1 Thessalonians

1 Thessalonians front

Introduction to 1 Thessalonians

Part 1: General Introduction

Outline of the book of 1 Thessalonians

In this letter, the apostle Paul, along with Silvanus and Timothy, encourages and makes appeals to the Thessalonian church (See: https://git.door43.org/Door43-Catalog/en_tw/src/branch/master/names/thessalonica.md.md). Paul is the spokesman for all of them, using “we” to refer to the group, but in certain places Paul speaks for himself using “I” (See 2:18; 3:5; 5:27). The background story for the apostles’ activity in Thessalonica can be found in Acts 17:1-10.

Apostolic memories of the Thessalonian church (1:1-10)
- Greeting (1:1)
- Thanksgiving for the Thessalonian Christians (1:2-4)
- Examples of Thessalonian suffering (1:6-10)
Apostolic authority (2:1-16)
- Persecution of the church (2:1-13)
- Opposition to the church (2:14-16)
Timothy’s visit to Thessalonica (3:1-13)
- Reason for the visit (3:1-5)
- Report about the visit (3:6-13)
Apostolic teachings (4:1-18)
- Holiness (4:1-8)
- Christian love (4:9-12)
- Manner of the Second Coming of Christ (4:13-18)
Final teachings (5:1-28)
- Timing of the Second Coming of Christ (5:1-10)
- Final appeals and teachings (5:11-28)

Who wrote 1 Thessalonians?

Paul wrote 1 Thessalonians, writing with the agreement of Silvanus and Timothy. Paul was from the city of Tarsus. He had been known as Saul in his early life. Before becoming a Christian, Saul was a Pharisee. He persecuted Christians. After he became a Christian, Paul traveled several times throughout the Roman Empire, telling people about Jesus. Paul wrote this letter while staying in the city of Corinth. Many scholars think 1 Thessalonians was the first letter Paul wrote of all Paul’s letters that are in the Bible.

Silvanus is also mentioned in 2 Corinthians 1:19; 2 Thessalonians 1:1; 1 Peter 5:12. “Silas,” the name used in the book of Acts, is a contracted form of Silvanus; Silas and Silvanus are considered to be the same person. Timothy was leader of the church at Ephesus (See 1 Timothy 1:1-4). Paul wrote this letter while staying in the city of Corinth with these two men. The mention of all three men in 1:1 indicates they were in Thessalonica together at some point.

What is the book of 1 Thessalonians about?

Paul wrote this letter to the church in the city of Thessalonica, after the Jews in the city forced him to leave. Ancient Thessalonica was located on the southeast coast of ancient Macedonia, and is now called Thessaloniki, located in northeast Greece. (See: https://git.door43.org/Door43-Catalog/en_ta/src/branch/master/translate/writing-background/01.md). In this letter Paul said he considered his visit to them a success, even though he was forced to leave (See Acts 17:1-10).

Paul responded to the news from Timothy about the Thessalonian believers. The believers there were being persecuted. He encouraged them to continue living in a way that pleased God. He also comforted them by explaining what happens to those who die before Christ returns.

How should the title of this book be translated?

Translators may choose to call this book by its traditional title, “1 Thessalonians” or “First Thessalonians.” They may instead prefer to choose a clearer title, such as “Paul’s First Letter to the Church in Thessalonica,” or “The First Letter to the Church in Thessalonica.” (See: How to Translate Names)

Part 2: Important Religious and Cultural Concepts

Trinity

In this letter, the doctrine of the Holy Trinity finds solid support. The terms: God, Father, Son, Lord, Jesus, and Holy Spirit appear numerous times. (See: INVALID kt/god)

The gospel

In this letter, Paul frequently refers to the apostles’ ministry of the gospel and uses different phrases to communicate the concept of God’s good news about Jesus Christ. (See: INVALID kt/goodnews)

Prayer

Paul reassures the Thessalonians that his group of apostles frequently prays for them (See 1:2). He also gives instructions about prayer (See 5:2), and asks the Thessalonians to pray for them (See 5:25). (See: INVALID kt/pray)

Faith and Faithfulness

Through the letter the Thessalonians are commended for their faithfulness to God. They are reminded to trust God and remain faithful to gospel living. (See: INVALID kt/faithful, INVALID kt/faith)

Apostolic authority

Much of this letter is a defense of the apostles authority, based on their teaching and living. The term “apostles” is used in 2:6) to reinforce that Paul, Silvanus, and Timothy are sent by God. (See: INVALID kt/apostle)

Second Coming of Christ

Paul wrote much in this letter about Jesus’ eventual return to Earth. When Jesus returns, he will judge all mankind. He will also rule over creation, and there will be peace everywhere.

The fate of reposed Christians

Paul made clear that those who die before Christ’s return will come back to life and be with Jesus. They will not remain dead forever. Paul wrote this to encourage the Thessalonians, for some of them worried that those Christians who died would miss the great “day of the Lord” when Jesus returns.

Idolatry

The Greek and Roman cultural background in Thessalonica meant that many members of the church were former pagans who practiced some sort of idolatry (See 1:9(See: INVALID other/image).

Suffering

Much of this letter addresses both the sufferings of the apostles and the Thessalonian church for faithfulness to the gospel. (See: INVALID other/afflict, INVALID other/persecute, INVALID other/suffer)

Sanctification

The concept of holiness is prevalent in this letter. Chapter four discusses how a Christian should practice a holy life. (See: INVALID kt/sanctify)

Part 3: Important Translation Issues

What did Paul mean by expressions like “in Christ” and “in Christ Jesus” and “in the Lord Jesus Christ” and “in God the Father” and “in the Holy Spirit”?

Paul meant to express the idea of a union between God and Christians that includes all three persons of the Trinity. Please see the introduction to the book of Romans for more details about these kinds of expressions.

What did Paul mean by expressions like “his coming” and “the coming of the Lord Jesus” and “the coming of the Lord Jesus Christ”?

Paul used “coming” in a specific way in relation to Jesus Christ to refer to the time when he will come again to earth, this time displaying his glory and power and gathering his people to himself. Depending on the nuances of your language, you may need to translate this with a special concept or word.

What did Paul mean by expressions like “the word of God” or “the word of the Lord”?

Throughout this letter, Paul uses these well-known phrases or abbreviations to refer to the gospel message.

What did Paul mean by expressions like “brothers”?

Throughout this letter, “brothers” is a metaphor that refers to all believers, including females. (See 1:4; 2:1, 9, 14, 17; 3:7; 4:1, 6, 10, 13; 5:1, 4, 12, 14, 26, 27)

“We” and “you”

In this letter, the words “we”, “us,” and “our” refer to Paul, Silvanus, and Timothy, unless otherwise noted. In addition, “we”, “us,” and “our” are used to convey that all three apostles are in agreement with the letter.

Major textual issues in the text of the book of First Thessalonians

When ancient manuscripts of the Bible differ, ULT puts in its text the reading that scholars consider to be the most accurate, but it puts other possibly accurate readings in footnotes. The introductions to each chapter will discuss places where the ancient manuscripts differ in significant ways, and notes will address those places again where they occur in the book. If a translation of the Bible already exists in your region, consider using the readings found in that version. If not, we recommend that you follow the readings in the ULT text. (See: https://git.door43.org/Door43-Catalog/en_ta/src/branch/master/translate/translate-textvariants/01.md) * “Grace and peace to you” (See 1:1). Some other manuscripts read: “Grace and peace to you from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.” * “but we became little children in the midst of you, as if a mother might comfort her own children” (See 2:7). Some other manuscripts read, “Instead, we were as gentle among you as a mother comforting her own children.” * “Timothy, our brother and a servant of God” (See 3:2). Some other manuscripts read: “Timothy, our brother and fellow worker for God.”

(See: Textual Variants)

1 Thessalonians 1

1 Thessalonians 1 General Notes

Outline of 1 Thessalonians 1

Greeting (1:1)
Prayer of thanksgiving for the Thessalonian church (1:2-10)
Memory of the Thessalonians (1:2-5)
- apostolic prayers (1:2)
- work of the Thessalonians (1:2-3)
- God’s election of the Thessalonians (1:4-5)
Thessalonians’ example (1:6-10)
- reception of the apostles’ teaching (1:6)
- examples to Macedonia and Achaia (1:7-10)
  - example of suffering (1:7)
  - preaching of the gospel (1:8)
  - turned away from idolatry to God (1:9)
  - waiting for the Second Coming of Christ (1:10)

Structure and Formatting

Verse 1 formally introduces this letter. Letters in the ancient Near East commonly had introductions of this type. Verses 2-4 give a general thanksgiving and encouragement to the Thessalonian church.

Special Concepts in this Chapter

Trinity

God the Father, God the Son, and God the Holy Spirit are mentioned numerous times in this chapter. They are described in their identity, activity, and the union that the Christian has in them.

Hardship

Like the apostles before them, the Thessalonian church endured persecution for the sake of the gospel. The way that they responded with faith to the gospel message even in affliction and then preached that gospel to others made them examples to the churches throughout the regions of Macedonia and Achaia.

Faithfulness

Paul mentions the faithfulness of the Thessalonian church throughout this chapter. See, for example, “work of faith” in 1:3, “example to all those who believe” in 1:7, and “faith toward God” in 1:8.

1 Thessalonians 1:1

Παῦλος, καὶ Σιλουανὸς, καὶ Τιμόθεος; τῇ ἐκκλησίᾳ

Here some words are omitted that a sentence would need in order to be complete in many languages. Alternate translation: “We are Paul, Silvanus, and Timothy, writing to the church” (See https://git.door43.org/Door43-Catalog/en_ta/src/branch/master/translate/figs-ellipsis/01.md)

Παῦλος, καὶ Σιλουανὸς, καὶ Τιμόθεος

Paul is understood to be the author of this letter. Silvanus and Timothy are with him as he writes and are in agreement with what he writes. If that might not be understood in your language, you could include this information in your translation. Alternate translation: “I, Paul, together with Silvanus and Timothy, write” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

Σιλουανὸς

The name Silvanus is a longer form of the name Silas, the form of the name used for this same man in the book of Acts. You could choose to use the shorter form here as well, or you could choose to use the longer form here and include a footnote explaining that they are forms of the same name. (See: How to Translate Names)

ἐν Θεῷ Πατρὶ καὶ Κυρίῳ Ἰησοῦ Χριστῷ

Here Paul speaks figuratively of the believers as though they were occupying space inside of God and Jesus. This metaphor expresses the idea that believers are spiritually united to God and Jesus. If this might be misunderstood in your language, you can express the meaning in a non-figurative way. Alternative translation: “united to God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ” or “sharing life with God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ” (See: Metaphor)

Θεῷ Πατρὶ καὶ Κυρίῳ Ἰησοῦ Χριστῷ

When God is called Father (See 1:3), it is meant to highlight his relationship to Jesus as “Son” (See 1:10). Here, the Old Testament title for God, Lord, is applied to Jesus, equating him with God. Be sure to accurately translate these titles in your translation. (See: Translating Son and Father)

χάρις ὑμῖν καὶ εἰρήνη

This phrase is a common biblical blessing formula and greeting (See Rom. 1:7; 1 Cor. 1:3; 2 Cor. 1:2; Gal. 1:3; Eph. 1:2; Phil. 1:2; Col. 1:2; 2 Th. 1:2; Philem. 1:3; 1 Pet. 1:2; 2 Pet. 1:2; Rev. 1:4). Use a form that people would recognize as a blessing that could be used as a greeting in your language. Alternate translation: “May God give you his grace and peace” or “I pray that God shows you favor and keeps you safe” (See: Blessings)

χάρις ὑμῖν καὶ εἰρήνη

The words grace and peace are abstract nouns. Your language may have a particular way of expressing these concepts, such as with verbs or description words. If so, you can use them in your translation. Alternate translation: “We pray that God will treat you kindly and give you peaceful relationships.” (See: https://git.door43.org/Door43-Catalog/en_ta/src/branch/master/translate/figs-abstractnouns/01.md)

ὑμῖν

Throughout this letter the word you is plural and refers to the church of Thessalonica, unless otherwise noted. (See: https://git.door43.org/Door43-Catalog/en_ta/src/branch/master/translate/figs-you/01.md)

1 Thessalonians 1:2

εὐχαριστοῦμεν…ποιούμενοι

In this verse Paul describes the apostles’ prayers for the Thessalonians in two clauses. The first clause is specific, that they give thanks to God, and the second is general, that they are making mention of them. If it would be clearer in your language, you can reverse the order of the clauses, as done in the UST. (See: https://git.door43.org/Door43-Catalog/en_ta/src/branch/master/translate/figs-infostructure/01.md)

πάντοτε…μνείαν ποιούμενοι ἐπὶ τῶν προσευχῶν ἡμῶν, ἀδιαλείπτως

Here the words always and continually are exaggerations that figuratively express the intensity and frequency of the prayers offered up to God by Paul, Silvanus, and Timothy for the Thessalonians. If your language would not use exaggeration in this way, use plain language and express the emphasis in another way. Alternate translation: “We regularly give thanks to God for all of you, very often making mention of you in our prayers” (See: https://git.door43.org/Door43-Catalog/en_ta/src/branch/master/translate/figs-hyperbole/01.md)

1 Thessalonians 1:3

μνημονεύοντες ὑμῶν τοῦ ἔργου τῆς πίστεως, καὶ τοῦ κόπου τῆς ἀγάπης, καὶ τῆς ὑπομονῆς τῆς ἐλπίδος τοῦ Κυρίου ἡμῶν, Ἰησοῦ Χριστοῦ, ἔμπροσθεν τοῦ Θεοῦ καὶ Πατρὸς ἡμῶν;

The main verb of this sentence is “we give thanks” (See 1:2). The phrase remembering … before our God and Father is an idiom that also means to thank God in prayer. The apostles are remembering these things about the Thessalonians and thanking God for them. If it would be helpful for your readers, you could move the phrase before our God and Father to follow remembering. Alternate translation: “offering thanks for … to our God and Father” or “gratefully mentioning to our God and Father … Christ” (See: https://git.door43.org/Door43-Catalog/en_ta/src/branch/master/translate/figs-idiom/01.md)

τοῦ ἔργου τῆς πίστεως, καὶ τοῦ κόπου τῆς ἀγάπης, καὶ τῆς ὑπομονῆς τῆς ἐλπίδος

Paul uses three pairs of words in a possessive relationship here. The most likely meaning of this possessive relationship is that the second word of each pair is the motivation for the first word of the pair. Alternate translation: “work motivated by faith and labor because of love and endurance based on future promises” (See: https://git.door43.org/Door43-Catalog/en_ta/src/branch/master/translate/figs-possession/01.md)

τοῦ Κυρίου ἡμῶν, Ἰησοῦ Χριστοῦ

The words in our Lord Jesus Christ is a possessive form. The relationship between our Lord Jesus Christ and hope could refer to: (1) Jesus as the object of hope. Alternate translation: “that our Lord Jesus Christ will do what he has promised” (2) Jesus as the source of hope. Alternate translation: “that comes from our Lord Jesus Christ” (See: https://git.door43.org/Door43-Catalog/en_ta/src/branch/master/translate/figs-possession/01.md)

τοῦ Θεοῦ καὶ Πατρὸς ἡμῶν

Here, our God and Father refers to the one divine person who is both God and Father. This phrase is a hendiadys, since Father further describes God. Alternate translation: “God our Father” or “our Father God” (See: https://git.door43.org/Door43-Catalog/en_ta/src/branch/master/translate/figs-hendiadys/01.md)

ἡμῶν

Here, our refers to Paul, Silvanus, Timothy, and the Thessalonian church. All believers are the spiritual children of God the Father through Jesus. Your language may require you to mark these forms. (See: https://git.door43.org/Door43-Catalog/en_ta/src/branch/master/translate/figs-exclusive/01.md)

1 Thessalonians 1:4

εἰδότες

Here, knowing continues the simultaneous description of how the writers of this letter “give thanks” (See UST). (See: Connect — Simultaneous Time Relationship)

ἀδελφοὶ ἠγαπημένοι ὑπὸ τοῦ Θεοῦ

This phrase acts as nominal adjective that describes the Thessalonian church in relational terms. They are spiritual siblings in their relationship with the writers of the letter and beloved children in their relationship with God the Father (See 1:3). (See: Nominal Adjectives)

ἀδελφοὶ

Throughout this letter, brothers is a metaphor meaning “fellow Christians” or “fellow believers in Christ.” If your readers would not understand what brothers means in this context, you could use an equivalent metaphor from your culture. (See: Metaphor)

ἀδελφοὶ

Although the term brothers is masculine, Paul is using the word here in a generic sense that includes both males and females. Alternate translation: “brothers and sisters” or “spiritual brothers and sisters” or “fellow believers in Christ” (See: When Masculine Words Include Women)

ἠγαπημένοι ὑπὸ τοῦ Θεοῦ

If it is clearer in your language, this passive form loved could be changed to an active form. Alternate translation: “whom God has always loved” (See: Active or Passive)

τὴν ἐκλογὴν ὑμῶν

This phrase your election is the direct objective of knowing, and it is the beginning of a result clause. The reason why the writers of this letter know that the Thessalonians have been chosen as God’s people is found in the following verse. (See: Connect — Reason-and-Result Relationship)

τὴν ἐκλογὴν ὑμῶν,

Here, election is an abstract noun phrase. If this is unclear in your language, you could change this abstract noun to a verb form. Alternate translation: “that he chose you to belong to him,” or “that he ordained you to be his children,” or starting a new sentence, “God selected you to be his people.” (See: Abstract Nouns)

1 Thessalonians 1:5

ὅτι

Here, because is the marker of a result clause. The writers of this letter are certain of the “election” and identity of the Thessalonian church as God’s people 1:4, because they received the gospel message in all the ways described in verse 5. (See: Connect — Reason-and-Result Relationship)

τὸ εὐαγγέλιον ἡμῶν οὐκ ἐγενήθη εἰς ὑμᾶς ἐν λόγῳ μόνον, ἀλλὰ καὶ ἐν δυνάμει, καὶ ἐν Πνεύματι Ἁγίῳ, καὶ πληροφορίᾳ πολλῇ

The writers of this letter use a contrasting clause to emphasize the multi-faceted effect of the gospel. Alternate translation: “our gospel preaching did not come to you as only a simple message, but even accompanied with power and the Holy Spirit and full assurance” (See: Connect — Contrast Relationship)

If it is clearer in your language, you could change this extended phrase to a simultaneous clause, framed in a positive way. Alternate translation: “our gospel message was completely validated: by our words, by a display of power, by the Holy Spirit, by your own full assurance” (See: Connect — Simultaneous Time Relationship)

ἀλλὰ καὶ ἐν δυνάμει, καὶ ἐν Πνεύματι Ἁγίῳ

This phrase could refer to: (1) the Holy Spirit who gave the apostles the ability to preach the gospel powerfully. (2) the Holy Spirit who caused the preaching of the gospel to have a powerful effect in the Thessalonian church. Alternate translation: “but also empowered by the Holy Spirit” (3) the Holy Spirit demonstrated the truth of the gospel preaching through displays of power. Alternate translation: “but also with powerful signs from the Holy Spirit”

πληροφορίᾳ πολλῇ

Here, assurance is an abstract noun. If your language does not use the abstract noun assurance, you could express the idea behind it in another way. Alternate translation: “the Holy Spirit gave you full confidence” or “the Holy Spirit fully convinced you” (See: Abstract Nouns)

καθὼς οἴδατε οἷοι

The phrase just as you know what kind of men is used by writers of this letter to validate the gospel message, by the example of their own conduct amongst the Thessalonian Church. Alternate translation: “you even experienced for yourself what type of men” or “you are well aware how we behaved while”

1 Thessalonians 1:6

καὶ ὑμεῖς μιμηταὶ ἡμῶν ἐγενήθητε καὶ τοῦ Κυρίου

If your language would not use a noun for the idea behind imitators, you could translate this with a verbal phrase. Alternate translation: “And all of you mimicked us and the Lord” or “And all of you copied us and the Lord” or “And all of you behaved like us and the Lord” (See: https://git.door43.org/Door43-Catalog/en_ta/src/branch/master/translate/figs-abstractnouns/01.md)

ὑμεῖς

The word translated you is in a position that gives it special emphasis as a new topic. Use a natural way in your language to show that Paul is now going to talk about the Thessalonians. Alternate translation: “on your part, you” or “you yourselves”

τοῦ Κυρίου

Lord here refers to Jesus, as in 1:3. Throughout this letter, whenever Paul uses the title Lord, it refers to Jesus. If it would be helpful to your readers, you can include the name here. See the UST. (See: https://git.door43.org/Door43-Catalog/en_ta/src/branch/master/translate/figs-explicit/01.md)

μετὰ χαρᾶς Πνεύματος Ἁγίου

If it is natural in your language, you may want to indicate a contrast between this phrase and the one before it. Alternate translation: “yet in spite of that, you had joy from the Holy Spirit” or “and even so, the Holy Spirit caused you to be joyful” (See: https://git.door43.org/Door43-Catalog/en_ta/src/branch/master/translate/grammar-connect-logic-contrast/01.md)

τὸν λόγον

Here, the word figuratively represents a message that is made up of words. It refers to the same message called “our gospel” in 1:5. If this would be misunderstood in your language, you could use an equivalent expression. Alternate translation: “the gospel message” or “God’s message” (See: Metonymy)

ἐν θλίψει πολλῇ

If your language would not use the abstract noun hardship, you could express the idea behind it with a verbal phrase. Alternate translation: “while you were deeply distressed” or “as people made you suffer” (See: https://git.door43.org/Door43-Catalog/en_ta/src/branch/master/translate/figs-abstractnouns/01.md)

μετὰ χαρᾶς Πνεύματος Ἁγίου

If your language would not use an abstract noun for the idea behind joy, you could translate this with a verbal phrase. Alternate translation: “you rejoiced because of the Holy Spirit” or “but remaining joyful because of the Holy Spirit” (See: https://git.door43.org/Door43-Catalog/en_ta/src/branch/master/translate/figs-abstractnouns/01.md)

μετὰ χαρᾶς Πνεύματος Ἁγίου

Paul is using the possessive form to describe a relationship between the Holy Spirit and joy. This relationship could be: (1) the Holy Spirit is the source of joy. Alternate translation: “with joy from the Holy Spirit” or “as the Holy Spirit caused you to rejoice” (2) joy is the response to having the Holy Spirit. Alternate translation: “with the joy of those who belong to the Holy Spirit” or “with joy because you belong to the Holy Spirit” (See: Possession)

1 Thessalonians 1:7

ὥστε

As a result indicates that what was spoken about in verse 6 caused what follows in verse 7. Use a natural way in your language to introduce verse 7 as the outcome of verse 6. Alternate translation: “Therefore” or “Because of that” (See: https://git.door43.org/Door43-Catalog/en_ta/src/branch/master/translate/grammar-connect-logic-result/01.md)

γενέσθαι ὑμᾶς τύπους πᾶσιν τοῖς πιστεύουσιν ἐν τῇ Μακεδονίᾳ καὶ ἐν τῇ Ἀχαΐᾳ

If your language would not use the abstract noun example, you could express the idea behind it with a verbal phrase. Alternate translation: “all the believers in Macedonia and Achaia wanted to imitate you” or “all the believers in Macedonia and Achaia started to copy how you live” (See: https://git.door43.org/Door43-Catalog/en_ta/src/branch/master/translate/figs-abstractnouns/01.md)

