1 Thessalonians

1 Thessalonians front

Introduction to 1 Thessalonians

Part 1: General Introduction

Outline of the book of 1 Thessalonians

1. Opening and blessing (1:1)
2. Giving thanks for the Thessalonians (1:2–10)
   • A prayer of thanks (1:2–5)
   • The Thessalonians as examples (1:6–10)
3. The visit with the Thessalonians (2:1–16)
   • How Paul and his fellow workers behaved (2:1–12)
   • How the Thessalonians responded (2:13–16
4. Separation from the Thessalonians (2:17–20)
5. Timothy’s visit and good news (3:1–10)
6. A benediction (3:11–13)
7. Teaching on sexual morality (4:1–8)
8. Teaching on Christian love (4:9–12)
9. Teaching on the day of the Lord (4:13–5:11)
   • Dead believers and the day of the Lord (4:13–18)
   • The timing of the day of the Lord (5:1–11)
10. Final Commands (5:11–22)
11. Closing (5:23–28)

Who wrote the book of 1 Thessalonians?

The author identifies himself as Paul the apostle, and he writes that Silvanus and Timothy agree with what he says. In fact, throughout this letter, Paul commonly uses the plural pronouns “we” and “us” to refer to himself, Silvanus, and Timothy. Paul was originally from the city of Tarsus but lived in Jerusalem. He had been known as Saul in his early life. Before becoming a Christian, Paul was a Pharisee, and he persecuted Christians. After he became a Christian, he traveled several times throughout the Roman Empire, telling people about Jesus. Paul first visited the Thessalonians during his second time traveling around the Roman Empire (see Acts 17:1–10). When people started persecuting the Christians in Thessalonica, Paul went to a city named Berea. Then he traveled to Athens and then to Corinth, where Timothy met him after visiting the Thessalonians (see Acts 17:10–18:5). When Timothy told Paul how the Thessalonians were doing, Paul wrote this letter to them in response.

What is the book of 1 Thessalonians about?

Paul wrote 1 Thessalonians to make his relationship with the Thessalonians stronger and to teach them more about the gospel. He needed to do both of these things because, after he preached the gospel to the Thessalonians, persecution forced him to leave after only a few weeks.

First, Paul wants the Thessalonians to know how much he was concerned about them and how joyful and thankful he was when he learned from Timothy that they were doing well. To accomplish this goal, he reminds the Thessalonians of how he and his fellow workers acted, he reminds the Thessalonians of how they responded, and he tells them how happy he is about the good news that Timothy brought. He tells them all these things to make his relationship with them stronger.

After accomplishing this goal, he moves on to his second goal, which is to teach them more things about the gospel. It is possible that he was not able to teach some of these topics before he had to leave them. The primary topic he addresses is related to the day of Lord, the time in the future when Jesus will come back to this world. He also teaches them about sexual morality, loving fellow believers, the Holy Spirit, prophecies, and several other topics.

How should the title of this book be translated?

Translators may choose to call this book by its traditional title, “First Thessalonians” or “1 Thessalonians.” Or they may choose a different title, such as “Paul’s First Letter to the Church in Thessalonica” or “A First Letter to the Christians in Thessalonica.” (See: How to Translate Names)

Part 2: Important Religious and Cultural Concepts

What was the city of Thessalonica like?

The city of Thessalonica was an important city in the province of Macedonia, which is in the northern part of what we now call Greece. Thessalonica was important because it had a harbor and major roads going through the city and because it was the capital of the province. Because it was an important city, there were people from many cultures and religions there, including Jews. Most people in the city worshiped many gods, including the emperors of Rome.

The “day of the Lord” and the “coming of the Lord”

The phrase “the day of the Lord” refers to the specific time in the future when Jesus will return to this world. Paul calls this event “the coming of the Lord.” Christians believe that, when Jesus comes back, God will resurrect all people, and Jesus will judge everyone, punish unbelievers, and reward believers. In this letter, Paul teaches the Thessalonians about what will happen to believers who have died before this “day” (see 4:13–18). He also teaches the Thessalonians about how to expect and prepare for this “day” (see 5:1–11).

Why were the Thessalonians concerned about believers who had died?

It is possible that Paul had to leave the Thessalonians before he finished teaching about what will happen when Jesus comes back. It is also possible that the Thessalonians thought that Jesus would come back before any believers died. We cannot be sure about the reason why they were concerned, but it is clear that they were afraid that believers who had died would not experience all the amazing and good things that will happen when Jesus comes back. Paul reassures them that believers who have died will live again and meet Jesus before anyone who is still alive meets him. Because of that, the Thessalonians do not need to be concerned about believers who have died.

Part 3: Important Translation Issues

What did Paul mean by the expressions like “in Christ,” “in the Lord,” etc.?

Paul frequently uses the spatial metaphor “in Christ” (often with another name for Christ, such as Lord or Jesus) in this letter. This metaphor emphasizes that believers are as closely united to Christ as if they were inside him. Paul believes that this is true for all believers, and sometimes he uses “in Christ” simply to identify that what he is speaking about is true for those who believe in Jesus. Other times, he emphasizes union with Christ as the means or the basis for some statement or exhortation. See the notes on specific verses for help in understanding the contextual meaning of “in Christ” and related phrases. (See: Metaphor)

What did Paul mean by the word “brothers”?

Paul often uses the term “brothers” to mean people who share the same faith. Although this term is masculine, Paul uses the word in a generic sense that includes both men and women. If you decide to retain this figurative usage in your translation, you could state “brothers and sisters” to indicate that the word has this generic sense. (See: When Masculine Words Include Women)

“We” and “you”

In this letter, unless a note specifies otherwise, the words “we,” “us,” and “our” always refer to Paul and his fellow workers, particularly Silvanus and Timothy, and do not include the Thessalonians. Also, in this letter, the words “you” and “your” are always plural. (See: Exclusive and Inclusive ‘We’ and Forms of ‘You’ — Singular)

What are the major issues in the text of the book of 1 Thessalonians?

In the following verses, ancient manuscripts do not all have the same words. The ULT uses the words that are found in most of the earliest manuscripts. When you translate these verses, you should compare the ULT with any translations with which your readers may be familiar to see what your readers may expect. Unless there is a good reason to use the alternate words, you should follow the ULT. See the footnotes and notes at each of these verses for more information. (See: Textual Variants)

• “Grace to you and peace” (1:1). Some ancient manuscripts have this: “Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.”
• “little children” (2:7). Some ancient manuscripts have this: “gentle.”
• “boasting” (2:19). Some ancient manuscripts have this: “great joy.”
• “a servant of God” (3:2). Some ancient manuscripts have this: “a fellow worker of God.” Other ancient manuscripts have this: “fellow worker.” Other ancient manuscripts have this: “a servant of God and our fellow worker.”
• “God … God” (3:9). Some ancient manuscripts have this: “Lord … Lord.”
• “the one giving” (4:8). Some ancient manuscripts have this: “the one having given.”
• “to you” (4:8). Some ancient manuscripts have this: “to us.”
• “you have” (4:9). Some ancient manuscripts have this: “we have.”
• “thieves” as the object of a verb (5:4). Some ancient manuscripts have this: “thief” as the subject of a verb.
• “Test all things” (5:21). Some ancient manuscripts have this: “But test all things.”
• “all the brothers” (5:27). Some ancient manuscripts have this: “all the holy brothers.”
• “with you” (5:28). Some ancient manuscripts have this: “with you. Amen.”

1 Thessalonians 1

1 Thessalonians 1 General Notes

Structure and Formatting

1. Opening and blessing (1:1)
2. Giving thanks for the Thessalonians (1:2–10)
   • A prayer of thanks (1:2–5)
   • The Thessalonians as examples (1:6–10)

Verse 1 formally introduces this letter. Letters in the ancient Near East commonly had introductions of this type in which the senders identified themselves and the recipient and then gave a greeting.

Religious and Cultural Concepts in This Chapter

Trinity

God the Father, God the Son, and God the Holy Spirit are mentioned numerous times in this chapter. Paul can speak of each of them individually, but he describes them working together as God. Make sure that your translation distinguishes between Father, Son, and Holy Spirit but still identifies them as God.

Imitators and examples

In 1:8, Paul describes how the Thessalonians became “imitators” of the apostles and of Jesus. They became “imitators” when they suffered but still experienced joy from the Holy Spirit. Paul then describes how this behavior made them “examples” for other believers to imitate (see 1:7–8). Make sure that your translation indicates that the Thessalonians are imitating the apostles and Christ, which means that other people should imitate them.

The second coming

In 1:10, Paul refers to the “second coming,” a specific day in the future in which Jesus will come back to earth, all dead people will come back to life, the world will be renewed, and God will judge people, punishing those who have sinned but rewarding those who believe in Jesus and obey him. Paul’s focus in this verse is especially on God’s judgment. Consider whether your readers will infer this information from what Paul says in 1:10 or whether you should include some of this implied information.

1 Thessalonians 1:1

Paul and Silvanus and Timothy, to the church

Quote: Παῦλος, καὶ Σιλουανὸς, καὶ Τιμόθεος; τῇ ἐκκλησίᾳ (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit

Your language may have a particular way of introducing the author of a letter and its intended audience. For example, you may want to indicate that this is a letter. Alternate translation: [I, Paul, along with Silvanus and Timothy, wrote this letter to you, the church]

Paul and Silvanus and Timothy, to the church

Quote: Παῦλος, καὶ Σιλουανὸς, καὶ Τιμόθεος; τῇ ἐκκλησίᾳ (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit

Paul is the author of this letter. Silvanus and Timothy are with him as he writes and are in agreement with what he writes. If it would be helpful in your language, you could make this idea more explicit. Alternate translation: [I, Paul, together with Silvanus and Timothy, write to the church]

Silvanus

Quote: Σιλουανὸς (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-names

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.

in God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ

Quote: ἐν Θεῷ Πατρὶ καὶ Κυρίῳ Ἰησοῦ Χριστῷ (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor

Here Paul uses the spatial metaphor in God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ to describe the union of believers with God and Christ. In this case, being in God and Christ, or united to God and Christ, identifies the Thessalonians as Christians. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use a phrase that indicates that the Thessalonians have a very close relationship with God and Christ. Alternate translation: [that is united to God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ] or [in union with God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ]

God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ

Quote: Θεῷ Πατρὶ καὶ Κυρίῳ Ἰησοῦ Χριστῷ (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/guidelines-sonofgodprinciples

When God is called Father, it highlights his relationship to Jesus the “Son” (see 1:10). Here, the Old Testament title for God, Lord, is applied to Jesus, equating him with God. Be sure to retain these titles in your translation.

Grace to you and peace

Quote: χάρις ὑμῖν καὶ εἰρήνη (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-blessing

After stating his name and the people to whom he is writing, Paul adds a blessing. Use a form that people would recognize as a blessing in your language. Alternate translation: [May you experience kindness and peace within you] or [I pray that you will have grace and peace]

Grace to you and peace

Quote: χάρις ὑμῖν καὶ εἰρήνη (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns

If your language does not use abstract nouns for the ideas of Grace and peace, you could express the same ideas in another way. Alternate translation: [I pray that God will be favorable to you and give you a peaceful spirit]

to you

Quote: ὑμῖν (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-yousingular

Throughout this letter the word you is plural and refers to the Thessalonian believers, unless otherwise noted.

Grace to you and peace

Quote: χάρις ὑμῖν καὶ εἰρήνη (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-textvariants

Many ancient manuscripts read Grace to you and peace. The ULT follows that reading. Other ancient manuscripts read “Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.” If a translation of the Bible exists in your region, you may wish to use the reading that it uses. If a translation of the Bible does not exist in your region, you may wish to use the reading of the ULT.

1 Thessalonians 1:2

We give thanks to God always for all of you, making mention {of you} in our prayers continually

Quote: εὐχαριστοῦμεν τῷ Θεῷ πάντοτε περὶ πάντων ὑμῶν, μνείαν ποιούμενοι ἐπὶ τῶν προσευχῶν ἡμῶν, ἀδιαλείπτως (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-infostructure

Here Paul first states what he, Silvanus, and Timothy do more specifically (they give thanks to God) and then describes it more generally (they are making mention of the Thessalonians). If it would be clearer in your language, you could reverse the order of the clauses. Alternate translation: [We continually make mention of you in our prayers, always giving thanks to God for all of you]

always … continually

Quote: πάντοτε & ἀδιαλείπτως (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-hyperbole

Paul says always and continually here as generalizations for emphasis. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use a different way to express the emphasis. Alternate translation: [very regularly … extremely often]

making mention {of you} in our prayers continually

Quote: μνείαν ποιούμενοι ἐπὶ τῶν προσευχῶν ἡμῶν, ἀδιαλείπτως (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-infostructure

Here, the word continually could modify: (1) making mention {of you}. Alternate translation: [making mention of you continually in our prayers] (2) “remembering” in the following verse (1:3). If you use the following alternate translation, you will need to omit the comma at the end of this verse. Alternate translation: [making mention of you in our prayers, continually]

1 Thessalonians 1:3

remembering your work of faith and labor of love and endurance of hope of our Lord Jesus Christ before our God and Father

Quote: 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; (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit

Here, when Paul says that he and those with him are remembering things before our God and Father, he means that they are thanking God about specific things. If it would be helpful in your language, you could make this idea more explicit. Alternate translation: [gratefully mentioning to our God and Father your work of faith and labor of love and endurance of hope of our Lord Jesus Christ]

your work of faith and labor of love and endurance of hope of our Lord Jesus Christ

Quote: ὑμῶν τοῦ ἔργου τῆς πίστεως, καὶ τοῦ κόπου τῆς ἀγάπης, καὶ τῆς ὑπομονῆς τῆς ἐλπίδος τοῦ Κυρίου ἡμῶν, Ἰησοῦ Χριστοῦ (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns

If your language does not use abstract nouns for the ideas of faith, love, endurance, and hope, you could express the same ideas in another way. Alternate translation: [how you work because you believe, and how you labor because you love, and how you endure because you hope in our Lord Jesus Christ]

your work of faith

Quote: ὑμῶν τοῦ ἔργου τῆς πίστεως (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-possession

Here, Paul could be using the possessive form to describe work that is: (1) a result of faith. Alternate translation: [your work produced by faith] (2) a proof of faith. Alternate translation: [your work that proves that you have faith]

labor of love

Quote: τοῦ κόπου τῆς ἀγάπης (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-possession

Here, Paul could be using the possessive form to describe labor that is: (1) a result of love for other believers. Alternate translation: [labor produced by love for others] (2) a result of love for God. Alternate translation: [labor produced by love for God] (3) a proof of love. Alternate translation: [labor that proves that you have love]

endurance of hope

Quote: τῆς ὑπομονῆς τῆς ἐλπίδος (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-possession

Here, Paul could be using the possessive form to describe endurance that is: (1) a result of hope. Alternate translation: [endurance produced by hope] (2) a characteristic of hope. Alternate translation: [enduring hope]

of hope of our Lord Jesus Christ

Quote: τῆς ἐλπίδος τοῦ Κυρίου ἡμῶν, Ἰησοῦ Χριστοῦ (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-possession

Here, Paul is using the possessive form to describe a hope that is based in our Lord Jesus Christ. If it would be helpful in your language, you could express the idea in another way. Alternate translation: [of hope in our Lord Jesus Christ]

our God and Father

Quote: τοῦ Θεοῦ καὶ Πατρὸς ἡμῶν (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-hendiadys

Here, our God and Father refers to the one divine person who is both God and Father. The word God and the word Father refer to the same person. If it would be helpful in your language, you could make this idea more explicit. Alternate translation: [God our Father] or [our Father God]

our … our

Quote: ἡμῶν (-1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-exclusive

In both places, the word our includes Paul, Silvanus, Timothy, the Thessalonians, and all believers. Your language may require you to mark this form.

1 Thessalonians 1:4

knowing

Quote: εἰδότες (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-logic-result

Here, the word knowing introduces a reason why Paul and those with him give thanks to God (see 1:2). If it would be helpful in your language, you could use a word or phrase that introduces a reason. Alternate translation: [which we do because we know] or [since we know]

brothers

Quote: ἀδελφοὶ (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor

Here and throughout the letter, Paul uses the term brothers to mean people who share the same faith. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: [believing friends]

brothers

Quote: ἀδελφοὶ (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-gendernotations

Throughout the letter, although the term brothers is masculine, Paul is using the word in a generic sense that includes both men and women. If you retain the metaphor in your translation, and if it would be helpful in your language, you could say “brothers and sisters” to indicate this.

loved by God

Quote: ἠγαπημένοι ὑπὸ τοῦ Θεοῦ (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive

If your language does not use this passive form, you could express the idea in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: [whom God is loving]

your election

Quote: τὴν ἐκλογὴν ὑμῶν, (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns

If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea of election, you could express the same idea in another way. Alternate translation: [that you have been chosen] or [that God has selected you]

1 Thessalonians 1:5

because

Quote: ὅτι (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-logic-result

Here, because introduces a reason why Paul and those with him are sure about the Thessalonians’ “election” (see 1:4). If it would be helpful in your language, you could use a word or phrase that introduces a reason for a previous statement. Alternate translation: [which we are sure about because]

our gospel did not come to you

Quote: τὸ εὐαγγέλιον ἡμῶν οὐκ ἐγενήθη εἰς ὑμᾶς (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-personification

Here, Paul speaks of our gospel as if it were a person who could come to you. He means that the Thessalonians heard the gospel from Paul and his fellow workers. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: [you did not receive our gospel]

in word

Quote: ἐν λόγῳ (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy

Paul is using the term word to refer to speaking words. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: [in speech] or [in spoken words]

in power and in the Holy Spirit and in much assurance

Quote: ἐν δυνάμει, καὶ ἐν Πνεύματι Ἁγίῳ, καὶ πληροφορίᾳ πολλῇ (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns

If your language does not use abstract nouns for the ideas of power and assurance, you could express the same ideas in another way. Alternate translation: [in us acting powerfully and in the Holy Spirit working and in us being fully assured]

in power and in the Holy Spirit and in much assurance

Quote: ἐν δυνάμει, καὶ ἐν Πνεύματι Ἁγίῳ, καὶ πληροφορίᾳ πολλῇ (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit

Here Paul could mean that: (1) Paul and those with him preached the gospel with power and with the help of the Holy Spirit and with much assurance that what they preached was true. Alternate translation: [we preached with power and with the Holy Spirit and with much assurance that it is true] (2) the Thessalonians experienced power and the Holy Spirit and much assurance when they heard the gospel. Alternate translation: [you experienced its power and the presence of the Holy Spirit and much assurance that it is true]

just as you know what kind {of men

Quote: καθὼς οἴδατε οἷοι (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit

Here, the phrase just as you know could introduce: (1) a basis for Paul’s claim about how the Thessalonians experienced the gospel. Alternate translation: [and you know that is true because you remember what kind of men] (2) a comparison between what Paul has said about how the Thessalonians experienced the gospel and what the Thessalonians know about Paul and his fellow workers. Alternate translation: [and that fits with what you know about what kind of men]

1 Thessalonians 1:6

you yourselves became

Quote: ὑμεῖς & ἐγενήθητε (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-pronouns

For emphasis, Paul is stating the pronoun you, which is already implied in the verb became. If your language can state implied pronouns explicitly for emphasis, you may want to use that construction in your translation. Other languages may have other ways of bringing out this emphasis. The ULT does so by using the intensive pronoun yourselves. Alternate translation: [it is you who became]

having received

Quote: δεξάμενοι (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-time-simultaneous

Here, the phrase having received could introduce: (1) the way in which the Thessalonians became imitators. Alternate translation: [that is, you received] (2) when the Thessalonians became imitators. Alternate translation: [which you did when you received]

the word

Quote: τὸν λόγον (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy

Here, the word represents a message that is made up of words, specifically the gospel. If it would be helpful in your language, you could express the idea in another way. Alternate translation: [the gospel message] or [the words of the gospel]

in much affliction

Quote: ἐν θλίψει πολλῇ (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns

If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea of affliction, you could express the idea in another way. Alternate translation: [while being afflicted] or [while people made you suffer]

with joy of the Holy Spirit

Quote: μετὰ χαρᾶς Πνεύματος Ἁγίου (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns

If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea of joy, you could express the idea in another way. Alternate translation: [rejoicing because of the Holy Spirit]

with joy of the Holy Spirit

Quote: μετὰ χαρᾶς Πνεύματος Ἁγίου (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-possession

Here, Paul is using the possessive form to describe joy that is given by the Holy Spirit. If this is not clear in your language, you could express the idea in another way. Alternate translation: [with joy from the Holy Spirit] or [with joy given by the Holy Spirit]

1 Thessalonians 1:7

so that

Quote: ὥστε (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-logic-result

Here, the phrase so that introduces a result from how the Thessalonians became imitators of Paul, his fellow workers, and the Lord (see 1:6). If it would be helpful in your language, you could use a word or phrase that introduces a result. Alternate translation: [and as a result] or [and so]

you became examples to all the ones believing in Macedonia and in Achaia

Quote: γενέσθαι ὑμᾶς τύπους πᾶσιν τοῖς πιστεύουσιν ἐν τῇ Μακεδονίᾳ καὶ ἐν τῇ Ἀχαΐᾳ (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns

If your language would not use the abstract noun examples, you could express the idea in another way. Alternate translation: [you showed all the ones believing in Macedonia and in Achaia how to behave] or [all the ones believing in Macedonia and Achaia started to copy how you live]

in Macedonia and in Achaia

Quote: ἐν τῇ Μακεδονίᾳ καὶ ἐν τῇ Ἀχαΐᾳ (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-names

The word Achaia is the name of a Roman province in the southern part of modern-day Greece. The word Macedonia is the same of a Roman province in the northern part of modern-day Greece. If it would be helpful in your language, you could clarify that these words are names of provinces or regions. Alternate translation: [in the regions of Macedonia and Achaia]

1 Thessalonians 1:8

For

Quote: γὰρ (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-words-phrases

Here, the word For introduces an explanation of how the Thessalonians became examples throughout Macedonia and Achaia. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use a word or phrase that introduces an explanation. Alternate translation: [More specifically,] or [Indeed,]

from you the word of the Lord has been sounded out

Quote: ἀφ’ ὑμῶν & ἐξήχηται ὁ λόγος τοῦ Κυρίου (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive

If your language does not use this passive form, you could express the idea in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: [you have sounded out the word of the Lord]

the word of the Lord

Quote: ὁ λόγος τοῦ Κυρίου (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy

Paul is using the term word to refer to the message about the Lord, which is the gospel. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: [the good news about the Lord]

has been sounded out

Quote: ἐξήχηται (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor

Here, Paul speaks as if the Thessalonians were playing an instrument that makes a sound that can be heard from far away. He means that people in many places hear the word of the Lord because of how the Thessalonians act. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use a comparable figure of speech or express the idea plainly. Alternate translation: [has shone forth] or [has been heard]

in Macedonia and in Achaia

Quote: ἐν τῇ Μακεδονίᾳ καὶ ἐν τῇ Ἀχαΐᾳ (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-names

See how you translated the similar phrases in 1:7. Alternate translation: [in the regions of Macedonia and Achaia]

your faith toward God has gone out into every place

Quote: ἐν παντὶ τόπῳ ἡ πίστις ὑμῶν ἡ πρὸς τὸν Θεὸν ἐξελήλυθεν (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-personification

Here Paul speaks as if the Thessalonians’ faith were a person who could travel to many places. He means that people in many places have heard about their faith. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: [people have heard about your faith toward God in every place] or [news of your faith toward God has been heard in every place]

your faith

Quote: ἡ πίστις ὑμῶν (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy

Here, the word faith represents knowledge about the Thessalonians’ faith. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use an equivalent expression from your language or state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: [the news about your faith] or [knowledge concerning your faith]

your faith toward

Quote: ἡ πίστις ὑμῶν ἡ πρὸς (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns

If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea of faith, you could express the same idea in another way. Alternate translation: [the way that you believe in]

into every place

Quote: ἐν παντὶ τόπῳ (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-hyperbole

