1 Thessalonians 1:9

Authorized King James Version

For they themselves shew of us what manner of entering in we had unto you, and how ye turned to God from idols to serve the living and true God;

Word-by-Word Analysis

αὐτοὶ

G846

themselves

the reflexive pronoun self, used (alone or in the comparative g1438) of the third person, and (with the proper personal pronoun) of the other persons

γὰρ

G1063

For

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

περὶ

G4012

properly, through (all over), i.e., around; figuratively with respect to; used in various applications, of place, cause or time (with the genitive cas

ἡμῶν

G2257

of (or from) us

ἀπαγγέλλουσιν

G518

shew

to announce

ὁποίαν

G3697

what manner

of what kind that, i.e., how (as) great (excellent) (specially, as an indefinite correlative to the definite antecedent g5108 of quality)

εἴσοδον

G1529

of entering in

an entrance (literally or figuratively)

ἔσχομεν

G2192

we had

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

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,

#10

ὑμᾶς

G5209

you

you (as the objective of a verb or preposition)

#11

καὶ

G2532

and

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

#12

πῶς

G4459

how

an interrogative particle of manner; in what way? (sometimes the question is indirect, how?); also as exclamation, how much!

#13

ἐπεστρέψατε

G1994

ye turned

to revert (literally, figuratively or morally)

#14

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,

#15

τὸν

G3588

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

#16

θεῷ

G2316

God

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

#17

ἀπὸ

G575

from

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

#18

τῶν

G3588

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

#19

εἰδώλων

G1497

idols

an image (i.e., for worship); by implication, a heathen god, or (plural) the worship of such

#20

δουλεύειν

G1398

to serve

to be a slave to (literal or figurative, involuntary or voluntary)

#21

θεῷ

G2316

God

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

#22

ζῶντι

G2198

the living

to live (literally or figuratively)

#23

καὶ

G2532

and

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

#24

ἀληθινῷ

G228

true

truthful

Analysis

Within the broader context of 1 Thessalonians, this passage highlights salvation through declarative statements that establish theological truth. The theological weight of divine sovereignty connects to fundamental Christian doctrine about divine sovereignty, contributing to our understanding of God's nature and relationship with humanity. This verse contributes to the book's overall argument by establishing foundational concepts crucial to 1 Thessalonians's theological argument.

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 sovereignty in this particular way.

Questions for Reflection

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?
In what ways does understanding divine sovereignty in its original context challenge or deepen contemporary Christian thinking about salvation?

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