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1 Thessalonians 3

BSB·13 verses ·New Testament
✦ Tap any verse to open Scripture Explorer — original Hebrew/Greek, commentary, notes & highlights
1SoΔιὸDio — therefore, for this reason, whereforeG1352 — Full Word Study → when we could bear it no longerμηκέτιmēketi — No longer; not anymoreG3371 — Full Word Study →, we were willingεὐδοκήσαμεν*eudokēsamen — to delight in, be pleased with, take pleasureG2106 — Full Word Study → to be leftκαταλειφθῆναιkataleiphthēnai — To leave behind, forsake, or abandonG2641 — Full Word Study → on our ownμόνοιmonoi — alone, only, solitaryG3441 — Full Word Study → inἐνen — in, on, among, at, by means ofG1722 — Full Word Study → AthensἈθήναιςAthēnais — Capital of GreeceG116 — Full Word Study →. 2We sentἐπέμψαμενepempsamen — To send forth; to dispatch someone on a missionG3992 — Full Word Study → TimothyΤιμόθεονTimotheon — Honoring GodG5095 — Full Word Study →, ourἡμῶνhēmōn — I, me; the first-person singular pronounG1473 — Full Word Study → brotherἀδελφὸνadelphon — brother; male sibling or fellow believerG80 — Full Word Study → andκαὶkai — and; also; even; bothG2532 — Full Word Study → fellow workerσυνεργὸν*synergon — Fellow worker; collaborative laborer in ministryG4904 — Full Word Study → for GodΘεοῦTheou — God, the Divine BeingG2316 — Full Word Study → inἐνen — in, on, among, at, by means ofG1722 — Full Word Study → theτῷtō — Definite article: the, this, thatG3588 — Full Word Study → gospelεὐαγγελίῳeuangeliō — Good news; the Gospel messageG2098 — Full Word Study → of ChristΧριστοῦChristou — The Anointed OneG5547 — Full Word Study →, toεἰςeis — into, toward, untoG1519 — Full Word Study → strengthenστηρίξαιstērixai — To establish firmly; to strengthen or stabilizeG4741 — Full Word Study → andκαὶkai — and; also; even; bothG2532 — Full Word Study → encourageπαρακαλέσαιparakalesai — to urge, comfort, or exhortG3870 — Full Word Study → youὑμᾶςhymas — You (singular or plural pronoun)G4771 — Full Word Study → inὑπὲρhyper — on behalf of, for the sake of, above, beyondG5228 — Full Word Study → yourὑμῶνhymōn — You (singular or plural pronoun)G4771 — Full Word Study → faithπίστεωςpisteōs — Trust, belief, confidence in GodG4102 — Full Word Study →, 3so thatτὸto — Definite article: the, this, thatG3588 — Full Word Study → none of you would be shakenσαίνεσθαιsainesthai — to shake, move, or disturbG4525 — Full Word Study → byἐνen — in, on, among, at, by means ofG1722 — Full Word Study → theseταύταιςtautais — This one; he, she, it; that person or thingG3778 — Full Word Study → trialsθλίψεσινthlipsesin — Pressure, affliction, tribulationG2347 — Full Word Study →. Forγὰρgar — for, because, since (causal/explanatory conjunction)G1063 — Full Word Study → youαὐτοὶautoi — he, she, it, self; third-person pronounG846 — Full Word Study → knowοἴδατεoidate — to see, perceive, understand, knowG1492 — Full Word Study → thatὅτιhoti — that; because; since; introducing clauses of reason or contentG3754 — Full Word Study → we are destinedκείμεθαkeimetha — to lie, be laid, be appointedG2749 — Full Word Study → forεἰςeis — into, toward, untoG1519 — Full Word Study → thisτοῦτοtouto — This one; he, she, it; that person or thingG3778 — Full Word Study →. 