Short answer: 1 Thessalonians 5:11 commands believers to actively encourage and strengthen each other. "Comfort yourselves together, and edify one another" (KJV)—or in modern terms, "encourage one another and build each other up." It is a call to intentional, mutual support within the Christian community, especially in light of Christ's certain return.
The context: living in hope of Christ's return
Paul's first letter to the Thessalonians comforts a young church facing persecution and grieving members who had died. In chapter 4 he assures them that believers who have died will rise when Christ returns (4:13–18). Chapter 5 continues the theme: the "day of the Lord" will come unexpectedly, so believers should stay alert, sober, and clothed in faith, love, and hope (5:1–8). Verse 11 draws the practical conclusion: encourage each other with this hope.
What it means, phrase by phrase
"Wherefore" — "Therefore," linking back to the hope of Christ's return and resurrection. Encouragement flows from that hope.
"comfort yourselves together" — The word can mean comfort, encourage, or exhort. It is reciprocal—"one another"—not a one-way ministry from leaders. Every believer is called to build up others.
"and edify one another" — "Edify" means to build up, as one constructs a building. The goal is spiritual strengthening, helping each other grow and stand firm.
"even as also ye do" — Paul commends them; they are already doing this. The command is to keep going and do it more.
Cross-references
- Hebrews 10:24–25 — Stir one another to love, not neglecting to meet together.
- Romans 14:19 — Pursue "the things wherewith one may edify another."
- Galatians 6:2 — "Bear ye one another's burdens."
- 1 Thessalonians 4:18 — "Comfort one another with these words" (the resurrection hope).
How to apply it today
Encouragement in the New Testament is not vague positivity; it is deliberately strengthening one another with truth and hope. This verse assumes believers are in real community, close enough to notice discouragement and speak into it. Practically, that means initiating—sending the text, making the call, showing up—rather than waiting to be encouraged. Ground your encouragement in the gospel and the hope of Christ's return, and aim to build up, leaving people stronger in faith than you found them.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between "comfort" and "edify" here? "Comfort" (or encourage) focuses on lifting and consoling one another, while "edify" means to build up and strengthen spiritually, like constructing a building. Together they describe a full ministry of support that both consoles and grows fellow believers.
Who is responsible for encouraging in this verse? Every believer. Paul uses "one another," making encouragement a mutual, community-wide responsibility rather than a task reserved for pastors or leaders. All Christians are called to build each other up.
How does Christ's return relate to this command? The surrounding verses focus on the hope of Christ's return and the resurrection of believers. Encouragement here flows directly from that hope—Christians strengthen each other by pointing to the certain future God has promised.
Does "even as also ye do" mean they were already doing it? Yes. Paul commends the Thessalonians for already encouraging one another and urges them to continue and increase in it. The verse is both an affirmation and a call to keep going.