Here Paul speaks as if people in every place know about Thessalonians’ faith. The Thessalonians would have understood him to mean that their faith is known in many places, or in every place that Paul and his fellow workers visit. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: [into every place we go] or [throughout the world]

to say anything

Quote: λαλεῖν τι (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit

Here Paul implies that he does not need to say anything about the Thessalonians’ faith. If it would be helpful in your language, you could make this idea explicit. Alternate translation: [to say anything about your faith]

1 Thessalonians 1:9

For

Quote: γὰρ (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-words-phrases

Here, the word For introduces a reason why Paul and his fellow workers do not need to say anything about the Thessalonians (see 1:8). If it would be helpful in your language, you could use a word or phrase that introduces a reason. Alternate translation: [In fact,] or [That is because]

they themselves report

Quote: αὐτοὶ & ἀπαγγέλλουσιν (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-pronouns

Here, the phrase they themselves refers to everyone who has heard about the Thessalonians’ faith. If it would be helpful in your language, you could make the pronouns more explicit. Alternate translation: [they themselves who have heard about your faith report]

they themselves report

Quote: αὐτοὶ & ἀπαγγέλλουσιν (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-pronouns

For emphasis, Paul is stating the pronoun they, which is already implied in the verb report. If your language can state implied pronouns explicitly for emphasis, you may want to use that construction in your translation. Other languages may have other ways of bringing out this emphasis. The ULT does so by using the intensive pronoun themselves. Alternate translation: [as for them, they report] or [it is they who report]

us

Quote: ἡμῶν (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-exclusive

Here, the word us could include: (1) just Paul and his fellow workers. Alternate translation: [us who preached the good news] (2) Paul, his fellow workers, and the Thessalonians. Alternate translation: [you and us]

what kind of entrance we had to you

Quote: ὁποίαν εἴσοδον ἔσχομεν πρὸς ὑμᾶς (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit

Here Paul refers to his and his fellow workers’ visit to the Thessalonians as an entrance. He implies that the Thessalonians welcomed him and that it was a good visit. If it would be helpful in your language, you could express this idea more explicitly. Alternate translation: [what a good visit we had with you] or [how wonderful it was when we visited you]

you turned to God from the idols

Quote: ἐπεστρέψατε πρὸς τὸν Θεὸν ἀπὸ τῶν εἰδώλων (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor

Paul speaks of the Thessalonians 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, and now they worship God. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use a similar figure of speech or state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: [you started worshiping God and left the idols behind] or [you abandoned the idols for God’s sake]

to serve

Quote: δουλεύειν (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-logic-goal

Here, the phrase to serve could introduce: (1) the purpose for which the Thessalonians turned. Alternate translation: [in order to serve] (2) a restatement of what it means for the Thessalonians to have turned. Alternate translation: [that is, you chose to serve] (3) the result the Thessalonians having turned. Alternate translation: [with the result that you serve]

the living and true God

Quote: Θεῷ ζῶντι καὶ ἀληθινῷ (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit

Here, the phrase living and true God identifies God as the one who lives and is truly God. The point is that God actually lives, unlike idols and other things that people may call gods, and that God really is God. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use a word or phrase that emphasizes that God really lives and is the true God. Alternate translation: [the real God who actually lives] or [the only true God]

1 Thessalonians 1:10

and to wait for

Quote: καὶ ἀναμένειν (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-logic-goal

The phrase to wait is parallel with the phrase “to serve” in the previous verse (1:9). Introduce it the same way you introduced “to serve.” Alternate translation: [and in order to wait for] or [and with the result that you wait for]

his Son

Quote: τὸν Υἱὸν αὐτοῦ (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/guidelines-sonofgodprinciples

Son is an important title for Jesus that describes his relationship to God the Father.

from the heavens

Quote: ἐκ τῶν οὐρανῶν (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit

Here Paul assumes that the Thessalonians know that Jesus ascended into the heavens and will someday come back to earth from there. If it would be helpful in your language, you could make this information more explicit. Alternate translation: [to return from his place in the heavens] or [to come back to earth after he ascended into the heavens]

he raised from the dead

Quote: ἤγειρεν ἐκ τῶν νεκρῶν (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom

Here, the phrase raised from the dead refers to someone who died and came back to life. If your language does not use raised to describe coming back to life, you could use a comparable idiom or express the idea plainly. Alternate translation: [he restored to life after he had died]

the dead

Quote: τῶν νεκρῶν (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-nominaladj

Paul is using the adjective dead as a noun in order to refer to people who are dead. Your language may use adjectives in the same way. If not, you could translate this one with a noun phrase. Alternate translation: [the dead people]

Jesus, the one rescuing us

Quote: Ἰησοῦν, τὸν ῥυόμενον ἡμᾶς (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-distinguish

The clause the one rescuing us describes Jesus in his role as rescuer. Paul is not distinguishing between more than one Jesus. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use a form that makes this explicit. Alternate translation: [Jesus, our rescuer] or [Jesus, who rescues us]

us

Quote: ἡμᾶς (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-exclusive

Here, the word us includes Paul, Silvanus, Timothy, the Thessalonians, and all Christians. Your language may require you to mark these forms. Alternate translation: [all of us Christians] or [all of us believers]

from the coming wrath

Quote: ἐκ τῆς ὀργῆς τῆς ἐρχομένης (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns

If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea of wrath, you could express the same idea in another way. Alternate translation: [from the time when God punishes people] or [so that God does not punish us in the future]

the coming wrath

Quote: τῆς ὀργῆς τῆς ἐρχομένης (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-personification

Paul speaks of wrath as though it were someone who could travel and is coming to where people are. He means that in the future God will act wrathfully against people who have sinned and who have not trusted in Jesus to forgive their sins. If it would be helpful in your language, you could express this plainly. Alternate translation: [God’s judgment that will happen] or [when God will punish people for sin]

1 Thessalonians 2

1 Thessalonians 2 General Notes

Structure and Formatting

1. The visit with the Thessalonians (2:1–16)
   • How Paul and his fellow workers behaved (2:1–12)
   • How the Thessalonians responded (2:13–16
2. Separation from the Thessalonians (2:17–20)

Religious and Cultural Concepts in This Chapter

Paul’s previous visit with the Thessalonians

Before he wrote this letter, Paul had briefly visited the city of Thessalonica and preached the gospel. He may have been in this city for only three weeks (see Acts 17:2), but many people still believed in Jesus during this time. They started the church of the Thessalonians, to whom Paul wrote this letter. However, Paul had to leave the city quickly because some Jewish people started a riot and tried to seize Paul and his fellow workers. You can read about this story in Acts 17:1–10. In this chapter, Paul describes how he and his fellow workers acted when he visited them, and he describes how the believers responded (see 2:1–13). He also refers to how some Jewish people persecuted him and his fellow workers (see 2:15–16). Finally, he describes how he wants to visit them again after he and his fellow workers had to leave so soon (see 2:17–20).

God and the Thessalonians as “witnesses”

In 2:5 and 2:10, Paul names God as a “witness” to what he is saying, and he also names the Thessalonians as “witnesses” in 2:10. Witnesses testify about whether something is true, so Paul names God and the Thessalonians as witnesses to show the Thessalonians that what he is saying is true. Your language may have a specific form for appealing to someone to guarantee that a statement is true.

“The Jews”

In 2:14–16, Paul refers to people whom he calls “the Jews.” He does not mean Jewish people in general, since he refers to “the churches of God that are in Judea” as a separate group, and most if not all of these people were Jewish. Paul himself clarifies that he means “the ones having killed both the Lord Jesus and the prophets and having persecuted us.” This does not describe one group of people only, since many of the people who killed God’s “prophets” died before Jesus came. What it does describe is a type of person: a person who opposes God and his messengers. When Paul refers to “the Jews” in this chapter, then, he is referring to Jewish people who oppose God and his messengers. You may need to make this more explicit in your translation. (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

Translation Issues in This Chapter

Figures of speech related to families

In this chapter, Paul describes himself and his fellow workers as “little children” (2:7), “mothers” (2:7), and “fathers” (2:11). He also refers to the Thessalonians as “brothers” (2:1, 9, 14, 17). Paul describes himself and his fellow workers in these ways to show the Thessalonians that he and his fellow workers love and care about them as if they were members of the same family. Paul especially emphasizes this since he was only with the Thessalonians for a short period of time. If possible, preserve the figures of speech that describe the Thessalonians, Paul, and his fellow workers as members of the same family.

1 Thessalonians 2:1

For

Quote: γὰρ (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-words-phrases

Here, the word For introduces a longer explanation of the “entrance” that Paul and his fellow workers had among the Thessalonians (see 1:9). This explanation is found in 2:1–12. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use a word or phrase that introduces an explanation of a previous statement. Alternate translation: [Concerning our entrance to you,] or [Now about your visit,]

you yourselves know

Quote: αὐτοὶ & οἴδατε (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-pronouns

For emphasis, Paul is stating the pronoun you, which is already implied in the verb know. If your language can state implied pronouns explicitly for emphasis, you may want to use that construction in your translation. Other languages may have other ways of bringing out this emphasis. The ULT does so by using the intensive pronoun yourselves. Alternate translation: [as for you, you know] or [it is you who know]

our entrance to you

Quote: τὴν εἴσοδον ἡμῶν τὴν πρὸς ὑμᾶς (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit

Here, just as in 1:9, Paul refers to his and his fellow workers’ visit to the Thessalonians as an entrance. If it would be helpful in your language, you could make this idea more explicit. Alternate translation: [that our visit with you] or [that our time with you]

has not been in vain

Quote: οὐ κενὴ γέγονεν (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-litotes

Paul is using a figure of speech here that expresses a strongly positive meaning by using a negative word, not, together with an expression that is the opposite of the intended meaning, in vain. If it would be helpful in your language, you could express the positive meaning. Alternate translation: [has definitely been worthwhile] or [has been very useful]

1 Thessalonians 2:2

But

Quote: ἀλλὰ (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-logic-contrast

Here, the word But introduces a contrast with how Paul and his fellow workers might have visited the Thessalonians “in vain” (see 2:1). If it would be helpful in your language, you could use a word or phrase that introduces this kind of contrast. Alternate translation: [Rather,] or [Instead of acting in vain,]

having previously suffered and having been mistreated at Philippi, just as you know

Quote: προπαθόντες καὶ ὑβρισθέντες, καθὼς οἴδατε, ἐν Φιλίπποις (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-background

These words provide background information about what happened when Paul, Silvanus, and Timothy were in the city of Philippi. You can read about this in Acts 16:16–40. Use a natural form in your language for expressing background information. Alternate translation: [even though we suffered and were shamefully treated when we were in Philippi, just as you know]

having previously suffered and having been mistreated

Quote: προπαθόντες καὶ ὑβρισθέντες (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-logic-contrast

Here, the phrases having previously suffered and having been shamefully treated refer to something that contrasts with we were bold. If it would be helpful in your language, you could introduce the phrases having previously suffered and having been shamefully treated with a word or phrase that introduces a contrast or something that is unexpected. Alternate translation: [despite having previously suffered and having been shamefully treated] or [even though we suffered previously and were shamefully treated]

having previously suffered and having been mistreated

Quote: προπαθόντες καὶ ὑβρισθέντες (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-doublet

These two phrases mean basically the same thing. The repetition is used to emphasize how much the apostles suffered. If your language does not use repetition in this way, you could combine these phrases. Alternate translation: [having earlier suffered violently] or [having already been shamefully abused]

having been mistreated

Quote: ὑβρισθέντες (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive

If your language does not use this passive form, you could express the idea in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: [having experienced mistreatment] or [people having mistreated us]

But having previously suffered and having been mistreated at Philippi, just as you know

Quote: ἀλλὰ προπαθόντες καὶ ὑβρισθέντες, καθὼς οἴδατε, ἐν Φιλίπποις (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-infostructure

Here Paul includes the phrase just as you know at the end of the information that he says they know. If it would be helpful in your language, you could move just as you know to wherever it would be natural in your language. Alternate translation: [But, just as you know, having previously suffered and having been shamefully treated at Philippi]

in our God

Quote: ἐν τῷ Θεῷ ἡμῶν (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor

Here Paul uses the spatial metaphor in God to describe the union of believers with God. In this case, being in God, or united to God, explains how Paul and his fellow workers were able to be bold. Paul could mean more specifically that: (1) God enabled them to be bold. Alternate translation: [with boldness from God] (2) they were bold because of their union with God. Alternate translation: [because of our union with God]

the gospel of God

Quote: τὸ εὐαγγέλιον τοῦ Θεοῦ (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-possession

Here, Paul is using the possessive form to describe a gospel that relates to God. More specifically, the gospel could: (1) come from God. Alternate translation: [the gospel that God gave us] (2) be about God. Alternate translation: [the gospel about God]

in much struggle

Quote: ἐν πολλῷ ἀγῶνι (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit

Here, the phrase much struggle could refer: (1) generally to how difficult preaching the gospel was. Alternate translation: [in great difficulty] (2) specifically to people who opposed Paul. Alternate translation: [in much opposition]

1 Thessalonians 2:3

For

Quote: γὰρ (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-words-phrases

Here, the word For introduces an explanation of how Paul and his fellow workers spoke the gospel. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use a word or phrase that introduces an explanation, or you could leave For untranslated. Alternate translation: [Here is how we spoke:] or [Indeed,]

our exhortation {was} neither from error, nor from impurity, nor in deceit

Quote: ἡ & παράκλησις ἡμῶν οὐκ ἐκ πλάνης, οὐδὲ ἐξ ἀκαθαρσίας, οὐδὲ ἐν δόλῳ (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns

If your language does not use nouns for some or all of the ideas in this verse, you could express the ideas in another way. Alternate translation: [when we appealed to you, we did not lead you astray, nor did we speak impurely, nor did we deceive you]

our exhortation

Quote: ἡ & παράκλησις ἡμῶν (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit

Here Paul could be implying that this exhortation was addressed to: (1) the Thessalonians specifically. Alternate translation: [our exhortation to you] (2) anyone to whom Paul and his fellow workers proclaim the gospel. Alternate translation: [our exhortation to people]

was} neither from error

Quote: οὐκ ἐκ πλάνης (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit

Here Paul could be implying that the exhortation was not from error because: (1) he and his fellow workers did not try to convince the Thessalonians to believe what is wrong. Alternate translation: [was neither from false teaching] (2) he and his fellow workers did not believe what is wrong. Alternate translation: [was neither from false beliefs]

1 Thessalonians 2:4

just as we have been examined by God to be entrusted with the gospel, so we speak

Quote: καθὼς δεδοκιμάσμεθα ὑπὸ τοῦ Θεοῦ, πιστευθῆναι τὸ εὐαγγέλιον, οὕτως λαλοῦμεν (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-infostructure

Here Paul describes the manner in which he and his fellow workers speak something before he says that they speak. If it would be helpful in your language, you could rearrange the elements so that Paul says what he is doing before he describes the manner in which he does it. Alternate translation: [we speak as those who have been examined by God to be entrusted with the gospel]

we have been examined by God to be entrusted with

Quote: δεδοκιμάσμεθα ὑπὸ τοῦ Θεοῦ, πιστευθῆναι (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive

If your language does not use these passive forms, you could express the idea with active forms or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: [God has examined us to entrust us with]

to be entrusted with

Quote: πιστευθῆναι (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-logic-result

Here, the phrase to be entrusted introduces the result of being examined by God. Paul implies that God approved of them when he examined them, and so they were entrusted with the gospel. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use a form that introduces the result of a test or examination. Alternate translation: [with the result that we were entrusted with] or [and approved to be entrusted with]

but to God

Quote: ἀλλὰ Θεῷ (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-ellipsis

Paul is leaving out some of the words that in many languages a sentence would need in order to be complete. You could supply these words from earlier in the sentence if it would be clearer in your language. Alternate translation: [but as pleasing to God]

our hearts

Quote: τὰς καρδίας ἡμῶν (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy

In Paul’s culture, the heart is the place where humans think and plan. If it would be helpful in your language, you could refer to the place where humans think in your culture or express the idea plainly. Alternate translation: [our minds] or [what we think]

1 Thessalonians 2:5

For

Quote: γάρ (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-words-phrases

Here, the word For introduces further explanation of how Paul and his fellow workers spoke and acted. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use a word or phrase that introduces an explanation, or you could leave For untranslated. Alternate translation: [Further,] or [Even more,]

For we were not at that time in a word of flattery, just as you know

Quote: οὔτε γάρ ποτε ἐν λόγῳ κολακίας ἐγενήθημεν, καθὼς οἴδατε (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-infostructure

Here Paul includes the phrase just as you know in the middle of the information that he says they know. If it would be helpful in your language, you could move just as you know to wherever it would be natural in your language. See how you translated the similar form in 2:2. Alternate translation: [For just as you know, we were not at that time in a word of flattery]

at that time

Quote: ποτε (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit

Here, the phrase at that time refers to the time when Paul and his fellow workers visited the Thessalonians. If it would be helpful in your language, you could make this idea more explicit. Alternate translation: [at the time of our visit]

in a word of flattery

Quote: ἐν λόγῳ κολακίας (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy

Paul is using the term word to mean a message in words. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: [in a message of flattery] or [in speech of flattery]

a word of flattery

Quote: λόγῳ κολακίας (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns

If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea of flattery, you could express the same idea in another way. Alternate translation: [a flattering word]

a pretext of greed

Quote: προφάσει πλεονεξίας (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-possession

Here, Paul is using the possessive form to describe a pretext that hides or disguises greed. If this is not clear in your language, you could express the idea in another way. Alternate translation: [a pretext for greed] or [a pretext that hides greed]

in a pretext of greed

Quote: ἐν προφάσει πλεονεξίας (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns

If your language does not use abstract nouns for the ideas of pretext and greed, you could express the same ideas in another way. Alternate translation: [by disguising how greedy we might have been] or [being greedy and trying to hide it]

God {is} witness

Quote: (Θεὸς μάρτυς) (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-oathformula

The phrase God {is} witness is an oath formula. Use a natural way in your language to express an oath. Alternate translation: [we swear by God] or [as God knows]

1 Thessalonians 2:6

glory from men, neither from you nor from others

Quote: ἐξ ἀνθρώπων δόξαν, οὔτε ἀφ’ ὑμῶν, οὔτε ἀπ’ ἄλλων (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns

If your language does not use the abstract noun glory, you could express the idea in another way. Alternate translation: [for men, neither you nor others, to praise us]

men

Quote: ἀνθρώπων (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-gendernotations

Although the term men is masculine, Paul is using the word in a generic sense that includes both men and women. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use a phrase that makes this clear. Alternate translation: [humans] or [men and women]

1 Thessalonians 2:7

being able to be a burden

Quote: δυνάμενοι ἐν βάρει εἶναι (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor

Here Paul speaks as if he and his fellow workers could have made the Thessalonians carry something heavy. He means that he and his fellow workers could have made the Thessalonians’ lives harder. More specifically, the burden could be: (1) Paul and his fellow workers demanding respect and obedience. Alternate translation: [being able to require your obedience] (2) Paul and his fellow workers demanding money and other things. Alternate translation: [being able to demand money from you]

we became little children

Quote: ἐγενήθημεν νήπιοι (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor

Here, Paul speaks as if he and his fellow workers became little children. He means that they treated the Thessalonians gently and did not use their authority harshly. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly or use a simile. Alternate translation: [we acted as mild as infants] or [we behaved gently]

little children

Quote: νήπιοι (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-textvariants

Here, many ancient manuscripts read little children. The ULT follows that reading. Other ancient manuscripts read “gentle.” If a translation of the Bible exists in your region, you may wish to use the reading that it uses. If a translation of the Bible does not exist in your region, you may wish to use the reading of the ULT.

in the midst of you

Quote: ἐν μέσῳ ὑμῶν (1)

Alternate translation: [among you] or [when we visited you]

as if a mother might comfort her own children

Quote: ὡς ἐὰν τροφὸς θάλπῃ τὰ ἑαυτῆς τέκνα (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-simile

The point of this comparison is that in the same way a mother would gently comfort her own children, so the apostles gently and affectionately cared for the Thessalonians. If it would be helpful in your language, you could make the meaning more explicit. Alternate translation: [and we loved you like mother who affectionately cares for her own children] or [as we affectionately cared for you]

in the midst of you, as if a mother might comfort her own children

Quote: ἐν μέσῳ ὑμῶν, ὡς ἐὰν τροφὸς θάλπῃ τὰ ἑαυτῆς τέκνα (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-infostructure

Here, the clause as if a mother might comfort her own children could be: (1) a further explanation of what Paul has already said about how they acted like children. Alternate translation: [in the midst of you, just as a mother might comfort her own children] (2) a description of what he is about to say about how they long for the Thessalonians (see 2:8). If you use the following alternate translation, you will need to to continue the sentence in the following verse instead of starting a new sentence there. Alternate translation: [in the midst of you. As a mother might comfort her own children,]

1 Thessalonians 2:8

in this manner

Quote: οὕτως (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit

Here, the phrase in this manner could: (1) refer back to what Paul said in the previous verse about how he and his fellow workers love and care for the Thessalonians as if they were the Thessalonians’ mothers. Alternate translation: [in that very way] or [as a mother does] (2) make the word longing stronger. Alternate translation: [so very much] (3) refer ahead to what Paul and his fellow workers did because of their longing. Alternate translation: [in the following way:]

we were pleased

Quote: εὐδοκοῦμεν (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive

If your language does not use this passive form, you could express the idea in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: [we were happy] or [we considered it good]

the gospel of God

Quote: τὸ εὐαγγέλιον τοῦ Θεοῦ (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-possession

Here, Paul is using the possessive form to describe the gospel that relates to God (see the similar phrase in 2:2). More specifically, the gospel could: (1) come from God. Alternate translation: [the gospel that God gave us] (2) be about God. Alternate translation: [the gospel about God]

our own souls

Quote: τὰς ἑαυτῶν ψυχάς (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy

Here, the word souls represents people and focuses particularly on who people are and what they do. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use an equivalent expression from your language or state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: [our own selves]

1 Thessalonians 2:9

For

Quote: γάρ (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-words-phrases

Here, the word For introduces a reason why the Thessalonians should believe Paul when he writes that he and his fellow workers loved and cared for them. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use a word or phrase that introduces a reason or basis for a claim, or you could leave For untranslated. Alternate translation: [You know that is true because] or [In fact,]

our labor and toil

Quote: τὸν κόπον ἡμῶν καὶ τὸν μόχθον (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-doublet

Here, labor and toil mean basically the same thing. The repetition emphasizes how hard the apostles worked. If it would be clearer for your readers, you could express the emphasis with a single phrase. Alternate translation: [our toilsome labor] or [how hard we worked]

night and day

Quote: νυκτὸς καὶ ἡμέρας (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom

Here, the phrase night and day indicates that Paul and his fellow workers worked during both the day and the night. This means that they worked very much every day. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use a comparable expression or state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: [all the time] or [always]

in order not to burden any of you

Quote: πρὸς τὸ μὴ ἐπιβαρῆσαί τινα ὑμῶν (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor

Here Paul speaks of asking for money as if it were a heavy burden that he and his fellow workers could have asked the Thessalonians to carry for them. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use a comparable figure of speech or plain language. Alternative translation, “so that none of you would have to support us financially” or “in order not to make life hard for any of you”

the gospel of God

Quote: τὸ εὐαγγέλιον τοῦ Θεοῦ (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-possession

Here, Paul is using the possessive form to describe the gospel that relates to God (see the similar phrase in 2:8). More specifically, the gospel could: (1) come from God. Alternate translation: [the gospel that God gave us] (2) be about God. Alternate translation: [the gospel about God]

1 Thessalonians 2:10

You and God {are} witnesses, how

Quote: ὑμεῖς μάρτυρες καὶ ὁ Θεός, ὡς (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor

Here Paul speaks as if he were summoning both the Thessalonians and God as witnesses to testify on their behalf before a judge. He means that both the Thessalonians and God know how he and his fellow workers acted. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use a similar figure of speech or state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: [You and God can declare how] or [You and God know how]

how piously and righteously and blamelessly

Quote: ὡς ὁσίως, καὶ δικαίως, καὶ ἀμέμπτως (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-doublet

The terms piously, righteously, and blamelessly mean similar things. Paul is using the three terms together for emphasis. If it would be clearer for your readers, you could express the emphasis with only one or two terms. Alternate translation: [righteously] or [properly and and purely]