4Indeedγὰρgar — for, because, since (causal/explanatory conjunction)G1063 — Full Word Study →, whenὅτεhote — when, at the time thatG3753 — Full Word Study → we wereἦμενēmen — to exist, to be, am/is/areG1510 — Full Word Study → withπρὸςpros — toward, to, with, in relation toG4314 — Full Word Study → youὑμᾶςhymas — You (singular or plural pronoun)G4771 — Full Word Study →, we kept warning youπροελέγομενproelegomen — to announce beforehand, foretell, predict in advanceG4302 — Full Word Study → thatὅτιhoti — that; because; since; introducing clauses of reason or contentG3754 — Full Word Study → we wouldμέλλομενmellomen — to be about to, intend, be destinedG3195 — Full Word Study → suffer persecutionθλίβεσθαιthlibesthai — To press upon; to afflict or oppressG2346 — Full Word Study →; and asκαθὼςkathōs — just as; in the manner that; according toG2531 — Full Word Study → you knowοἴδατεoidate — to see, perceive, understand, knowG1492 — Full Word Study →, it has come to passἐγένετοegeneto — to become, come into being, happenG1096 — Full Word Study →. 5For this reasonδιὰdia — through; by means of; because ofG1223 — Full Word Study →, when I could bear it no longerμηκέτιmēketi — No longer; not anymoreG3371 — Full Word Study →, Iκἀγὼkagō — And I; I also; even IG2504 — Full Word Study → sentἔπεμψαepempsa — To send forth; to dispatch someone on a missionG3992 — Full Word Study → toεἰςeis — into, toward, untoG1519 — Full Word Study → find out aboutγνῶναιgnōnai — To know, understand, or perceiveG1097 — Full Word Study → yourὑμῶνhymōn — You (singular or plural pronoun)G4771 — Full Word Study → faithπίστινpistin — Trust, belief, confidence in GodG4102 — Full Word Study →, for fear that theho — Definite article: the, this, thatG3588 — Full Word Study → tempterπειράζωνpeirazōn — to test, tempt, or tryG3985 — Full Word Study → had somehow temptedἐπείρασενepeirasen — to test, tempt, or tryG3985 — Full Word Study → youὑμᾶςhymas — You (singular or plural pronoun)G4771 — Full Word Study → and caused ourἡμῶνhēmōn — I, me; the first-person singular pronounG1473 — Full Word Study → laborκόποςkopos — Physical or spiritual labor; strenuous work and effortG2873 — Full Word Study → to be inεἰςeis — into, toward, untoG1519 — Full Word Study → vainκενὸνkenon — empty, void, without content or effectG2756 — Full Word Study →. 6Butδὲde — thenG1161 — Full Word Study → just nowἌρτιArti — now, at this present momentG737 — Full Word Study →, TimothyΤιμοθέουTimotheou — Honoring GodG5095 — Full Word Study → has returnedἐλθόντοςelthontos — to come, go, arrive, or appearG2064 — Full Word Study → fromἀφ’aph’ — from, away from, out ofG575 — Full Word Study → his visit with the good newsεὐαγγελισαμένουeuangelisamenou — To proclaim or announce good news; to preach the gospelG2097 — Full Word Study → about yourὑμῶνhymōn — You (singular or plural pronoun)G4771 — Full Word Study → faithπίστινpistin — Trust, belief, confidence in GodG4102 — Full Word Study →, your loveἀγάπηνagapēn — Self-giving love; covenant affectionG26 — Full Word Study →, andκαὶkai — and; also; even; bothG2532 — Full Word Study → the fond memoriesμνείανmneian — remembrance, memory, or mention of someoneG3417 — Full Word Study → you have preservedἔχετεechete — To have, hold, or possessG2192 — Full Word Study →, longingἐπιποθοῦντεςepipothountes — To long for earnestly; to desire intenselyG1971 — Full Word Study → to seeἰδεῖνidein — To see, perceive, or observe with the eyes or mindG3708 — Full Word Study → usἡμᾶςhēmas — I, me; the first-person singular pronounG1473 — Full Word Study → just asκαθάπερkathaper — just as, even as, in the same way asG2509 — Full Word Study → weἡμεῖςhēmeis — I, me; the first-person singular pronounG1473 — Full Word Study → long to see youὑμᾶςhymas — You (singular or plural pronoun)G4771 — Full Word Study →. 