The exact words
“Rejoice evermore. Pray without ceasing. In every thing give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you.”1 Thessalonians 5:16–18, King James Version (1611)
✓ VerifiedFound in a primary source: the original book, speech transcript, letter or recording.
What people get wrong
Common reading
Be thankful for everything that happens, including suffering.
Be thankful for everything that happens, including suffering.
Closer to the original
Paul says give thanks “in” everything, not “for” everything. The verse asks for gratitude that survives hard times, not for thanks that the hard times came.
Paul says give thanks “in” everything, not “for” everything. The verse asks for gratitude that survives hard times, not for thanks that the hard times came.
Timeline
- c. AD 50Paul writes to the Christians of Thessalonica in Greece, a small community under pressure. His first letter to them is probably the oldest book of the New Testament.
- 1611The King James Version renders the verse “In every thing give thanks.”
Use it in a speech
Paul wrote, in every thing give thanks. Not for everything. This year had its share of things none of us would choose. But in all of it, we still had each other.
~11 secondsto say aloud
Pauseafter “Not for everything”
Best spotthe heart of the toast
“In every thing give thanks.” We give thanks for the years we had with her, and we are holding you in our prayers.
~7 secondsto say aloud
Pausenone needed in a card
Best spotthe main line of the card
Questions people ask
Where is “in every thing give thanks” in the Bible?
1 Thessalonians 5:18.
Does it mean we should be thankful for bad things?
Most readers take it as thankfulness in every situation rather than for every situation. The Greek preposition means “in.”
How do modern Bibles translate it?
Usually “give thanks in all circumstances.”
Cite this quote
These cite the original source directly, so you can use them in an essay or paper. Always check your teacher's required style.
MLAThe Bible. Authorized King James Version, 1611. Project Gutenberg, www.gutenberg.org/ebooks/10.
APAThe Holy Bible, King James Version. (1611/2026). Project Gutenberg. https://www.gutenberg.org/ebooks/10
IN TEXT (APA)(The Bible, 1 Thessalonians 5:18, King James Version)