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And so we will be with the Lord forever. <a href="/nlt/1_thessalonians/4.htm">New Living Translation</a> Then, together with them, we who are still alive and remain on the earth will be caught up in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air. Then we will be with the Lord forever. <a href="/esv/1_thessalonians/4.htm">English Standard Version</a> Then we who are alive, who are left, will be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air, and so we will always be with the Lord. <a href="/bsb/1_thessalonians/4.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a> After that, we who are alive and remain will be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air. And so we will always be with the Lord. <a href="/blb/1_thessalonians/4.htm">Berean Literal Bible</a> Then we, the living remaining, will be caught away together with them in the clouds for the meeting of the Lord in the air; and so we will be always with the Lord. <a href="/kjv/1_thessalonians/4.htm">King James Bible</a> Then we which are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds, to meet the Lord in the air: and so shall we ever be with the Lord. <a href="/nkjv/1_thessalonians/4.htm">New King James Version</a> Then we who are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air. And thus we shall always be with the Lord. <a href="/nasb_/1_thessalonians/4.htm">New American Standard Bible</a> Then we who are alive, who remain, will be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air, and so we will always be with the Lord. <a href="/nasb/1_thessalonians/4.htm">NASB 1995</a> Then we who are alive and remain will be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air, and so we shall always be with the Lord. <a href="/nasb77/1_thessalonians/4.htm">NASB 1977 </a> Then we who are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air, and thus we shall always be with the Lord. <a href="/lsb/1_thessalonians/4.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a> Then we who are alive and remain will be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air, and so we shall always be with the Lord. <a href="/amp/1_thessalonians/4.htm">Amplified Bible</a> Then we who are alive and remain [on the earth] will simultaneously be caught up (raptured) together with them [the resurrected ones] in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air, and so we will always be with the Lord! <a href="/csb/1_thessalonians/4.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a> Then we who are still alive, who are left, will be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air, and so we will always be with the Lord. <a href="/hcsb/1_thessalonians/4.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a> Then we who are still alive will be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air and so we will always be with the Lord. <a href="/asv/1_thessalonians/4.htm">American Standard Version</a> then we that are alive, that are left, shall together with them be caught up in the clouds, to meet the Lord in the air: and so shall we ever be with the Lord. <a href="/cev/1_thessalonians/4.htm">Contemporary English Version</a> Next, all of us who are still alive will be taken up into the clouds together with them to meet the Lord in the sky. From that time on we will all be with the Lord forever. <a href="/erv/1_thessalonians/4.htm">English Revised Version</a> then we that are alive, that are left, shall together with them be caught up in the clouds, to meet the Lord in the air: and so shall we ever be with the Lord. <a href="/gwt/1_thessalonians/4.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a> Then, together with them, we who are still alive will be taken in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air. In this way we will always be with the Lord. <a href="/gnt/1_thessalonians/4.htm">Good News Translation</a> then we who are living at that time will be gathered up along with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air. And so we will always be with the Lord. <a href="/isv/1_thessalonians/4.htm">International Standard Version</a> Then we who are alive and remain will be caught up in the clouds together with them to meet the Lord in the air. And so we will be with the Lord forever. <a href="/msb/1_thessalonians/4.