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1 Thessalonians 5:17 Pray without ceasing.
<!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Transitional//EN" "//www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-transitional.dtd"><html xmlns="//www.w3.org/1999/xhtml"><head><meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=utf-8" /><meta name="viewport" content="width=device-width, initial-scale=1" /><title>1 Thessalonians 5:17 Pray without ceasing.</title><link rel="canonical" href="https://biblehub.com/1_thessalonians/5-17.htm" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/new9.css" type="text/css" media="Screen" /><meta property="og:image" content="https://biblehub.com/visuals/12/52_1Th_05_17.jpg" /><meta property="og:title" content="1 Thessalonians 5:17 - Christian Living" /><meta property="og:site_name" content="Bible Hub" /><meta property="og:description" content="Pray without ceasing." /><script type="application/javascript" src="https://scripts.webcontentassessor.com/scripts/8a2459b64f9cac8122fc7f2eac4409c8555fac9383016db59c4c26e3d5b8b157"></script><script 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frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></td></tr></table><div id="movebox2"><table border="0" align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0"><tr><td><div id="topheading"><a href="/1_thessalonians/5-16.htm" title="1 Thessalonians 5:16">◄</a> 1 Thessalonians 5:17 <a href="/1_thessalonians/5-18.htm" title="1 Thessalonians 5:18">►</a></div></tr></table></div><div align="center" class="maintable2"><table border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><div id="topverse"> <a href="#audio" class="clickchap2" title="Context and Audio Bible"> Audio </a> <a href="#crossref" class="clickchap2" title="Cross References"> Cross </a> <a href="#study" class="clickchap2" title="Study Bible"> Study </a> <a href="#commentary" class="clickchap2" title="Commentary"> Comm </a> <a href="#lexicon" class="clickchap2" title="Lexicon"> Greek </a> </div><div id="leftbox"><div class="padleft"><div class="vheadingv"><b>Verse</b><a href="/bsb/1_thessalonians/5.htm" class="clickchap" style="color:#001320" title="Click any translation name for full chapter"> (Click for Chapter)</a></div><div id="par"><span class="versiontext"><a href="/niv/1_thessalonians/5.htm">New International Version</a></span><br />pray continually,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nlt/1_thessalonians/5.htm">New Living Translation</a></span><br />Never stop praying.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/esv/1_thessalonians/5.htm">English Standard Version</a></span><br />pray without ceasing,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/bsb/1_thessalonians/5.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a></span><br />Pray without ceasing.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/blb/1_thessalonians/5.htm">Berean Literal Bible</a></span><br />Pray unceasingly.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/kjv/1_thessalonians/5.htm">King James Bible</a></span><br />Pray without ceasing.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nkjv/1_thessalonians/5.htm">New King James Version</a></span><br />pray without ceasing,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb_/1_thessalonians/5.htm">New American Standard Bible</a></span><br />pray without ceasing,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb/1_thessalonians/5.htm">NASB 1995</a></span><br />pray without ceasing;<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb77/1_thessalonians/5.htm">NASB 1977 </a></span><br />pray without ceasing;<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsb/1_thessalonians/5.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a></span><br />pray without ceasing;<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/amp/1_thessalonians/5.htm">Amplified Bible</a></span><br />be unceasing <i>and</i> persistent in prayer;<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/csb/1_thessalonians/5.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />pray constantly,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hcsb/1_thessalonians/5.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />Pray constantly. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/asv/1_thessalonians/5.htm">American Standard Version</a></span><br />pray without ceasing;<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cev/1_thessalonians/5.htm">Contemporary English Version</a></span><br />and never stop praying. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/erv/1_thessalonians/5.htm">English Revised Version</a></span><br />pray without ceasing;<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gwt/1_thessalonians/5.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a></span><br />Never stop praying.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gnt/1_thessalonians/5.htm">Good News Translation</a></span><br />pray at all times, <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/isv/1_thessalonians/5.htm">International Standard Version</a></span><br />Continually be prayerful. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/msb/1_thessalonians/5.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a></span><br />Pray without ceasing.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/net/1_thessalonians/5.htm">NET Bible</a></span><br />constantly pray,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nheb/1_thessalonians/5.htm">New Heart English Bible</a></span><br />Pray without ceasing.