τοῖς πιστεύουσιν

Here and throughout the letter, the phrase those who believe refers to people who believe or trust in Jesus. If it would be helpful to your readers, you can include that information here. Alternate translation: “to … those who trust in Jesus” or “to … those who remain faithful to Jesus” (See: https://git.door43.org/Door43-Catalog/en_ta/src/branch/master/translate/figs-explicit/01.md)

ἐν τῇ Μακεδονίᾳ καὶ ἐν τῇ Ἀχαΐᾳ

The phrases in Macedonia and in Achaia mean that those who believe lived in any part of those provinces. Alternate translation: “throughout Macedonia and Achaia” or “throughout the regions of Macedonia and Achaia” or “across all of Macedonia and Achaia”

1 Thessalonians 1:8

ἀφ’ ὑμῶν γὰρ ἐξήχηται ὁ λόγος τοῦ Κυρίου

By putting For from you at the beginning of the sentence, Paul is emphasizing that it was the Thessalonians who have spread the word of God throughout the area. Use a natural way in your language to emphasize this. Alternate translation: “Indeed, it was from you that people heard the word of the Lord” or “Yes, you were the ones who proclaimed the word of the Lord” (See: https://git.door43.org/Door43-Catalog/en_ta/src/branch/master/translate/figs-infostructure/01.md)

ἀφ’ ὑμῶν γὰρ

This verse connects to verse 7 as an explanation of how the Thessalonian church became an example of faithfulness to God throughout Macedonia and Achaia and beyond. Use a word or phrase that introduces an explanation in your language. Alternate translation: “Certainly, from you” or “Indeed, from all of you” or “Because from you” (See: Connecting Words and Phrases)

ὁ λόγος τοῦ Κυρίου

The phrase the word of the Lord figuratively refers to “the whole message of the Lord’s gospel.” Alternate translation: “the gospel message about the Lord Jesus Christ” or “the Lord’s gospel message” (See: Metonymy)

ἐξήχηται

Here, has been sounded out uses a metaphor of a ringing bell or resounding instrument that can be heard from far away to describe how clearly and far the news of the Thessalonians’ faithfulness to God has spread throughout the world. If this might be misunderstood in your language, use an equivalent metaphor, or use plain language. Alternate translation: “has shone forth” or “has spread far and wide” or “has been heard” (See: https://git.door43.org/Door43-Catalog/en_ta/src/branch/master/translate/figs-metaphor/01.md)

ἡ πίστις ὑμῶν ἡ πρὸς τὸν Θεὸν

Here, faith stands for the way that the Thessalonian church lived in faithful obedience to God. If this might be misunderstood in your language, use an expanded phrase. Alternate translation: “news of the way that you trust in God” or “the report about your faithfulness toward God” or “your faithful example before God” (See https://git.door43.org/Door43-Catalog/en_ta/src/branch/master/translate/figs-synecdoche/01.md)

ἐν παντὶ τόπῳ ἡ πίστις ὑμῶν ἡ πρὸς τὸν Θεὸν ἐξελήλυθεν

Here, your faith toward God has gone out is a metaphor that pictures faith as something that can travel. This metaphor has the same meaning as the previous one about the sound of a bell going out. It means that the news of the Thessalonians’ faithfulness to God has spread very far. If this might be misunderstood in your language, use an equivalent metaphor, or use plain language. Alternate translation: “people have heard about your faith toward God in every place” or “news of your trust in God has been heard in every place” (See: https://git.door43.org/Door43-Catalog/en_ta/src/branch/master/translate/figs-metaphor/01.md)

ἐν παντὶ τόπῳ

The phrase into every place is a hyperbole. If this might be misunderstood in your language, use plain language. Alternate translation: “all over the inhabited world” (See: https://git.door43.org/Door43-Catalog/en_ta/src/branch/master/translate/figs-hyperbole/01.md)

ὥστε μὴ χρείαν ἔχειν ἡμᾶς λαλεῖν τι

Therefore marks what follows as the result of what came before. Because the gospel message and the faithful model of the Thessalonian church were so effective, the writers of this letter have no need to add anything to it. Use a natural way in your language to show this result relationship. Alternate translation: “This is why we have no reason to say anything more” (See: https://git.door43.org/Door43-Catalog/en_ta/src/branch/master/translate/grammar-connect-logic-result/01.md)

1 Thessalonians 1:9

γὰρ

Here, For is used to emphasize and explain why the writers of this letter do not need to say anything 1:8. Alternate translation: “Because” or “Indeed,” (See: Connecting Words and Phrases)

αὐτοὶ γὰρ περὶ ἡμῶν ἀπαγγέλλουσιν

The writers of the letter use the pronoun themselves to emphasize at least two things: (1) These are the same people who heard about the Thessalonians’ gospel message and way of life. (2) The way the writers of this letter know that the Thessalonians’ gospel message and way of life has spread “into every place” is from the report. Alternate translation: “Those people who heard about the Thessalonian church tell” or “These same people proclaim” (See: Reflexive Pronouns)

ἀπαγγέλλουσιν

Alternate translation: “these same people are sending out the message” or “they themselves are proclaiming”

ὁποίαν εἴσοδον ἔσχομεν πρὸς ὑμᾶς

If your language does not use the abstract noun reception, you can express that idea behind it in another way. Alternate translation: “how readily you received us” or “how enthusiastically you welcomed us” (See: https://git.door43.org/Door43-Catalog/en_ta/src/branch/master/translate/figs-abstractnouns/01.md)

ὁποίαν εἴσοδον ἔσχομεν πρὸς ὑμᾶς

Paul implies that the kind of reception they had from the Thessalonians was a good one. If that would not be understood by your readers, you could indicate it explicitly. Alternate translation: “what a good reception we had from you” or “how gladly you welcomed us” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

πῶς ἐπεστρέψατε πρὸς τὸν Θεὸν

Here, the phrase how you turned is an idiom that simply refers to the fact that they turned, not to the manner of how they turned. If this would be misunderstood in your language, you could use plain language. Alternate translation: “that you turned” (See: Idiom)

ἐπεστρέψατε πρὸς τὸν Θεὸν ἀπὸ τῶν εἰδώλων, δουλεύειν Θεῷ ζῶντι καὶ ἀληθινῷ

If it would be more natural in your language, you can combine the two phrases to God and to serve the living and true God into one phrase. Alternate translation: “you turned from serving the idols to serve the living and true God” (See: Doublet)

ἐπεστρέψατε πρὸς τὸν Θεὸν ἀπὸ τῶν εἰδώλων

Paul speaks figuratively of the Thessalonian believers as if they had been facing toward their idols and then turned around to face toward God. He means that they no longer worship idols, but now they worship God. If this metaphor might be misunderstood in your language, use an equivalent metaphor from your culture or express this meaning in a non-figurative way. Alternate translation: “you started worshiping God and left the idols behind” or “you abandoned the idols so that you could worship God” (See: Metaphor)

δουλεύειν

Here, to serve introduces a purpose clause. The reason why these people stopped worshiping idols was in order to serve God. Use a natural method of introducing a purpose clause in your language. Alternate translation: “in order to begin serving” or “for the purpose of serving” or “so that you could serve” (See: https://git.door43.org/Door43-Catalog/en_ta/src/branch/master/translate/grammar-connect-logic-goal/01.md)

ἀπὸ τῶν εἰδώλων, δουλεύειν Θεῷ ζῶντι καὶ ἀληθινῷ

This phrase expresses parallelism, by contrasting the deadness and falseness of idols with the living and real God. (See: Parallelism)

ἀπὸ τῶν εἰδώλων, δουλεύειν Θεῷ ζῶντι καὶ ἀληθινῷ

By using the terms living and true to describe God, Paul is implying that these terms do not apply to the idols or to the gods that those idols represent. The idols themselves are made of materials that are not alive. The gods that they represent are living beings, but they are not true gods, because people do not owe them obedience or worship as they do to the God who created them. If it would be helpful to your readers, you could include this information in the text or a footnote. Alternate translation: “from worshiping the non-living statues of false gods in order to serve the real God who is alive” or “from the dead idols in order to serve the God who lives and deserves our worship” (See: https://git.door43.org/Door43-Catalog/en_ta/src/branch/master/translate/figs-explicit/01.md)

1 Thessalonians 1:10

καὶ ἀναμένειν τὸν Υἱὸν αὐτοῦ ἐκ τῶν οὐρανῶν

The phrase and to wait adds a second purpose for which the Thessalonian believers stopped worshiping idols. Use a natural method for connecting this as another purpose clause in your language. Alternate translation: “and also to wait expectantly for the second coming of his Son from heaven” (See the Introduction to 1 Thessalonians, Part 2, for a discussion of the Second Coming of Christ.) (See: Connect — Goal (Purpose) Relationship)

τὸν Υἱὸν αὐτοῦ

Son is an important title for Jesus that describes his relationship to God the Father. Alternate translation: “God’s only Son” (See: https://git.door43.org/Door43-Catalog/en_ta/src/branch/master/translate/guidelines-sonofgodprinciples/01.md)

ἐκ τῶν οὐρανῶν

Here, the phrase from the heavens expresses the spiritual place where God is and where Jesus is currently located. It is the place from where he will return to the physical location of Earth. Make sure that your translation means this and not merely “the sky.” Alternate translation: “from the place where God is” or “from God’s realm”

ὃν ἤγειρεν ἐκ τῶν νεκρῶν, Ἰησοῦν,

Here, whom is a reference to Son, who is the same person as Jesus. Also, he and his refer back to God in 1:9. So, it is God who raised Jesus from the dead. You can make the subject, God, explicit in your translation if the use of the pronoun is unclear in your language. Alternate translation: “Jesus, whom God raised from the dead” or “whom God resurrected from the dead. This is Jesus” (See: https://git.door43.org/Door43-Catalog/en_ta/src/branch/master/translate/writing-pronouns/01.md)

ἐκ τῶν νεκρῶν

Here, the phrase the dead is plural and a common biblical concept that refers to “dead people.” It means that Jesus physically died and was buried. If your language has a word or phrase for the place that dead people go, you could use it here. Alternate translation: “from the place where dead people are” or “from death” or “from the place where corpses are” or “from the grave” (See: https://git.door43.org/Door43-Catalog/en_ta/src/branch/master/translate/figs-idiom/01.md)

Ἰησοῦν, τὸν ῥυόμενον ἡμᾶς

The clause the one rescuing us is functioning as an adjective that describes Jesus in his role as rescuer. It makes this action of rescuing to be a characteristic of Jesus or even a title: “the rescuer.” Translate this in a way that makes this a description of Jesus. Alternate translation: “Jesus, our rescuer” or “Jesus, who rescues us” or “Jesus, the one who is going to rescue us” (See: https://git.door43.org/Door43-Catalog/en_ta/src/branch/master/translate/figs-distinguish/01.md)

τὸν ῥυόμενον

Here, rescuing does not mean being taken away from God’s wrath after experiencing it. Instead, it means being taken away from any danger of experiencing God’s wrath. Alternate translation: “the one saving us” (See: https://git.door43.org/Door43-Catalog/en_ta/src/branch/master/translate/figs-explicit/01.md)

ἡμᾶς

This is an inclusive use of us, including Paul, Silvanus, Timothy, and the Thessalonians–and by extension—all Christians. Your language may require you to mark these forms. Alternate translation: “all of us Christians” or “we who trust in Christ” or “all of us believers in Christ” (See: Exclusive and Inclusive ‘We’)

ἐκ τῆς ὀργῆς τῆς ἐρχομένης

Here, wrath is an abstract noun referring to the destined coming of God’s future and final Judgment. If it is clearer in your language, you could translate this as a verb form. Alternate translation: “from the future time when God punishes those who do not trust in him” or “when God will certainly punish those who worship idols” or “from God’s impending judgment” (See: What is the “second coming” of Jesus?) (See: Abstract Nouns)

τῆς ὀργῆς τῆς ἐρχομένης

Paul speaks figuratively of wrath as though it were something that could travel and is coming to where people are. He means by this that in the future an event will happen when God will act wrathfully against people who have sinned and who have not trusted in Jesus to forgive their sins. If your readers would misunderstand this, you could express this plainly. Alternate translation: “God’s judgment that will happen” or “when God will punish people for sin” (See: Metaphor)

1 Thessalonians 2

1 Thessalonians 2 General Notes

Outline of 1 Thessalonians 2

Apostolic Suffering (2:1-13)
Apostolic preaching (2:1-6)
Apostolic conduct (2:7-9)
Apostolic witness (2:10-3)
Persecution of the Church (2:14-16)
Thessalonian persecution (2:14a)
Jewish persecution (2:14b-16)
Paul’s Desire to Visit (2:17-20)

Structure and Formatting

The first part of this chapter is a defense of their apostleship and sufferings. The second part is a recounting of the Thessalonian church’s sufferings. Lastly, the apostle Paul makes known his deep desire to visit the Thessalonian church.

“We” and “You”

In this letter, the words we and our refer to Paul, Silvanus, and Timothy, unless otherwise noted. Throughout the letter, we and our is used to convey that all three apostles are in agreement with the letter.

Special Concepts in this Chapter

Apostolic witness

Here, Paul defends how he, Silvanus, and Timothy are God’s apostles. By their preaching, conduct, and witness, they prove to be authorized messengers of Christ. (See: INVALID kt/apostle and testimony, testify, witness, eyewitness, evidence)

The gospel of God

The foundation of the apostolic witness is that they were “entrusted with the gospel” (See 2:4).The apostles’ authority makes them: “bold to speak” (See 2:2), “impart” (See 2:8), “preach” (See 2:9), and thank God that the Thessalonian church “received the word of God” (See 2:13).

The Second Coming of Christ

In this chapter is the first mention of the Second Coming of Christ in its two facets. First, Paul mentions that the persecutors of Christ’s Church will be judged by using the phrase “wrath has come upon them” in 2:16. Next, Paul speaks of the “hope” and “joy” and “glory” for those who will “be saved” (See 2:16) “in the presence of our Lord Jesus Christ at his coming” (See 2:19-20).

1 Thessalonians 2:1

αὐτοὶ γὰρ οἴδατε, ἀδελφοί

Here, For you yourselves know, brothers functions as a chapter transition into the next topic, the apostles’ suffering. You could emphasize this if it would be clearer in your language. Alternate translation: “Certainly, you are fully aware” (See: Connecting Words and Phrases)

αὐτοὶ…οἴδατε

The words you and yourselves refer to the Thessalonian church. Paul uses this emphasis to express how well the Thessalonians understand the benefit of the apostles’ previous visit. Use a way that is natural in your language to indicate this emphasis. Alternate translation: “you fully realize” or “you personally understand” (See: Reflexive Pronouns)

ἀδελφοί

Throughout this letter, brothers is a metaphor meaning “fellow Christians” or “fellow believers in Christ” (See 1:4). If your readers would not understand what brothers means in this context, you could use an equivalent metaphor from your culture. (See: Metaphor)

ἀδελφοί

τὴν εἴσοδον ἡμῶν τὴν πρὸς ὑμᾶς

This is an abstract noun phrase that refers to the apostles’ previous visit (See “reception” in 1:9). If your language does not use abstract noun phrases for this idea, you could express the idea behind the abstract noun phrase with a verb form. Alternate translation: “when we visited you” or “when you received us” or “when you welcomed us” (See: Abstract Nouns)

τὴν εἴσοδον ἡμῶν τὴν…ὅτι

Here, our is exclusive, referring to Paul, Silvanus, and Timothy–but not to the Thessalonian church (See 1:9). Your language may require you to mark this form. Alternate translation: “when we apostles came” (See: Exclusive and Inclusive ‘We’)

οὐ κενὴ γέγονεν

Here, has not been in vain is a figure of speech that expresses a strong positive meaning by using a negative word together with a word that has the opposite of the intended meaning. If this is confusing in your language, you can express the meaning positively. Alternate translation: “has proved quite beneficial” or “has definitely been worthwhile” or “has been very useful” (See: Litotes)

1 Thessalonians 2:2

This verse provides background information about what happened when Paul, Silvanus, and Timothy were in the city of Philippi (See Acts 16-17:1-10; 1:6). Use the natural form in your language for expressing background information. (See: Background Information)

ἀλλὰ προπαθόντες καὶ ὑβρισθέντες, καθὼς οἴδατε, ἐν Φιλίπποις ἐπαρρησιασάμεθα ἐν τῷ Θεῷ ἡμῶν

But begins a contrasting clause emphasizing that the coming of Paul, Silvanus, and Timothy was not in vain 2:1. The phrase we were bold is an emphatic contrast to the normal response one would expect from suffering. Paul, Silvanus, and Timothy are able to respond this way because their boldness comes from God. Use a natural way in your language for introducing a contrast. Alternate translation: “However … God made us confident in how powerful he is” or “Instead … God encouraged us” (See: Connect — Contrast Relationship)

ἀλλὰ προπαθόντες καὶ ὑβρισθέντες, καθὼς οἴδατε, ἐν Φιλίπποις

Here, just as you know is meant to emphasize how well the Thessalonian church understands the apostles’ suffering. If it would be more natural in your language, you could reverse the order of these phrases. Alternate translation: “But, as you are well aware that we already suffered and were badly insulted at Philippi” (See: Information Structure)

προπαθόντες καὶ ὑβρισθέντες

These two phrases mean basically the same thing. The repetition is used to emphasize how badly the apostles suffered. If your language does not use repetition in this way, you could combine these phrases. Alternate translation: “despite the fact that we had earlier suffered violently” or “since we already suffered being shamefully abused” (See: Doublet)

τὸ εὐαγγέλιον τοῦ Θεοῦ

This possessive phrase, the gospel of God, expresses how gospel relates to God. It can refer to three main ideas: (1) possession. Alternate translation: “God’s gospel” (2) source. Alternate translation: “the gospel from God” (3) association. “the gospel about God” (See: Possession)

ἐν πολλῷ ἀγῶνι

Here, in much struggle can also refer to a spiritual contest or game. If your language does not use the abstract noun struggle, for this idea, you could express the idea behind it in another way. Alternate translation: “although we struggled hard” or “despite how much we agonized” or “during the time we contested” (See: Abstract Nouns)

1 Thessalonians 2:3

ἡ γὰρ παράκλησις ἡμῶν οὐκ ἐκ πλάνης, οὐδὲ ἐξ ἀκαθαρσίας, οὐδὲ ἐν δόλῳ

Paul uses a repetitive series of phrases to describe why Paul, Silvanus, and Timothy had boldness to speak. This repetitive style of speaking or writing is called a “litany.” This list of phrases also defends how their message was “the gospel of God” (See 2:2). Use a form in your language that someone would use to list things that someone has done right. (See: Litany)

ἡ γὰρ παράκλησις ἡμῶν οὐκ ἐκ πλάνης, οὐδὲ ἐξ ἀκαθαρσίας, οὐδὲ ἐν δόλῳ

If your language does not use an abstract nouns exhortation, error, impurity, and deceit, you could express the idea behind them in another way. Alternate translation: “Certainly, when we appealed to you: we did not try to lead you astray, we did not speak impurely, we did not try to deceive you” (See: Abstract Nouns)

οὐκ ἐκ πλάνης, οὐδὲ ἐξ ἀκαθαρσίας, οὐδὲ ἐν δόλῳ

Paul uses this list of figures of speech that express a strong positive meaning by using a negative words together with words that are the opposite of the intended meaning. Here this list highlights the sincere motive and true content of the exhortation Paul, Silvanus, and Timothy shared with the Thessalonian church. If this is confusing in your language, you can express the meaning positively. Alternate translation: “was from honest, pure, sincere motives” or “was made properly, purely, and sincerely” (See: Litotes)

1 Thessalonians 2:4

ἀλλὰ καθὼς

Here, but just as is meant to contrast the negative items in 2:3, and reinforce that Paul, Silvanus, and Timothy are authorized to preach the gospel. Use a natural way in your language for introducing a contrast. Alternate translation: “it is actually true that” (See: Connect — Contrast Relationship)

ἀλλὰ καθὼς δεδοκιμάσμεθα ὑπὸ τοῦ Θεοῦ, πιστευθῆναι τὸ εὐαγγέλιον

Here, to be entrusted expresses the result of been examined. If it would be more natural in your language, you could reverse the order of these phrases. Alternate translation: “certainly, God trusts us to proclaim the gospel because he tested and approved us” (See: Connect — Reason-and-Result Relationship)

δεδοκιμάσμεθα ὑπὸ τοῦ Θεοῦ, πιστευθῆναι τὸ εὐαγγέλιον

The combination of these two verbs, examined and entrusted, are meant to emphasize how the apostles are authorized to preach the gospel. If it would be helpful to your readers, you could say that explicitly. Alternate translation: “God has verified that we can be trusted to proclaim his good news” or “we have passed God’s test as faithful preachers of the gospel” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

οὕτως λαλοῦμεν

Here, so we speak expresses the result of having been examined. The reason why the apostles have confidence and authority to speak the gospel is because God tested and approved them. This could refer to: (1) reason for speaking. Alternate translation: “this is why we keep talking about it” (2) manner of speaking. Alternate translation: “so this is how we speak” (See: Connect — Reason-and-Result Relationship)

λαλοῦμεν

Paul is leaving out some of the words that a sentence would need in many languages to be complete. If this would be misunderstood in your language, you could supply these words from the context. Alternate translation: “we apostles keep speaking the gospel” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

οὐχ ὡς ἀνθρώποις ἀρέσκοντες, ἀλλὰ Θεῷ

Here, the word but contrasts men and God. Paul is indicating that God and men are different beings. Paul is also expressing the idea that the apostles’ motive for speaking the gospel is to please God, and not to be pleasing to men. Use a natural way in your language for introducing a contrast. Alternate translation: “not to flatter people, but to please God” (See: Connect — Contrast Relationship)

τὰς καρδίας ἡμῶν

The phrase our hearts is a metonym for the apostles’ motives, affections, or deepest thoughts. If this would be misunderstood in your language, you could use an equivalent expression or use plain language. Alternate translation: “what we love” or “what we ponder” (See: Metonymy)

1 Thessalonians 2:5

οὔτε γάρ ποτε ἐν λόγῳ κολακίας ἐγενήθημεν

Here, the phrase For we did not come at that time marks a transition where the apostles defend their motives by describing their previous godly conduct. Alternate translation: “Because previously when we came, it was not to flatter you” or “Certainly we never came in order to flatter you” (See: Connecting Words and Phrases)

οὔτε…ἐν λόγῳ κολακίας…οὔτε ἐν προφάσει πλεονεξίας

Here, Paul uses a series of negative examples in 2:5-6 to describe behavior that is not fitting for Christ’s apostles. This repetitive style of speaking or writing is called a “litany.” You can use a form in your language to list things that someone should not do. (See: Litany)

οὔτε γάρ ποτε ἐν λόγῳ κολακίας ἐγενήθημεν,

Paul places just as you know in a position that gives it special emphasis (See also 2:2). If it would be more natural in your language, you could reverse the order of these phrases. Alternate translation: “As you are well aware, we did not previously come to flatter” (See: Information Structure)

ἐν προφάσει πλεονεξίας

Here, pretext figuratively expresses the idea of people with greedy motives by comparing them to people wearing a mask or a disguise to cover up their evil intent. If the concept of a masking or disguising would not communicate a covering of true motives, you could use an equivalent metaphor from your culture. Alternate translation: “disguising greedy intent” or “trying to hide greed” (See: Metaphor)

(Θεὸς μάρτυς)

In the phrase God {is} witness, Paul is leaving out some of the words that a sentence would need in many languages to be complete. If this would be misunderstood in your language, you could supply these words from the context. Alternate translation: “God is our witness!”(See: Ellipsis)

(Θεὸς μάρτυς)

