Book of 1 Thessalonians Chapter4 Vs. 18

September 14, 2025

 The Coming of the Lord

1 Thessalonians 4:18 "Wherefore comfort one another with these words.”

Wherefore...

ὥστε

hṓste; conj. from hōs, as, strengthened by the enclitic particle te which serves to connect more closely a following clause with the preceding one. So that, accordingly, thus. Used also as an adv. like hōs, as, used in comparisons and meaning as, like as. In the NT generally used as a conj. meaning so as that, so that, before a clause expressing an event, result, consequence, whether real or supposed; and followed usually by an inf., but also by the indic.

(I) Followed by an inf. with an acc. expressed or implied:

(A) Fully preceded by a demonstrative adv. or pron., as hoútō, thus, tosoútos, such (Mat. 15:33; Acts 14:1).

(B) Simply, without a preceding demonstrative (Mat. 8:24, 8:28; 10:1; 13:54; Mark 1:27, 1:45; Luke 5:7; Acts 1:19; 16:26; Rom. 7:6; 15:19; 1Cor. 5:1; Sept.: Gen. 9:15; Jos. 10:14).

(C) Infrequently instead of an actual result, hṓste with an inf. serves to mark a purpose, like hína or hópōs, so that (Mat. 27:1; Luke 9:52).

(II) Often used at the beginning of a sentence with the indic. or imper. as an emphatic inferential particle, meaning so that, consequently, therefore, wherefore (Mat. 12:12; 23:31; Mark 2:28; 10:8; Rom. 7:12; 1Cor. 3:7; 7:38; Gal. 3:9, 3:24). With the imper. (1Cor. 3:21; 15:58; Php. 2:12; 4:1; 1Th. 4:18; Jas. 1:19; 1Pet. 4:19).

(III) Followed by the indic. and preceded by hoútōs or hoútō, thus (John 3:16), hoútō . . . hṓste. Used simply in Gal. 2:13.

Syn.: oún, a particle expressing sequence, wherefore, now, then, therefore; diá, for (in the acc.), and toúto, the neut. of oútos, this, for this reason; kathó, insomuch as, inasmuch as; eph’ hóson (epí, upon; hóson, much), inasmuch as; kath’ hóson (katá, inasmuch, according; hóson), according to, inasmuch as; eis tó (eis, unto; tó, the neut. def. art.), for the purpose, followed by the inf., insomuch that; diá toúto (diá, for; toúto, this), on account of this; di’ hḗn aitían (hḗn, the fem. relative pron.; aitían, reason), for which reason, on account of which; diá tí or diatí, why, on account of what? or on account of which; dió, sometimes di’ hó, consequently on account of which; dióper, on which account; hóthen, wherefore; héneka, because; tí (the neut. of tís, who, what), what, why; chárin hoú (chárin, sake; hoú, the gen. relative pron.), for the sake of which; eis tí, unto what; ára, therefore, with ge, a particle of affirmation; toigaroún, wherefore; eph’ hó from epí, upon, and the neut. relative pron. meaning upon which.

comfort...

παρακαλέω

parakaléō; contracted parakalṓ, fut. parakalésō, from pará, to the side of, and kaléō, to call. To aid, help, comfort, encourage. Translated: to comfort, exhort, desire, call for, beseech with a stronger force than aitéō.

(I) To invite to come (Acts 28:20).

(II) To call for or upon someone as for aid, to invoke God, to beseech, entreat, with the acc. (Mat. 18:32; Acts 16:39; 2Cor. 12:18). With the acc. expressed or implied with other adjuncts, e.g., légō or similar adjuncts (Mat. 8:5, 8:31; Mark 1:40; 5:23; Acts 16:15; 25:2). With the aor. inf. (Mark 5:17; Acts 8:31; 9:38; 19:31). With the aor. inf. and the acc. (Acts 24:4). With toú and the inf. (Acts 21:12). With hína, in order to (Mark 5:18; Luke 8:31; 1Cor. 16:12; 2Cor. 12:8). With hópōs, so that (Mat. 8:34). With perí, concerning (Phm. 1:10).