7For this reasonδιὰdia — through; by means of; because ofG1223 — Full Word Study →, brothersἀδελφοίadelphoi — brother; male sibling or fellow believerG80 — Full Word Study →, inἐπὶepi — upon, on, over, againstG1909 — Full Word Study → allπάσῃpasē — all, every, the whole ofG3956 — Full Word Study → ourἡμῶνhēmōn — I, me; the first-person singular pronounG1473 — Full Word Study → distressἀνάγκῃanankē — necessity, compulsion, constraintG318 — Full Word Study → andκαὶkai — and; also; even; bothG2532 — Full Word Study → persecutionθλίψειthlipsei — Pressure, affliction, tribulationG2347 — Full Word Study →, we have been reassuredπαρεκλήθημενpareklēthēmen — to urge, comfort, or exhortG3870 — Full Word Study → aboutἐφ’eph’ — upon, on, over, againstG1909 — Full Word Study → youὑμῖνhymin — You (singular or plural pronoun)G4771 — Full Word Study →, because ofδιὰdia — through; by means of; because ofG1223 — Full Word Study → yourὑμῶνhymōn — You (singular or plural pronoun)G4771 — Full Word Study → faithπίστεωςpisteōs — Trust, belief, confidence in GodG4102 — Full Word Study →. 8Forὅτιhoti — that; because; since; introducing clauses of reason or contentG3754 — Full Word Study → nowνῦνnyn — now, at the present timeG3568 — Full Word Study → we can go on livingζῶμενzōmen — to live, be alive, existG2198 — Full Word Study →, as long asἐὰνean — conditional particle; if, whether, in case thatG1437 — Full Word Study → youὑμεῖςhymeis — You (singular or plural pronoun)G4771 — Full Word Study → are standing firmστήκετεstēkete — to stand firm; to remain steadfastG4739 — Full Word Study → inἐνen — in, on, among, at, by means ofG1722 — Full Word Study → the Lord. 9HowΤίναTina — Who? What? Which? (interrogative pronoun)G5101 — Full Word Study → can weδυνάμεθαdynametha — To be able; to have power or capacityG1410 — Full Word Study → adequately thank GodΘεῷTheō — God, the Divine BeingG2316 — Full Word Study → forπερὶperi — about, concerning, around, on behalf ofG4012 — Full Word Study → youὑμῶνhymōn — You (singular or plural pronoun)G4771 — Full Word Study → in return forἐπὶepi — upon, on, over, againstG1909 — Full Word Study → our great joyχαίρομενchairomen — To rejoice, be glad, or greet with joyG5463 — Full Word Study → overδι’di’ — through; by means of; because ofG1223 — Full Word Study → youὑμᾶςhymas — You (singular or plural pronoun)G4771 — Full Word Study → in His presence? 10Nightνυκτὸςnyktos — The period of darkness; nightG3571 — Full Word Study → andκαὶkai — and; also; even; bothG2532 — Full Word Study → dayἡμέραςhēmeras — A 24-hour period; time; eraG2250 — Full Word Study → we prayδεόμενοιdeomenoi — to ask, request, or beseech earnestlyG1189 — Full Word Study → most earnestlyὑπερεκπερισσοῦhyperekperissou — on behalf of, for the sake of, above, beyondG5228 — Full Word Study → thatεἰςeis — into, toward, untoG1519 — Full Word Study → we may seeἰδεῖνidein — To see, perceive, or observe with the eyes or mindG3708 — Full Word Study → youὑμῶνhymōn — You (singular or plural pronoun)G4771 — Full Word Study → face to faceπρόσωπονprosōpon — Face, presence, or outward appearanceG4383 — Full Word Study → andκαὶkai — and; also; even; bothG2532 — Full Word Study → supplyκαταρτίσαιkatartisai — to complete, perfect, or restore to wholenessG2675 — Full Word Study → whatτὰta — Definite article: the, this, thatG3588 — Full Word Study → is lackingὑστερήματαhysterēmata — lack, deficiency, shortage, wantG5303 — Full Word Study → from your faithπίστεωςpisteōs — Trust, belief, confidence in GodG4102 — Full Word Study →. 