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/wbt/1_thessalonians/5.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a></span><br />Pray without ceasing.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/wey/1_thessalonians/5.htm">Weymouth New Testament</a></span><br />Be unceasing in prayer.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/web/1_thessalonians/5.htm">World English Bible</a></span><br />Pray without ceasing. <div class="vheading2"><b>Literal Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsv/1_thessalonians/5.htm">Literal Standard Version</a></span><br />continually pray;<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/blb/1_thessalonians/5.htm">Berean Literal Bible</a></span><br />Pray unceasingly.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/ylt/1_thessalonians/5.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a></span><br /> continually pray ye;<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/slt/1_thessalonians/5.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a></span><br />Pray continually.<div class="vheading2"><b>Catholic Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/drb/1_thessalonians/5.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a></span><br />Pray without ceasing. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cpdv/1_thessalonians/5.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a></span><br />Pray without ceasing.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nabre/1_thessalonians/5.htm">New American Bible</a></span><br />Pray without ceasing.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nrsvce/1_thessalonians/5.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a></span><br />pray without ceasing,<div class="vheading2"><b>Translations from Aramaic</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lamsa/1_thessalonians/5.htm">Lamsa Bible</a></span><br />Pray without ceasing.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/aramaic-plain-english/1_thessalonians/5.htm">Aramaic Bible in Plain English</a></span><br />Pray without ceasing.<div class="vheading2"><b>NT Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/anderson/1_thessalonians/5.htm">Anderson New Testament</a></span><br />pray without ceasing;<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/godbey/1_thessalonians/5.htm">Godbey New Testament</a></span><br />pray without ceasing;<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/haweis/1_thessalonians/5.htm">Haweis New Testament</a></span><br />Pray without ceasing.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/mace/1_thessalonians/5.htm">Mace New Testament</a></span><br />pray upon all occasions.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/wey/1_thessalonians/5.htm">Weymouth New Testament</a></span><br />Be unceasing in prayer.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/worrell/1_thessalonians/5.htm">Worrell New Testament</a></span><br />pray without ceasing.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/worsley/1_thessalonians/5.htm">Worsley New Testament</a></span><br />Pray continually.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/parallel/1_thessalonians/5-17.htm">Additional Translations ...</a></span></div></div></div><div id="centbox"><div class="padcent"><a name="audio" id="audio"></a><div class="vheadingv"><b>Audio Bible</b></div><iframe width="100%" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/sgDUoqNjFio?start=736" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe><span class="p"><br /><br /><br /></span><div class="vheadingv"><b>Context</b></div><span class="hdg"><a href="/bsb/1_thessalonians/5.htm">Christian Living</a></span><br>…<span class="reftext">16</span>Rejoice at all times. <span class="reftext">17</span><span class="highl"><a href="/greek/4336.htm" title="4336: proseuchesthe (V-PMM/P-2P) -- To pray, pray for, offer prayer. From pros and euchomai; to pray to God, i.e. Supplicate, worship.">Pray</a> <a href="/greek/89.htm" title="89: adialeiptōs (Adv) -- Unceasingly, without remission. Adverb from adialeiptos; uninterruptedly, i.e. Without omission.">without ceasing.</a> </span> <span class="reftext">18</span>Give thanks in every circumstance, for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.…<div class="cred"><a href="//berean.bible">Berean Standard Bible</a> · <a href="//berean.bible/downloads.htm">Download</a></div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="crossref" id="crossref"></a><div class="vheading">Cross References</div><div id="crf"><span class="crossverse"><a href="/luke/18-1.htm">Luke 18:1</a></span><br />Then Jesus told them a parable about their need to pray at all times and not lose heart:<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/ephesians/6-18.htm">Ephesians 6:18</a></span><br />Pray in the Spirit at all times, with every kind of prayer and petition. To this end, stay alert with all perseverance in your prayers for all the saints.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/romans/12-12.htm">Romans 12:12</a></span><br />Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, persistent in prayer.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/philippians/4-6.htm">Philippians 4:6</a></span><br />Be anxious for nothing, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/colossians/4-2.htm">Colossians 4:2</a></span><br />Devote yourselves to prayer, being watchful and thankful,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/james/5-16.htm">James 5:16</a></span><br />Therefore confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous man has great power to prevail.