1 Thessalonians

1 Thessalonians front

Introduction to 1 Thessalonians

Part 1: General Introduction

Outline of the Book of 1 Thessalonians

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

1. Apostolic memories of the Thessalonian Church (1:1-10)

   • Greeting (1:1)
   • Thanksgiving for the Thessalonian Christians (1:2-4)
   • Examples of Thessalonian suffering (1:6-10)

2. Apostolic authority (2:1-16)

   • Persecution of the Church (2:1-13)
   • Opposition to the Church (2:14-16)

3. Timothy’s visit to Thessalonica (3:1-13)

   • Reason for the visit (3:1-5)
   • Report about the visit (3:6-13)

4. Apostolic teachings (4:1-18)

   • Holiness (4:1-8)
   • Christian love (4:9-12)
   • Manner of the Second Coming of Christ (4:13-18)

5. Final teachings (5:1-28)

   • Timing of the Second Coming of Christ (5:1-10)
   • Final appeals and teachings (5:11-28)

Who wrote 1 Thessalonians?

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

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

What is the Book of 1 Thessalonians about?

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

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

How should the title of this book be translated?

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

Part 2: Important Religious and Cultural Concepts

Trinity

In this letter, the doctrine of the Holy Trinity finds solid support. The terms: God, Father, Son, Lord, Jesus, and Holy Spirit appear numerous times. (See: https://git.door43.org/unfoldingWord/en_tw/src/branch/master/kt/god.md.md)

The Gospel

In this letter, Paul frequently refers to the apostles’ ministry of the gospel and uses different phrases to communicate the concept of God’s good news about Jesus Christ. (See: https://git.door43.org/unfoldingWord/en_tw/src/branch/master/kt/goodnews.md.md)

Prayer

Paul reassures the Thessalonians that his group of apostles frequently prays for them (See 1:2. He also gives instructions about prayer (See 5:2, and asks the Thessalonians to pray for them (See 5:25). (See: https://git.door43.org/unfoldingWord/en_tw/src/branch/master/kt/pray.md.md)

Faith and Faithfulness

Through the letter the Thessalonians are commended for their faithfulness to God. They are reminded to trust God and remain faithful to Gospel living. (See: [[https://git.door43.org/unfoldingWord/entw/src/branch/master/kt/faithful.md.md]])(See: [[https://git.door43.org/unfoldingWord/entw/src/branch/master/kt/faith.md.md]])

Apostolic authority

Much of this letter is a defense of the apostles authority, based on their teaching and living. The term “apostles” is used in 2:6 to reinforce that Paul, Silvanus, and Timothy are sent by God. (See: [[https://git.door43.org/unfoldingWord/en_tw/src/branch/master/kt/apostle.md.md]])

Second Coming of Christ

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

The Fate of reposed Christians

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

Idolatry

The Greek and Roman cultural background in Thessalonica meant that many members of the church were former pagans who practiced some sort of idolatry (See 1:9(See: [[https://git.door43.org/unfoldingWord/en_tw/src/branch/master/other/image.md.md]]).

Suffering

Much of this letter addresses both the sufferings of the apostles and the Thessalonian Church for faithfulness to the gospel. (See: [[https://git.door43.org/unfoldingWord/entw/src/branch/master/other/afflict.md.md]])(See: [[https://git.door43.org/unfoldingWord/entw/src/branch/master/other/persecute.md.md]])(See: [[https://git.door43.org/unfoldingWord/en_tw/src/branch/master/other/suffer.md.md]])

Sanctification

The concept of holiness is prevalent in this letter. Chapter four discusses how a Christian should practice a holy life. (See: [[https://git.door43.org/unfoldingWord/en_tw/src/branch/master/kt/sanctify.md.md]])

Part 3: Important Translation Issues

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

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

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

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

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

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

What did Paul mean by expressions like “brothers”?

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

“We” and “you”

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

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

When ancient manuscripts of the Bible differ, ULT puts the reading that scholars consider to be the most accurate in its text, but it puts other possibly accurate readings in footnotes. The introductions to each chapter will discuss places where the ancient manuscripts differ in significant ways, and notes will address those places again where they occur in the book. If a translation of the Bible already exists in your region, consider using the readings found in that version. If not, we recommend that you follow the readings in the ULT text. (See: https://git.door43.org/unfoldingWord/en_ta/src/branch/master/translate/translate-textvariants/01.md)

• “Grace and peace to you” (See 1:1). Some other manuscripts read: “Grace and peace to you from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.”
• “but we became little children in the midst of you, as if a mother might comfort her own children” (See 2:7). Some other manuscripts read, “Instead, we were as gentle among you as a mother comforting her own children.”
• “Timothy, our brother and a servant of God” (See 3:2). Some other manuscripts read: “Timothy, our brother and fellow worker for God.”

(See: Textual Variants)

1 Thessalonians 1

1 Thessalonians 1 General Notes

Outline of 1 Thessalonians 1

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

Structure and formatting

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

Special concepts in this chapter

Trinity

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

Hardship

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

Faithfulness

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

1 Thessalonians 1:1

Παῦλος, καὶ Σιλουανὸς, καὶ Τιμόθεος; τῇ ἐκκλησίᾳ

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

Παῦλος, καὶ Σιλουανὸς, καὶ Τιμόθεος

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

Σιλουανὸς

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

ἐν Θεῷ Πατρὶ καὶ Κυρίῳ Ἰησοῦ Χριστῷ

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

Θεῷ Πατρὶ καὶ Κυρίῳ Ἰησοῦ Χριστῷ

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

χάρις ὑμῖν καὶ εἰρήνη

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

χάρις ὑμῖν καὶ εἰρήνη

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

ὑμῖν

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

1 Thessalonians 1:2

εὐχαριστοῦμεν…ποιούμενοι

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

πάντοτε…μνείαν ποιούμενοι ἐπὶ τῶν προσευχῶν ἡμῶν, ἀδιαλείπτως

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

1 Thessalonians 1:3

μνημονεύοντες

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

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

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

τοῦ Κυρίου ἡμῶν, Ἰησοῦ Χριστοῦ

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

τοῦ Θεοῦ καὶ Πατρὸς ἡμῶν

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

ἡμῶν

Here, our refers to Paul, Silvanus, Timothy, and the Thessalonian church. All believers are the spiritual children of God the Father through Jesus. (See: https://git.door43.org/unfoldingWord/en_ta/src/branch/master/translate/figs-exclusive/01.md)

1 Thessalonians 1:4

εἰδότες

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

ἀδελφοὶ ἠγαπημένοι ὑπὸ τοῦ Θεοῦ

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

ἀδελφοὶ

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

ἀδελφοὶ

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

ἠγαπημένοι

The word translated loved indicates a past relationship with continuing results (literally, “has been and/or continues to be loved”). If your language has this verbal distinction, you could emphasize the past and present nuances in your translation. Alternate translation: “who have always been loved” or “who are continually loved”

ἠγαπημένοι ὑπὸ τοῦ Θεοῦ

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

τὴν ἐκλογὴν ὑμῶν

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

τὴν ἐκλογὴν ὑμῶν,

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

1 Thessalonians 1:5

ὅτι

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

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

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

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

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

ἀλλὰ καὶ ἐν δυνάμει, καὶ ἐν Πνεύματι Ἁγίῳ

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

πληροφορίᾳ πολλῇ

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

καθὼς οἴδατε οἷοι

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

1 Thessalonians 1:6

καὶ ὑμεῖς μιμηταὶ ἡμῶν ἐγενήθητε καὶ τοῦ Κυρίου

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

ὑμεῖς

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

τοῦ Κυρίου

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

μετὰ χαρᾶς Πνεύματος Ἁγίου

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

τὸν λόγον

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

ἐν θλίψει πολλῇ

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

μετὰ χαρᾶς Πνεύματος Ἁγίου

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

μετὰ χαρᾶς Πνεύματος Ἁγίου

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

1 Thessalonians 1:7

ὥστε

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

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

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

τοῖς πιστεύουσιν

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

ἐν τῇ Μακεδονίᾳ καὶ ἐν τῇ Ἀχαΐᾳ

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

1 Thessalonians 1:8

ἀφ’ ὑμῶν γὰρ ἐξήχηται ὁ λόγος τοῦ Κυρίου

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

ἀφ’ ὑμῶν γὰρ

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

ὁ λόγος τοῦ Κυρίου

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

ἐξήχηται

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

ἡ πίστις ὑμῶν ἡ πρὸς τὸν Θεὸν

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

ἐν παντὶ τόπῳ ἡ πίστις ὑμῶν ἡ πρὸς τὸν Θεὸν ἐξελήλυθεν

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

ἐν παντὶ τόπῳ

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

ὥστε μὴ χρείαν ἔχειν ἡμᾶς λαλεῖν τι

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

1 Thessalonians 1:9

γὰρ

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

αὐτοὶ γὰρ περὶ ἡμῶν ἀπαγγέλλουσιν

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

ἀπαγγέλλουσιν

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

ὁποίαν εἴσοδον ἔσχομεν πρὸς ὑμᾶς

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

ὁποίαν εἴσοδον ἔσχομεν πρὸς ὑμᾶς

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

πῶς ἐπεστρέψατε πρὸς τὸν Θεὸν

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

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

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

ἐπεστρέψατε πρὸς τὸν Θεὸν ἀπὸ τῶν εἰδώλων

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

δουλεύειν

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

ἀπὸ τῶν εἰδώλων, δουλεύειν Θεῷ ζῶντι καὶ ἀληθινῷ

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

ἀπὸ τῶν εἰδώλων, δουλεύειν Θεῷ ζῶντι καὶ ἀληθινῷ

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

1 Thessalonians 1:10

καὶ ἀναμένειν τὸν Υἱὸν αὐτοῦ ἐκ τῶν οὐρανῶν

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

τὸν Υἱὸν αὐτοῦ

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

ἐκ τῶν οὐρανῶν

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

ὃν ἤγειρεν ἐκ τῶν νεκρῶν, Ἰησοῦν,

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

ἐκ τῶν νεκρῶν

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

Ἰησοῦν, τὸν ῥυόμενον ἡμᾶς

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

τὸν ῥυόμενον

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

ἡμᾶς

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

ἐκ τῆς ὀργῆς τῆς ἐρχομένης

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

τῆς ὀργῆς τῆς ἐρχομένης

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

1 Thessalonians 2

1 Thessalonians 2 General Notes

Outline of 1 Thessalonians 2

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

Structure and formatting

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

“We” and “you”

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

Special concepts in this chapter

Apostolic Witness

Here, Paul defends how he, Silvanus, and Timothy are God’s apostles. By their preaching, conduct and witness, they prove to be authorized messengers of Christ. (See: [[https://git.door43.org/unfoldingWord/en_tw/src/branch/master/kt/apostle.md.md]] and testimony, testify, witness, eyewitness, evidence)

The Gospel of God

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

The Second Coming of Christ

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

1 Thessalonians 2:1

αὐτοὶ γὰρ οἴδατε, ἀδελφοί

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

αὐτοὶ…οἴδατε

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

οἴδατε

Here, like the similar phrase in 1:4, know does not refer to simple knowledge. You could make this clear in your language. Alternate translation: “you are aware” or “you are convinced” or “you recognize” or “you realize”

ἀδελφοί

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

ἀδελφοί

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

τὴν εἴσοδον ἡμῶν τὴν πρὸς ὑμᾶς

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

τὴν εἴσοδον ἡμῶν τὴν…ὅτι

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

οὐ κενὴ γέγονεν

Here, not … in vain a figure of speech that expresses a strong positive meaning by using a negative word together with a word that is the opposite of the intended meaning. There are two main options to indicate the double negative: (1) express negatively. Alternate translation: “has not been useless” or “has not been without a purpose” or “has not been worthless” (2) express positively. Alternate translation: “has proved quite beneficial” or “has definitely been worthwhile” or “has been very useful” (See: Litotes)

1 Thessalonians 2:2

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

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

ἀλλὰ προπαθόντες καὶ ὑβρισθέντες, καθὼς οἴδατε, ἐν Φιλίπποις

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

προπαθόντες καὶ ὑβρισθέντες…ἐν Φιλίπποις

The phrase translated having previously suffered and have been shamefully treated at Philippi is a background information about what happened when Paul, Silvanus, and Timothy were in the city of Philippi (see Acts 16). Use the natural form in your language for expressing background information. Alternate translation: “Although we already suffered and were insultingly disgraced when visiting the city of Philippi” (See: Background Information)

προπαθόντες καὶ ὑβρισθέντες

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

ἐπαρρησιασάμεθα ἐν τῷ Θεῷ ἡμῶν, λαλῆσαι πρὸς ὑμᾶς τὸ εὐαγγέλιον τοῦ Θεοῦ ἐν πολλῷ ἀγῶνι

This is another background reference to the apostolic preaching during the persecution of the Thessalonian Church as recorded in Acts 17:1-10 (Also 1:6). Use the natural form in your language for expressing background information. Alternate translation: “God allowed us to courageously proclaim his good news to you at Thessalonica even while struggling intensely” (See: Background Information)

τὸ εὐαγγέλιον τοῦ Θεοῦ

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

ἐν πολλῷ ἀγῶνι

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

1 Thessalonians 2:3

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

For is the beginning of a list of reasons describing why Paul, Silvanus, and Timothy had boldness to speak. This list of reasons also defends how their message was “the gospel of God” (See 2:2). (See: Litany)

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

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

ἡ γὰρ παράκλησις ἡμῶν

The abstract noun exhortation can mean different things. Here, it is a synonym for “the gospel of God” (See 2:2). If your language does not use an abstract noun for this idea, you could express the idea behind the abstract noun exhortation in another way. Alternate translation: “Because when we encouraged you that it” or “Certainly when we warned you that it” or “When we urged you that it” (See: Abstract Nouns)

οὐκ ἐκ πλάνης, οὐδὲ ἐξ ἀκαθαρσίας, οὐδὲ ἐν δόλῳ

This list of double negative phrases highlights the sincere motive and true content of the exhortation Paul, Silvanus, and Timothy shared with the Thessalonian church. If these double negative phrases would be misunderstood in your language, you could translate them as a positive statement. Alternate translation: “was from honest, pure, sincere motives” or “was made properly, purely, and sincerely” (See: Double Negatives)

1 Thessalonians 2:4

ἀλλὰ καθὼς

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

ἀλλὰ καθὼς δεδοκιμάσμεθα ὑπὸ τοῦ Θεοῦ, πιστευθῆναι τὸ εὐαγγέλιον

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

δεδοκιμάσμεθα ὑπὸ τοῦ Θεοῦ, πιστευθῆναι τὸ εὐαγγέλιον

The combination of these two verbs examined and entrusted are meant to emphasize how the apostles have trustworthy credentials to preach the gospel. If it would be helpful to your readers, you could say that explicitly. Alternate translation: “we have been proved to be genuine guardians of the gospel” or “we are marked with God’s seal of approval as faithful preachers of the gospel” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

