1 Thessalonians 5:14 Meaning and Explanation
“Now we exhort you, brethren, warn them that are unruly, comfort the feebleminded, support the weak, be patient toward all men.”
King James Version (KJV)
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Read Full Chapter →Paul urges them to warn the disorderly, encourage the fainthearted, help the weak, and be patient with everyone.
What Does 1 Thessalonians 5:14 Mean?
Paul gives a series of tender, specific instructions for caring for one another, each matched to a particular need. 'Warn them that are unruly,' the disorderly who step out of line. 'Comfort the feebleminded,' the fainthearted and discouraged. 'Support the weak,' holding up those who lack strength. And over it all, 'be patient toward all men.'
What a wise and gentle pattern of care this is. Different people need different things: the unruly need warning, the fainthearted need comfort, the weak need support. Paul does not prescribe one response for all but asks the church to discern and meet each need in love. The warning is firm, the comfort is gentle, the support is steady, and patience covers everyone. This is the work of a loving community, where no one is treated carelessly and each is met according to their condition. The closing call to patience is the thread that holds it together, for caring for souls requires long-suffering love that does not give up on anyone.
1 Thessalonians 5:14 in the Original Language
makrothymeo (μακροθυμέω), 'be patient' -- to be long-tempered, slow to anger, bearing long with others.
Frequently Asked Questions About 1 Thessalonians 5:14
What does 1 Thessalonians 5:14 mean?
Paul urges them to warn the disorderly, encourage the fainthearted, help the weak, and be patient with everyone.