23Now may the God of peace himself sanctify you completely — and may your spirit and soul and body be preserved entirely, blameless at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. [5:24] Faithful is the one who calls you, who will also do it. [5:25] Brothers and sisters, pray for us. [5:26] Greet all the brothers and sisters with a holy kiss. [5:27] I solemnly charge you by the Lord that this letter be read to all the brothers and sisters. [5:28] The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you.
1TH 5:23-28
Final Blessings and Instructions
In the world it was spoken into
In the Greco-Roman world, the concept of sanctification carried both religious and social weight. For Jewish listeners, it evoked the idea of being set apart for God’s purposes, rooted in Temple purity and covenantal identity. Gentile converts, familiar with mystery cults and philosophical ideals of moral purity, would have understood it as a transformative process toward ethical and spiritual wholeness. The emphasis on the complete sanctification of spirit, soul, and body reflects a holistic view of human existence, countering dualistic tendencies in Hellenistic thought that devalued the physical. The mention of the (coming) of Jesus Christ would have resonated with the expectation of a royal or divine visitation, evoking both hope and accountability. The holy kiss was a common greeting among early Christians, symbolizing familial unity and equality in Christ, distinct from the hierarchical gestures of Roman society. The adjuration to read the letter publicly underscores its communal authority, aligning with synagogue practices of Torah reading.
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How other translations render this
1TH 5:23
- KJV
- And the very God of peace sanctify you wholly; and I pray God your whole spirit and soul and body be preserved blameless unto the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ.
- BSB
- Now may the God of peace Himself sanctify you completely, and may your entire spirit, soul, and body be kept blameless at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ.
- Koinōnos
- Now may the God of peace himself sanctify you completely — and may your spirit and soul and body be preserved entirely, blameless at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ.
1TH 5:24
- KJV
- Faithful is he that calleth you, who also will do it.
- BSB
- The One who calls you is faithful, and He will do it.
- Koinōnos
- Faithful is the one who calls you, who will also do it.
1TH 5:25
- KJV
- Brethren, pray for us.
- BSB
- Brothers, pray for us as well.
- Koinōnos
- Brothers and sisters, pray for us.
1TH 5:26
- KJV
- Greet all the brethren with an holy kiss.
- BSB
- Greet all the brothers with a holy kiss.
- Koinōnos
- Greet all the brothers and sisters with a holy kiss.
1TH 5:27
- KJV
- I charge you by the Lord that this epistle be read unto all the holy brethren.
- BSB
- I charge you before the Lord to have this letter read to all the brothers.
- Koinōnos
- I solemnly charge you by the Lord that this letter be read to all the brothers and sisters.
1TH 5:28
- KJV
- The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you. Amen.
- BSB
- The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you.
- Koinōnos
- The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you.
Only verses where the wording diverges meaningfully are shown. Identical phrasings are suppressed.
Translator's notes
1TH 5:23
- completely,:The word translated 'completely' here emphasizes the idea of being entirely whole, lacking nothing, and fully perfected in every aspect.
- entirely:The term used here for 'entirely' suggests a state of being complete, sound, and unimpaired, like something that has all its parts and is in perfect working order.
- coming:The word translated 'coming' often referred to the official arrival or presence of a dignitary or ruler, implying a significant and anticipated event.
1TH 5:27
- I adjure:The phrase 'I adjure' indicates a solemn and binding command, placing someone under oath or a sacred obligation, often invoking a divine witness.