For this we tell you by the word of the Lord, that we who are alive, who are left to the coming of the Lord, will in no way precede those who have fallen asleep.
For this we say unto you [and Paul says this is] by the word of the Lord [this is a revelation from the Lord to us], that we which are alive and remain unto the coming of the Lord shall not prevent [precede] them which are asleep ( 1 Thessalonians 4:15 ).