The apostles are appealing to God to validate their gospel message and personal motives. They figuratively speak as if they are summoning God as a witness to testify on their behalf before a judge. If your readers would not understand what God {is} witness means in this context, you could use an equivalent metaphor from your culture. Alternate translation: “We swear to/by God!” (See: Metaphor)

1 Thessalonians 2:6

οὔτε ζητοῦντες ἐξ ἀνθρώπων δόξαν, οὔτε ἀφ’ ὑμῶν, οὔτε ἀπ’ ἄλλων

Here Paul refers figuratively to men to speak of any individual person. He also refers to from you or from others as another way of saying “all people.” If this would be misunderstood in your language, you could use an equivalent expression from your culture or use plain language. Alternate translation: “We were not looking for praise from any human being–not you or anyone else–” or “We were not hoping for any human honors from anyone” (See: Synecdoche)

ἐξ ἀνθρώπων δόξαν

If your language does not use the abstract noun glory, you could express the idea behind it in another way. Alternate translation: “for people to praise us” (See: Abstract Nouns)

1 Thessalonians 2:7

δυνάμενοι ἐν βάρει εἶναι, ὡς Χριστοῦ ἀπόστολοι

With the phrase being able to be a burden, Paul uses a hypothetical condition to draw attention to the divine authority of the apostles of Christ. Use the natural form in your language for expressing a hypothetical situation. This phrase could refer to: (1) authority of the apostles. “as Christ’s apostles we have authority to force obedience” (2) rights of the apostles. Alternate translation: “as Christ’s apostles, we could have burdened you by demanding financial support” (3) authority and rights of the apostles. Alternate translation: “as Christ’s apostles, we have the power to demand support and submission” (See: Hypothetical Situations)

δυνάμενοι ἐν βάρει εἶναι

Paul speaks figuratively of the apostles as if they were a heavy weight or pack. He means that if they wanted to, they could impose their apostolic authority in a way that could seem oppressive to the Thessalonian church. If your readers would not understand what burden means in this context, you could use an equivalent metaphor from your culture. Alternatively, you could express Paul’s meaning in a non-figurative way. Alternative translation, “although we could impose our authority” (See: Metaphor)

ἀλλὰ

Here, but signals that the rest of the verse will contrast the idea of burden. Use a natural way in your language for introducing a contrast. Alternate translation: “however” (See: Connect — Contrast Relationship)

ἐγενήθημεν νήπιοι ἐν μέσῳ ὑμῶν

Here, became little children in the midst of you is a metaphor indicating how gently the apostles treated the Thessalonian church. You could translate this with an active form, using a simile. Alternate translation: “we acted as mild as infants when we visited you” (See: Metaphor)

ἐν μέσῳ ὑμῶν

Paul uses the idiom in the midst of you that means “spending time” or “visiting”. If this would be misunderstood in your language, you could use an equivalent idiom or use plain language. Alternate translation: “while visiting you” or “while spending time with you” or “when we were with you” (See: Idiom)

ὡς ἐὰν τροφὸς θάλπῃ τὰ ἑαυτῆς τέκνα

The point of this comparison is that in the same way a mother would gently comfort her children, so the apostles gently and affectionately nurtured the Thessalonian church (See 2:8). If this would be misunderstood in your language, you could use an equivalent comparison or express this meaning in a non-figurative way. Alternate translation: “as we affectionately cared for you” (See: Simile)

1 Thessalonians 2:8

οὕτως ὁμειρόμενοι ὑμῶν

If your language does not use the abstract noun affection, you could express the idea behind it in another way. Alternate translation: “Because we desire you so much” or “Since we yearn for you like this” (See: Abstract Nouns)

τὰς ἑαυτῶν ψυχάς

Paul uses our own souls to speak figuratively of the apostles’ bodies or their life. Alternatively, you could express Paul’s meaning in a non-figurative way. Alternate translation: “our own selves” (See: Metaphor)

1 Thessalonians 2:9

γάρ

Here the connecting word For emphasizes that what follows is something else important that the Thessalonian church should pay attention to. Alternate translation: “Certainly,” or “Indeed,” (See: Connecting Words and Phrases)

ἀδελφοί

τὸν κόπον ἡμῶν καὶ τὸν μόχθον

Here, labor and toil mean basically the same thing. The repetition emphasizes how hard the apostles worked. If your language does not use repetition in this way, you could combine these phrases or make them active. Alternate translation: “our toilsome labor” or “how hard we worked” (See: Doublet)

νυκτὸς καὶ ἡμέρας ἐργαζόμενοι

This phrase further explains our labor and toil. If this is not understood in your language, you can make the relationship between these phrases more clear. Alternate translation: “although working night and day” or “despite the fact that we kept working night and day” (See: Distinguishing Versus Informing or Reminding)

νυκτὸς καὶ ἡμέρας ἐργαζόμενοι

Here, night and day working is an idiom for excessive labor. If this would be misunderstood in your language, you could use an equivalent idiom or use plain language. Alternate translation: “we stayed busy working” or “we never stopped laboring” (See: Idiom)

πρὸς τὸ μὴ ἐπιβαρῆσαί τινα ὑμῶν

Paul speaks figuratively of the apostles as if they were a heavy weight or pack (See note at 2:7). Alternative translation, “so that none of you would have to financially support us” or “so that we would not impose on anyone” (See: Metaphor)

πρὸς τὸ μὴ

This phrase introduces a purpose clause. Paul is stating the purpose for why the apostles worked so much. Use a natural way in your language for introducing a purpose clause. (See: Connect — Goal (Purpose) Relationship)

τὸ εὐαγγέλιον τοῦ Θεοῦ

Again, the phrase the gospel of God is used to indicate that the apostles’ message is of divine origin (See your translation at 2:2). (See: Possession)

1 Thessalonians 2:10

ὑμεῖς μάρτυρες καὶ ὁ Θεός

The apostles are appealing to the Thessalonian church and God to validate their gospel message and personal motives (See also 2:5). They figuratively speak as if they are summoning both the church and God as a witness to testify on their behalf before a judge. If your readers would not understand what this phrase means in this context, you could use an equivalent metaphor from your culture. Alternate translation: “You are our witnesses, as well as God himself” or “As well as God, you can personally testify” (See: Metaphor)

ὑμεῖς μάρτυρες καὶ ὁ Θεός

In this phrase, Paul is leaving out some of the words that a sentence would need in many languages to be complete. If this would be misunderstood in your language, you could supply these words from the context. Alternate translation: “As well as God, you can personally testify” (See: Ellipsis)

ὡς ὁσίως, καὶ δικαίως, καὶ ἀμέμπτως, ὑμῖν τοῖς πιστεύουσιν ἐγενήθημεν

Paul uses a repetitive series of proofs of the apostles’ godly behavior in 2:10-12. This repetitive style of speaking or writing is called a “litany.” This is a list of the evidence for which the Thessalonian church and God are evoked as witnesses. Use a form in your language that someone would use to list things that someone has done right. Alternate translation: “just how faithfully and justly and innocently we conducted ourselves toward you believers in God” or “how we acted reverently, and fairly, and blamelessly while visiting the faithful” (See: Litany)

ὑμεῖς…ὑμῖν

The pronouns You and you are plural and refer to all the believers in God at Thessalonica. Your language may require you to mark this form. Alternate translation: “You all … among all of you” (See: Forms of ‘You’ — Singular)

1 Thessalonians 2:11

καθάπερ οἴδατε ὡς ἕνα ἕκαστον ὑμῶν

Again, Paul places just as you know in a position that gives it special emphasis (See also 2:2,5). It is another way of saying “you {are} witnesses” (See 2:10). Paul is appealing to the Thessalonian church’s own experience of the apostles’ godly behavior to prove their gospel message comes from God (See 2:9). Use a natural way in your language to express this emphasis. Alternate translation: “just as you each and every one of you are well aware” or “just as each one of you experienced for yourself”

ὡς πατὴρ τέκνα ἑαυτοῦ

The point of Paul’s comparison is that the apostles are like fathers who model and instruct in proper behavior for their children. They see themselves as spiritual fathers to the Thessalonian church, so they nurture them in the Christian faith like a father would care for the overall well-being of his own children. If this would be misunderstood in your language, you could use an equivalent comparison or express this meaning in a non-figurative way. Alternate translation: “like a father nurtures his own children” or “just as a father cares for his own children” or “like a father trains his own children” (See: Simile)

1 Thessalonians 2:12

παρακαλοῦντες ὑμᾶς, καὶ παραμυθούμενοι, καὶ μαρτυρόμενοι…ὑμᾶς

Paul uses a repetitive series of verb forms to show how the apostles have instructed the Thessalonian church like caring fathers would teach their children. These words are meant to instill a sense of urgency. Alternate translation: “encouraging and building you up and acting as your witness” or “instructing you through appeals, encouragement, and our own personal example”

παρακαλοῦντες…μαρτυρόμενοι

These verbal forms also describe the apostles’ fatherly behavior toward the Thessalonian church. These forms can be expressed in a number of ways: (1) result. Alternate translation: “with the result that we kept exhorting … testifying” (2) means. Alternate translation: “by exhorting … testifying” (3) manner. Alternate translation: “how we kept exhorting … testifying”

εἰς τὸ περιπατεῖν ὑμᾶς ἀξίως τοῦ Θεοῦ

This phrase is a purpose clause. Paul is stating the purpose for the apostles’ appeals. He wants the Thessalonian church to live worthy of God. Use a natural way in your language for introducing a purpose clause. Alternate translation: “that you must honor God by how you live” or “so that you would live how God desires” (See: Connect — Goal (Purpose) Relationship)

εἰς τὸ περιπατεῖν ὑμᾶς ἀξίως τοῦ Θεοῦ

Paul is using the possessive form of God to describe how God’s people should live. Use a natural way in your language to make this explicit. Alternate translation: “to live in a way that honors God” or “to live in a way that God honors” (See: Possession)

εἰς τὸ περιπατεῖν

Here, to walk is a metaphor that means “to live.” If your readers would not understand what it means to walk in this context, you could use an equivalent metaphor from your culture. Alternatively, you could express Paul’s meaning in a non-figurative way. Alternate translation: “to habitually live” or “for you to continue to live” (See: Metaphor)

τοῦ καλοῦντος ὑμᾶς

This phrase gives us further information about God and describes what he is doing through the apostles’ teachings. If this is not understood in your language, you can make the relationship between these phrases clearer. Alternate translation: “he is the one who continues to summon you” (See: Distinguishing Versus Informing or Reminding)

τοῦ καλοῦντος ὑμᾶς

Here, who is calling you is a parallelism that equates the apostles’ exhorting, encouraging, and testifying with God’s calling. See also 2:13. (See: Parallelism)

εἰς τὴν ἑαυτοῦ βασιλείαν καὶ δόξαν

This phrase, into his own kingdom and glory, expresses a single idea by using two words connected with and. The word glory describes what the kingdom is like. If it would be more natural in your language, you could express this meaning with an equivalent phrase that does not use and. Alternate translation: “into his own glorious kingdom” (See: Hendiadys)

1 Thessalonians 2:13

καὶ διὰ τοῦτο καὶ ἡμεῖς εὐχαριστοῦμεν τῷ Θεῷ ἀδιαλείπτως

The phrase And because of this indicates that what follows are the reasons why the apostles are thankful for the Thessalonian church. If it would be more natural in your language, you could reverse the order of these phrases, as in the UST, to make this explicit. (See: Connect — Reason-and-Result Relationship)

καὶ ἡμεῖς εὐχαριστοῦμεν τῷ Θεῷ ἀδιαλείπτως

This phrase uses exaggeration to emphasize the apostles’ gratitude (See also 1:2). Here, constantly does not mean “every moment.” If this would be misunderstood in your language, you could use an equivalent expression from your language that shows intense gratitude. Alternate translation: “We ourselves habitually thank” (See: Hyperbole)

ἡμεῖς

Here Paul uses the word we to emphasize how thankful the apostles are. Use a way that is natural in your language to indicate this emphasis. Alternate translation: “we personally” or “we ourselves”

ὅτι παραλαβόντες λόγον ἀκοῆς παρ’ ἡμῶν τοῦ Θεοῦ, ἐδέξασθε

This clause explains why the apostles are thankful. If this is not understood in your language, you can make the relationship between these phrases more clear. See UST (See: Distinguishing Versus Informing or Reminding)

ὅτι παραλαβόντες λόγον ἀκοῆς παρ’ ἡμῶν τοῦ Θεοῦ, ἐδέξασθε

Paul is stressing that it is the word of God that the apostles reported. This is why he first mentions that the Thessalonians received the word of God before mentioning that they heard it. If this is confusing in your language, you could make the order of events clear. Alternate translation: “that when we told you God’s message, you heard it, and then you accepted it” (See: Order of Events)

ὅτι

Here, that marks the reasons in 2:13-14 for why the apostles are thankful for the Thessalonian church. Use a natural way in your language to express the reason why people should do things. (See: Connect — Reason-and-Result Relationship)

ἀλλὰ καθὼς ἀληθῶς ἐστὶν

Paul uses this contrasting clause to strongly negate the idea that the apostles’ message is of human origin. Use a natural way in your language for introducing an emphatic contrast. Alternate translation: “but in fact what it really is” (See: Connect — Contrast Relationship)

λόγον ἀνθρώπων…λόγον Θεοῦ

Paul uses the phrase the word figuratively to represent a message that is made up of words. Here, the word of man refers to a message of human origin. In contrast, the word of God refers to the same message, called “the gospel of God” in 2:8-9. If this would be misunderstood in your language, you could use an equivalent expression. Alternate translation: “a human message … God’s message” (See: Metonymy)

ὃς καὶ ἐνεργεῖται ἐν ὑμῖν τοῖς πιστεύουσιν

The apostles refer to God’s gospel message figuratively as if it were a person or tool doing work. If this might be confusing for your readers, you could express this meaning in a non-figurative way. Alternate translation: “and God is energizing you faithful ones with this message” or “and God is activating this message among you who trust in him” (See: Personification)

ὃς

Here, the word translated which could refer to God or the word. Alternate translation: “and God” or “and God’s word” (See: Pronouns — When to Use Them)

ἐν ὑμῖν

Here, the pronoun you is plural and refers to all the believers in God at Thessalonica (See 2:10). Your language may require you to mark this form. Alternate translation: “among all of you” (See: Forms of ‘You’ — Singular)

1 Thessalonians 2:14

Verses 14-16 provide background information about how the Thessalonian church suffered persecutions similar to the Judean church. (See: Background Information)

γὰρ

For indicates that what follows is the proof of how God’s message is working among the Thessalonian church. Alternate translation: “Because” or “In fact” (See: Connecting Words and Phrases)

ἀδελφοί

μιμηταὶ ἐγενήθητε…τῶν ἐκκλησιῶν

Here, imitators is a noun that can be translated with a verb (See 1:6). Use a natural way in your language to express this idea. Alternate translation: “mimicked the churches” or “imitated the churches” or “copied the behavior of the churches”

ἐν Χριστῷ Ἰησοῦ

Here, Paul speaks figuratively of the churches of God in Christ Jesus as though they were occupying space inside Jesus. This metaphor expresses the idea that believers are spiritually united to God and Jesus (See also 1:1). Here, it also highlights the communion that Thessalonian believers in Christ Jesus have with Judean believers in Christ Jesus through the Holy Trinity. If this might be misunderstood in your language, you can express the meaning in a non-figurative way. Alternative translation, “who are united to Jesus Christ” or “who share life with Jesus Christ” (See: Metaphor)

1 Thessalonians 2:15

τῶν καὶ τὸν Κύριον ἀποκτεινάντων Ἰησοῦν, καὶ τοὺς προφήτας, καὶ ἡμᾶς ἐκδιωξάντων

This is the specific content of the background information about the Jewish persecution of Christians. (See: Background Information)

τῶν καὶ τὸν Κύριον ἀποκτεινάντων Ἰησοῦν, καὶ τοὺς προφήτας, καὶ ἡμᾶς ἐκδιωξάντων

The whole history of the persecution of God’s people is summarized in three parts: the killing of Old Testament prophets, the crucifixion of the Lord Jesus, and persecution of the apostles. If this would be misunderstood in your language, you could use an equivalent expression from your culture or use plain language. (See: Merism)

τῶν καὶ τὸν Κύριον ἀποκτεινάντων Ἰησοῦν, καὶ τοὺς προφήτας, καὶ ἡμᾶς ἐκδιωξάντων

This list of those persecuted by the Jews is not chronological, but emphasizes the order of importance and intensity of persecution. If this is confusing in your language, you could make the order of events clear. Alternate translation: “who have killed the prophets, then the Lord Jesus, and finally persecuted us” (See: Order of Events)

ἡμᾶς ἐκδιωξάντων; καὶ Θεῷ μὴ ἀρεσκόντων, καὶ πᾶσιν ἀνθρώποις ἐναντίων

Here, and indicates that the following phrase is the result of Jews’ persecution. If it would be more natural in your language, you could reverse the order of these phrases since the second phrase gives the reason for the result that the first phrase describes. To emphasize God’s response toward the Jews’ persecution, you could begin a new sentence with God as the subject. Alternate translation: “have persecuted us and are enemies of all people. This is why God is continually displeased” (See: Connect — Reason-and-Result Relationship)

καὶ Θεῷ μὴ ἀρεσκόντων, καὶ πᾶσιν ἀνθρώποις ἐναντίων,

These two phrases mean similar things. These phrases are meant to express how the Jewish persecution of Christians is the same thing as opposing God himself. If it would be clearer in your language, you can combine the phrases into one clarifying idea. Alternate translation: “and they make themselves enemies of God by how hostile they are against the Jewish and Gentile churches” (See: Parallelism)

πᾶσιν ἀνθρώποις ἐναντίων,

Paul is using the possessive form of hostile to describe how the persecutors of the Christian Church are characterized by a hostile attitude. Alternate translation: “characterized by being opposed to all people types” (See: Possession)

ἐναντίων

A word is left out here in the original that a sentence would need in many languages to be complete. Since English needs it, the word are is added in brackets. Do what is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “are opposed” (See: Ellipsis)

πᾶσιν ἀνθρώποις

Paul speaks figuratively about all men to refer to “all people types” or “the whole human race.” Here, all men refers to two parts of humanity represented by Jews (See 2:14) and Gentiles (See 2:16). If this would be misunderstood in your language, you could use an equivalent expression from your culture or use plain language. Alternate translation: “to all people types” or “to all the nations” (See: Synecdoche)

πᾶσιν ἀνθρώποις

Here, to all men is an exaggeration that Paul uses to express his emotions about the hostile Jews. Paul does not mean that the Jews are hostile to every individual human being. If this would be misunderstood in your language, you could use an equivalent expression from your language that shows this emphasis. Alternate translation: “toward all of humanity” (See: Hyperbole)

πᾶσιν ἀνθρώποις

Although the term men is masculine, Paul is using the word here in a generic sense that includes both men and women. Alternate translation: “to all humans” (See: When Masculine Words Include Women)

1 Thessalonians 2:16

κωλυόντων ἡμᾶς τοῖς ἔθνεσιν λαλῆσαι, ἵνα σωθῶσιν

This clause gives further information for why the Gentiles are “not pleasing to God and {are} hostile to all men” (See 2:15). If this is not understood in your language, you can make the relationship between these phrases more clear. (See: Distinguishing Versus Informing or Reminding)

τοῖς ἔθνεσιν

Here, Gentiles refers to all the non-Christian nations in general, not one group of people. If this would be misunderstood in your language, use a more natural phrase. Alternate translation: “among the non-Jews” or “to all the nations” (See: Generic Noun Phrases)

ἵνα σωθῶσιν

This purpose clause gives the reason why the Jews are trying to prevent the apostles from preaching the gospel to the Gentiles. Here, to speak expresses the way the Gentiles might be saved. This clause could refer to: (1) the Jews purposely trying to keep the Gentiles from salvation. Alternate translation: “to hinder the Gentiles from being saved” (2) how the speaking is for the purpose of saving the Gentiles. Alternate translation: “in order that the Gentiles can be saved” or “for the purpose of saving the nations” The clause could also refer to both ideas. Use a natural way in your language for introducing a purpose clause. (See: Connect — Goal (Purpose) Relationship)

εἰς τὸ ἀναπληρῶσαι αὐτῶν τὰς ἁμαρτίας πάντοτε

Paul speaks figuratively of the Jews’ sins as if they fill a container. He means that these Jews sin so much and so extremely that they can never escape God’s wrath. If your readers would not understand what it means to to always fill up in this context, you could use an equivalent metaphor from your culture. Alternate translation: “causing them to always reach the limit of their sinfulness” (See: Metaphor)

εἰς τὸ ἀναπληρῶσαι αὐτῶν τὰς ἁμαρτίας πάντοτε

This result clause explains what will happen to the Jews for forbidding the apostles to speak to the Gentiles. Use a natural way in your language to indicate result. Alternate translation: “as a result, God will no longer forgive their many sins” (See: Connect — Reason-and-Result Relationship)

ἔφθασεν δὲ ἐπ’ αὐτοὺς ἡ ὀργὴ εἰς τέλος.