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/matthew/6-6.htm">Matthew 6:6</a></span><br />But when you pray, go into your inner room, shut your door, and pray to your Father, who is unseen. And your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_timothy/2-1.htm">1 Timothy 2:1</a></span><br />First of all, then, I urge that petitions, prayers, intercessions, and thanksgiving be offered for everyone—<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/acts/1-14.htm">Acts 1:14</a></span><br />With one accord they all continued in prayer, along with the women and Mary the mother of Jesus, and with His brothers.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_samuel/12-23.htm">1 Samuel 12:23</a></span><br />As for me, far be it from me that I should sin against the LORD by ceasing to pray for you. And I will continue to teach you the good and right way.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/daniel/6-10.htm">Daniel 6:10</a></span><br />Now when Daniel learned that the document had been signed, he went into his house, where the windows of his upper room opened toward Jerusalem, and three times a day he got down on his knees, prayed, and gave thanks to his God, just as he had done before.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/psalms/55-17.htm">Psalm 55:17</a></span><br />Morning, noon, and night, I cry out in distress, and He hears my voice.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/psalms/5-3.htm">Psalm 5:3</a></span><br />In the morning, O LORD, You hear my voice; at daybreak I lay my plea before You and wait in expectation.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/psalms/88-1.htm">Psalm 88:1</a></span><br />A song. A Psalm of the sons of Korah. For the choirmaster. According to Mahalath Leannoth. A Maskil of Heman the Ezrahite. O LORD, the God of my salvation, day and night I cry out before You.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/nehemiah/1-6.htm">Nehemiah 1:6</a></span><br />let Your eyes be open and Your ears attentive to hear the prayer that I, Your servant, now pray before You day and night for Your servants, the Israelites. I confess the sins that we Israelites have committed against You. Both I and my father’s house have sinned.</div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div><p class="tsk2">Pray without ceasing.</p><p class="hdg">Pray.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/luke/18-1.htm">Luke 18:1</a></b></br> And he spake a parable unto them <i>to this end</i>, that men ought always to pray, and not to faint;</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/luke/21-36.htm">Luke 21:36</a></b></br> Watch ye therefore, and pray always, that ye may be accounted worthy to escape all these things that shall come to pass, and to stand before the Son of man.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/romans/12-12.htm">Romans 12:12</a></b></br> Rejoicing in hope; patient in tribulation; continuing instant in prayer;</p><div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/1_thessalonians/2-13.htm">Ceasing</a> <a href="/1_thessalonians/1-3.htm">Constantly</a> <a href="/1_thessalonians/2-16.htm">Continually</a> <a href="/1_thessalonians/4-1.htm">Prayer</a> <a href="/1_thessalonians/1-2.htm">Prayers</a> <a href="/1_thessalonians/2-13.htm">Unceasing</a> <a href="/1_thessalonians/1-3.htm">Unceasingly</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/2_timothy/1-3.htm">Ceasing</a> <a href="/2_thessalonians/1-11.htm">Constantly</a> <a href="/2_thessalonians/1-11.htm">Continually</a> <a href="/2_thessalonians/3-1.htm">Prayer</a> <a href="/1_thessalonians/5-25.htm">Prayers</a> <a href="/2_timothy/1-3.htm">Unceasing</a> <a href="/2_timothy/1-3.htm">Unceasingly</a><div class="vheading2">1 Thessalonians 5</div><span class="reftext">1. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/1_thessalonians/5-1.htm">He proceeds in the description of Christ's coming to judgment;</a></span><br><span class="reftext">16. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/1_thessalonians/5-16.htm">and gives various instructions;</a></span><br><span class="reftext">23. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/1_thessalonians/5-23.htm">and so concludes the epistle.</a></span><br></div></div><div id="mdd"><div align="center"><div class="bot2"><table align="center" width="100%"><tr><td><div align="center"> <script id="3d27ed63fc4348d5b062c4527ae09445"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=51ce25d5-1a8c-424a-8695-4bd48c750f35&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script> <script id="b817b7107f1d4a7997da1b3c33457e03"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=cb0edd8b-b416-47eb-8c6d-3cc96561f7e8&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script><br /><br /> <!-- /1078254/BH-728x90-ATF --> <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-2'> </div><br /><br /> <!-- /1078254/BH-300x250-ATF --> <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-0' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div><br /><br /> <!-- /1078254/BH-728x90-BTF --> <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-3'> </div><br /><br /> <!-- /1078254/BH-300x250-BTF --> <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-1' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div><br /><br /> <!