Bible Strands
1 Thessalonians 5:11
Therefore encourage and build one another up, just as you are already doing.
Berean Standard Bible
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Study note
Setting — Paul addresses the Thessalonian congregation at the close of a letter that has just outlined end-times events and communal responsibilities. He issues this directive immediately after stating that Christ died so believers might live together with Him.
The words — παρακαλεῖτε (parakaleite) translates literally as "do encourage," and οἰκοδομεῖτε (oikodomeite) translates literally as "do build up." Both active verbs govern the reciprocal pronoun ἀλλήλους (one another).
The thread — The text directs believers to mutual edification, echoing Ephesians 4:29 on speech that helps the one in need and Romans 15:2 on acting for a neighbor's good. It parallels Hebrews 10:25, which similarly commands believers not to neglect gathering but to encourage one another.
Why it lands — The verse requires readers to continue and actively sustain their existing practice of mutual encouragement and spiritual construction. It demands concrete participation in the community's growth rather than passive observation.
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
Wherefore comfort yourselves together, and edify one another, even as also ye do.
Cross-references
- Ephesians 4:29 Let no unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building up the one in need and bringing grace to those who listen.
- Romans 15:2 Each of us should please his neighbor for his good, to build him up.
- Hebrews 10:25 Let us not neglect meeting together, as some have made a habit, but let us encourage one another, and all the more as you see the Day approaching.
- Hebrews 3:13 But exhort one another daily, as long as it is called today, so that none of you may be hardened by sin’s deceitfulness.
- 1 Thessalonians 4:18 Therefore encourage one another with these words.
- Romans 14:19 So then, let us pursue what leads to peace and to mutual edification.
- 1 Corinthians 14:12 It is the same with you. Since you are eager to have spiritual gifts, strive to excel in gifts that build up the church.
- Ephesians 4:12 to equip the saints for works of ministry and to build up the body of Christ,
- Ephesians 4:16 From Him the whole body, fitted and held together by every supporting ligament, grows and builds itself up in love through the work of each individual part.
- 1 Corinthians 10:23 “Everything is permissible,” but not everything is beneficial. “Everything is permissible,” but not everything is edifying.