1 Thessalonians 1:8

Authorized King James Version

For from you sounded out the word of the Lord not only in Macedonia and Achaia, but also in every place your faith to God-ward is spread abroad; so that we need not to speak any thing.

Word-by-Word Analysis

ἀφ'

G575

from

"off," i.e., away (from something near), in various senses (of place, time, or relation; literal or figurative)

ὑμῶν

G5216

your

of (from or concerning) you

γὰρ

G1063

For

properly, assigning a reason (used in argument, explanation or intensification; often with other particles)

ἐξήχηται

G1837

you sounded out

to "echo" forth, i.e., resound (be generally reported)

ὁ

G3588

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

λόγος

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

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)

οὐ

G3756

not

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

#10

μόνον

G3440

only

merely

#11

ἐν

G1722

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

#12

τῇ

G3588

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

#13

Μακεδονίᾳ

G3109

Macedonia

macedonia, a region of greece

#14

καὶ

G2532

also

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

#15

Ἀχαΐᾳ

G882

Achaia

achaia (i.e., greece), a country of europe

#16

ἀλλὰ

G235

but

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

#17

καὶ

G2532

also

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

#18

ἐν

G1722

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

#19

παντὶ

G3956

every

all, any, every, the whole

#20

τόπῳ

G5117

place

a spot (general in space, but limited by occupancy; whereas g5561 is a large but participle locality), i.e., location (as a position, home, tract, etc

#21

ἡ

G3588

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

#22

πίστις

G4102

faith

persuasion, i.e., credence; moral conviction (of religious truth, or the truthfulness of god or a religious teacher), especially reliance upon christ

#23

ὑμῶν

G5216

your

of (from or concerning) you

#24

ἡ

G3588

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

#25

πρὸς

G4314

a preposition of direction; forward to, i.e., toward (with the genitive case, the side of, i.e., pertaining to; with the dative case, by the side of,

#26

τὸν

G3588

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

#27

θεὸν

G2316

God-ward

a deity, especially (with g3588) the supreme divinity; figuratively, a magistrate; exceedingly (by hebraism)

#28

ἐξελήλυθεν

G1831

is spread abroad

to issue (literally or figuratively)

#29

ὥστε

G5620

so too, i.e., thus therefore (in various relations of consecution, as follow)

#30

μὴ

G3361

not

(adverb) not, (conjunction) lest; also (as an interrogative implying a negative answer (whereas g3756 expects an affirmative one)) whether

#31

χρείαν

G5532

need

employment, i.e., an affair; also (by implication) occasion, demand, requirement or destitution

#32

ἡμᾶς

G2248

that we

#33

ἔχειν

G2192

to hold (used in very various applications, literally or figuratively, direct or remote; such as possession; ability, contiuity, relation, or conditio

#34

λαλεῖν

G2980

to speak

to talk, i.e., utter words

#35

τι

G5100

any thing

some or any person or object

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 faith central to epistemology and the means by which humans receive divine revelation 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

In what ways does understanding faith in its original context challenge or deepen contemporary Christian thinking about salvation?
How does the salvation theme in this verse connect to the overarching narrative of Scripture, and what does this reveal about God's character and purposes?
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?

Related Resources

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