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a> After that, we who are alive and remain will be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air. And so we will always be with the Lord. <a href="/net/1_thessalonians/4.htm">NET Bible</a> Then we who are alive, who are left, will be suddenly caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air. And so we will always be with the Lord. <a href="/nheb/1_thessalonians/4.htm">New Heart English Bible</a> then we who are alive, who are left, will be caught up together with them in the clouds, to meet the Lord in the air. So we will be with the Lord forever. <a href="/wbt/1_thessalonians/4.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a> Then we who are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds, to meet the Lord in the air: and so shall we ever be with the Lord. <a href="/wey/1_thessalonians/4.htm">Weymouth New Testament</a> Afterwards we who are alive and are still on earth will be caught up in their company amid clouds to meet the Lord in the air. <a href="/web/1_thessalonians/4.htm">World English Bible</a> then we who are alive, who are left, will be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air. So we will be with the Lord forever. <div class="vheading2">Literal Translations</div><a href="/lsv/1_thessalonians/4.htm">Literal Standard Version</a> then we who are living, who are remaining over, will be snatched up together with them in [the] clouds to meet the LORD in [the] air, and so we will always be with the LORD; <a href="/blb/1_thessalonians/4.htm">Berean Literal Bible</a> Then we, the living remaining, will be caught away together with them in the clouds for the meeting of the Lord in the air; and so we will be always with the Lord. <a href="/ylt/1_thessalonians/4.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a> then we who are living, who are remaining over, together with them shall be caught away in clouds to meet the Lord in air, and so always with the Lord we shall be; <a href="/slt/1_thessalonians/4.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a> Then we the living being left shall be snatched up together with them in the clouds, to the meeting of the Lord in the air: and so we shall always be with the Lord.<div class="vheading2">Catholic Translations</div><a href="/drb/1_thessalonians/4.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a> Then we who are alive, who are left, shall be taken up together with them in the clouds to meet Christ, into the air, and so shall we be always with the Lord. <a href="/cpdv/1_thessalonians/4.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a> Next, we who are alive, who are remaining, shall be taken up quickly together with them into the clouds to meet Christ in the air. And in this way, we shall be with the Lord always. <a href="/nabre/1_thessalonians/4.htm">New American Bible</a> Then we who are alive, who are left, will be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air. Thus we shall always be with the Lord. <a href="/nrsvce/1_thessalonians/4.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a> Then we who are alive, who are left, will be caught up in the clouds together with them to meet the Lord in the air; and so we will be with the Lord forever.<div class="vheading2">Translations from Aramaic</div><a href="/lamsa/1_thessalonians/4.htm">Lamsa Bible</a> Then we, who are alive, and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds, to meet our LORD in the air: and so shall we ever be with our LORD. <a href="/aramaic-plain-english/1_thessalonians/4.htm">Aramaic Bible in Plain English</a> And then we who remain, who have life, we shall be carried away with them together in clouds to a meeting of our Lord in the air, and in this way, we shall always be with Our Lord.<div class="vheading2">NT Translations</div><a href="/anderson/1_thessalonians/4.htm">Anderson New Testament</a> then we, the living who remain, shall, together with them, be caught up in clouds into the air to meet the Lord, and so shall we be ever with the Lord. <a href="/godbey/1_thessalonians/4.htm">Godbey New Testament</a> then we who are alive, who are left, will at the same time along with them be caught up in the clouds, to meet the Lord in the air; and so we will be always with the Lord. <a href="/haweis/1_thessalonians/4.htm">Haweis New Testament</a> then we who are alive, who remain, shall be caught up together with them into the clouds, to meet the Lord in the air; and so shall we be