-- /1078254/BH-728x90-BTF2 --> <div align="center" id='div-gpt-ad-1531425649696-0'> </div><br /><br /> <ins class="adsbygoogle" style="display:inline-block;width:200px;height:200px" data-ad-client="ca-pub-3753401421161123" data-ad-slot="3592799687"></ins> <script> (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); </script> <br /><br /> </div> </td></tr></table></div></div></div><div id="combox"><div class="padcom"><a name="study" id="study"></a><div class="vheading"><table width="100%"><tr><td width="99%" valign="top"><a href="/study/1_thessalonians/5.htm">Study Bible</a></td><td width="1%" valign="top"><a href="/study/1_thessalonians/" title="Book Summary and Study">Book ◦</a> <a href="/study/chapters/1_thessalonians/5.htm" title="Chapter summary and Study">Chapter </a></tr></table></div><b>Pray</b><br>Prayer is a fundamental aspect of the Christian life, serving as a direct line of communication with God. In the context of 1 Thessalonians, Paul emphasizes the importance of prayer as a means of maintaining a close relationship with God. The Thessalonian church, facing persecution and challenges, would have found strength and guidance through prayer. Biblically, prayer is seen as an act of faith and dependence on God, as demonstrated by figures like Daniel, who prayed three times a day despite the threat of persecution (<a href="/daniel/6-10.htm">Daniel 6:10</a>). Jesus Himself modeled a life of prayer, often withdrawing to solitary places to pray (<a href="/luke/5-16.htm">Luke 5:16</a>), highlighting its importance in maintaining spiritual strength and focus.<p><b>without ceasing.</b><br>The phrase "without ceasing" suggests a continual, persistent attitude of prayer. This does not mean praying every moment of the day in a literal sense, but rather maintaining a constant awareness of God's presence and a readiness to communicate with Him throughout daily life. The Greek word used here, "adialeiptos," implies a recurring action, much like a persistent cough. This reflects a lifestyle where prayer is integrated into every aspect of life, echoing the call to "pray in the Spirit on all occasions" (<a href="/ephesians/6-18.htm">Ephesians 6:18</a>). Historically, the early church was characterized by a devotion to prayer (<a href="/acts/2-42.htm">Acts 2:42</a>), and this exhortation would have encouraged the Thessalonians to remain steadfast in their faith despite external pressures. The concept of unceasing prayer also aligns with the idea of abiding in Christ (<a href="/john/15-4.htm">John 15:4-7</a>), where believers are encouraged to remain connected to Jesus, the true vine, through constant communication and reliance on Him.<div class="vheading2">Persons / Places / Events</div>1. <b><a href="/topical/p/paul.htm">Paul</a></b><br>- The apostle who authored the letter to the Thessalonians, providing guidance and encouragement to the early Christian community.<br><br>2. <b><a href="/topical/t/thessalonica.htm">Thessalonica</a></b><br>- A city in Macedonia where the church was established by Paul during his second missionary journey. It was a significant urban center in the Roman Empire.<br><br>3. <b><a href="/topical/t/thessalonian_church.htm">Thessalonian Church</a></b><br>- The recipients of Paul's letter, a group of early Christians facing persecution and needing encouragement in their faith.<br><br>4. <b><a href="/topical/s/silas_and_timothy.htm">Silas and Timothy</a></b><br>- Companions of Paul who were involved in the establishment and nurturing of the Thessalonian church.<br><br>5. <b><a href="/topical/e/early_christian_community.htm">Early Christian Community</a></b><br>- The broader context of believers in the first century who were learning to live out their faith in a predominantly pagan society.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><b><a href="/topical/t/the_call_to_constant_prayer.htm">The Call to Constant Prayer</a></b><br>The Greek word for "without ceasing" (adialeipt?s) suggests a continual, habitual practice rather than an uninterrupted activity. This implies maintaining a prayerful attitude throughout daily life.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/p/prayer_as_a_lifestyle.htm">Prayer as a Lifestyle</a></b><br>Integrating prayer into every aspect of life transforms it from a mere ritual to a dynamic relationship with God. This involves being mindful of God's presence and seeking His guidance in all circumstances.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/d/dependence_on_god.htm">Dependence on God</a></b><br>Constant prayer reflects a heart that depends on God for strength, wisdom, and provision. It acknowledges our limitations and God's sovereignty.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/c/cultivating_a_heart_of_gratitude.htm">Cultivating a Heart of Gratitude</a></b><br>Regular prayer fosters gratitude, as it reminds us of God's faithfulness and blessings. This aligns with Paul's broader exhortation to give thanks in all circumstances.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/s/strengthening_community_through_prayer.htm">Strengthening Community through Prayer</a></b><br>Praying without ceasing includes interceding for others, which strengthens the bonds within the Christian community and aligns with the biblical call to bear one another's burdens.<div class="vheading2">Lists and Questions</div><a href="/top10/lessons_from_1_thessalonians_5.htm">Top 10 Lessons from 1 Thessalonians 5</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/can_christians_pray_repetitively.htm">Is it appropriate for Christians to pray repetitively?