1 Thessalonians 2:11

how, {with} each one of you, as a father his own children

Quote: ὡς ἕνα ἕκαστον ὑμῶν, ὡς πατὴρ τέκνα ἑαυτοῦ (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-ellipsis

Paul is leaving out some of the words that in many languages a sentence would need in order to be complete. You could supply these words from the previous verse if it would be clearer in your language (see 2:10). Alternate translation: [how we were with each one of you as a father is with his own children] or [how we treated each one of you as a father treats his own children]

as a father his own children

Quote: ὡς πατὴρ τέκνα ἑαυτοῦ (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-simile

The point of Paul’s comparison is that Paul and his fellow workers are like fathers who model and instruct proper behavior for their children. If it would be helpful in your language, you could make the meaning more explicit. Alternate translation: [as a father teaches and trains his own children] or [we taught and disciplined you as fathers do with their own children]

1 Thessalonians 2:12

exhorting you and encouraging and testifying

Quote: παρακαλοῦντες ὑμᾶς, καὶ παραμυθούμενοι, καὶ μαρτυρόμενοι (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit

Here, the words exhorting, encouraging, and testifying describe ways in which Paul and his fellow workers acted like fathers. If it would be helpful in your language, you could make this idea more explicit. Alternate translation: [by exhorting you and encouraging you and testifying to you]

exhorting you and encouraging

Quote: παρακαλοῦντες ὑμᾶς, καὶ παραμυθούμενοι (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-doublet

The terms exhorting and encouraging mean similar things. Paul is using the two terms together for emphasis. If it would be clearer for your readers, you could express the emphasis with a single phrase. Alternate translation: [exhorting you]

testifying

Quote: μαρτυρόμενοι (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit

Here Paul could be implying that he and his fellow workers testify: (1) about how believers should behave. Alternate translation: [testifying about proper behavior] (2) to the truth of the good news. Alternate translation: [testifying to the truth of the gospel]

in order that you might walk

Quote: εἰς τὸ περιπατεῖν ὑμᾶς (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor

Paul speaks of behavior in life as if it were walking. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: [in order that you might act] or [in order that you might live your lives]

worthily of God

Quote: ἀξίως τοῦ Θεοῦ (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-possession

Here, Paul is using the possessive form to describe what God considers to be worthy. If this is not clear in your language, you could express the idea in another way. Alternate translation: [in a way that honors God] or [in a way that God considers worthy]

the one calling you

Quote: τοῦ καλοῦντος ὑμᾶς (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-distinguish

Here Paul is adding more information about God. He is not distinguishing between different gods. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use a form that clearly adds information instead of distinguishing between people. Alternate translation: [who is the one calling you]

into his own kingdom and glory

Quote: εἰς τὴν ἑαυτοῦ βασιλείαν καὶ δόξαν (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-hendiadys

Here, the phrase kingdom and glory could refer: (1) to two distinct things that God calls his people to participate in. Alternate translation: [into his own kingdom and his own glory] (2) to one thing described with two words connected by and. This is called hendiadys. Alternate translation: [into his own glorious kingdom]

1 Thessalonians 2:13

And because of this, we also thank God continually, that

Quote: καὶ διὰ τοῦτο καὶ ἡμεῖς εὐχαριστοῦμεν τῷ Θεῷ ἀδιαλείπτως, ὅτι (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-pronouns

Here, the word this could refer to: (1) what Paul is about to write, which he introduces with the word that. Alternate translation: [And here is why we also thank God constantly: it is that] (2) what Paul has already written about how Paul and his fellow workers preached and how the Thessalonians welcomed them. Alternate translation: [And because of those things, we also thank God constantly, that]

we also

Quote: καὶ ἡμεῖς (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit

Here, the word also could imply that: (1) Paul and his fellow workers thank God about the Thessalonians like other people do (see 1:8–10). Alternate translation: [we too] (2) Paul and his fellow workers are thanking God for additional things about the Thessalonians. Alternate translation: [we yet again]

continually

Quote: ἀδιαλείπτως (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-hyperbole

Paul says continually here as a generalization for emphasis. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use a different way to express the emphasis. See how you translated the similar form in 1:2. Alternate translation: [extremely often]

the word of hearing … as} the word of men, … the word of God

Quote: λόγον ἀκοῆς & λόγον ἀνθρώπων & λόγον Θεοῦ (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy

In this verse, Paul uses the term word to mean a message that is spoken by using words. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: [the spoken message of hearing … something spoken by men … something spoken by God]

the word of hearing of God from us

Quote: λόγον ἀκοῆς παρ’ ἡμῶν τοῦ Θεοῦ (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-possession

Here, Paul is using the possessive form to describe a word that he connects with hearing and with God. He could mean that: (1) the word allowed the Thessalonians to hear about God. Alternate translation: [the word in which you heard about God from us] (2) the word is what the Thessalonians heard from Paul and his fellow workers, and this word is about God. Alternate translation: [the word which you heard from us about God] (3) the word is from God, and the Thessalonians heard it from Paul and his fellow workers. Alternate translation: [the word from God which you heard from us]

of men

Quote: ἀνθρώπων (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-gendernotations

Although the term men is masculine, Paul is using the word in a generic sense that includes both men and women. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use a phrase that makes this clear. Alternate translation: [of humans] or [of people]

which

Quote: ὃς (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-pronouns

Here, the word translated which could refer to: (1) the word. Alternate translation: [which word] (2) God. Alternate translation: [who]

which is also working

Quote: ὃς καὶ ἐνεργεῖται (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-personification

Here Paul refers to the word of God as if it were a person doing work. He means that God uses the word to work in the Thessalonians. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: [through which God is also working] or [which is also effective]

1 Thessalonians 2:14-15

Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-versebridge

To help your readers understand the author’s main point in this verse and the next one, you could combine both verses into a verse bridge. You could include what the unbelieving Jews did first and then include how the Thessalonians are imitators of the believers in Judea. Alternate translation: [For the Jews, the ones having killed both the Lord Jesus and the prophets and having persecuted us, made the churches of God that are in Judea in Christ Jesus suffer. Now you, brothers, became imitators of them, because the same things you also suffered from your own countrymen, just as they also from the Jews, the ones not being pleasing to God and {being} hostile to all men,]

1 Thessalonians 2:14

For

Quote: γὰρ (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-words-phrases

Here, the word For introduces proof of how God’s message is working among the Thessalonians. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use a word or phrase that introduces proof or support for a claim. Alternate translation: [We know it is working in you because] or [Indeed,]

of the churches of God

Quote: τῶν ἐκκλησιῶν τοῦ Θεοῦ (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-possession

Here, Paul is using the possessive form to describe churches that belong to God. If this is not clear in your language, you could express the idea without using the possessive form. Alternate translation: [of the churches that belong to God]

in Christ Jesus

Quote: ἐν Χριστῷ Ἰησοῦ (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor

Here Paul uses the spatial metaphor in Christ Jesus to describe the union of believers with Christ Jesus. In this case, being in Christ Jesus, or united to Christ, explains that churches are truly believers and have a relationship with Christ. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use a phrase that indicates that these believers are united to Christ. Alternate translation: [and that are united to Christ Jesus] or [and that are in union with Christ Jesus]

the same things you also suffered from your own countrymen, just as they also from the Jews

Quote: τὰ αὐτὰ ἐπάθετε, καὶ ὑμεῖς ὑπὸ τῶν ἰδίων συμφυλετῶν, καθὼς καὶ αὐτοὶ ὑπὸ τῶν Ἰουδαίων (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-pronouns

Here, the phrase the same things points to the phrase just as they also from the Jews. Paul means that the Thessalonians and the believers in Judea experienced the same kind of suffering and persecution. If it would be helpful in your language, you could make this idea more explicit. You may need to rearrange the end of the verse to do so. Alternate translation: [you also suffered from your own countrymen exactly what they also suffered from the Jews] or [whatever they also suffered from the Jews you also suffered from your own countrymen]

your own countrymen

Quote: τῶν ἰδίων συμφυλετῶν (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-gendernotations

Although the term countrymen is masculine, Paul is using the word in a generic sense that includes both men and women. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use a phrase that makes this clear. Alternate translation: [others from your own country] or [people who live in your city]

they also from

Quote: καὶ αὐτοὶ ὑπὸ (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-ellipsis

Paul is leaving out some of the words that in many languages a sentence would need in order to be complete. You could supply these words from earlier in the sentence if it would be clearer in your language. Alternate translation: [they also suffered these things from]

the Jews

Quote: τῶν Ἰουδαίων (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit

Here Paul is referring to Jewish people who did not believe in Jesus and who persecuted those who did believe in Jesus. He is not referring to Jewish people in general, since the churches of God that are in Judea were mostly Jewish people. If it would be helpful in your language, you could make it more explicit that Paul is speaking about Jews who did not believe and who persecuted other Jewish people who did believe. Alternate translation: [the Jews who did not believe in Jesus] or [the Jews who opposed Jesus]

1 Thessalonians 2:15

the ones having killed both the Lord Jesus and the prophets and having persecuted us and not being pleasing to God and {being} hostile to all men

Quote: τῶν καὶ τὸν Κύριον ἀποκτεινάντων Ἰησοῦν, καὶ τοὺς προφήτας, καὶ ἡμᾶς ἐκδιωξάντων; καὶ Θεῷ μὴ ἀρεσκόντων, καὶ πᾶσιν ἀνθρώποις ἐναντίων (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-background

Paul provides this background information about “the Jews” to help readers understand exactly which Jews he is speaking about. Use the natural form in your language for expressing background information. Alternate translation: [by which I mean the Jews who in the past killed both the Lord Jesus and the prophets and persecuted us and who are not pleasing God and who are hostile to all men]

the ones having killed both the Lord Jesus and the prophets and having persecuted us

Quote: τῶν καὶ τὸν Κύριον ἀποκτεινάντων Ἰησοῦν, καὶ τοὺς προφήτας, καὶ ἡμᾶς ἐκδιωξάντων (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-events

This list of those persecuted by the people whom Paul calls “the Jews” is not chronological but emphasizes the order of importance and intensity of persecution. If it would be helpful in your language, you could make the order of events clear. Alternate translation: [the ones having killed the prophets, then the Lord Jesus, and finally persecuting us]

the prophets

Quote: τοὺς προφήτας (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit

Here, the phrase the prophets refers to the prophets who are mentioned in the Old Testament. These prophets were also Jewish and spoke God’s message to his people. If it would be helpful in your language, you could make this idea more explicit. Alternate translation: [the Jewish prophets] or [God’s prophets]

to all men

Quote: πᾶσιν ἀνθρώποις (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-hyperbole

Paul says all men here as a generalization for emphasis. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use a different way to express the emphasis. Alternate translation: [to very many men] or [to the majority of men]

to all men

Quote: πᾶσιν ἀνθρώποις (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-gendernotations

Although the term men is masculine, Paul is using the word in a generic sense that includes both men and women. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use a phrase that makes this clear. Alternate translation: [to all men and women]

1 Thessalonians 2:16

forbidding

Quote: κωλυόντων (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-logic-result

Here, the word forbidding could introduce: (1) a reason why Paul says that the unbelieving Jews are not “pleasing to God” and are “hostile to all men” (see 2:15). Alternate translation: [because they forbid] or [which is because they forbid] (2) the means by which the unbelieving Jews act in ways that are not “pleasing to God” and “hostile to all men” (see 2:15). Alternate translation: [which they do by forbidding]

to speak

Quote: λαλῆσαι (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit

Here Paul implies that he and his fellow workers speaks the gospel. If it would be helpful in your language, you could make this idea more explicit. Alternate translation: [to speak the gospel]

to the Gentiles so that they might be saved

Quote: τοῖς ἔθνεσιν & ἵνα σωθῶσιν (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-logic-goal

Here, the clause so that they might be saved expresses the purpose for which Paul and his fellow workers speak to the Gentiles. If it would be helpful in your language, you could make this connection more explicit. Alternate translation: [to the Gentiles, which we do so that they might be saved]

they might be saved

Quote: σωθῶσιν (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive

If your language does not use this passive form, you could express the idea in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. If you need to say who does the action, it is clear from the context that it is God. Alternate translation: [God might save them]

so that {they} always fill up their sins

Quote: εἰς τὸ ἀναπληρῶσαι αὐτῶν τὰς ἁμαρτίας πάντοτε (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit

Here Paul is referring to how the unbelieving Jews fill up their sins. He does not mean that the Gentiles who are saved are filling up their sins. If it would be helpful in your language, you could make this idea more explicit. Alternate translation: [so that these unbelieving Jews always fill up their sins]

so that {they} always fill up their sins

Quote: εἰς τὸ ἀναπληρῶσαι αὐτῶν τὰς ἁμαρτίας πάντοτε (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor

Here, Paul speaks of how the unbelieving Jews sin as if it were filling something up with sins. He could mean: (1) that they commit many sins all the time. Alternate translation: [so that they commit many sins at many times] (2) that they commit enough sins that God will punish them. Alternate translation: [so that they always commit enough sins for God to punish them]

the wrath has come upon them

Quote: ἔφθασεν & ἐπ’ αὐτοὺς ἡ ὀργὴ (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-pastforfuture

Here Paul could be using the past tense phrase has come upon them to indicate that: (1) the wrath will come in the future. In this case, Paul uses the past tense to indicate that the wrath is certain or will be revealed soon. Alternate translation: [the wrath will certainly come upon them] or [the wrath will soon come upon them] (2) wrath has already come when Paul wrote this letter. In this case, at the time Paul wrote this letter, the unbelieving Jews were already experiencing the wrath. Alternate translation: [the wrath has already come upon them] (3) God had already revealed the wrath would eventually come. In this case, people already know about the wrath but will experience it in the future. Alternate translation: [it has already been revealed that the wrath will come upon them]

the wrath

Quote: ἡ ὀργὴ (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit

Here Paul implies that the wrath is God’s wrath. If it would be helpful in your language, you could make this idea more explicit. Alternate translation: [God’s wrath]

the wrath has come upon them

Quote: ἔφθασεν & ἐπ’ αὐτοὺς ἡ ὀργὴ (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns

If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea of wrath, you could express the same idea in another way. See how you translated this word in 1:10. Alternate translation: [God has punished them] or [they have been punished]

to the end

Quote: εἰς τέλος (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom

Here, the phrase to the end could mean that God’s wrath has come up them: (1) completely or totally. In this case, God reveals all of his wrath, not just some of it. Alternate translation: [totally] or [fully] (2) at a specific moment at the end of a period of time. In this case, the unbelieving Jews are sinning until God finally reveals his wrath. Alternate translation: [finally] or [at last] (3) at the end of this world. In this case, the end refers to when Jesus comes back. Alternate translation: [at the end of this world] or [when Jesus returns]

1 Thessalonians 2:17

But

Quote: δέ (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-logic-contrast

Here, the word But introduces how Paul and his fellow workers act in contrast to the people that Paul has described in the previous verses. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use a word or phrase that introduces a contrast. Alternate translation: [On the other hand,]

having been separated from you

Quote: ἀπορφανισθέντες ἀφ’ ὑμῶν (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit

Here Paul refers to how he and his fellow workers had to leave the Thessalonians soon after arriving in their city and preaching the good news to them. You can read about this in Acts 17:1–10. If it would be helpful in your language, you could make this idea more explicit. Alternate translation: [having been forced to leave you] or [having had to go away from you]

having been separated

Quote: ἀπορφανισθέντες (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive

If your language does not use this passive form, you could express the idea in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. If you must state who did the action, Acts 17:1–10 shows that people who opposed Paul did it. Alternate translation: [opponents having separated us] or [persecution having separated us]

for the time of an hour

Quote: πρὸς καιρὸν ὥρας (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom

Here, the phrase for the time of an hour refers to a short span of time. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use a similar phrase or plain language. Alternate translation: [for a short time]

by face, not by heart

Quote: προσώπῳ οὐ καρδίᾳ (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy

Here, the word face represents physical presence, and the word heart represents thoughts and desires. Paul means that he and his fellow workers thought and cared about the Thessalonians (by heart) even though they were not physically present in Thessalonica (by face). If it would be helpful in your language, you could use an equivalent expression from your language or state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: [by physical presence, not by feelings] or [in person, not in affection]

became extremely eager to see your face, in much desire

Quote: περισσοτέρως ἐσπουδάσαμεν τὸ πρόσωπον ὑμῶν ἰδεῖν ἐν πολλῇ ἐπιθυμίᾳ (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-doublet

The terms extremely eager and in much desire mean similar things. Paul is using the two terms together for emphasis. If it would be clearer for your readers, you could express the emphasis with a single phrase. Alternate translation: [greatly desired to see your face] or [became filled with much eagerness to see your face]

to see your face

Quote: τὸ πρόσωπον ὑμῶν ἰδεῖν (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom

The phrase to see your face refers to visiting someone and being with them. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use an equivalent expression from your language or state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: [to visit you] or [to spend time with you]

in much desire

Quote: ἐν πολλῇ ἐπιθυμίᾳ (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns

If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea of desire, you could express the same idea in another way. Alternate translation: [which we greatly desire] or [for which we yearn]

1 Thessalonians 2:18

For

Quote: διότι (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-words-phrases

Here, the word For could introduce: (1) the basis or evidence for Paul’s claim in the previous verse that he and his fellow workers were eager to visit the Thessalonians. Alternate translation: [In fact,] or [You know that is true because] (2) an inference from Paul’s claim in the previous verse about how eager he and his fellow workers were to visit the Thessalonians. Alternate translation: [Therefore,] or [So then,]

to come

Quote: ἐλθεῖν (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-go

Your language may say “go” rather than come in contexts such as this. Alternate translation: [to go]

indeed I, Paul, both once and twice

Quote: ἐγὼ μὲν Παῦλος, καὶ ἅπαξ καὶ δίς (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-ellipsis

Paul is leaving out some of the words that in many languages a sentence would need in order to be complete. You could supply these words from earlier in the sentence if it would be clearer in your language. Alternate translation: [indeed I, Paul, desired to come to you both once and twice]

both once and twice

Quote: καὶ ἅπαξ καὶ δίς (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom

Here, the phrase both once and twice could mean that: (1) Paul tried to visit the Thessalonians multiple times. In this case, Paul does not clarify how many times he tried. Alternate translation: [many times] (2) Paul tried to visit them twice. Alternate translation: [two times] or [twice]

hindered us

Quote: ἐνέκοψεν ἡμᾶς (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit

Here Paul means that Satan prevented him and his fellow workers from visiting the Thessalonians. If it would be helpful in your language, you could make this idea more explicit. Alternate translation: [prevented us from doing so] or [made it impossible for us to come]

1 Thessalonians 2:19

For what {is} our hope or joy or crown of boasting?Or {is it} not also you before our Lord Jesus at his coming

Quote: τίς γὰρ ἡμῶν ἐλπὶς ἢ χαρὰ ἢ στέφανος καυχήσεως? ἢ οὐχὶ καὶ ὑμεῖς, ἔμπροσθεν τοῦ Κυρίου ἡμῶν, Ἰησοῦ, ἐν τῇ αὐτοῦ παρουσίᾳ? (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion

Paul is using the question form to to show the Thessalonians how much he and his fellow workers value and care about them. If you would not use the question form for this purpose in your language, you could translate these questions as statements or exclamations. Alternate translation: [For here is our hope and joy and crown of boasting: it is also you before our Lord Jesus at his coming!] or [For you are our hope and joy and crown of boasting before our Lord Jesus at his coming.]

what {is} our hope or joy or crown of boasting

Quote: τίς & ἡμῶν ἐλπὶς ἢ χαρὰ ἢ στέφανος καυχήσεως (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-personification

In the next question, Paul identifies the hope, joy, and crown as the Thessalonians themselves. If it would be helpful in your language, you could express this question so that Paul is asking about people instead of things. Alternate translation: [who gives us hope and joy and a crown of boasting]

what {is} our hope or joy or crown of boasting

Quote: τίς & ἡμῶν ἐλπὶς ἢ χαρὰ ἢ στέφανος καυχήσεως (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns

If your language does not use abstract nouns for the ideas of hope and joy, you could express the same ideas in another way. Alternate translation: [what makes us hopeful or joyful or gives us a crown of boasting]

crown of boasting

Quote: στέφανος καυχήσεως (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-possession

Here, Paul is using the possessive form to describe a crown that enables or causes boasting. If this is not clear in your language, you could express the idea in another way. Alternate translation: [crown about which we boast]

crown of boasting

Quote: στέφανος καυχήσεως (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor

Here, Paul speaks of the honor and recognition that someone receives for accomplishing a task or goal as if it were a crown. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use an equivalent expression from your language or state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: [reward about which we boast] or [honor about which we boast]

of boasting

Quote: καυχήσεως (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-textvariants

Here, many ancient manuscripts read of boasting. The ULT follows that reading. Other ancient manuscripts read “of great joy.” If a translation of the Bible exists in your region, you may wish to use the reading that it uses. If a translation of the Bible does not exist in your region, you may wish to use the reading of the ULT.

of boasting?Or {is it} not also you before our Lord Jesus at his coming

Quote: καυχήσεως? ἢ οὐχὶ καὶ ὑμεῖς, ἔμπροσθεν τοῦ Κυρίου ἡμῶν, Ἰησοῦ, ἐν τῇ αὐτοῦ παρουσίᾳ? (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-infostructure

Here, the phrase Or {is it} not even you could: (1) introduce a second question that answers the first question. Paul is saying that the Thessalonians will be their hope, joy, and crown at Jesus’ coming. Alternate translation: [of boasting? In fact, is it not also you who are these things before our Lord Jesus at his coming?] (2) be a second question that answers the longer question that the phrase interrupts. In this case, you could use a form that marks the phrase as an interruption, or you could move it to the end of the verse. Alternate translation: [of boasting—is it not also you?—before our Lord Jesus at his coming?] or [of boasting before our Lord Jesus at his coming? Is it not also you?]

Or

Quote: ἢ (3)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-words-phrases

Here, the word Or introduces the correct answer to the question that Paul asked in the first half of the verse. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use a word or phrase that introduces a correct answer, or you could leave Or untranslated. Alternate translation: [Indeed,] or [In fact,]

before our Lord Jesus

Quote: ἔμπροσθεν τοῦ Κυρίου ἡμῶν, Ἰησοῦ (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit

Here, the phrase before our Lord Jesus implies that Paul, his fellow workers, and the Thessalonians will be examined by the Lord Jesus. Paul is confident that Jesus will approve of the Thessalonians, which will give Paul and his fellow workers honor and joy. If it would be helpful in your language, you could make this idea more explicit. Alternate translation: [before our Lord Jesus when he examines everyone] or [when we all are judged by the Lord Jesus]

our

Quote: ἡμῶν (2)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-exclusive

Here, the word our includes Paul, Silvanus, Timothy, the Thessalonians, and all believers. Your language may require you to mark this form.

at his coming

Quote: ἐν τῇ αὐτοῦ παρουσίᾳ (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit

Here, the phrase his coming refers to the specific time in the future when Jesus will come back to earth, judge everyone, punish unbelievers, and reward believers. If it would be helpful in your language, you could make this idea more explicit. Alternate translation: [when he comes back to earth] or [at his return to us]

1 Thessalonians 2:20

For

Quote: γάρ (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-words-phrases

Here, the word For could introduce: (1) a restatement of the point that Paul made in the previous verse (See: 2:19). Alternate translation: [Yes,] (2) the basis for the point that Paul made in the previous verse (See: 2:19). Alternate translation: [That is because]

are our glory and joy

Quote: ἐστε ἡ δόξα ἡμῶν, καὶ ἡ χαρά (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns

If your language does not use abstract nouns for the ideas of glory and joy, you could express the same ideas in another way. Alternate translation: [cause us to feel glorious and joyful] or [glorify us and make us happy]

1 Thessalonians 3

1 Thessalonians 3 General Notes

Structure and Formatting

1. Timothy’s visit and good news (3:1–10)
2. A benediction (3:11–13)

Religious and Cultural Concepts in This Chapter

Timothy’s return to Paul

After Paul, Timothy, and Silvanus left Thessalonica, they visited a city named Berea. Then, they visited a city named Athens. In 3:1, Paul mentions that he and Silvanus stayed in Athens and sent Timothy to visit the Thessalonians. Eventually, Paul left Athens and went to Corinth. While he was in Corinth, Timothy returned from visiting the Thessalonians (see Acts 18:1–5). In this chapter, Paul explains how happy he and his fellow workers became when they heard good news from Timothy about the Thessalonians. In fact, Timothy’s return to Paul is the reason why Paul wrote this letter.

