Precede (5348)(phthano) means go before in time, to be beforehand or go prior to. The idea is to antedate another, which is primary meaning in this verse. Phthano in other contexts means to reach, to attain or to arrive at, as one would arrive at a state or a goal (Ro 9:31-note, Php 3:16-note).
The living believers shall not come into the blessings associated with the return of Christ any sooner than the dead in Christ. In other words there is absolutely no way the living will "get a head start" on those believers who have already died.
Phthano is used 7 times in the NT...
Matthew 12:28 "But if I cast out demons by the Spirit of God, then the kingdom of God has come upon you.
Luke 11:20 "But if I cast out demons by the finger of God, then the kingdom of God has come upon you.
Romans 9:31 (note) but Israel, pursuing a law of righteousness, did not arrive at that law.
2 Corinthians 10:14 For we are not overextending ourselves, as if we did not reach to you, for we were the first to come even as far as you in the gospel of Christ;
Philippians 3:16 (note) however, let us keep living by that same standard to which we have attained.
1 Thessalonians 2:16 (note) hindering us from speaking to the Gentiles that they might be saved; with the result that they always fill up the measure of their sins. But wrath has come upon them to the utmost.
1 Thessalonians 4:15 (note) For this we say to you by the word of the Lord, that we who are alive, and remain until the coming of the Lord, shall not precede those who have fallen asleep.
Who have fallen asleep - More literally those who have been falling asleep, which refers to believers who had already died.
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Greek Word Studies ( - )
Read freely Greek Word Studies from the Austin Precept text commentary of the Bible in text and pdf format. Precept Austin is an online free dynamic bible commentary similar to wikipedia with updated content and many links to excellent biblical resources around the world. You can browse the entire collection of Commentaries by Verse on the Precept Austin website.We have been "bought with a price" to be "ambassadors for Christ" and our "salvation is nearer to us than when we believed" so let us "cleanse ourselves from all defilement of flesh and spirit, perfecting holiness in the fear of God" "so that when He appears, we may have confidence and not shrink away from Him in shame at His coming." (1Cor 6:20, 2Cor 5:20, Ro 13:11, 2Cor 7:1, 1Jn 2:28)