Lexical Summary perileipomai: To remain, to be left behind Original Word: περιλείπομαι Strong's Exhaustive Concordance remain. From peri and leipo; to leave all around, i.e. (passively) survive -- remain. see GREEK peri see GREEK leipo NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originfrom peri and leipó Definition to be left remaining NASB Translation remain (2). Thayer's Greek Lexicon STRONGS NT 4035: περιλείπωπεριλείπω: present passive participle περιλειπόμενος (cf. περί, III. 2); to leave over; passive, to remain over, to survive: 1 Thessalonians 4:15, 17. (Aristophanes, Plato, Euripides, Polybius, Herodian; 2 Macc. 1:31.) Topical Lexicon Root Idea The term denotes those who “remain all around,” the living believers who will still be on earth at the moment of Jesus Christ’s Parousia. While the concept is simple—survivors—the setting infuses it with profound eschatological hope. New Testament Usage Paul employs the word twice, both in 1 Thessalonians 4. The congregation at Thessalonica feared their deceased brothers and sisters might forfeit the blessings of Christ’s return. Paul assures them, “We who are alive and remain until the coming of the Lord will by no means precede those who have fallen asleep” (1 Thessalonians 4:15). A verse later he repeats, “Then we who are alive and remain will be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air” (1 Thessalonians 4:17). In each instance the term highlights the living segment of the Church that will witness—and participate in—the glorious reunion of all saints, resurrected and transformed. Eschatological Framework The phrase anchors Paul’s earliest written exposition of the rapture. It divides humanity into two groups only: the dead in Christ, and the living in Christ. Both are equally secure; both will share simultaneously in resurrection glory. The word therefore safeguards the unity of the Church across the boundary of death and affirms that no believer will be left disadvantaged at the Lord’s appearing. Connection to the Remnant Theme Although distinct from the Old Testament vocabulary for “remnant,” the idea resonates with passages such as Isaiah 10:20–22 and Romans 11:5. God consistently preserves a people for Himself. The Thessalonian “remnant” at Christ’s return will stand as proof of His faithfulness to keep a covenant community on earth until history’s consummation. Pastoral Consolation Paul’s repeated use of the term is pastoral rather than academic. Grief over departed loved ones gave way to reassurance: the living believers will not prevent nor precede the dead; all will be together. The word thus supplies a foundation for Christian funeral hope and for mutual encouragement within the body. Doctrinal Implications 1. The continuity of identity—those who “remain” are the same persons who trusted in Christ before His coming. Practical Ministry Application • Comfort the bereaved: assure them that departed saints will rise first and that the living will follow without delay. Theological Reflections The word stands as a quiet witness to God’s sovereign preservation of His people. History will never outmaneuver His promises; there will always be Christians alive to greet the returning King. For the Church today, the term calls for confidence in Scripture’s prophetic reliability and for steadfast hope amid cultural upheaval. The God who keeps some alive until the final trumpet also keeps every promise in Christ. Forms and Transliterations περιλειπομενοι περιλειπόμενοι περιλήψεως περιλοίποις περιλοίπους perileipomenoi perileipómenoiLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel TextsEnglishman's Concordance 1 Thessalonians 4:15 V-PPM/P-NMPGRK: ζῶντες οἱ περιλειπόμενοι εἰς τὴν NAS: that we who are alive and remain until KJV: are alive [and] remain unto INT: living who remain to the 1 Thessalonians 4:17 V-PPM/P-NMP |
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