Afflictions

Throughout this chapter, Paul refers to how he, his fellow workers, and other believers (including the Thessalonians) are or will experience afflictions. When Paul and his fellow workers visited Thessalonica and a nearby town named Berea, some other Jewish people tried to hurt them and have them arrested. These people also persecuted anyone who believed the gospel. You can read about these afflictions in Acts 17:1–15. Make sure that your translation clearly indicates this kind of persecution.

Paul’s prayer

In 3:11–13, Paul includes a prayer that God would enable him and his fellow workers to visit the Thessalonians and that God would strengthen and bless the Thessalonians. Paul refers to God in the third person in this prayer, which was a common practice for this kind of prayer. Consider how you might include a prayer to God within a letter in your culture.

1 Thessalonians 3:1

Therefore

Quote: διὸ (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-logic-result

Here, the word Therefore introduces an inference or result based on what Paul said in the previous verses about how he and his fellow workers desired to visit the Thessalonians (see 2:17–20). If it would be helpful in your language, you could use a word or phrase that introduces an inference or result. Alternate translation: [As a result of that] or [Because of that]

enduring {it} no longer

Quote: μηκέτι στέγοντες (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit

Here Paul implies that he and his fellow workers could no longer endure being separated from the Thessalonians and longing to see them. If it would be helpful in your language, you could make this idea more explicit. Alternate translation: [enduring our separation from you no longer] or [no longer enduring how we long to see you]

enduring {it

Quote: στέγοντες (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-logic-result

Here, the word enduring could introduce: (1) the reason why Paul and his fellow workers thought it good to be left behind. Alternate translation: [since we could endure it] (2) the time when Paul and his fellow workers thought it good to be left behind. Alternate translation: [when we could endure it]

enduring {it} no longer, we thought it good to be left behind

Quote: μηκέτι στέγοντες, ηὐδοκήσαμεν καταλειφθῆναι (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-exclusive

Here Paul could be saying that: (1) Paul, Silvanus, and Timothy could endure no longer and together decided that Paul and Silvanus should stay in Athens. Alternate translation: [enduring it no longer, Silvanus, Timothy, and I thought it good that Silvanus and I should be left behind] (2) Paul, Silvanus, and Timothy could endure no longer and together decided that Paul should stay in Athens by himself. Alternate translation: [enduring it no longer, Silvanus, Timothy, and I though it good that I should be left behind] (3) only Paul could endure no longer and himself decided that he should stay in Athens by himself. In this case, Paul uses the plural form to refer to himself only. Alternate translation: [enduring it no longer, I thought it good that I should be left behind]

to be left behind

Quote: καταλειφθῆναι (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive

If your language does not use this passive form, you could express the idea in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: [to remain] or [to have everyone else leave us behind]

Athens

Quote: Ἀθήναις (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-names

The word Athens is the name of a city. It was one of the most important cities in the country we call Greece.

1 Thessalonians 3:2

we sent Timothy, our

Quote: ἐπέμψαμεν Τιμόθεον & ἡμῶν (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-exclusive

Here, the words we and our do not include the Thessalonians. Make sure that your translation fits with how you chose to translate “we” in the previous verse. In this verse, the words we and our could refer to: (1) Paul and Silvanus. Alternate translation: [Silvanus and I sent Timothy, our] (2) just Paul. Alternate translation: [I sent Timothy, my]

we sent Timothy

Quote: ἐπέμψαμεν Τιμόθεον (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit

Here Paul implies that he and Silvanus sent Timothy to visit the Thessalonians. If it would be helpful in your language, you could make this idea more explicit. Alternate translation: [we sent Timothy to you]

our brother

Quote: τὸν ἀδελφὸν ἡμῶν (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor

Paul is using the term brother to mean a person who shares the same faith with him. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: [our believing friend]

a servant of God

Quote: διάκονον τοῦ Θεοῦ (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-possession

Here, Paul is using the possessive form to describe a servant who could: (1) serve God. Alternate translation: [one who serves God] (2) serve other people for God’s sake. Alternate translation: [one who serves others for God’s sake]

a servant of God

Quote: διάκονον τοῦ Θεοῦ (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-textvariants

Many ancient manuscripts read a servant of God. The ULT follows that reading. Other ancient manuscripts read “a fellow worker of God.” Other ancient manuscripts read “fellow worker.” Other manuscripts read “a servant of God and our fellow worker.” If a translation of the Bible exists in your region, you may wish to use the reading that it uses. If a translation of the Bible does not exist in your region, you may wish to use the reading of the ULT.

in

Quote: ἐν (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit

The preposition in could refer to: (1) how Timothy works to preach the gospel. Alternate translation: [in preaching] (2) the means by which Timothy serves. Alternate translation: [by means of]

the gospel of Christ

Quote: τῷ εὐαγγελίῳ τοῦ Χριστοῦ (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-possession

Here, Paul is using the possessive form to describe a gospel that could be: (1) about Christ. Alternate translation: [the gospel about Christ] (2) be from Christ. Alternate translation: [the gospel from Christ]

strengthen

Quote: στηρίξαι (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor

Here, Paul is speaking of Timothy supporting or helping the Thessalonians in their faith as if he were making them physically stronger. If it would be clearer in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: [help]

your faith

Quote: τῆς πίστεως ὑμῶν (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns

If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea of faith, you could express the same idea in another way. Alternate translation: [how you believe]

1 Thessalonians 3:3

that no one be disturbed

Quote: τὸ μηδένα σαίνεσθαι (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-logic-goal

Here, the word that could introduce: (1) another purpose for which Paul sent Timothy to the Thessalonians to strengthen and comfort them (see 3:2). Alternate translation: [in order that no one would be disturbed] (2) what Timothy strengthened and comforted the Thessalonians about. Alternate translation: [showing you that no one should be disturbed] or [that is, that no one be disturbed]

no one be disturbed by these afflictions

Quote: μηδένα σαίνεσθαι ἐν ταῖς θλίψεσιν ταύταις (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive

If your language does not use this passive form, you could express the idea in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: [these afflictions disturb no one]

by these afflictions

Quote: ἐν ταῖς θλίψεσιν ταύταις (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns

If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea of afflictions, you could express the same idea in another way. Alternate translation: [by being afflicted] or [by how we are afflicted]

For

Quote: γὰρ (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-words-phrases

Here, the word For introduces an explanation for why the Thessalonians should not be disturbed. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use a word or phrase that introduces an explanation for a claim. Alternate translation: [Indeed,] or [You should not be disturbed because]

you yourselves know

Quote: αὐτοὶ & οἴδατε (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-pronouns

For emphasis, Paul is stating the pronoun you, which is already implied in the verb know. If your language can state implied pronouns explicitly for emphasis, you may want to use that construction in your translation. Other languages may have other ways of bringing out this emphasis. The ULT does so by using the intensive pronoun yourselves. Alternate translation: [as for you, you know] or [it is you who know]

for this

Quote: εἰς τοῦτο (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-pronouns

The pronoun this refers to experiencing the afflictions that Paul has mentioned. If it would be helpful in your language, you could refer to the afflictions more explicitly. Alternate translation: [for suffering these afflictions]

we are appointed

Quote: κείμεθα (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive

If your language does not use this passive form, you could express the idea in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. If you need to say who did the action, it is clear from the context that it was God. Alternate translation: [God has appointed us]

we are appointed

Quote: κείμεθα (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-exclusive

By we, Paul includes himself, his fellow workers, and the Thessalonians, so use the inclusive form of that word in your translation if your language marks that distinction.

1 Thessalonians 3:4

For also

Quote: καὶ γὰρ (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-logic-result

Here, the phrase For also introduces another reason why the Thessalonians should “not be disturbed by these afflictions” (see 3:3). If it would be helpful in your language, you could use a word or phrase that introduces another reason for a claim. Alternate translation: [Another reason why you should not be disturbed is that] or [Further,]

we were with you, we were telling you in advance that we are about

Quote: πρὸς ὑμᾶς ἦμεν, προελέγομεν ὑμῖν ὅτι μέλλομεν (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-exclusive

Here, the word we in the clauses we were with you and we were telling you only includes Paul and his fellow workers. It does not include the Thessalonians. However, the word we in the clause we are about to suffer affliction does include the Thessalonians. Make sure that this is clear if your language marks these distinctions.

we were telling you in advance that we are about to be afflicted, just as

Quote: προελέγομεν ὑμῖν ὅτι μέλλομεν θλίβεσθαι, καθὼς (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-quotations

It may be more natural in your language to have a direct quotation here. Alternate translation: [we were telling you in advance, “We are about to be afflicted,” just as]

we are about to be afflicted

Quote: μέλλομεν θλίβεσθαι (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive

If your language does not use this passive form, you could express the idea in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. If you need to say who did the action, you could use an indefinite subject. Alternate translation: [people are about to afflict us]

it happened and you know

Quote: ἐγένετο καὶ οἴδατε (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit

Here Paul means that what he and his fellow workers told the Thessalonians would happen did indeed happen, and the Thessalonians know it. If it would be helpful in your language, you could make it more explicit that the Thessalonians know that the afflictions happened. Alternate translation: [it happened, which you know]

1 Thessalonians 3:5

Because of this, I also, no longer enduring {it}, sent

Quote: διὰ τοῦτο κἀγὼ μηκέτι στέγων, ἔπεμψα (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-pronouns

Here, the word this could refer to: (1) what Paul said in the previous verse about how the believers have experienced affliction (See: 3:4). Alternate translation: [Because of those afflictions, I also, no longer enduring it, sent] (2) what Paul says in this verse about how he could no longer endure. Alternate translation: [Because I could no longer endure it, I also sent]

no longer enduring {it

Quote: μηκέτι στέγων (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-logic-result

Here, much as in 3:1, the word enduring could introduce: (1) the reason why Paul sent Timothy. Alternate translation: [since I could no longer endure it] (2) the time when Paul sent Timothy. Alternate translation: [when I could no longer endure it]

no longer enduring {it

Quote: μηκέτι στέγων (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit

Here, much as in 3:1 Paul implies that he could no longer endure being separated from the Thessalonians and not knowing how they were doing. If it would be helpful in your language, you could make this idea more explicit. Alternate translation: [enduring my separation from you no longer] or [no longer enduring how I long to see you]

sent

Quote: ἔπεμψα (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit

Here Paul implies that he sent Timothy to the Thessalonians. If it would be helpful in your language, you could make this idea more explicit. Alternate translation: [sent Timothy to you]

your faith

Quote: τὴν πίστιν ὑμῶν (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns

If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea of faith, you could express the same idea in another way. Alternate translation: [whether you continue to believe]

lest somehow

Quote: μή πως (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit

Here, the phrase lest somehow introduces something that Paul was worried about. If it would be helpful in your language, you could make this idea more explicit. Alternate translation: [fearing that somehow] or [worrying that somehow]

the tempter

Quote: ὁ πειράζων (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit

Here Paul uses the phrase the tempter to refer to the devil, Satan. If it would be helpful in your language, you could make this idea more explicit. Alternate translation: [the tempter, Satan,]

had tempted you

Quote: ἐπείρασεν ὑμᾶς (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit

Here Paul implies that he was worried not only that they would be tempted but also that they would stop believing when they were tempted. If it would be helpful in your language, you could make this idea more explicit. Alternate translation: [had somehow successfully tempted you] or [had tempted you with the result that you stopped believing]

our labor

Quote: ὁ κόπος ἡμῶν (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns

If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea of labor, you could express the same idea in another way. Alternate translation: [what we had done among you]

in vain

Quote: εἰς κενὸν (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom

Here, the phrase in vain identifies a cause that does not have its intended effect. In this case, Paul’s labor will not help the Thessalonians if the tempter successfully tempts them. If it would be helpful in your language, you use a word or phrase that identifies a cause that does not have its intended effect. Alternate translation: [for nothing] or [to no purpose]

1 Thessalonians 3:6

But

Quote: δὲ (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-logic-contrast

Here, the word But introduces what actually happened in contrast to what Paul was worried about. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use a word or phrase that contrasts a concern with what actually happened. Alternate translation: [Despite my fears,] or [But here is what really happened:]

just now

Quote: ἄρτι (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-time-background

Here, the phrase just now introduces the event that prompted Paul to write this letter, 1 Thessalonians. When Paul writes that Timothy returned just now, he is referring to the time immediately before he began writing this letter. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use a word or phrase that introduces something that happened right before a person starts speaking about it. Alternate translation: [just before I started writing this letter,] or [a short while ago,]

to us … us … of us, … us … we

Quote: πρὸς ἡμᾶς & ἡμῖν & ἡμῶν & ἡμᾶς & ἡμεῖς (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-exclusive

Every time the words us or we appear in this verse, they include Paul and Silvanus, but they do not include Timothy or the Thessalonians, so use the exclusive form of that word in your translation if your language marks that distinction.

your faith and love

Quote: τὴν πίστιν καὶ τὴν ἀγάπην ὑμῶν (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns

If your language does not use abstract nouns for the ideas of faith and love, you could express the same ideas in another way. Paul implies that the faith is in God and love is for other people. Alternate translation: [that you continue to believe in God and love other people]

you always have good memory of us

Quote: ἔχετε μνείαν ἡμῶν ἀγαθὴν πάντοτε (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom

Here, the clause you always have good memory of us indicates that the Thessalonians remembered Paul and his fellow workers as people whom they liked and would want to meet again. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use a comparable clause or state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: [you always have pleasant memories about us] or [you always remember us fondly]

longing

Quote: ἐπιποθοῦντες (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit

Here, the word longing could introduce: (1) another thing that the Thessalonians do. If you use the following alternate translation, you should delete the comma before longing. Alternate translation: [and that you long] (2) a result of the kind of memory that the Thessalonians have. Alternate translation: [so that you long]

we also, you

Quote: καὶ ἡμεῖς ὑμᾶς (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-ellipsis

Paul is leaving out some of the words that in many languages a sentence would need in order to be complete. You could supply these words from earlier in the sentence if it would be clearer in your language. Alternate translation: [we also long to see you]

1 Thessalonians 3:7

Because of this

Quote: διὰ τοῦτο (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-pronouns

Here, the word this refers to what Paul said in the previous verse about what Timothy reported about the Thessalonians’ faith, love, and good memory of Paul and his fellow workers. If it would be helpful in your language, you could make this idea more explicit. Alternate translation: [Because of this good news] or [Because of what Timothy told us]

we were encouraged

Quote: παρεκλήθημεν (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive

If your language does not use this passive form, you could express the idea in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. If you need to say who did the action, it is clear from the context that it was God. Alternate translation: [we felt encouragement] or [God encouraged us]

about you

Quote: ἐφ’ ὑμῖν (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit

Here, the phrase translated about you could identify: (1) what Paul and his fellow workers are encouraged about. Alternate translation: [concerning you] (2) the reason why Paul and his fellow workers are encouraged. Alternate translation: [because of you]

in all our distress and affliction

Quote: ἐπὶ πάσῃ τῇ ἀνάγκῃ καὶ θλίψει ἡμῶν (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-doublet

The terms distress and affliction mean similar things. Paul is using the two terms together for emphasis. If it would be clearer for your readers, you could express the emphasis with a single phrase. Alternate translation: [in all our affliction] or [in all our troubles]

in all our distress and affliction, through your faith

Quote: ἐπὶ πάσῃ τῇ ἀνάγκῃ καὶ θλίψει ἡμῶν, διὰ τῆς ὑμῶν πίστεως (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns

If your language does not use abstract nouns for the ideas of distress, affliction, and faith, you could express the same ideas in another way. Alternate translation: [whenever we were distressed and afflicted, through how you believe]

1 Thessalonians 3:8

For

Quote: ὅτι (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-logic-result

Here, the word For introduces a reason why what Paul said in the previous verse about being encouraged is true (See: 3:7). If it would be helpful in your language, you could use a word or phrase that introduces a reason or basis for a previous claim. Alternate translation: [That is because] or [That happened because]

now we live, if you yourselves stand firm in the Lord

Quote: νῦν ζῶμεν, ἐὰν ὑμεῖς στήκετε ἐν Κυρίῳ (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-logic-result

If it would be helpful in your language, you could reverse the order of these phrases, since the second phrase gives the basis for the first phrase. Alternate translation: [if you yourselves stand firm in the Lord, now we live]

now

Quote: νῦν (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit

Here, the word now could refer to: (1) the time when Paul and his fellow workers live. Alternate translation: [presently] or [at this moment] (2) the result of how the Thessalonians stand firm. Alternate translation: [as a result] or [then]

we live

Quote: ζῶμεν (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor

Here, the phrase we live means that Paul and his fellow workers are refreshed and able to enjoy their lives. Paul does not mean that they were dead or about to die and are now alive again. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use a comparable figure of speech or state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: [we can really live] or [we are refreshed]

if

Quote: ἐὰν (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-condition-fact

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 think that what Paul is saying is not certain, then you could translate his words as an affirmative statement. Alternate translation: [since]

you yourselves stand firm in the Lord

Quote: ὑμεῖς στήκετε ἐν Κυρίῳ (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom

Here, the phrase stand firm in indicates that people are remaining faithful to whomever they are in. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use a comparable phrase or state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: [you yourselves remain faithful to the Lord] or [you yourselves persist in trusting the Lord]

you yourselves stand firm

Quote: ὑμεῖς στήκετε (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-pronouns

For emphasis, Paul is stating the pronoun you, which is already implied in the verb stand. If your language can state implied pronouns explicitly for emphasis, you may want to use that construction in your translation. Other languages may have other ways of bringing out this emphasis. The ULT does so by using the intensive pronoun yourselves. Alternate translation: [you indeed stand firm] or [it is you who stand firm]

1 Thessalonians 3:9-10

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: τίνα γὰρ εὐχαριστίαν δυνάμεθα τῷ Θεῷ ἀνταποδοῦναι περὶ ὑμῶν, ἐπὶ πάσῃ τῇ χαρᾷ ᾗ χαίρομεν δι’ ὑμᾶς, ἔμπροσθεν τοῦ Θεοῦ ἡμῶν. νυκτὸς καὶ ἡμέρας, ὑπέρἐκπερισσοῦ δεόμενοι εἰς τὸ ἰδεῖν ὑμῶν τὸ πρόσωπον, καὶ καταρτίσαι τὰ ὑστερήματα τῆς πίστεως ὑμῶν? (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion

Here Paul is using the question form to show the Thessalonians how thankful he is that they continue to trust God. If you would not use the question form for this purpose in your language, you could translate this one as a statement or an exclamation. Alternate translation: [For we give back to God very many thanks concerning you for all the joy with which we rejoice before our God because of you, night and day pleading earnestly to see your face and to provide what is lacking in your faith!]

1 Thessalonians 3:9

For

Quote: γὰρ (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-words-phrases

Here, the word For introduces further information about how Paul and his fellow workers responded to the good news about the Thessalonians. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use a word or phrase that introduces more information, or you could leave For untranslated. Alternate translation: [Indeed,] or [Further,]

are we able … we rejoice … our

Quote: δυνάμεθα & χαίρομεν & ἡμῶν (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-exclusive

Here, the word we in the phrases are we able and we rejoice only includes Paul and his fellow workers. It does not include the Thessalonians. However, the word our in the phrase our God does include the Thessalonians. Make sure that this is clear if your language marks these distinctions.

what thanks are we able to give back to God

Quote: τίνα & εὐχαριστίαν δυνάμεθα τῷ Θεῷ ἀνταποδοῦναι (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor

Here Paul speaks as if he and his fellow workers owe God a debt that they can pay back by giving thanks. He means that the appropriate response to God’s work among the Thessalonians is to give thanks to God. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: [how can we be thankful enough to God] or [what kind of thanksgiving could we give to God]

to God … our God

Quote: τῷ Θεῷ & τοῦ Θεοῦ ἡμῶν (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-textvariants

Many ancient manuscripts read to God and our God. The ULT follows that reading. A few ancient manuscripts read “to the Lord” and “our Lord.” If a translation of the Bible exists in your region, you may wish to use the reading that it uses. If a translation of the Bible does not exist in your region, you may wish to use the reading of the ULT.

for all the joy with which we rejoice

Quote: ἐπὶ πάσῃ τῇ χαρᾷ ᾗ χαίρομεν (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns

If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea of joy, you could express the same idea in another way. Alternate translation: [for how joyfully we rejoice]

for all the joy with which we rejoice

Quote: ἐπὶ πάσῃ τῇ χαρᾷ ᾗ χαίρομεν (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-doublet

Here Paul uses both the word joy and the word rejoice to emphasize how much joy he and his fellow workers have. If it would be clearer for your readers, you could express the emphasis with a single phrase. Alternate translation: [for how greatly we rejoice] or [for how much joy we experience]

before our God

Quote: ἔμπροσθεν τοῦ Θεοῦ ἡμῶν (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom

Here, the phrase before our God means that Paul and his fellow workers rejoice in God’s presence. If it would be helpful in your language, you could make this idea more explicit. Alternate translation: [in the presence of our God] or [when we approach God]

1 Thessalonians 3:10

night and day

Quote: νυκτὸς καὶ ἡμέρας (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom

Here, the phrase night and day indicates that Paul and his fellow workers were pleading earnestly during both the day and the night. This means that they were pleading earnestly very often every day. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use a comparable expression or state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: [all the time] or [always]

pleading earnestly

Quote: ὑπέρἐκπερισσοῦ δεόμενοι (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit

Here Paul implies that he and his fellow workers pray to God when they are pleading. If it would be helpful in your language, you could make this idea more explicit. Alternate translation: [pleading earnestly with God]

to see your face

Quote: εἰς τὸ ἰδεῖν ὑμῶν τὸ πρόσωπον (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom

The phrase to see your face refers to visiting someone and being with them. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use an equivalent expression from your language or state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: [to visit you] or [to spend time with you]

your face

Quote: ὑμῶν τὸ πρόσωπον (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-collectivenouns

Here Paul speaks as if the Thessalonians together had one face, but he is referring to each of their faces. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: [your faces]

to provide what {is} lacking in your faith

Quote: καταρτίσαι τὰ ὑστερήματα τῆς πίστεως ὑμῶν (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit

Here Paul could be implying that the Thessalonians are lacking: (1) knowledge about God that should be included in their faith. Alternate translation: [to teach you more about your faith] (2) some aspects of faith in God. Alternate translation: [to enable you to have faith completely]

in your faith

Quote: τῆς πίστεως ὑμῶν (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns

If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea of faith, you could express the same idea in another way. Alternate translation: [in what you believe]

1 Thessalonians 3:11-13

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: αὐτὸς δὲ ὁ Θεὸς καὶ Πατὴρ ἡμῶν, καὶ ὁ Κύριος ἡμῶν, Ἰησοῦς, κατευθύναι τὴν ὁδὸν ἡμῶν πρὸς ὑμᾶς. ὑμᾶς δὲ ὁ Κύριος πλεονάσαι καὶ περισσεύσαι τῇ ἀγάπῃ εἰς ἀλλήλους, καὶ εἰς πάντας, καθάπερ καὶ ἡμεῖς εἰς ὑμᾶς; εἰς τὸ στηρίξαι ὑμῶν τὰς καρδίας, ἀμέμπτους ἐν ἁγιωσύνῃ ἔμπροσθεν τοῦ Θεοῦ καὶ Πατρὸς ἡμῶν, ἐν τῇ παρουσίᾳ τοῦ Κυρίου ἡμῶν, Ἰησοῦ, μετὰ πάντων τῶν ἁγίων αὐτοῦ. ἀμήν! (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-blessing

Here Paul is asking God to bless the Thessalonians. You could express this as either a blessing or a prayer, in whichever way is more natural in your language. Alternate translation: [But we ask our God and Father himself and our Lord Jesus to direct our way to you. We ask the Lord to make you increase and abound in love for one another and for all, just as we also toward you, to strengthen your hearts, blameless in holiness before our God and Father, at the coming of our Lord Jesus with all his saints. Amen!]

