1 Thessalonians 1:6

Authorized King James Version

And ye became followers of us, and of the Lord, having received the word in much affliction, with joy of the Holy Ghost:

Word-by-Word Analysis

καὶ

G2532

And

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

ὑμεῖς

G5210

you (as subjective of verb)

μιμηταὶ

G3402

followers

an imitator

ἡμῶν

G2257

of us

of (or from) us

ἐγενήθητε

G1096

became

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

καὶ

G2532

And

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

τοῦ

G3588

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

κυρίου

G2962

of the Lord

supreme in authority, i.e., (as noun) controller; by implication, master (as a respectful title)

δεξάμενοι

G1209

having received

to receive (in various applications, literally or figuratively)

#10

τὸν

G3588

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

#11

λόγον

G3056

the word

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

#12

ἐν

G1722

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

#13

θλίψει

G2347

affliction

pressure (literally or figuratively)

#14

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

#15

μετὰ

G3326

with

properly, denoting accompaniment; "amid" (local or causal); modified variously according to the case (genitive association, or accusative succession)

#16

χαρᾶς

G5479

joy

cheerfulness, i.e., calm delight

#17

πνεύματος

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

#18

ἁγίου

G40

of the Holy

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

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 sovereignty 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

This passage must be understood within the political and social structures of the biblical period. The author writes to address believers seeking to understand God's will and purposes, making the emphasis on salvation particularly relevant. Historical documents from this period show cultural practices and social structures that would have been familiar to the original readers, illuminating the verse's original impact.

Questions for Reflection

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 sovereignty in its original context challenge or deepen contemporary Christian thinking about salvation?
What systematic theological implications arise from this verse's treatment of salvation, and how does it contribute to a biblical theology of soteriology and the doctrine of salvation?

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