{We would not have} (ou thelomen). We do not wish. {You
ignorant} (humas agnoein). Old word, not to know (a
privative, gno-, root of gin(9373)k(935c)). No advantage in ignorance
of itself. {Concerning them that fall asleep} (peri t(936e)
koim(936d)en(936e)). Present passive (or middle) participle (Aleph B)
rather than the perfect passive kekoim(886d)en(936e) of many later MSS.
From old koima(935c), to put to sleep. Present tense gives idea of
repetition, from time to time fall asleep. Greeks and Romans used
this figure of sleep for death as Jesus does ( Joh 11:11 ) and
N.T. generally (cf. our word _cemetery_). Somehow the
Thessalonians had a false notion about the dead in relation to
the second coming. {Even as the rest which have no hope} (kath(9373)
hoi loipoi hoi m(8820)echontes elpida). This picture of the
hopelessness of the pagan world about the future life is amply
illustrated in ancient writings and particularly by inscriptions
on tombs (Milligan). Some few pagans clung to this hope, but most
had none.