οὕτως λαλοῦμεν

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

λαλοῦμεν

The implicit information in the phrase we speak is that it refers to the apostles’ preaching or teaching of the gospel (See 2:2 for the same verb). If it would be helpful to your readers, you could say that explicitly. Alternate translation: “we apostles keep proclaiming” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

οὐχ ὡς ἀνθρώποις ἀρέσκοντες, ἀλλὰ Θεῷ

This contrast clause summarizes the list of double negatives in 2:3, in order to express the apostles’ godly motives. Use a natural way in your language for introducing a contrast. Alternate translation: “not to flatter people, but please God” or “not hoping to satisfy people, but God” (See: Connect — Contrast Relationship)

ἀλλὰ Θεῷ, τῷ δοκιμάζοντι τὰς καρδίας ἡμῶν

Here, the writers of this letter use the same verb form to reinforce that they have been examined by God. Alternate translation: “Actually, we seek to do what is pleasing to God. He is the one who continually examines our affections” (See: Parallelism)

τῷ δοκιμάζοντι τὰς καρδίας ἡμῶν

Here, the one who examines our hearts is a metaphor that compares God’s examination of the apostles’ motives, affections, or deepest thoughts to that of a doctor performing heart surgery, or a smelter testing the purity of refined metal. If you have an equivalent metaphor from your culture, you could use it. Alternate translation: “the one who can determine what motivates us” or “the one who refines the quality of our motives” (See: Metaphor)

τὰς καρδίας ἡμῶν

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

1 Thessalonians 2:5

οὔτε γάρ ποτε ἐν λόγῳ κολακίας ἐγενήθημεν

Here, the phrase For we did not come at that time signals that Paul, Silvanus, and Timothy are going to defend their apostolic authorization from God. This phrase is also meant emphasize their godly motives. Alternate translation: “Because previously when we came, it was not to flatter you” or “Certainly we never came in order to flatter you” (See: Connecting Words and Phrases)

οὔτε…ἐν λόγῳ κολακίας…οὔτε ἐν προφάσει πλεονεξίας

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

οὔτε γάρ ποτε ἐν λόγῳ κολακίας ἐγενήθημεν,

Paul places just as you know in a position that gives it special emphasis (See also 2:2). It is meant to reinforce the sincere words of the apostles, and to validate their gospel message by how they behaved amongst the Thessalonian Church (See 1:5). If it would be more natural in your language, you could reverse the order of these phrases. Alternate translation: “As you are well aware, we did not previously come to flatter”

ἐν προφάσει πλεονεξίας

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

(Θεὸς μάρτυς)

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

(Θεὸς μάρτυς)

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

1 Thessalonians 2:6

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

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

ἐξ ἀνθρώπων δόξαν

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

1 Thessalonians 2:7

δυνάμενοι ἐν βάρει εἶναι, ὡς Χριστοῦ ἀπόστολοι

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

δυνάμενοι ἐν βάρει εἶναι

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

ἀλλὰ

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

ἐγενήθημεν νήπιοι ἐν μέσῳ ὑμῶν

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

ἐγενήθημεν νήπιοι

Some ancient copies read little children as “gentle ones” or “mild ones” or “soothing ones.” Alternate translation: “we were gentle” (See: Textual Variants)

ἐν μέσῳ ὑμῶν

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

ὡς ἐὰν τροφὸς θάλπῃ τὰ ἑαυτῆς τέκνα

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

1 Thessalonians 2:8

οὕτως ὁμειρόμενοι ὑμῶν

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

εὐδοκοῦμεν μεταδοῦναι ὑμῖν, οὐ μόνον τὸ εὐαγγέλιον τοῦ Θεοῦ, ἀλλὰ καὶ τὰς ἑαυτῶν ψυχάς

Paul uses our own souls to speak figuratively of the apostles’ bodies or their life. The apostles became so fond of the Thessalonian church that they were even willing to impart or give up their own lives through persecution (See 2:2) and labors (See 2:9). If your readers would not understand what our own souls means in this context, you could use an equivalent metaphor from your culture. Alternatively, you could express Paul’s meaning in a non-figurative way. Alternate translation: “we were happy to share with you both the gospel and our own lives” or “we thought it appropriate to give you the gospel, even if it meant giving up our very lives” (See: Metaphor)

διότι ἀγαπητοὶ ἡμῖν ἐγενήθητε

If it would be more natural in your language, you could say this with an active form, and you can say who did the action. Alternate translation: “This is because we began to love you so much” or “This is because we were so fond of you” or “Because we apostles had so much affection for you” (See: Active or Passive)

1 Thessalonians 2:9

γάρ

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

ἀδελφοί

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

τὸν κόπον ἡμῶν καὶ τὸν μόχθον

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

νυκτὸς καὶ ἡμέρας ἐργαζόμενοι

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

νυκτὸς καὶ ἡμέρας

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

πρὸς τὸ μὴ ἐπιβαρῆσαί τινα ὑμῶν

This is a purpose clause expressing the reason why the apostles were night and day working. Use a natural way in your language for introducing a purpose clause. Alternate translation: “so that none of you would have to financially support us” or “so that we would not impose on anyone” (See: Connect — Goal (Purpose) Relationship)

τὸ εὐαγγέλιον τοῦ Θεοῦ

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

1 Thessalonians 2:10

ὑμεῖς μάρτυρες καὶ ὁ Θεός

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

ὑμεῖς μάρτυρες καὶ ὁ Θεός

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

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

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

ὑμεῖς…ὑμῖν

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

1 Thessalonians 2:11

καθάπερ οἴδατε ὡς ἕνα ἕκαστον ὑμῶν

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

ὡς πατὴρ τέκνα ἑαυτοῦ

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

1 Thessalonians 2:12

παρακαλοῦντες ὑμᾶς, καὶ παραμυθούμενοι, καὶ μαρτυρόμενοι…ὑμᾶς

Paul uses a repetitive series of verb forms to show how the apostles have instructed the Thessalonian church like caring fathers would. This repetitive style of speaking or writing is called a “litany.” These words are meant to instill a sense of urgency. Use a form in your language that someone would use to inspire people to live godly. Alternate translation: “encouraging and cheering you up and acting as your witness” or “We kept instructing you through appeals, encouragement, and our own personal example” (See: Litany)

παρακαλοῦντες…μαρτυρόμενοι

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

εἰς τὸ περιπατεῖν ὑμᾶς ἀξίως τοῦ Θεοῦ

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

εἰς τὸ περιπατεῖν ὑμᾶς ἀξίως τοῦ Θεοῦ

Paul uses the possessive phrase of God could refer: (1) God giving honor. Alternate translation: “to live in a way that God considers worthy” or “to live in a way that God honors” (2) God’s people as recipients of honor. “to live in a way that shows you are worthy of being God’s people” (3) God as recipient of honor. Alternate translation: “to live in a way that honors God” (See: Possession)

εἰς τὸ περιπατεῖν

Here, to walk is a metaphor that means “to live.” Alternate translation: “to habitually live” or “for you to continue to live” (See: Metaphor)

τοῦ καλοῦντος ὑμᾶς

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

τοῦ καλοῦντος ὑμᾶς

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

εἰς τὴν ἑαυτοῦ βασιλείαν καὶ δόξαν

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

εἰς τὴν ἑαυτοῦ βασιλείαν καὶ δόξαν

Here, kingdom and glory could refer to the same thing. The repetition is used to emphasize how enticing it is to be in God’s kingdom. If your language does not use repetition in this way, you could combine these phrases. Alternate translation: “into his own kingdom glory” (See: Doublet)

1 Thessalonians 2:13

καὶ διὰ τοῦτο

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

καὶ ἡμεῖς εὐχαριστοῦμεν τῷ Θεῷ ἀδιαλείπτως

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

ἡμεῖς

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

ὅτι παραλαβόντες λόγον ἀκοῆς παρ’ ἡμῶν τοῦ Θεοῦ, ἐδέξασθε

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

ὅτι παραλαβόντες λόγον ἀκοῆς παρ’ ἡμῶν τοῦ Θεοῦ, ἐδέξασθε

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

ὅτι

Here, that marks a repetitive series of reasons in 2:13-14 that explain why the apostles are thankful for the Thessalonian church. This repetitive style of speaking or writing is called a “litany.” Use a form in your language that someone would use to list things that someone has done right. See UST. (See: Litany)

ἀλλὰ καθὼς ἀληθῶς ἐστὶν

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

λόγον ἀνθρώπων…λόγον Θεοῦ

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

ὃς καὶ ἐνεργεῖται ἐν ὑμῖν τοῖς πιστεύουσιν

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

ὃς

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

ἐν ὑμῖν

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

1 Thessalonians 2:14

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

γὰρ

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

ὑμεῖς…ὑμεῖς

Both uses of you are used to give special emphasis to the sufferings of the Thessalonian church. Use a natural way in your language to express this emphasis. Alternate translation: “you personally” or “you yourselves” (See: Reflexive Pronouns)

ἀδελφοί

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

μιμηταὶ ἐγενήθητε…τῶν ἐκκλησιῶν

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

ἐν Χριστῷ Ἰησοῦ

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

1 Thessalonians 2:15

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

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

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

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

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

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

ἡμᾶς ἐκδιωξάντων; καὶ Θεῷ μὴ ἀρεσκόντων

Here, and could indicate that the following phrase is the result of Jews’ persecution. To express and emphasize God’s response toward the Jews’ persecution, you could begin a new sentence with God as the subject. Alternate translation: “have persecuted us. This is why God is continually displeased” (See: Connecting Words and Phrases)

καὶ Θεῷ μὴ ἀρεσκόντων, καὶ πᾶσιν ἀνθρώποις ἐναντίων,

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

καὶ πᾶσιν ἀνθρώποις ἐναντίων,

This phrase and {are} hostile to all men summarizes the present attitude of the Jews toward Christians. In 2:16, it will list the specifics of this attitude and the consequences that follow.

πᾶσιν ἀνθρώποις ἐναντίων,

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

ἐναντίων

Paul leaves out some of the words that a sentence would need in many languages to be complete. If this would be misunderstood in your language, you could supply these words from the context. Alternate translation: “are opposed” (See: Ellipsis)

πᾶσιν ἀνθρώποις

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

1 Thessalonians 2:16

ἵνα σωθῶσιν

Here, so that they might be saved is a purpose clause. This clause gives the reason why the Jews are trying to prevent the apostles from preaching the gospel to the Gentiles (See note for “to all men” in 2:15). Here, to speak expresses the way the Gentiles might be saved. This clause could refer to two main ideas: (1) the Jews purposely trying to keep the Gentiles from salvation. Alternate translation: “to hinder the Gentiles from being saved” (2) how the speaking is the purposely meant to save. Alternate translation: “in order that the Gentiles can be saved” or “for the purpose of saving the nations” The clause could also refer to both ideas. Use a natural way in your language for introducing a purpose clause. (See: Connect — Goal (Purpose) Relationship)

ἵνα σωθῶσιν

Here, be saved explains why apostles speak. If it would be more natural in your language, you could say this with an active form, and you can say who did the action. Alternate translation: “so that God saves them when we proclaim the gospel” (See: Active or Passive)

εἰς τὸ ἀναπληρῶσαι αὐτῶν τὰς ἁμαρτίας πάντοτε

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

εἰς τὸ ἀναπληρῶσαι

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

ἔφθασεν δὲ ἐπ’ αὐτοὺς ἡ ὀργὴ εἰς τέλος.

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

δὲ

But is a connecting word used emphatically that can communicate at least two concepts: (1) certainty. Alternate translation: “Certainly” or “In fact” (2) contrast. Alternate translation: “However” (See: Connecting Words and Phrases)

ἡ ὀργὴ

Here, the indicates a specialized meaning of wrath. If your language does not use an abstract noun for this idea, you could express the idea behind the abstract phrase the wrath in another way. Here, the wrath emphasizes one of two things: (1) God’s wrath. Alternate translation: “God’s wrath” or “God’s punishment” or “God’s judgment” (2) final wrath (See note at 1:10. Alternate translation: “the Final Judgment” or “the Final Punishment” (See: Abstract Nouns)

1 Thessalonians 2:17

ἡμεῖς δέ, ἀδελφοί

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

ἀδελφοί

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

ἀπορφανισθέντες ἀφ’ ὑμῶν

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

πρὸς καιρὸν ὥρας

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

προσώπῳ οὐ καρδίᾳ

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

προσώπῳ οὐ καρδίᾳ

Similarly, Paul figuratively refers to face to mean the whole physical person, and heart to mean the whole range of emotions. If this would be misunderstood in your language, you could use an equivalent expression from your culture or plain language. Alternate translation: “in our physical bodies, not in our emotional connection” (See: Synecdoche)

τὸ πρόσωπον ὑμῶν ἰδεῖν ἐν πολλῇ ἐπιθυμίᾳ

Here, to see your faces, in much desire uses similar language to by face, not in heart, to create more emphasis of the apostles’ intense desire to visit the Thessalonian Church. (See: Parallelism)

τὸ πρόσωπον ὑμῶν ἰδεῖν ἐν πολλῇ ἐπιθυμίᾳ.