(III) To call upon someone to do something, to exhort, admonish, with the acc. of person (Acts 15:32; 1Cor. 14:31; 2Cor. 10:1; 1Th. 2:11; 1Tim. 5:1; Heb. 3:13). With the acc. and with further adjuncts, meaning with the express words (1Cor. 4:16; 1Pet. 5:1). With the pres. inf. (Acts 11:23; Php. 4:2; 1Tim. 2:1; 1Pet. 2:11). With the aor. inf. (Acts 27:33; Rom. 12:1; 2Cor. 2:8; Eph. 4:1; Heb. 13:19). With hína, so that (1Cor. 1:10; 2Cor. 8:6; 1Th. 4:1). Used in an absolute sense with the acc. of person implied (Luke 3:18; Rom. 12:8; 2Cor. 5:20; 13:11; Tit. 1:9; Heb. 10:25); with légōn, saying (Acts 2:40); with the inf. and acc. (2Cor. 6:1); in the pres. imper. parakálei (1Tim. 6:2; Tit. 2:15).

(IV) To exhort in the way of consolation, encouragement, to console, comfort, with the acc. of person (Mat. 2:18; 5:4; 2Cor. 1:4; 2:7; 7:6; 1Th. 3:7; 4:18). Followed by "your hearts" (Eph. 6:22; Col. 4:8; 2Th. 2:17; Sept.: Gen. 24:67; 37:34; Deu. 32:36). In the sense of to make glad, in the pass., to be glad, rejoice (Luke 16:25; Acts 20:12).

Deriv.: paráklēsis, an appeal, an encouragement, exhortation, consolation, comfort; paráklētos, a counselor, an advocate, a comforter; sumparakaléō, to comfort together.

Syn.: paramuthéomai, to console, comfort; nouthetéō, to admonish.

The Christian’s hope of the resurrection brings solace in the face of death – in contrast to the hopelessness of the heathen.

one another...

ἀλλήλων

allḗlōn; gen. pl. of a reciprocal pron. allḗlous, one another; dat. masc. pl. allḗlois; fem. allḗlais; neut. allḗlois, from állos, another. One another. This pron. has no nom. and no sing. Used only in the acc., gen., and dat.: allḗlous, one another; allḗlōn, of one another; allḗlois, for, in, to one another (Mat. 24:10; John 15:12, 15:17).

The primary purpose of this passage is not to teach a scheme of prophecy, but rather to provide encouragement to those Christians whose loved ones have died.

The comfort here is based on the following: (1) the dead will be resurrected and will participate in the Lord’s coming after His own; (2) when Christ descends the living will be reunited forever with their loved ones; and (3) they all will be with the Lord eternally (verse 17).

with...

ἐν

en; prep. governing the dat. In, on, at, by any place or thing, with the primary idea of rest. As compared with eis, into or unto, and ek, out of or from, it stands between the two; eis implies motion into, and ek motion out of, while en, in, means remaining in place.

(I) Of place, which is the primary and most frequent use and spoken of everything which is conceived as being, remaining, taking place, meaning within some definite space or limits, in, on, at, by.