Paul is figuratively using the past tense in order to refer to something that will happen in the future. Paul is doing this to show that the event will certainly happen. If the use of the past tense here is confusing in your language, you could use the future tense. This phrase could refer to: (1) final judgment. Alternate translation: “In fact, final wrath will overtake them” (See also 5:9) (2) certain judgment. Alternate translation: “Certainly, their punishment has finally arrived” (See: Predictive Past)

δὲ

Paul uses But to indicate that what follows is important. Here, But could refer to: (1) certainty. Alternate translation: “Certainly” or “In fact” (2) contrast. Alternate translation: “However” (See: Connecting Words and Phrases)

ἔφθασεν δὲ ἐπ’ αὐτοὺς ἡ ὀργὴ

If your language does not use the abstract noun the wrath, you could express the idea behind it in another way. (See: Abstract Nouns)

1 Thessalonians 2:17

ἡμεῖς δέ, ἀδελφοί

The phrase But we, brothers expresses that this is a contrasting phrase that switches the attention back to the apostles’ relationship with the Thessalonian church. Use a natural way in your language for introducing a contrast. (See: Connect — Contrast Relationship)

ἀδελφοί

ἀπορφανισθέντες ἀφ’ ὑμῶν

Since the Greek word that ULT translates as having been separated from you can also mean “having been orphaned from you,” Paul may be revisiting the idea where the apostles affectionately compare themselves to “little children” in 2:7. If it would be helpful to your readers, you could say this explicitly. Alternate translation: “since we have been apart from you, we feel like orphans” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

πρὸς καιρὸν ὥρας

Here, for the time of an hour is an idiom that indicates a short time span. If this would be misunderstood in your language, you could use an equivalent idiom or use plain language. Alternate translation: “for short time” or “for a little while” (See: Idiom)

προσώπῳ οὐ καρδίᾳ

Here, face represents the person or physical presence, and heart represents the apostles’ concerns, feelings, and affections. Though the apostles were not physically present in Thessalonica, they continued to care about and show concern for their relationship with the church there. If this would be misunderstood in your language, you could use an equivalent expression or use plain language. Alternate translation: “by distance, not in feeling” or “in person, not in affection” or “in presence, not in concern” (See: Metonymy)

τὸ πρόσωπον ὑμῶν ἰδεῖν ἐν πολλῇ ἐπιθυμίᾳ

Here, to see your faces, in much desire means the same thing as by face, not in heart. Paul says the same thing twice in slightly different ways to show how much the apostles desire to visit the Thessalonian church. Use a natural way in your language to express this idea. (See: Parallelism)

ἐν πολλῇ ἐπιθυμίᾳ

If your language does not use the abstract noun desire, you could express the idea behind it in another way. It can also be translated as an active phrase. Alternate translation: “for which we long passionately” (See: Abstract Nouns)

τὸ πρόσωπον ὑμῶν ἰδεῖν

The phrase to see your faces is an idiom meaning to visit. Here, it expresses the apostles’ strong desire to personally visit and share spiritual intimacy with the Thessalonian church. If this would be misunderstood in your language, you could use an equivalent idiom or use plain language. Alternate translation: “to visit you” or “to spend quality time with you” (See: Idiom)

1 Thessalonians 2:18

διότι

Here, For indicates that what follows is background information for why Paul had not yet visited. Alternate translation: “Indeed,” or “Certainly,” (See: Connecting Words and Phrases)

ἐλθεῖν

Your language may say “go” rather than come in contexts such as this. Use whichever is more natural. Alternate translation: “to go” or “to travel” (See: Go and Come)

ἐγὼ μὲν Παῦλος, καὶ ἅπαξ καὶ δίς

In this phrase, Paul is leaving out some of the words that a sentence would need in many languages to be complete. If this would be misunderstood in your language, you could supply these words from the context. Alternate translation: “I Paul personally tried to come twice” or “Indeed, I, Paul tried to go two times” (See: Ellipsis)

ἐγὼ μὲν Παῦλος

Here Paul uses the pronoun I, and he usesindeed to emphasize that he personally tried to visit the Thessalonian church. Use a way that is natural in your language to indicate this emphasis. (See: Reflexive Pronouns)

καὶ ἅπαξ καὶ δίς

Here, the phrase both once and twice means repeatedly. If this would be misunderstood in your language, you could use an equivalent idiom or use plain language. Alternate translation: “twice” or “many times” (See: Idiom)

καὶ

What follows the word but here is in contrast to what was expected, that Paul would visit the Thessalonian church. Use a natural way in your language for introducing a contrast. Alternate translation: “however” (See: Connect — Contrast Relationship)

καὶ ἐνέκοψεν

Since the Greek word that ULT translates as hindered often means “cut off” or “beat in,” Paul may be stressing the violent nature of Satan’s obstruction. If it would be helpful to your readers, you could say this explicitly. Alternate translation: “powerfully prevented us” or “violently obstructed us” or “cut off our route” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

1 Thessalonians 2:19

Paul uses these rhetorical questions here to emphasize why the apostles want to visit the Thessalonian church. If you would not use rhetorical questions for this purpose in your language, you could translate his words as a statement or an exclamation and communicate the emphasis in another way. (See: Rhetorical Question)

ἐλπὶς ἢ χαρὰ ἢ στέφανος καυχήσεως

Here, hope joy and crown are spoken of figuratively as if they were the people in the Thessalonian church. If this might be confusing for your readers, you could express this meaning in a non-figurative way. Alternate translation: “Because who makes us hopeful? Who causes us to rejoice? Who gives us reason to boast victoriously?” (See: Personification)

τίς γὰρ ἡμῶν ἐλπὶς ἢ χαρὰ ἢ στέφανος καυχήσεως? ἢ οὐχὶ καὶ ὑμεῖς

Some words are left out here in the original that a sentence would need in many languages to be complete. Since English needs it, is it is added in brackets. Do what is natural in your language. (See: Ellipsis)

ἐλπὶς ἢ χαρὰ ἢ στέφανος καυχήσεως

Here, hope, joy, and crown of boasting are spoken of figuratively as if these concepts were the Thessalonian church. If this might be confusing for your readers, you could express this meaning in a non-figurative way. Alternate translation: “Because who makes us hopeful? Who causes us to rejoice? Who gives us reason to boast victoriously?”(See: Personification)

στέφανος καυχήσεως

Here, crown refers figuratively to a laurel wreath awarded to victorious athletes. The expression crown of boasting means a reward for victory or for having competed well. The proof of the apostles’ success will ultimately be displayed at the Second Coming of Christ if the Thessalonian church remains faithful to God (See 4:13-5:11). If this would be misunderstood in your language, you could use an equivalent expression or use plain language. Alternate translation: “reward for victory” (See: Metonymy)

στέφανος καυχήσεως

Paul is using this possessive form to describe either: (1) the product of boasting. Alternate translation: “crown that produces boasting” (2) the means of boasting. Alternate translation: “crown through which we boast” (See: Possession)

ἔμπροσθεν τοῦ Κυρίου ἡμῶν, Ἰησοῦ

Here, before refers to location or sphere, used as a substitute for “in front of” or “in the presence of.” If this would be misunderstood in your language, you could use an equivalent expression or use plain language. Alternate translation: “in the presence of our Lord Jesus” or “in front of our Lord Jesus” or “in the sight of our Lord Jesus” (See: Metonymy)

ἐν τῇ αὐτοῦ παρουσίᾳ

Here, his coming is a well-known idiom in 1-2 Thessalonians for the Second Coming of Christ (See 3:13) or the “Day of the Lord” (See 5:2). Use a natural way in your language to emphasize this idea. Alternate translation: “at his Second Coming” or “when he arrives again” (See: Idiom)

1 Thessalonians 2:20

ὑμεῖς γάρ ἐστε ἡ δόξα ἡμῶν, καὶ ἡ χαρά

This verse means the same thing as “our hope or joy or crown of boasting” in 2:19. Paul says the same thing twice in slightly different ways to emphasize that he is genuinely pleased with the Thessalonian church. Use a natural way in your language to express this emphasis. (See: Parallelism)

ὑμεῖς

Paul uses the word you to emphasize how the Thessalonian church’s faithfulness to God brings honor and joy to the apostles. Use a way that is natural in your language to indicate this emphasis. (See: Reflexive Pronouns)

ὑμεῖς γάρ ἐστε ἡ δόξα ἡμῶν, καὶ ἡ χαρά

Here, the Thessalonian church is figuratively compared to the abstract concepts of glory and joy. If this might be confusing for your readers, you could express this meaning in a non-figurative way. Alternate translation: “Because of you, God will honor us and make us rejoice” or “Certainly, we will become glorified and rejoice because of you!” (See: Personification)

1 Thessalonians 3

1 Thessalonians 3 General Notes

Outline of 1 Thessalonians 3

Timothy’s Visit (3:1-5)
Apostolic concern (3:1-2)
Apostolic encouragement (3:3-5)
Timothy’s Report (3:6-13)
Good news (3:6-10)
Apostolic prayer (3:11-13)

Structure and Formatting

The first part of this chapter recounts Timothy’s visit to Thessalonica. The second part tells about his report to Paul and Silvanus at Athens. Lastly, the apostles offer a prayer on behalf of the Thessalonian church.

“We” and “You”

Special Concepts in this Chapter

Metaphor

In this chapter, the Apostle Paul uses the phrase “stand firm” in 3:8 as a metaphor of faithfulness to the Gospel, and “be shaken” in 3:3 as the opposite of being faithful. (See: faithful, faithfulness, trustworthy)

Use a building metaphor, the apostles pray that God will “strengthen the “hearts” of the Thessalonian church “blameless” (See 3:13).

The enemy of God’s people, “Satan” (See 2:18) is here called “the tempter” (See 3:5).

Hyperbole

Paul uses emotional and extreme language when speaking of his memory of the Thessalonian church. “Enduring it no longer,” the apostles and especially Paul (See 3:1,5) feel compelled to find out about the spiritual condition of the church. The intensity and duration of the apostles’ prayers is described as “night and day pleading earnestly” (See 3:10).

The Second Coming of Christ

Here the apostles pray that the Thessalonian church will be preserved holy when Christ comes again with all his holy ones or “saints” (See 3:13).

1 Thessalonians 3:1

διὸ μηκέτι στέγοντες, ηὐδοκήσαμεν καταλειφθῆναι ἐν Ἀθήναις μόνοι,

This is a result clause. Paul is explaining why he sent Timothy to Thessalonica in 3:2. Alternate translation: “Because we could not restrain ourselves any longer, we thought it proper to stay behind in Athens alone” (See: Connect — Reason-and-Result Relationship)

διὸ

Here, Therefore indicates a return to the topic of a visit from the apostles (See 2:17-18). (See: Connecting Words and Phrases)

διὸ μηκέτι στέγοντες

This phrase uses extreme exaggeration to express the apostles’ deep desire to visit the Thessalonian church (See 2:17). The word translated enduring is related to the idea of keeping water out of a ship or trying to contain or holding something back. If this would be misunderstood in your language, you could use an equivalent expression from your language that communicates anxious longing. Alternate translation: “Thus, since we could not bear to wait any longer” or “Therefore, because we could not ignore these emotions” (See: Hyperbole)

ηὐδοκήσαμεν καταλειφθῆναι ἐν Ἀθήναις μόνοι

Here, we and alone refer to Paul and Silvanus (and perhaps Timothy), since in 3:2 it says, “we sent Timothy.” If it would be helpful to your readers, you could say that explicitly. Alternate translation: “Silas and I thought it was good idea to remain alone in Athens” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

1 Thessalonians 3:2

καὶ

What follows the word and here is in contrast to Paul and Silvanus staying behind at Athens. Instead, they sent Timothy. Use a natural way in your language for introducing a contrast. Alternate translation: “even though this was true,” or “yet” (See: Connect — Contrast Relationship)

ἐπέμψαμεν…ἡμῶν

When Paul says we and our, he is exclusively speaking of himself and Silvanus. Your language may require you to mark these forms. (See: Exclusive and Inclusive ‘We’)

τὸν ἀδελφὸν ἡμῶν, καὶ διάκονον τοῦ Θεοῦ

This phrase gives us further information about Timothy. It is meant to clarify that he is authorized by the apostles and God himself. If this is not understood in your language, you can make the relationship between these phrases more clear. Alternate translation: “and we sent Timothy, who is our fellow worker and an authorized servant of God” or “and we sent Timothy. He is our assistant and God’s authorized servant” (See: Distinguishing Versus Informing or Reminding)

τὸν ἀδελφὸν ἡμῶν, καὶ διάκονον τοῦ Θεοῦ

Here, the metaphors our brother and servant refer to Timothy as a fellow apostle (See 2:6). If your readers would not understand what brother or servant mean in this context, you could use an equivalent metaphor from your culture. Alternatively, you could express Paul’s meaning in a non-figurative way. Alternate translation: “he assists us and ministers for God in the preaching of the gospel about Christ” (See: Metaphor)

καὶ διάκονον τοῦ Θεοῦ

Here, servant of God could refer to: (1) a servant in general. Alternate translation: “and a minister of God” or “and assistant to God” (2) office of deacon. Alternate translation: “and a deacon of God” or “who also serves God as a deacon” (See: Possession)

ἐν

The preposition in could refer to: (1) Timothy’s association with the gospel. Alternate translation: “associated with” or “partnering in” (2) the cause of the gospel. Alternate translation: “for the cause of” or “for the sake of” (3) the means of the gospel. Alternate translation: “through” or “by means of”

τοῦ Χριστοῦ

Paul is most likely using the possessive form to refer to the gospel that is “about” Christ. If this is not clear in your language, you could replace of with “about.” Alternate translation: “about Christ” or “concerning Christ” (See: Possession)

εἰς τὸ στηρίξαι ὑμᾶς καὶ παρακαλέσαι

This is a purpose clause. Paul is stating the purpose for why he and Silvanus sent Timothy. Use a natural way in your language for introducing a purpose clause. Alternate translation: “so that you would be confirmed and consoled” (See: Connect — Goal (Purpose) Relationship)

1 Thessalonians 3:3

τὸ μηδένα σαίνεσθαι ἐν ταῖς θλίψεσιν ταύταις

If your language does not use the abstract noun afflictions, you could express the idea behind it in another way. Alternate translation: “so that when you are distressed, it would not make anyone waver” (See: Abstract Nouns)

τὸ μηδένα σαίνεσθαι

This is a purpose clause. Paul is stating the purpose for sending Timothy. Use a natural way in your language for introducing a purpose clause. Alternate translation: “in order that no one would waver” or “for the purpose of keeping anyone from being deceived” (See: Connect — Goal (Purpose) Relationship)

τὸ μηδένα σαίνεσθαι

Paul is using the adjective no one as a noun in order to describe the Thessalonian church. Your language may use adjectives in the same way. If not, you could translate this with a noun phrase. Alternate translation: “so that no person wavers” or “in order that none of you are deceived” (See: Nominal Adjectives)

αὐτοὶ γὰρ οἴδατε

Paul uses the word yourselves to emphasize what the apostles had previously told them about afflictions. Use a way that is natural in your language to indicate this emphasis. Alternate translation: “In fact, you know for yourselves” or “Certainly, you are well aware of the fact” (See: Reflexive Pronouns)

εἰς τοῦτο

Here, this refers to afflictions. However, in this sentence the meaning is more like a condition or state of “being afflicted” regularly or continually. The pronoun is changed to be singular to agree with this unstated idea. If you readers would not understand this shift, you could change this to a plural pronoun or make this unstated idea explicit. Alternate translation: “for these afflictions” or “for this affliction” “for a life characterized by afflictions”(See: Collective Nouns)

κείμεθα

Paul assumes that the Thessalonian church knows that it is God who appointed the apostles for afflictions. If it would be helpful to your readers, you could say that explicitly. Alternate translation: “God appointed us” or “God destined us” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

κείμεθα

Here, we refers exclusively to the apostles. Your language may require you to mark these forms. (See: Exclusive and Inclusive ‘We’)

1 Thessalonians 3:4

καὶ γὰρ ὅτε πρὸς ὑμᾶς ἦμεν, προελέγομεν ὑμῖν ὅτι μέλλομεν θλίβεσθαι, καθὼς καὶ ἐγένετο καὶ οἴδατε.

Paul is giving background information about his previous visit. Paul reminds the Thessalonian church that what he predicted about the apostles’ sufferings has come true, so they should not be tempted to doubt the apostles’ authority or teaching (See 3:5,7). Use the natural form in your language for expressing background information. Alternate translation: “Indeed, the last time we visited you, we kept telling you before it happened, ‘We are destined to be afflicted.’ You are well aware that it happened exactly as we told you” (See: Background Information)

ἦμεν

Here, we is exclusive of the apostles. Your language may require you to mark these forms. Alternate translation: “we apostles were” (See: Exclusive and Inclusive ‘We’)

γὰρ

Here, For indicates that what follows explains and emphasizes what the Thessalonian already know about the apostles’ afflictions. Alternate translation: “Certainly,” (See: Connecting Words and Phrases)

προελέγομεν ὑμῖν ὅτι μέλλομεν θλίβεσθαι

Here, that could either express emphasis or be a quotation marker of what the apostles said. If it would be more natural in your language, you could express this as a direct quotation. Alternate translation: “we kept telling you ahead of time, ‘We are destined to endure distress.’” (See: Direct and Indirect Quotations)

καὶ ἐγένετο

Here, and it happened is meant to emphasize Paul, Silvanus, and Timothy’s apostolic credentials by verifying that their prophetic words came true. Use a natural way in your language to express this emphasis. Alternate translation: “and this is precisely what happened”

1 Thessalonians 3:5

διὰ τοῦτο κἀγὼ μηκέτι στέγων, ἔπεμψα εἰς τὸ γνῶναι τὴν πίστιν ὑμῶν

Here Paul summarizes the story of Timothy’s visit but leaves out mention of Timothy as redundant information. If it is clearer in your language, you could include mention of Timothy. Alternate translation: “Again, since I could not wait anymore, I sent Timothy to learn if you still trust in God” (See: Introduction of New and Old Participants)

κἀγὼ μηκέτι στέγων, ἔπεμψα

Paul repeats the same phrase no longer enduring it found in 3:1. Here, “I sent” parallels “we sent” in 3:1-2. This expresses that Paul represents the apostles who sent Timothy to Thessalonica. Use a natural way in your language to indicate this parallelism. (See: Parallelism)

κἀγὼ μηκέτι στέγων

This phrase is an exaggeration that Paul uses to express deep concern. If this would be misunderstood in your language, you could use an equivalent expression from your language that shows deep concern. See your translation at 3:1. (See: Hyperbole)

ἔπεμψα

Here it is implied that Paul sent Timothy. If it would be helpful to your readers, you could say that explicitly. Alternate translation: “I, Paul, sent Timothy” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

εἰς τὸ γνῶναι τὴν πίστιν ὑμῶν

This is a purpose clause. Paul is stating the purpose for why he sent Timothy. Use a natural way in your language for introducing a purpose clause. Alternate translation: “so that I could learn if you remained faithful” or “in order to discern whether you still trust God” (See: Connect — Goal (Purpose) Relationship)

ὁ πειράζων

Here Paul uses the phrase the tempter as a title to identify Satan (See Matthew 4:3). The phrase means “one who tempts.” If this would be misunderstood in your language, you could use a phrase. Alternate translation: “Satan, the one who tempts” (See: Idiom)

μή πως ἐπείρασεν ὑμᾶς ὁ πειράζων, καὶ

Paul is using a hypothetical situation to help his readers recognize how powerful satanic temptation can be. Use the natural form in your language for expressing a hypothetical situation. Alternate translation: “because if Satan tempted you, I wanted to find out, and then” (See: Hypothetical Situations)

καὶ εἰς κενὸν γένηται ὁ κόπος ἡμῶν

This phrase could be a result clause. Paul is stating what would be the result if the Thessalonian church let Satan tempt them to stop trusting God. Use a natural way in your language for introducing a result clause. Alternate translation: “then how hard we worked would have been worthless” (See: Connect — Reason-and-Result Relationship)

εἰς κενὸν

Here, in vain is an exaggeration that Paul uses to express how sad the apostles would have been if the Thessalonian church had not remained faithful to God. Paul does not really think the apostles’ labor is worthless. If this would be misunderstood in your language, you could use an equivalent expression from your language that shows deep disappointment. Alternate translation: “worthless” or “purposeless” or “profitless” (See: Hyperbole)

1 Thessalonians 3:6

In 3:6 Paul describes Timothy’s current report about the Thessalonian church. Paul provides this background information to help his readers understand how comforted he is (See 3:7).Use the natural form in your language for expressing background information. (See: Connect — Background Information)

ἄρτι δὲ ἐλθόντος Τιμοθέου πρὸς ἡμᾶς ἀφ’ ὑμῶν

The phrase But just now brings Paul’s narrative into the present time. Use a natural way in your language to express this emphasis. Alternate translation: “But Timothy recently returned to us from visiting you” or “But now, Timothy is back to us from his visit with you” (See: Connecting Words and Phrases)

πρὸς ἡμᾶς

This is an exclusive use of us, referring to Paul and Silvanus. Your language may require you to mark these forms. (See: Exclusive and Inclusive ‘We’)

τὴν πίστιν καὶ τὴν ἀγάπην ὑμῶν

If your language does not use the abstract nouns faith and love, you could express the idea behind them in another way. Alternate translation: “that you remain faithful to God and love him” (See: Abstract Nouns)

τὴν πίστιν καὶ τὴν ἀγάπην ὑμῶν

This phrase could express a single idea by using two words connected with and. The word faith could describe love. If it would be more natural in your language, you could express this meaning with an equivalent phrase that does not use and. Alternate translation: “your faithful love” or “your faithful love toward God” (See: Hendiadys)

καὶ ὅτι ἔχετε μνείαν ἡμῶν ἀγαθὴν πάντοτε, ἐπιποθοῦντες ἡμᾶς ἰδεῖν

This phrase could indicate a result clause. If it would be clearer in your language, you could reverse the order of these phrases, since the second phrase gives the reason for the result that the first phrase describes. Alternate translation: “and you constantly desire to visit with us, because you always remember us fondly” (See: Connect — Reason-and-Result Relationship)

καὶ ὅτι ἔχετε μνείαν ἡμῶν ἀγαθὴν πάντοτε

If your language does not use the abstract noun memories, you could express the idea behind it in another way. Alternate translation: “and how you always remember us fondly” (See: Abstract Nouns)

1 Thessalonians 3:7

διὰ τοῦτο παρεκλήθημεν, ἀδελφοί, ἐφ’ ὑμῖν

This phrase is a result clause. Paul is stating the result of the Timothy’s good news in 3:6. Use a natural way in your language for introducing a result clause. Alternate translation: “Fellow believers in Christ, as a result of Timothy’s good news about you, God consoled us” (See: Connect — Reason-and-Result Relationship)

ἐπὶ πάσῃ τῇ ἀνάγκῃ καὶ θλίψει ἡμῶν

This phrase expresses a single idea by using two words connected with and. The word distress describes the affliction. If it would be more natural in your language, you could express this meaning with an equivalent phrase that does not use and. Here this phrase emphasizes how much and how intensely the apostles were persecuted. Alternate translation: “in all our abusive affliction” or “in all our violent suffering” (See: Hendiadys)

ἐπὶ πάσῃ τῇ ἀνάγκῃ καὶ θλίψει ἡμῶν

If your language does not use the abstract nouns distress and affliction, you could express them in another way. Here, it could refer to: (1) the time of distress and affliction. Alternate translation: “during all our abuse and affliction” or “each time we violently suffered” (2) the place or way of distress and affliction. Alternate translation: “in every place the tempter violently afflicted us” or “in every way we suffered abuse” (See: Abstract Nouns)

1 Thessalonians 3:8

ὅτι νῦν ζῶμεν, ἐὰν ὑμεῖς στήκετε ἐν Κυρίῳ

If it would be more natural in your language, you could reverse the order of these phrases, since the second phrase gives the reason for the result that the first phrase describes. Alternate translation: “Since you are remaining faithful to the Lord Jesus, we are now refreshed!” (See: Connect — Reason-and-Result Relationship)

ὅτι νῦν ζῶμεν

Here, For now we live is an exaggeration that Paul uses to show how thankful he is that the Thessalonians stand firm in the Christian faith (See 3:7). Paul is not trying to say that he was dead. If this would be misunderstood in your language, you could use an equivalent expression from your language that shows thankfulness. Alternate translation (replace the comma): “O how we are now refreshed!” or “O how we now feel alive!” or “Certainly now we thrive!” (See: Hyperbole)

ἐὰν ὑμεῖς στήκετε ἐν Κυρίῳ

Here, the term stand firm is an idiom meaning “remain faithful.” If this would be misunderstood in your language, you could use an equivalent idiom or use plain language. Alternate translation: “when you remain faithful to the Lord” or “if you continue unwavering in your relationship with the Lord” (See: Idiom)

ἐὰν ὑμεῖς στήκετε ἐν Κυρίῳ

Paul is speaking as if this were a hypothetical possibility, but he means that it is actually true. If your language does not state something as a condition if it is certain or true, and if your readers might misunderstand and think that what Paul is saying is not certain, then you can translate his words as an affirmative statement. Alternate translation: “since you are remaining faithful to the Lord Jesus” (See: Connect — Factual Conditions)

ὑμεῖς στήκετε ἐν Κυρίῳ

Paul speaks figuratively of the Thessalonian church as though they were occupying space inside the Lord Jesus. Here, this metaphor, in the Lord, could express these ideas: (1) devotion to Jesus. Alternate translation: “you are really devoted to the Lord Jesus” (2) relationship with Jesus. Alternate translation: “you are truly standing firm in your relationship with the Lord Jesus” (3) union with Jesus. Alternate translation: “all of you are firmly united to the Lord Jesus” (See: Metaphor)

ὑμεῖς

Paul uses the word yourselves to emphasize his joy for the Thessalonian church’s faithfulness. Use a way that is natural in your language to indicate this emphasis. Alternative translation: “indeed” (See: Reflexive Pronouns)

1 Thessalonians 3:9

τίνα γὰρ εὐχαριστίαν δυνάμεθα τῷ Θεῷ ἀνταποδοῦναι περὶ ὑμῶν, ἐπὶ πάσῃ τῇ χαρᾷ ᾗ χαίρομεν δι’ ὑμᾶς, ἔμπροσθεν τοῦ Θεοῦ ἡμῶν.