If your language does not use an abstract noun for this idea, you could express the idea behind the abstract noun desire in another way. It can also be translated as an active phrase. Alternate translation: “deeply desiring to see you in person” or “passionately longing to see your faces” (See: Abstract Nouns)

τὸ πρόσωπον ὑμῶν ἰδεῖν

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

1 Thessalonians 2:18

διότι

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

ἐλθεῖν

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

ἐγὼ μὲν Παῦλος, καὶ ἅπαξ καὶ δίς

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

ἐγὼ μὲν Παῦλος

Here, Paul uses the pronoun I and indeed to emphasize that he is writer of this letter. Use a way that is natural in your language to indicate this emphasis. (See: Reflexive Pronouns)

καὶ ἅπαξ καὶ δίς

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

καὶ

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

καὶ ἐνέκοψεν

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

1 Thessalonians 2:19

Paul uses these rhetorical questions here to emphasize why the apostles want to visit the Thessalonian church. If you would not use rhetorical questions for this purpose in your language, you could translate his words as a statement or an exclamation and communicate the emphasis in another way. Alternate translation: “Certainly, you are the ones who will make us confident, and joyful, and victoriously boast in the presence of the Lord Jesus when he comes again” (See: Rhetorical Question)

ἐλπὶς ἢ χαρὰ ἢ στέφανος καυχήσεως

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

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

Paul is leaving out some of the words that a sentence would need in many languages to be complete. If this would be misunderstood in your language, you could supply these words from the context. Alternate translation: “For who is our hope or joy or crown of boasting? Isn’t it you too”

ἐλπὶς ἢ χαρὰ ἢ στέφανος καυχήσεως

If the abstract nouns hope joy and crown would be misunderstood in your language, you could change the nouns into verb forms. Alternate translation: “Because what makes us hopeful? What causes us to rejoice? What gives us reason to boast victoriously?” (See: Abstract Nouns)

στέφανος καυχήσεως

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

στέφανος καυχήσεως

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

καυχήσεως

Two ancient manuscripts read “loud shouting” or “celebration” (See: Textual Variants)

ἔμπροσθεν τοῦ Κυρίου ἡμῶν, Ἰησοῦ

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

ἐν τῇ αὐτοῦ παρουσίᾳ

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

1 Thessalonians 2:20

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

γάρ

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

ὑμεῖς

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

1 Thessalonians 3

1 Thessalonians 3 General Notes

Outline of 1 Thessalonians 3

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

Structure and formatting

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

“We” and “you”

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

Special concepts in this chapter

Metaphor

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

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

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

Hyperbole

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

The Second Coming of Christ

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

1 Thessalonians 3:1

If it would be more natural in your language, you could reverse the order of these phrases, since the second phrase gives the reason for the result that the first phrase describes. Alternate translation: “We thought it proper to stay behind in Athens alone, because we could not restrain ourselves any longer” (See: Connect — Reason-and-Result Relationship)

διὸ

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

διὸ μηκέτι στέγοντες

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

ηὐδοκήσαμεν καταλειφθῆναι ἐν Ἀθήναις μόνοι

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

1 Thessalonians 3:2

καὶ

Here, and indicates that what follows is the result of the apostles’ desire to visit the Thessalonian church. You can make this clear in your translation with more explicit connecting word or phrase. Alternate translation: “Even though this was true” or “So” or “This is why” (See: Connecting Words and Phrases)

ἐπέμψαμεν…ἡμῶν

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

τὸν ἀδελφὸν ἡμῶν, καὶ διάκονον τοῦ Θεοῦ

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

τὸν ἀδελφὸν ἡμῶν, καὶ διάκονον τοῦ Θεοῦ

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

καὶ διάκονον τοῦ Θεοῦ

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

ἐν

This preposition in could convey a few different nuances of meaning: (1) Association. Alternate translation: “associated with” or “partnering in” (2) Cause. Alternate translation: “for the cause of” or “for the sake of” (3) Instrument. Alternate translation: “through” or “by means of”

τοῦ Χριστοῦ

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

εἰς τὸ στηρίξαι ὑμᾶς καὶ παρακαλέσαι

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

1 Thessalonians 3:3

τὸ μηδένα σαίνεσθαι ἐν ταῖς θλίψεσιν ταύταις

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

τὸ μηδένα σαίνεσθαι

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

μηδένα σαίνεσθαι

The word no one is singular noun that refers to a group of people. If your language does not use singular nouns in that way, you can use a different expression. Alternate translation: “no person wavers” or “none of you are deceived” (See: Collective Nouns)

αὐτοὶ γὰρ οἴδατε

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

εἰς τοῦτο

The word this is a singular pronoun that equates afflictions with a condition or state of being. If your language does not use singular pronouns in that way, you can use a different expression. Alternate translation: “for this very thing” or “for this purpose” or “for this destiny” (See: Collective Nouns)

κείμεθα

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

κείμεθα

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

1 Thessalonians 3:4

Paul is giving background information about his previous visit. He encourages the Thessalonian church that he sent Timothy to remind them of what he had already told them about apostolic sufferings. Use the natural form in your language for expressing background information. Alternate translation: “Indeed, the last time we visited you, we kept telling you before it happened, ‘We are destined to be afflicted.’ You are well aware that it happened exactly as we told you” (See: Background Information)

This verse contains phrases that are similar to 3:3. Paul says the same thing twice, but in slightly different ways, to emphasize the apostles’ desire that none of the Thessalonians would “be disturbed.” Here, just as you also know parallels “For you yourselves know”, and we were about to suffer affliction parallels “these afflictions … for this we are appointed”. (See: Parallelism)

ἦμεν

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

γὰρ

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

προελέγομεν ὑμῖν ὅτι μέλλομεν θλίβεσθαι

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

καὶ ἐγένετο

Here, and it happened is meant to emphasize Paul, Silvanus, and Timothy’s apostolic credentials by verifying that their prophetic words came true.

1 Thessalonians 3:5

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

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

κἀγὼ μηκέτι στέγων, ἔπεμψα

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

κἀγὼ μηκέτι στέγων

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

ἔπεμψα

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

εἰς τὸ γνῶναι τὴν πίστιν ὑμῶν

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

ὁ πειράζων

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

μή πως ἐπείρασεν ὑμᾶς ὁ πειράζων, καὶ

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

καὶ εἰς κενὸν γένηται ὁ κόπος ἡμῶν

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

καὶ εἰς κενὸν γένηται ὁ κόπος ἡμῶν

Paul refers figuratively to labor to mean what spiritual or physical labor produces. If this would be misunderstood in your language, you could use an equivalent expression from your culture or plain language. Alternate translation: “then our hard labor would have yielded no profit” or “then our toiling would be for nothing” (See: Synecdoche)

εἰς κενὸν

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

1 Thessalonians 3:6

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

ἄρτι δὲ ἐλθόντος Τιμοθέου πρὸς ἡμᾶς ἀφ’ ὑμῶν

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

πρὸς ἡμᾶς

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

τὴν πίστιν καὶ τὴν ἀγάπην ὑμῶν, καὶ ὅτι ἔχετε μνείαν ἡμῶν ἀγαθὴν πάντοτε, ἐπιποθοῦντες ἡμᾶς ἰδεῖν, καθάπερ καὶ ἡμεῖς ὑμᾶς

Paul uses a short list in 3:6 to describe the feelings the Thessalonian church has toward the apostles. This repetitive style of speaking or writing is called a “litany.” Use a form in your language that someone would use to list things that someone has done right. (See: Litany)

τὴν πίστιν καὶ τὴν ἀγάπην ὑμῶν

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

τὴν πίστιν καὶ τὴν ἀγάπην ὑμῶν

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

καὶ ὅτι ἔχετε μνείαν ἡμῶν ἀγαθὴν πάντοτε, ἐπιποθοῦντες ἡμᾶς ἰδεῖν

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

καὶ ὅτι ἔχετε μνείαν ἡμῶν ἀγαθὴν πάντοτε

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

1 Thessalonians 3:7

διὰ τοῦτο παρεκλήθημεν, ἀδελφοί, ἐφ’ ὑμῖν

This phrase is a result clause. Paul is stating the result of the Timothy’s good news in [3:6])../03/06.md). Use a natural way in your language for introducing a result clause. Alternate translation: “Fellow believers in Christ, as a result of Timothy’s good news about you, God consoled us” (See: Connect — Reason-and-Result Relationship)

ἐπὶ πάσῃ τῇ ἀνάγκῃ καὶ θλίψει ἡμῶν

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

ἐπὶ πάσῃ τῇ ἀνάγκῃ καὶ θλίψει ἡμῶν

If your language does not use an abstract noun phrase for these ideas, you could express the ideas behind this abstract noun phrase in another way. Here, it could refer to a few things: (1) time of distress and affliction. Alternate translation: “during all our abuse and affliction” or “each time we violently suffered” (2) place or way of distress and affliction. Alternate translation: “in every place the tempter violently afflicted us” or “in every way we suffered abuse” (See: Abstract Nouns)

διὰ τῆς ὑμῶν πίστεως

If your language does not use an abstract noun for this idea, you could express the idea behind the abstract noun faith in another way. Alternate translation: “because you remain faithful to God” or “through your faithfulness” (See: Abstract Nouns)

1 Thessalonians 3:8

ὅτι νῦν ζῶμεν

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

ἐὰν ὑμεῖς στήκετε ἐν Κυρίῳ

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

ἐὰν ὑμεῖς στήκετε ἐν Κυρίῳ

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

ἐὰν ὑμεῖς στήκετε ἐν Κυρίῳ

The word translated if could also refer to: (1) Cause. Alternate translation: “since you are standing firm in the Lord Jesus” (2) Time. Alternate translation: “whenever you remain devoted to the Lord Jesus” (See: Connecting Words and Phrases)

ὑμεῖς στήκετε ἐν Κυρίῳ

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

ὑμεῖς

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

1 Thessalonians 3:9

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

This is the beginning of a rhetorical question that continues to the end of the next verse. It can be expressed as a statement, but it will be necessary to change the question mark to a period or exclamation point at the end of 3:10. Alternate translation: “We could not possibly thank God enough for what he has done for you! When we pray to our God, we greatly rejoice because of you!” (See: Rhetorical Question)

τίνα γὰρ εὐχαριστίαν δυνάμεθα τῷ Θεῷ ἀνταποδοῦναι περὶ ὑμῶν

The apostles speak of giving thanks … concerning you using the metaphor of owing God a debt for the sake of the Thessalonian Church’s faithfulness (See UST). Alternate translation: “Indeed, what kind of thanksgiving could we give in place of you to repay our debt to God” or “In fact, how could we give enough thanks for you to repay God” or “Because, how could we possibly show our gratitude to God about you” (See: Metaphor)

ἐπὶ πάσῃ τῇ χαρᾷ ᾗ χαίρομεν δι’ ὑμᾶς

This phrasing is a parallel to 3:7. In the same way the apostles found comfort “in all … distress and affliction” because of the Thessalonian Church’s faithfulness to God, so here the apostles have all the joy … because of the Thessalonian Church “stands firm in the Lord” (See 3:8). (See: Parallelism)

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

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

ἔμπροσθεν τοῦ Θεοῦ ἡμῶν

The apostles speak of their prayers to God as if being in his personal presence (See 3:10). If it is clearer in your language, you could change this into a verb form (See UST). Alternate translation: “in the presence of our God” or “right in front of our God” or “before the face of our God” or “when we pray to our God” (See: Idiom)

Θεῷ…τοῦ Θεοῦ

Some ancient manuscripts replace the two uses of God with “Lord.” (See: Textual Variants)

1 Thessalonians 3:10

νυκτὸς καὶ ἡμέρας, ὑπέρἐκπερισσοῦ δεόμενοι

This emphatic phrase indicates hyperbole. The phrase night and day expresses the continual nature of their prayers. This word translated earnestly literally means “super excessively.” The verb form pleading indicates a constant or repeated activity. You could highlight this in your translation if your language has a way to communicate this expression. Alternate translation: “we never stopped intensely begging” or “we kept passionately pleading and pleading” or “we continually and fervently prayed” (See: Hyperbole)

νυκτὸς καὶ ἡμέρας

night and day is merism, expressing that the apostles were pleading constantly, by referring to the end parts of the day. (See: Merism)

εἰς τὸ ἰδεῖν ὑμῶν τὸ πρόσωπον

to see your face is an idiom. Alternate translation: “to visit you” or “to spend time with you” (See: Idiom)

ὑμῶν τὸ πρόσωπον

your face also expresses a synecdoche referring to the whole Thessalonian Church. Alternate translation: “all of you” (See: Synecdoche)

καὶ καταρτίσαι τὰ ὑστερήματα τῆς πίστεως ὑμῶν

If it is clearer in your language, you could change this abstract phrase what {is} lacking in your faith,” into verb form (See 2:17). Alternate translation: “and to provide support so that you remain faithful” (See: Abstract Nouns)

1 Thessalonians 3:11

αὐτὸς δὲ ὁ Θεὸς καὶ Πατὴρ ἡμῶν, καὶ ὁ Κύριος ἡμῶν, Ἰησοῦς, κατευθύναι τὴν ὁδὸν ἡμῶν πρὸς ὑμᾶς

Here, But, and the verb form may … direct, indicate that this verse is the beginning of an apostolic prayer that continues through 3:13. (See: Connecting Words and Phrases)

αὐτὸς

himself is a reflexive pronoun, used for emphasis and to distinguish our God and Father, from God the Son, our Lord Jesus. (See: Reflexive Pronouns)

ὁ Θεὸς καὶ Πατὴρ ἡμῶν

This phrase uses the genitive form. Here, our God and Father indicates that God and Father are the same Divine Person. Father also describes God as distinct from our Lord Jesus who is also God. Alternate translation: “God our Father.” (See your translation at 1:3).(See: Possession)

ὁ Θεὸς καὶ Πατὴρ ἡμῶν

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

ἡμῶν…ἡμῶν…ἡμῶν

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

κατευθύναι τὴν ὁδὸν ἡμῶν πρὸς ὑμᾶς

Here, the apostles refer to God as if he was a pilot or captain of a ship. This is to express their desire for the God and Jesus to permit them to visit the Thessalonian Church again. The word translated direct indicates a longing or wishing, and carries the idea of “rushing along at a good pace.” Alternate translation: “may … make our road straight” or “to direct our voyage so that we can visit you” or “O that … would quickly bring us to you!” (See: Metaphor)

1 Thessalonians 3:12

ὑμᾶς δὲ ὁ Κύριος πλεονάσαι καὶ περισσεύσαι τῇ ἀγάπῃ εἰς ἀλλήλους, καὶ εἰς πάντας, καθάπερ καὶ ἡμεῖς εἰς ὑμᾶς;

The verbal form expressing “longing” or “wishing” found in 3:11 continues. Alternative translation: “O that the Lord would allow your love for one another and all people to completely flourish, in the same way we love you!” or “O that the Lord would give you a totally thriving love for each and every person–like we love you!” or “O that the Lord would cause you to love each and every person as we love you–increasing more and more!