(A) Particularly with the meaning of in or within (Mat. 4:21) as in a ship; in the synagogues (Mat. 4:23); in the corners of the streets (Mat. 6:5); at home (Mat. 8:67); in the prison (Mat. 11:2); in the market (Mat. 11:16; Luke 7:32); in his field (Mat. 13:24, 13:27); in the tomb (Mark 5:3; John 5:28; 11:17; 19:41); in a certain place (Luke 11:1); in their midst (Luke 22:5); in the temple (Acts 2:46); in the praetorium (Php. 1:13). With the names of cities, countries, places (Mat. 2:1, 2:5, 2:19; 3:1, 3:3; 4:13; 9:31; Acts 7:36; 9:36; 10:1; Rom. 1:7; 1Th. 1:7-8). In hell (Hádēs) (Luke 16:23 [cf. Mat. 10:28; Rev. 21:8]); in earth, in heaven (Mat. 5:12; 6:10, 6:20; 16:19; Luke 15:7); your Father which is in heaven (Mat. 5:45; 7:11 [cf. 18:35]); in the kingdom of heaven (Mat. 5:19; 8:11); in the earth (Mat. 25:18, 25:25; John 13:1; Rom. 9:17; Col. 1:6); in the sea (Mark 5:13; 6:47; 2Cor. 11:25). Of a book, writing (Mark 12:26; Luke 2:23; 20:42; John 6:45; Acts 13:33; Rom. 11:2 in the section respecting Elijah; Heb. 4:5, 4:7; 5:6). Of the body and its parts (Mat. 1:18, 1:23; 3:12; 7:3-4; Luke 1:44; Rom. 6:12; 2Cor. 12:2; 1Pet. 2:22; Rev. 6:5). Spoken of persons, particularly in one's body (Mat. 1:20; Acts 19:16; 20:10; figuratively, Mat. 6:23; Rom. 7:17-18, 7:20; 1Pet. 2:22).

(B) Spoken of elevated objects, a surface, meaning in, i.e., on, upon, as a fig tree (Mark 11:13); a mountain (Luke 8:32; John 4:20; Heb. 8:5; Sept.: Exo. 31:18); engraven in stone (2Cor. 3:7); in my throne (Rev. 3:21); See Luke 12:51; John 20:25; Acts 7:33. Rev. 13:12; 18:19. Figuratively, Jude 1:12.

100. In a somewhat wider sense, simply implying contact, close proximity, meaning in, at, on, by, near, with, equivalent to pará, near (Mat. 6:5; 7:6, at or under the feet; Luke 13:4; 16:23; John 11:10; 15:4, remains on, attached to the vine; John 19:41; Acts 2:19; Rom. 8:34; Heb. 1:3; 8:1; 10:12; Rev. 9:10). (1) Of those with whom someone is in near connection, intimate union, oneness of heart, mind, purpose, especially of Christians, in union with Christ by faith and who are become as branches in the true vine (John 15:2, 15:4-5; see John 6:56; 14:20; Rom. 16:7, 16:11; 1Cor. 1:30; 9:1-2; 2Cor. 5:17; Eph. 2:13; 1Th. 4:16, those who died in union with Christ by faith, as Christians [cf. 1Cor. 15:18; Rev. 14:13]). Hence, those "in Christ" means Christians (2Cor. 12:2; Gal. 1:22; 1Pet. 5:14). Generally those in connection with Christ, in the Christian faith (Rom. 12:5; Gal. 3:28; 5:6; 6:15; Php. 4:1; 1Th. 3:8; 1Jn. 2:24). Christ is in the believer and vice versa, in consequence of faith in Him (John 6:56; 14:20; 15:4-5; 17:23, 17:26; Rom. 8:9; Gal. 2:20); of the believer's union with God (1Th. 1:1; 1Jn. 2:24; 3:6, 3:24; 4:13, 4:15-16); of the mutual union of God and Christ (John 10:38; 14:10-11, 14:20); of the Holy Spirit in Christians (John 14:17; Rom. 8:9, 8:11; 1Cor. 3:16; 6:19). (2) Of those in, with, on whom, i.e., in whose person or character anything exists, is done (cf. pará, near), e.g., in one's external life and conduct (John 18:38; 19:4, 19:6; Acts 24:20; 25:5; 1Cor. 4:2; 1Jn. 2:10). Generally of any power, influence, efficiency, e.g., from God, the Spirit (Mat. 14:2; John 1:4; 14:13, 14:30; 17:26; 1Cor. 12:6; 2Cor. 4:4, 4:12; 6:12; Gal. 4:19; Php. 2:5, 2:13; Col. 1:19; Heb. 13:21; 1Jn. 3:9, 3:15); also en heautṓ, himself, in the dat.), meaning in, with, or of oneself (Mat. 13:21; John 5:26; 6:53; 2Cor. 1:9). (3) Of those in or with whom, i.e., in whose mind, heart, soul, anything exists or takes place (cf. pará, near) as virtues, vices, faculties (John 1:47; 4:14, meaning in his soul; John 17:13; Rom. 7:8; 1Cor. 2:11; 8:7; 2Cor. 11:10; Eph. 4:18). "Your life is hid with Christ in God" (Col. 3:3) means in the mind and counsels of God. See Eph. 3:9. The expression en heautṓ, en heautoís, in or with oneself or themselves, means in one's heart (Mat. 3:9; Luke 7:39, 7:49; Rom. 8:23; Jas. 2:4).

