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1 Thessalonians 5:16

New Testament Epistle (Pauline) ASV (1901)

What does 1 Thessalonians 5:16 say?

The American Standard Version records this verse as: “Rejoice always;” Read the surrounding verses and the named sources below before drawing broader conclusions.

The verse

Rejoice always;
1 Thessalonians 5:16 — American Standard Version

Context — 1 Thessalonians 5

American Standard Version (1901) — public domain. Click any verse for its study page.
13and to esteem them exceeding highly in love for their work`s sake. Be at peace among yourselves.
14And we exhort you, brethren, admonish the disorderly, encourage the fainthearted, support the weak, be longsuffering toward all.
15See that none render unto any one evil for evil; but always follow after that which is good, one toward another, and toward all.
16Rejoice always;
17pray without ceasing;
18in everything give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus to you-ward.
19Quench not the Spirit;
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What do historical commentaries say?

John Gill's Exposition
John Gill (1697–1771) · Exposition of the Old and New Testament · 18th-century historical commentary
“Rejoice evermore.] Not in a carnal, but in a spiritual way, with joy in the Holy Ghost; and which arises from a view of pardon by the blood of Christ, of justification by his righteousness, and atonement by his sacrifice; not in themselves, as the wicked man rejoices in his wickedness, and the hypocrite and formalist in his profession of religion, and the reputation he gains by it; and the Pharisee and legalist in his morality, civility, negative holiness, and obedience to the rituals of the law; for such rejoice in their boastings, and all such rejoicing is evil; but in the Lord Jesus Christ, in the greatness, fitness, fulness, and glory of his person, in his blood, righteousness, and…”
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Jamieson, Fausset & Brown
Robert Jamieson, A. R. Fausset & David Brown · Commentary Critical and Explanatory on the Whole Bible · 19th-century historical commentary
“In order to "rejoice evermore," we must "pray without ceasing" (Th1 5:17). He who is wont to thank God for all things as happening for the best, will have continuous joy [THEOPHYLACT]. Eph 6:18; Phi 4:4, Phi 4:6, "Rejoice in the Lord . . . by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving"; Rom 14:17, "in the Holy Ghost"; Rom 12:12, "in hope"; Act 5:41, "in being counted worthy to suffer shame for Christ's name"; Jam 1:2, in falling "into divers temptations."”
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Barnes' Notes
Albert Barnes (1798–1870) · Notes on the Whole Bible · 19th-century historical commentary
“Rejoice evermore - See the notes on Philippians 3:1; Philippians 4:4. return to 'Top of Page'”
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Wesley's Explanatory Notes
John Wesley (1703–1791) · Explanatory Notes upon the New Testament and Old Testament notes · 18th-century historical commentary
“Rejoice evermore - In uninterrupted happiness in God. Pray without ceasing - Which is the fruit of always rejoicing in the Lord. In everything give thanks - Which is the fruit of both the former. This is Christian perfection. Farther than this we cannot go; and we need not stop short of it. Our Lord has purchased joy, as well as righteousness, for us. It is the very design of the gospel that, being saved from guilt, we should be happy in the love of Christ. Prayer may be said to be the breath of our spiritual life. He that lives cannot possibly cease breathing. So much as we really enjoy of the presence of God, so much prayer and praise do we offer up without ceasing; else our rejoicing is…”
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Treasury of Scriptural Knowledge
R. A. Torrey and contributors · The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge · Cross-reference reference work
“Rejoice: Co2 6:10; Phi 4:4; Mat 5:12; Luk 10:20; Rom 12:12 1 Thessalonians 5:17”
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Related study paths

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Sources and verification