1 Thessalonians 1:5

Authorized King James Version

For our gospel came not unto you in word only, but also in power, and in the Holy Ghost, and in much assurance; as ye know what manner of men we were among you for your sake.

Word-by-Word Analysis

ὅτι

G3754

For

demonstrative, that (sometimes redundant); causative, because

τὸ

G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

εὐαγγέλιον

G2098

gospel

a good message, i.e., the gospel

ἡμῶν

G2257

our

of (or from) us

οὐκ

G3756

not

the absolute negative (compare g3361) adverb; no or not

ἐγενήθημεν

G1096

came

to cause to be ("gen"-erate), i.e., (reflexively) to become (come into being), used with great latitude (literal, figurative, intensive, etc.)

εἰς

G1519

unto

to or into (indicating the point reached or entered), of place, time, or (figuratively) purpose (result, etc.); also in adverbial phrases

ὑμᾶς

G5209

you

you (as the objective of a verb or preposition)

ἐν

G1722

among

"in," at, (up-)on, by, etc

#10

λόγῳ

G3056

word

something said (including the thought); by implication, a topic (subject of discourse), also reasoning (the mental faculty) or motive; by extension, a

#11

μόνον

G3440

only

merely

#12

ἀλλὰ

G235

but

properly, other things, i.e., (adverbially) contrariwise (in many relations)

#13

καὶ

G2532

also

and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words

#14

ἐν

G1722

among

"in," at, (up-)on, by, etc

#15

δυνάμει

G1411

power

force (literally or figuratively); specially, miraculous power (usually by implication, a miracle itself)

#16

καὶ

G2532

also

and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words

#17

ἐν

G1722

among

"in," at, (up-)on, by, etc

#18

πνεύματι

G4151

Ghost

a current of air, i.e., breath (blast) or a breeze; by analogy or figuratively, a spirit, i.e., (human) the rational soul, (by implication) vital prin

#19

ἁγίῳ

G40

the Holy

sacred (physically, pure, morally blameless or religious, ceremonially, consecrated)

#20

καὶ

G2532

also

and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words

#21

ἐν

G1722

among

"in," at, (up-)on, by, etc

#22

πληροφορίᾳ

G4136

assurance

entire confidence

#23

πολλῇ

G4183

much

(singular) much (in any respect) or (plural) many; neuter (singular) as adverbial, largely; neuter (plural) as adverb or noun often, mostly, largely

#24

καθὼς

G2531

just (or inasmuch) as, that

#25

οἴδατε

G1492

ye know

used only in certain past tenses, the others being borrowed from the equivalent g3700 and g3708; properly, to see (literally or figuratively); by impl

#26

οἷοι

G3634

what manner of men

such or what sort of (as a correlation or exclamation); especially the neuter (adverbially) with negative, not so

#27

ἐγενήθημεν

G1096

came

to cause to be ("gen"-erate), i.e., (reflexively) to become (come into being), used with great latitude (literal, figurative, intensive, etc.)

#28

ἐν

G1722

among

"in," at, (up-)on, by, etc

#29

ὑμῖν

G5213

you

to (with or by) you

#30

δι'

G1223

for

through (in very wide applications, local, causal, or occasional)

#31

ὑμᾶς

G5209

you

you (as the objective of a verb or preposition)

Analysis

The salvation theme here intersects with the metanarrative of redemption running from Genesis to Revelation. Biblical theology recognizes this as part of a unified storyline from the promise in Genesis 3:15 to its fulfillment in Christ. The phrase emphasizing divine revelation contributes to our systematic understanding of Christian doctrine and connects to the broader scriptural witness about God's saving work from the Exodus to the cross.

Historical Context

The literary and historical milieu of the literary conventions and historical circumstances of biblical literature shapes this text's meaning. The historical development of salvation within the theological tradition of 1 Thessalonians Understanding the ancient worldview that shaped the author's theological expression helps modern readers appreciate why the author emphasizes divine revelation in this particular way.

Questions for Reflection

What practical applications emerge from understanding salvation as presented in this verse, particularly in light of addressing questions of religious pluralism and the exclusivity of Christ?
How does this verse's literary context within 1 Thessalonians chapter 1 illuminate its theological significance, and what does this teach us about biblical interpretation?
In what ways does understanding divine revelation in its original context challenge or deepen contemporary Christian thinking about salvation?

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