horate do see that G3708 μή mē no G3361 τις tis one G5100 κακὸν kakon evil G2556 ἀντὶ anti for G473 κακοῦ kakou evil G2556 τινι tini to anyone G5100 ἀποδῷ apodō may repay G591 ἀλλὰ alla but G235 πάντοτε pantote always G3842 τὸ to the G3588 ἀγαθὸν agathon good G18 διώκετε diōkete do pursue G1377 καὶ kai also G2532 εἰς eis toward G1519 ἀλλήλους allēlous one another G240 καὶ kai and G2532 εἰς eis toward G1519 πάντας pantas all G3956

The early church

"See that none render unto any one evil for evil; but alway follow after that which is good, one toward another, and toward all." If we ought not to render evil for evil, much less evil for good; much less, when evil has not been previously done, to render evil. Such an one, you say, is a bad man, and has aggrieved me, and done me much injury. Do you wish to revenge yourself upon him? Do not retaliate. Leave him unpunished. Well, is this the stopping-place? By no means; "But alway follow after that which is good, one toward another, and toward all." This is the higher philosophy, not only not to requite evil with evil, but to render good for evil. For this is truly revenge that brings harm to him and advantage to thyself, or rather great advantage even to him, if he will. And that thou mayest not think that this is said with respect to the faithful, therefore he has said, "both one toward another and toward all."
John Chrysostom · d. 407Homilies on 1 Thessalonians

Commentary

Matthew Henry · Verses 12–15

The ministers of the gospel are described by the work of their office, which is to serve and honour the Lord. It is their duty not only to give good counsel, but also to warn the flock of dangers, and reprove for whatever may be amiss. The people should honour and love their ministers, because their business is the welfare of men's souls. And the people should be at peace among themselves, doing all they can to guard against any differences. But love of peace must not make us wink at sin. The fearful and sorrowful spirits, should be encouraged, and a kind word may do much good. We must bear and forbear. We must be long-suffering, and keep down anger, and this to all men. Whatever man do to us, we must do good to others.

Read Matthew Henry on 1 Thessalonians 5 →

Cross-references

38

Topics

MaliceMeeknessReligionRetaliationRevenge

Cross-references: Treasury of Scripture Knowledge. Hebrew and Greek data from STEPBible.org (Tyndale House, Cambridge), CC BY 4.0. Library: sources.