1 Thessalonians 4:13

Translations

Modern

Brothers, we do not want you to be uninformed about those who sleep in death, so that you will not grieve like the rest, who are without hope.

Traditional

But I would not have you to be ignorant, brethren, concerning them which are asleep, that ye sorrow not, even as others which have no hope.

Literal

But we do not want you to be ignorant, brothers, concerning those having fallen asleep, so that you should not be grieved, just as also the rest, those having no hope.

Latin

Nolumus autem vos ignorare fratres de dormientibus, ut non contristemini sicut et ceteri, qui spem non habent.

Original

Greek

English

Brothers, we do not want you to be uninformed about those who sleep in death, so that you will not grieve like the rest, who are without hope.

Notes

1 Thessalonians 4:13

those who sleep in death (literally those who have fallen asleep; also in 4:14): In Greek, Jewish, and Christian literature, sleep often means death (Daniel 12:2; Matthew 27:52). Personal existence continues after death (Luke 23:40–43; Acts 7:55–60; 2 Corinthians 5:6–10; Philippians 1:20–24; Revelation 6:9–11). Those who have died await the resurrection (1 Corinthians 15:23).
grieve like the rest, who are without hope: Ancient letters of comfort advised those in grief not to become overwhelmed by grief, as they could not prevent death. Paul does not forbid grief but encourages Christians to avoid the kind of grief typical of those without hope in God (see John 16:6, 20; Philippians 2:27).

1 Thessalonians 4:9–5:11

Paul answers questions from the Thessalonians (see 1 Corinthians 7:1), questions about:

loving each other (1 Thessalonians 4:9–12)
the destiny of Christians who have died (4:13–18), and
the timing of the day the Lord will return (5:1–11).

1 Thessalonians 4:1–5:22

The second part of the letter discusses Timothy's news about the church and the questions the Christians had for Paul.

Paul addresses:

the problem of sexual immorality (4:3–8) before responding to the Thessalonians’ questions about love for other Christians (4:9–12),
the fate of Christians who have died (4:13–18), and
the timing of "the Day of the Lord" (5:1–11).

Paul offers advice on topics such as leadership and community relations, the relationship with the Lord, and prophecy (5:12–22).

Theme notes and profiles

Paul (Saul) “He Will Come” The Coming of God’s Kingdom The Day Is Coming The Gift of Prophecy The Last Things and the Thessalonians The Resurrection of the Dead

Related verses

Daniel 12:2
And many who sleep in the dust of the earth will awake, some to everlasting life, but others to shame and everlasting contempt.
1 Thessalonians 4:15
By the word of the Lord, we declare to you that we who are alive and remain until the coming of the Lord will by no means precede those who have fallen asleep.
1 Thessalonians 5:10
He died for us so that, whether we are awake or asleep, we may live together with Him.
1 Corinthians 15:18–19
Then those also who have fallen asleep in Christ have perished.
2 Peter 3:4
“Where is the promise of His coming?” they will ask. “Ever since our fathers fell asleep, everything continues as it has from the beginning of creation.”
Ephesians 2:12
…remember that at that time you were separate from Christ, alienated from the commonwealth of Israel, and strangers to the covenants of the promise, without hope and without God in the world.
Acts 7:60
Falling on his knees, he cried out in a loud voice, “Lord, do not hold this sin against them.” And when he had said this, he fell asleep.
1 Corinthians 15:6
After that, He appeared to more than five hundred brothers at once, most of whom are still living, though some have fallen asleep.
Ezekiel 37:11
Then He said to me, “Son of man, these bones are the whole house of Israel. Look, they are saying, ‘Our bones are dried up, and our hope has perished; we are cut off.’
John 11:11–13
After He had said this, He told them, “Our friend Lazarus has fallen asleep, but I am going there to wake him up.”
1 Corinthians 10:1
I do not want you to be unaware, brothers, that our forefathers were all under the cloud, and that they all passed through the sea.
Job 19:25–27
But I know that my Redeemer lives, and in the end He will stand upon the earth.

Glossary

Death First Letter to the Thessalonians Mourning Parousia Place of the Dead Sleep

Topics

Afflictions and Adversities: Consolation In Bad News Bereavement: Resignation In Death of the Righteous Funeral Immortality: General Scriptures Concerning The Death of Saints: Survivors Consoled For

1 Thessalonians 4:13

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Translations

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