ὑμᾶς δὲ ὁ Κύριος πλεονάσαι καὶ περισσεύσαι τῇ ἀγάπῃ

If it is clearer in your language, you could change the abstract noun phrase in love to a verb form. Alternate translation: “O that the Lord would cause you to love more and more” (See: Abstract Nouns

τῇ ἀγάπῃ

Here love is spoken of as something that can be quantified or measured. Alternate translation: “lovingly increase and abound” (See: Metaphor)

ὁ Κύριος

It is assumed that the Lord refers to Jesus (See 3:11). If it is clearer in your language, you could make this explicit. Alternate translation: “the Lord Jesus” or “our Lord Jesus” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

πλεονάσαι καὶ περισσεύσαι

The two verbs increase and abound are a doublet, indicating emphasis by combining two synonymous words. Alternate translation: “totally thrive” or “completely flourish” (See: Doublet)

εἰς ἀλλήλους, καὶ εἰς πάντας

Here merism is used as a way to emphasize the whole human race. Altenrate translation: “toward each and every person” or “toward the whole human race” (See: Merism)

καθάπερ καὶ ἡμεῖς εἰς ὑμᾶς

just as we also toward you is an emphatic phrase meant to reinforce the deep love the apostles have for the Thessalonian Church (also in 3:6). Alternate translation: “exactly as we love you” or “in the same way we love you”

1 Thessalonians 3:13

εἰς τὸ στηρίξαι ὑμῶν τὰς καρδίας, ἀμέμπτους ἐν ἁγιωσύνῃ

If it is clearer in your language, you could translate this abstract noun phrase with a verb form. Alternate translation: “so that the Lord establishes you with innocent affections that are appropriate for those who belong to him” or “so that the Lord will strengthen and innocently set your wills apart” (See: Abstract Nouns)

εἰς τὸ στηρίξαι ὑμῶν τὰς καρδίας

Here,strengthen your heart is a metaphor comparing the human will or affections to a building that can be established or supported. Alternate translation: “to establish your affections” or “to strengthen your will” (See: Metaphor)

εἰς τὸ στηρίξαι ὑμῶν τὰς καρδίας

This could be translated as a purpose clause. Alternate translation: “so that the Lord will establish your affections for him” or “in order that the Lord will build up your will” (See: Connect — Goal (Purpose) Relationship)

εἰς τὸ στηρίξαι ὑμῶν τὰς καρδίας

This could be translated as a result clause. Alternate translation: “then the Lord will establish your affections for him” or “with the result that the Lord will build up your will” (See: Connect — Reason-and-Result Relationship)

ἀμέμπτους ἐν ἁγιωσύνῃ

This phrase is likely indicating a doublet that refers to: (1) Means/Instrument. Alternate translation: “blameless through holiness” (2) Cause. Alternate translation: “blameless because of holiness” (3) Condition. Alternate translation: “blameless in a condition of holiness” (4) Relation. Alternate translation: “blameless with those who belong to God” (See: Doublet)

ἔμπροσθεν τοῦ Θεοῦ καὶ Πατρὸς ἡμῶν

This an idiom for being in the personal presence of God (See 3:9). Alternate translation: “in the presence of our Father God” or “right in front of God our Father” or “before the face of God our Father” (See: Idiom)

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

This is a reference to the Zechariah 14:5 (See also 2 Thessalonians 1:7,10; Jude 14). The assumption is that these saints are the same as “those who have fallen asleep” 4:14. Alternate translation: “at the time the Lord Jesus arrives along with all his holy people” or “when the Lord Jesus returns a second time with all those who belong to him” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

ἐν τῇ παρουσίᾳ τοῦ Κυρίου ἡμῶν, Ἰησοῦ

Here, the word translated coming is a well-known idiom in 1-2 Thessalonians for the Second Coming of Christ 2:19 or the “Day of the Lord” 5:2. It literally means, “presence” or “being with or near.” Here, coming expresses “presence,” so the emphasis is on the lasting presence of the Lord Jesus (see also Matthew 24). The definite article the indicates either the one and only Coming of the Lord, or the well-known Coming of the Lord. This exact phrase, at the coming of our Lord Jesus, is only used elsewhere in the NT at 4:15; 5:23 and 2 Peter 1:16. Alternate translation: “in the presence of our Lord Jesus at his Second Coming” or “in the sight of our Lord Jesus when he arrives again” (See: Idiom)

ἐν

The parallel phrases before our God and Father and at the coming indicate that these are simultaneous events. (See: Connect — Simultaneous Time Relationship)

ἀμήν

Many ancient manuscripts omit this word. (See: Textual Variants)

1 Thessalonians 4

1 Thessalonians 4 General Notes

Outline of 1 Thessalonians 4

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

“We” and “you”

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

Special concepts in this chapter

Christian love

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

Dying before the Second Coming of Christ

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

The manner of the Second Coming of Christ

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

Important translation issues in this chapter

Sexual immorality

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

The Second Coming of Christ

Historically, there has been one teaching on the Second Coming of Christ. As the Nicene Creed of 381 states: “I await the resurrection of the dead and the life of the age to come.” Christ came once as Incarnate God and will return once as Resurrected Judge. This is what 4:13-5:11 unequivocally refers to. Here, “the coming of the Lord” and the “day of the Lord” 5:2 are the same event, as is clear from the context. One confusion stems from the fact that novel and heterodox interpretations have become popularized. Prior to the mid-1800’s there was no other view in any denomination of the Church. Another confusion comes from the reliance on modern chapter headings that often confuse readers about when and where subject matter changes. The original text of 1 Thessalonians had no chapter or verse markings, so it would have been more obvious to an ancient reader that chapter four and five are talking about the same event.

1 Thessalonians 4:1

λοιπὸν οὖν

This phrase could express the idea of: (1) Summary. Alternate translation: “So, in summary,” or (2) Remainder. “So then, here is what remains to talk about” (See: Connecting Words and Phrases)

ἀδελφοί

Throughout this letter, brothers is an idiom meaning “fellow Christians” or “fellow believers in Christ” 3:7. (See: Idiom)

ἀδελφοί

Here, the idiom brothers includes females. If your language does not have this idiom, you can use a gender inclusive term that refers to male and female. Alternate translation: “brothers and sisters” or “spiritual brothers and sisters” or “fellow believers in Christ” or “fellow believers in God” (See When Masculine Words Include Women)

ἐρωτῶμεν ὑμᾶς καὶ παρακαλοῦμεν

beg and exhort convey similar ideas, and are used for double emphasis. Alternate translation: “we are begging and urging you” or “we are urging and appealing to you” or “we are strongly appealing to you” (See: Doublet)

ἐν Κυρίῳ Ἰησοῦ

Here, the idiom in the Lord Jesus refers to the apostles’ source of authority. Alternate translation: “with our authority from the Lord Jesus” or “as spokespersons for the Lord Jesus” (See: Idiom)

Ἰησοῦ, καθὼς παρελάβετε παρ’ ἡμῶν, τὸ πῶς δεῖ ὑμᾶς περιπατεῖν καὶ ἀρέσκειν Θεῷ (καθὼς καὶ περιπατεῖτε), ἵνα περισσεύητε μᾶλλον

The passive verb phrase you received from us combined with how it is necessary and the mention of “commands” in 4:2 indicate that you received from us can be read as a command. If it is clearer in your language, you could divide these phrases into two or three active sentences (See UST). Alternate translation: “Jesus! Continue to apply what we taught you about how important it is for you to keep living to please God. Then you will grow more and more faithful”

παρελάβετε παρ’ ἡμῶν

If it is clearer in your language, you could change the passive verb phrase to an active form. Alternate translation: “we taught you” or “we instructed you” or “we commanded you” (See: Active or Passive)

τὸ πῶς δεῖ ὑμᾶς περιπατεῖν

walk is a common biblical metaphor that can mean “live” (Also 2:12). The phrase translated it is necessary conveys the idea of “being bound or tied.” Alternate translation: “about how you must live” or “about how you are obligated to live” (See: Metaphor)

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

to walk and to please expresses a hendiadys. The following summarizing repetition of the verb you are walking indicates that walk and please are synonyms. Alternate translation: “about how you must live to please God (exactly as you live now)” (See: Hendiadys)

ἵνα περισσεύητε μᾶλλον

This could be a result clause. Alternate translation: “then you can excel more and more” or “then you will thrive even more” (See: Connect — Reason-and-Result Relationship)

ἵνα περισσεύητε μᾶλλον

This could be a purpose clause. Alternate translation: “so that you can excel more and more” or “in order that you thrive even more” (See: Connect — Goal (Purpose) Relationship)

1 Thessalonians 4:2

οἴδατε γὰρ τίνας παραγγελίας ἐδώκαμεν ὑμῖν διὰ τοῦ Κυρίου Ἰησοῦ

This verse gives background information about the content of the apostles’ teachings, during the previous visit. (See: Connect — Background Information)

οἴδατε γὰρ τίνας παραγγελίας ἐδώκαμεν ὑμῖν διὰ τοῦ Κυρίου Ἰησοῦ

This verse expresses why the Thessalonians should listen to the apostles’ teachings. Alternate translation: “Because you recognize that the Lord Jesus commanded you through what we taught” or “Since you are aware that when we gave commands it was actually the Lord Jesus who taught you” (See: Connect — Reason-and-Result Relationship)

γὰρ

For is a connecting word that alerts the Thessalonian Church to pay attention to what is said next. (See: Connecting Words and Phrases)

διὰ τοῦ Κυρίου Ἰησοῦ

The commands that the apostles gave the Thessalonian Church are expressed as if they came directly from Jesus. Jesus is not to be seen as a messenger of the apostles, but the apostles are messengers bringing the commands of Jesus. In fact, the word translated commands literally means “messages from.” Alternate translation: “by order of the Lord Jesus himself” or “through a message from the Lord Jesus” (See: Metaphor)

1 Thessalonians 4:3

τοῦτο γάρ ἐστιν θέλημα τοῦ Θεοῦ, ὁ ἁγιασμὸς ὑμῶν,

If it is clearer in your language, you could change this abstract noun phrase to an active form. Alternate translation: “Indeed, God desires that you live like those who belong to him” (See: Abstract Nouns)

τοῦτο γάρ ἐστιν θέλημα τοῦ Θεοῦ

this is a collective singular pronoun that emphasizes what is the will of God. Alternate translation: “In fact, this is God’s will” or “Certainly, this very thing is God’s will” (See: Collective Nouns)

τοῦτο γάρ ἐστιν

This phrase indicates that this is the beginning of a section about the content of the “commands … through the Lord Jesus.” (See: Connecting Words and Phrases)

ἀπέχεσθαι ὑμᾶς ἀπὸ τῆς πορνείας

Here, begins a list spanning from 4:3-8 that explains what sanctification means. (See: Litany)

ἀπέχεσθαι ὑμᾶς ἀπὸ τῆς πορνείας

Here, sexual immorality is contrasted with sanctification. Alternate translation: “to refrain from sexually immoral acts” or “to hold yourself back from sexually immorality activity” (See: Connect — Contrast Relationship)

ἀπέχεσθαι

The following list of verb forms could be translated as commands (See 4:2). Here, the verb form is likely meant to express a strong suggestion. Alternate translation: “you must refrain” or “so you should” (See: Imperatives — Other Uses)

τῆς πορνείας

Some ancient manuscripts read “all sexual immorality” (See: Textual Variants)

1 Thessalonians 4:4

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

If it is clearer in your language, you could change this abstract phrase to an active form. Alternate translation: “each husband must only have sexual knowledge of his own wife, by treating her like she belongs to God and by honoring her” or “each man should know how to practice self-control by setting apart and honoring his own body” or (See UST for two separate sentences)(See: Abstract Nouns)

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

If it is clearer in your language, you could change this abstract noun phrase into two active sentences (See UST). (See: Abstract Nouns)

εἰδέναι…κτᾶσθαι

to know … to possess is a euphemism for sexual intimacy or knowledge (See previous note for an alternate translation). (See: Euphemism)

τὸ ἑαυτοῦ σκεῦος, κτᾶσθαι

to possess his own vessel is a metaphor or idiom that compares sexual self-control to a proper use of a container. It could refer to: (1) A husband’s own body. Alternate translation: “to practice self-control with his own body” or “to control his own body” (2) His wife’s body. Alternate translation: “to hold onto his wife’s body” or “to properly care for his own wife” (See: Metaphor)

ἕκαστον

This nominal adjective is used to emphasize that every husband or man must obey this teaching. (See: Nominal Adjectives)

ἑαυτοῦ

This reflexive pronoun further emphasizes the necessity of “sanctification” 4:3, that the vessel belongs to the husband or man. (See: Reflexive Pronouns)

ἐν ἁγιασμῷ καὶ τιμῇ

This phrase is a hendiadys. Alternate translation: “by sanctifying and honoring his body” or “by sanctifying and honoring her body” or “by honorably setting it apart” (See: Hendiadys)

ἐν ἁγιασμῷ καὶ τιμῇ

This phrase could also refer to: (1) Condition. Alternate translation: “in the condition of holiness and honor” or “in a state of holiness and honor” (2) Association. Alternate translation: “with holiness and honor” (3) Means. Alternate translation: “through holiness and honor”

1 Thessalonians 4:5

μὴ ἐν πάθει ἐπιθυμίας, καθάπερ καὶ τὰ ἔθνη τὰ μὴ εἰδότα τὸν Θεόν

This verse expresses a contrasting parallelism. in the passion of lust contrasts “in holiness and honor”. each of you to know contrasts “the Gentiles who do not know”. (See: Parallelism)

μὴ ἐν πάθει ἐπιθυμίας

If it is clearer in your language, you could change this abstract noun phrase into an active form (See UST), Alternate translation: “You must not passionately lust” (See: Abstract Nouns)

μὴ ἐν πάθει ἐπιθυμίας

Like the previous phrase, this could refer to: (1) Condition. Alternate translation: “in the condition of lustful passion” or “in a state of passionate lust” (2) Association. Alternate translation: “with lustful passion” (3) Means. Alternate translation: “through lustful passion”

πάθει ἐπιθυμίας

This genitive phrase could refer to: (1) Attribute. Alternate translation: “lustful passion” (2) Source. Alternate translation: “from lustful passion” or “from desire’s passion” (3) Object. Alternate translation: “passion that leads to lust” (4) Means. Alternate translation: “through lustful passion” (See: Possession)

καθάπερ καὶ τὰ ἔθνη τὰ μὴ εἰδότα τὸν Θεόν

This emphatic clause is meant to inform. who do not know indicates a past state of being that continues. God indicates “the one true God” or “the only God”. Alternate translation: “the nations who remain ignorant of God act like this” or “this is the way those nations live, who continually refuse to give recognition to God” or “exactly like all the people who have no relationship with God” or “this is exactly the way the Gentiles, who have never known God, live” (See: Distinguishing Versus Informing or Reminding)

τὰ ἔθνη

Here, the Gentiles is a generic noun that refers to all non-Christians (See 2:16). Alternate translation: “all those nations” or “all the people” or “the pagan nations” (See: Generic Noun Phrases)

1 Thessalonians 4:6

τὸ μὴ ὑπερβαίνειν καὶ πλεονεκτεῖν

This is a parallel clause that strongly repeats the prohibitive “not” concept found in 4:5. Alternate translation: “no one should offend and take advantage of” or “no one must violate and exploit” (See: Parallelism)

ὑπερβαίνειν καὶ πλεονεκτεῖν

The words translated transgress and wrong are a superlative doublet. The word translated transgress can mean “to overstep.” The word translated wrong can mean “possess more.” Here it conveys the nuance of “claiming what does not belong to someone,” or “to take advantage of.” The idea is that no one is permitted to violate or cross over the bounds of lawful marital relations, by taking what belongs to another man. Alternate translation: “trespass against and claim what belongs to” or “violate and exploit” or “transgress and take advantage of” (See: Doublet)

ἐν τῷ πράγματι τὸν ἀδελφὸν αὐτοῦ

Here, in this matter uses a business metaphor to speak of sexual immorality 4:3. The idea is that no one should intrude in the marital relationship of another brother or “fellow Christian.” Alternate translation: “in the marital matters of his fellow Christian” or “in the marriage relationship of another Christian” or (See: Metaphor)

