1 Thessalonians 2:16 web — forbidding us to speak to the Gentiles that they may be saved; to fill up their sins always. But wrath has come on them…

World English Bible

"forbidding us to speak to the Gentiles that they may be saved; to fill up their sins always. But wrath has come on them to the uttermost."

— 1 Thessalonians 2:16, World English Bible

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1 Thessalonians 2:16 in Other Translations

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1 Thessalonians 2 — Context

13

For this cause we also thank God without ceasing, that, when you received from us the word of the message of God, you accepted it not as the word of men, but, as it is in truth, the word of God, which also works in you who believe.

14

For you, brothers, became imitators of the assemblies of God which are in Judea in Christ Jesus; for you also suffered the same things from your own countrymen, even as they did from the Jews;

15

who killed both the Lord Jesus and their own prophets, and drove us out, and didn't please God, and are contrary to all men;

16

forbidding us to speak to the Gentiles that they may be saved; to fill up their sins always. But wrath has come on them to the uttermost.

17

But we, brothers, being bereaved of you for a short season, in presence, not in heart, tried even harder to see your face with great desire,

18

because we wanted to come to you--indeed, I, Paul, once and again--but Satan hindered us.

19

For what is our hope, or joy, or crown of rejoicing? Isn't it even you, before our Lord Jesus at his coming?

1 Thessalonians 2:16 — Frequently Asked Questions

7 questions
What does 1 Thessalonians 2:16 say?
1 Thessalonians 2:16 in the World English Bible reads: “forbidding us to speak to the Gentiles that they may be saved; to fill up their sins always. But wrath has come on them to the uttermost.”
Where is 1 Thessalonians 2:16 in the Bible?
1 Thessalonians 2:16 is found in the New Testament, in the book of 1 Thessalonians, chapter 2, verse 16.
Who wrote 1 Thessalonians?
1 Thessalonians is traditionally attributed to Paul the Apostle. It was written c. AD 50–51.
What is the book of 1 Thessalonians about?
One of Paul's earliest letters — encouragement to a baby church doing well under persecution. He commends their faith, instructs them on sexual purity and brotherly love, and answers their questions about believers who have died before Christ's return.
What are the major themes of 1 Thessalonians?
1 Thessalonians explores themes including Hope of Christ's Return, Sanctification, Brotherly Love, Encouragement. These themes shape the meaning and context of 1 Thessalonians 2:16.
What translation should I read 1 Thessalonians 2:16 in?
1 Thessalonians 2:16 is available on GodsGoodBook in the King James Version (KJV), American Standard Version (ASV), World English Bible (WEB), NET Bible, Young's Literal Translation, Darby Bible, Douay-Rheims Bible, and the Bible in Basic English. Each translation reflects different translation philosophies — use the translation picker on this page to compare them, or browse our full translations directory.
How can I memorize 1 Thessalonians 2:16?
1 Thessalonians 2:16 reads (WEB): “forbidding us to speak to the Gentiles that they may be saved; to fill up their sins always. But wrath has come on them to the uttermost.” Read it aloud, break it into short phrases, repeat each phrase three times before adding the next, then put the phrases together. Reading it in multiple translations (above) often helps the meaning settle.
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