Paul is using a rhetorical question that continues to the end of 3:10 in order to emphasize the apostles’ thankful joy for the Thessalonian church’s faithfulness to God. If you would not use a rhetorical question for this purpose in your language, you could translate his words as a statement or an exclamation and communicate the emphasis in another way. Alternate translation: “We could not possibly thank God enough for what he has done for you! When we pray to our God, we greatly rejoice because of you!” (See: Rhetorical Question)

τίνα γὰρ εὐχαριστίαν δυνάμεθα τῷ Θεῷ ἀνταποδοῦναι περὶ ὑμῶν

With the phrase give back, Paul speaks figuratively of the apostles as if they owe God a debt for the sake of the Thessalonian church’s faithfulness. Paul means that the apostles cannot adequately express how thankful they are. If your readers would not understand what it means to give back in this context, you could use an equivalent metaphor from your culture. Alternatively, you could express Paul’s meaning in a non-figurative way. Alternate translation: “Because, how could we possibly show how grateful we are to God for you” or “Indeed, what kind of thanksgiving for you could we give to God” (See: Metaphor)

ἐπὶ πάσῃ τῇ χαρᾷ ᾗ χαίρομεν δι’ ὑμᾶς, ἔμπροσθεν τοῦ Θεοῦ ἡμῶν

If it would be more natural in your language, you could reverse the order of these phrases, since the second phrase gives the reason for the result that the first phrase describes. Since this is a rhetorical question, you could change it to a statement, and begin a new sentence here. Alternate translation: “Because of you, we greatly rejoice when we pray to God,” (See: Connect — Reason-and-Result Relationship)

ἐπὶ πάσῃ τῇ χαρᾷ ᾗ χαίρομεν

Here, joy and rejoice mean basically the same thing. The repetition is used to emphasize how much joy the apostles have because of how faithful the Thessalonian church has been towards God. Alternate translation: “for how much we greatly rejoice” (See: Doublet)

χαίρομεν…ἔμπροσθεν τοῦ Θεοῦ ἡμῶν

Here, before our God is an idiom for being in the personal presence of God. If this would be misunderstood in your language, you could use an equivalent idiom or use plain language. Alternate translation: “we rejoice in the presence of our God” (See: Idiom)

1 Thessalonians 3:10

νυκτὸς καὶ ἡμέρας, ὑπέρἐκπερισσοῦ δεόμενοι

This emphatic phrase is an exaggeration that Paul uses to show how much and often the apostles pray for the Thessalonian church. Paul does not mean to say he never does anything else except pray. If this would be misunderstood in your language, you could use an equivalent expression from your language that expresses this emphasis. Alternate translation: “we never stop intensely pleading” or “we continually and fervently pray” (See: Hyperbole)

εἰς τὸ ἰδεῖν ὑμῶν τὸ πρόσωπον

Here, the phrase to see your face is an idiom meaning “visit.” If this would be misunderstood in your language, you could use an equivalent idiom or use plain language. Alternate translation: “to visit you” or “to spend time with you” (See: Idiom)

ὑμῶν τὸ πρόσωπον

Paul refers figuratively to your face to mean the whole Thessalonian church. If this would be misunderstood in your language, you could use an equivalent expression from your culture or use plain language. Alternate translation: “all of you” (See: Synecdoche)

καὶ καταρτίσαι τὰ ὑστερήματα τῆς πίστεως ὑμῶν

If your language does not use the abstract noun faith, you could express the idea behind it in another way (See also 2:17). Alternate translation: “and to provide support so that you remain faithful” (See: Abstract Nouns)

1 Thessalonians 3:11

δὲ…κατευθύναι

Here the verb forms indicate that this is a blessing or prayer that continues through 3:13. Use a form that people would recognize as a blessing or prayer in your language. Alternate translation: “Now we pray that … would guide” (See: Blessings)

ὁ Θεὸς καὶ Πατὴρ ἡμῶν

Here, our God and Father refers to the one divine person who is both God and Father. This phrase is a hendiadys, since Father further describes God (See also 1:3). Alternate translation: “God our Father” or “our Father God” (See: https://git.door43.org/Door43-Catalog/en_ta/src/branch/master/translate/figs-hendiadys/01.md)

αὐτὸς

Paul uses the word himself to distinguish our God and Father from our Lord Jesus. Use a way that is natural in your language to indicate this distinction. (See: Reflexive Pronouns)

ἡμῶν…ἡμῶν…ἡμῶν

It is possible that these first two uses of our are inclusive of the whole Christian Church. Yet, the third use of our exclusively refers to the apostles. So, it is most likely that our refers exclusively to Paul, Silvanus, and Timothy in this whole verse (see also 1:9, 2:1, 3:9). Your language may require you to mark these forms. (See: Exclusive and Inclusive ‘We’)

κατευθύναι τὴν ὁδὸν ἡμῶν πρὸς ὑμᾶς.

Paul speaks figuratively about God as if he were a pilot or captain of a ship. Paul means that he wants God to allow the apostles to visit the Thessalonian church again. If your readers would not understand what direct our way to you means in this context, you could use an equivalent metaphor from your culture. Alternatively, you could express Paul’s meaning in a non-figurative way. Alternate translation: “quickly bring us to you” or “direct our voyage so that we can visit you” (See: Metaphor)

1 Thessalonians 3:12

ὑμᾶς δὲ ὁ Κύριος πλεονάσαι καὶ περισσεύσαι

Here, increase and abound mean basically the same thing. The repetition is used to emphasize how much the apostles want the Thessalonian church to keep increasing in their love for all people. If your language does not use repetition in this way, you could combine these phrases. Alternate translation: “May the Lord Jesus make you completely excel” or “O that the Lord Jesus would cause you to fully thrive” (See: Doublet)

τῇ ἀγάπῃ

Paul speaks figuratively of love as something that can be quantified or measured. He means that he hopes the Thessalonian church will keep loving people well. If your readers would not understand what in love means in this context, you could use an equivalent metaphor from your culture. Alternate translation: “in the way you love” (See: Metaphor)

εἰς ἀλλήλους, καὶ εἰς πάντας

Paul could be speaking figuratively, using these phrases in order to include the whole human race. If this would be misunderstood in your language, you could use an equivalent expression or use plain language. Alternate translation: “toward each and every person” or “toward the whole human race” or “toward Christians and non-Christians” (See: Merism)

εἰς πάντας

Paul could be using the adjective all as a noun in order to describe a group of people. Your language may use adjectives in the same way. If not, you could translate this with a noun phrase. It could refer to: (1) the whole human race. Alternate translation: “toward all humanity” (2) all Christians. Alternate translation: “for all your fellow believers in Christ” (See: Nominal Adjectives)

καθάπερ καὶ ἡμεῖς εἰς ὑμᾶς

Here, just as we also toward you is an emphatic phrase meant to reinforce the deep love the apostles have for the Thessalonian church (also in 3:6). Use a natural way in your language to express this emphasis. Alternate translation: “in the same way that we love you”

1 Thessalonians 3:13

εἰς τὸ στηρίξαι ὑμῶν τὰς καρδίας, ἀμέμπτους ἐν ἁγιωσύνῃ

If your language does not use the abstract nouns hearts and holiness, you could express the ideas behind them in another way. Alternate translation: “so that how you love one another strengthens you to become resolved to live blamelessly, as is appropriate for those who belong to the Lord Jesus” (See: Abstract Nouns)

εἰς τὸ στηρίξαι ὑμῶν τὰς καρδίας

Paul speaks figuratively of the people of the Thessalonian church as if they have one heart that is like a building that can be established or supported. He means that he wants God to increase their willpower or affections so that they would remain faithful to God. If your readers would not understand what this phrase means in this context, you could use an equivalent metaphor from your culture. Alternatively, you could express Paul’s meaning in a non-figurative way. Alternate translation: “to establish your affections” or “to strengthen your will” (See: Metaphor)

εἰς τὸ στηρίξαι ὑμῶν τὰς καρδίας

This phrase is a purpose clause. Paul is stating the purpose for why he prays that God will increase the Thessalonian church’s love for all people. Use a natural way in your language for introducing a purpose clause. Alternate translation: “so that the Lord will establish your affections for him” or “in order that the Lord will strengthen your willpower” (See: Connect — Goal (Purpose) Relationship)

ἀμέμπτους ἐν ἁγιωσύνῃ

Here, blameless and holiness mean basically the same thing. The repetition is used to emphasize total sanctification. If your language does not use repetition in this way, you could combine these phrases. This phrase could refer to: (1) a condition of holiness. Alternate translation: “blameless in a condition of holiness” (2) how to become holy. Alternate translation: “blameless through holiness” (See: Doublet)

ἔμπροσθεν τοῦ Θεοῦ καὶ Πατρὸς ἡμῶν

This phrase is an idiom for being in the personal presence of God (See 3:9). If this would be misunderstood in your language, you could use an equivalent idiom or use plain language. Alternate translation: “in the presence of our Father God” (See: Idiom)

ἐν τῇ παρουσίᾳ τοῦ Κυρίου ἡμῶν, Ἰησοῦ, μετὰ πάντων τῶν ἁγίων αὐτοῦ

This is a reference to Zechariah 14:5 (See also 2 Thessalonians 1:7,10; Jude 14). Here it is implied that these saints are all those who are blameless in holiness and who have already died (See 4:14). If it would be helpful to your readers, you could say that explicitly. Alternate translation: “at the time the Lord Jesus arrives along with all his holy people who have already died” or “when the Lord Jesus returns a second time with all those reposed people who belong to him” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

ἐν τῇ παρουσίᾳ τοῦ Κυρίου ἡμῶν, Ἰησοῦ

Here, at the coming of the Lord Jesus is a well-known idiom in 1-2 Thessalonians for the Second Coming of Christ (See 2:19; 4:15) or the “Day of the Lord” 5:2). Use a natural way in your language to emphasize this idea. Alternate translation: “in the presence of our Lord Jesus at his Second Coming” or “in the sight of our Lord Jesus when he arrives again” (See: Idiom)

1 Thessalonians 4

1 Thessalonians 4 General Notes

Outline of 1 Thessalonians 4

Apostolic Teachings on Holiness (4:1-8)
Apostolic Teachings on Christian Love (4:9-12)
Reminder (4:9-10)
Keep Busy (4:11-12)
Apostolic Teachings on the Manner of the Second Coming of Christ (4:13-18)

“We” and “You”

In this letter, the words we and our refer to Paul, Silvanus, and Timothy, unless otherwise noted. Throughout the letter, we and our are used to convey that all three apostles are in agreement with the letter.

Special Concepts in this Chapter

Christian love

The apostles address the topic of Christian love that the Thessalonian church had previously asked about. The apostles encouraged the church that they were already loving well, and they should continue to grow in this practice. The apostles also link “brotherly love” to living in harmony with each other and minding their own business, so that they would be a good example to non-Christians (See 4:11-12).

Dying before the Second Coming of Christ

The Thessalonian church was concerned about what would happen if a believer died before Christ returned. They were anxious to know whether or not those who died before Christ returned would be part of the Kingdom of God. Paul addresses that concern in 4:13-5:11.

The manner of the Second Coming of Christ

In 4:13-18, the apostles teach about the events related to the Second Coming of Christ (called “the day of the Lord” in 5:2). This is so that the Thessalonians can “comfort one another with these words” (See 4:18).

Important Translation Issues in this Chapter

Sexual immorality

Different cultures have different standards of sexual morality. These different cultural standards may make translating this passage difficult. Translators will have to consider the most appropriate way to communicate these sensitive issues.

The Second Coming of Christ and the Day of the Lord

All Christians believe that Jesus will return to earth to judge all people and to rule forever. As the Nicene Creed (381 A.D.) states: “I await the resurrection of the dead and the life of the age to come.” Christ came once as Incarnate God and will return once as Resurrected Judge. However, there are various ways that Christians understand the “coming of the Lord” as explained in 4:13-5:11, and the “day of the Lord” in 5:2. Some believe they are one and the same event, but others believe them to be two separate events. Your translation should state clearly only what is clear in these verses without promoting any particular interpretation.

1 Thessalonians 4:1

λοιπὸν οὖν

Here, So finally could refer to: (1) a summary of the apostles’ teachings. Alternate translation: “So, in summary,” (2) the remaining things to address. “So then, here is what remains for us to talk about” (See: Connecting Words and Phrases)

ἐρωτῶμεν ὑμᾶς καὶ παρακαλοῦμεν

These two phrases mean basically the same thing. The repetition is used to emphasize how seriously the apostles want the Thessalonian church to follow their teachings. If your language does not use repetition in this way, you could combine these phrases. Alternate translation: “we are urging and appealing to you” or “we strongly urge you” (See: Doublet)

ἐν Κυρίῳ Ἰησοῦ

Paul speaks figuratively as if the apostles are occupying space inside of the Lord Jesus. Here, the metaphor expresses the idea that the apostles represent Jesus himself like ambassadors who possess a king’s authority. If your readers would not understand what in the Lord means in this context, you could use an equivalent metaphor from your culture. Alternatively, you could express Paul’s meaning in a non-figurative way. Alternate translation: “with our authority from the Lord Jesus” (See: Metaphor)

τὸ πῶς δεῖ ὑμᾶς περιπατεῖν

Here, to walk is a metaphor that means “to live” or “to obey” (See 2:12). If your readers would not understand what it means to walk in this context, you could use an equivalent metaphor from your culture. Alternatively, you could express Paul’s meaning in a non-figurative way. Alternate translation: “about how you must live” or “about how you are obligated to obey” (See: Metaphor)

τὸ πῶς δεῖ ὑμᾶς περιπατεῖν καὶ ἀρέσκειν Θεῷ (καθὼς καὶ περιπατεῖτε)

Here, to walk and to please expresses a single idea by using two words connected with and. The word please describes how the Thessalonian church should walk. If it would be more natural in your language, you could express this meaning with an equivalent phrase that does not use and. Alternate translation: “about how you must live to please God (exactly as you live now)” (See: Hendiadys)

ἵνα περισσεύητε μᾶλλον

This phrase is a purpose clause. Paul is stating the purpose for which apostles are begging and exhorting the Thessalonian church. Use a natural way in your language for introducing a purpose clause. Alternate translation: “so that you can excel more and more” or “in order that you thrive even more” (See: Connect — Goal (Purpose) Relationship)

1 Thessalonians 4:2

Paul is providing this background information about the apostles’ teachings during their previous visit to help readers understand what happens next. Use a natural way in your language for introducing background information. (See: Connect — Background Information)

οἴδατε γὰρ τίνας παραγγελίας ἐδώκαμεν ὑμῖν διὰ τοῦ Κυρίου Ἰησοῦ

This verse expresses that the Thessalonian church should do what the apostles previously taught them (See 4:1), because these teachings are actually commands from the Lord Jesus himself. Use a natural way in your language to express a result clause. Alternate translation: “The reason we beg and exhort you is because you realize that when we gave commands, it was actually the Lord Jesus who taught you” (See: Connect — Reason-and-Result Relationship)

γὰρ

Here, For indicates that what follows is something else important that the Thessalonian church should pay attention to. Use a natural way in your language to express this emphasis. Alternate translation: “In fact” or “Certainly” (See: Connecting Words and Phrases)

διὰ τοῦ Κυρίου Ἰησοῦ

Paul speaks figuratively of the commands that the apostles gave to the Thessalonian church as though Jesus personally told them to the apostles. Paul means that Jesus made the apostles his messengers, not that Jesus is a messenger of the apostles. If your readers would not understand what through the Lord Jesus means in this context, you could use an equivalent metaphor from your culture. Alternatively, you could express Paul’s meaning in a non-figurative way. Alternate translation: “through a message from the Lord Jesus” or “by order of the Lord Jesus himself” (See: Metaphor)

1 Thessalonians 4:3

τοῦτο γάρ ἐστιν θέλημα τοῦ Θεοῦ, ὁ ἁγιασμὸς ὑμῶν,

If your language does not use the abstract nouns will and sanctification, you could express the ideas behind them in another way. Alternate translation: “Indeed, God desires that you live like those who belong to him” (See: Abstract Nouns)

τοῦτο γάρ ἐστιν

Here, For this is indicates that this is the beginning of a section about the content of the commands from the Lord Jesus in 4:2. Use a natural way in your language to indicate the beginning of new topic. Alternate translation: “Now, this is” (See: Connecting Words and Phrases)

τοῦτο γάρ ἐστιν θέλημα τοῦ Θεοῦ

Here, this is a singular pronoun that emphasizes what is the will of God. Use a natural way in your language to express this emphasis. Alternate translation: “Certainly, this very thing is God’s will” (See: Collective Nouns)

τοῦτο γάρ ἐστιν θέλημα τοῦ Θεοῦ, ὁ ἁγιασμὸς ὑμῶν

Here begins a list spanning through 4:3-8 that explains what sanctification means in this context. Use a natural way in your language to indicate the beginning of a topic.

ἀπέχεσθαι ὑμᾶς ἀπὸ τῆς πορνείας

This phrase gives us further information about what is meant by sanctification. Paul is defining the sanctification God wants for his people by forbidding sexually immorality. If this is not understood in your language, you can make the relationship between these phrases clearer. (See: Distinguishing Versus Informing or Reminding)

ἀπέχεσθαι ὑμᾶς

The following list of verb forms in 4:3-6 could be translated as commands (See 4:2). Here, the verb forms are likely meant to express a strong suggestion or appeal. Use a form in your language that would be used in this type of situation. Alternate translation: “you yourselves must refrain” or “you should withhold yourselves” (See: Imperatives — Other Uses)

1 Thessalonians 4:4

εἰδέναι ἕκαστον ὑμῶν τὸ ἑαυτοῦ σκεῦος, κτᾶσθαι ἐν ἁγιασμῷ καὶ τιμῇ

Here Paul gives more instructions about the sanctification God wants for his people, by telling the Thessalonian church that every husband needs to treat his wife’s body and his own body in sanctification and honor. If this is not understood in your language, you can make the relationship between these verses clearer. (See: Distinguishing Versus Informing or Reminding)

εἰδέναι ἕκαστον ὑμῶν τὸ ἑαυτοῦ σκεῦος, κτᾶσθαι ἐν ἁγιασμῷ καὶ τιμῇ,

Here, to know to possess refers to sexual intimacy. This is a polite way of referring to something private. If this would be misunderstood in your language, use a different polite way of referring to this or you could state this plainly. Alternate translation: “God desires that you treat your wives’ bodies like they belong to God and to honor them” or “each of you men must use your own body for God’s holy and honorable purposes” (See: Euphemism)

ἕκαστον

Paul is using the adjective each as a noun in order to describe a group of men. Here it specifically is used to emphasize that every husband or man must obey this teaching. Your language may use adjectives in the same way. If not, you could translate this with a noun phrase. Alternate translation: “each and every man” (See: Nominal Adjectives)

τὸ ἑαυτοῦ σκεῦος, κτᾶσθαι

Here Paul speaks figuratively of a person’s body as if it were a container. Here, to possess his own vessel is a metaphor that compares sexual self-control to a proper use of a container. If your readers would not understand what this phrase means in this context, you could use an equivalent metaphor from your culture. It could refer to: (1) a wife’s body. Alternate translation: “to use his wife’s body” or “to properly care for his own wife” (2) a husband’s own body. Alternate translation: “to control his own body” (See: Metaphor)

τὸ ἑαυτοῦ σκεῦος

Paul is using the possessive form his own to express ownership. Use a natural way in your language to express ownership. Alternate translation: “the wife that belongs to you” or “your very own wife” or “the body that belongs to you”(See: Possession)

ἐν ἁγιασμῷ καὶ τιμῇ

This phrase could express a single idea by using two words connected with and. The word honor tells how a husband or man must live in sanctification. If it would be more natural in your language, you could express this meaning with an equivalent phrase that does not use and. Alternate translation: “by honorably setting it apart for God’s purposes” (See: Hendiadys)

1 Thessalonians 4:5

μὴ ἐν πάθει ἐπιθυμίας

If your language does not use the abstract noun phrase in the passion of lust, you could express the idea behind it in another way. Alternate translation: “not passionately lusting” (See: Abstract Nouns)

μὴ ἐν πάθει ἐπιθυμίας

Here, not in the passion of lust contrasts with the previous phrase “in holiness and honor” (See: 4:4). Use a natural way in your language for introducing a contrast. Alternate translation: “not passionately lusting” (See: Connect — Contrast Relationship)

πάθει ἐπιθυμίας

Paul is using the possessive phrase of lust to describe passion. This genitive phrase could refer to: 1) passion characterized by lust. Alternate translation: “lustful passion” 2) the source of the passion. Alternate translation: “passion that comes from lust” (See: Possession)

καθάπερ καὶ τὰ ἔθνη τὰ μὴ εἰδότα τὸν Θεόν

This phrase gives us further information about the those who live in the passion of lust. If this is not understood in your language, you can make the relationship between these phrases clearer. Alternate translation: “like the nations who remain ignorant of God act” or “exactly like all the people who have no relationship with God” (See: Distinguishing Versus Informing or Reminding)

τὰ ἔθνη

Here, the Gentiles refers to all the non-Christian nations in general, not one group of people. If this would be misunderstood in your language, use a more natural phrase (See your translation at 2:16). (See: Generic Noun Phrases)

τὰ μὴ εἰδότα τὸν Θεόν

Here, who do not know God is meant to give further information about the Gentiles. If this is not understood in your language, you can make the relationship between these phrases clearer. Alternate translation: “who have no relationship with God” or “who remain ignorant of God” (See: Distinguishing Versus Informing or Reminding)

1 Thessalonians 4:6

ὑπερβαίνειν καὶ πλεονεκτεῖν

This phrase expresses a single idea by using two words connected with and. The word exploit describes transgress . If it would be more natural in your language, you could express this meaning with an equivalent phrase that does not use and. Alternate translation: “exploits by transgressing” (See: Hendiadys)

ὑπερβαίνειν καὶ πλεονεκτεῖν

Here, transgress and exploit speaks figuratively about adultery, by comparing it to a person who unlawfully enters someone’s property and claims it for their own. If your readers would not understand what it means to transgress and exploit in this context, you could use an equivalent metaphor from your culture. Alternatively, you could express Paul’s meaning in a non-figurative way. Alternative translation, “must trespass and defraud” (See: Metaphor)

ἐν τῷ πράγματι τὸν ἀδελφὸν αὐτοῦ

Here, in this matter could be speaking figuratively of adultery as if someone is intruding in another person’s business matters. If your readers would not understand what in this matter means in this context, you could use an equivalent metaphor from your culture. Alternatively, you could express Paul’s meaning in a non-figurative way. Alternate translation: “the marital matters of his fellow believer in Christ” or “the marriage relationship of another believer in Christ” or (See: Metaphor)

διότι ἔκδικος Κύριος περὶ πάντων τούτων

This clause gives the final result for those who live “in the passion of lust” (See 4:5). Use a natural way in your language to express result. This could refer to: 1) all the matters spoken of in 4:3-6. Alternate translation: “Certainly, the Lord Jesus will avenge all these things” 2) the sexually immoral people. Alternate translation: “This is because the Lord Jesus will punish all those people” (See: Connect — Reason-and-Result Relationship)

καθὼς καὶ προείπαμεν ὑμῖν καὶ διεμαρτυράμεθα

Paul provides this background information about what the apostles said in an earlier visit (See in 2:10-12). Use the natural form in your language for expressing background information. Alternate translation: “This will happen just as we already told you and solemnly testified to you” (See: Background Information)