διότι ἔκδικος Κύριος περὶ πάντων τούτων

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

ἔκδικος

If it is clearer in your language, you could change this abstract noun into a verb form. Alternate translation: “is a punisher” or “is a judge” (See: Abstract Nouns)

ἔκδικος Κύριος

This is a metaphorical title used of God throughout the Old Testament (See Judith 9:2 for a similar use in relational to sexual immorality). avenger literally means “judge from.” Alternate translation: “the Lord Jesus will avenge” or “the Lord Jesus will punish” or “the Lord Jesus will judge” (See: Metaphor)

Κύριος

The assumed knowledge here is that Lord refers to “Jesus” (See 4:2). Alternate translation: “the Lord Jesus” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

καθὼς καὶ προείπαμεν ὑμῖν καὶ διεμαρτυράμεθα

This is background information referring to the apostles earlier visit. The same root word translated testified here, is used twice in 2:10-12. Alternate translation: “in the just the way we previously told and warned you” or “This will happen just we already told and solemnly warned you” (See: Background Information)

καθὼς καὶ προείπαμεν ὑμῖν καὶ διεμαρτυράμεθα

just as combined with these two similar verbs, indicates that this is a doublet. If it is clearer in your language, you could combine the verbs to express this emphasis. Alternate translation: “as we also previously warned you” or “exactly as we also solemnly forewarned you” (See: Doublet)

1 Thessalonians 4:7

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

This verse parallels 4:4. If it is clearer in your language, you could change these abstract nouns into verb forms, the double negatives to positive statements, and the reorder the clauses. Alternate translation: “God called us, so we must purify and set ourselves apart like those who belong to God” or “We must not live impurely or act unholy, because God did not call us as his people for this purpose” (See: Abstract Nouns)

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

The double negative is used as a strong prohibition against sexual immorality 4:3. Alternate translation: “Because God did not summon us for impurity, but into sanctification”. You could also state this in positive form. Alternate translation: “Because God called us to be pure and holy” or “Certainly God summoned us to pure and holy living” or “Indeed, God invited us to become pure and holy” (See: Double Negatives)

ἐκάλεσεν

The word translated called can also refer to simple statement of fact or summarizing act. Alternate translation: “summons” or “beckons” or “invites”

ἡμᾶς

Here “us” is inclusive, referring to the apostles, the Thessalonian Church, and by extension all Christians (See Exclusive and Inclusive ‘We’)

ἐπὶ ἀκαθαρσίᾳ, ἀλλ’ ἐν ἁγιασμῷ

The prepositions translated to and in can refer to: (1) Disadvantage and advantage. Alternate translation: “for the sake of … for the sake of” (2) Purpose and rule. Alternate translation: “for the purpose of … to conform to” (3) Basis and association. Alternate translation: “on the basis of … in association with” (4) Destination. Alternate translation: “to lead to … leading to” (5) Means. Alternate translation: “through … through”

1 Thessalonians 4:8

τοιγαροῦν ὁ ἀθετῶν, οὐκ ἄνθρωπον ἀθετεῖ, ἀλλὰ τὸν Θεὸν, τὸν διδόντα τὸ Πνεῦμα αὐτοῦ τὸ Ἅγιον εἰς ὑμᾶς

This verse parallels some of the concepts found in 4:7. The words translated Therefore and “For” have the same root. the one rejecting and rejects parallel “uncleanness.” Holy Spirit parallels “in holiness.” (See: Parallelism)

τοιγαροῦν

This triply emphatic connecting word is meant to mark the end of this section prohibiting sexual immorality. Alternate translation: “Now pay close attention” or “So then, you must realize” or “It is absolutely certain” (See: Connecting Words and Phrases)

ὁ ἀθετῶν…ἀλλὰ τὸν Θεὸν, τὸν διδόντα

The words translated the one rejecting this and who gives indicate continual or repeated activity. God’s constant giving of the Holy Spirit is contrasted with person who constantly rejects the apostolic teaching. Alternate translation: “he who continues to reject … but actually God himself, who continues to give” (See: Connect — Contrast Relationship)

ὁ ἀθετῶν

The phrase translated the one rejecting this does not contain this, but the context implies that it should be included. (See: Ellipsis)

διδόντα

Many ancient manuscripts read “who gave” (See: Textual Variants)

ὑμᾶς

Many ancient manuscripts read “us”. This could either refer exclusively to the apostles or inclusively to all Christians. (See: Textual Variants)

ἀλλὰ τὸν Θεὸν, τὸν διδόντα τὸ Πνεῦμα αὐτοῦ τὸ Ἅγιον

In 1:5,6 we see that the Holy Spirit gives power and joy. Here, two implicit teachings are contained: the divinity of the Holy Spirit, and the doctrine of the procession of the Spirit from the Father. (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

1 Thessalonians 4:9

περὶ δὲ τῆς φιλαδελφίας, οὐ χρείαν ἔχετε γράφειν ὑμῖν

This connecting phrase implies that the apostles are answering a specific question previously asked by the Thessalonian Church. If it is clearer in your language, you could make this explicit. Alternate translation: “Now as it relates to your question about how fellow believers in Christ should show affection to each other …” or “Now, about your question referring to Christian relationships …” or “Now, about your question relating to Christian friendships” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

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

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

οὐ χρείαν…ὑμεῖς θεοδίδακτοί ἐστε

The apostles use hyperbolic phrases no need and “you yourselves are those taught by God” to express how successfully the Thessalonian Church is practicing Christian love. “(See: Hyperbole)

ἔχετε

Some ancient manuscripts read “we were having.” Other manuscripts read “we are having.” Alternate translation: “we do not need to write to you” (See: Textual Variants)

αὐτοὶ γὰρ ὑμεῖς θεοδίδακτοί ἐστε, εἰς τὸ ἀγαπᾶν ἀλλήλους

This phrase could also be using a metaphor, speaking as if the Thessalonian Church has God himself physically present as their teacher. Alternate translation: “God is the one who teaches you how to love each other” or “God himself teaches you that you must love one another” (See: Metaphor)

αὐτοὶ γὰρ ὑμεῖς θεοδίδακτοί ἐστε, εἰς τὸ ἀγαπᾶν ἀλλήλους

This clause could indicate: (1) Content of God’s teaching. Alternate translation: “Because it is God himself who teaches you: love each other” (2) Manner. Alternate translation: “Indeed, God is the one who teaches you how to love each other” (3) Purpose/Result. Alternate translation: “the reason why God teaches you is so that you would love each other” (See: Connect — Reason-and-Result Relationship)

1 Thessalonians 4:10

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

This is background reference that shows another aspect of how the Thessalonian Church “became an example” to the churches in Macedonia and Achaia (See 1:7-8). Alternate translation: “Certainly, you make a practice of showing love to all your fellow believers in Christ throughout the region of Macedonia” or “In fact, you are doing just that, to all the fellow Christians throughout the province of Macedonia” (See: Background Information)

καὶ γὰρ

These connecting words indicate that what follows in an example of how the Thessalonian Church shows Christian love. (See: Connecting Words and Phrases)

αὐτὸ

This reflexive pronoun this refers back to the phrase “to love” 4:9. (See: Reflexive Pronouns)

ἀδελφοὺς

Throughout this letter, brothers is an idiom meaning “fellow Christians” or “fellow believers in Christ” 4:1. (See: Idiom)

ἀδελφοὺς

Here, the idiom brothers includes females. If your language does not have this idiom, you can use a gender inclusive term that refers to male and female. Alternate translation: “brothers and sisters” or “spiritual brothers and sisters” or “fellow believers in Christ” or “fellow believers in God” (See When Masculine Words Include Women)

παρακαλοῦμεν δὲ ὑμᾶς, ἀδελφοί, περισσεύειν μᾶλλον

This is the beginning of a list of five verb forms that continues into 4:11, that the apostles exhort the Thessalonian Church to do. Alternate translation: “Now, fellow believers in Christ, we are urging you: to excel more and more,” or “But, fellow Christians, we are encouraging you: to surpass even more,” (See: Litany)

περισσεύειν

Here, abound refers back to “love one another” in 4:9 in a relative ellipsis. (See: Ellipsis)

1 Thessalonians 4:11

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

The combination of these verbs could be a metaphor for peaceful communal living. If it is clearer in your language, you could use an expression that explains this metaphor for peaceful communal living. Alternate translation: “and seek to lovingly honor others: by living quietly and tending to your own business and focusing on doing your own work” (See: Metaphor)

καὶ φιλοτιμεῖσθαι, ἡσυχάζειν

This phrase continues the litany of exhortations from the apostles. Here, and to strive to live quietly could: (1) Express separate ideas. Alternate translation: “and seek to lovingly honor others, to live quietly” (2) Complement each other. Alternate translation: “and to aspire to live quietly” or “and to show ambition to honor others by living silently” or “to aim to be still” (3) Function as hendiadys. Alternate translation: “and to quietly seek to lovingly honor others” or “and to silently seek to lovingly honor others” (See: Hendiadys)

πράσσειν τὰ ἴδια

Here, to perform your own things implicitly refers to self-sacrificial thoughts and actions. The surrounding verbs make this explicit. Alternate translation: “to focus on your own tasks” or “to focus on your own business” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

ἐργάζεσθαι ταῖς ἰδίαις χερσὶν ὑμῶν

to work with your own hands is an idiom for “earning a living.” Alternate translation: “to work hard to earn what you need” (See: Idiom)

καθὼς ὑμῖν παρηγγείλαμεν

This phrase and the following verse signal the end of this larger section of teaching (See 4:1,2 for the same wording). Here, the apostles are reminding the Thessalonian Church of what they already taught them, by way of summary. It also equates that what God taught the Thessalonian Church is the same thing as what the apostles teach 4:9. (See: Distinguishing Versus Informing or Reminding)

1 Thessalonians 4:12

περιπατῆτε εὐσχημόνως

Here, walk is the common biblical idiom that means “live.” The word translated properly literally means “well-formed.” It can also mean “appropriately, decently, modestly, nobly.” Alternate translation: “you would live appropriately” or “you would live nobly” or “you would behave modestly” (See: Idiom)

ἵνα περιπατῆτε

so that you may walk could be a purpose clause. Alternate translation: “so that you live” or “in order that you live” (See: Connect — Goal (Purpose) Relationship)

ἵνα περιπατῆτε εὐσχημόνως

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

πρὸς τοὺς ἔξω

those outside is a metaphor for “non-Christians.” Alternate translation: “in the presence of non-Christians” or “in front of unbelievers” (See: Metaphor)

καὶ μηδενὸς χρείαν ἔχητε

This clause signals the end of the shorter section of teaching, by using the same phrase found in 4:9. Here, the apostles are reminding the Thessalonian Church of what they already taught them about “brotherly love.” (See: Distinguishing Versus Informing or Reminding)

καὶ μηδενὸς χρείαν ἔχητε

This phrase also continues the idea of self-sufficiency found in verse 11, by using a result clause. It is possible that this phrase refers to both purpose and result. If there is a way to indicate this in your language, you could express this dual meaning. Alternate translation: “and so that you would not need anything” or “then you will be self-sufficient” (See: Connect — Reason-and-Result Relationship)

1 Thessalonians 4:13

δὲ

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

οὐ θέλομεν δὲ ὑμᾶς ἀγνοεῖν

If it is clearer in your language, you could change this double negative or litotes to a positive form. Alternate translation: “But, we want you to know for certain” or “Now, we desire to clarify” (See: Double Negatives)

ἀδελφοί

Throughout this letter, brothers is an idiom meaning “fellow Christians” or “fellow believers in Christ” 4:10. (See: Idiom)

ἀδελφοί

Here, the idiom brothers includes females. If your language does not have this idiom, you can use a gender inclusive term that refers to male and female. Alternate translation: “brothers and sisters” or “spiritual brothers and sisters” or “fellow believers in Christ” or “fellow believers in God” (See When Masculine Words Include Women)

περὶ

Here, about implies that the apostles are answering another specific question previously asked by the Thessalonian Church (See 4:9). If it is clearer in your language, you could make this explicit. Alternate translation: “as it relates to your question about” or “concerning your question about” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

τῶν κοιμωμένων

In the biblical usage, fallen asleep often refers to physical death. It could indicate an idiom or euphemism. The verb form indicates that this is a present condition “are sleeping.” If you have a cultural idiom or euphemism for representing death as “sleeping”, you could use it here. Alternate translation: “those who are already dead” or “those who have died” or “those who have been laid to rest” or “those who continue to die” (See: Euphemism)

κοιμωμένων

Many ancient manuscripts read “have fallen asleep (and remain asleep)” (See: Textual Variants)

ἵνα μὴ λυπῆσθε

Here, so that you may not grieve is a purpose clause that informs how the Thessalonian Church should respond to those who are asleep. Alternate translation: “so that you would not sorrow” (See: Connect — Goal (Purpose) Relationship)

καθὼς καὶ οἱ λοιποὶ

Here, it is assumed that the rest are non-Christians. If it is clearer in your language, you could make this explicit. Alternate translation: “in the same way as the rest of humanity” or “like the rest of people” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

οἱ μὴ ἔχοντες ἐλπίδα

Here, it is assumed that hope refers to resurrection salvation (See 1:3; 2:19; 4:16; 5:8), and was previously associated with the Second Coming of Christ in 2:19. Alternate translation: “who possess no hope of life after death” or “who possess no confidence of life after death” or “who possess no assurance of life after death” or “who do not have confidence in the future promise” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

1 Thessalonians 4:14

εἰ γὰρ πιστεύομεν ὅτι Ἰησοῦς ἀπέθανεν καὶ ἀνέστη

This clause frames the apostles’ argument as if this were a hypothetical possibility, but they actually mean that it is true. If your language does not state something as a condition if it is certain or true, and if your readers might misunderstand and think what the apostles are saying is not certain, then you can translate his words as an affirmative statement. Alternate translation: “We certainly believe that Jesus died and resurrected” (See: Connect — Factual Conditions)

Ἰησοῦς ἀπέθανεν καὶ ἀνέστη

Here, it is assumed that the Thessalonian Church knows thatJesus died and rose again is the main content of the gospel message. (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

πιστεύομεν

Though, we believe could be inclusive of the Thessalonian Church (and by extension all Christians), it is most likely exclusive, referring to Paul, Silvanus, and Timothy. The previous use in 3:11 and subsequent uses (See “we say” in 4:15) are clearly referring to the apostles. It mostly likely is a reference to their authoritative teaching. (See Exclusive and Inclusive ‘We’)

οὕτως καὶ ὁ Θεὸς

This phrase could express at least two things: (1) Manner. Alternate translation: “this is the way God” or “this is how God” (2) Result. Alternate translation: “then God will also” (See: Connect — Reason-and-Result Relationship)

