Bible Strands
1 Thessalonians 5:14
And we urge you, brothers, to admonish the unruly, encourage the fainthearted, help the weak, and be patient with everyone.
Berean Standard Bible
Follow its threads on the canvas →
Study note
Setting — Paul writes to the Thessalonian church, closing his letter with practical instructions for communal life. He addresses the believers directly as brothers while outlining responsibilities for mutual care and conduct.
The words — παρακαλοῦμεν (Parakaloumen) means "we exhort," and νουθετεῖτε (noutheteite) translates literally to "do admonish." These terms frame the apostolic command as both a formal charge and a direct address to the readers.
The thread — The text runs parallel to 2 Timothy 4:2, which commands patient instruction and encouragement, and Romans 14:1, which addresses accepting those with weak faith. It also echoes Acts 20:35 regarding the duty to help the weak, while 1 Thessalonians 5:13 and 5:15 frame the surrounding call to peace and pursuit of good.
Why it lands — The text explicitly commands believers to correct the disorderly, comfort the discouraged, support the vulnerable, and exercise patience with all people. It requires active, targeted intervention in others' lives 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
Now we exhort you, brethren, warn them that are unruly, comfort the feebleminded, support the weak, be patient toward all men.
Cross-references
- 2 Timothy 4:2 Preach the word; be prepared in season and out of season; reprove, rebuke, and encourage with every form of patient instruction.
- Romans 14:1 Accept him whose faith is weak, without passing judgment on his opinions.
- Acts 20:35 In everything, I showed you that by this kind of hard work we must help the weak, remembering the words of the Lord Jesus Himself: ‘It is more blessed to give than to receive.’”
- 2 Thessalonians 3:6 Now we command you, brothers, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, to keep away from any brother who leads an undisciplined life that is not in keeping with the tradition you received from us.
- Isaiah 35:3 Strengthen the limp hands and steady the feeble knees!
- Romans 15:1 We who are strong ought to bear with the shortcomings of the weak and not to please ourselves.
- 1 Corinthians 13:4 Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud.
- Galatians 6:1 Brothers, if someone is caught in a trespass, you who are spiritual should restore him with a spirit of gentleness. But watch yourself, or you also may be tempted.
- 2 Thessalonians 3:11 For we hear that some of you are leading undisciplined lives, accomplishing nothing, but being busybodies.
- Isaiah 40:1 “Comfort, comfort My people,” says your God.