1 Thessalonians 3:11

But

Quote: δὲ (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-words-phrases

Here, the word But introduces a new topic. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use a word or phrase that introduces a new topic, or you could leave But untranslated. Alternate translation: [Now]

may our God and Father himself and our Lord Jesus direct our way to you

Quote: αὐτὸς & ὁ Θεὸς καὶ Πατὴρ ἡμῶν, καὶ ὁ Κύριος ἡμῶν, Ἰησοῦς, κατευθύναι τὴν ὁδὸν ἡμῶν πρὸς ὑμᾶς (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor

Paul speaks about God the Father and the Lord Jesus as if they were directing Paul’s way and his fellow worker’s ways. He could mean that God the Father and the Lord Jesus: (1) are like guides who take Paul and his fellow workers to meet the Thessalonians, which would enable Paul and his fellow workers to visit the Thessalonians. Alternate translation: [may our God and Father himself and our Lord Jesus bring us to you] (2) enable Paul and his fellow workers to overcome obstacles that prevent them from visiting the Corinthians. Alternate translation: [may our God and Father himself and our Lord Jesus remove everything that prevents us from visiting you] (3) lead Paul and his fellow workers on a straight path to the Thessalonians, which would enable Paul and his fellow workers to visit the Thessalonians soon. Alternate translation: [may our God and Father himself and our Lord Jesus enable us to visit you soon]

our God and Father

Quote: ὁ Θεὸς καὶ Πατὴρ ἡμῶν (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-hendiadys

Here, the phrase our God and Father refers to the one divine person who is both God and Father. The word God and the word Father refer to the same person. If it would be helpful in your language, you could make this idea more explicit. See how you translated the similar phrase in 1:3. Alternate translation: [God our Father] or [our Father God]

our God and Father himself

Quote: αὐτὸς & ὁ Θεὸς καὶ Πατὴρ ἡμῶν (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-pronouns

For emphasis, Paul is stating the pronoun “he,” which is already implied in the the phrase our God and Father. If your language can state implied pronouns explicitly for emphasis, you may want to use that construction in your translation. Other languages may have other ways of bringing out this emphasis. The ULT does so by using the intensive pronoun himself. Alternate translation: [he who is our God and Father] or [God our Father indeed]

our … our … our

Quote: ἡμῶν & ἡμῶν & ἡμῶν (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-exclusive

Here, the word our in the phrases our God and our Lord includes all believers. The word our in the phrase our way only includes Paul and his fellow workers. It does not include the Thessalonians. Make sure that this is clear if your language marks these distinctions.

1 Thessalonians 3:12

Now

Quote: δὲ (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-words-phrases

Here, the word Now introduces the next part of Paul’s prayer. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use a word or phrase that introduces another section, or you could leave Now untranslated. Alternate translation: [Further,]

may the Lord make you increase and abound

Quote: ὑμᾶς & ὁ Κύριος πλεονάσαι καὶ περισσεύσαι (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-doublet

The terms increase and abound mean similar things. Paul is using the two terms together for emphasis. If it would be clearer for your readers, you could express the emphasis with a single phrase. Alternate translation: [may the Lord make you very much abound] or [may the Lord make you increase greatly]

in love for one another and for all, just as we also toward you

Quote: τῇ ἀγάπῃ εἰς ἀλλήλους, καὶ εἰς πάντας, καθάπερ καὶ ἡμεῖς εἰς ὑμᾶς (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns

If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea of love, you could express the same idea in another way. Alternate translation: [in how you love one another and all, just as we also love you]

for all

Quote: εἰς πάντας (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-nominaladj

Paul is using the adjective all as a noun to refer to all people. Your language may use adjectives in the same way. If not, you could translate this word with an equivalent phrase. Alternate translation: [for all humans]

we also toward you

Quote: καὶ ἡμεῖς εἰς ὑμᾶς (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-ellipsis

Paul is leaving out some of the words that in many languages a sentence would need in order to be complete. You could supply these words from earlier in the sentence if it would be clearer in your language. Alternate translation: [we also increase and abound in love for you]

1 Thessalonians 3:13

to strengthen

Quote: εἰς τὸ στηρίξαι (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-logic-goal

Here the phrase to strengthen introduces the purpose for which Paul prays that the Lord will make the Thessalonians increase in love (see 3:12). If it would be helpful in your language, you could use a word or phrase that introduces a purpose. Alternate translation: [in order that he might strengthen] or [and I pray those things so that he might strengthen]

to strengthen your hearts

Quote: εἰς τὸ στηρίξαι ὑμῶν τὰς καρδίας (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor

Here Paul speaks of the Thessalonians becoming spiritually stronger as if their hearts were being strengthened. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: [to strengthen you spiritually] or [to make you stronger on the inside]

your hearts, blameless

Quote: ὑμῶν τὰς καρδίας, ἀμέμπτους (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-ellipsis

Paul is leaving out some of the words that in many languages a sentence would need in order to be complete. You could supply words such as “so that they will be” if it would be clearer in your language. Alternate translation: [your hearts so that they will be blameless] or [your hearts so that you will be blameless]

in holiness

Quote: ἐν ἁγιωσύνῃ (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns

If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea of holiness, you could express the same idea in another way. Alternate translation: [in how holy you are]

before our God and Father

Quote: ἔμπροσθεν τοῦ Θεοῦ καὶ Πατρὸς ἡμῶν (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom

Here, the phrase before our God and Father refers to being in the presence of our God and Father. In this case, the phrase emphasizes that God is the one who will declare the Thessalonians to be blameless in holiness. If it would be helpful in your language, you could make this idea more explicit. Alternate translation: [in the presence of our God and Father] or [according to our God and Father]

our God and Father

Quote: τοῦ Θεοῦ καὶ Πατρὸς ἡμῶν (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-hendiadys

Here, the phrase our God and Father refers to the one divine person who is both God and Father. The word God and the word Father refer to the same person. If it would be helpful in your language, you could make this idea more explicit. See how you translated the similar phrase in 3:11. Alternate translation: [God our Father] or [our Father God]

our … our

Quote: ἡμῶν (-1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-exclusive

In both places, the word our includes Paul, Silvanus, Timothy, the Thessalonians, and all believers. Your language may require you to mark this form.

at the coming of our Lord Jesus

Quote: ἐν τῇ παρουσίᾳ τοῦ Κυρίου ἡμῶν, Ἰησοῦ (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit

Here, the phrase the coming of our Lord Jesus refers to the specific time in the future when Jesus will come back to earth, judge everyone, punish unbelievers, and reward believers. If it would be helpful in your language, you could make this idea more explicit. Alternate translation: [when our Lord Jesus comes back to earth] or [at return of our Lord Jesus to us]

with all his saints

Quote: μετὰ πάντων τῶν ἁγίων αὐτοῦ (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit

Here, the word saints could refer to: (1) believers. Alternate translation: [with everyone who believes in him] (2) believers and angels. Alternate translation: [with all his holy angels and those who believe in him] (3) angels. Alternate translation: [with all his holy angels]

1 Thessalonians 4

1 Thessalonians 4 General Notes

Structure and Formatting

1. Teaching on sexual morality (4:1–8)
2. Teaching on Christian love (4:9–12)
3. Teaching on the day of the Lord (4:13–5:11)
   • Dead believers and the day of the Lord (4:13–18)

Religious and Cultural Concepts in This Chapter

Sexual morality

In 4:3–8, Paul commands the Thessalonians to act in holy ways, particularly in relation to their sexual behavior. He does not provide specific details, but he does require them to exercise self-control and to avoid hurting a fellow believer. In the Thessalonians’ culture, sexual immorality was very common. Men and women would have sex with people who were not their own spouses, and older men would have sex with younger men. If a Christian had sex with another Christian to whom he or she was not married, it could easily hurt or exploit that person or that person’s family. Paul wants the Corinthians to completely avoid this possibility.

Brotherly love

In 4:9–12, Paul praises the Corinthians for showing “brotherly love.” He means that they love each other as if they were members of the same family. He also encourages them to show this kind of love even more, which includes staying out of other people’s private affairs and making sure that they can provide for themselves instead of depending on other people.

Dead believers

The Thessalonians were worried that believers who had died might not experience some of the wonderful things that will happen when Jesus comes back. In 4:13–18, Paul assures them that believers who had died not miss anything when Jesus comes back. In fact, he tells them that believers who have died will meet Jesus first, before everyone who is still alive meets him. He wants them to encourage or comfort each other with this teaching.

The coming of the Lord

In 4:13–18, Paul teaches the Thessalonians about what will happen when Jesus comes back. He describes Jesus’ return with powerful language that includes angels, people being lifted up into the sky, and loud sounds. Scholars debate whether Paul described Jesus’ return with symbolic language or whether he described specific events that will happen when Jesus comes back. Your translation should express Paul’s descriptions as clearly as possible while allowing for both interpretations of his words.

Translation Issues in This Chapter

“His own vessel”

In 4:4, Paul urges each Thessalonian to “possess his own vessel in sanctification and honor.” Paul could be using the word “vessel” in several different ways. First (1), and most likely, he could be using “vessel” as a euphemism for the sexual organ. In this case, he is urging the Thessalonians to have self-control over their sexual desires the acts. Also, he is addressing men directly but also includes women in his command. Second (2), he could be using “vessel” as a metaphor for the physical body. In this case, he is focusing particularly on the sexual aspect of the physical body, just like in option (1). Third (3), and least likely, Paul could be using “vessel” as a metaphor for a man’s wife. In this case, he is urging each Thessalonian man to be sexually faithful to his wife. It is recommended that you follow option (1) or perhaps option (2) since these are the most likely explanations for why Paul uses the word “vessel.” (See: Euphemism and Metaphor)

“The ones sleeping”

In 4:13–15, Paul refers to people who are “sleeping.” This was a polite way in his culture to refer to people who had died. Paul does not have any deeper meaning in mind. Consider how, in your culture, you might politely refer to people who had died. (See: Euphemism)

Translation Issues in This Chapter

Did Paul think that Jesus would come back before he himself died?

In 4:15 and 4:17, Paul uses the word “we” to include himself among the believers who are alive when Jesus comes back. Some scholars think that this implies that Paul believed or hoped that Jesus would come back before Paul died. However, other scholars think that Paul used the word “we” because he was referring to believers who are alive, and of course he was alive when he wrote this letter. In your translation, you should use an inclusive form of “we” if your language marks that distinction, but you should not include any further clarification.

What is the sequence of events in 4:15–17?

In these verses, Paul describes several events that will occur in sequence. Based on what he says, we can be relatively sure that the following three events will occur in this order: (1) the Lord Jesus will come down from heaven, (2) believers who have died will resurrect and go with the Lord, and (3) believers who are still alive with be taken up to meet the Lord in the air. It is less clear whether the “loud command,” the “voice of an archangel” and the “trumpet of God” happen before or during Jesus’ descent from heaven. Also, it is not clear whether Jesus and believers go up to heaven or come back to earth, although coming back to earth is slightly more likely. Make sure that your translation clearly presents the three main events in sequence, and if possible, allow for several different interpretations for the other elements.

1 Thessalonians 4:1

Therefore

Quote: οὖν (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-logic-result

Here, the word Therefore introduces a development in Paul’s argument. He is transitioning from rejoicing about the Thessalonians to instructing them about how to act and what to believe. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use a word or phrase that introduces this kind of development. Alternate translation: [So] or [Given all that]

finally

Quote: λοιπὸν (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-words-phrases

Here, the word finally signals to the audience that Paul is starting the last section of his letter. The word does not mean that Paul is about to finish the letter. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use a word or phrase that introduces the last major part of a letter. Alternate translation: [lastly] or [in this last section]

we ask and encourage you

Quote: ἐρωτῶμεν ὑμᾶς καὶ παρακαλοῦμεν (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-doublet

The terms ask and encourage mean similar things. Paul is using the two terms together for emphasis. If it would be clearer for your readers, you could express the emphasis with a single phrase. Alternate translation: [we strongly encourage you] or [we urgently ask you]

in the Lord Jesus

Quote: ἐν Κυρίῳ Ἰησοῦ (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor

Here Paul uses the spatial metaphor in the Lord Jesus to describe the union of believers with Jesus. In this case, being in the Lord Jesus, or united to Jesus, could specifically explain: (1) the reason why Paul and his fellow workers ask and exhort the Thessalonians. Alternate translation: [because of your union with the Lord Jesus] (2) the authority by which Paul and his fellow workers ask and exhort the Thessalonians. Alternate translation: [as those who represent the Lord Jesus]

to walk … you are walking

Quote: περιπατεῖν & περιπατεῖτε (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor

Paul speaks of behavior in life as if it were walking. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. See you how you translated the similar phrase in 2:12. Alternate translation: [to act … you are acting] or [to live your lives … you are living your lives]

to walk and to please God

Quote: περιπατεῖν καὶ ἀρέσκειν Θεῷ (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-hendiadys

Here, to walk and to please expresses a single idea by using two words connected with and. The word please describes the way in which the Thessalonian church should walk. If it would be helpful in your language, you could express this meaning with an equivalent phrase that does not use and. Alternate translation: [to walk in a way that is pleasing to God] or [to walk so that you please God]

that

Quote: ἵνα (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-words-phrases

Here, the word that could introduce: (1) what it is that Paul and his fellow workers ask and exhort the Thessalonians to do. Alternate translation: [we ask that] (2) the purpose for which Paul and his fellow workers ask and exhort the Thessalonians. Alternate translation: [in order that]

you might abound even more

Quote: περισσεύητε μᾶλλον (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit

Here Paul implies that he and his fellow workers want the Thessalonians to abound even more in pleasing God. If it would be helpful in your language, you could make this idea more explicit. Alternate translation: [you might abound even more in doing what is pleasing to God]

1 Thessalonians 4:2

For

Quote: γὰρ (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-words-phrases

Here, the word For introduces a further explanation of what Paul said in the previous verse about how the Thessalonians received instructions from Paul and his fellow workers (See: 4:1). If it would be helpful in your language, you could use a word or phrase that introduces an explanation, or you could leave For untranslated. Alternate translation: [Indeed,] or [In fact,]

we gave you

Quote: ἐδώκαμεν ὑμῖν (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit

Here Paul refers to what he and his fellow workers told the Thessalonians when they first visited them. If it would be helpful in your language, you could make this idea more explicit. Alternate translation: [we, when we were with you, gave you]

through the Lord Jesus

Quote: διὰ τοῦ Κυρίου Ἰησοῦ (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit

Here, the phrase through the Lord Jesus indicates that Paul and his fellow workers said what the Lord Jesus wanted them to say. In other words, they spoke with the authority of the Lord Jesus. If it would be helpful in your language, you could make this idea more explicit. Alternate translation: [as we spoke what the Lord Jesus wanted] or [by the authority of the Lord Jesus]

1 Thessalonians 4:3

For

Quote: γάρ (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-words-phrases

Here, the word For introduces specific examples of the “commands” that Paul and his fellow workers gave to the Thessalonians (See: 4:2). If it would be helpful in your language, you could use a word or phrase that introduces specific examples, or you could leave For untranslated. Alternate translation: [Specifically] or [For example, we told you that]

this is the will of God, your sanctification

Quote: τοῦτο & ἐστιν θέλημα τοῦ Θεοῦ, ὁ ἁγιασμὸς ὑμῶν (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-pronouns

Here, the word this refers to the phrase your sanctification. Paul uses this form to emphasize sanctification. If it would be helpful in your language, you could express the idea in another way that emphasizes sanctification. Alternate translation: [your sanctification is the will of God] or [the will of God is your sanctification]

the will of God, your sanctification

Quote: θέλημα τοῦ Θεοῦ, ὁ ἁγιασμὸς ὑμῶν, (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns

If your language does not use abstract nouns for the ideas of will and sanctification, you could express the same ideas in another way. Alternate translation: [what God wants, that you become holy]

your sanctification: that you keep yourselves

Quote: ὁ ἁγιασμὸς ὑμῶν, ἀπέχεσθαι ὑμᾶς (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit

Here, the phrase that you keep yourselves introduces an explanation of what Paul means when he uses the word sanctification. This explanation continues in 4:4–6. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use a word or phrase that introduces an explanation. Alternate translation: [your sanctification, that is, that you keep yourselves]

that you keep yourselves from

Quote: ἀπέχεσθαι ὑμᾶς ἀπὸ (1)

Alternate translation: [that you stay away from] or [that you avoid]

sexual immorality

Quote: τῆς πορνείας (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns

If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea of immorality, you could express the same idea in another way. Alternate translation: [doing what is sexually immoral] or [acting in sexually immoral ways]

1 Thessalonians 4:4

that each of you knows

Quote: εἰδέναι ἕκαστον ὑμῶν (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit

Here, the phrase that each of you knows could: (1) give another example of what “sanctification” means (See: 4:3). Alternate translation: [and that each of you knows] (2) describe more specifically what it means to avoid “sexual immorality” (See: 4:3). Alternate translation: [more specifically, that each of you knows]

that each of you knows to possess

Quote: εἰδέναι ἕκαστον ὑμῶν & κτᾶσθαι (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit

Here, the word knows could refer specifically to: (1) learning how to do something. Alternate translation: [that each of you learns to possess] (2) understanding something. Alternate translation: [that each of you understands how to possess]

to possess his own vessel

Quote: τὸ ἑαυτοῦ σκεῦος, κτᾶσθαι (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-euphemism

Here, the word vessel could refer to: (1) a person’s sexual organ. This is a euphemism. Alternate translation: [to possess his own sexual organ] (2) a man’s wife. This is a metaphor. Alternate translation: [to possess his own wife]

to possess his own vessel

Quote: τὸ ἑαυτοῦ σκεῦος, κτᾶσθαι (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor

The meaning of the verb possess depends on what the word vessel means (See: the previous note): (1) If the word vessel refers to the body or more specifically to the sexual organ, the word possess refers to people having control over their bodies. Alternate translation: [to exercise control over his sexual organs] or [to exercise sexual self-control] (2) If the word vessel refers to a wife, the word possess could refer to a man having sex with his wife. Alternate translation: [to have sexual relations with his wife] (3) If the word vessel refers to a wife, the word possess could refer to a man marrying a woman. Alternate translation: [to marry a wife]

his own vessel

Quote: τὸ ἑαυτοῦ σκεῦος (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-gendernotations

The referent of the word his depends on what the word vessel means (See: the previous two notes): (1) If the word vessel refers to a person’s sexual organ, Paul is using the word his in a generic sense that includes both men and women. Alternate translation: [his or her own vessel] (2) If the word vessel refers to a wife, Paul is using the word his to refer only to men and not to women. Alternate translation: [the vessel that is his]

in sanctification and honor

Quote: ἐν ἁγιασμῷ καὶ τιμῇ (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns

If your language does not use abstract nouns for the ideas of sanctification and honor, you could express the same ideas in another way. Alternate translation: [in holy and honorable ways]

1 Thessalonians 4:5

not in the passion of lust

Quote: μὴ ἐν πάθει ἐπιθυμίας (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-logic-contrast

Here, not in the passion of lust contrasts with the previous phrase “in holiness and honor” (See: 4:4). If it would be helpful in your language, you could use a word or phrase that introduces this kind of contrast. Alternate translation: [and in contrast, not in the passion of lust]

not in the passion of lust

Quote: μὴ ἐν πάθει ἐπιθυμίας (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns

If your language does not use abstract nouns for the ideas of passion and lust, you could express the same ideas in another way. Alternate translation: [not passionately lusting]

the passion of lust

Quote: πάθει ἐπιθυμίας (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-possession

Here, Paul is using the possessive form to connect passion and lust. More specifically, he could be referring to: (1) passion that is characterized by lust. Alternate translation: [lustful passion] (2) lust that is characterized by passion. Alternate translation: [passionate lust]

just as also the Gentiles, the ones not knowing God

Quote: καθάπερ καὶ τὰ ἔθνη τὰ μὴ εἰδότα τὸν Θεόν (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-ellipsis

Paul is leaving out some of the words that in many languages a sentence would need in order to be complete. You could supply words such as “behave” or “act” if it would be clearer in your language. Alternate translation: [just as also the Gentiles behave, the ones not knowing God] or [just as also the Gentiles, the ones not knowing God, act]

the Gentiles, the ones not knowing God

Quote: τὰ ἔθνη τὰ μὴ εἰδότα τὸν Θεόν (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-distinguish

Here Paul is distinguishing from Gentiles who do not know God from Gentiles who do know God. Be sure that this distinction is clear in your translation. Alternate translation: [the Gentiles, specifically the ones not knowing God] or [all the Gentiles who do not know God]

the ones not knowing God

Quote: τὰ μὴ εἰδότα τὸν Θεόν (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom

Here, the phrase not knowing God means that these Gentiles do not listen to, trust in, or obey God. It does not mean that they do not know about God. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: [the ones not listening to God] or [the ones not obeying God]

1 Thessalonians 4:6

not to transgress

Quote: τὸ μὴ ὑπερβαίνειν (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-logic-goal

Here, the phrase not to transgress could introduce: (1) the purpose of what Paul has said in 4:3–5 about abstaining from sexual immorality. Alternate translation: [in order not to transgress] (2) another example of what “sanctification” means (See: 4:3). Alternate translation: [and that each of you does not transgress] (3) another description of what it means to avoid “sexual immorality” (See: 4:3). Alternate translation: [that each of you does not transgress]

transgress and take advantage of

Quote: ὑπερβαίνειν καὶ πλεονεκτεῖν (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-hendiadys

The two terms transgress and take advantage of work together to express a single idea. The phrase take advantage of tells how a person might transgress. If it would be more natural in your language, you could express this meaning in a different way. Alternate translation: [transgress through taking advantage of] or [transgress, taking advantage of]

his brother

Quote: τὸν ἀδελφὸν αὐτοῦ (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor

Paul is using the term brother to mean a person who shares the same faith. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: [his believing friend]

his brother

Quote: τὸν ἀδελφὸν αὐτοῦ (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-gendernotations

Here Paul could be using the masculine form his brother to refer to: (1) specific fellow believers, whether men or women. Alternate translation: [any brother or sister] or [his or her brother or sister] (2) specific male believers, specifically men in charge of families. Alternate translation: [any brother in charge of a family]

in this matter

Quote: ἐν τῷ πράγματι (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit

Here, the phrase this matter refers to what Paul has been speaking about: sexual morality. If it would be helpful in your language, you could make this idea more explicit. Alternate translation: [in the area of sexual morality] or [in his sexual behavior]

for

Quote: διότι (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-logic-result

Here, the word for introduces a reason why the Thessalonians should obey God by avoiding sexual immorality. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use a word or phrase that introduces a reason, or you could leave for untranslated. Alternate translation: [and you should behave in these ways because] or [all of which you should do since]

all these things

Quote: πάντων τούτων (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-pronouns

Here, the phrase all these things refers to the sinful sexual behaviors that Paul has mentioned. If it would be helpful in your language, you could make this idea more explicit. Alternate translation: [all these sexually immoral behaviors] or [every sexual sin]

just as we also said before to you and testified

Quote: καθὼς καὶ προείπαμεν ὑμῖν καὶ διεμαρτυράμεθα (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit

Here Paul refers to what he and his fellow workers told the Thessalonians when they visited them. If it would be helpful in your language, you could make this idea more explicit. Alternate translation: [just as we also we also said before to you and testified when we visited you]

we also said before to you and testified

Quote: καὶ προείπαμεν ὑμῖν καὶ διεμαρτυράμεθα (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-doublet

The terms said before and testified mean similar things. Paul is using the two terms together for emphasis. If it would be clearer for your readers, you could express the emphasis with a single phrase. Alternate translation: [we also solemnly warned you before] or [we also already testified to you]

1 Thessalonians 4:7

For

Quote: γὰρ (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-words-phrases

Here, the word For introduces a reason or basis for what Paul has said about avoiding sexual immorality (See: 4:3–6). If it would be helpful in your language, you could use a word or phrase that introduces a reason or basis. Alternate translation: [All that is important because]

us

Quote: ἡμᾶς (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-exclusive

Here, the word us includes Paul, his fellow workers, and the Thessalonians. Your language may require you to mark this form.

for uncleanness, but in sanctification

Quote: ἐπὶ ἀκαθαρσίᾳ, ἀλλ’ ἐν ἁγιασμῷ (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns

If your language does not use abstract nouns for the ideas of uncleanness and sanctification, you could express the same ideas in another way. Alternate translation: [to be unclean, but to be sanctified] or [to act in unclean ways, but in holy ways]

but in sanctification

Quote: ἀλλ’ ἐν ἁγιασμῷ (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-ellipsis

Paul is leaving out some of the words that in many languages a sentence would need in order to be complete. You could supply these words from earlier in the sentence if it would be clearer in your language. Alternate translation: [but he called us in sanctification]

1 Thessalonians 4:8

Therefore

Quote: τοιγαροῦν (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-logic-result

Here, the word Therefore introduces an inference or conclusion from what Paul has said in 4:3–7. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use another word that introduces an inference or conclusion. Alternate translation: [Because of all that] or [In conclusion]

the one rejecting this

Quote: ὁ ἀθετῶν (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-pronouns

Here, the word this refers back to what Paul has commanded the Thessalonians about living holy lives and avoiding sexual immorality. If it would be helpful in your language, you could make this idea more explicit. Alternate translation: [the one rejecting these commands about sexual morality] or [the one rejecting what we have said about sexual behavior]

rejects not man, but God, the one giving

Quote: οὐκ ἄνθρωπον ἀθετεῖ, ἀλλὰ τὸν Θεὸν, τὸν διδόντα (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-infostructure

If your language would not naturally put the negative statement before the positive statement, you could reverse the two elements here. Alternate translation: [rejects God, not man, and God is the one who gives]

man

Quote: ἄνθρωπον (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-gendernotations

Although the term man is masculine, Paul is using the word in a generic sense that includes both men and women. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use a phrase that makes this clear. Alternate translation: [a person] or [a man or woman]

the one giving

Quote: τὸν διδόντα (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-distinguish

Here Paul is adding more information about God. He is not distinguishing between different gods. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use a form that clearly adds information instead of distinguishing between people. Alternate translation: [who is the one who gives]

the one giving

Quote: τὸν διδόντα (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-textvariants

Many ancient manuscripts read the one giving. The ULT follows that reading. Other ancient manuscripts read “the one having given.” If a translation of the Bible exists in your region, you may wish to use the reading that it uses. If a translation of the Bible does not exist in your region, you may wish to use the reading of the ULT.

you

Quote: ὑμᾶς (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-textvariants

Many ancient manuscripts read you. The ULT follows that reading. Other ancient manuscripts read “us.” If a translation of the Bible exists in your region, you may wish to use the reading that it uses. If a translation of the Bible does not exist in your region, you may wish to use the reading of the ULT.

