Exegetical Analysis of 1 Thessalonians 4:16 Regarding the Agency of Eschatological Manifestations
This exegetical study of 1 Thessalonians 4:16 is based on a b-greek discussion from January 19th, 2017. The initial post began by reviewing the exegetical history of the passage, citing John Calvin’s interpretation of κελεύσματος as a “shout” and the subsequent “voice of the archangel” as an exposition of this shout, with the archangel discharging the role of a herald. Calvin’s view suggests that the archangel functions as an agent in this eschatological scenario, summoning the living and the dead to Christ’s tribunal.
The main exegetical issue at hand revolves around the precise agency described in 1 Thessalonians 4:16, specifically concerning the three ἐν phrases: ἐν κελεύσματι, ἐν φωνῇ ἀρχαγγέλου, and ἐν σάλπιγγι θεοῦ. The core question is whether αὐτὸς ὁ κύριος (the Lord himself) is presented as the direct agent of these three phenomena (i.e., the Lord himself shouts, speaks with the archangel’s voice, and sounds God’s trumpet), or if these phrases describe attendant circumstances or associated phenomena that accompany the Lord’s descent, potentially implying other agents (e.g., an archangel shouts, an archangel speaks, God’s trumpet sounds). This distinction has significant implications for understanding the nature of the eschatological events and the roles of divine and angelic beings in them.
1Th. 4:15 Τοῦτο γὰρ ὑμῖν λέγομεν ἐν λόγῳ κυρίου, ὅτι ἡμεῖς οἱ ζῶντες οἱ περιλειπόμενοι εἰς τὴν παρουσίαν τοῦ κυρίου οὐ μὴ φθάσωμεν τοὺς κοιμηθέντας· 16 ὅτι αὐτὸς ὁ κύριος ἐν κελεύσματι, ἐν φωνῇ ἀρχαγγέλου καὶ ἐν σάλπιγγι θεοῦ, καταβήσεται ἀπ᾿ οὐρανοῦ καὶ οἱ νεκροὶ ἐν Χριστῷ ἀναστήσονται πρῶτον, 17 ἔπειτα ἡμεῖς οἱ ζῶντες οἱ περιλειπόμενοι ἅμα σὺν αὐτοῖς ἁρπαγησόμεθα ἐν νεφέλαις εἰς ἀπάντησιν τοῦ κυρίου εἰς ἀέρα· καὶ οὕτως πάντοτε σὺν κυρίῳ ἐσόμεθα.
Greek text (Nestle 1904)
Key differences with SBLGNT (2010):
- No significant textual variants affecting the exegetical issue are present between the Nestle 1904 text provided and the SBLGNT (2010) in 1 Thessalonians 4:15-17. The text is remarkably stable in this passage.
Textual Criticism (NA28) and Lexical Notes
The textual tradition for 1 Thessalonians 4:15-17 is robust, with the NA28, Nestle 1904, and SBLGNT (2010) presenting a consistent Greek text. This stability means that the interpretive challenge lies not in textual reconstruction but in grammatical and semantic analysis.
Lexical notes provide important insights into the terms used:
- κελεύσματι (dative singular of κέλευσμα, from κελεύω): According to BDAG, this term refers to “a command given esp. in nautical or military contexts, by a signal or shout, *command, shout, cry*.” It implies a forceful, authoritative vocalization. TDNT highlights its use in military commands, urging, and rousing, which aligns well with an eschatological awakening.
- φωνῇ (dative singular of φωνή): BDAG defines this broadly as “a sound, esp. that of a voice.” In context with “archangel,” it specifically denotes an audible, articulated utterance.
- ἀρχαγγέλου (genitive singular of ἀρχάγγελος): BDAG translates this as “chief angel, archangel.” This term suggests a specific, high-ranking angelic being, commonly associated with significant divine announcements or actions in Jewish and early Christian apocalyptic literature (e.g., Michael in Jude 9, Daniel 10:13, 12:1).