ever with the Lord. <a href="/mace/1_thessalonians/4.htm">Mace New Testament</a> then we, who shall be still alive, shall be convey'd together with them in the clouds, to meet the Lord in the air, and so we shall ever be with the Lord. <a href="/wey/1_thessalonians/4.htm">Weymouth New Testament</a> Afterwards we who are alive and are still on earth will be caught up in their company amid clouds to meet the Lord in the air. <a href="/worrell/1_thessalonians/4.htm">Worrell New Testament</a> after that we, the living who are left over, will be caught up together with them in clouds, into the air, to meet the Lord; and so shall we always be with the Lord. <a href="/worsley/1_thessalonians/4.htm">Worsley New Testament</a> then we who are living and remain, shall be caught up together with them in the clouds, to meet the Lord in the air: and so shall we for ever be with the Lord. <a href="/parallel/1_thessalonians/4-17.htm">Additional Translations ...</a></div></div></div><div id="centbox"><div class="padcent"><a name="study" id="study"></a><div class="vheadingv">Audio Bible</div><iframe width="100%" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/sgDUoqNjFio?start=588" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe> <div class="vheadingv">Context</div><a href="/bsb/1_thessalonians/4.htm">The Return of the Lord</a> …16For the Lord Himself will descend from heaven with a loud command, with the voice of an archangel, and with the trumpet of God, and the dead in Christ will be the first to rise. 17<a href="/greek/1899.htm" title="1899: epeita (Adv) -- Then, thereafter, afterwards. From epi and eita; thereafter.">After that,</a> <a href="/greek/1473.htm" title="1473: hēmeis (PPro-N1P) -- I, the first-person pronoun. A primary pronoun of the first person I.">we</a> <a href="/greek/3588.htm" title="3588: hoi (Art-NMP) -- The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.">who are</a> <a href="/greek/2198.htm" title="2198: zōntes (V-PPA-NMP) -- To live, be alive. A primary verb; to live.">alive</a> <a href="/greek/3588.htm" title="3588: hoi (Art-NMP) -- The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the."></a> <a href="/greek/4035.htm" title="4035: perileipomenoi (V-PPM/P-NMP) -- To leave behind; pass: To be left behind, remain, survive. From peri and leipo; to leave all around, i.e. survive.">and remain</a> <a href="/greek/726.htm" title="726: harpagēsometha (V-FIP-1P) -- To seize, snatch, obtain by robbery. From a derivative of haireomai; to seize.">will be caught up</a> <a href="/greek/260.htm" title="260: hama (Adv) -- A primary particle; properly, at the same time, but freely used as a preposition or adverb denoting close association.">together</a> <a href="/greek/4862.htm" title="4862: syn (Prep) -- With. A primary preposition denoting union; with or together.">with</a> <a href="/greek/846.htm" title="846: autois (PPro-DM3P) -- He, she, it, they, them, same. From the particle au; the reflexive pronoun self, used of the third person, and of the other persons.">them</a> <a href="/greek/1722.htm" title="1722: en (Prep) -- In, on, among. A primary preposition denoting position, and instrumentality, i.e. A relation of rest; in, at, on, by, etc.">in</a> <a href="/greek/3507.htm" title="3507: nephelais (N-DFP) -- A cloud. From nephos; properly, cloudiness, i.e. a cloud.">the clouds</a> <a href="/greek/1519.htm" title="1519: eis (Prep) -- A primary preposition; to or into, of place, time, or purpose; also in adverbial phrases.">to</a> <a href="/greek/529.htm" title="529: apantēsin (N-AFS) -- From apantao; a encounter.">meet</a> <a href="/greek/3588.htm" title="3588: tou (Art-GMS) -- The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.">the</a> <a href="/greek/2962.htm" title="2962: Kyriou (N-GMS) -- Lord, master, sir; the Lord. From kuros; supreme in authority, i.e. controller; by implication, Master.">Lord</a> <a href="/greek/1519.htm" title="1519: eis (Prep) -- A primary preposition; to or into, of place, time, or purpose; also in adverbial phrases.">in</a> <a href="/greek/109.htm" title="109: aera (N-AMS) -- Air, the lower air we breathe. From aemi; air.">the air.