Meaning, commentary and cross references
1 Thessalonians 5:16
“Rejoice always,”In other translations
KJV · King James Version
Rejoice evermore.
NIV · New International Version
Rejoice always,
WEB · World English Bible
Always rejoice.
What does 1 Thessalonians 5:16 mean?
John Gill · Exposition of the Entire Bible, on 1 Thessalonians 5:16
Rejoice evermore. Not in a carnal, but in a spiritual way, with joy in the Holy Ghost; and which arises from a view of pardon by the blood of Christ, of justification by his righteousness, and atonement by his sacrifice; not in themselves, as the wicked man rejoices in his wickedness, and the hypocrite and formalist in his profession of religion, and the reputation he gains by it; and the Pharisee and legalist in his morality, civility, negative holiness, and obedience to the rituals of the law; for such rejoice in their boastings, and all such rejoicing is evil; but in the Lord Jesus Christ, in the greatness, fitness, fulness, and glory of his person, in his blood, righteousness, and…
John Gill, Exposition of the Entire Bible (1746–63). Public domain. Digital text: Free Use Bible API (bible.helloao.org).
John Calvin · Commentaries, on 1 Thessalonians 5:15–22
16. Semper gaudete. 17. Pray without ceasing. 17. Indesinenter orate. 18.
John Calvin, Commentaries (Calvin Translation Society English text). Public domain. Digital text: Free Use Bible API (bible.helloao.org).
Context: 1 Thessalonians 5:13–19 (WEB)
13and to respect and honor them in love for their work’s sake. Be at peace among yourselves. 14We exhort you, brothers: Admonish the disorderly; encourage the faint-hearted; support the weak; be patient toward all. 15See that no one returns evil for evil to anyone, but always follow after that which is good for one another and for all. 16Always rejoice. 17Pray without ceasing. 18In everything give thanks, for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus toward you. 19Don’t quench the Spirit.
Cross references
- Romans 12:12
rejoicing in hope, enduring in troubles, continuing steadfastly in prayer,
- Philippians 4:4
Rejoice in the Lord always! Again I will say, “Rejoice!”
- Matthew 5:12
Rejoice, and be exceedingly glad, for great is your reward in heaven. For that is how they persecuted the prophets who were before you.
- 2 Corinthians 6:10
as sorrowful yet always rejoicing, as poor yet making many rich, as having nothing and yet possessing all things.
- Luke 10:20
Nevertheless, don’t rejoice in this, that the spirits are subject to you, but rejoice that your names are written in heaven.”