1 Thessalonians 5:11
“Wherefore comfort yourselves together, and edify one another, even as also ye do.”
King James Version (KJV)
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After describing the day of the Lord and the believer's secure hope, Paul applies it: the proper response is mutual encouragement within the community.
What Does 1 Thessalonians 5:11 Mean?
Having taught about the Lord's return and the day of God, Paul draws a practical conclusion: "Wherefore." The truths he has shared are not meant only for private reflection but for mutual encouragement. Believers are to "comfort" and "edify" one another -- the first word means to come alongside and strengthen, the second pictures construction, building a person up as one builds a house, course upon course.
Notice the direction: "one another." This is not the work of a single teacher but the shared responsibility of the whole community. Each member helps build the others. Paul then adds a gracious affirmation: "even as also ye do." He is not correcting a failure but encouraging a practice already underway, urging them to keep doing well what they have begun. Hope in Christ's coming naturally overflows into care for the people beside us. The future God has promised is meant to shape how believers treat each other now -- with words that strengthen, steady, and build, so no one carries fear or sorrow alone.
In the Original Language
"Comfort" is parakaleo, to call alongside and encourage; "edify" is oikodomeo, to build up as one constructs a house.
Cross References
“Not 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.”
- Hebrews 10:25
“Let us therefore follow after the things which make for peace, and things wherewith one may edify another.”
- Romans 14:19
“Wherefore comfort one another with these words.”
- 1 Thessalonians 4:18
Application
Make a habit of speaking words that build others up, and let the hope you hold spill over into encouragement for those around you.