</a> <a href="/greek/2532.htm" title="2532: kai (Conj) -- And, even, also, namely. ">And</a> <a href="/greek/3779.htm" title="3779: houtōs (Adv) -- Thus, so, in this manner. Or (referring to what precedes or follows).">so</a> <a href="/greek/1510.htm" title="1510: esometha (V-FIM-1P) -- I am, exist. The first person singular present indicative; a prolonged form of a primary and defective verb; I exist.">we will</a> <a href="/greek/3842.htm" title="3842: pantote (Adv) -- Always, at all times, ever. From pas and hote; every when, i.e. At all times.">always be</a> <a href="/greek/4862.htm" title="4862: syn (Prep) -- With. A primary preposition denoting union; with or together.">with</a> <a href="/greek/2962.htm" title="2962: Kyriō (N-DMS) -- Lord, master, sir; the Lord. From kuros; supreme in authority, i.e. controller; by implication, Master.">the Lord.</a> 18Therefore encourage one another with these words.…<div class="cred"><a href="//berean.bible">Berean Standard Bible</a> · <a href="//berean.bible/downloads.htm">Download</a></div> <a name="crossref" id="crossref"></a><div class="vheading">Cross References</div><div id="crf"><a href="/1_corinthians/15-51.htm">1 Corinthians 15:51-52</a> Listen, I tell you a mystery: We will not all sleep, but we will all be changed— / in an instant, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trumpet. For the trumpet will sound, the dead will be raised imperishable, and we will be changed. <a href="/matthew/24-30.htm">Matthew 24:30-31</a> At that time the sign of the Son of Man will appear in heaven, and all the tribes of the earth will mourn. They will see the Son of Man coming on the clouds of heaven with power and great glory. / And He will send out His angels with a loud trumpet call, and they will gather His elect from the four winds, from one end of the heavens to the other. <a href="/john/14-3.htm">John 14:3</a> And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come back and welcome you into My presence, so that you also may be where I am. <a href="/revelation/11-12.htm">Revelation 11:12</a> And the witnesses heard a loud voice from heaven saying, “Come up here.” And they went up to heaven in a cloud as their enemies watched them. <a href="/philippians/3-20.htm">Philippians 3:20-21</a> But our citizenship is in heaven, and we eagerly await a Savior from there, the Lord Jesus Christ, / who, by the power that enables Him to subject all things to Himself, will transform our lowly bodies to be like His glorious body. <a href="/acts/1-9.htm">Acts 1:9-11</a> After He had said this, they watched as He was taken up, and a cloud hid Him from their sight. / They were looking intently into the sky as He was going, when suddenly two men dressed in white stood beside them. / “Men of Galilee,” they said, “why do you stand here looking into the sky? This same Jesus, who has been taken from you into heaven, will come back in the same way you have seen Him go into heaven.” <a href="/revelation/1-7.htm">Revelation 1:7</a> Behold, He is coming with the clouds, and every eye will see Him—even those who pierced Him. And all the tribes of the earth will mourn because of Him. So shall it be! Amen. <a href="/1_john/3-2.htm">1 John 3:2</a> Beloved, we are now children of God, and what we will be has not yet been revealed. We know that when Christ appears, we will be like Him, for we will see Him as He is. <a href="/colossians/3-4.htm">Colossians 3:4</a> When Christ, who is your life, appears, then you also will appear with Him in glory. <a href="/2_thessalonians/2-1.htm">2 Thessalonians 2:1</a> Now concerning the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ and our being gathered together to Him, we ask you, brothers, <a href="/matthew/25-31.htm">Matthew 25:31-32</a> When the Son of Man comes in His glory, and all the angels with Him, He will sit on His glorious throne. / All the nations will be gathered before Him, and He will separate the people one from another, as a shepherd separates the sheep from the goats. <a href="/daniel/7-13.htm">Daniel 7:13-14</a> In my vision in the night I continued to watch, and I saw One like the Son of Man coming with the clouds of heaven. He approached the Ancient of Days and was led into His presence. / And He was given dominion, glory, and kingship, that the people of every nation and language should serve Him. His dominion is an everlasting dominion that will not pass away, and His kingdom is one that will never be destroyed. <a href="/isaiah/26-19.htm">Isaiah 26:19</a> Your dead will live; their bodies will rise. Awake and sing, you who dwell in the dust! For your dew is like the dew of the morning, and the earth will bring forth her dead. <a href="/zechariah/14-5.htm">Zechariah 14:5</a> You will flee by My mountain valley, for it will extend to Azal. You will flee as you fled from the earthquake in the days of Uzziah king of Judah. Then the LORD my God will come, and all the holy ones with Him. <a href="/job/19-25.htm">Job 19:25-27</a> But I know that my Redeemer lives, and in the end He will stand upon the earth. / Even after my skin has been destroyed, yet in my flesh I will see God. / I will see Him for myself; my eyes will behold Him, and not as a stranger. How my heart yearns within me!