1 Thessalonians 4:9 Meaning and Explanation
“But as touching brotherly love ye need not that I write unto you: for ye yourselves are taught of God to love one another.”
King James Version (KJV)
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Read Full Chapter →Paul says he hardly needs to write about brotherly love, since God Himself has taught them to love one another.
What Does 1 Thessalonians 4:9 Mean?
Paul turns to a happier theme and pays them a warm compliment. On the subject of 'brotherly love' he scarcely needs to write, because they already practice it. And he names its true source: 'ye yourselves are taught of God to love one another.' Their love is not merely a lesson Paul gave but something God has worked in their hearts.
There is a lovely thing here, the idea of being 'taught of God.' When the Lord dwells in a people by His Spirit, He instructs them inwardly to love, so that love becomes their instinct and not just their duty. Paul recognizes this divine schooling at work in them and rejoices in it. The very fact that he can say 'ye need not that I write' is high praise; they have learned love from God Himself. This is the goal of all teaching, that a truth become so woven into the heart that it flows naturally. In their love for one another, the Thessalonians show that God has been their teacher.
1 Thessalonians 4:9 in the Original Language
philadelphia (φιλαδελφία), 'brotherly love' -- the warm affection between brothers and sisters, love within the family.
Frequently Asked Questions About 1 Thessalonians 4:9
What does 1 Thessalonians 4:9 mean?
Paul says he hardly needs to write about brotherly love, since God Himself has taught them to love one another.