καθὼς καὶ προείπαμεν ὑμῖν καὶ διεμαρτυράμεθα

These two phrases mean basically the same thing. The repetition is used to emphasize what the apostles had already told the Thessalonian church during a previous visit. If your language does not use repetition in this way, you could combine these phrases. Alternate translation: “exactly as we also solemnly forewarned you” (See: Doublet)

1 Thessalonians 4:7

οὐ γὰρ ἐκάλεσεν ἡμᾶς ὁ Θεὸς ἐπὶ ἀκαθαρσίᾳ, ἀλλ’ ἐν ἁγιασμῷ

If your language does not use the abstract nouns uncleanness and sanctification, you could express the ideas behind them in other ways. Alternate translation: “We must not live impurely or act unholy, because God did not call us as his people for this purpose” or “God called us, so we must purify and set ourselves apart like those who belong to God” (See: Abstract Nouns)

οὐ γὰρ ἐκάλεσεν ἡμᾶς ὁ Θεὸς ἐπὶ ἀκαθαρσίᾳ, ἀλλ’ ἐν ἁγιασμῷ

Paul uses a figure of speech that expresses a strong positive meaning by using a negative word together with a word that is the opposite of the intended meaning. If this is confusing in your language, you can express the meaning positively. Alternate translation: “Certainly God summons us to live purely and act holy” or “Indeed, God calls us to be pure and holy” (See: Litotes)

ἡμᾶς

Here, us is inclusive, referring to the apostles, the Thessalonian church, and by extension, to all Christians. Your language may require you to mark these forms. Alternate translation: “us believers in Christ” (See: Exclusive and Inclusive ‘We’)

ἀλλ’ ἐν ἁγιασμῷ

What follows the word but is in contrast to uncleanness. Use a natural way in your language for introducing a contrast. (See: Connect — Contrast Relationship)

1 Thessalonians 4:8

τοιγαροῦν

This emphatic connecting word is meant to mark the end of this section prohibiting sexual immorality. Use a natural way in your language to indicate this emphasis. Alternate translation: “So then” or “As you can be absolutely certain” (See: Connecting Words and Phrases)

ὁ ἀθετῶν…ἀλλὰ τὸν Θεὸν, τὸν διδόντα

Here God’s constant giving of the Holy Spirit is contrasted with the person who constantly rejects the apostolic teaching. Use a natural way in your language for introducing a contrast. Alternate translation: “he who continues to reject … but actually God himself, who continues to give” (See: Connect — Contrast Relationship)

1 Thessalonians 4:9

περὶ δὲ τῆς φιλαδελφίας

This phrase implies that the apostles are answering a specific question previously asked by the Thessalonian church. If it would be helpful to your readers, you could say that explicitly. Alternate translation: “Now, related to your question about how to love fellow believers in Christ” or “Now, about your question referring to Christian relationships” or “Now, about your question related to Christian friendships” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

τῆς φιλαδελφίας

If your language does not use the abstract noun phrase brotherly love, you could express the idea behind it in another way. Alternate translation: “how to affectionately care for fellow believers in Christ” (See: Abstract Nouns)

οὐ χρείαν ἔχετε γράφειν ὑμῖν, αὐτοὶ γὰρ ὑμεῖς θεοδίδακτοί ἐστε, εἰς τὸ ἀγαπᾶν ἀλλήλους

If it would be more natural in your language, you could reverse the order of these phrases since the second phrase gives the reason for the result that the first phrase describes. Alternate translation: “because God himself teaches you that you should love each other, you do not need us to write to you” (See: Connect — Reason-and-Result Relationship)

οὐ χρείαν ἔχετε γράφειν ὑμῖν

Here, no need is an exaggeration that Paul uses to show how successfully the Thessalonian church is practicing Christian love. Paul knows that they still have things to learn about loving fellow believers in Christ. If this would be misunderstood in your language, you could use an equivalent expression from your language. Alternate translation: “we feel no need to write to you” (See: Hyperbole)

οὐ χρείαν

A word is left out here in the original that a sentence would need in many languages to be complete. Since English needs it, for us is added in brackets. Do what is natural in your language. (See: Ellipsis)

αὐτοὶ γὰρ ὑμεῖς θεοδίδακτοί ἐστε, εἰς τὸ ἀγαπᾶν ἀλλήλους

This clause could refer to: (1) the content of God’s teaching. Alternate translation: “because it is God himself who teaches you: love each other” (2) the manner of God’s teaching. Alternate translation: “indeed, it is God who teaches you how to love each other” (3) the purpose of God’s teaching. Alternate translation: “the reason why God teaches you is so that you would love each other” Use a natural way in your language for expressing this idea.

αὐτοὶ γὰρ ὑμεῖς θεοδίδακτοί ἐστε

Paul speaks figuratively of the Thessalonian church as though God himself were physically present as their teacher. Paul means that the Thessalonian church already has been taught to love one another through the words of Jesus (See John 13:34; 15:12, 17) by the apostles. If your readers would not understand what it means to be taught by God in this context, you could use an equivalent metaphor from your culture. Alternatively, you could express Paul’s meaning in a non-figurative way. Alternate translation: “because you have learned well what God teaches,” or “since this is what God teaches you to do,” (See: Metaphor)

αὐτοὶ

Paul uses the word yourselves to emphasize that the Thessalonian church is doing what God teaches. Use a way that is natural in your language to indicate this emphasis. Alternate translation: “personally” (See: Reflexive Pronouns)

1 Thessalonians 4:10

καὶ γὰρ ποιεῖτε αὐτὸ εἰς πάντας τοὺς ἀδελφοὺς, τοὺς ἐν ὅλῃ τῇ Μακεδονίᾳ

Paul provides this background information to show another aspect of how the Thessalonian church “became an example” to the churches in Macedonia and Achaia (See 1:7-8). Use the natural form in your language for expressing background information. Alternate translation: “Certainly, you habitually show love to all your fellow believers in Christ throughout the region of Macedonia” or “In fact, you are doing just that to all the fellow Christians throughout the province of Macedonia” (See: Background Information)

καὶ γὰρ

Here, For indeed indicates that what follows in an example of how the Thessalonian church shows Christian love. Use a natural way in your language to indicate this emphasis. (See: Connecting Words and Phrases)

ποιεῖτε αὐτὸ

What is implied here is that this refers back to the phrase “to love” in 4:9. If it would be helpful to your readers, you could say that explicitly. (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

παρακαλοῦμεν δὲ ὑμᾶς, ἀδελφοί,

Speaking of what the apostles exhort the Thessalonian church to do, Paul uses a repetitive series of five verb forms that continues into 4:11. This repetitive style of speaking or writing is called a “litany.” Use a form in your language that someone would use to list things that someone is urged to do. Alternate translation: “Now, fellow believers in Christ, we are urging you” or “But, fellow Christians, we strongly encourage you” (See: Litany)

δὲ

Here, But indicates that what follows are numerous exhortations. Use a natural way in your language to express this emphasis. Alternate translation: “However” or “Certainly” (See: Connecting Words and Phrases)

1 Thessalonians 4:11

καὶ φιλοτιμεῖσθαι, ἡσυχάζειν καὶ πράσσειν τὰ ἴδια, καὶ ἐργάζεσθαι ταῖς ἰδίαις χερσὶν ὑμῶν

Paul is figuratively describing peaceful communal living by using this combination of ideas. If this would be misunderstood in your language, you could use an equivalent expression or use plain language. Alternate translation: “and seek to lovingly honor others: by living quietly and tending to your own business and focusing on doing your own work” (See: Metonymy)

καὶ φιλοτιμεῖσθαι, ἡσυχάζειν

These phrases continue the apostles’ exhortations. Here, the phrases translated and to strive to live quietly could refer to: (1) phrases that complement each other. Alternate translation: “and to aspire to live quietly” (2) phrases that express separate ideas. Alternate translation: “and seek to lovingly honor others, to live quietly,” Use a natural way in your language to emphasize this.

πράσσειν τὰ ἴδια

Here, to perform your own things implies that the Thessalonian church should tend to their own concerns. If it would be helpful to your readers, you could say that explicitly. Alternate translation: “to tend to your own business” or “to focus on your own tasks” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

ἐργάζεσθαι ταῖς ἰδίαις χερσὶν ὑμῶν

Here, to work with your own hands is an idiom meaning “earn what you need to live.” If this would be misunderstood in your language, you could use an equivalent idiom or use plain language. Alternate translation: “to work hard to earn what you need” or “to labor to pay for your expenses” (See: Idiom)

καθὼς ὑμῖν παρηγγείλαμεν

This phrase and the following verse signal the end of this larger section of teaching about how to live in Christian community (See 4:1,2 for the same wording). Here, just as we commanded also expresses that what the apostles teach is the same as being “taught by God” (See 4:9). If this would not be understood in your language, you can make the relationship between these phrases clearer. Alternate translation as a new sentence: “This is what we already commanded you to do” (See: Distinguishing Versus Informing or Reminding)

1 Thessalonians 4:12

ἵνα

Here, so that could introduce a purpose clause. Paul could be stating the purpose for the apostles’ exhortation in 4:10. Use a natural way in your language for introducing a purpose clause. Alternate translation: “in order that” (See: Connect — Goal (Purpose) Relationship)

ἵνα περιπατῆτε

Here, so that you may walk could be a result clause. It is possible that this phrase refers to both purpose and result. If there is a way to indicate this in your language, you could express this dual meaning. Alternate translation: “as a result you now live” or “then you will live” (See: Connect — Reason-and-Result Relationship)

περιπατῆτε εὐσχημόνως

Here, to walk is a metaphor that means “to live” or “behave.” If your readers would not understand what it means to walk in this context, you could use an equivalent metaphor from your culture. Alternatively, you could express Paul’s meaning in a non-figurative way. Alternate translation: “you would live appropriately” or “you would live nobly” or “you would behave modestly” (See: Metaphor)

πρὸς τοὺς ἔξω

Paul speaks figuratively of these people as if they were physically located outside of an area. He means that they are not part of the Christian community. If your readers would not understand what “before those outside” means in this context, you could use an equivalent metaphor from your culture. Alternatively, you could express Paul’s meaning in a non-figurative way. Alternate translation: “in the presence of non-Christians” or “in front of those who do not trust in Christ” (See: Metaphor)

καὶ μηδενὸς χρείαν ἔχητε

This is a purpose clause. Paul is stating the purpose for the apostles’ exhortation in 4:10. Use a natural way in your language for introducing a purpose clause. Alternate translation: “and so that you would not need anything” or “and then you can be self-sufficient” (See: Connect — Reason-and-Result Relationship)

1 Thessalonians 4:13

δὲ

Here, Now is a connecting word that signals the beginning of an extended section in 4:13-5:11 about the Second Coming of Christ (See chapter and book introduction)(See also 2 Thessalonians 1:7-10; 2:3-12). If our language has a special section marker, you could use it here. (See: Connecting Words and Phrases)

οὐ θέλομεν δὲ ὑμᾶς ἀγνοεῖν

Paul uses a figure of speech that expresses a strong positive meaning by using a negative word together with a word that is the opposite of the intended meaning. If this is confusing in your language, you can express the meaning positively. Alternate translation: “We want you to know for certain” or “Now we desire to clarify” (See: Litotes)

περὶ

Here, concerning implies that the apostles are answering another specific question previously asked by the Thessalonian church (See 4:9). If it would be helpful to your readers, you could say that explicitly. Alternate translation: “as it relates to your question about” or “concerning your question about” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

τῶν κοιμωμένων

Here, those who are asleep is a euphemism for death that continues through 5:10. In this specific context, it refers to those human souls who are awaiting the reunion of their bodies at the Second Coming of Christ (See 4:16–17). You could either use a similar euphemism for death in your language or say this in a non-figurative way. Alternate translation: “those who are already dead” or “those who have died” (See: Euphemism)

ἵνα μὴ λυπῆσθε

Here, so that you may not grieve is a purpose clause. Paul is stating the purpose for why he does not want the Thessalonian church to remain ignorant about the destiny of their loved ones who are asleep. Use a natural way in your language for introducing a purpose clause. Alternate translation: “so that you would not sorrow” (See: Connect — Goal (Purpose) Relationship)

καθὼς καὶ οἱ λοιποὶ

Paul is using the adjective phrase the rest as a noun in order to describe a group of people. Your language may use adjectives in the same way. If not, you could translate this with a noun phrase. Alternate translation: “like the rest of people” or “in the same way as the rest of humanity” (See: Nominal Adjectives)

οἱ μὴ ἔχοντες ἐλπίδα

Here Paul assumes that his readers will know that hope refers to salvation at the final resurrection (See 1:3; 2:19; 4:16; 5:8). Previously hope was associated with the Second Coming of Christ in 2:19. If it would be helpful to your readers, you could indicate that explicitly. Alternate translation: “who possess no confidence of life after death” or “who possess no assurance of life after death” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

οἱ μὴ ἔχοντες ἐλπίδα

If your language does not use the abstract noun hope, you could express the idea behind it in another way. Alternate translation: “who are not confident of life after death” “who are not sure about life after death” (See: Abstract Nouns)

1 Thessalonians 4:14

εἰ γὰρ πιστεύομεν ὅτι Ἰησοῦς ἀπέθανεν καὶ ἀνέστη

Paul is speaking as if this were a hypothetical possibility, but he actually means that it is true. If your language does not state something as a condition if it is certain or true, and if your readers might misunderstand and think what the apostles are saying is not certain, then you can translate their words as an affirmative statement. Alternate translation: “As we certainly believe that Jesus died and resurrected” (See: Connect — Factual Conditions)

πιστεύομεν ὅτι Ἰησοῦς ἀπέθανεν καὶ ἀνέστη

Here it is assumed that the Thessalonian church knows the apostolic teaching that Jesus died and rose again. If it would be helpful to your readers, you could indicate that explicitly. Alternate translation: “we apostles trust―as you already know―that Jesus died and rose again” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

πιστεύομεν

Although we believe could be inclusive of the Thessalonian church (and by extension all Christians), it is most likely exclusive, referring to Paul, Silvanus, and Timothy. The previous use in 4:11 and subsequent uses (See “we say” in 4:15) are clearly referring to the apostles. Here, it mostly likely is a reference to their authoritative teaching. Your language may require you to mark these forms. (See: Exclusive and Inclusive ‘We’)

οὕτως…ὁ Θεὸς

This phrase could refer to: (1) result. Alternate translation: “then God” (2) manner. Alternate translation: “this is the way God” or “this is how God” (See: Connect — Reason-and-Result Relationship)

ὁ Θεὸς τοὺς κοιμηθέντας διὰ τοῦ Ἰησοῦ ἄξει σὺν αὐτῷ.

Paul is using the possessive form. Here, through Jesus could refer to: (1) being united to Jesus’ resurrection power through death. Alternate translation: “God will bring back with Jesus those who are united to him in death” (2) those who God will also bring back again through Jesus. Alternate translation: “it is through Jesus that God will bring back the dead people who are with him” (See: Possession)

αὐτῷ

Here Paul implies that him refers to Jesus. If it would be helpful to your readers, you could say that explicitly. (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

1 Thessalonians 4:15

τοῦτο γὰρ ὑμῖν λέγομεν ἐν λόγῳ Κυρίου

This clause indicates that what follows is something else important that the Thessalonian church should pay attention to (See also 1:8 for the word of the Lord). Alternate translation: “Certainly, what we now say to you is the Lord Jesus’ message” (See: Connecting Words and Phrases)

ἐν λόγῳ Κυρίου

The phrase the word of the Lord figuratively refers to “the whole message of the Lord’s gospel.” If this would be misunderstood in your language, you could use an equivalent expression or use plain language. Here, word could refer to: (1) the authority of the message. Alternate translation: “because the Lord Jesus authorized our message” (2) the means of the message. Alternate translation: “with a message from the Lord Jesus” (See: Metonymy)

Κυρίου, ὅτι ἡμεῖς

Here, that indicates that the rest of the verse is the content of the word of the Lord. You could indicate this by changing the punctuation or some other natural way in your language. Alternate translation: “of the Lord: we” (See: Connecting Words and Phrases)

λέγομεν…ἡμεῖς οἱ ζῶντες

When Paul says we say, he is speaking of himself, Silvanus, and Timothy, so we would be exclusive. However, when Paul says we who are alive, since he seems to be referring to all Christians, we who are alive would be inclusive. Your language may require you to mark these forms. Alternate translation: “we apostles say … all of us believers in Christ who are still alive” (See: Exclusive and Inclusive ‘We’)

οἱ περιλειπόμενοι

This phrase gives us further information about we who are alive. It is not making a distinction between who are left behind and we who are alive. If this is not understood in your language, you can make the relationship between these phrases clearer. Alternate translation: “and survive” or “and remain here” (See: Distinguishing Versus Informing or Reminding)

εἰς τὴν παρουσίαν τοῦ Κυρίου

Here, coming of the Lord is a well-known idiom in 1-2 Thessalonians for the Second Coming of Christ 3:13 or the “Day of the Lord” 5:2. If this would be misunderstood in your language, you could use an equivalent idiom or use plain language. Alternate translation: “until the Lord Jesus returns” or “for the Second Coming of the Lord Jesus” (See: Idiom)

οὐ μὴ φθάσωμεν τοὺς κοιμηθέντας

Here, the phrase translated certainly not is a strong prohibition meaning “never.” If this double negative would be misunderstood in your language, you could translate it as a positive statement as in the UST. Alternate translation: “will never precede those who are dead” or “are not permitted to come before those who have already died” (See: Double Negatives)

1 Thessalonians 4:16

ὅτι

Here, For indicates that following events are related to the Second Coming. Use a natural way in your language to indicate this. Alternately translation: “Certainly,” or “Indeed,” (See: Connecting Words and Phrases)

ὅτι αὐτὸς ὁ Κύριος ἐν κελεύσματι, ἐν φωνῇ ἀρχαγγέλου, καὶ ἐν σάλπιγγι Θεοῦ, καταβήσεται ἀπ’ οὐρανοῦ

In this verse, Paul is describing events that happen at the same time the Lord will descend from heaven. He emphasizes the order of events by listing them prior to the main verb. If it is clearer in your language, you could place the main verb before the accompanying actions. You can also make this clear in your translation with an appropriate connecting word or phrase. Alternate translation: “Certainly, the Lord Jesus himself will come down from heaven with a commanding shout, and with the archangel’s voice, and with God’s trumpet” (See: Connect — Simultaneous Time Relationship)

αὐτὸς ὁ Κύριος

Paul uses the word himself to emphasize that the Lord Jesus will come back in person. Use a way that is natural in your language to indicate this emphasis. Alternate translation: “the Lord Jesus will come back personally” or “the very person, the Lord Jesus” (See: Reflexive Pronouns)

ἀρχαγγέλου

See Jude 9 for the only other use of this word in the Bible.

σάλπιγγι Θεοῦ

Paul is using the possessive form to describe a trumpet that is related to God. Here, trumpet of God could refer to: (1) a trumpet that God commands to be blown. Alternate translation: “a trumpet that God orders to be blown” (2) a trumpet that belongs to God. Alternate translation: “God’s trumpet” (See: Possession)

καταβήσεται ἀπ’ οὐρανοῦ; καὶ οἱ νεκροὶ ἐν Χριστῷ ἀναστήσονται πρῶτον

The first main verb descend is listed after the events that describe it. This is to show contrast with the second verb rise. After the Lord Jesus comes down from heaven, the dead Christians will resurrect from the earth. Paul makes two opposite statements, in similar ways, to emphasis the dramatic nature of the Lord’s Second Coming. Use a natural way in your language to indicate this emphasis. Alternate translation: “will come down from heaven, but the first to resurrect from the earth will be the dead people who are united to Christ” (See: Parallelism)

καὶ

The word and indicates that the event the story will now relate came after the event it has just described. If it would be helpful to your readers, you could show this relationship by using a fuller phrase. Alternate translation: “and then after that,” or “and afterward,” (See: Connect — Sequential Time Relationship)

οἱ νεκροὶ

Paul assumes that the Thessalonian church knows that the dead are the same as “those who are asleep” in 4:13–15. If it would be helpful to your readers, you could indicate that explicitly. See how you translated “fallen asleep” in 4:13–15 (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

ἐν Χριστῷ

Here Paul speaks figuratively about the dead as though they were occupying space inside Christ. This metaphor expresses the idea that believers are spiritually united to Christ (See also 2:14). Here, it also highlights the communion that living Thessalonian believers in Christ have with the believers in Christ who have died. If this might be misunderstood in your language, you can express the meaning in a non-figurative way. Alternative translation: “who are united to Jesus Christ” or “who share life with Jesus Christ” (See: Metaphor)

1 Thessalonians 4:17

ἔπειτα

Here, Then indicates that the events the story will now relate came after the event it has just described. If it would be helpful to your readers, you could show this relationship by using a fuller phrase. Alternate translation: “After that,” or “Afterward,” (See: Connect — Sequential Time Relationship)

ἡμεῖς οἱ ζῶντες

Though we who are alive could be exclusive of the apostles (See note for the same phrase at 4:15), the universal content of this section implies that all Christians are in view, so we would be inclusive. Your language may require you to mark these forms. Alternate translation: “all of us believers in Christ who remain alive” (See: Exclusive and Inclusive ‘We’)

ἅμα σὺν αὐτοῖς

Here, Paul refers to “the dead in Christ” (See 4:16) as them. If this is confusing in your language, you could make the reference explicit. Alternate translation: “together with the dead in Christ (See: Pronouns — When to Use Them)

ἅμα σὺν αὐτοῖς

Here, together with them could refer to: (1) a simultaneous event. You can make this clear in your translation with an appropriate connecting word or phrase. Alternate translation: “with them at the same time” (2) association with the “dead in Christ.” Alternate translation: “along with the dead in Christ” (3) both event and association. Alternate translation: “at the same time together with the dead in Christ” (See: Connect — Simultaneous Time Relationship)

ἁρπαγησόμεθα ἐν νεφέλαις εἰς ἀπάντησιν τοῦ Κυρίου εἰς ἀέρα

Here it is assumed that Paul is referring to the words of the angels at Jesus’ Ascension in [Acts 1:9-11] (acts/01/09.md), as a fulfillment of the prophecy in Daniel 7:13-14. If it would be helpful to your readers, you could provide a footnote or reference. (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

εἰς ἀπάντησιν

Here, to meet is a purpose clause. Paul is stating the purpose for why living believers will be caught up together with “the dead in Christ.” Use a natural way in your language for introducing a purpose clause. Alternate translation: “in order to encounter” (See: Connect — Goal (Purpose) Relationship)

ἐν νεφέλαις εἰς ἀπάντησιν τοῦ Κυρίου εἰς ἀέρα

Here, clouds and air could be considered symbolic language representing God’s presence and the spiritual realm (See Exodus 19; Daniel 7:13-14; Matthew 24; Mark 13; Luke 17; 21; Ephesians 2:2). If it would be helpful to your readers, you could indicate that explicitly. Alternate translation: “to spiritually encounter the Lord Jesus” (See: Symbolic Language)

καὶ οὕτως

This clause is meant to signal the end of the events related to the Second Coming. You can use the natural form in your language for expressing the conclusion of a story. (See: End of Story)

καὶ οὕτως

This clause also indicates the result of the meeting with the Lord. Use a natural way in your language to indicate result. Alternate translation: “and then” or “as a result” (See: Connect — Reason-and-Result Relationship)

σὺν Κυρίῳ

Here, with the Lord parallels together with them to express union with Christ as communion with his people. Use a natural way in your language to indicate this emphasis. (See: Parallelism)

1 Thessalonians 4:18

ὥστε παρακαλεῖτε

This is a result clause. Use a natural way in your language to indicate result. Alternate translation: “So then, keep encouraging” or “Because of this, you must comfort” (See: Connect — Reason-and-Result Relationship)

παρακαλεῖτε

This is an imperative, but it communicates an appeal rather than a command. Use a form in your language that communicates an appeal. Alternate translation: “you should encourage” or “please continue to comfort (See: Imperatives — Other Uses)

ἀλλήλους

The pronoun one another refers to the Thessalonian church. If your readers would misunderstand this, you could make it explicit. Alternate translation: “each fellow member of your church” or “your fellow Thessalonian believers in Christ” (See: Pronouns — When to Use Them)

ἐν τοῖς λόγοις τούτοις

Here, with these words could refer to “we will always be with the Lord” in 4:17 or figuratively to all that has been said in 4:13-17. Alternate translation: “by reminding each other of our message” or “with these promises” (See: Synecdoche)

1 Thessalonians 5

1 Thessalonians 5 General Notes

Outline of 1 Thessalonians 5

Apostolic Teachings on the Second Coming of Christ (5:1-10)
Timing (5:1-3)
Preparation (5:4-8)
God’s plan (5:9-10)
Final Instructions (5:11-28)
Final Commands (5:11-22)
Final Prayer (5:23-24)
Final Appeals (5:25-27)
Final blessing (5:25-27)

Structure and Formatting

Paul concludes his letter in a way that was typical of letters in the ancient Near East.