</div> <a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div>Then we which are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds, to meet the Lord in the air: and so shall we ever be with the Lord.we which.<a href="/1_thessalonians/4-15.htm">1 Thessalonians 4:15</a> For this we say unto you by the word of the Lord, that we which are alive and remain unto the coming of the Lord shall not prevent them which are asleep.<a href="/1_corinthians/15-52.htm">1 Corinthians 15:52</a> In a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trump: for the trumpet shall sound, and the dead shall be raised incorruptible, and we shall be changed.caught.<a href="/1_kings/18-12.htm">1 Kings 18:12</a> And it shall come to pass, as soon as I am gone from thee, that the Spirit of the LORD shall carry thee whither I know not; and so when I come and tell Ahab, and he cannot find thee, he shall slay me: but I thy servant fear the LORD from my youth.<a href="/2_kings/2-11.htm">2 Kings 2:11,16</a> And it came to pass, as they still went on, and talked, that, behold, there appeared a chariot of fire, and horses of fire, and parted them both asunder; and Elijah went up by a whirlwind into heaven… <a href="/acts/8-39.htm">Acts 8:39</a> And when they were come up out of the water, the Spirit of the Lord caught away Philip, that the eunuch saw him no more: and he went on his way rejoicing.in the.<a href="/matthew/26-64.htm">Matthew 26:64</a> Jesus saith unto him, Thou hast said: nevertheless I say unto you, Hereafter shall ye see the Son of man sitting on the right hand of power, and coming in the clouds of heaven.<a href="/mark/14-62.htm">Mark 14:62</a> And Jesus said, I am: and ye shall see the Son of man sitting on the right hand of power, and coming in the clouds of heaven.<a href="/acts/1-9.htm">Acts 1:9</a> And when he had spoken these things, while they beheld, he was taken up; and a cloud received him out of their sight.and so.<a href="/psalms/16-11.htm">Psalm 16:11</a> Thou wilt shew me the path of life: in thy presence is fulness of joy; at thy right hand there are pleasures for evermore.<a href="/psalms/17-15.htm">Psalm 17:15</a> As for me, I will behold thy face in righteousness: I shall be satisfied, when I awake, with thy likeness.<a href="/psalms/49-15.htm">Psalm 49:15</a> But God will redeem my soul from the power of the grave: for he shall receive me. Selah.<div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/galatians/3-23.htm">Afterwards</a> <a href="/ephesians/2-2.htm">Air</a> <a href="/1_thessalonians/4-15.htm">Alive</a> <a href="/1_thessalonians/3-6.htm">Always</a> <a href="/1_thessalonians/1-6.htm">Amid</a> <a href="/galatians/6-1.htm">Caught</a> <a href="/mark/14-62.htm">Clouds</a> <a href="/ephesians/5-11.htm">Company</a> <a href="/1_thessalonians/4-15.htm">Earth</a> <a href="/philippians/4-20.htm">Forever</a> <a href="/colossians/1-12.htm">Meet</a> <a href="/philippians/1-24.htm">Remaining</a> <a href="/colossians/4-9.htm">Together</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/1_timothy/1-16.htm">Afterwards</a> <a href="/1_timothy/2-9.htm">Air</a> <a href="/1_timothy/5-6.htm">Alive</a> <a href="/1_thessalonians/5-15.htm">Always</a> <a href="/2_thessalonians/1-4.htm">Amid</a> <a href="/2_timothy/2-26.htm">Caught</a> <a href="/2_peter/2-17.htm">Clouds</a> <a href="/2_thessalonians/3-14.htm">Company</a> <a href="/2_timothy/2-20.htm">Earth</a> <a href="/1_timothy/1-17.htm">Forever</a> <a href="/1_thessalonians/5-9.htm">Meet</a> <a href="/2_timothy/3-14.htm">Remaining</a> <a href="/1_thessalonians/5-10.htm">Together</a><div class="vheading2">1 Thessalonians 4</div>1. <a href="/1_thessalonians/4-1.htm">He exhorts them to go forward in all manner of godliness;</a> 6. <a href="/1_thessalonians/4-6.htm">to live holily and justly;</a> 9. <a href="/1_thessalonians/4-9.htm">to love one another;</a> 11. <a href="/1_thessalonians/4-11.htm">and quietly to follow their own business;</a> 13. <a href="/1_thessalonians/4-13.htm">and last of all, to sorrow moderately for the dead.