καὶ ὁ Θεὸς τοὺς κοιμηθέντας διὰ τοῦ Ἰησοῦ ἄξει σὺν αὐτῷ

This genitive phrase through Jesus could refer to: (1) Those who are only temporarily dead through/associated with/in union with Jesus’ resurrection power. Alternate translation: “God … those who through Jesus are asleep” or “God … those who are asleep in Jesus” (2) It is through Jesus that God will bring them back again. Alternate translation: “through Jesus, God will also bring those who sleep along with Jesus” (See: Possession)

ὁ Θεὸς…τοῦ Ἰησοῦ

The assumed knowledge is that God is equated with Father, and he is one who sends the Son Jesus back to earth at the Second Coming. If it would be clearer in your language, you could make this distinction explicit. Alternate translation: “God the Father … his Son Jesus” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

αὐτῷ

This is a reflexive pronoun that refers to Jesus. If it would be clearer in your language, you could make this explicit. Alternate translation: “Jesus” (See: Reflexive Pronouns)

1 Thessalonians 4:15

τοῦτο γὰρ ὑμῖν λέγομεν ἐν λόγῳ Κυρίου

This clause indicates a strong emphasis in form and content (See 1:8 for the word of the Lord). Alternate translation: “Certainly, what we now say to you is the Lord’s message” or “In fact, what we are saying is from the Lord himself” (See: Connecting Words and Phrases)

ἐν λόγῳ Κυρίου

Here, word is a metonym for “message.” It could refer to: (1) Means of the message. Alternate translation: “with the Lord’s message” (2) Authority of the message. “with the authorization of the Lord” or “is the Lord’s message” (See: Metonymy)

ὅτι

This connecting word indicates that what follows is the content of the word of the Lord. (See: Connecting Words and Phrases)

ἡμεῖς οἱ ζῶντες

Though, we who are alive could be exclusive of the apostles (See note at 4:14), the universal content of the following section, implies that this is inclusive of all Christians. (See Exclusive and Inclusive ‘We’)

οἱ περιλειπόμενοι

The relative clause who are left behind refers to we who are alive. Alternate translation: “who survive” or “who are remain around” (See: Distinguishing Versus Informing or Reminding)

εἰς τὴν παρουσίαν τοῦ Κυρίου

Here, the word translated coming is a well-known idiom in 1-2 Thessalonians for the Second Coming of Christ 3:13 or the “Day of the Lord” 5:2. It literally means, “presence” or “being with or near.” Here, coming expresses “presence,” so the emphasis is on the lasting presence of the Lord Jesus (see also Matthew 24). The definite article the indicates either the one and only Coming of the Lord, or the well-known Coming of the Lord. The word translated until could indicate: (1) Duration. Alternate translation: “until the Lord returns” or “until the second coming of the Lord” (2) Event. Alternate translation: “at the coming of our Lord Jesus” or “at the arrival of the Lord Jesus” (See: Idiom)

τοῦ Κυρίου

It is assumed that the Lord refers to Jesus (See 4:1). If it is clearer in your language, you could make this explicit. Alternate translation: “the Lord Jesus” or “our Lord Jesus” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

τοῦ Κυρίου

One important ancient manuscript reads “of Jesus” (See: Textual Variants)

οὐ μὴ φθάσωμεν τοὺς κοιμηθέντας

This double negative certainly not is an idiom for “never.” Alternate translation: “will never precede those who are dead” or “can never overtake those already dead” or “are not permitted to come before those asleep in the Lord”. (See: Double Negatives)

1 Thessalonians 4:16

ὅτι

For marks the beginning of the sequence of events related to the Second Coming. The word then indicates that the events the story will now relate came after the event it has just described. Alternately translation: “Certainly” or “Because” (See: Connecting Words and Phrases)

ὅτι αὐτὸς ὁ Κύριος ἐν κελεύσματι, ἐν φωνῇ ἀρχαγγέλου, καὶ ἐν σάλπιγγι Θεοῦ, καταβήσεται ἀπ’ οὐρανοῦ; καὶ οἱ νεκροὶ ἐν Χριστῷ ἀναστήσονται πρῶτον,

The list of the events of the Second Coming continues through verse 17. (See: Litany)

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

These things happen at the same time the Lord descends. The text emphasizes the order of events by listing them prior to the main verb. If it is clearer in your language, you could place the main verb before the accompanying actions. Alternate translation: “Certainly, the Lord Jesus himself will come down from heaven: with a commanding shout, with the archangel’s voice, and with God’s trumpet” (See: Connect — Simultaneous Time Relationship)

αὐτὸς ὁ Κύριος

This reflexive noun himself emphasizes that “with him” in 4:14 refers to the Lord Jesus. Alternate translation: “the Lord Jesus himself” or “it is the Lord Jesus who” (See: Reflexive Pronouns)

ἀρχαγγέλου

See Jude 9.

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

The first main verb descend is listed after the events that describe it. This is to show a contrasting parallelism with the second verb rise. After the Lord Jesus comes down form heaven, the dead Christians will resurrect from the earth. (See: Parallelism)

καὶ

Here, the word translated and indicates sequence. If it is clearer in your language, you could make this explicit. Alternate translation: “then next” (See: Connect — Sequential Time Relationship)

οἱ νεκροὶ ἐν Χριστῷ

This is a parallel phrase to “those who are asleep through Jesus” in 4:14. Alternate translation: “those who died in union with Christ” (See: Parallelism)

οἱ νεκροὶ ἐν Χριστῷ ἀναστήσονται πρῶτον

the dead in Christ are the same as “the sleepers” in 4:13–15. The verb translated “rise” refers to this section’s main theme of resurrection. Alternate translation: “Christians who have already died will be the first to resurrect” or “those who died united with Christ will resurrect first” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

οἱ νεκροὶ ἐν Χριστῷ ἀναστήσονται πρῶτον

This clause parallels and explains, “may not certainly go before those who have fallen asleep” 4:15. (See: Parallelism)

ἐν Χριστῷ

in Christ is another reference to the important concept of union with Christ or God (See 2:14). This is also a parallel phrase to “those who are asleep through Jesus” in 4:14. Alternate translation: “united to Christ” or “in union with Christ” (See: Parallelism)

πρῶτον

Some ancient manuscripts read “the first ones” referring to the dead, not the timing of resurrection. (See: Textual Variants)

1 Thessalonians 4:17

ἡμεῖς οἱ ζῶντες, οἱ περιλειπόμενοι

who are alive, who are left behind is a parallel reference to 4:15. (See: Parallelism)

ἡμεῖς οἱ ζῶντες

Though, we who are alive could be exclusive of the apostles (See note for the same phrase at 4:15), the universal content of this section, implies that all Christians are in view. It also implies that the apostles assumed Second Coming would happen in their lifetime. (See Exclusive and Inclusive ‘We’)

ἅμα σὺν αὐτοῖς

together with them could indicate three things: (1) Simultaneous event. Alternate translation: “with them at the same time” (2) Association. Alternate translation: “along with them” (3) Both event and association. Alternate translation: “at the same time together with them” (See: Connect — Simultaneous Time Relationship)

αὐτοῖς

The word them refers to the resurrected dead who are united to Christ. Alternate translation: “the resurrected dead who are united to Christ” (See: Pronouns — When to Use Them)

ἁρπαγησόμεθα ἐν νεφέλαις εἰς ἀπάντησιν τοῦ Κυρίου εἰς ἀέρα

This phrase indicates a reference to the words of the angels at Jesus’ Ascension in Acts 1:9-11, as a fulfillment of the prophecy of Daniel 7:13-14. Alternate translation: “we will be snatched up on clouds to encounter the Lord Jesus in the air” (See: Background Information)

εἰς ἀπάντησιν

Here, the word translated to meet indicates purpose, and a positive encounter and/or royal escort. Alternate translation: “as a royal escort of” or “for a meeting with” or “to encounter” (See Exodus 19:17 where this same root word is used when God’s people encounter God, and Matthew 25:6 where this word is used in the same context of the Second Coming with bridal escorts). (See: Connect — Goal (Purpose) Relationship)

ἐν νεφέλαις…εἰς ἀέρα

Here, clouds … air could be considered symbolic language representing God’s presence and the spiritual realm. (See Exodus 19; Daniel 7:13-14; Matthew 24; Mark 13; Luke 17; 21; Ephesians 2:2). Alternate translation: “ (See: Symbolic Language)

καὶ οὕτως πάντοτε σὺν Κυρίῳ ἐσόμεθα

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

καὶ οὕτως πάντοτε σὺν Κυρίῳ ἐσόμεθα

This clause also indicates the result of the meeting with the Lord. Alternate translation: “and then we will always be together with the Lord Jesus” or “this is the how we will be with the Lord Jesus forever” or “as a result, we will always be together with the Lord” (See: Connect — Reason-and-Result Relationship)

σὺν Κυρίῳ

Here, with the Lord parallels together with them to express union with Christ as communion with his people. (See: Parallelism)

σὺν

One important ancient manuscript reads “united to” (See: Textual Variants)

1 Thessalonians 4:18

ὥστε παρακαλεῖτε

This is a result clause. Alternate translation: “because of this, you should comfort” or “as a result, you can bring comfort to” or “so then, you ought to encourage” (See: Connect — Reason-and-Result Relationship

παρακαλεῖτε

This clause also could express an appeal or polite command. Alternate translation: “you should encourage” or “you must encourage” or “keep comforting” (See: Imperatives — Other Uses)

ἀλλήλους

This pronoun indicates association among the Thessalonian Church. If your readers would misunderstand this, you could make it explicit. Alternate translation: “the fellow member of your church” or “your fellow Thessalonian Christian” (See: Pronouns — When to Use Them)

ἐν τοῖς λόγοις τούτοις

with these words is a reference to “and in this way we will always be with the Lord” in 4:17 or a metonymy for all that has been said in 4:13-17. Alternate translation: (See UST) (See: Metonymy)

1 Thessalonians 5

1 Thessalonians 5 General Notes

Outline of 1 Thessalonians 5

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

Structure and formatting

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

“We” and “you”

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

Special concepts in this chapter

Idiom

Day of the Lord

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

Simile

Like a Thief

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

Metaphor

Day and Night, Light and Darkness

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

Armor

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

Prophecy

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

Submission to Christian Leadership

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

Holy Kiss

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

1 Thessalonians 5:1

περὶ δὲ

Now concerning signals a change in subject (See 4:9). Here, the timing of and preparation for the Second Coming is in view. This phrase implies that the apostles are answering another specific question previously asked by the Thessalonian Church. If it could be misunderstood in your language, you could make this explicit. Alternate translation: “Now as it relates to your question about” or “Now, about your question referring to” or “Now, about your question relating to” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

τῶν χρόνων καὶ τῶν καιρῶν

Here, the times and the seasons is an idiom referring to: (1) a specific period in time. Alternate translation: “the appointed time of Jesus’ return” or “the fixed time when Jesus returns” (See Acts 1:7 for this exact phrase referring to the same thing). (2) a specific amount of time. Alternate translation: “how long it will take for the Lord Jesus to return” or “when the Lord Jesus will return” (See: Idiom)

ἀδελφοί

Throughout this letter, brothers is an idiom meaning “fellow Christians” or “fellow believers in Christ” 4:13. (See: Idiom)

ἀδελφοί

Here, the idiom brothers includes females. If your language does not have this idiom, you can use a gender inclusive term that refers to male and female. Alternate translation: “brothers and sisters” or “spiritual brothers and sisters” or “fellow believers in Christ” or “fellow believers in God” (See When Masculine Words Include Women)

οὐ χρείαν ἔχετε ὑμῖν γράφεσθαι

If you have no passive form in your language, you could make it active (See this same phrase in 4:9). Alternate translation: “we do not need to write to you” or “you have no need for us to write it for you” (See: Active or Passive)

ἔχετε

The word you is plural and refers to the believers in the Thessalonian Church. (See: Forms of You)

1 Thessalonians 5:2

αὐτοὶ γὰρ ἀκριβῶς οἴδατε

The words For, yourselves, and perfectly emphasize the how clearly the Thessalonian Church should understand when and how the Lord’s Second Coming will happen. Alternate translation: “Certainly you are well aware” or “Because you understand perfectly well” or “Indeed, you know precisely” or “In fact, you recognize accurately” (See: Reflexive Pronouns)

αὐτοὶ γὰρ ἀκριβῶς οἴδατε ὅτι ἡμέρα Κυρίου, ὡς κλέπτης ἐν νυκτὶ οὕτως ἔρχεται

This verse begins an extended list of contrasting similes that continues through 5:8. (See: Simile)

γὰρ

This connecting word gives the reason why the Thessalonian Church has no need to have anything written to them about the timing and manner of the Lord’s Second Coming. Alternate translation: “Because” or “Certainly” (See: Connect — Reason-and-Result Relationship)

ἡμέρα Κυρίου

This is an idiom that refers to the Old Testament concept of the time of God’s final judgment. This passage makes it clear that the day of the Lord is synonymous with “the coming of the Lord” in 2:15. (See also Acts 2:20; 1 Corinthians 5:5; 2 Thessalonians 2:2; 2 Peter 3:10). (See: Idiom)

ὡς κλέπτης ἐν νυκτὶ οὕτως ἔρχεται

This simile expresses the unknown timing and exact manner, but certain reality of the Second Coming of the Lord. Alternate translation: “is coming as unexpectedly as a robber at night” or “is going to come so surprisingly” or “is going to happen like this–all of a sudden” (See UST) (See: Simile)

1 Thessalonians 5:3

ὅταν λέγωσιν, εἰρήνη καὶ ἀσφάλεια

This clause continues the theme of unexpected timing of the Lord’s Coming, by using a hypothetical situation to express the suddenness of the “the day of the Lord.” Alternate translation: “Whenever they might say, ‘Everything is safe and sound,’” or “At a time when people are saying, ‘All is well,’” (See: Hypothetical Situations)

τότε

This verse expresses a contrast to what is expected. Use a natural way in your language for introducing a contrast. Alternate translation: “but then” (See: Connect — Contrast Relationship)

τότε αἰφνίδιος αὐτοῖς ἐφίσταται ὄλεθρος

sudden destruction parallels the idea of terror that accompanies a sudden attack by “a thief in the night” 5:2. Alternate translation: “right then immediate destruction is looming over them” or “at that moment unseen destruction hovers over them” or “then swift destruction attacks” (See: Parallelism)

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

like birth pains is a simile of the suddenness and inescapable nature of God’s judgment. Alternate translation: “just as suddenly as labor pains seize a pregnant woman–they can never escape this destruction” (See: Simile)

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

like birth pains parallels sudden, and destruction parallels certainly not escape. (See: Parallelism)

1 Thessalonians 5:4

ὑμεῖς δέ

But you begins a clause that contrasts the destruction of those appointed “to wrath” (See 5:9) with the Thessalonian Church who are not in darkness. (See: Connect — Contrast Relationship)

