Bible Strands
1 Thessalonians 4:12
Then you will behave properly toward outsiders, without being dependent on anyone.
Berean Standard Bible
Follow its threads on the canvas →
Study note
Setting — Paul writes to the Thessalonian church to conclude his instructions on orderly Christian living. He issues this command immediately after urging them to live quietly, attend to their own affairs, and work with their own hands.
The words — The Greek verb περιπατῆτε (peripatēte) literally means "you may walk," paired with εὐσχημόνως (euschēmonōs), which translates to "properly." This combination frames ethical conduct as a continuous, observable pattern of life.
The thread — The instruction to conduct oneself properly toward outsiders echoes Colossians 4:5, which commands believers to act wisely toward those outside the faith. It also aligns with the broader biblical call to maintain honorable conduct before non-believers, as seen in Romans 12:17 and 1 Peter 2:12.
Why it lands — The text demands that believers maintain self-sufficiency and dignified conduct in public to avoid becoming a burden. It requires readers to prioritize independent labor and respectful interaction with non-believers as a practical expression of faith.
Drafted by a language model from the text, its original words and its cross-references, then checked against them. It can still be wrong: open the verse in the app to report it.
The Greek words
King James Version
That ye may walk honestly toward them that are without, and that ye may have lack of nothing.
Cross-references
- Colossians 4:5 Act wisely toward outsiders, redeeming the time.
- Romans 12:17 Do not repay anyone evil for evil. Carefully consider what is right in the eyes of everybody.
- 1 Peter 2:12 Conduct yourselves with such honor among the Gentiles that, though they slander you as evildoers, they may see your good deeds and glorify God on the day He visits us.
- Romans 13:13 Let us behave decently, as in the daytime, not in carousing and drunkenness, not in sexual immorality and debauchery, not in dissension and jealousy.
- 1 Timothy 3:7 Furthermore, he must have a good reputation with outsiders, so that he will not fall into disgrace and into the snare of the devil.
- Mark 4:11 He replied, “The mystery of the kingdom of God has been given to you, but to those on the outside everything is expressed in parables,
- 1 Peter 3:16 keeping a clear conscience, so that those who slander you may be put to shame by your good behavior in Christ.
- 1 Thessalonians 5:22 Abstain from every form of evil.
- Titus 2:8 and wholesome speech that is above reproach, so that anyone who opposes us will be ashamed, having nothing bad to say about us.
- 2 Corinthians 8:20 We want to avoid any criticism of the way we administer this generous gift.