</a> 17. <a href="/1_thessalonians/4-17.htm">followed by a brief description of the resurrection, and second coming of Christ to judgment.</a> </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>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-2'> </div>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-0' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-3'> </div>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-1' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div>  <div align="center" id='div-gpt-ad-1531425649696-0'> </div> <script type="text/javascript"> </script> <script type="text/javascript" src="//pagead2.googlesyndication.com/pagead/show_ads.js"> </script> </div> </td></tr></table></div></div></div><div id="combox"><div class="padcom"><a name="commentary" id="commentary"></a><div class="vheading"><a href="/study/1_thessalonians/4.htm">Berean Study Bible</a></div>Then we who are alive and remain This phrase speaks to the anticipation and hope of the early Christians, who believed in the imminent return of Christ. The Greek word for "alive" (ζῶντες, zōntes) emphasizes the physical life of believers who are still on earth at the time of Christ's return. "Remain" (περιλειπόμενοι, perileipomenoi) suggests those who have survived or are left behind, indicating a continuity of faith and perseverance. Historically, this reflects the early church's expectation of Christ's return within their lifetime, a hope that fueled their perseverance amidst persecution.will be caught up The term "caught up" comes from the Greek word ἁρπαγησόμεθα (harpagēsometha), which means to seize or snatch away suddenly. This is the basis for the concept of the "rapture" in Christian eschatology. The imagery is one of a powerful, divine intervention where believers are taken up to meet Christ. This reflects the transformative power of God, who will gather His people to Himself in a moment of divine action.together with them This phrase emphasizes the unity and communal aspect of the Christian faith. The believers who are alive will join those who have died in Christ, highlighting the continuity of the church across time and space. The Greek word for "together" (ἅμα, hama) underscores the collective experience of the church, both living and deceased, in the fulfillment of God's promise.in the clouds The imagery of clouds is significant in biblical literature, often associated with the divine presence and glory of God. In the Old Testament, clouds frequently symbolize God's guidance and majesty, as seen in the Exodus narrative. Here, "clouds" (νεφέλαις, nephelais) suggest a majestic and awe-inspiring meeting place, where the earthly and heavenly realms converge.to meet the Lord in the air The phrase "to meet" (εἰς ἀπάντησιν, eis apantēsin) implies a welcoming or greeting, often used in the context of meeting a dignitary. This meeting "in the air" (ἀέρα, aera) signifies a realm beyond earthly constraints, where believers will encounter the risen Christ. The air, as a space between heaven and earth, symbolizes the transition from the temporal to the eternal.And so we will always be with the Lord This concluding promise offers profound assurance and hope. The word "always" (πάντοτε, pantote) conveys the eternal nature of this union with Christ. Being "with the Lord" (σὺν Κυρίῳ, syn Kyriō) is the ultimate fulfillment of the Christian hope, a permanent and unbreakable fellowship with God. This reflects the eschatological promise of eternal life and communion with the divine, a central tenet of Christian faith that inspires perseverance and devotion.<div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/ellicott/1_thessalonians/4.htm">Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers</a></div>(17) Shall be caught up.--"Our Assumption," as Bishop Ellicott well calls it. The spiritualising of our natural bodies without death, as described in <a href="/1_corinthians/15-50.htm" title="Now this I say, brothers, that flesh and blood cannot inherit the kingdom of God; neither does corruption inherit incorruption.">1Corinthians 15:50</a>, et seq., will enable us to be "caught up" equally well with, and in company with (both of which thoughts are included in "together with"), the resurgent dead. "Clouds" and "air" will be support enough for material so immaterial. Theodoret says, "He showeth the greatness of the honour: as the Master Himself was taken up upon a shining cloud, so also they that have believed in Him." The absolute equality, then, of quick and dead is proved.To meet the Lord in the air.