(D) Of a number or multitude, as indicating place, meaning in, among, with, equivalent to en mésō, in the midst (Mat. 2:6). With the same meaning of among (Mat. 11:11, 11:21; 20:27; Mark 10:43; Luke 1:1; John 1:14; 11:54; Acts 2:29; 20:32; Rom. 1:5-6; 1Cor. 11:18; Eph. 5:3; 1Pet. 5:1-2; 2Pet. 2:8). Also in the dat. pl. en heautoís, in themselves, meaning among themselves (Mat. 9:3; 21:38; Acts 28:29); en allḗlois, one another, meaning with one another (Mark 9:50; John 13:35; Rom. 15:5). With the dat. sing. of a coll. noun (Luke 1:61; 2:44; 4:25, 4:27, "in Israel"; John 7:43; Acts 10:35; Eph. 3:21; 2Pet. 2:1; Sept.: Gen. 23:6; Lev. 16:29; 2Kgs. 18:5). Hence with dat. pl. of person by whom one is accompanied, escorted (Luke 14:31; Jude 1:14; Sept.: Num. 20:19). With the dat. pl. of thing (1Cor. 15:3, adv., "first of all," among the first).

(E) Of persons, by implication meaning before, in the presence of (Mark 8:38; Luke 1:25; Acts 6:8; 24:21, as before judges; 1Cor. 2:6; 2Cor. 10:1). Figuratively (Luke 4:21 [cf. Sept.: Deu. 5:1]), hence metaphorically, meaning in the sight of someone, he being judge (Luke 16:15, "in the sight of," or judgment of men; 1Cor. 14:11; Col. 3:20). Also, by Hebraism, en ophthalmoís humṓn (ophthalmoís, dat. pl. of ophthalmós, eye; humṓn, of you) meaning before your eyes, in your judgment (Mat. 21:42; Mark 12:11; Sept.: Psm. 118:23).

(F) Spoken of that by which one is surrounded or enveloped, meaning in, with (Mat. 16:27; 25:31; Mark 13:26; Luke 21:27; Acts 7:30); of clothing (Mat. 7:15; 11:8; Mark 12:38; Heb. 11:37; Jas. 2:2); ornaments (1Tim. 2:9); bonds (Eph. 6:20). Also en sarkí, flesh, meaning in the flesh, clothed in flesh, in the body (1Jn. 4:2; 2Jn. 1:7); to live in the flesh (Gal. 2:20; Php. 1:22; Sept.: Deu. 22:12; Psm. 147:8). Hence of that with which one is furnished, which he carries with him (1Cor. 4:21; Heb. 9:25). Metaphorically (Luke 1:17; Rom. 15:29; Eph. 6:2; Sept.: Jos. 22:8; 1Sam. 1:24; Psm. 66:13).

these...

τούτοις

toútois; dat. pl. (masc. or neut.) of hoútos, this one. To these persons or things which are for further elucidation. Such, then, these.

words...

λόγος

lógos; gen. lógou, masc. noun from légō, to speak intelligently. Intelligence, word as the expression of that intelligence, discourse, saying, thing.

(I) Word, both the act of speaking and the thing spoken.