- σάλπιγγι (dative singular of σάλπιγξ): BDAG defines this as “a trumpet, used for signaling.” Trumpets in biblical contexts often signify divine presence, judgment, war, or significant announcements (e.g., Exodus 19:16, Joel 2:1, Matthew 24:31, Revelation 8-9). The addition of θεοῦ (“of God”) emphasizes its divine origin and authority.
Translation Variants with Grammatical & Rhetorical Analysis
The central interpretive question in 1 Thessalonians 4:16 concerns the grammatical function of the three ἐν-phrases (ἐν κελεύσματι, ἐν φωνῇ ἀρχαγγέλου, καὶ ἐν σάλπιγγι θεοῦ) and their relationship to the subject αὐτὸς ὁ κύριος and the verb καταβήσεται (“will descend”).
Grammatically, the dative case with ἐν can signify various relationships, including means/instrument, manner, or attendant circumstance. The post explores two primary interpretations:
-
Instrumental Dative: This interpretation suggests that the Lord himself *is* the agent of these three phenomena. That is, the Lord descends *by means of* a shout, *by means of* an archangel’s voice, and *by means of* God’s trumpet. This would imply that the Lord possesses the voice of an archangel, or that the shout and trumpet sound are directly issued by him. This view is supported by some who emphasize the emphatic pronoun αὐτὸς in αὐτὸς ὁ κύριος, arguing it nails down the Lord as the exclusive agent of all actions and accompanying circumstances. This perspective was discussed by an interlocutor with a linguistics degree, suggesting the Lord is the agent of all three ἐν phrases.
-
Dative of Attendant Circumstance/Association: This interpretation posits that the Lord descends *accompanied by* these phenomena. Here, the shout, the archangel’s voice, and God’s trumpet are not necessarily direct actions of the Lord but rather occur concurrently with his descent, possibly initiated by other agents. For instance, an archangel would utter the shout and voice, and God’s trumpet would sound, all as part of the grand eschatological manifestation accompanying the Lord’s return. This aligns with John Calvin’s view of the archangel acting as a “herald.” The original post also notes that Paul’s invocation of an eschatological-apocalyptic scenario often implies subordinate agents, citing Revelation 6:1 where the Lamb opens the seals but “one of the four living creatures saying with a voice like thunder: ‘Come!'” (ἑνὸς ἐκ τῶν τεσσάρων ζῴων λέγοντος ὡς φωνὴ βροντῆς· ἔρχου) issues the command.
The role of αὐτὸς ὁ κύριος is crucial. The emphatic pronoun αὐτὸς (“himself”) primarily draws attention to the *identity* of the main actor of the verb καταβήσεται (the Lord, in contrast to a subordinate agent). It emphasizes that it is *the Lord himself* who will descend from heaven. It does not necessarily dictate that the Lord is the *sole* agent of every accompanying phenomenon. As Jeffrey Weima argues, αὐτὸς ὁ κύριος clearly identifies the agent of the descent. However, the initial post correctly questions whether this necessarily extends to making him the agent of the *contents* of the ἐν phrases. The descent is a singular act, but the accompanying sounds might have multiple sources, all divinely orchestrated.
Rhetorically, the passage utilizes a vivid, apocalyptic style, common in Second Temple Jewish literature. The sequence of dramatic sounds—a command, an archangel’s voice, and God’s trumpet—serves to heighten the sense of grandeur and divine authority surrounding Christ’s return. Stephen Wunrow’s observation regarding the marked focal constituent ἐν κελεύσματι, ἐν φωνῇ ἀρχαγγέλου καὶ ἐν σάλπιγγι θεοῦ in the pre-verbal slot suggests a rhetorical emphasis on *how* the Lord descends, highlighting these dramatic accompaniments rather than simply *who* descends. This word order places stress on the manner and circumstances of the descent, setting the stage for the resurrection and rapture.
Ultimately, the grammar itself (dative with ἐν) does not definitively rule out either the instrumental or associative interpretation. Contextual and theological considerations become paramount. The presence of an “archangel” and “God’s trumpet” might lean towards a distributed agency, where various celestial entities participate in the eschatological drama under God’s ultimate command, rather than the Lord singularly performing all actions.