1 Thessalonians 4:9

But

Quote: δὲ (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-words-phrases

Here, the word But introduces a new section in the letter. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use a word or phrase that introduces a new section, or you could leave But untranslated. Alternate translation: [Next,]

brotherly love

Quote: τῆς φιλαδελφίας (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns

If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea of love, you could express the same idea in another way. Alternate translation: [loving the brothers] or [how to love others in a brotherly way]

brotherly love

Quote: τῆς φιλαδελφίας (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor

Here Paul uses the phrase brotherly love to refer to love for people who share the same faith, both men and women. If possible, use the same form you have used to translate the word “brothers.” Alternate translation: [love for believers]

you have no need {for us} to write to you, for you yourselves are taught by God to love one another

Quote: οὐ χρείαν ἔχετε γράφειν ὑμῖν, αὐτοὶ γὰρ ὑμεῖς θεοδίδακτοί ἐστε, εἰς τὸ ἀγαπᾶν ἀλλήλους (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-logic-result

If your language would naturally state a reason before its result, you could reverse the order of these clauses. Alternate translation: [because you yourselves are taught by God to love one another, you have no need {for us} to write to you]

you have

Quote: ἔχετε (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-textvariants

Many ancient manuscripts read you have. The ULT follows that reading. Other ancient manuscripts read “we have.” If a translation of the Bible exists in your region, you may wish to use the reading that it uses. If a translation of the Bible does not exist in your region, you may wish to use the reading of the ULT.

for

Quote: γὰρ (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-logic-result

Here, the word for introduces a reason why Paul and his fellow workers do not need to write to the Thessalonians. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use a word or phrase that introduces a reason or basis for a claim, or you could leave for untranslated. Alternate translation: [since]

you yourselves are taught by God

Quote: αὐτοὶ & ὑμεῖς θεοδίδακτοί ἐστε (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive

If your language does not use this passive form, you could express the idea in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: [God has taught you yourselves]

you yourselves are

Quote: αὐτοὶ & ὑμεῖς & ἐστε (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-pronouns

For emphasis, Paul is stating the pronoun you, which is already implied in the verb are. If your language can state implied pronouns explicitly for emphasis, you may want to use that construction in your translation. Other languages may have other ways of bringing out this emphasis. The ULT does so by using the intensive pronoun yourselves. Alternate translation: [it is you who are] or [as for you, you are]

1 Thessalonians 4:10

For also you do

Quote: καὶ γὰρ ποιεῖτε (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-logic-result

Here, the phrase For also introduces another reason why Paul and his fellow workers do not need to write to the Thessalonians (see 4:9). If it would be helpful in your language, you could use a word or phrase that introduces another reason or basis for a claim, or you could leave For untranslated. Alternate translation: [Again, we do not need to write to you about this, since you do] or [Even more, you do]

you do it

Quote: ποιεῖτε αὐτὸ (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-pronouns

Here, the word it refers to “brotherly love” (see 4:9). If it would be helpful in your language, you could make this idea more explicit. Alternate translation: [you show brotherly love]

But

Quote: δὲ (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-words-phrases

Here, the word But introduces a slight contrast between what the Thessalonians are doing and how Paul wants them to do it even more. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use a word or phrase that introduces this kind of contrast, or you could leave But untranslated. Alternate translation: [Now] or [Yet]

to abound even more

Quote: περισσεύειν μᾶλλον (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit

Here Paul implies that he and his fellow workers want the Thessalonians to abound in brotherly love even more. If it would be helpful in your language, you could make this idea more explicit. Alternate translation: [to abound even more in brotherly love]

1 Thessalonians 4:11

to be quiet

Quote: ἡσυχάζειν (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor

Here, the phrase to be quiet refers to living in a peaceful way that does not disrupt others. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use a similar phrase or state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: [to avoid disrupting others] or [to behave calmly around other people]

to perform your own things

Quote: πράσσειν τὰ ἴδια (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit

Here, the phrase to perform your own things refers to focusing on one’s own tasks and responsibilities instead of becoming involved in other people’s private affairs. If it would be helpful in your language, you could make this idea more explicit. Alternate translation: [to focus on your own own affairs] or [to stay out of other people’s business]

to work with your own hands

Quote: ἐργάζεσθαι ταῖς ἰδίαις χερσὶν ὑμῶν (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom

Here Paul uses the phrase work with your own hands to indicate that the Thessalonians should support themselves instead of relying on others to provide for them. He does not mean that they must do physical labor. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use a comparable phrase or state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: [to provide for yourselves] or [to earn your own living]

just as we commanded you

Quote: καθὼς ὑμῖν παρηγγείλαμεν (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit

Here Paul refers to what he and his fellow workers commanded the Thessalonians when they visited them. If it would be helpful in your language, you could make this idea more explicit. Alternate translation: [just as we commanded you when we visited you]

1 Thessalonians 4:12

so that

Quote: ἵνα (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-logic-result

Here, the phrase so that could introduce: (1) the result of doing what Paul has commanded in 4:10–11. Alternate translation: [with the result that] (2) the purpose of doing what Paul has commanded in 4:10–11. Alternate translation: [in order that]

you may walk

Quote: περιπατῆτε (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor

Paul speaks of behavior in life as if it were walking. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: [you may act] or [you may live your lives]

the ones outside

Quote: τοὺς ἔξω (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom

Here, the phrase the ones outside identifies people who do not belong to the group of believers in Thessalonica. If it would be helpful in your language, you could express the idea with a word or phrase that refers to people who do not belong to a specific group. Alternate translation: [the outsiders] or [the unbelievers]

of nothing

Quote: μηδενὸς (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit

Here word translated nothing could refer: (1) to things. In this case, Paul wants them to have everything that they need. Alternate translation: [of no essential things] (2) to people. In this case, Paul wants them to be independent and not rely on other people to provide for them. Alternate translation: [of nobody] or [of support from no person]

1 Thessalonians 4:13

Now

Quote: δὲ (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-words-phrases

Here, the word Now introduces a new section in the letter. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use a word or phrase that introduces a new section, or you could leave Now untranslated. Alternate translation: [Next,]

we do not want you to be ignorant

Quote: οὐ θέλομεν & ὑμᾶς ἀγνοεῖν (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-doublenegatives

If it would be clearer in your language, you could use a positive expression to translate this double negative that consists of the negative particle not and the negative word ignorant. Alternate translation: [we want you to know]

the ones sleeping

Quote: τῶν κοιμωμένων (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-euphemism

Here, the phrase the ones sleeping is a polite way to refer to people who have died. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use a similar polite phrase or state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: [the ones having passed away] or [the ones who are dead]

so that

Quote: ἵνα (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-logic-goal

The connecting words so that introduce the purpose for which Paul wants to instruct the Thessalonians. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use a word or phrase that introduces a purpose or goal. Alternate translation: [in order that]

the rest, the ones not having hope

Quote: οἱ λοιποὶ, οἱ μὴ ἔχοντες ἐλπίδα (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-ellipsis

Paul is leaving out some of the words that in many languages a sentence would need in order to be complete. You could supply these words from earlier in the sentence if it would be clearer in your language. Alternate translation: [the rest grieve, the ones not having hope] or [the rest who have no hope grieve]

the rest, the ones not having hope

Quote: οἱ λοιποὶ, οἱ μὴ ἔχοντες ἐλπίδα (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-distinguish

Here Paul is distinguishing between people who have hope and people who do not have hope. Be sure that this distinction is clear in your translation. Alternate translation: [the rest who do not have hope] or [the rest, that is, those who do not have hope]

the rest

Quote: οἱ λοιποὶ (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-nominaladj

Paul is using the adjective rest as a noun to refer to a group of people that includes everyone who does not have hope. Your language may use adjectives in the same way. If not, you could translate this word with an equivalent phrase. Alternate translation: [the rest of people] or [everyone else]

hope

Quote: ἐλπίδα (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit

Here Paul implies that the hope concerns what happens to people after they die. People who do not have hope do not expect anyone who dies to live again. If it would be helpful in your language, you could make this idea more explicit. Alternate translation: [hope that people will live again] or [hope of resurrection]

the ones not having hope

Quote: οἱ μὴ ἔχοντες ἐλπίδα (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns

If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea of hope, you could express the same idea in another way. Alternate translation: [the ones not hoping] or [the ones not expecting anything]

1 Thessalonians 4:14

For

Quote: γὰρ (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-logic-result

Here, the word For introduces a reason why the Thessalonians should not grieve like other people do. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use a word or phrase that introduces a reason or basis for a claim, or you could leave For untranslated. Alternate translation: [You should not grieve in those ways because,] or [Indeed,]

if

Quote: εἰ (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-condition-fact

Paul speaks as if this were a hypothetical situation, but he means that it must be true. If your language does not state something as a condition if it is certain or true, and if your readers might think that what Paul is saying is uncertain, then you could translate his words as an affirmative statement. Alternate translation: [because]

we believe

Quote: πιστεύομεν (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-exclusive

Here, the word we includes Paul, his fellow workers, and the Thessalonians, so use the inclusive form of that word in your translation if your language marks that distinction.

rose

Quote: ἀνέστη (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom

Here, the word rose refers to how Jesus came back to life after he died. If your language does not use rose to describe coming back to life, you could use a comparable idiom or express the idea plainly. Alternate translation: [came back to life] or [lived again]

thus also God

Quote: οὕτως καὶ ὁ Θεὸς (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-ellipsis

Paul is leaving out some of the words that in many languages a sentence would need in order to be complete. You could supply these words from earlier in the sentence if it would be clearer in your language. Alternate translation: [we believe that thus also God]

thus also God

Quote: οὕτως καὶ ὁ Θεὸς (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-infostructure

The phrase thus also could go with: (1) God will bring. In this case, thus also indicates that believers will experience something that is similar to how Jesus died and rose again. Alternate translation: [we can also believe that, in a similar way, God] (2) the implied phrase “we believe.” In this case, thus also indicates that believing that Christians will resurrect is based on believing in Jesus’ resurrection. Alternate translation: [thus also we believe that God]

God will bring the ones having slept through Jesus with him

Quote: ὁ Θεὸς τοὺς κοιμηθέντας διὰ τοῦ Ἰησοῦ ἄξει σὺν αὐτῷ (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit

Here Paul does not explicitly state all the elements in his comparison between Jesus and the the ones having slept. He states that Jesus died and rose, and he implies that this will be true for the ones having slept. He states that the ones having slept will be brought with Jesus, and he implies that Jesus is coming back to this world. If it would be helpful in your language, you could make these two implicit ideas more explicit. Alternate translation: [God will raise the ones having slept through Jesus and will bring them with him when he comes back]

will bring

Quote: ἄξει (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit

Here, the phrase will bring could mean that: (1) God will send resurrected believers with Jesus when Jesus comes back to this world. Alternate translation: [will send back to earth] (2) God will bring resurrected believers to be with Jesus in heaven. Alternate translation: [will bring to heaven]

the ones having slept

Quote: τοὺς κοιμηθέντας (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-euphemism

See how you translated the similar phrase in 4:13. Alternate translation: [the ones having passed away] or [the ones who are dead]

God will bring the ones having slept through Jesus with him

Quote: ὁ Θεὸς τοὺς κοιμηθέντας διὰ τοῦ Ἰησοῦ ἄξει σὺν αὐτῷ (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-infostructure

Here, the phrase through Jesus could go with: (1) will bring. In this case, God acts through Jesus. Alternate translation: [through Jesus God will bring with him the ones having slept] (2) having slept. In this case, Paul is describing people who died while they were believing in Jesus. Alternate translation: [God will bring with him the ones having slept in Jesus] or [God will bring with him the believers who have slept]

him

Quote: αὐτῷ (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-pronouns

The pronoun him refers to Jesus. If this is not clear for your readers, you could use the person’s name here. Alternate translation: [with Jesus]

1 Thessalonians 4:15

For

Quote: γὰρ (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-words-phrases

Here, the word For introduces a further explanation of what Paul has said about believers who have died. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use a word or phrase that introduces a further explanation, or you could leave For untranslated. Alternate translation: [Further,] or [Indeed,]

this we say to you in a word of the Lord, that

Quote: τοῦτο & ὑμῖν λέγομεν ἐν λόγῳ Κυρίου, ὅτι (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-pronouns

Here, the word this refers to what Paul introduces with the word that. This form emphasizes what Paul is about to say. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use a different form that introduces what a person is about to say. Alternate translation: [we say to you in a word of the Lord that] or [here is what we say to you in a word of the Lord:]

we say … we, the ones living

Quote: λέγομεν & ἡμεῖς οἱ ζῶντες (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-exclusive

Here, the word we in the phrase we say only includes Paul and his fellow workers. It does not include the Thessalonians. However, the word we in the phrase we, the ones living does include the Thessalonians. Make sure that this is clear if your language marks these distinctions.

a word

Quote: λόγῳ (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy

Paul is using the term word to mean a message that is shared by using words. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: [a message] or [words]

a word of the Lord

Quote: λόγῳ Κυρίου (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-possession

Here, Paul is using the possessive form to describe a word that could be: (1) something that the Lord said. Alternate translation: [a word from the Lord] or [a word spoken by the Lord] (2) authorized by the Lord. Alternate translation: [a word that the Lord approves] or [a word that has the Lord’s authority]

we, the ones living, the ones surviving

Quote: ἡμεῖς οἱ ζῶντες, οἱ περιλειπόμενοι (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-distinguish

Here, the phrases the ones living and the ones surviving distinguish we from other people. Be sure that this distinction is clear in your translation. Alternate translation: [we, by which I mean those of us who live, who survive]

to the coming of the Lord

Quote: εἰς τὴν παρουσίαν τοῦ Κυρίου (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit

Here, the phrase the coming of the Lord refers to the specific time in the future when Jesus will come back to earth, judge everyone, punish unbelievers, and reward believers. If it would be helpful in your language, you could make this idea more explicit. See how you translated the similar phrase in 3:13. Alternate translation: [until when the Lord comes back to earth] or [to the return of our Lord to us]

will certainly not go before

Quote: οὐ μὴ φθάσωμεν (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-doublenegatives

The words translated certainly not are two negative words. In this construction, the second negative does not cancel the first to create a positive meaning. Instead, it gives greater emphasis to the negative. If your language can use two negatives that do not cancel one another to create a positive meaning, you could use a double negative here. If your language does not use two negatives in that way, you could translate with one strong negative, as the ULT does. Alternate translation: [will by no means go before]

will certainly not go before

Quote: οὐ μὴ φθάσωμεν (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit

Here, the phrase will certainly not go before indicates that people who are alive when Jesus comes back will not meet him first. Instead, believers who have died will meet him first, and then believers who are alive will meet him. Paul explains this further in the following verse (see 4:16). If it would be helpful in your language, you could make this idea more explicit. Alternate translation: [will certainly not go to Jesus before] or [will certainly not be with Jesus before]

the ones having slept

Quote: τοὺς κοιμηθέντας (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-euphemism

See how you translated the similar phrase in 4:13–14. Alternate translation: [the ones having passed away] or [the ones who are dead]

1 Thessalonians 4:16

For

Quote: ὅτι (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-words-phrases

Here, the word For introduces an elaboration or explanation of what Paul said in the previous verse about how living believers will not “go before” dead believers (see 4:15). This explanation continues in 4:17. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use a word or phrase that introduces an elaboration or explanation. Alternate translation: [Here is what I mean:] or [More specifically,]

the Lord himself

Quote: αὐτὸς ὁ Κύριος (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-pronouns

For emphasis, Paul is stating the pronoun “him,” which is already implied in the verbal phrase will come down. If your language can state implied pronouns explicitly for emphasis, you may want to use that construction in your translation. Other languages may have other ways of bringing out this emphasis. The ULT does so by using the intensive pronoun himself. Alternate translation: [it is the Lord who] or [as for the Lord, he]

with a shout, with the voice of an archangel, and with a trumpet of God

Quote: ἐν κελεύσματι, ἐν φωνῇ ἀρχαγγέλου, καὶ ἐν σάλπιγγι Θεοῦ (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-time-simultaneous

Here Paul provides a list with three items. This list might refer to: (1) three different actions that all make sounds. Alternate translation: [with a loud command, the voice of an archangel, and a trumpet of God] (2) one action, the loud command. This command is made up of the voice of an archangel and the trumpet of God. Alternate translation: [with a loud command given by the voice of an archangel and by a trumpet of God] (3) two different actions, the loud command and the voice of an archangel, and the archangel uses a trumpet of God. Alternate translation: [with a loud command and with the voice of an archangel who uses a trumpet of God]

with a shout

Quote: ἐν κελεύσματι (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit

Here Paul does not specify who gives the loud command. He implies that it is God. If it would be helpful in your language, you could make this idea more explicit. Alternate translation: [with a loud command from God]

a trumpet of God

Quote: σάλπιγγι Θεοῦ (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-possession

Paul is using the possessive form to describe a trumpet that is related to God. More specifically, the trumpet could: (1) be one that God commands to be blown. Alternate translation: [a trumpet that God has someone blow] (2) belong to God. Alternate translation: [God’s trumpet]

and

Quote: καὶ (2)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-time-sequential

Here, the word and introduces an event that comes after the previously described events. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use a word or phrase introduces the next event in a sequence. Alternate translation: [and then] or [and after that]

the dead

Quote: οἱ νεκροὶ (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-nominaladj

Paul is using the adjective dead as a noun in order to refer to believers who are dead. Your language may use adjectives in the same way. If not, you could translate this with a noun phrase. Alternate translation: [the dead people]

in Christ

Quote: ἐν Χριστῷ (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor

Here Paul uses the spatial metaphor in Christ to describe the union of believers with Christ. In this case, being in Christ, or united to Christ, indicates that Paul is speaking only about the dead who are united to Christ, that is, believers. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use a phrase that indicates that Paul is speaking about believers who have died. Alternate translation: [Christians] or [who believed in Christ]

will rise

Quote: ἀναστήσονται (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom

Here, the word rise refers to people who had died then coming back to life. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use a comparable idiom or express the idea plainly. Alternate translation: [will be restored to life] or [will resurrect]

first

Quote: πρῶτον (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit

Here, the word first indicates that, after Jesus comes down from heaven, the dead in Christ will resurrect before anything else happens. Paul indicates in the following verse what happens after they resurrect. If it would be helpful in your language, you could make this idea more explicit. Alternate translation: [before anything else happens] or [immediately afterwards]

1 Thessalonians 4:17

Then

Quote: ἔπειτα (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-time-sequential

Here, the word Then indicates that what Paul is about to describe will only happen after the events he described in the previous verse. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use a form that introduces the next event in a sequence. Alternate translation: [Next,] or [Afterward,]

we, the ones living, the ones surviving, will be caught up together with them

Quote: ἡμεῖς οἱ ζῶντες, οἱ περιλειπόμενοι ἅμα σὺν αὐτοῖς, ἁρπαγησόμεθα (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive

If your language does not use this passive form, you could express the idea in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. If you need to say who did the action, it is clear from the context that it was God. Alternate translation: [God will catch us, the ones living, the ones surviving, up together with them]

we, … we will always be

Quote: ἡμεῖς & πάντοτε & ἐσόμεθα (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-exclusive

By we in both clauses, Paul includes himself, his fellow workers, and the Thessalonians, so use the inclusive form of that word in your translation if your language marks that distinction.

we, the ones living, the ones surviving

Quote: ἡμεῖς οἱ ζῶντες, οἱ περιλειπόμενοι (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-distinguish

Here, the phrases the ones living and the ones surviving distinguish we from other people. Be sure that this distinction is clear in your translation. See how you translated the similar phrases in 4:15. Alternate translation: [we, by which I mean those of us who live, who survive]

them

Quote: αὐτοῖς (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-pronouns

The pronoun them refers to “the dead in Christ” who resurrect. Paul mentioned them in the previous verse. If it would be helpful in your language, you could make the referent more explicit. Alternate translation: [the resurrected believers] or [the dead who live again]

in the clouds

Quote: ἐν νεφέλαις (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit

Here, the phrase in the clouds could refer to: (1) the place where believers meet the Lord. In other words, the clouds are in the air, which is where believers meet the Lord. Alternate translation: [up among the clouds] (2) the means by which believers go to meet the Lord. In this case, the clouds are what believers stand on as they go to meet the Lord. Some people in Paul’s culture told stories about people standing on clouds as they traveled to heaven. Alternate translation: [on the clouds] or [by means of clouds]

to meet the Lord in the air

Quote: εἰς ἀπάντησιν τοῦ Κυρίου εἰς ἀέρα (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit

Here, the phrase to meet refers to going to greet someone. Paul could be implying that, after believers greet him, Jesus: (1) continues to earth with all believers. Alternate translation: [to meet the Lord in the air and return to earth with him] (2) goes back up to heaven with all believers, either temporarily or eternally. Alternate translation: [to meet the Lord in the air and go back to heaven with him]

in the air

Quote: εἰς ἀέρα (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit

Here, the phrase in the air refers to the area above the earth but below heaven, an area often called the sky. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use a word or phrase that refers to this area. Alternate translation: [above the earth] or [up in the atmosphere]

in this way

Quote: οὕτως (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit

Here, the phrase in this way refers to the process that Paul has outlined in this verse and the previous verse. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use a word or phrase that introduces the result of a process. Alternate translation: [as a result] or [after all those events]

1 Thessalonians 4:18

Therefore

Quote: ὥστε (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-logic-result

Here, the word Therefore introduces what Paul wants the Thessalonians to do in response to what he has told them about Jesus’ second coming and the resurrection of dead believers. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use a word or phrase that introduces the application of a specific teaching. Alternate translation: [So then] or [Now that I have taught you these things]

with these words

Quote: ἐν τοῖς λόγοις τούτοις (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit

Here, the phrase these words refers to what Paul has said in 4:13–17. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use a word or phrase that refers back to this entire section. Alternate translation: [with all these things that I have taught you] or [with the message I have spoken]

1 Thessalonians 5

1 Thessalonians 5 General Notes

Structure and Formatting

1. Teaching on the day of the Lord (4:13–5:11)
   • The timing of the day of the Lord (5:1–11)
2. Final Commands (5:11–22)
3. Closing (5:23–28)

Religious and Cultural Concepts in This Chapter

The timing of the Lord’s coming

In 4:13–18, Paul taught the Thessalonians about what will happen to believers who die before Jesus comes back. In 5:1–11, he teaches them about how the timing of Jesus’ return should impact how they live now. In these verses, he informs the Thessalonians that Jesus’ second coming will surprise people. Scholars debate whether Paul meant that it would surprise everyone or just people who do not believe. Most likely, Paul meant that no one can know for sure when Jesus will return, but believers will be ready for it while unbelievers will not be ready for it. Paul then explains what the Thessalonians should do to be ready for Jesus’ return: they should “put on” faith, hope, and love (see 5:8).

