But I would not have you to be ignorant, brethren, concerning them which are asleep, that ye sorrow not, even as others which have no hope.
What does 1 Thessalonians 4:13 mean?
Here is comfort for the relations and friends of those who die in the Lord. Grief for the death of friends is lawful; we may weep for our own loss, though it may be their gain.
Key themes
Read with
Keep this verse inside 1 Thessalonians 4:13-17 and alongside a few nearby related passages.
Commentary on 1 Thessalonians 4:13
But I would not have you to be ignorant - I would have you fully informed on the important subject which is here referred to. It is quite probable from this, that some erroneous views prevailed among them in reference to the condition of those who were dead, which tended to prevent their enjoying the full consolation, which they might otherwise have done. Of the prevalence of these views, it is probable the apostle had been informed by Timothy on his return from Thessalonica; 1 Thessalonians 3:6 .
Key words
- ignorant
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But I would not have you to be ignorant, brethren,.
- brethren
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But I would not have you to be ignorant, brethren,.
- concerning
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concerning them which are asleep; that is, dead: it was in common use among the Eastern nations, when they spoke of their dead, to say they were asleep.
Context in 1 Thessalonians 4
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1 Thessalonians 4 belongs to the late movement of the book, especially the section often described as final exhortations. First Thessalonians encourages a young church in faithfulness, brotherly love, sanctification, and hopeful expectation of Christ’s return. Read this chapter with the wider themes of hope, holiness, and mission in view so the individual verses keep their proper weight.
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