What Does 1 Thessalonians 5:16 Mean in the King James?

Rejoice evermore.

1 Thessalonians 5:16 · KJV

The analysis reads the King James wording.

King James Version The King James Version, first published in 1611. Selah Verse shows the standard text.

THE KEY

The Greek word for “rejoice” belongs to the same word family as “favor,” binding joy to what is received, not merely to what happens.

THE MEANING

This verse speaks to you now: joy remains possible through every changing condition, even when a moment does not feel pleasant. Rejoicing does not require sorrow to disappear first.

WHAT THIS UNDOES

It undoes the belief that sorrow makes joy impossible: both can be present in the same life.

THE ROOT

χαίρετε

chairete

GROWS FROM

χαρ-

char-

Joy and gladness; the shared word-family behind rejoicing.

English separates “rejoice” from “favor,” but Greek ⁨χαίρω⁩ (chairō, rejoice) and ⁨χάρις⁩ (charis, favor) belong to the same word-family. The verse holds joy alongside favor, opening the possibility of joy as something received rather than produced by circumstances.

ALSO GROWS

chara: Joy, gladness

χαρά

This noun shares the char- family with the verb for rejoicing, showing the close link between joy and its expression.

charis: Favor, gracious regard

χάρις

Its shared word-family places favor beside rejoicing, hinting that joy can be held as a received good even when circumstances change.

THE PATTERN

Scriptural joy can endure through changing conditions because it is held in presence and belonging.

Thou wilt shew me the path of life: in thy presence is fulness of joy; at thy right hand there are pleasures for evermore.

Psalm 16:11 · KJVJoy is described as fullness found in presence, extending beyond a passing moment.

And ye now therefore have sorrow: but I will see you again, and your heart shall rejoice, and your joy no man taketh from you.

John 16:22 · KJVSorrow is present, yet it does not prevent a joy that cannot be taken away.

Rejoice in the Lord alway: and again I say, Rejoice.

Philippians 4:4 · KJVThe repeated call to rejoice echoes the continuing reach of “evermore.”

THE THREAD

As sorrowful, yet alway rejoicing; as poor, yet making many rich; as having nothing, and yet possessing all things.

2 Corinthians 6:10 · KJV

The same Greek verb ⁨χαίρω⁩ (chairō, meaning “rejoice”) appears here as “rejoicing.” Its pairing with sorrow shows how rejoicing can continue without pretending grief is absent.

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