(A) Word, as uttered by the living voice, a speaking, speech, utterance (Mat. 8:8; Luke 7:7; 23:9; 1Cor. 14:9; Heb. 12:19); a saying, discourse, conversation (Mat.12:37; 15:12; 19:22; 22:15; 26:1; John 4:29; Acts 5:24). Metonymically, the power of speech, delivery, oratory, eloquence (1Cor. 12:8; 2Cor. 11:6; Eph. 6:19). To speak a word against someone (Mat. 12:32); to someone (Luke 12:10). The Word of God, meaning His omnipotent voice, decree (2Pet. 3:5, 3:7; Sept.: Psm. 32:6 [cf. Gen. 1:3; Psm. 148:5]).

(B) An emphatic word, meaning a saying, declaration, sentiment uttered. (1) Generally (Mat. 10:14; Luke 4:22; 20:20; John 6:60; Sept.: Pro. 4:4, 4:20). In reference to words or declarations, e.g., which precede (Mat. 7:24, 7:26; 15:12; 19:22; Mark 7:29; John 2:22; 4:50; 6:60; 7:40; 10:19; Acts 5:24; Tit. 3:8; Rev. 19:9); which follow (John 12:38; Acts 20:35; Rom. 9:9; 13:9; 1Cor. 15:54; 1Tim. 3:1; Sept.: 1Kgs. 2:4). Followed by the gen. of thing (Heb. 7:28); the word, declaration of a prophet, meaning prediction, prophecy (Luke 3:4; John 12:38; Acts 15:15; 2Pet. 1:19; Rev. 1:3). With the meaning of a proverb, maxim (John 4:37). (2) In reference to religion, religious duties, with the meaning of doctrine, precept (Acts 15:24; 18:15; Tit. 1:9; Heb. 2:2); words of faith (1Tim. 4:6); word of men (1Th. 2:13; 2Ti. 2:17); of a teacher (John 15:20); especially of God, the Word of God, meaning divine revelation and declaration, oracle (John 5:38; 10:35); as announcing good, divine promise (John 5:24; Rom. 9:6; Heb. 4:2; Sept.: Psm. 50:6), or evil (Rom. 3:4 from Psm. 51:4; Rom. 9:28 from Isa. 10:22-23; Heb. 4:12). In relation to duties precept (Mark 7:13; 8:55; Sept.: Exo. 35:1). Of the divine declarations, precepts, oracles, relating to the instructions of men in religion, the Word of God, i.e., the divine doctrines and precepts of the gospel, the gospel itself (Luke 5:1; John 17:6; Acts 4:29, 4:31; 8:14; 1Cor. 14:36; 2Cor. 4:2; Col. 1:25; 1Th. 2:13; Tit. 1:3; Heb. 13:7). With "of God" implied (Mark 16:20; Luke 1:2; Acts 10:44; Php. 1:14; 2Tim. 4:2; Jas. 1:21; 1Pet. 2:8; Rev. 12:11); the word of truth (2Cor. 6:7; Eph. 1:13; 2Tim. 2:15; Jas. 1:18); the word of life (Php. 2:16); the word of salvation (Acts 13:26); the word of the kingdom (Mat. 13:19); with the kingdom implied (Mat. 13:20; Mark 4:14); the word of the gospel (Acts 15:7); the word of the cross (1Cor. 1:18); the word of His grace (Acts 14:3; 20:32). In the same sense of Christ, the word of Christ (John 5:24; 14:23-24; Col. 3:16); the word of the Lord (Acts 8:25).

(II) Reason, the reasoning faculty as that power of the soul which is the basis of speech, rationality.

(A) A reason, ground, cause (Mat. 5:32; Acts 10:29; Sept.: 2Sam. 13:22). With katá meaning with reason, reasonable, for good cause (Acts 18:14). In the sense of argument (Acts 2:40).