The Spirit and prophecies

In 5:19–20, Paul warns the Thessalonians against “quenching” the Holy Spirit and despising prophecies. Most likely, the commands in the next two verses also relate to prophecies (see 5:21–22): the Thessalonians should test all prophecies, hold to those that are right, and avoid those that are wrong. So, Paul wants them to respect all prophecies, since true prophecy comes from the Holy Spirit. However, he also wants them to test prophecies to make sure they really do come from the Holy Spirit. These verses are very short and imply some information, so you may need to make some of these ideas more explicit. See the notes on these verses for translation options.

Translation Issues in This Chapter

Thief similes

In 5:2 and 5:4, Paul compares Jesus’ second coming to what thieves do and experience. In 5:2, Paul indicates that Jesus’ second coming will be surprising, just as a thief breaking into a house is surprising. In 5:4, ancient manuscripts differ in how they express the simile. The reading that the ULT follows indicates that Jesus’ second coming will surprise people who are doing what is wrong, just like the daylight surprises thieves who are breaking into a house. The reading that the ULT mentions in a footnote indicates that Jesus’ second coming is surprising, just as a thief breaking into a house is surprising. With these similes, Paul compares Jesus’ second coming to what thieves do and experience to indicate that Jesus’ second coming will surprise people. Make sure that this meaning is clear in your translation. (See: Simile)

Birth pain simile

In 5:3, Paul compares Jesus’ second coming to the birth pains that a woman experiences during labor. Just as these birth pains come suddenly and cannot be avoided, so Jesus’ second coming will come suddenly, and unbelievers will not be able to escape from Jesus’ judgment. Make sure that this meaning is clear in your translation. (See: Simile)

Day and night, light and darkness

Throughout 5:1–11, Paul refers to day and light in contrast to night and darkness. In 5:2 Paul uses the word “day” in the phrase “the day of the Lord.” In the following verses, he develops the imagery of day and night so that it connects with the idea of the “day of the Lord.” He speaks of people who live in the “day” and in the “light,” which figuratively describes people who know that Jesus is coming back and who live properly and obey God. These people will not be surprised or judged on the “day of the Lord,” since they are “of day.” On the other hand, Paul speaks of people who live in the “night” and in the “darkness,” which figuratively describes people who do not expect Jesus to come back and who live sinfully and disobey God. These people will be surprised and judged on the “day of the Lord,” since they are not “of day.” So, people who want to avoid being judged on “the day of Lord” must live as people “of day,” that is, as obedient and watchful people. Since Paul’s day and night metaphor is directed related to the phrase “the day of the Lord,” preserve the language of day and night if possible. See the notes on these verses for translation possibilities. (See: Metaphor)

Putting on armor

In 5:8, Paul commands the Thessalonians to put on armor, specifically a “breastplate” and a “helmet.” A “breastplate” is armor that protects the vital organs, including the heart and lungs. Paul identifies the “breastplate” with faith and love. A “helmet” is armor that protects the head. Paul identifies the “helmet” with hope. It is unlikely that Paul expected the Thessalonians to interpret these two specific pieces of armor in special ways. Rather, Paul wants the Thessalonians to think about faith, love, and hope as if they were pieces of armor that protect them from evil powers, including sin and the devil. Since Paul uses similar armor metaphors in other letters, preserve the armor language if possible. See the notes on these verses for translation possibilities. (See: Metaphor)

Quenching the Holy Spirit

In 5:19, Paul refers to hindering the Holy Spirit as if it were “quenching” a fire. Other passages in the Bible connect the Holy Spirit with fire (for example, see Acts 2:1–4), so if possible preserve the metaphor or express the idea as a simile. See the notes on this verse for translation options. (See: Metaphor)

1 Thessalonians 5:1

Now

Quote: δὲ (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-words-phrases

Here, the word Now introduces a new section in the letter. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use a word or phrase that introduces a new section, or you could leave Now untranslated. Alternate translation: [Next,]

the times and the seasons

Quote: τῶν χρόνων καὶ τῶν καιρῶν (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit

Here Paul implies that the times and the seasons relate to questions concerning when Jesus will come back. In other words, Paul has begun to talk about the timing of Jesus’ second coming. If it would be helpful in your language, you could make this idea more explicit. Alternate translation: [the times and the seasons after which Jesus will return] or [the times and the seasons related to Jesus’ second coming]

the times and the seasons

Quote: τῶν χρόνων καὶ τῶν καιρῶν (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-doublet

The terms times and seasons mean similar things. Paul is using the two terms together to refer in general to the timing of Jesus’ second coming. If it would be clearer for your readers, you could express this idea with a single phrase. Alternate translation: [the precise time] or [the periods of time]

for anything} to be written to you

Quote: ὑμῖν γράφεσθαι (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive

If your language does not use this passive form, you could express the idea in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. If you need to say who would do the action, it is clear from the context that it would be Paul and his fellow workers. Alternate translation: [for us to write anything to you]

1 Thessalonians 5:2

For

Quote: γὰρ (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-logic-result

Here, the word For introduces a reason why the Thessalonians “have no need for anything to be written” to them about the timing of Jesus’ second coming. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use a word or phrase that introduces a reason or basis for a previous claim. Alternate translation: [In fact,] or [Indeed,]

you yourselves know perfectly well

Quote: αὐτοὶ & ἀκριβῶς οἴδατε (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-pronouns

For emphasis, Paul is stating the pronoun you, which is already implied in the verb know. If your language can state implied pronouns explicitly for emphasis, you may want to use that construction in your translation. Other languages may have other ways of bringing out this emphasis. The ULT does so by using the intensive pronoun yourselves. Alternate translation: [as for you, you know perfectly well] or [it is you who know perfectly well]

comes

Quote: ἔρχεται (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-personification

Here, Paul speaks of the day of the Lord as if it were a person who could come to a place. He means that the event named the day of the Lord will happen. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: [will happen] or [occurs]

comes in this manner—as a thief in the night

Quote: ὡς κλέπτης ἐν νυκτὶ οὕτως ἔρχεται (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-simile

Paul is saying that the day of the Lord is like a thief in the night because people cannot tell when either one will happen. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state that explicitly. Alternate translation: [comes in this manner—unexpectedly, as a thief comes unexpectedly in the night] or [comes when people are not looking for it, just as thief steals in the night when people are not looking]

in this manner—as

Quote: ὡς & οὕτως (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicitinfo

Having both terms in this manner and as in this sentence may be redundant in your language. If it would be helpful in your language, you could express the idea in another way. Alternate translation: [as]

1 Thessalonians 5:3

Whenever they say, “Peace and safety,” then sudden destruction comes on them

Quote: ὅταν λέγωσιν, εἰρήνη καὶ ἀσφάλεια, τότε αἰφνίδιος αὐτοῖς ἐφίσταται ὄλεθρος (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-pastforfuture

Here Paul uses the present tense forms say and comes to refer to something that will happen in the future. He uses the present tense to indicate that these things will certainly happen. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use the future tense. Alternate translation: [Whenever they will be saying, “Peace and safety,” then sudden destruction will come on them]

Whenever they say, “Peace and safety,” then sudden destruction

Quote: ὅταν λέγωσιν, εἰρήνη καὶ ἀσφάλεια, τότε αἰφνίδιος & ὄλεθρος (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-time-simultaneous

Here, the word Whenever introduces something that is happening when the sudden destruction comes. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use a form that describes things that happen at the same time. Alternate translation: [While they are saying, “Peace and safety,” sudden destruction] or [They will be saying, “Peace and safety,” but then sudden destruction]

they say, “Peace and safety,” then

Quote: λέγωσιν, εἰρήνη καὶ ἀσφάλεια, τότε (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-quotations

It may be more natural in your language to have an indirect quotation here. Alternate translation: [they say that there is peace and safety, then]

they say, “… on them, … they will certainly not escape

Quote: λέγωσιν & αὐτοῖς & οὐ μὴ ἐκφύγωσιν (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-pronouns

Here, the pronouns they, them, and they refer to every person who is not a believer. If it would be helpful in your language, you could make this idea more explicit. Alternate translation: [unbelievers say … on them … they will certainly not escape]

Peace and safety

Quote: εἰρήνη καὶ ἀσφάλεια (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns

If your language does not use abstract nouns for the ideas of Peace and safety, you could express the same ideas in another way. Alternate translation: [We are peaceful and safe] or [We live peacefully and safely]

sudden destruction comes on them, just as the birth pain to the one

Quote: αἰφνίδιος αὐτοῖς ἐφίσταται ὄλεθρος, ὥσπερ ἡ ὠδὶν τῇ (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns

If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea of destruction, you could express the same idea in another way. Alternate translation: [they will suddenly be destroyed, just as the birth pain comes to the one]

destruction

Quote: ὄλεθρος (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit

Here, the word destruction refers to severe suffering or punishment. It does not mean that they people who experience the destruction cease to exist. If it would be helpful in your language, you could make this idea more explicit. Alternate translation: [ruin] or [disaster]

just as the birth pain to the one having in the womb, and they will certainly not escape

Quote: ὥσπερ ἡ ὠδὶν τῇ ἐν γαστρὶ ἐχούσῃ; καὶ οὐ μὴ ἐκφύγωσιν (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-simile

Paul is saying that sudden destruction during the day of the Lord is like birth pain because both events begin suddenly and cannot be avoided. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state that explicitly. Alternate translation: [just as the birth pain comes suddenly on the one having in the womb, and just as she cannot escape from the birth pain, so they will certainly not escape the destruction]

to the one having in the womb

Quote: τῇ ἐν γαστρὶ ἐχούσῃ (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom

Here, the phrase the one having in the womb refers to a woman who is pregnant. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use a comparable phrase or state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: [to a woman with child] or [to a woman who is pregnant]

they will certainly not escape

Quote: οὐ μὴ ἐκφύγωσιν (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-doublenegatives

The words translated certainly not are two negative words. In this construction, the second negative does not cancel the first to create a positive meaning. Instead, it gives greater emphasis to the negative. If your language can use two negatives that do not cancel one another to create a positive meaning, you could use a double negative here. If your language does not use two negatives in that way, you could translate with one strong negative, as the ULT does. Alternate translation: [they will by no means escape]

1 Thessalonians 5:4

But you, brothers, are

Quote: ὑμεῖς δέ, ἀδελφοί & ἐστὲ (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-logic-contrast

Here, the phrase But you introduces what is true about the Thessalonians in contrast to what Paul has said about unbelievers. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use a phrase that contrasts the Thessalonians with unbelievers. Alternate translation: [However, as for you, brothers, you are] or [In contrast, brothers, you are]

are not in darkness

Quote: οὐκ ἐστὲ ἐν σκότει (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor

Here Paul speaks as if the Thessalonians are not in a place that has no light. He could mean that: (1) they are not ignorant about the day of the Lord. Alternate translation: [are not ignorant] or [know about these things] (2) they are not avoiding and disobeying God. Alternate translation: [are not disobeying God] or [are not far away from God]

in darkness

Quote: ἐν σκότει (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns

If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea of darkness, you could express the same idea in another way. Alternate translation: [in dark places] or [without the light]

might overtake

Quote: καταλάβῃ (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-personification

Here, Paul speaks of the day as if it were a person who could overtake the Thessalonians. He means that the event named the day will not surprise or shock the Thessalonians. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: [might surprise] or [might startle]

the day might overtake you as a thief

Quote: ἡ ἡμέρα ὑμᾶς ὡς κλέπτας καταλάβῃ (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-simile

Paul is saying that the day of the Lord will overtake some people as sunshine overtakes thieves because both the people and the thieves are surprised by and unprepared for the day to arrive. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state that explicitly. Alternate translation: [the day might overtake you as daytime overtakes thieves while they are stealing] or [you are unprepared for the day as thieves are unprepared for the sun to rise]

the day

Quote: ἡ ἡμέρα (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit

Here Paul is again referring to what he called “the day of the Lord” in 5:2. Make sure that your readers recognize that this is the same day, and express the idea as you did in 5:2. Alternate translation: [Jesus’ second coming] or [the time when Jesus comes back]

as a thief

Quote: ὡς κλέπτας (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-ellipsis

Paul is leaving out some of the words that in many languages a sentence would need in order to be complete. You could supply these words from earlier in the sentence if it would be clearer in your language. Alternate translation: [as daylight overtakes thieves]

as a thief

Quote: ὡς κλέπτας (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-textvariants

Here, many ancient manuscripts read as thieves. The ULT follows that reading. Other ancient manuscripts read “as a thief.” This reading would mean that the day overtakes some people as a thief overtakes people and steals from them. If a translation of the Bible exists in your region, you may wish to use the reading that it uses. If a translation of the Bible does not exist in your region, you may wish to use the reading of the ULT.

1 Thessalonians 5:5

For

Quote: γὰρ (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-logic-result

Here, the word For introduces a reason or basis for what Paul has said about how the “day” will not overtake the Thessalonians (see 5:2). If it would be helpful in your language, you could use a word or phrase that introduces a reason or basis for a previous claim. Alternate translation: [In fact,] or [That is true because]

you are all sons of light and sons of day. We are not of night, nor of darkness

Quote: πάντες & ὑμεῖς υἱοὶ φωτός ἐστε, καὶ υἱοὶ ἡμέρας οὐκ ἐσμὲν νυκτὸς οὐδὲ σκότους (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-doublet

Here, the phrases sons of the light and sons of day mean basically the same thing. Also, the phrases of night and of darkness mean basically the same thing. Paul is using these phrases together for emphasis. If it would be clearer for your readers, you could express the emphasis by using a single phrase in each sentence. Alternate translation: [you are all sons of the day. We are not of night] or [you are all sons of the bright day. We are not of the dark night]

you are all sons of light and sons of day

Quote: πάντες & ὑμεῖς υἱοὶ φωτός ἐστε, καὶ υἱοὶ ἡμέρας (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom

The expression son of describes a person who shares the qualities of something. Paul is using this expression to describe the behavior and character of the Thessalonians, since they are people who are characterized by light and day. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: [you are all characterized by light and characterized by day] or [you all belong to the light and belong to the day]

you are all sons of light and sons of day

Quote: πάντες & ὑμεῖς υἱοὶ φωτός ἐστε, καὶ υἱοὶ ἡμέρας (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor

Here Paul speaks of the Thessalonians as if they were characterized by light and day (see the previous note for the meaning of the phrase son of). He means that they obey God and do what is right. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use a comparable figure of speech or state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: [you are all people who obey God and do what is right]

sons of light and sons of day

Quote: υἱοὶ φωτός & καὶ υἱοὶ ἡμέρας (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-gendernotations

Although the term sons is masculine, Paul is using the word in a generic sense that includes both men and women. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use a phrase that makes this clear. Alternate translation: [children of light and children of day]

We are not of night, nor of darkness

Quote: οὐκ ἐσμὲν νυκτὸς οὐδὲ σκότους (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-possession

Here, Paul is using the possessive form to describe how We are not characterized by night or darkness. If it would be helpful in your language, you could express the idea in another way. Alternate translation: [We are not characterized by night nor characterized by darkness] or [We do not belong to the night nor do we belong to the darkness]

We are not of night, nor of darkness

Quote: οὐκ ἐσμὲν νυκτὸς οὐδὲ σκότους (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor

Here Paul speaks of believers as those who are not characterized by night and darkness (see the previous note for the meaning of the phrases of night and of darkness). He means that believers are not people who disobey God and do what is wrong. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use a comparable figure of speech or state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: [we are not people who disobey God and do what is wrong]

We are

Quote: ἐσμὲν (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-exclusive

Here, the word We includes Paul, his fellow workers, and the Thessalonians. Your language may require you to mark this form.

of darkness

Quote: σκότους (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns

If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea of darkness, you could express the same idea in another way. Alternate translation: [of dark places] or [without light]

1 Thessalonians 5:6

So then

Quote: ἄρα οὖν (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-logic-result

Here, the phrase So then introduces what Paul wants believers to do in response to what he has said about Jesus’ second coming. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use a word or phrase that introduces the application of a specific teaching. Alternate translation: [Because those things are true] or [Now that I have taught you these things]

let us not sleep … let us keep watch

Quote: μὴ καθεύδωμεν & γρηγορῶμεν (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-exclusive

Here, both times Paul uses the word us, it includes Paul, his fellow workers, and the Thessalonians. Your language may require you to mark these forms.

let us not sleep

Quote: μὴ καθεύδωμεν (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor

Here Paul speaks about the people “of the night” and “of the darkness” as if they were sleeping. He means that they are unaware of or unprepared for the Lord’s return because they are living sinfully. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use a comparable figure of speech or state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: [let us not behave sinfully and ignorantly] or [let us not act as if the Lord is not coming]

the rest

Quote: οἱ λοιποί (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-nominaladj

Paul is using the adjective rest as a noun to refer to a group of people that includes everyone who does not believe. Your language may use adjectives in the same way. If not, you could translate this word with an equivalent phrase. Alternate translation: [the rest of people] or [everyone else]

the rest

Quote: οἱ λοιποί (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-ellipsis

Paul is leaving out some of the words that in many languages a sentence would need in order to be complete. You could supply these words from earlier in the sentence if it would be clearer in your language. Alternate translation: [the rest sleep]

let us keep watch and be sober

Quote: γρηγορῶμεν καὶ νήφωμεν (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor

Here, Paul speaks as if believers were guards who needed to keep watch and be sober. He means that believers should be aware of and prepared for the Lord’s return, and they should be self-controlled so that they live in a way that pleases God. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use a comparable figure of speech or state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: [let us be spiritually alert and self-controlled] or [let us confidently expect the Lord to return and live in a way that pleases God]

1 Thessalonians 5:7

For

Quote: γὰρ (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-words-phrases

Here, the word For introduces a further explanation of the contrast between night and day (see 5:8). If it would be helpful in your language, you could use a word or phrase that introduces a further explanation, or you could leave For untranslated. Alternate translation: [Indeed,] or [As you know,]

the ones sleeping sleep at night, and the ones getting drunk get drunk at night

Quote: οἱ & καθεύδοντες, νυκτὸς καθεύδουσιν; καὶ οἱ μεθυσκόμενοι, νυκτὸς μεθύουσιν (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-parallelism

Here Paul provides two parallel examples of what people do at night. He repeats the same structure and the phrase at night in both clauses, which emphasizes at night. If it would be helpful in your language, you could combine the two examples into one clause and emphasize at night in another way. Alternate translation: [it is at night that people sleep and drunkards get drunk] or [the ones sleeping and the ones getting drunk do so during the night]

the ones sleeping sleep at night, and the ones getting drunk get drunk at night

Quote: οἱ & καθεύδοντες, νυκτὸς καθεύδουσιν; καὶ οἱ μεθυσκόμενοι, νυκτὸς μεθύουσιν (1)

Here Paul provides common examples of what people sometimes do during the night. He is not using sleeping and getting drunk to speak about something else. If it would be helpful in your language, you make it clearer that Paul is providing examples from regular life. Alternate translation: [here are some things that people often do at night: they sleep, or they get drunk]

1 Thessalonians 5:8

But

Quote: δὲ (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-logic-contrast

Here, the word But introduces a contrast with the people who “sleep” and “get drunk” during the night (see 5:7). If it would be helpful in your language, you could use a word or phrase that contrasts two groups of people. Alternate translation: [In contrast,] or [Unlike them,]

us

Quote: ἡμεῖς (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-exclusive

Here, the word us includes Paul, his fellow workers, and the Thessalonians. Your language may require you to mark this form.

being of day

Quote: ἡμέρας ὄντες (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-logic-result

Here, the phrase being of day provides a reason why the Thessalonians should be sober. If it would be helpful in your language, you could include a word or phrase that introduces a reason. Alternate translation: [because we are of day]

of day

Quote: ἡμέρας (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor

Here, the phrase of day means basically the same thing as the phrase “sons of day” in 5:5. Paul means that believers obey God and do what is right, just as people usually do what is right during the day. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use a comparable figure of speech or state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: [people who obey God and do what is right]

But let us, being of day, be sober

Quote: ἡμεῖς δὲ ἡμέρας ὄντες, νήφωμεν (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit

Here, the phrase be sober contrasts with the phrase “get drunk” in the previous verse (5:7). Paul means that believers should be self-controlled and obedient to God. He does not just mean that they should not get drunk, although that is part of the command. If it would be helpful in your language, you could make this idea more explicit. Alternate translation: [But let us, being of day, not get drunk but be self-controlled]

having put on the breastplate of faith and of love, and a helmet—the hope of salvation

Quote: ἐνδυσάμενοι θώρακα πίστεως καὶ ἀγάπης, καὶ περικεφαλαίαν, ἐλπίδα σωτηρίας (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor

Here Paul speaks of Christians acting in faith and love as if each of them were a soldier putting on a breastplate. He speaks of Christians experiencing the hope of salvation as if each of them were a soldier putting on a helmet. He means that faith, love, and hope protect believers, just as armor protects soldiers. Paul does not directly state what believers are protected from, but he implies that it is sin and evil powers, including the devil. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use a simile or state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: [acting in faith and love as if they were a breastplate you could put on, and having the hope of salvation as if it were a helmet you would wear] or [protecting yourselves by acting in faith and love and by having the hope of salvation]

the breastplate of faith and of love, and a helmet—the hope of salvation

Quote: θώρακα πίστεως καὶ ἀγάπης, καὶ περικεφαλαίαν, ἐλπίδα σωτηρίας (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns

If your language does not use abstract nouns for the ideas of faith, love, hope, and salvation, you could express the same ideas in another way. Alternate translation: [the breastplate, which stands for believing God and loving people, and a helmet, which stands for hoping that God will save us]

the breastplate of faith and of love

Quote: θώρακα πίστεως καὶ ἀγάπης (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-possession

Here, Paul is using the possessive form to define the breastplate as faith and love. If this is not clear in your language, you could express the idea in another way. Alternate translation: [a breastplate, which is faith and love] or [the breastplate that is faith and love]

a helmet

Quote: περικεφαλαίαν (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-unknown

A helmet is a strong hat that a soldier would wear to protect his or her head. If your readers would not be familiar with this type of armor, you could use the name of something similar in your area or you could use a more general term. Alternate translation: [a protective hat] or [something to protect our heads]

the hope of salvation

Quote: ἐλπίδα σωτηρίας (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-possession

Here, Paul is using the possessive form to describe hope that is focused on salvation. If this is not clear in your language, you could express the idea in another way. Alternate translation: [the hope for salvation] or [the hope that expects salvation]

1 Thessalonians 5:9

For

Quote: ὅτι (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-logic-result

Here, the word For introduces a reason why the Thessalonians should do what Paul has commanded them to do in 5:6–8. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use a word or phrase that introduces the reason or basis for previous commands. Alternate translation: [You should do those things because] or [I urge you to do those things since]

us … our

Quote: ἡμᾶς & ἡμῶν (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-exclusive

Here, the words us and our include Paul, his fellow workers, and the Thessalonians. Your language may require you to mark these forms.