11Nowδὲde — thenG1161 — Full Word Study → may our GodΘεὸςTheos — God, the Divine BeingG2316 — Full Word Study → andκαὶkai — and; also; even; bothG2532 — Full Word Study → FatherΠατὴρPatēr — father; male parent; ancestorG3962 — Full Word Study → HimselfΑὐτὸςAutos — he, she, it, self; third-person pronounG846 — Full Word Study →, andκαὶkai — and; also; even; bothG2532 — Full Word Study → ourἡμῶνhēmōn — I, me; the first-person singular pronounG1473 — Full Word Study → LordΚύριοςKyrios — Lord; master; one who has authority or ownershipG2962 — Full Word Study → JesusἸησοῦςIēsous — The Lord SavesG2424 — Full Word Study →, directκατευθύναιkateuthynai — To direct, guide, or make straightG2720 — Full Word Study → ourἡμῶνhēmōn — I, me; the first-person singular pronounG1473 — Full Word Study → wayὁδὸνhodon — road, way, path, journeyG3598 — Full Word Study → toπρὸςpros — toward, to, with, in relation toG4314 — Full Word Study → youὑμᾶςhymas — You (singular or plural pronoun)G4771 — Full Word Study →. 12Andδὲde — thenG1161 — Full Word Study → may the LordΚύριοςKyrios — Lord; master; one who has authority or ownershipG2962 — Full Word Study → cause you to increaseπλεονάσαιpleonasai — to increase, abound, or multiply abundantlyG4121 — Full Word Study → andκαὶkai — and; also; even; bothG2532 — Full Word Study → overflowπερισσεύσαιperisseusai — To abound, exceed, or have in abundanceG4052 — Full Word Study → with loveἀγάπῃagapē — Self-giving love; covenant affectionG26 — Full Word Study → forεἰςeis — into, toward, untoG1519 — Full Word Study → one anotherἀλλήλουςallēlous — one another; mutual relationshipG240 — Full Word Study → andκαὶkai — and; also; even; bothG2532 — Full Word Study → forεἰςeis — into, toward, untoG1519 — Full Word Study → everyone else, just asκαθάπερkathaper — just as, even as, in the same way asG2509 — Full Word Study → ourἡμεῖςhēmeis — I, me; the first-person singular pronounG1473 — Full Word Study → love forεἰςeis — into, toward, untoG1519 — Full Word Study → you overflows, 13so thatεἰςeis — into, toward, untoG1519 — Full Word Study → He may establishστηρίξαιstērixai — To establish firmly; to strengthen or stabilizeG4741 — Full Word Study → yourὑμῶνhymōn — You (singular or plural pronoun)G4771 — Full Word Study → heartsκαρδίαςkardias — heart; center of emotion, will, and moral characterG2588 — Full Word Study → in blamelessnessἀμέμπτουςamemptous — Without fault or blame; morally blamelessG273 — Full Word Study → and holinessἁγιωσύνῃhagiōsynē — Sacred devotion; the state of being holyG42 — Full Word Study → beforeἔμπροσθενemprosthen — before, in front of, in the presence ofG1715 — Full Word Study → ourἡμῶνhēmōn — I, me; the first-person singular pronounG1473 — Full Word Study → GodΘεοῦTheou — God, the Divine BeingG2316 — Full Word Study → andκαὶkai — and; also; even; bothG2532 — Full Word Study → Fatherπατρὸςpatros — father; male parent; ancestorG3962 — Full Word Study → atἐνen — in, on, among, at, by means ofG1722 — Full Word Study → theτῇtē — Definite article: the, this, thatG3588 — Full Word Study → comingπαρουσίᾳparousia — Physical arrival or presence of a personG3952 — Full Word Study → of ourἡμῶνhēmōn — I, me; the first-person singular pronounG1473 — Full Word Study → LordΚυρίουKyriou — Lord; master; one who has authority or ownershipG2962 — Full Word Study → JesusἸησοῦIēsou — The Lord SavesG2424 — Full Word Study → withμετὰmeta — with, after, among, followingG3326 — Full Word Study → allπάντωνpantōn — all, every, the whole ofG3956 — Full Word Study → Hisαὐτοῦautou — he, she, it, self; third-person pronounG846 — Full Word Study → saintsἁγίωνhagiōn — Set apart for God; morally pure and sacredG40 — Full Word Study →. Amen[ἀμήν]amēn — Truly, so be it, affirmation of truthG281 — Full Word Study →.
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Chapter Commentary — 1 Thessalonians 3
Chapter Overview