(B) Reason as demanded or assigned, meaning reckoning, account. (1) Used in an absolute sense (Heb. 13:17; 1Pet. 4:5). (2) With sunaírō, to reckon, compute together, meaning to take up account with someone, reckon with (Mat. 18:23; 25:19); with apodídōmi, to give over, meaning to render an account of a business management (Luke 16:2). (3) Metaphorically with dídōmi, to give, or apodídōmi, meaning to give an account, the relation and reasons of any transaction, explanation (Acts 19:40). With aitéō, to ask, beg, meaning to ask for a reason from someone (1Pet. 3:15). In Heb. 4:13, "with whom we have to do" or we have to render an account. (4) With poiéō, to make, do, to make account of, i.e., to regard, care for (Acts 20:24), meaning I take into account none of these things, I am not moved by them. (5) Followed by perí, concerning someone or something (Mat. 12:36; Rom. 14:12).

(III) The word Lógos in John 1:1, 1:14; 1Jn. 1:1; and Rev. 9:13 stands for the preincarnate Christ, the spiritual, divine nature spoken of in the Jewish writings before and about the time of Christ, under various names, e.g., Son of Man (Dan. 7:13).

(IV) As to the distinction between lógos and laliá, speech:

John 8:43 is a problematic passage in which we have both words, laliá and lógos, used by our Lord. He was debating with the Pharisees. They were listening to what He had to say, but they were not capable of understanding because they did not want to understand. The Lord said to them, "Why do ye not understand my speech [lalián]?" In other words, What I am saying to you seems to have no meaning whatsoever. And why did it have no meaning? The reason is explained in the balance of the paragraph, "Even because ye cannot hear my word [lógon]," or better still, "Because you cannot understand and obey [akoúō] my lógon," (a.t.) or speech, with its intended meaning. What the Lord really meant is that those who will not give room in their hearts to His truth will not understand His speech or utterance, the outward form of His language which His Word (lógos) assumes. Those who are of God hear God's words (rhḗmata, pl. of rhḗma, John 3:34; 8:47). The word rhḗma here is equivalent to lógos. John 3:34 says that Jesus Christ, being sent of God, speaks exactly God's utterances which those who are of God understand and which those who are not of God do not understand because they do not accept them as the utterance of God.

In John 1:1, Jesus Christ in His preincarnate state is called ho Lógos, the Word, presenting Him as the Second Person of the Godhead who is the eternal expression of the divine intelligence and the disclosure of the divine essence. This self-revealing characteristic of God was directed toward, and utterly achieved for mankind in the incarnation (John 1:14, 1:18).

Deriv.: álogos, irrational, without intelligence; analogía, analogy; analogízomai, to contemplate, consider; apologéomai, to answer back, respond; battologéō, to use vain repetitions; ellogéō, to account, reckon in; eulogéō, to speak well of, bless; logízomai, to reckon, impute; logikós, reasonable; lógios, fluent, orator, intelligent person; polulogía, much speaking.

Syn.: phēmí, to speak in a prophetic sense; propheteía, prophecy, something spoken ahead of its occurrence or spoken forth; homilía, homily, communication, speech; laliá, speech, not necessarily the result of reasoning, but speaking as contrasted with silence or communication of a message received; rhḗma, utterance, sayings in particular as contrasted with sayings in their totality; stóma, mouth, that which is uttered by the mouth; eperṓtēma, an inquiry, answer; suzḗtēsis, mutual questioning, phthóggos, sound of the mouth revealing one's identity; phḗmē, fame, report, that which is being said about someone; phōnḗ, voice; aggelía, message, announcement. With the meaning of reason, excuse: aitía, reason, cause; aphormḗ, occasion. With the meaning of reason, intelligence: súnesis, understanding; sōphrosúnē, soundness of mind.

Christians should have no fear of death. We should be comforted to know that there is an eternity of life awaiting us with the Lord Jesus. The beginning of the 14th chapter of John tells us exactly why we should not let our heart be troubled or afraid.

When a Christian dies, we should celebrate their home-going, not grieve deeply for their departing. We are really grieving for us who were left behind.

Book of 1 Thessalonians