“We” and “You”

Special Concepts in this Chapter

Idiom

Day of the Lord

The “day of the Lord” is an idiom for the time of final salvation for God’s people and final judgment for God’s enemies. “Day” is metaphorical for a time period. Thus, the exact time of the coming “day of the Lord” will be a surprise to the world. The simile “like a thief in the night” refers to this surprise timing. Because of this, Christians must prepare for the coming of the Lord by living with faith, hope and love 5:8 toward God and others. (See: day of the Lord, day of Yahweh)

Simile

Like a thief

The simile “like a thief in the night” refers to this surprise timing. Because of this, Christians must prepare for the coming of the Lord by living with faith, hope, and love 5:8 toward God and others. (See: Simile)

Metaphor

Day and night, light and darkness

The apostles use many metaphors throughout 5:1-11. “Night,” “darkness,” “drunk,” “sleep” are all metaphors about spiritual ignorance or lack of readiness. “Day,” “light,” “sober,” “watch” are all metaphors about spiritual awareness and readiness.

Armor

Here, the apostles use a military metaphor to urge the Thessalonian church to be ready for Christ’s Second Coming at “the day of the Lord.” Just as soldiers must always be armed and ready to fight, so the Christian must live prepared for Christ’s return. Faithfulness and love are compared to a breastplate, and the hope of salvation is likened to a helmet 5:8.

Prophecy

Those who “despise prophecies” in 5:20 are said to “quench the Spirit.” This is a metaphor for trying to hinder the Holy Spirit’s guidance in the Church. All prophecies are to be examined and tested to determine if they adhere to apostolic teaching 5:21. All prophecies that are proven to agree with apostolic teaching, are to be retained as good 5:21-22.

Submission to Christian leadership

The apostles link the well-being and spiritual safety of the Thessalonian church to obedience to their leaders. Christian leaders are to be given recognition and loving respect by the church 5:12-13.

Holy Kiss

This refers to the ancient practice of exchanging a kiss of peace on the cheek during the liturgy. Different cultures have different standards of appropriate physical contact. These different cultural standards may make translating this passage difficult. Translators will have to consider the most appropriate way to communicate this sensitive issue 5:26.

1 Thessalonians 5:1

περὶ δὲ τῶν χρόνων καὶ τῶν καιρῶν

Here, Now concerning signals a change in subject (See also 4:9). This phrase implies that the apostles are answering a specific question previously asked by the Thessalonian church about the timing of “the coming of the Lord” and how the church should prepare for it. If it would be helpful to your readers, you could say that explicitly. Alternate translation: “Now, about your question related to the exact timing of the Lord’s return” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

τῶν χρόνων καὶ τῶν καιρῶν

Here, the times and the seasons is an idiom referring to a specific point in time or a time period. If this would be misunderstood in your language, you could use an equivalent idiom or use plain language. This phrase could refer to: (1) a specific point in time. Alternate translation: “the appointed time when Jesus returns” or “the fixed time when Jesus returns” (See Acts 1:7) for this exact phrase referring to the same thing)). (2) a specific amount of time. Alternate translation: “how long it will take for the Lord Jesus to return” or “when the Lord Jesus will return” (See: Idiom)

οὐ χρείαν ἔχετε ὑμῖν γράφεσθαι

Here words are left out in the original that a sentence would need in many languages to be complete. Since English needs it, for us is added in brackets. Do what is natural in your language. (See: Ellipsis)

1 Thessalonians 5:2

This verse begins an extended list of contrasting similes that continues through 5:8. If this would be misunderstood in your language, you could use equivalent comparisons or express these meanings in a non-figurative way. (See: Simile)

αὐτοὶ γὰρ ἀκριβῶς οἴδατε

The words For, yourselves, and perfectly emphasize how clearly the Thessalonian church should understand when and how the Lord’s Second Coming will happen. Use a natural way in your language to indicate this emphasis. Alternate translation: “In fact, it is certain that you recognize accurately” or “You are certainly well aware of this fact” or “Indeed, you know precisely” (See: Reflexive Pronouns)

γὰρ

Here, For begins a reason clause that explains why the Thessalonian church has “no need that anything be written” to them about the timing and manner of the Lord’s Second Coming (See 5:1). Alternate translation: “In fact,” or “Certainly,” (See: Connect — Reason-and-Result Relationship)

ἡμέρα Κυρίου

Here, the day of the Lord is an idiom that refers to the Old Testament concept of the time of God’s final judgment. The context of this passage makes it clear that the day of the Lord is synonymous with “the coming of the Lord” Jesus in 4:15. (See also Acts 2:20; 1 Corinthians 5:5; 2 Thessalonians 2:2; 2 Peter 3:10). Use a natural way in your language to emphasize this idea. Alternate translation; “the time when the Lord Jesus returns again to earth” or “the time when the Lord Jesus will finally judge” (See: Idiom)

ὡς κλέπτης ἐν νυκτὶ οὕτως ἔρχεται

The point of this comparison is that, just like a thief at night comes unexpectedly, the way Jesus will return is unexpected and the timing of his return is unknown. If this would be misunderstood in your language, you could use an equivalent comparison or express this meaning in a non-figurative way. Alternate translation: “is going to come as unexpectedly as a robber at night” or “is going to come so surprisingly–like when a thief breaks in at night” or “is going to happen like this–all of a sudden” (See: Simile)

1 Thessalonians 5:3

ὅταν λέγωσιν, εἰρήνη καὶ ἀσφάλεια

Paul is using a hypothetical situation to express the suddenness of the “the day of the Lord.” Use the natural form in your language for expressing a hypothetical situation. Alternate translation: “Whenever they might say, ‘Everything is safe and sound,’” or “At a time when people are saying, ‘All is well,’” (See: Hypothetical Situations)

τότε

Here what follows the word then is in contrast to the Peace and safety these people expected to last. Instead, sudden destruction comes on them. Use a natural way in your language for introducing a contrast. (See: Connect — Contrast Relationship)

τότε αἰφνίδιος αὐτοῖς ἐφίσταται ὄλεθρος

Here, sudden destruction parallels the idea of terror that accompanies a sudden attack by “a thief in the night” (See 5:2). If it would be clearer in your language, you could make this idea explicit. Alternate translation: “then sudden calamity strikes” or “then immediate destruction looms over them” (See: Parallelism)

αἰφνίδιος αὐτοῖς ἐφίσταται ὄλεθρος, ὥσπερ ἡ ὠδὶν τῇ ἐν γαστρὶ ἐχούσῃ; καὶ οὐ μὴ ἐκφύγωσιν

Here, sudden describes the unexpected timing of birth pains , and certainly not escape describes the nature of destruction. Paul says similar things with these phrases to show that God’s final judgment will be a total surprise and complete ruin for unbelievers. Use a natural way in your language to emphasize these ideas. (See: Parallelism)

ὥσπερ ἡ ὠδὶν τῇ ἐν γαστρὶ ἐχούσῃ; καὶ οὐ μὴ ἐκφύγωσιν

The point of this comparison is that, just like a pregnant woman suddenly experiences labor pains, God’s final judgment will come suddenly and be inescapable. If this would be misunderstood in your language, you could use an equivalent comparison or express this meaning in a non-figurative way. Alternate translation: “just as suddenly as labor pains seize a pregnant woman–these people can never escape God’s destruction” (See: Simile)

τῇ ἐν γαστρὶ ἐχούσῃ

Here, having in the womb is an idiom meaning “pregnant.” If this would be misunderstood in your language, you could use an equivalent idiom or use plain language. Alternate translation: “do for a woman in late pregnancy” (See: Idiom)

οὐ μὴ ἐκφύγωσιν

Here, certainly not is a strong prohibition meaning “never” (See 4:15). If this double negative would be misunderstood in your language, you could translate it as a positive statement. Alternate translation: “they will never escape” or “there is no way to possibly escape” (See: Double Negatives)

1 Thessalonians 5:4

ὑμεῖς δέ

Here what follows the words But you is in contrast to the “sudden destruction” of the people in 5:3. Use a natural way in your language for introducing a contrast. Alternate translation: “Certainly you” (See: Connect — Contrast Relationship)

οὐκ ἐστὲ ἐν σκότει

Paul speaks figuratively of these people as if they actually live in place without light. He means that they are unaware or unprepared for the Lord’s return because they are living sinfully. If your readers would not understand what it means to be in darkness in this context, you could use an equivalent metaphor from your culture. Alternate translation: “are not unprepared” or “are not living sinfully” (See: Metaphor)

ἵνα ἡ ἡμέρα ὑμᾶς ὡς κλέπτας καταλάβῃ

This is a result clause. Use a natural way in your language to indicate result. Alternate translation: “causing you to be like people such as those surprised by a robber. You are ready for the time when the Lord Jesus will return” (See: Connect — Reason-and-Result Relationship)

ἡ ἡμέρα

Here, Paul speaks figuratively about the idiom “the day of the Lord” in 5:2, by contrasting the day with darkness. He means that because the Thessalonian church is not unaware of “the day of the Lord,” they will not be unprepared, like people who live in darkness. If your readers would not understand what the day means in this context, you could use an equivalent metaphor from your culture. Alternatively, you could express Paul’s meaning in a non-figurative way. Alternative translation, “the day of the Lord” (See: Metaphor)

ἵνα ἡ ἡμέρα ὑμᾶς ὡς κλέπτας καταλάβῃ

Paul speaks figuratively of “the day of the Lord” as if it were a thief who surprises a person. He means that “the day of the Lord” will come suddenly for those who are unprepared (See “sudden destruction” in 5:3). If your readers would not understand what this phrase means in this context, you could use an equivalent metaphor from your culture. Alternatively, you could express Paul’s meaning in a non-figurative way. Alternative translation: “making you unprepared, like when a robber breaks in at night” (See: Metaphor)

1 Thessalonians 5:5

πάντες γὰρ ὑμεῖς υἱοὶ φωτός ἐστε, καὶ υἱοὶ ἡμέρας. οὐκ ἐσμὲν νυκτὸς οὐδὲ σκότους

Here, sons of the light means basically the same thing as sons of the day. Also, of the night means basically the same thing as of the darkness. The repetition is used to emphasize how light characterizes day and how darkness characterizes night. If your language does not use repetition in this way, you could combine these phrases. Alternate translation: “Certainly, all of you are ready for Christ’s Second Coming. None of us are unprepared” (See: Doublet)

πάντες γὰρ ὑμεῖς υἱοὶ φωτός ἐστε, καὶ υἱοὶ ἡμέρας

Paul speaks figuratively of the Thessalonian church as if the light and day were their physical parents. He means that the Thessalonian church members are God’s spiritual children who are characterized by spiritual readiness. If your readers would not understand what it means to be sons of the light and sons of the day in this context, you could use an equivalent metaphor from your culture. Alternatively, you could express Paul’s meaning in a non-figurative way. Alternate translation: “This is because all of you who belong to God are ready for Christ’s coming” (See: Metaphor)

γὰρ

Here, For begins a reason clause that explains why the Thessalonian church will escape God’s judgment on “the day of the Lord” (See 5:2). Alternate translation: “Because in fact” or “Certainly” (See: Connect — Reason-and-Result Relationship)

πάντες…ὑμεῖς…ἐστε

Paul is using the adjective all as a noun in order to describe the whole Thessalonian church. Your language may use adjectives in the same way. If not, you could translate this with a noun phrase. Alternate translation: “you Thessalonians are all” (See: Nominal Adjectives)

οὐκ ἐσμὲν νυκτὸς οὐδὲ σκότους

Again, Paul speaks figuratively of these people as if they actually live in a place without light. He means that they are unaware or unprepared for the Lord’s return because they are living sinfully (See 5:4). If your readers would not understand what it means to be of the night or of the darkness in this context, you could use an equivalent metaphor from your culture. Alternate translation: “We are not unprepared like those at night or those who live in the darkness, ” or “We are not characterized by being spiritually ignorant” or “We do not live like those who are characterized by sinful activities” (See: Metaphor)

ἐσμὲν

In 5:5-10, We is inclusive of all Christians. Your language may require you to mark these forms. Alternate translation: “We believers in Christ are” (See: Exclusive and Inclusive ‘We’)

νυκτὸς οὐδὲ σκότους

Paul is using the possessive form to describe people who are characterized by spiritual ignorance or who live sinfully. This means that they will not be prepared at “the day of the Lord.” If this is not clear in your language, you could make this explicit. Alternate translation: “characterized by being spiritually unprepared and living sinfully” (See: Possession)

1 Thessalonians 5:6

ἄρα οὖν

Here, so then emphatically introduces a result clause. Use a natural way in your language to introduce a result clause. Alternate translation: “therefore” or “as a result” (See: Connect — Reason-and-Result Relationship)

μὴ καθεύδωμεν ὡς οἱ λοιποί

Here Paul speaks figuratively about the people “of the night” and “of the darkness” are if they are sleeping. He means that they are unaware or unprepared for the Lord’s return because they are living sinfully (See notes for “darkness” at 5:4-5). If your readers would not understand what it means to sleep in this context, you could use an equivalent metaphor from your culture. Alternate translation: “we must not be unprepared like non-Christians” or “let us not be like the rest of humanity, who are not aware that Jesus is coming back” (See: Metaphor)

μὴ καθεύδωμεν…γρηγορῶμεν καὶ νήφωμεν

Here, the verb forms sleep, keep watch, and be sober could also refer to: (1) commands. Alternate translation: “we must not sleep … we must keep watch and be sober” (2) appeals. Alternate translation: “let us not sleep … let us keep watch and let us be sober” (See: Imperatives — Other Uses)

οἱ λοιποί

Paul is using the adjective the rest as a noun in order to describe those who are unprepared for Christ’s return. Your language may use adjectives in the same way. If not, you could translate this with a noun phrase. Alternate translation: “like others who are not ready for the Lord Jesus to return” or “like the rest of humanity” (See: Nominal Adjectives)

ἀλλὰ

Here, what follows the word but is in contrast to the rest who sleep. Use a natural way in your language for introducing a contrast. Alternate translation (starting a new sentence): “On the contrary,” or “Instead,” or “Rather,” (See: Connect — Contrast Relationship)

γρηγορῶμεν καὶ νήφωμεν

Here, Paul speaks figuratively of Christians as if they are watch guards. He means that they should be aware and be prepared for the Lord’s return by living as God’s people should live. If your readers would not understand what it means to keep watch or be sober in this context, you could use an equivalent metaphor from your culture. Alternate translation: “instead, we must stay spiritually alert and prepared” (See: Metaphor)

γρηγορῶμεν καὶ νήφωμεν

These verbs express a similar idea by using two words connected with and. The verb be sober tells how Christians should keep watch. If it would be more natural in your language, you could express this meaning with an equivalent phrase that does not use and. Alternate translation: “we should remain calmly alert” or “let us remain soberly awake” (See: Hendiadys)

1 Thessalonians 5:7

οἱ γὰρ καθεύδοντες, νυκτὸς καθεύδουσιν; καὶ οἱ μεθυσκόμενοι, νυκτὸς μεθύουσιν

These two phrases convey similar ideas by repeating the same verb forms twice. Paul says the same thing twice, in different ways, to show that sleeping and getting drunk are states of being that make people unaware or unprepared. If saying the same thing twice might be confusing for your readers, you can condense each phrase. Alternate translation: “Certainly, people sleep at night, and people get drunk at night” (See: Parallelism)

γὰρ

Here, For begins a reason clause that explains why the Thessalonian church should “not sleep” or be unprepared for the Lord’s return (See 5:6). Alternate translation: “Because in fact,” or “Certainly,” (See: Connect — Reason-and-Result Relationship)

οἱ γὰρ καθεύδοντες, νυκτὸς καθεύδουσιν

Here again, like in 5:6, Paul speaks figuratively as if these people are actually sleeping, or it is night time. He means that these people are spiritually unprepared or unaware or even sinful (See also notes at 5:2,4). If your readers would not understand what sleep and night mean in this context, you could use an equivalent metaphor from your culture. Alternatively, you could express Paul’s meaning in a non-figurative way. Alternate translation: “Those who are sleeping are unaware” or “Certainly those who are asleep are unprepared” (See: Metaphor)

οἱ μεθυσκόμενοι, νυκτὸς μεθύουσιν

Paul speaks figuratively as if these people are actually drunk, or it is night time. He means that these people are spiritually unprepared or unaware or sinful. If your readers would not understand what getting drunk or night mean in this context, you could use an equivalent metaphor from your culture. Alternatively, you could express Paul’s meaning in a non-figurative way. Alternate translation: “those who are drunk are unprepared” or “those who are drunk are unaware” or “those who drink too much alcohol tend to drink at night” (See: Metaphor)

1 Thessalonians 5:8

δὲ

What follows the word But here is in contrast to “getting drunk” at “night” in 5:7. Instead, Christians are characterized by the activities of the day and staying sober (See 5:5–6). Use a natural way in your language for introducing a contrast. Alternate translation: “However” or “Instead” (See: Connect — Contrast Relationship)

ἡμεῖς…νήφωμεν

Here, should stay sober could refer to: (1) a command. Alternate translation: “we … must stay sober” (2) an appeal. Alternate translation: “let us … stay sober” (See your translation at 5:6). (See: Imperatives — Other Uses)

ἡμεῖς δὲ ἡμέρας ὄντες

Paul speaks figuratively of Christians as if they are actually a part of the day time. He means that they are characterized by spiritual readiness for the Lord’s return. If your readers would not understand what it means to be of the day in this context, you could use an equivalent metaphor from your culture. Alternatively, you could express Paul’s meaning in a non-figurative way. Alternate translation: “Now, because we are ready for Christ’s coming, we” or “Since we are characterized by being ready, we” (See: Metaphor)

ἐνδυσάμενοι θώρακα πίστεως καὶ ἀγάπης, καὶ περικεφαλαίαν, ἐλπίδα σωτηρίας

Paul speaks figuratively of Christians as if they are soldiers. He means that just as a soldier must equip himself with armor in order to be ready to fight, so Christians must prepare themselves for the Second Coming of Christ with the spiritual protection of faith, love, and hope (See also Ephesians 6:10-18,23). If your readers would not understand what these phrases mean in this context, you could use equivalent metaphors from your culture. Alternatively, you could express Paul’s meaning in a non-figurative way. (See: Metaphor)

1 Thessalonians 5:9

ὅτι οὐκ ἔθετο ἡμᾶς ὁ Θεὸς εἰς ὀργὴν

Here, wrath refers to God’s future and final Judgment (See your translation of wrath at 1:10, 2:16). (See also What is the “second coming” of Jesus?). If your language does not use the abstract noun wrath, you could express the idea behind it in another way. “Certainly, God did not destine that he would punish us” or “Indeed, God did not determine that he would judge us” (See: Abstract Nouns)

ὅτι

Here, For begins a reason clause that explains why the Thessalonian church should have “the hope of salvation” (See 5:8). Use a natural way in your language to express this emphasis. Alternate translation: “Certainly” (See: Connect — Reason-and-Result Relationship)

1 Thessalonians 5:8

πίστεως καὶ ἀγάπης…σωτηρίας

Paul uses the possessive form to describe things that are characterized by faith and hope and love. You could turn these phrases into similes if it would be clearer in your language. (See: Possession)

1 Thessalonians 5:9

εἰς…εἰς

Here, to … to introduces two purpose clauses. Paul is stating the purpose or goal for which God appointed the two types of people described in 5:3–8). Use a natural way in your language for introducing purpose clauses. Alternate translation: “for the purpose of … in order to” (See: Connect — Goal (Purpose) Relationship)

ἀλλὰ

What follows the word but here is in contrast to wrath. Here Paul emphasizes that God’s true people will not experience his final punishment. Use a natural way in your language for introducing a contrast. Alternate translation: “but actually” or “but instead” (See: Connect — Contrast Relationship)

εἰς περιποίησιν σωτηρίας

Here, the phrase translated to obtain salvation is a possessive form that Paul uses to indicate that salvation is something that belongs to God’s people. If this is not clear in your language, you could make this explicit. Alternate translation: “for the possessing of salvation” or “for the acquiring of salvation” (See: Possession)

1 Thessalonians 5:10

τοῦ ἀποθανόντος περὶ ἡμῶν

Here, the one who died for us gives us further information about what “salvation through our Lord Jesus Christ” is (See 5:9). Paul means that God gives the guarantee that Christians will “obtain salvation,” because Jesus died for us. If this is not understood in your language, you can make the relationship between these phrases clearer. Alternate translation: “who died on our behalf” or “who died for our sake” (See: Distinguishing Versus Informing or Reminding)

ἵνα…ἅμα σὺν αὐτῷ ζήσωμεν

This is a purpose clause. Paul is stating why Jesus died for us. Use a natural way in your language for introducing a purpose clause. Alternate translation: “in order that … we could live together with him” (See: Connect — Goal (Purpose) Relationship)

εἴτε γρηγορῶμεν εἴτε καθεύδωμεν

Paul speaks figuratively of these people as if they were physically awake or asleep. He means that they are “alive or dead” (See 4:14–17). If your readers would not understand what it means to be awake or asleep in this context, you could use an equivalent metaphor from your culture. Alternatively, you could express Paul’s meaning in a non-figurative way. Alternate translation: “whether we are living or even if we are dead” (See: Metaphor)

1 Thessalonians 5:11

διὸ

Here, Therefore indicates the conclusion of this section about timing of “the day of the Lord,” and connects to the manner of Christ’s return in 4:14–18 by again using the same phrase, comfort one another. (See: Connecting Words and Phrases)

διὸ παρακαλεῖτε

Therefore begins a result clause. Paul explains how the Thessalonian church should respond to the fact that Jesus died so that Christians can “obtain salvation” (See 5:9). Alternate translation: “This is why you should encourage” or “As a result, you must comfort” (See: Connect — Reason-and-Result Relationship)

διὸ παρακαλεῖτε ἀλλήλους, καὶ οἰκοδομεῖτε εἷς τὸν ἕνα

These two phrases mean basically the same thing. The repetition is used to emphasize how much Paul wants the Thessalonian church to encourage and support each other. If your language does not use repetition in this way, you could combine these phrases. Alternate translation: “As a result, continue to be supportive of what each person needs” or “This is why you must supportively console each other with this message” (See: Doublet)