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/how_can_i_improve_my_prayer_life_today.htm">How can I improve my prayer life today?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/what_do_chreasters_believe.htm">What do Chreasters believe and who are they?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/what_does_'pray_without_ceasing'_mean.htm">What does "Pray Without Ceasing" mean?</a><a name="commentary" id="commentary"></a><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/ellicott/1_thessalonians/5.htm">Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers</a></div>(17) <span class= "bld">Pray without ceasing.</span>--Theophylact well says, "This shows the way to 'rejoice always'--to wit, incessant prayer and eucharist, for he that has accustomed himself to hold converse with God, and to give thanks to Him over everything that happens as happening well, will evidently have unbroken joy." Though a man cannot be incessantly praying in words, the mind may be held continuously in an attitude of prayer, even in sleep (<a href="/songs/5-2.htm" title="I sleep, but my heart wakes: it is the voice of my beloved that knocks, saying, Open to me, my sister, my love, my dove, my undefiled: for my head is filled with dew, and my locks with the drops of the night.">Song of Solomon 5:2</a>).<p><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/1_thessalonians/5.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div><span class="cmt_sub_title">Verse 17.</span> - <span class="cmt_word">Pray without ceasing.</span> The means of promoting religious joy is prayer. This prayer is to be "without ceasing," implying constancy (<a href="/colossians/4-2.htm">Colossians 4:2</a>) and perseverance (<a href="/romans/12-12.htm">Romans 12:12</a>; <a href="/ephesians/6-18.htm">Ephesians 6:18</a>; <a href="/luke/18-1.htm">Luke 18:1</a>). This is not a mere precept "capable of fulfillment in idea, rather than in fact" (Jowett); but it is an exhortation to live in a devotional frame of mind. It is <span class="accented">impos</span>sible to be always on our bended knees, but we may be in the spirit of prayer when engaged in the duties of our earthly calling. Prayer may be without ceasing in the heart which is full of the presence of God, and evermore communing with him. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/commentaries/1_thessalonians/5-17.htm">Parallel Commentaries ...</a></span><span class="p"><br /><br /><br /></span><a name="lexicon" id="lexicon"></a><div class="vheading">Greek</div><span class="word">Pray</span><br /><span class="grk">προσεύχεσθε</span> <span class="translit">(proseuchesthe)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Present Imperative Middle or Passive - 2nd Person Plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_4336.htm">Strong's 4336: </a> </span><span class="str2">To pray, pray for, offer prayer. From pros and euchomai; to pray to God, i.e. Supplicate, worship.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">without ceasing.</span><br /><span class="grk">ἀδιαλείπτως</span> <span class="translit">(adialeiptōs)</span><br /><span class="parse">Adverb<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_89.htm">Strong's 89: </a> </span><span class="str2">Unceasingly, without remission. Adverb from adialeiptos; uninterruptedly, i.e. Without omission.</span><br /><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/1_thessalonians/5-17.htm">1 Thessalonians 5:17 NIV</a><br /><a href="/nlt/1_thessalonians/5-17.htm">1 Thessalonians 5:17 NLT</a><br /><a href="/esv/1_thessalonians/5-17.htm">1 Thessalonians 5:17 ESV</a><br /><a href="/nasb/1_thessalonians/5-17.htm">1 Thessalonians 5:17 NASB</a><br /><a href="/kjv/1_thessalonians/5-17.htm">1 Thessalonians 5:17 KJV</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="//bibleapps.com/1_thessalonians/5-17.htm">1 Thessalonians 5:17 BibleApps.com</a><br /><a href="//bibliaparalela.com/1_thessalonians/5-17.htm">1 Thessalonians 5:17 Biblia Paralela</a><br /><a href="//holybible.com.cn/1_thessalonians/5-17.htm">1 Thessalonians 5:17 Chinese Bible</a><br /><a href="//saintebible.com/1_thessalonians/5-17.htm">1 Thessalonians 5:17 French Bible</a><br /><a href="/catholic/1_thessalonians/5-17.htm">1 Thessalonians 5:17 Catholic Bible</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/1_thessalonians/5-17.htm">NT Letters: 1 Thessalonians 5:17 Pray without ceasing (1 Thess. 1 Thes. 1Th iTh i Th)</a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/1_thessalonians/5-16.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="1 Thessalonians 5:16"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="1 Thessalonians 5:16" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/1_thessalonians/5-18.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="1 Thessalonians 5:18"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="1 Thessalonians 5:18" /></a></div><div id="botleft"><a href="#" onmouseover='botleft.src="/botleftgif.png"' onmouseout='botleft.src="/botleft.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botleft.png" name="botleft" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="botright"><a href="#" onmouseover='botright.src="/botrightgif.png"' onmouseout='botright.src="/botright.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botright.png" name="botright" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="bot"><iframe width="100%" height="1500" scrolling="no" src="/botmenubhnew2.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></div></td></tr></table></div></body></html>