What does 1 Thessalonians 5:18 mean?
Paul wrote to a young church in Thessalonica that was facing persecution. In a list of short commands near the end of the letter, he writes, "Rejoice evermore. Pray without ceasing. In every thing give thanks." Note that he says "in every thing," not "for every thing." Christians are not asked to be thankful for evil or suffering, but to find reasons for thanks in every situation, because God is still present and good. Paul adds that this "is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you." People who wonder what God's will is for them can start here: joy, prayer, and gratitude.
1 Thessalonians 5:18 in the World English Bible
In everything give thanks, for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus toward you.
Context
17 Pray without ceasing.
18 In every thing give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you.
19 Quench not the Spirit.
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Frequently asked questions
What does 1 Thessalonians 5:18 mean?
Paul wrote to a young church in Thessalonica that was facing persecution. In a list of short commands near the end of the letter, he writes, "Rejoice evermore. Pray without ceasing. In every thing give thanks." Note that he says "in every thing," not "for every thing." Christians are not asked to be thankful for evil or suffering, but to find reasons for thanks in every situation, because God is still present and good. Paul adds that this "is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you." People who wonder what God's will is for them can start here: joy, prayer, and gratitude.
What does 1 Thessalonians 5:18 say in the KJV?
1 Thessalonians 5:18 (KJV) reads: “In every thing give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you.”