Overview of 1 Thessalonians 3

In chapter 3, Paul reveals the deep pastoral concern that drove him to send Timothy to check on the young Thessalonian church. Separated from them by opposition, Paul's heart burned with longing to know how they were standing under persecution. This chapter beautifully illustrates the nature of genuine apostolic ministry—not distant authority, but intimate spiritual care. Paul's anxiety, Timothy's good report, and Paul's fervent prayers together demonstrate what it means to shepherd God's people with affection and vigilance.

Verses 1–5: Timothy's Mission of Encouragement

Paul explains that the burden of not knowing the Thessalonians' spiritual condition had become unbearable (verse 1). He was willing to remain alone in Athens—a significant personal sacrifice—if it meant sending Timothy to strengthen and encourage them. Timothy is described as "our brother, and minister of God, and our fellowlabourer" (verse 2), emphasizing his trustworthiness and shared commitment to the gospel.

The purpose was twofold: to establish them and comfort them concerning their faith. Paul reminds them that affliction is appointed to believers (verse 3)—not as punishment, but as part of the Christian calling. He had already warned them of this before (verse 4), and their trials were now confirming his earlier teaching. Paul's concern (verse 5) was that the tempter might exploit their suffering to shake their faith, making all his previous labor seem fruitless. This reveals Paul's realistic understanding: persecuted believers face real spiritual danger from Satan's deceptions.

Application: Pastoral care means staying connected to those you shepherd. When we ignore the struggles of fellow believers, we leave them vulnerable to spiritual discouragement. Are you reaching out to those in your church who are under pressure?

Verses 6–8: Timothy's Encouraging Report

Timothy's return brought good tidings—the Thessalonians' faith and love were intact, and they held Paul in warm affection (verse 6). This news revived Paul's spirit. Notice his emotional honesty in verse 7: he was comforted in all his affliction and distress by learning of their steadfastness. Paul's well-being was bound up with theirs. In verse 8, he declares with intensity: "Now we live, if ye stand fast in the Lord." This is not spiritual dependency but the overflow of genuine pastoral love—their perseverance in faith gave Paul deep reason for joy and thanksgiving.

Application: Your faithfulness matters to those who love you in Christ. Stand firm not only for your own sake but to strengthen the hearts of your spiritual leaders and fellow believers.

Verses 9–13: Paul's Prayer of Gratitude and Intercession

Paul overflows with gratitude for the Thessalonians (verse 9), asking what thanks could adequately express his joy. He prayed night and day with urgent intensity, longing to see them and perfect that which is lacking in their faith (verse 10). He commends their faith but recognizes its incompleteness—they still had growth ahead.

Verses 11–13 contain Paul's prayer petition: that God would direct his way to them, that Christ would cause their love to increase and abound toward one another and all people, and that God would establish their hearts unblameable in holiness before Him. The ultimate horizon is the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ with all his saints—a reminder that Christian maturity is oriented toward Christ's return.

Application: Intercession for others should combine thanksgiving, longing for their growth, and eschatological hope. Pray for believers not just to survive but to flourish in love and holiness.

Application for Today

This chapter invites us into Paul's heart: a pastor whose joy and burden are inseparably tied to the spiritual welfare of his flock. In our fragmented world, we need this kind of intentional, sacrificial care for one another. Whether you are a pastor or a believer, ask yourself: Am I willing to go out of my way to strengthen others in their faith? And do I receive encouragement humbly, knowing that God uses the faithfulness of others to strengthen His servants?

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