Conclusions and Translation Suggestions
Given the grammatical flexibility and the apocalyptic context, understanding the ἐν phrases as attendant circumstances or associated phenomena seems more congruent with biblical precedent, allowing for a multifaceted presentation of the Lord’s return. The emphasis of αὐτὸς ὁ κύριος is on the *identity* of the One descending, rather than necessarily the sole *agency* of every accompanying sound. The various manifestations (shout, voice, trumpet) are part of the divine orchestration of this momentous event.
Here are three possible translations reflecting these nuances:
-
Indeed, the Lord himself will descend from heaven *with a commanding shout, with the voice of an archangel, and with the trumpet of God*…
This translation emphasizes the dramatic accompaniment, suggesting the Lord descends in conjunction with these manifestations, but leaves the immediate agent of the shout, voice, and trumpet potentially distinct (e.g., an archangel for the voice/shout, God’s power for the trumpet), all under the Lord’s authoritative return. This leans towards the dative of attendant circumstance.
-
For the Lord himself will descend from heaven *by means of a command, by means of an archangel’s voice, and by means of the trumpet of God*…
This rendering highlights an instrumental understanding, implying that the Lord himself directly uses or embodies these elements as the means of his descent. It suggests a more unified agency, where the Lord is directly responsible for producing the shout, the voice like an archangel, and the trumpet sound.
-
Because the Lord himself will descend from heaven *amidst a commanding shout, the voice of an archangel, and the trumpet of God*…
This translation uses “amidst” to capture the sense of an encompassing atmosphere or environment in which the Lord’s descent occurs. It strongly leans into the dative of attendant circumstance, portraying these phenomena as simultaneous, surrounding events that mark the Lord’s arrival, without strictly defining the direct agent of each sound.
#RAPTURE You are welcome Ricky Grimsley Even John Calvin agrees
“the archangel will discharge the office of a herald ”
FULL Greek grammar proof of pre-Trib #RAPTURE
Lol more nonsense again.
Well sure if the Bible is nonsense for you…
The Bible isn’t but pretrib is. I am currently arguing with this guy in another forum who is telling me that the Calvinist created a conspiracy to obfuscate pretrib rapture by transliterating apostasia as apostasy. It never ends. It obviously means departure from the faith and not the rapture. Did they forget to mistranslated 1 Tim 4:1?
If you care to look at the actual Greek of that Bible of yours, pre-trib is presented as clear as day. Only a blind cant see it
Show me one scripture passage of scripture where there is a sequence of events and the rapture is first?
I just did. In the original Greek too. What is that going to help you?
And again Paul calls that the day of the lord that he then tells you in 2 Thessalonians can’t happen until after a great apostasy and the Antichrist gets here. It doesn’t help you.
How did the Calvinists mess up this passage obviously talking about (apostasizing from Moses) Acts 21:21 KJVS
[21] And they are informed of thee, that thou teachest all the Jews which are among the Gentiles to forsake Moses, saying that they ought not to circumcise their children, neither to walk after the customs.
2 Thessalonians does not say that except to pre-wrath. How come 2 Thessalonians did not say that to no one else in 2000+ years. That should tell us something
The whole book was written to those people that thought they had already missed Jesus’s return and were in the wrath because of persecution. Surely you know this.
God will not punish his children by putting us through the wrath to come. Satan will pour out his wrath on the Jews who open their eyes and see that the anti-Christ is not the Messiah they were expecting and then the second part of the wrath will be God’s wrath upon Satan and Jesus will deal with the sinners that are here. The Church is not hear but around the throne.
That’s the point of prewrath position. We are raptured before Gods wrath. However the first part of the tribulation is mans wrath and Satan’s wrath. If you think no one experiences tribulation and wrath now…..tell it to over seas Christians. They would laugh you to scorn.
I am not talking about persecutions, we all have those. These will be persecutions that no man has ever seen before. These are called Jacob’s troubles, why? Because it takes place in Israel and to Jews world wide. The Church will not suffer Satan’s wrath that is poured out upon the Jews. We are GONE including the ones overseas. Christians will always have trials, tribulations, and persecutions in our daily walk, but this is not that which is spoken of in Revelation. Rightly divide.
