1 Thessalonians 5:15
This page isn't yet indexed by search engines.
The striking part here isn't just "don't repay evil," but the active command to "always seek to do good." This isn't about passively avoiding revenge; it's about intentionally looking for opportunities to bless others, even those who have wronged you. It calls us to be proactive agents of goodness in a world that so often retaliates in kind.
See that no one repays anyone evil for evil, but always seek to do good to one another and to everyone.
English Standard Version (ESV)
Paul is concluding his letter with practical advice for living out their faith as they await Jesus' return. Right before this, he's stressed the importance of discerning God's will and living with sober hope, but now he turns to how they should interact with each other and the world around them, especially in the face of potential conflict or hardship. This verse serves as a crucial ethical guideline for their community's conduct, urging them to resist the natural human tendency for retaliation.
Ever feel the urge to get even when someone wrongs you? This verse speaks directly to that impulse.
Paul lays down a non-negotiable: we are not to return evil for evil. This isn't about being a doormat, but about a radical reorientation of our response.
Breaking the Cycle
Repaying evil only perpetuates a destructive cycle. It escalates conflict and hardens hearts. The Christian call is to be a peacemaker, someone who actively stops the cycle of retaliation. This takes incredible self-control and a dependence on God's strength, not our own.
It's easy to focus on what not to do. But what are we called to actively pursue?
The verse doesn't just forbid negative actions; it commands a positive, ongoing action: 'always seek to do good.' This is a proactive, intentional effort.
Good for Everyone
This pursuit of good isn't limited to those who are nice to us. The scope is 'to one another' (fellow believers) and, significantly, 'to everyone.' This radical inclusivity reflects God's own love, which extends to all people. Doing good might mean offering kindness, forgiveness, practical help, or speaking truth in love, even when it's difficult.
Understand the original words
Ask a follow-up
kakon · Greek Noun/Adjective
Moral wrongdoing or wickedness that is contrary to the will of God; the Bible forbids returning this with similar actions.
agathon · Greek Adjective/Noun
Actions that are morally excellent, beneficial, and reflective of God's character, which believers are called to pursue even toward those who treat them poorly.
Jesus teaches a radical ethic of non-retaliation, even going so far as to turn the other cheek, which echoes the instruction in Thessalonians to not repay evil for evil.
Romans 12:17-21Paul directly addresses the importance of blessing those who persecute you and overcoming evil with good, aligning perfectly with the Thessalonians' call to do good to everyone.
1 Peter 3:8-12Peter encourages believers to live in harmony, not returning evil for evil or insult for insult, but instead offering a blessing, mirroring the command to always seek good.
Proverbs 17:13This proverb highlights the severe consequences of repaying good with evil, reinforcing the negative aspect of the Thessalonians' command and the value of righteous action.
The striking part here isn't just "don't repay evil," but the active command to "always seek to do good." This isn't about passively avoiding revenge; it's about intentionally looking for opportunities to bless others, even those who have wronged you. It calls us to be proactive agents of goodness in a world that so often retaliates in kind.
Paul is concluding his letter with practical advice for living out their faith as they await Jesus' return. Right before this, he's stressed the importance of discerning God's will and living with sober hope, but now he turns to how they should interact with each other and the world around them, especially in the face of potential conflict or hardship. This verse serves as a crucial ethical guideline for their community's conduct, urging them to resist the natural human tendency for retaliation.
Paul is concluding his letter with practical advice for living out their faith as they await Jesus' return. Right before this, he's stressed the importance of discerning God's will and living with sober hope, but now he turns to how they should interact with each other and the world around them, especially in the face of potential conflict or hardship. This verse serves as a crucial ethical guideline for their community's conduct, urging them to resist the natural human tendency for retaliation.
"See that no one repays anyone evil for evil, but always seek to do good to one another and to everyone." — The striking part here isn't just "don't repay evil," but the active command to "always seek to do good." This isn't about passively avoiding revenge; it's about intentionally looking for opportuni…
Get the original Greek and Hebrew, verse-by-verse context, and related passages inside the app.
Last reviewed October 2026
