Meaning, commentary and cross references
1 Thessalonians 5:18
“give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.”In other translations
KJV · King James Version
In every thing give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you.
NIV · New International Version
give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.
WEB · World English Bible
In everything give thanks, for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus toward you.
What does 1 Thessalonians 5:18 mean?
John Gill · Exposition of the Entire Bible, on 1 Thessalonians 5:18
In everything give thanks,.... That is, to God the Father, in the name of Christ; see Ephesians 5:20 thanks are to be given to him for all things, as the Ethiopic version renders it; for all temporal good things; for our beings, the preservation of them; for food and raiment, and all the mercies of life; for the means of grace, the word and ordinances, and the ministers of the Gospel; for spiritual blessings, for electing, redeeming, regenerating, adopting, pardoning, justifying, and persevering grace: for a meetness for heaven, a right unto it, and a good hope of it; and especially for Jesus Christ, for such an husband, such an head, such a surety and Saviour, and advocate with the Father…
John Gill, Exposition of the Entire Bible (1746–63). Public domain. Digital text: Free Use Bible API (bible.helloao.org).
Matthew Henry · Commentary on the Whole Bible, on 1 Thessalonians 5:16–22
If we have ever so much occasion to make our humble complaints to God, we never can have any reason to complain of God, and have always much reason to praise and give thanks: the apostle says, This is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning us, that we give thanks, seeing God is reconciled to us in Christ Jesus; in him, through him, and for his sake, he allows us to rejoice evermore, and appoints us in every thing to give thanks. It is pleasing to God. 4. Quench not the Spirit (Th1 5:19), for it is this Spirit of grace and supplication that helpeth our infirmities, that assisteth us in our prayers and thanksgivings. Christians are said to be baptized with the Holy Ghost and with fire.
Matthew Henry, Commentary on the Whole Bible (1706–21; Romans–Revelation completed by Nonconformist ministers). Public domain. Digital text: Free Use Bible API (bible.helloao.org).
John Calvin · Commentaries, on 1 Thessalonians 5:15–22
18. In omnibus gratias agite: haec enim Dei voluntas in Christo Iesu erga vos. 19. Quench not the Spirit. 19. Spiritum ne extinguatis. 20.
John Calvin, Commentaries (Calvin Translation Society English text). Public domain. Digital text: Free Use Bible API (bible.helloao.org).
Context: 1 Thessalonians 5:15–21 (WEB)
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. 20Don’t despise prophecies. 21Test all things, and hold firmly that which is good.
Cross references
- Ephesians 5:20
giving thanks always concerning all things in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ to God, even the Father;
- Philippians 4:6
In nothing be anxious, but in everything, by prayer and petition with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God.
- Colossians 3:17
Whatever you do, in word or in deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.
- Hebrews 13:15
Through him, then, let’s offer up a sacrifice of praise to God continually, that is, the fruit of lips which proclaim allegiance to his name.
- Job 1:21
He said, “Naked I came out of my mother’s womb, and naked will I return there. The LORD gave, and the LORD has taken away. Blessed be the LORD’s name.”
- 1 Peter 4:2
that you no longer should live the rest of your time in the flesh for the lusts of men, but for the will of God.
- Psalms 34:1
- 1 Peter 2:15
For this is the will of God, that by well-doing you should put to silence the ignorance of foolish men.