for wrath

Quote: εἰς ὀργὴν (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit

Here, the word wrath refers to how God will punish people who do not believe and who disobey him. This punishment will occur during “the day of the Lord” that Paul has already mentioned. If it would be helpful in your language, you could make this idea more explicit. Alternate translation: [for future punishment] or [to experience punishment when Jesus returns]

for wrath

Quote: εἰς ὀργὴν (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns

If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea of wrath, you could express the same idea in another way. Alternate translation: [to be punished]

but for

Quote: ἀλλὰ εἰς (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-ellipsis

Paul is leaving out some of the words that in many languages a sentence would need in order to be complete. You could supply these words from earlier in the sentence if it would be clearer in your language. Alternate translation: [but he appointed us for]

for the obtaining of salvation

Quote: εἰς περιποίησιν σωτηρίας (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-possession

Here, Paul is using the possessive form to describe obtaining something, which is salvation. If this is not clear in your language, you could express the idea in another way. Alternate translation: [for obtaining salvation] or [to obtain salvation]

for the obtaining of salvation

Quote: εἰς περιποίησιν σωτηρίας (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns

If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea of salvation, you could express the same idea in another way. Alternate translation: [to be saved]

1 Thessalonians 5:10

the one having died for us

Quote: τοῦ ἀποθανόντος περὶ ἡμῶν (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-distinguish

Here, the phrase the one having died for us gives more information about “our Lord Jesus Christ.” It does not distinguish between several Christs. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use a form that adds information instead of making distinctions. Alternate translation: [and he is the one who died for us] or [who died for us]

us … we keep watch … we will live

Quote: ἡμῶν & γρηγορῶμεν & ζήσωμεν (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-exclusive

Here, the words us, we, and we include Paul, his fellow workers, and the Thessalonians. Your language may require you to mark these forms.

for us

Quote: περὶ ἡμῶν (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit

Here, the phrase for us could indicate that Jesus died: (1) to benefit or help us. Alternate translation: [for our benefit] (2) instead of or in place of us. Alternate translation: [in place of us] or [instead of us]

so that

Quote: ἵνα (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-logic-goal

Here, the phrase so that introduces the purpose for which Jesus died. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use a word or phrase that introduces a purpose. Alternate translation: [in order that]

whether we keep watch or sleep

Quote: εἴτε γρηγορῶμεν εἴτε καθεύδωμεν (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor

Here Paul could be using the terms keep watch and sleep to refer to: (1) being alive and being dead. Alternate translation: [whether we are alive or die] (2) waiting expectantly for Jesus to return and being dead. Alternate translation: [whether we continue to expect Jesus to return or have died] (3) doing what pleases God and not doing what pleases God. Alternate translation: [whether we do not always please God or whether we do what pleases him]

1 Thessalonians 5:11

Therefore

Quote: διὸ (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-logic-result

Here, the word Therefore introduces what Paul wants the Thessalonians to do in response to what he has told them about Jesus’ second coming and how to be ready for it. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use a word or phrase that introduces the application of a specific teaching. Alternate translation: [So then] or [Now that I have taught you these things]

encourage one another and build up one the one

Quote: παρακαλεῖτε ἀλλήλους, καὶ οἰκοδομεῖτε εἷς τὸν ἕνα (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-doublet

The commands encourage one another and build up one the one mean similar things. Paul is using the two terms together for emphasis. If it would be clearer for your readers, you could express the emphasis with a single phrase. Alternate translation: [encourage one another] or [build one another up]

build up one the one

Quote: οἰκοδομεῖτε εἷς τὸν ἕνα (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor

Here, Paul is speaking of the Thessalonian believers as if they were a building. If it would be clearer in your language, you could use a comparable figure of speech or state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: [help one the one become more faithful to Christ]

one the one

Quote: εἷς τὸν ἕνα (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom

Here, the phrase one the one indicates that each person should be building up each other person. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use a form that refers to people building each other up. Alternate translation: [one another]

just as also you are doing

Quote: καθὼς καὶ ποιεῖτε (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit

Here Paul means that the Thessalonians are already doing what he is asking them to do. If it would be helpful in your language, you could make this idea more explicit. Alternate translation: [which indeed you are already doing for each other]

1 Thessalonians 5:12

Now

Quote: δὲ (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-words-phrases

Here, the word Now introduces a new section in the letter. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use a word or phrase that introduces a new section, or you could leave Now untranslated. Alternate translation: [Further,]

the ones laboring among you and leading you in the Lord and admonishing you

Quote: τοὺς κοπιῶντας ἐν ὑμῖν, καὶ προϊσταμένους ὑμῶν ἐν Κυρίῳ, καὶ νουθετοῦντας ὑμᾶς (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-distinguish

Here Paul is describing one group of people who do three different things. He is not making distinctions between three different groups. Make sure that your translation refers to only one group of people. Alternate translation: [the people who labor among you, who lead you in the Lord, and who admonish you] or [your leaders who labor among you and lead you in the Lord and admonish you]

the ones laboring among you and leading you in the Lord and admonishing you

Quote: τοὺς κοπιῶντας ἐν ὑμῖν, καὶ προϊσταμένους ὑμῶν ἐν Κυρίῳ, καὶ νουθετοῦντας ὑμᾶς (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit

Here Paul could be using these three phrases: (1) to refer to three distinct activities. Alternate translation: [the ones laboring among you, leading you in the Lord, and admonishing you] (2) to refer to one primary activity (laboring) that he defines as leading and admonishing. Alternate translation: [the ones laboring among you by leading you in the Lord and by admonishing you]

in the Lord

Quote: ἐν Κυρίῳ (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor

Here Paul uses the spatial metaphor in the Lord to describe the union of believers with the Lord. In this case, being in the Lord, or united to Christ, could: (1) identify the leaders as those who lead people who believe in Christ. Alternate translation: [as Christians] or [as Christ’s people] (2) indicate that the Lord has authorized these leaders. Alternate translation: [as the Lord has authorized them] or [as representatives of the Lord]

1 Thessalonians 5:13

and to regard them highly in love because of their work

Quote: καὶ ἡγεῖσθαι αὐτοὺς ὑπέρἐκπερισσοῦ ἐν ἀγάπῃ, διὰ τὸ ἔργον αὐτῶν (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-logic-result

If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the reason before the result. Alternate translation: [and, because of their work, to regard them highly in love]

to regard them highly in love

Quote: ἡγεῖσθαι αὐτοὺς ὑπέρἐκπερισσοῦ ἐν ἀγάπῃ (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit

Here, the phrase in love could give: (1) the context in which the Thessalonians should regard them highly. In other words, the Thessalonians should regard them highly while they are loving them. Alternate translation: [while you are loving them to regard them highly] (2) the manner in which the Thessalonians should regard them highly. Alternate translation: [to regard them highly by loving them] or [to regard them with great love]

to regard them highly

Quote: ἡγεῖσθαι αὐτοὺς ὑπέρἐκπερισσοῦ (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom

Here, the phrase regard them highly means that the Thessalonians should greatly respect and honor their leaders in the church. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use a comparable phrase or state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: [to hold them in high esteem] or [to treat them with respect]

in love

Quote: ἐν ἀγάπῃ (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns

If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea of love, you could express the same idea in another way. Alternate translation: [and in a loving way] or [and love them]

Be at peace

Quote: εἰρηνεύετε (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns

If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea of peace, you could express the same idea in another way. Alternate translation: [Act peaceably]

1 Thessalonians 5:14

Now

Quote: δὲ (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-words-phrases

Here, the word Now introduces a new section in the letter. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use a word or phrase that introduces a new section, or you could leave Now untranslated. Alternate translation: [Next,]

Admonish the disorderly, comfort the discouraged, help the weak, be patient toward all

Quote: νουθετεῖτε τοὺς ἀτάκτους, παραμυθεῖσθε τοὺς ὀλιγοψύχους, ἀντέχεσθε τῶν ἀσθενῶν, μακροθυμεῖτε πρὸς πάντας (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-nominaladj

Paul is using the adjectives disorderly, discouraged, weak, and all as nouns to refer to groups of people who can be described by these adjectives. Your language may use adjectives in the same way. If not, you could translate these words with equivalent phrases. Alternate translation: [Admonish disorderly people, comfort discouraged people, help weak people, be patient toward all people]

the disorderly

Quote: τοὺς ἀτάκτους (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit

Here, the word disorderly could describe: (1) people who live in undisciplined and disruptive ways. Alternate translation: [the undisciplined] (2) people who refuse to work to support themselves. Alternate translation: [the idle] or [the lazy]

all

Quote: πάντας (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit

Here, the word all could refer to: (1) people in general. Alternate translation: [all people] (2) just believers. Alternate translation: [all believers]

1 Thessalonians 5:15

See that

Quote: ὁρᾶτε (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor

Here Paul tells the Thessalonians to see or look at what he wants them to do. He means that he wants them to make sure that it happens. If it would be clearer in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: [Ensure that]

repays evil for evil to anyone

Quote: κακὸν ἀντὶ κακοῦ τινι ἀποδῷ (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom

Here Paul means that the Thessalonians should not do what is evil to people who have done what is evil. In other words, when someone treats them badly, they should not respond in the same way. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use a similar phrase or state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: [retaliates against anyone who hurts you] or [responds with evil to anyone who does evil]

but

Quote: ἀλλὰ (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-logic-contrast

Here, the word but introduces a command that is in contrast with repaying evil for evil. Use a natural way in your language for introducing this kind of contrast. Alternate translation: [and instead,]

pursue

Quote: διώκετε (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor

Here Paul speaks as if he wants the Corinthians to run after and try to capture {what is} good. He speaks in this way because he wants them to do {what is} good as persistently as someone who pursues someone or something. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use a comparable figure of speech or state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: [seek after] or [try to do]

both for one another and for all

Quote: καὶ εἰς ἀλλήλους καὶ εἰς πάντας (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit

Here, the phrase one another refers to the believers in Thessalonica. The word all refers to all people, whether they are believers or not. If it would be helpful in your language, you could make these ideas more explicit. Alternate translation: [both for your fellow believers and for all people] or [both for each other and for all other people]

all

Quote: πάντας (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-nominaladj

Paul is using the adjective all as a noun to refer to a group of people. Your language may use adjectives in the same way. If not, you could translate this word with an equivalent phrase. Alternate translation: [all people] or [everybody]

1 Thessalonians 5:17

continually

Quote: ἀδιαλείπτως (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-hyperbole

Paul says continually here as a generalization for emphasis. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use a different way to express the emphasis. Alternate translation: [very regularly] or [extremely often]

1 Thessalonians 5:18

In everything

Quote: ἐν παντὶ (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit

Here, the phrase In everything could refer to: (1) every situation or experience. Alternate translation: [In everything that you experience] or [In every circumstance] (2) every moment in time. Alternate translation: [At every time] or [At all times]

give thanks, for

Quote: εὐχαριστεῖτε & γὰρ (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-logic-result

Here, the word for could introduce a reason or basis for: (1) the three commands in 5:16–18. Alternate translation: [give thanks. Do these things since] (2) just the command to give thanks. Alternate translation: [give thanks, which you should do since]

this {is

Quote: τοῦτο (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-pronouns

Here, the word this could refer to: (1) the three commands in 5:16–18 Alternate translation: [these are] (2) just the command to give thanks. Alternate translation: [that is]

the will of God

Quote: θέλημα Θεοῦ (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns

If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea of will, you could express the same idea in another way. Alternate translation: [what God desires]

the will of God in Christ Jesus for you

Quote: θέλημα Θεοῦ ἐν Χριστῷ Ἰησοῦ εἰς ὑμᾶς (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit

Here Paul could mean: (1) that the will of God has been revealed in Christ Jesus. Alternate translation: [the will of God that has been revealed in Christ Jesus for you] or [the will of God as Christ Jesus has shown it to you] (2) that the will of God is for people who are in Christ Jesus. In other words, these commands are what God wants people who are in union with Christ Jesus to do. Alternate translation: [the will of God for you who are united to Christ Jesus]

1 Thessalonians 5:19

Do not quench the Spirit

Quote: τὸ Πνεῦμα μὴ σβέννυτε (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor

Paul speaks of the Holy Spirit as if he were a fire that that the Thessalonians should not quench. Paul means that the Thessalonians should not hinder or oppose the work of the Holy Spirit. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use a comparable figure of speech or state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: [Do not restrain the Spirit] or [Do not hinder the Spirit]

1 Thessalonians 5:20

Do not despise

Quote: μὴ ἐξουθενεῖτε (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-words-phrases

Here Paul may be giving a specific example of his command not to “quench the Spirit” in 5:19. If it would be helpful in your language, you could make this connection more explicit. Alternate translation: [Specifically, do not despise] or [For example, do not despise]

Do not despise

Quote: μὴ ἐξουθενεῖτε (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-litotes

Paul is using a figure of speech here that expresses a strongly positive meaning by using a negative word, not, together with an expression that is the opposite of the intended meaning, despise. If it would be helpful in your language, you could express the positive meaning. Alternate translation: [Honor] or [Respect]

1 Thessalonians 5:21

Test all things

Quote: πάντα δοκιμάζετε (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-textvariants

Here, many ancient manuscripts read Test all things. The ULT follows that reading. Other ancient manuscripts read “But test all things.” If a translation of the Bible exists in your region, you may wish to use the reading that it uses. If a translation of the Bible does not exist in your region, you may wish to use the reading of the ULT.

Test all things.Hold fast to what {is} good

Quote: πάντα δοκιμάζετε; τὸ καλὸν κατέχετε (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit

Here Paul could be referring to: (1) the “prophecies” that he referred to in the previous verse (see 5:20). Alternate translation: [Test all prophecies. Hold fast to those that are good] (2) spiritual gifts, or how the Holy Spirit specially empowers each person. Alternate translation: [Test all spiritual gifts. Hold fast to those that do what is good] (3) anything people say and do. Alternate translation: [Test all things that people say and do. Hold fast to those that are good]

Hold fast to what {is} good

Quote: τὸ καλὸν κατέχετε (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor

Here Paul speaks as if what {is} good were an object that the Thessalonians could grasp tightly. He means that they should believe and act based on whatever is good. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use a comparable figure of speech or state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: [Adhere to what is good] or [Follow what is good]

1 Thessalonians 5:22

Keep yourselves from every form of evil

Quote: ἀπὸ παντὸς εἴδους πονηροῦ ἀπέχεσθε (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit

Here, much as in the previous verse (5:22), Paul could be referring to: (1) the “prophecies” that he referred to in 5:20. Alternate translation: [Keep yourselves from every form of evil prophecy] (2) spiritual gifts, or how the Holy Spirit specially empowers each person. Alternate translation: [Keep yourselves from every form of spiritual gift that does what is evil] (3) anything people say and do. Alternate translation: [Keep yourselves from every form of what people say and do that is evil]

every form of evil

Quote: παντὸς εἴδους πονηροῦ (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-possession

Here, Paul is using the possessive form to describe every form that is characterized by evil. If this is not clear in your language, you could express the idea in another way. Alternate translation: [every form that evil takes] or [evil in any form]

form

Quote: εἴδους (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit

Here, the word translated form could refer to: (1) a type or kind of something. Alternate translation: [type] (2) the way that something looks or appears. Alternate translation: [appearance]

1 Thessalonians 5:23

Now

Quote: δὲ (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-words-phrases

Here, the word Now introduces a new section, a blessing from Paul to the Thessalonians. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use a word or phrase that introduces a new section, or you could leave Now untranslated. Alternate translation: [Next,]

may the God of peace himself sanctify you completely, and may your whole spirit, and soul, and body be kept blamelessly at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ

Quote: αὐτὸς & ὁ Θεὸς τῆς εἰρήνης ἁγιάσαι ὑμᾶς ὁλοτελεῖς, καὶ ὁλόκληρον ὑμῶν τὸ πνεῦμα, καὶ ἡ ψυχὴ, καὶ τὸ σῶμα, ἀμέμπτως ἐν τῇ παρουσίᾳ τοῦ Κυρίου ἡμῶν, Ἰησοῦ Χριστοῦ, τηρηθείη (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-blessing

Here Paul is asking God to bless the Thessalonians. You could express this as either a blessing or a prayer, in whichever way is more natural in your language. Alternate translation: [we ask the God of peace himself to sanctify you completely, and we ask that your whole spirit, and soul, and body be kept blamelessly at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ]

the God of peace

Quote: ὁ Θεὸς τῆς εἰρήνης (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-possession

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). In this context, the phrase the God of peace could refer to: (1) what God does. Alternate translation: [the God who gives peace] (2) who God is. Alternate translation: [the God who is characterized by peace] (3) Both. Alternate translation: [the peaceful God who gives peace]

the God of peace

Quote: ὁ Θεὸς τῆς εἰρήνης (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns

If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea of peace, you could express the idea in another way. Make sure that your translation fits the option you chose in the previous note about how God and peace relate. Alternate translation: [the peaceful God] or [the God who makes people peaceful]

may the God of peace himself sanctify

Quote: αὐτὸς & ὁ Θεὸς τῆς εἰρήνης ἁγιάσαι (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-pronouns

For emphasis, Paul is stating the pronoun “he,” which is already implied in the the phrase the God of peace. If your language can state implied pronouns explicitly for emphasis, you may want to use that construction in your translation. Other languages may have other ways of bringing out this emphasis. The ULT does so by using the intensive pronoun himself. Alternate translation: [may he who is the God of peace sanctify] or [may the God of peace indeed sanctify]

and

Quote: καὶ (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-words-phrases

Here, the word and could introduce: (1) a second blessing or prayer. Alternate translation: [and also] (2) a more specific explanation of the first blessing or prayer. Alternate translation: [that is,] or [and more specifically,]

may your whole spirit, and soul, and body be kept blamelessly

Quote: ὁλόκληρον ὑμῶν τὸ πνεῦμα, καὶ ἡ ψυχὴ, καὶ τὸ σῶμα, ἀμέμπτως & τηρηθείη. (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive

If your language does not use this passive form, you could express the idea in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. If you need to say who does the action, it is clear from the context that it is God. Alternate translation: [may he keep blamelessly your whole spirit, and soul, and body]

your whole spirit, and soul, and body

Quote: ὁλόκληρον ὑμῶν τὸ πνεῦμα, καὶ ἡ ψυχὴ, καὶ τὸ σῶμα (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit

Here Paul uses the three terms spirit, soul, and body together to refer to the whole person. These three terms could: (1) describe different aspects of the whole person from different perspectives. In this case, the three terms do not define three separate pieces that together make up a person. You could use fewer or more terms to refer to different aspects of the person. Alternate translation: [your whole body and soul] or [your whole life, mind, feelings, and desires] (2) describe three separate pieces that together make up a person. In this case, you should use two terms to refer to two different non-physical parts (spirit and soul) and one term to refer to one physical part (body). Alternate translation: [your whole mind, and life, and flesh]

blamelessly

Quote: ἀμέμπτως (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit

Here, the word blamelessly could refer to: (1) the situation in which the spirit, soul, and body are kept. Alternate translation: [in a blameless state] (2) the result of the spirit, soul, and body being kept. Alternate translation: [so that they are blameless]

at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ

Quote: ἐν τῇ παρουσίᾳ τοῦ Κυρίου ἡμῶν, Ἰησοῦ Χριστοῦ (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit

Here, the phrase the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ refers to the specific time in the future when Jesus will come back to earth, judge everyone, punish unbelievers, and reward believers. If it would be helpful in your language, you could make this idea more explicit. See how you translated the similar phrase in 4:15. Alternate translation: [when our Lord Jesus Christ comes back to earth] or [at return of our Lord Jesus Christ to us]

our

Quote: ἡμῶν (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-exclusive

Here, the word our includes Paul, Silvanus, Timothy, the Thessalonians, and all believers. Your language may require you to mark this form.

1 Thessalonians 5:24

Faithful {is} the one calling you, who also will do {it

Quote: πιστὸς ὁ καλῶν ὑμᾶς, ὃς καὶ ποιήσει (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-logic-result

Here, the clause Faithful {is} the one calling you gives the reason why God will be the one who will also do {it}. If it would be helpful in your language, you could make the relationship more explicit. Alternate translation: [Because the one calling you is faithful, he also will do it]

is} the one calling you, who

Quote: ὁ καλῶν ὑμᾶς, ὃς (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-pronouns

Here, the pronouns he and who refer to “the God of peace” (see 5:23). If it would be helpful in your language, you could refer directly to God. Alternate translation: [is God who calls you, who]

will do {it

Quote: ποιήσει (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit

Here Paul does not state directly what God will do. He implies that God will do what Paul prayed for in the previous verse (see 5:23). If it would be helpful in your language, you could make this idea more explicit. Alternate translation: [will do those things] or [will do what I have prayed for]

1 Thessalonians 5:25

pray also

Quote: προσεύχεσθε καὶ (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit

Here, also indicates that the Thessalonians should be praying for Paul, Silas, and Timothy just as Paul, Silas, and Timothy pray for them (see 5:23). If it would be helpful in your language, you could make this idea more explicit. Alternate translation: [just as we pray for you, pray also]

1 Thessalonians 5:26

with a holy kiss

Quote: ἐν φιλήματι ἁγίῳ (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-symaction

A holy kiss was a symbolic action to show familial love between believers. In some cultures, a kiss as a greeting is appropriate, but in other cultures it is not appropriate. The idea of a holy kiss is that it be a greeting that is appropriate in the culture, whether it be a kiss, a hug, a handshake, or something else, and also that it be holy, that is, appropriate between God’s people. If this would not be clear to your readers, you could explain the significance of this action in the text or in a footnote. Alternate translation: [warmly, as fellow believers]

1 Thessalonians 5:27

I solemnly charge you {by} the Lord

Quote: ἐνορκίζω ὑμᾶς τὸν Κύριον (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-oathformula

The phrase {by} the Lord could be: (1) an oath formula. Use a natural way in your language to express an oath. Alternate translation: [I make you swear before the Lord] or [I solemnly require that you promise the Lord] (2) Paul’s claim that the Lord has authorized him. Alternate translation: [As one who represents the Lord, I solemnly charge you]

to have this letter read

Quote: ἀναγνωσθῆναι τὴν ἐπιστολὴν (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit

In Paul’s culture, letters sent to a group were normally read out loud by one person to everyone else in the group. If it would be helpful in your language, you could make this idea more explicit. Alternate translation: [to have this letter read by somebody out loud]

to have this letter read

Quote: ἀναγνωσθῆναι τὴν ἐπιστολὴν (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive

If your language does not use this passive form, you could express the idea in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: [to have someone read this letter]

to all the brothers

Quote: πᾶσιν τοῖς ἀδελφοῖς (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit

Many ancient manuscripts read all the brothers. The ULT follows that reading. Other ancient manuscripts read “all the holy brothers.” If a translation of the Bible exists in your region, you may wish to use the reading that it uses. If a translation of the Bible does not exist in your region, you may wish to use the reading of the ULT.

1 Thessalonians 5:28

The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ {be} with you

Quote: ἡ χάρις τοῦ Κυρίου ἡμῶν, Ἰησοῦ Χριστοῦ, μεθ’ ὑμῶν (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-blessing

As was customary in his culture, Paul closes his letter with a blessing for the Thessalonians. Use a form that people would recognize as a blessing in your language. Alternate translation: [May you experience kindness from our Lord Jesus Christ within you] or [I pray that you will have grace from our Lord Jesus Christ]

The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ {be} with you

Quote: ἡ χάρις τοῦ Κυρίου ἡμῶν, Ἰησοῦ Χριστοῦ, μεθ’ ὑμῶν (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns

If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea of grace, you could express the idea in another way. Alternate translation: [May our Lord Jesus Christ act graciously toward you]

our

Quote: ἡμῶν (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit

Here, the word our includes Paul, Silvanus, Timothy, the Thessalonians, and all believers. Your language may require you to mark this form.

be} with you

Quote: μεθ’ ὑμῶν (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-textvariants

Here, many ancient manuscripts read {be} with you. The ULT follows that reading. Other ancient manuscripts add “Amen” after {be} with you. If a translation of the Bible exists in your region, you may wish to use the reading that it uses. If a translation of the Bible does not exist in your region, you may wish to use the reading of the ULT.