ἀδελφοί

Throughout this letter, brothers is an idiom meaning “fellow Christians” or “fellow believers in Christ” 5:1. (See: Idiom)

ἀδελφοί

Here, the idiom brothers includes females. If your language does not have this idiom, you can use a gender inclusive term that refers to male and female. Alternate translation: “brothers and sisters” or “spiritual brothers and sisters” or “fellow believers in Christ” or “fellow believers in God” (See When Masculine Words Include Women)

οὐκ ἐστὲ ἐν σκότει

Here in darkness is a metaphor for “unaware” or “unprepared” or “living in sin (like a thief)” (See 4:6-8). Alternate translation: “are not unaware” or “are not unprepared” or “are not living in sin” (See: Metaphor)

ἵνα ἡ ἡμέρα ὑμᾶς ὡς κλέπτας καταλάβῃ

This is a result clause. Alternate translation: “causing you to be like people surprised by a robber. You are ready for the time when he returns” (See: Connect — Reason-and-Result Relationship)

ἡ ἡμέρα

Here, the day is a relative ellipsis referring to the “the day of the Lord.” If it would be misunderstood in your language, you can make it clear. (See: Ellipsis)

1 Thessalonians 5:5

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

Here, sons of the light means the same thing as sons of the day. Also, of the night means the same thing as of the darkness. If your language does not use repetition in this way, you could combine these phrases. Alternate translation: “Certainly, all of you are ready for Christ’s second coming. None of us are ignorant” (See: Doublet)

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

Here, you are all sons of the light and sons of the day is a contrasting parallelism to We are not of the night, nor of the darkness. (See: Parallelism)

πάντες γὰρ ὑμεῖς υἱοὶ φωτός ἐστε, καὶ υἱοὶ ἡμέρας

sons of the light and sons of the day are metaphors for prepared Christians who will be saved (See 5:8-9). sons means “Christians who are characterized by.” light and day mean “spiritually ready.” This is opposite of those of the darkness. See also “those outside” in 4:12. Alternate translation: “This is because all of you are ready for Christ’s coming” (See: Metaphor)

πάντες γὰρ ὑμεῖς…ἐστε

This reason clause uses an emphatic reflexive pronoun you and the inclusive all in order to “comfort” the Thessalonians 4:18, 5:11. Alternate translation: “Certainly all of you are” or “This is because you are all” (See: Connect — Reason-and-Result Relationship)

οὐκ ἐσμὲν νυκτὸς οὐδὲ σκότους

night and darkness are metaphors for “ignorant,” “unprepared,” or “sin” (See 5:4. Alternate translation: “We are not characterized by spiritual ignorance” or “We are not unprepared like those who live in the darkness, like those at night” or “we do not live like those who are characterized by sinful activities” (See: Metaphor)

ἐσμὲν

we is inclusive of all Christians in 5:5-5:10. (See: Exclusive and Inclusive ‘We’)

1 Thessalonians 5:6

ἄρα οὖν

This phrase indicates as strong emphatic reason clause. Alternate translation: “This is the reason why,” or “As a result,” (See: Connect — Reason-and-Result Relationship)

μὴ καθεύδωμεν ὡς οἱ λοιποί

Here, sleep is used as a metaphor for “unprepared” or “unaware” (See note at 5:4). the rest refers to non-Christians: “those outside” in 4:12, those “in darkness” in 5:4, those “of the night and of the darkness” in 5:5. Alternate translation: “we must not be unprepared like non-Christians” or “we must not remain spiritually unaware like the rest of humanity” or “let us not be like others, who are not aware that Jesus is coming back” (See: Metaphor)

μὴ καθεύδωμεν…γρηγορῶμεν καὶ νήφωμεν

Here, the verb forms sleep, keep watch, and be sober can be translated in three main ways: (1) Commands. Alternate translation: “we must not sleep … we must keep watch and be sober” (2) Suggestions/Obligations. Alternate translation: “we should not sleep … we should keep watch and we should be sober” (3) Appeals. Alternate translation: “let us not sleep … let us keep watch and let us be sober”

ἀλλὰ

This marks the beginning of a contrast clause. Alternate translation: “however” or “instead” or “on the contrary” (See: Connect — Contrast Relationship)

γρηγορῶμεν καὶ νήφωμεν

The metaphor of spiritual preparedness and awareness continues with the phrase keep watch and be sober. Alternate translation: “instead, we must stay spiritually alert and prepared” (See: Metaphor)

γρηγορῶμεν καὶ νήφωμεν

Here, keep watch and be sober could refer to the same thing. If your language does not use repetition in this way, you could combine these phrases. Alternate translation: “let us remain soberly awake” (See: Doublet)

1 Thessalonians 5:7

οἱ γὰρ καθεύδοντες, νυκτὸς καθεύδουσιν

Here again, like in 5:6, sleep is used as a metaphor for “unprepared” or “unaware” or even “sinful” (see also note at 5:4. Here, this is combined with the metaphor of night 5:2. This verb forms also conveys habitual or repeated activity. Alternate translation: “Because those who are sleep are unaware” or “Certainly those who are asleep are unprepared” (See: Metaphor)

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

This verse utilizes structural parallelism to compare sleeping and getting drunk. It uses the same phrasing in both clauses to convey this parallelism. (See: Parallelism)

οἱ μεθυσκόμενοι, νυκτὸς μεθύουσιν

Again, the metaphor of “unprepared” or “unaware” is compared to “drunkenness.” So, here, sleeping and getting drunk are metaphorical synonyms. Both verbs indicate a repeated or habitual practice. Alternate translation: “those who are drunk are unaware” or “Certainly those who are drunk are unprepared” or “those who drink too much alcohol, do it at night” or “alcoholics tend to get drunk at night” (See: Metaphor)

1 Thessalonians 5:8

ἡμεῖς δὲ ἡμέρας ὄντες, νήφωμεν

This contrasting clause concludes this section’s main theme of day (See first note at 5:2 and emphasizes the previous term sober 5:6 as a contrast to “getting drunk.” Alternate translation: However, since we are ready for Christ’s coming, we must stay prepared” or “Instead, because we are ready, let us remain aware” (See: Connect — Contrast Relationship)

ἡμεῖς

Here, we is inclusive of all Christians (See note at 4:17, 5:5. (See: Exclusive and Inclusive ‘We’)

νήφωμεν

This verb can be translated in three main ways (see your translation at 5:6: (1) command. Alternate translation: “we must remain sober” (2) strong suggestion/obligation. Alternate translation: “we should remain sober” (3) appeal. Alternate translation: “let us remain sober”

ἡμέρας ὄντες

being of the day could refer to: (1) Belonging. Alternate translation: “belong to Christ” or “are part of those who are ready for Christ’s coming” (2) Character. (See your translation at 5:5. Alternate translation: “This is because all of you are ready for Christ’s coming” or “Certainly none of you are characterized by ignorance” (See: Metaphor)

ἐνδυσάμενοι θώρακα πίστεως καὶ ἀγάπης, καὶ περικεφαλαίαν, ἐλπίδα σωτηρίας

The military metaphor of breastplate and helmet reinforces that sober refers to readiness. As a soldier must equip himself with armor in order to be ready to fight, so the Christian must prepare himself for the Second Coming of Christ with spiritual protection (See also Ephesians 6:10-18,23). Alternate translation: “having equipped ourselves with faithfulness and love, like a soldier wears a breastplate; and having put on the confidence of salvation, like a helmet” or “by arming ourselves with faithful love, as with a breastplate; and salvation’s confident assurance, as with a helmet” (See: Metaphor)

πίστεως καὶ ἀγάπης…σωτηρίας

Here is a reference to three things that “remain: faith, hope, love” (See 1 Corinthians 13:13). These genitive phrases of faith and of love … of salvation can refer to: (1) means. Alternate translation: “through faith … love … salvation” (2) source. Alternate translation: “that comes from faith … that comes from love … that comes from salvation” (3) association. Alternate translation: “associated with faith … love … salvation” or “that is characterized by faith … love … salvation” (4) attribute. Alternate translation: “of faithful love … salvation’s hope” (See: Possession)

1 Thessalonians 5:9

ὅτι οὐκ ἔθετο ἡμᾶς ὁ Θεὸς εἰς ὀργὴν, ἀλλὰ εἰς περιποίησιν σωτηρίας διὰ τοῦ Κυρίου ἡμῶν, Ἰησοῦ Χριστοῦ,

To emphasize the contrast of this parallelism, you could convert these clauses into two sentences. Alternate translation: “Because God did not destine us for wrath. Actually, God destined that our Lord Jesus Christ would preserve and save us.” or “Certainly, God did not determine to punish us. Instead, he determined that our Lord Jesus Christ would protect and save us.” (See: Parallelism)

ὅτι

Here, For signals a reason clause. Alternate translation: “This is because” or “Certainly” (See: Connect — Reason-and-Result Relationship)

ὅτι οὐκ ἔθετο ἡμᾶς ὁ Θεὸς εἰς ὀργὴν

Here, wrath is an abstract noun referring to God’s future and final Judgment. See your translation of wrath at 1:10, 2:16. If it would be misunderstood in your language, you could translate this phrase with a verb form. Alternate translation: “This is because God did not determine that he would judge us” or “Certainly, God did not destine to punish us” (See: What is the “second coming” of Jesus?)(See: Abstract Nouns)

ἡμᾶς

Here, us is inclusive of all Christians. (See: Exclusive and Inclusive ‘We’)

ἀλλὰ

Here, but marks the beginning of a contrast clause that emphasizes the impossibility of God’s people experiencing final judgment. Alternate translation: “but actually” or “instead” (See: Connect — Contrast Relationship)

εἰς περιποίησιν σωτηρίας

This clause reinforces the impossibility of Christians experiencing God’s final wrath, and parallels the language of 5:8. This word translated to obtain is a noun that literally means “placed around,” echoing the language of “helmet.” So then, to obtain and “hope” are parallels describing salvation in both verses. Alternate translation: “for possession of salvation” or “for preserving salvation” or “for the protection of salvation” (See: Parallelism)

περιποίησιν σωτηρίας

This genitive phrase expresses possession. Alternate translation: “possession of salvation” or “acquiring of salvation” or “preserving of salvation” (See: Possession)

εἰς περιποίησιν

This phrase could refer to destination. Alternate translation: “leading to the obtaining of” or “towards possession of” or “toward preserving” (See: Connect — Sequential Time Relationship)

εἰς περιποίησιν

This phrase could be a result clause. Alternate translation: “with the result of the possession of” or “causing us to obtain” or “so then preserving” (See: Connect — Reason-and-Result Relationship)

εἰς περιποίησιν

This phrase could be a purpose clause. Alternate translation: “for the purpose of possessing” or “in order to obtain” or “so that we preserve” (See: Connect — Goal (Purpose) Relationship)

Χριστοῦ

A number of ancient manuscripts omit Christ. (See: Textual Variants)

1 Thessalonians 5:10

τοῦ ἀποθανόντος περὶ ἡμῶν

This relative clause gives the guarantee that we will “obtain salvation,” because Jesus died for us. Alternate translation: “he died for our sake” or “he died on our behalf” or “he died on our in place” (See: Distinguishing Versus Informing or Reminding)

ἵνα εἴτε γρηγορῶμεν εἴτε καθεύδωμεν, ἅμα σὺν αὐτῷ ζήσωμεν

This could be a purpose clause. Alternate translation: “so that … we would live together with him” or “in order that … we could both live together with him” (See: Connect — Goal (Purpose) Relationship)

ἵνα εἴτε γρηγορῶμεν εἴτε καθεύδωμεν, ἅμα σὺν αὐτῷ ζήσωμεν

This could be a result clause. Alternate translation: “resulting in the fact that … we will live together with him” or “. So then, … we will both live together with him” (See: Connect — Reason-and-Result Relationship)

εἴτε γρηγορῶμεν εἴτε καθεύδωμεν

awake or asleep is likely a euphemism that refers to “the dead and the living.” The previous use of asleep refers to those “appointed to wrath,” so it would not make sense to have the same meaning here. Alternate translation: “whether alive or dead” (See: Euphemism)

εἴτε γρηγορῶμεν εἴτε καθεύδωμεν

This could also be continuing the metaphor of spiritual alertness or sleepiness. See 5:6) where the same words have this meaning. Here, it would indicate that since Christ died for us, we are assured “to obtain salvation” 5:9. Alternate translation: “even if we are spiritually alert or groggy” or “whether we are prepared or caught unaware” (See: Metaphor)

ἅμα σὺν αὐτῷ ζήσωμεν

This phrase echoes the language of 4:17, indicating that this life together with him is eternal life. Here, for us parallels together with him to express union with Christ as communion with his people. Alternate translation: “we would both live eternally with him” or “both the living and dead will live forever with him” (See: Parallelism)

1 Thessalonians 5:11

διὸ παρακαλεῖτε ἀλλήλους, καὶ οἰκοδομεῖτε εἷς τὸν ἕνα, καθὼς καὶ ποιεῖτε

Therefore indicates the conclusion of this section about “the day of the Lord,” echoing and expanding on the closing exhortation and exact phrase comfort one another found in 4:18. (See: Connecting Words and Phrases)

διὸ παρακαλεῖτε ἀλλήλους, καὶ οἰκοδομεῖτε εἷς τὸν ἕνα, καθὼς καὶ ποιεῖτε

This verse uses a doublet to make an emphatic appeal to the Thessalonian Church. comfort one another is similar to build up one the other. just as is a common emphatic phrase in this letter (See 4:1). Alternate translation: “So then, keep encouraging each other and edifying one another, exactly as you are now doing” or “This is why you must keep consoling each other and confirming each one, doing it just as you are now” (See: Doublet)

οἰκοδομεῖτε

build up is an idiom that refers to spiritual strengthening or a metaphor that compares building a house to strengthening another person’s faithfulness. Alternate translation: “keep supporting” or “continue to confirm” (See: Idiom)

εἷς τὸν ἕνα

The phrase translated one the other literally means “one the one.” It is an idiom that means “each and every one” or “each one” or “one another” (See: Idiom)

1 Thessalonians 5:12

δὲ

This connecting word indicates the final section of instructions from the apostles. Alternate translation: “Finally” or “But” or “Indeed” (See: Connecting Words and Phrases)

ἐρωτῶμεν δὲ ὑμᾶς

Here, we ask you is a final appeal to the Thessalonian Church. Alternate translation: “Now we appeal to you” or “But we urge you” (See 4:1 for a similar phrase).