#RAPTURE You are welcome Ricky Grimsley Even John Calvin agrees
“the archangel will discharge the office of a herald ”
FULL Greek grammar proof of pre-Trib #RAPTURE
Lol more nonsense again.
Well sure if the Bible is nonsense for you…
The Bible isn’t but pretrib is. I am currently arguing with this guy in another forum who is telling me that the Calvinist created a conspiracy to obfuscate pretrib rapture by transliterating apostasia as apostasy. It never ends. It obviously means departure from the faith and not the rapture. Did they forget to mistranslated 1 Tim 4:1?
If you care to look at the actual Greek of that Bible of yours, pre-trib is presented as clear as day. Only a blind cant see it
Show me one scripture passage of scripture where there is a sequence of events and the rapture is first?
I just did. In the original Greek too. What is that going to help you?
And again Paul calls that the day of the lord that he then tells you in 2 Thessalonians can’t happen until after a great apostasy and the Antichrist gets here. It doesn’t help you.
How did the Calvinists mess up this passage obviously talking about (apostasizing from Moses) Acts 21:21 KJVS
[21] And they are informed of thee, that thou teachest all the Jews which are among the Gentiles to forsake Moses, saying that they ought not to circumcise their children, neither to walk after the customs.
2 Thessalonians does not say that except to pre-wrath. How come 2 Thessalonians did not say that to no one else in 2000+ years. That should tell us something
The whole book was written to those people that thought they had already missed Jesus’s return and were in the wrath because of persecution. Surely you know this.
God will not punish his children by putting us through the wrath to come. Satan will pour out his wrath on the Jews who open their eyes and see that the anti-Christ is not the Messiah they were expecting and then the second part of the wrath will be God’s wrath upon Satan and Jesus will deal with the sinners that are here. The Church is not hear but around the throne.
That’s the point of prewrath position. We are raptured before Gods wrath. However the first part of the tribulation is mans wrath and Satan’s wrath. If you think no one experiences tribulation and wrath now…..tell it to over seas Christians. They would laugh you to scorn.
I am not talking about persecutions, we all have those. These will be persecutions that no man has ever seen before. These are called Jacob’s troubles, why? Because it takes place in Israel and to Jews world wide. The Church will not suffer Satan’s wrath that is poured out upon the Jews. We are GONE including the ones overseas. Christians will always have trials, tribulations, and persecutions in our daily walk, but this is not that which is spoken of in Revelation. Rightly divide.
Here we go grandma Louise Which verse exactly in 2 Thes 1 Link Hudson ?
Troy Day what about what verse? What does your question have to do with your comment in the OP?
1 Thes 4:16 is the verse grandma mentioned in an earlier discussion How do you not see the repture in it?
Troy Day are you talking to me? I do see the rapture there. But I believe it happens at Christ’s return, and I do not see evidence of Christ returning over and over. When Christ ascended, there were clouds. The angels said He would return as He ascended. At His return we meet Him, gathered together woth Him in tge clouds.
Where does the Bible teach that He comes half-way back, goes back up again, and comes back again. Paul’s writing and other scripture sure seem to treat the retrurn of Christ as one event.
Yes to you and grandma Still waiting on the 2 Thes verse you were referring to as solving all eschatology
Link Hudson you;ve got Christ returning over and over wrong High time you read some real theology on the rapture Event the Greek words used in the NT for rapture and advent are different There is no way one reads the Bible and NOT see all this right there
Troy Day show it in the Bible then. Are the ‘revelation’ of Christ from heaven and the ‘parousia’ the same thing?
show what in the Bible? you showed in in 2 Thes
Troy Day show pretrib. Pretrib justifications are usually allegorical interpretations weak arguments or making the apostasia into the rapture.
as Jerome Herrick already indicated rapture is in this OP (pls look at the nice sunset picture with big reference letters – there, showed and seen) This is the only way to explain 1-2 Thes Pre-trib rapture believes in one Second advent