--St. Chrysostom says:" When the King cometh into a city, they that are honourable proceed forth to meet him, but the guilty await their judge within." The phrase "in the air" certainly does not mean "heaven." The word "air") in itself properly signifies the lower, denser, grosser atmosphere, in which the powers of darkness reign (<a href="/ephesians/2-2.htm" title="Wherein in time past you walked according to the course of this world, according to the prince of the power of the air, the spirit that now works in the children of disobedience:">Ephesians 2:2</a>); but here it is only used in contrast with the ground, and means "on the way from Heaven whence He comes," of course not to dwell there, but to accompany Him to His Judgment-seat on the earth.And so.--Now that St. Paul has settled the question of disparity between the dead and the living, he does not think it necessary to describe what is immediately to follow; that, the Thessalonians were sure to know (see <a href="/hebrews/6-2.htm" title="Of the doctrine of baptisms, and of laying on of hands, and of resurrection of the dead, and of eternal judgment.">Hebrews 6:2</a>): it only remains to say that having once rejoined the Lord, they would never be parted from Him.<div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/1_thessalonians/4.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div>Verse 17. - Then we which are alive and remain; or, are left; that is, the saints who shall then be found alive on the earth. The apostle classes himself among the living, because he was then alive. Shall be caught up. The expression describes the irresistible power with which the saints shall be caught up, perhaps by the ministry of angels. Together with them; with the dead in Christ who are raised. In the clouds. Our Lord is described as coming to judgment in the clouds of heaven (<a href="/matthew/24-30.htm">Matthew 24:30</a>; <a href="/revelation/1-7.htm">Revelation 1:7</a>). According to the Old Testament representation, God is described as making the clouds his chariot (<a href="/psalms/104-3.htm">Psalm 104:3</a>). To meet the Lord; in his descent from heaven to earth. In the air. Not that he shall fix his throne in the air, but that he passes through the air in his descent to the earth. And so shall we ever be with the Lord; shall share a blessed eternity in the vision and participation of his glory. The apostle does not here describe the solemnities of the judgment; but stops at the meeting of Christ and his risen saints, because his object was to comfort the Thessalonians under bereavement. <a href="/commentaries/1_thessalonians/4-17.htm">Parallel Commentaries ...</a> <a name="lexicon" id="lexicon"></a><div class="vheading">Greek</div>After that, ἔπειτα (epeita) Adverb <a href="/greek/strongs_1899.htm">Strong's 1899: </a> Then, thereafter, afterwards. From epi and eita; thereafter. we ἡμεῖς (hēmeis) Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Nominative 1st Person Plural <a href="/greek/strongs_1473.htm">Strong's 1473: </a> I, the first-person pronoun. A primary pronoun of the first person I. who are οἱ (hoi) Article - Nominative Masculine Plural <a href="/greek/strongs_3588.htm">Strong's 3588: </a> The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the. alive ζῶντες (zōntes) Verb - Present Participle Active - Nominative Masculine Plural <a href="/greek/strongs_2198.htm">Strong's 2198: </a> To live, be alive. A primary verb; to live. [and] remain περιλειπόμενοι (perileipomenoi) Verb - Present Participle Middle or Passive - Nominative Masculine Plural <a href="/greek/strongs_4035.htm">Strong's 4035: </a> To leave behind; pass: To be left behind, remain, survive. From peri and leipo; to leave all around, i.e. survive. will be caught up ἁρπαγησόμεθα (harpagēsometha) Verb - Future Indicative Passive - 1st Person Plural <a href="/greek/strongs_726.htm">Strong's 726: </a> To seize, snatch, obtain by robbery. From a derivative of haireomai; to seize. together ἅμα (hama) Adverb <a href="/greek/strongs_260.htm">Strong's 260: </a> A primary particle; properly, at the 'same' time, but freely used as a preposition or adverb denoting close association. with σὺν (syn) Preposition <a href="/greek/strongs_4862.htm">Strong's 4862: </a> With. A primary preposition denoting union; with or together. them αὐτοῖς (autois) Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Dative Masculine 3rd Person Plural <a href="/greek/strongs_846.htm">Strong's 846: </a> He, she, it, they, them, same. From the particle au; the reflexive pronoun self, used of the third person, and of the other persons. in ἐν (en) Preposition <a href="/greek/strongs_1722.htm">Strong's 1722: </a> In, on, among. A primary preposition denoting position, and instrumentality, i.e. A relation of rest; 'in, ' at, on, by, etc. [the] clouds νεφέλαις (nephelais) Noun - Dative Feminine Plural <a href="/greek/strongs_3507.htm">Strong's 3507: </a> A cloud. From nephos; properly, cloudiness, i.e. a cloud. to εἰς (eis) Preposition <a href="/greek/strongs_1519.htm">Strong's 1519: </a> A primary preposition; to or into, of place, time, or purpose; also in adverbial phrases. meet ἀπάντησιν (apantēsin) Noun - Accusative Feminine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_529.htm">Strong's 529: </a> From apantao; a encounter. the τοῦ (tou) Article - Genitive Masculine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_3588.htm">Strong's 3588: </a> The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the. Lord Κυρίου (Kyriou) Noun - Genitive Masculine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_2962.htm">Strong's 2962: </a> Lord, master, sir; the Lord. From kuros; supreme in authority, i.e. controller; by implication, Master. in εἰς (eis) Preposition <a href="/greek/strongs_1519.htm">Strong's 1519: </a> A primary preposition; to or into, of place, time, or purpose; also in adverbial phrases. [the] air. ἀέρα (aera) Noun - Accusative Masculine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_109.htm">Strong's 109: </a> Air, the lower air we breathe. From aemi; 'air'. And καὶ (kai) Conjunction <a href="/greek/strongs_2532.htm">Strong's 2532: </a> And, even, also, namely. so οὕτως (houtōs) Adverb <a href="/greek/strongs_3779.htm">Strong's 3779: </a> Thus, so, in this manner. Or (referring to what precedes or follows). we will ἐσόμεθα (esometha) Verb - Future Indicative Middle - 1st Person Plural <a href="/greek/strongs_1510.htm">Strong's 1510: </a> I am, exist. The first person singular present indicative; a prolonged form of a primary and defective verb; I exist. always {be} πάντοτε (pantote) Adverb <a href="/greek/strongs_3842.htm">Strong's 3842: </a> Always, at all times, ever. From pas and hote; every when, i.e. At all times. with σὺν (syn) Preposition <a href="/greek/strongs_4862.htm">Strong's 4862: </a> With. A primary preposition denoting union; with or together. [the] Lord. Κυρίῳ (Kyriō) Noun - Dative Masculine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_2962.htm">Strong's 2962: </a> Lord, master, sir; the Lord. From kuros; supreme in authority, i.e. controller; by implication, Master. <div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/1_thessalonians/4-17.htm">1 Thessalonians 4:17 NIV</a> <a href="/nlt/1_thessalonians/4-17.htm">1 Thessalonians 4:17 NLT</a> <a href="/esv/1_thessalonians/4-17.htm">1 Thessalonians 4:17 ESV</a> <a href="/nasb/1_thessalonians/4-17.htm">1 Thessalonians 4:17 NASB</a> <a href="/kjv/1_thessalonians/4-17.htm">1 Thessalonians 4:17 KJV</a> <a href="//bibleapps.com/1_thessalonians/4-17.htm">1 Thessalonians 4:17 BibleApps.com</a> <a href="//bibliaparalela.com/1_thessalonians/4-17.htm">1 Thessalonians 4:17 Biblia Paralela</a> <a href="//holybible.com.cn/1_thessalonians/4-17.htm">1 Thessalonians 4:17 Chinese Bible</a> <a href="//saintebible.com/1_thessalonians/4-17.htm">1 Thessalonians 4:17 French Bible</a> <a href="/catholic/1_thessalonians/4-17.htm">1 Thessalonians 4:17 Catholic Bible</a> <a href="/1_thessalonians/4-17.htm">NT Letters: 1 Thessalonians 4:17 Then we who are alive who (1 Thess. 1 Thes. 1Th iTh i Th)</a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/1_thessalonians/4-16.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="1 Thessalonians 4:16"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="1 Thessalonians 4:16" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/1_thessalonians/4-18.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="1 Thessalonians 4:18"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="1 Thessalonians 4:18" /></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>