ἀδελφοί

Throughout this letter, brothers is an idiom meaning “fellow Christians” or “fellow believers in Christ” 5:4. (See: Idiom)

ἀδελφοί

Here, the idiom brothers includes females. If your language does not have this idiom, you can use a gender inclusive term that refers to male and female. Alternate translation: “brothers and sisters” or “spiritual brothers and sisters” or “fellow believers in Christ” or “fellow believers in God” (See When Masculine Words Include Women)

εἰδέναι

In 5:12-13 the verb forms to know and “to regard” are used twice to urge the Thessalonian Church to submit to their leaders. Alternate translation: “to acknowledge the authority of” or “to recognize the authority”

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

This clause is merism that expresses different functions or categories for the same group of leaders: working, leading, training. (See: Merism)

ἐν Κυρίῳ

Here, the idiom in the Lord indicates that the Thessalonian Church must acknowledge these leaders because they are authorized by Lord Jesus himself (See also 4:1. Alternate translation: “with their authority from the Lord Jesus” or “as spokespersons of the Lord Jesus” (See: Idiom)

νουθετοῦντας

The word translated admonishing literally means “placing in mind” or “putting within the perceptions.” In essence, it refers to all the aspects of spiritual instruction. Alternate translation: “instructing” or “training” or “warning” or “disciplining”

1 Thessalonians 5:13

καὶ ἡγεῖσθαι αὐτοὺς ὑπέρἐκπερισσοῦ ἐν ἀγάπῃ, διὰ τὸ ἔργον αὐτῶν

This verse uses intensified parallelism 5:12, by adding highly in love. to regard parallels “to acknowledge,” because of their work parallels “laboring.” (See: Parallelism)

καὶ ἡγεῖσθαι αὐτοὺς ὑπέρἐκπερισσοῦ ἐν ἀγάπῃ, διὰ τὸ ἔργον αὐτῶν

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

καὶ ἡγεῖσθαι αὐτοὺς ὑπέρἐκπερισσοῦ ἐν ἀγάπῃ

This phrase uses double emphasis. The word translated regard is meant to be a pun for leadership. The apostles are urging the Thessalonian Church “to lead the way” by their “excessive love” for their leaders. Alternate translation: “and to continue to model for them how to abundantly love” or “and to keep showing them the highest honor in love” or “and to lovingly demonstrate the utmost consideration”

ἐν ἀγάπῃ

This phrase could refer to: (1) Means. Alternate translation: “with love” (2) Association. Alternate translation: “in the communion of love” (3) Basis. Alternate translation: “on the basis of love” or “from love”

εἰρηνεύετε ἐν ἑαυτοῖς

Here is the first of seventeen final appeals that apostles give the Thessalonian Church in 5:13-26. Be at peace is an imperative, but the previous use of “we ask” in 5:12 and following use of “we exhort” in 5:14 communicate polite requests rather than a command. You could use a form in your language that communicates a polite request. among yourselves refers to the Thessalonian Church at its leaders. Alternate translation: “Continue to live at peace with your leaders” or “Reconcile with each other” or (See UST)(See: Imperatives — Other Uses)

1 Thessalonians 5:14

παρακαλοῦμεν δὲ ὑμᾶς, ἀδελφοί,

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

ἀδελφοί

See notes at 5:12 about brothers.

νουθετεῖτε τοὺς ἀτάκτους, παραμυθεῖσθε τοὺς ὀλιγοψύχους, ἀντέχεσθε τῶν ἀσθενῶν, μακροθυμεῖτε πρὸς πάντας

Here begins a litany of commands that extends through 5:22. It most likely is addressed to the leaders spoken of in 5:12-13. All of these verbs indicate an emphasis of characteristic or repeated action. If your language makes this distinction, you could indicate this emphasis in your translation. Alternate translation: “Keep admonishing … toward all” (See: Litany)

1 Thessalonians 5:15

ὁρᾶτε μή τις κακὸν ἀντὶ κακοῦ τινι ἀποδῷ, ἀλλὰ πάντοτε τὸ ἀγαθὸν διώκετε, καὶ εἰς ἀλλήλους καὶ εἰς πάντας

This verse uses contrasting parallelism: pay back evil for evil contrasts pursue good, no one contrasts always. This verse also uses synonymous parallelism: to anyone is similar to both for one another and for all. If this parallelism is unclear in your language, you could make it emphatic. (See: Parallelism)

ὁρᾶτε μή τις κακὸν ἀντὶ κακοῦ τινι ἀποδῷ

Here, See that is an idiom for commanding attention. Alternate translation: “Be certain that no one repays evil in place of evil” or “It is forbidden for anyone to pay back evil instead of evil” (See: Idiom)

πάντοτε

Here, always could be using a hyperbole to express emphasis. Alternate translation: “constantly” or “habitually” or “make every effort to” or (See UST) (See: Hyperbole)

καὶ εἰς ἀλλήλους καὶ εἰς πάντας

Here, both for one another and for all is used as a way to emphasize the whole human race (See how you translated this phrase in 3:12. If both for one another and for all would be misunderstood in your language, you could use an equivalent expression or plain language. Alternate translation: “for everyone” or “for each and every person” (See: Merism)

1 Thessalonians 5:16

πάντοτε

Here again, always could be using a hyperbole to express emphasis. Alternate translation: “constantly” or “habitually” or “make every effort to” (See: Hyperbole)

1 Thessalonians 5:17

ἀδιαλείπτως προσεύχεσθε

Here, without ceasing could be using a hyperbole to express emphasis. Alternate translation: “Keep praying regularly” or “Continue to habitually pray” or “Be in a prayerful state” or “Retain a prayerful state of mind” (See: Hyperbole)

1 Thessalonians 5:18

ἐν παντὶ εὐχαριστεῖτε

Here, in everything could refer to: (1) Situation/Circumstance. Alternate translation: “In every situation give thanks” or “In every circumstance be thankful” or “No matter what happens offer thanks to God” (2) Time. Alternate translation: “At every time give thanks” or “In every moment be thankful” (3) Both. Alternate translation: “In every situation and moment”

ἐν παντὶ εὐχαριστεῖτε

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

τοῦτο γὰρ θέλημα Θεοῦ ἐν Χριστῷ Ἰησοῦ εἰς ὑμᾶς

This is a reason clause. Alternate translation: “Because this is God’s will for you who are united to Christ Jesus” or “Certainly, this very thing is God’s will for you who are in union with Christ Jesus” (See: Connect — Reason-and-Result Relationship)

τοῦτο γὰρ θέλημα Θεοῦ

this emphasizes what is the will of God. this refers either to in everything give thanks or all the commands in 5:14-18. See your translation of the will of God at 4:3. Alternate translation: “In fact, this is God’s will” or “Certainly, this very thing is God’s will” (See: Collective Nouns)

θέλημα Θεοῦ ἐν Χριστῷ Ἰησοῦ εἰς ὑμᾶς

If it would be misunderstood in your language, you could change this abstract noun phrase to an active form. Alternate translation: “God desires that you live like those who are in union with Christ Jesus” (See: Abstract Nouns)

1 Thessalonians 5:19

τὸ Πνεῦμα μὴ σβέννυτε

quench is a metaphor comparing the Spirit to a breath or wind that can be snuffed out. Alternate translation: “Do not extinguish the Spirit” or “Do not reject the Spirit” or (See UST) (See: Metaphor)

μὴ σβέννυτε

If do not quench would be misunderstood in your language, you can express the meaning positively. Alternate translation: “Continue to kindle the Spirit” or “Keep working along with the Spirit” or “Be fervent in the Spirit” (See: Litotes)

τὸ Πνεῦμα

The phrase translated the Spirit is assumed to refer to “the Holy Spirit” (See 4:8. Alternate translation: “The Holy Spirit” or “the Spirit of God” or “God’s Spirit” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

1 Thessalonians 5:20

προφητείας μὴ ἐξουθενεῖτε

This could refer to: (1) The content of “quench the Spirit.” Alternate translation: “Do not despise prophecies from the Spirit” (2) A separate issue within the Thessalonian Church. Alternate translation: “Do not revile prophecies” or “Do not scorn prophetic messages”

1 Thessalonians 5:21

πάντα δοκιμάζετε

all things refers to “prophecies” 5:20. (See 2:4 for the word translated test as “approved” used in the same context). Here, test is a metaphor comparing “prophecies” to metal tested for purity in a refiner’s fire. If you have an equivalent metaphor from your culture, you could use it. Alternate translation: “Examine and approve all prophecies” or “Test and examine all prophetic messages” (See: Metaphor)

πάντα δοκιμάζετε; τὸ καλὸν κατέχετε

Many ancient manuscripts add a contrasting “But” at the beginning of this verse. (See: Textual Variants)

τὸ καλὸν κατέχετε

Here, “prophecies” are spoken of as what {is} good, compared to objects that someone could hold in his hands. Alternate translation: “Hold on tight to a genuine prophecy from the Spirit” or “Keep only the good prophecies” or “Clutch whatever prophecies are excellent” (See: Metaphor)

1 Thessalonians 5:22

ἀπὸ παντὸς εἴδους πονηροῦ ἀπέχεσθε

This verse is a contrasting parallel to 5:21. Stay away is the opposite of “Hold fast,” all parallels “all things,” appearance of evil is opposite of “what is good.” Alternate translation: “Hold back from accepting any prophecy that appears wicked” or “Don’t hold on tight to any prophecy that appears false” (See: Parallelism)

παντὸς εἴδους πονηροῦ

appearance is used to personify prophecy as if someone or something that can be seen. If appearance might be misunderstood by your readers, you could express appearance in clear terms. Alternate translation: “all apparently evil prophecies” or “all obvious evil prophecies” or “any clearly wicked prophecies” (See: Personification)

1 Thessalonians 5:23

ἁγιάσαι

The verbs sanctify … be kept indicate that this is a final blessing or prayer section. You could use a form that people would recognize as a blessing or prayer in your language. Alternate translation: “Now I pray, that God himself, who gives peace, would sancitfy” (See: Blessings)

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

Here, the words translated completely and entire have parallel forms and meanings. sanctify parallels be kept blamelessly. See also 3:13 for a parallel passage. Alternate translation: “may … fully preserve you as his people to the end, and may every part of you be protected” (See: Parallelism)

ὁ Θεὸς τῆς εἰρήνης

the God of peace is a title for God found in the New Testament (See Romans 15:33; 16:20; Philippians 4:9; Hebrews 13:20). the God of peace can refer to: (1) God’s character. Alternate translation: “the God who is characterized by peace” (2) What God does. Alternate translation: “the God who gives peace” (3) Both. Alternate translation: (See UST) (See: Possession)

αὐτὸς

himself is used to emphasize the urgency of the apostles’ prayer or blessing. (See: Reflexive Pronouns)

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

The passive verb form may be … kept indicates God is one who is being asked to complete the action. You could change this phrase to an active form. Alternate translation: “may God make your whole life sinless” or “may God keep you completely blameless” or (See UST) (See: Active or Passive)

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

The word translated may … be kept also indicates a strong desire or hope. Alternate translation: “O that … would be kept” or “may … be guarded blamelessly” or “may … be protected blamelessly” or “may … be preserved blamelessly”.

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

Here, the concepts your entire spirit, and soul, and body represent the whole person. If your language does not have three words for these concepts you can state it as “your whole life” “your entire life” or “all of you” (See: Merism)

ἐν τῇ παρουσίᾳ τοῦ Κυρίου ἡμῶν, Ἰησοῦ Χριστοῦ

Here, the word translated coming is a well-known idiom in 1-2 Thessalonians for the Second Coming of Christ 4:15 or the “Day of the Lord” 5:2. It literally means, “presence” or “being with or near.” Here, coming expresses “presence,” so the emphasis is on the lasting presence of the Lord Jesus (see also Matthew 24). The definite article the indicates either the one and only Coming of the Lord, or the well-known Coming of the Lord. Alternate translation: or “when the Lord Jesus Christ presents himself” or “at the arrival of the Lord Jesus Christ” or “when our Lord Jesus Christ arrives” (See: Idiom)

1 Thessalonians 5:24

πιστὸς ὁ καλῶν ὑμᾶς, ὃς καὶ ποιήσει

This statement concludes the blessing of 5:23.

πιστὸς ὁ καλῶν ὑμᾶς

This verse specifically parallels the language of 4:7 and also 2:12. Alternate translation: “The faithful God keeps summoning you to complete sanctification” or “The trustworthy God is inviting you to completely belong to him” (See: Parallelism)

πιστὸς ὁ καλῶν ὑμᾶς, ὃς καὶ ποιήσει

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

ὁ καλῶν

This is an example of relative ellipsis, where the presumed reference is “the God of peace” in 5:23. If this would be misunderstood in your language, you could supply these words from the context. Alternate translation: “God who calls” (See: Ellipsis)

ὃς

The pronoun who refers to he. he refers to God and emphasizes the faithfulness of God. (See: Reflexive Pronouns)

1 Thessalonians 5:25

ἀδελφοί

Throughout this letter, brothers is an idiom meaning “fellow Christians” or “fellow believers in Christ” 5:14. (See: Idiom)

ἀδελφοί

Here, the idiom brothers includes females. If your language does not have this idiom, you can use a gender inclusive term that refers to male and female. Alternate translation: “brothers and sisters” or “spiritual brothers and sisters” or “fellow believers in Christ” or “fellow believers in God” (See When Masculine Words Include Women)

προσεύχεσθε

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

καὶ

Some ancient manuscripts omit “also” (See: Textual Variants)

ἡμῶν

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

1 Thessalonians 5:26

ἀσπάσασθε

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

τοὺς ἀδελφοὺς πάντας

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

ἐν φιλήματι ἁγίῳ

a holy kiss is a reference to a symbolic greeting of Christian affection that the Thessalonian Church would have understood. (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

φιλήματι ἁγίῳ

This letter’s theme of holiness is reinforced by calling it a holy kiss. Alternate translation: “a kiss shared by those who belong to God” or “a kiss that shows that you belong to God’s people”

1 Thessalonians 5:27

ἐνορκίζω ὑμᾶς τὸν Κύριον

The phrase I solemnly charge you by the Lord is an oath formula. If you have a term or phrase that would be most natural in your language to express an oath in this context, consider using that. Alternate translation: “I put you under oath to the Lord that this read this letter must be read” or “I implore you by the Lord to read this letter” or “You must swear an oath to the Lord that you will read this letter” or “You must make a vow to the Lord that you will read this letter” (See: INVALID translate/writing-oathformulas)

ἀναγνωσθῆναι τὴν ἐπιστολὴν

to have this letter read indicates the content of the charge by the Lord. The assumption is that this letter would be read out loud by someone in the local church. (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

ἀναγνωσθῆναι τὴν ἐπιστολὴν

If your language does not contain passive verbs, you could change it to an active verb. Alternate translation: “to make sure you read this letter out loud” (See: Active or Passive)

πᾶσιν τοῖς ἀδελφοῖς

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

πᾶσιν τοῖς ἀδελφοῖς

Many ancient manuscripts read “all the holy brothers” (See: Textual Variants)

1 Thessalonians 5:28

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

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

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

grace is an abstract noun. Alternate translation: “May our Lord Jesus Christ always show you how kind he is” (See: Abstract Nouns)

μεθ’ ὑμῶν

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