παρακαλεῖτε…οἰκοδομεῖτε

These verbs are imperatives but could communicate an appeal rather than a command. You could use a form in your language that communicates an urgent request or appeal. Alternate translation: “we apostles urge you to comfort … build up” (See: Imperatives — Other Uses)

οἰκοδομεῖτε

Paul speaks figuratively of the Thessalonian church as if they were a building that can be constructed. He means that they should mutually support one another in the Christian life. If your readers would not understand what it means to build up in this context, you could use an equivalent metaphor from your culture. Alternatively, you could express Paul’s meaning in a non-figurative way. Alternate translation: “keep supporting” or “continue to confirm” (See: Metaphor)

εἷς τὸν ἕνα

Here, the term one the one is an idiom meaning “each and every one” or “each one.” If this would be misunderstood in your language, you could use an equivalent idiom or use plain language. Alternate translation: “each one” or “one another” (See: Idiom)

καθὼς καὶ ποιεῖτε

Here Paul uses the emphatic phrase just as also you are doing to encourage the Thessalonian church to continue their practice of mutually supporting each other. Use a natural way in your language to indicate this emphasis. Alternate translation: “exactly as you have been doing”

1 Thessalonians 5:12

δὲ

Here, Now indicates that what follows is the final section of instructions from the apostles. Alternate translation: “Lastly” or “Indeed” (See: Connecting Words and Phrases)

τοὺς κοπιῶντας ἐν ὑμῖν, καὶ προϊσταμένους ὑμῶν ἐν Κυρίῳ, καὶ νουθετοῦντας ὑμᾶς

This clause expresses different functions for the same group of leaders. It is not making a distinction between those who are laboring among you and leading you and admonishing you. If this is not understood in your language, you can make the relationship between these phrases more clear. Alternate translation: “your leaders who are working among you and guiding you in the Lord and training you” (See: Distinguishing Versus Informing or Reminding)

ἐν Κυρίῳ

Paul speaks figuratively as if the leaders of the church at Thessalonica were occupying space inside of the Lord. Here, the metaphor expresses the idea that these men represent Jesus himself in their leadership role in the Thessalonian church (See also 4:1. If your readers would not understand what in the Lord means in this context, you could use an equivalent metaphor from your culture. Alternatively, you could express Paul’s meaning in a non-figurative way. Alternate translation: “with authority from the Lord Jesus” or “as spokespersons for the Lord Jesus” (See: Metaphor)

1 Thessalonians 5:13

καὶ ἡγεῖσθαι αὐτοὺς ὑπέρἐκπερισσοῦ ἐν ἀγάπῃ, διὰ τὸ ἔργον αὐτῶν

If it would be more natural in your language, you could reverse the order of these phrases, since the second phrase gives the reason for the result that the first phrase describes. Alternate translation: “and because of their work on your behalf, we also ask you to lovingly show them the utmost consideration” or “and since they work so hard for you, we also urge you to show them the highest honor out of love” (See: Connect — Reason-and-Result Relationship)

ἐν ἀγάπῃ

Paul speaks figuratively as if the Thessalonian church is occupying space inside of love. He is describing how they should show honor to their leaders. If your readers would not understand what in love means in this context, you could use an equivalent metaphor from your culture. Alternatively, you could express Paul’s meaning in a non-figurative way. Here, in love could refer to: (1) the means of love. Alternate translation: “by loving them” (2) the basis for love. Alternate translation: “on the basis of your love for them” (See: Metaphor)

εἰρηνεύετε ἐν ἑαυτοῖς

Here is the first of 17 final appeals in 5:13-26 that the apostles give the Thessalonian church. Be at peace is an imperative, but here it could be an urgent request rather than a command. Use a natural way in your language to communicate an appeal or urgent request. Alternate translation: “We urge you to continue to live peacefully with your leaders” (See: Imperatives — Other Uses)

1 Thessalonians 5:14

Paul uses a repetitive series of imperative sentences in 5:14–22 to urge the Thessalonian church to show practical love to one another. This repetitive style of speaking or writing is called a “litany.” Use a form in your language that someone would use to list things that someone should do. (See: Litany)

παρακαλοῦμεν δὲ ὑμᾶς, ἀδελφοί,

This phrase signals the apostles’ final appeals to the Thessalonian church. Since there are 14 commands in this section 5:14-22, you could use a marker from your language to indicate this final section. Alternate translation: “Finally, we urge you, fellow believers in Christ” See: Connecting Words and Phrases)

ἀδελφοί

Here the idiom brothers could refer to: (1) the whole Thessalonian church including the leaders. Alternate translation: “our fellow believers in Christ” (2) the leaders of the Thessalonian church. Alternate translation: “fellow leaders of Christ’s church” (See: Idiom)

πρὸς πάντας

Paul is using the adjective all as a noun in order to describe the Thessalonian church. Your language may use adjectives in the same way. If not, you could translate this with a noun phrase. Alternate translation: “toward all your fellow believers in Christ” or “with the whole Thessalonian church” (See: Nominal Adjectives)

1 Thessalonians 5:15

ὁρᾶτε

Here, See that is an idiom used to command attention. If this would be misunderstood in your language, you could use an equivalent idiom or use plain language. Alternate translation: “Be certain that” (See: Idiom)

κακὸν ἀντὶ κακοῦ τινι ἀποδῷ

Paul speaks figuratively of evil as if it were goods or money that could be exchanged. He means that if a someone treats you badly, you should not respond in the same way. If your readers would not understand what it means to pay back evil for evil in this context, you could use an equivalent metaphor from your culture. Alternatively, you could express Paul’s meaning in a non-figurative way. Alternate translation: “treats anyone wrongly because they treated you wrongly” (See: Metaphor)

ἀλλὰ

Here what follows the word but is in contrast to repaying evil for evil. Use a natural way in your language for introducing a contrast. Alternate translation: “and instead,” (See: Connect — Contrast Relationship)

πάντοτε

Here, always could be using exaggeration to express emphasis. Paul means that the Thessalonian church should make it a habit to pursue what is good. If this would be misunderstood in your language, you could use an equivalent expression from your language that expresses this emphasis. Alternate translation: “make every effort to” or “constantly” or “habitually” (See: Hyperbole)

καὶ εἰς ἀλλήλους καὶ εἰς πάντας

Here, both for one another and for all is used to emphasize groups of people. In this context, the phrase could refer to: (1) the Thessalonian church and all believers in Christ. Alternate translation (remove preceding comma): “for your church at Thessalonica and for all believers in Christ” (2) the Thessalonian church and the whole human race (See how you translated this phrase in 3:12). Alternate translation (remove preceding comma): “for everyone” or “for each and every person” (See: Merism)

πάντας

Paul could be using the adjective all as a noun in order to describe a group of people. Your language may use adjectives in the same way. If not, you could translate this with a noun phrase. Here it could refer to: (1) all Christians. Alternate translation: “all your fellow believers in Christ” (2) the whole human race. Alternate translation: “all humanity” (See: Nominal Adjectives)

1 Thessalonians 5:16

πάντοτε

Here, always could be using exaggeration to express emphasis. Paul could mean that the Thessalonian church should make it a habit to rejoice. If this would be misunderstood in your language, you could use an equivalent expression from your language that expresses this emphasis. Alternate translation: “constantly” or “habitually” (See: Hyperbole)

1 Thessalonians 5:17

ἀδιαλείπτως προσεύχεσθε

Here, without ceasing could be using exaggeration to express emphasis. Paul could mean that the Thessalonian church should make it a habit to pray. If this would be misunderstood in your language, you could use an equivalent expression from your language that expresses this emphasis. Alternate translation: “Continue to pray” or “Keep praying regularly” or “Retain a prayerful state of mind” (See: Hyperbole)

1 Thessalonians 5:18

ἐν παντὶ

Paul is using the adjective everything as a noun in order to describe a situation or time. Your language may use adjectives in the same way. If not, you could translate this with a noun phrase. Here, In everything could refer to: (1) a situation or circumstance. Alternate translation: “In every circumstance” or “No matter what happens” (2) time. Alternate translation: “At every time” or “At every moment” (3) both a situation and time. Alternate translation: “In every circumstance and moment” (See: Nominal Adjectives)

ἐν παντὶ εὐχαριστεῖτε;

If it would be more natural in your language, you could reverse the order of these phrases. Alternate translation: “Continue to give thanks in everything” or “Keep giving thanks all the time” (See: Information Structure)

ἐν παντὶ εὐχαριστεῖτε; τοῦτο γὰρ θέλημα Θεοῦ ἐν Χριστῷ Ἰησοῦ εἰς ὑμᾶς

Here, for begins a reason clause. Paul is telling the Thessalonian church the reason why they should “rejoice,” “pray,” and give thanks in 5:16–18). If it would be more natural in your language, you could reverse the order of these phrases, since the second phrase gives the reason for the result that the first phrase describes. Alternate translation: “Give thanks in everything, because all these things are what God desires for those who are united to Christ Jesus” or “Because this is God’s will for you who are united to Christ Jesus, you must give thanks in everything” (See: Connect — Reason-and-Result Relationship)

τοῦτο γὰρ θέλημα Θεοῦ

Here, this is a singular pronoun that could refer to: (1) all the commands in 5:14-18 Alternate translation: “because all these things are what God desires” (2) give thanks. Alternate translation: “for in fact, this is God’s will” or “for certainly, this thing is God’s will” (See: Collective Nouns)

τοῦτο

A word is left out here in the original that a sentence would need in many languages to be complete. Since English needs it, is is added in brackets. Do what is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “this is” (See: Ellipsis)

θέλημα Θεοῦ ἐν Χριστῷ Ἰησοῦ εἰς ὑμᾶς

If your language does not use the abstract noun phrase the will of God in Christ Jesus for you, you could express the idea it in another way. Alternate translation: “how God desires people to live who are united to Christ Jesus” (See: Abstract Nouns)

ἐν Χριστῷ Ἰησοῦ εἰς ὑμᾶς

Here, Paul speaks figuratively of the will of God as though it were occupying space inside Christ Jesus. This metaphor means that the way God desires his people to live is inseparable from being united to Christ Jesus (See also 2:14). If this might be misunderstood in your language, you can express the meaning in a non-figurative way. Alternative translation, “for those of you who are united to Jesus Christ” or “for all of you who share life with Jesus Christ” (See: Metaphor)

1 Thessalonians 5:19

τὸ Πνεῦμα μὴ σβέννυτε

Paul speaks figuratively of the Holy Spirit as if he is fire that can be extinguished. Paul means that the Thessalonian church must not hinder the work of the Holy Spirit, especially by despising prophecies (See 5:20). If your readers would not understand what it means to quench in this context, you could use an equivalent metaphor from your culture. Alternatively, you could express Paul’s meaning in a non-figurative way. Alternate translation: “Do not extinguish the Spirit” or “Do not reject the Spirit” (See: Metaphor)

μὴ σβέννυτε

Paul uses a figure of speech that expresses a strong positive meaning by using a negative word together with a word that is the opposite of the intended meaning. If this is confusing in your language, you can express the meaning positively. Alternate translation: “Continue to kindle” or “Be fervent in” or “Keep working along with” (See: Litotes)

1 Thessalonians 5:20

μὴ ἐξουθενεῖτε

Paul uses a figure of speech that expresses a strong positive meaning by using a negative word together with a word that is the opposite of the intended meaning. If this is confusing in your language, you could express the meaning positively. Alternate translation: “Readily accept” or “Cherish” (See: Litotes)

προφητείας μὴ ἐξουθενεῖτε

The two phrases in 5:19–20 could refer to the same thing. Paul could be saying the same thing twice, in slightly different ways, to correct how the Thessalonian church viewed prophecy. He means that the Holy Spirit is the source of true prophecy (See 2 Peter 1:21), so they should not “quench the Spirit” by rejecting all prophecies. You could use a natural way in your language to emphasize this. Alternate translation: “Do not continue to despise prophetic messages from the Holy Spirit” (See: Parallelism)

1 Thessalonians 5:21

πάντα δοκιμάζετε; τὸ καλὸν κατέχετε

This could mean: (1) Paul is beginning a general list of things that the Thessalonians should Test and Hold fast if they are good. (2) Paul is continuing to refer to the prophesies in the previous verse, and he wants the Thessalonians to Test those and Hold fast to the prophesies that are truly from God.

πάντα δοκιμάζετε

Paul speaks figuratively as if the Thessalonians could make all things pass a test. This could mean: (1) they should examine everything they hear and do to make sure it conforms to what honors God. Alternate translation: “Carefully examine everything you hear and do” (2) they should examine and approve prophecies to determine whether or not they are genuinely from the Holy Spirit (See 2:4 for a similar context)). Alternate translation: “examine and approve all prophecies” (See: Metaphor)

πάντα

Here, all things is an adjectival phrase. Depending on whether you decided this is a new list or a continuation of verse 20, this could mean: (1) Alternate translation: “everything you hear and do” (2) Alternate translation: “all prophesies” (See: Nominal Adjectives)

τὸ καλὸν κατέχετε

Paul speaks figuratively of good things as if they were objects that someone could hold tightly in his hands. He means that the Thessalonian church should only believe and practice things that prove to be from the Holy Spirit. If your readers would not understand what it means to hold fast to what {is} good in this context, you could use an equivalent metaphor from your culture. Alternatively, you could express Paul’s meaning in a non-figurative way. Alternate translation: “Keep only the valid things” or “Retain what is from the Spirit” (See: Metaphor)

τὸ καλὸν

1 Thessalonians 5:22

παντὸς εἴδους πονηροῦ

Here, evil is spoken of figuratively as though it were a person who could be seen. If this might be confusing for your readers, you could express this meaning in a non-figurative way. Alternate translation: “anything clearly wicked” or “all that is obviously evil” (See: Personification)

1 Thessalonians 5:23

αὐτὸς δὲ ὁ Θεὸς τῆς εἰρήνης ἁγιάσαι

Here, the verb forms indicate that this is a blessing or prayer (See also 3:11–13). Use a form that people would recognize as a blessing or prayer in your language. Alternate translation: “Now we pray that God himself, who gives peace, would sanctify” (See: Blessings)

ἁγιάσαι ὑμᾶς ὁλοτελεῖς, καὶ ὁλόκληρον ὑμῶν τὸ πνεῦμα, καὶ ἡ ψυχὴ, καὶ τὸ σῶμα, ἀμέμπτως…τηρηθείη

These two clauses mean the same thing. Paul says the same thing twice, in slightly different ways, to show how much he wants God to preserve the Thessalonian church as his people. If saying the same thing twice might be confusing for your readers, you can combine the phrases into one. Alternate translation: “may … fully preserve you as his people to the end, and may every part of you be protected” or “may … completely preserve each and every one of you” (See: Parallelism)

ὁ Θεὸς τῆς εἰρήνης

Here Paul uses the possessive form the God of peace, which is a title for God found in the New Testament (See Romans 15:33; 16:20; Philippians 4:9; Hebrews 13:20). If this is not clear in your language, you could make it explicit. In this context, the God of peace could refer to: (1) who God is. Alternate translation: “the God who is characterized by peace” (2) what God does. Alternate translation: “the God who gives peace” (3) Both. (See: Possession)

αὐτὸς

Paul uses the word himself to emphasize the urgency of the apostles’ prayer or blessing by drawing attention to God, who is the only one who can sanctify and keep the Christian person blameless. Use a way that is natural in your language to indicate this emphasis. (See: Reflexive Pronouns)

ὁλόκληρον ὑμῶν τὸ πνεῦμα, καὶ ἡ ψυχὴ, καὶ τὸ σῶμα, ἀμέμπτως…τηρηθείη.

If it would be more natural in your language, you could say be kept with an active form, and you could emphasize who did the action. Alternate translation: “may God keep you completely blameless” or “may God make your whole life sinless” (See: Active or Passive)

ὁλόκληρον ὑμῶν τὸ πνεῦμα, καὶ ἡ ψυχὴ, καὶ τὸ σῶμα

Paul speaks figuratively, using these three aspects of the human person in order to represent the whole human being. If this would be misunderstood in your language, you could use an equivalent expression or use plain language. Alternate translation: “your whole being” or “your whole life” (See: Merism)

ἐν τῇ παρουσίᾳ τοῦ Κυρίου ἡμῶν, Ἰησοῦ Χριστοῦ

Here, coming of the Lord is a well-known idiom in 1-2 Thessalonians for the Second Coming of Christ (See 4:15) or the “Day of the Lord” in 5:2. If this would be misunderstood in your language, you could use an equivalent idiom or use plain language. Alternate translation: “when our Lord Jesus Christ comes back to earth again” or “at the arrival of our Lord Jesus Christ” (See: Idiom)

1 Thessalonians 5:24

πιστὸς ὁ καλῶν ὑμᾶς, ὃς καὶ ποιήσει

Here, who will also do it expresses the result of God’s faithfulness. If it would be misunderstood in your language, you could make this explicit. Alternate translation: “Because God is faithful, he will also preserve you sanctified” or “Since God is trustworthy, he will also completely sanctify you” (See: Connect — Reason-and-Result Relationship)

πιστὸς ὁ καλῶν ὑμᾶς

Here it is implied that he refers to “the God of peace” in 5:23. If it would be helpful to your readers, you could say that explicitly. Alternate translation: “Faithful is God who calls you” or “The God who continues to summon you is faithful” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

πιστὸς ὁ

ὁ καλῶν ὑμᾶς, ὃς καὶ ποιήσει

The pronouns he and who refer to “the God of peace” in 5:23. Use a natural way in your language to make this explicit. Alternate translation: “is God who calls you, so he will also do it” (See: Pronouns — When to Use Them)

πιστὸς ὁ

1 Thessalonians 5:25

προσεύχεσθε καὶ περὶ ἡμῶν

Here, pray is an imperative, but it communicates a polite request or appeal rather than a command. Use a form in your language that communicates a polite request or appeal. It may be helpful to add an expression such as “please” to make this clearer. Alternate translation: “we ask you to pray” or “please pray for us” (See: Imperatives — Other Uses)

ἡμῶν

Here, us refers exclusively to the apostles. Your language may require you to mark these forms. Alternate translation: “us apostles” (See: Exclusive and Inclusive ‘We’)

1 Thessalonians 5:26

ἀσπάσασθε

Here, Greet is an imperative, but it communicates a polite request rather than a command. Use a form in your language that communicates a polite request. Alternate translation: “Make it your habit to greet” or “Make it your practice to greet” (See: Imperatives — Other Uses)

τοὺς ἀδελφοὺς πάντας

Here, all the brothers is an idiom that refers to the whole Thessalonian church–and by extension–all Christians. Alternate translation: “all believers in Christ” or “all Christians” (See: Idiom)

ἐν φιλήματι ἁγίῳ

This action was an expression of Christian affection in this culture. It showed the unity of those who belong to Christ. If there is a gesture with similar meaning in your culture, you could consider using it here in your translation. (See: Symbolic Action)

1 Thessalonians 5:27

ἐνορκίζω ὑμᾶς τὸν Κύριον, ἀναγνωσθῆναι τὴν ἐπιστολὴν

The phrase I solemnly charge you by the Lord is an oath formula. Use a natural way in your language to express an oath. Alternate translation: “You must make a vow to the Lord that you will read this letter” or “I put you under oath to the Lord that this letter must be read” (See: Oath Formulas)

ἀναγνωσθῆναι τὴν ἐπιστολὴν

It is assumed that this letter would be read out loud by someone in the local church. If it would be helpful to your readers, you could say that explicitly. Alternate translation: “to have this letter read aloud” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

ἀναγνωσθῆναι τὴν ἐπιστολὴν

If it would be more natural in your language, you could say this with an active form. Alternate translation: “to make sure you read this letter out loud” (See: Active or Passive)

πᾶσιν τοῖς ἀδελφοῖς

Here, all the brothers is an idiom that refers to the whole Thessalonian church–and by extension–all Christians (See 5:26. Alternate translation: “to the whole church at Thessalonica” (See: Idiom)

1 Thessalonians 5:28

ἡ χάρις τοῦ Κυρίου ἡμῶν, Ἰησοῦ Χριστοῦ, μεθ’ ὑμῶν

This is a blessing and greeting formula. Use a form that people would recognize as a blessing that could be used as a greeting in your language. Alternate translation: “May our Lord Jesus Christ show you how kind he is” or “May the favor of the Lord Jesus Christ be among you all” or “I pray that the Lord Jesus Christ will favor all of you” (See: Blessings)

ἡ χάρις τοῦ Κυρίου ἡμῶν, Ἰησοῦ Χριστοῦ, μεθ’ ὑμῶν

If your language does not use the abstract noun grace, you could express the idea behind it in another way. Alternate translation: “May our Lord Jesus Christ always show you how kind he is” (See: Abstract Nouns)

μεθ’ ὑμῶν

Many ancient manuscripts add “Amen” (See: Textual Variants)

open-licensed biblical content

1 Thessalonians

1 Thessalonians front

Introduction to 1 Thessalonians

Part 1: General Introduction

Outline of the book of 1 Thessalonians

Who wrote 1 Thessalonians?

What is the book of 1 Thessalonians about?

How should the title of this book be translated?

Part 2: Important Religious and Cultural Concepts

Trinity

The gospel

Prayer

Faith and Faithfulness

Apostolic authority

Second Coming of Christ

The fate of reposed Christians

Idolatry

Suffering

Sanctification

Part 3: Important Translation Issues

What did Paul mean by expressions like “in Christ” and “in Christ Jesus” and “in the Lord Jesus Christ” and “in God the Father” and “in the Holy Spirit”?

What did Paul mean by expressions like “his coming” and “the coming of the Lord Jesus” and “the coming of the Lord Jesus Christ”?

What did Paul mean by expressions like “the word of God” or “the word of the Lord”?

What did Paul mean by expressions like “brothers”?

“We” and “you”

Major textual issues in the text of the book of First Thessalonians

1 Thessalonians 1

1 Thessalonians 1 General Notes

Outline of 1 Thessalonians 1

Structure and Formatting

Special Concepts in this Chapter

Trinity

Hardship

Faithfulness

1 Thessalonians 1:1

1 Thessalonians 1:2

1 Thessalonians 1:3

1 Thessalonians 1:4

1 Thessalonians 1:5

1 Thessalonians 1:6

1 Thessalonians 1:7

1 Thessalonians 1:8

1 Thessalonians 1:9

1 Thessalonians 1:10

1 Thessalonians 2

1 Thessalonians 2 General Notes

Outline of 1 Thessalonians 2

Structure and Formatting

“We” and “You”

Special Concepts in this Chapter

Apostolic witness

The gospel of God

The Second Coming of Christ

1 Thessalonians 2:1

1 Thessalonians 2:2

1 Thessalonians 2:3

1 Thessalonians 2:4

1 Thessalonians 2:5

1 Thessalonians 2:6

1 Thessalonians 2:7

1 Thessalonians 2:8

1 Thessalonians 2:9

1 Thessalonians 2:10

1 Thessalonians 2:11

1 Thessalonians 2:12

1 Thessalonians 2:13

1 Thessalonians 2:14

1 Thessalonians 2:15

1 Thessalonians 2:16

1 Thessalonians 2:17

1 Thessalonians 2:18

1 Thessalonians 2:19

1 Thessalonians 2:20

1 Thessalonians 3

1 Thessalonians 3 General Notes

Outline of 1 Thessalonians 3

Structure and Formatting

“We” and “You”

Special Concepts in this Chapter