1 Thessalonians 2:13

Authorized King James Version

For this cause also thank we God without ceasing, because, when ye received the word of God which ye heard of us, ye received it not as the word of men, but as it is in truth, the word of God, which effectually worketh also in you that believe.

Word-by-Word Analysis

διὰ

G1223

cause

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

τοῦτο

G5124

For this

that thing

καὶ

G2532

also

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

ἡμεῖς

G2249

we (only used when emphatic)

εὐχαριστοῦμεν

G2168

thank

to be grateful, i.e., (actively) to express gratitude (towards); specially, to say grace at a meal

τῷ

G3588

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

θεοῦ

G2316

God

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

ἀδιαλείπτως

G89

without ceasing

uninterruptedly, i.e., without omission (on an appropriate occasion)

ὅτι

G3754

because

demonstrative, that (sometimes redundant); causative, because

#10

παραλαβόντες

G3880

when ye received

to receive near, i.e., associate with oneself (in any familiar or intimate act or relation); by analogy, to assume an office; figuratively, to learn

#11

λόγον

G3056

as 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

ἀκοῆς

G189

which ye heard

hearing (the act, the sense or the thing heard)

#13

παρ'

G3844

properly, near; i.e., (with genitive case) from beside (literally or figuratively), (with dative case) at (or in) the vicinity of (objectively or subj

#14

ἡμῶν

G2257

of (or from) us

#15

τοῦ

G3588

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

#16

θεοῦ

G2316

God

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

#17

ἐδέξασθε

G1209

ye received

to receive (in various applications, literally or figuratively)

#18

οὐ

G3756

it not

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

#19

λόγον

G3056

as the word

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

#20

ἀνθρώπων

G444

of men

man-faced, i.e., a human being

#21

ἀλλὰ

G235

but

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

#22

καθώς

G2531

just (or inasmuch) as, that

#23

ἐστιν

G2076

it is

he (she or it) is; also (with neuter plural) they are

#24

ἀληθῶς

G230

in truth

truly

#25

λόγον

G3056

as the word

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

#26

θεοῦ

G2316

God

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

#27

ὃς

G3739

which

the relatively (sometimes demonstrative) pronoun, who, which, what, that

#28

καὶ

G2532

also

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

#29

ἐνεργεῖται

G1754

effectually worketh

to be active, efficient

#30

ἐν

G1722

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

#31

ὑμῖν

G5213

you

to (with or by) you

#32

τοῖς

G3588

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

#33

πιστεύουσιν

G4100

that believe

to have faith (in, upon, or with respect to, a person or thing), i.e., credit; by implication, to entrust (especially one's spiritual well-being to ch

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 truth 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

In what ways does this verse's emphasis on truth address religious pluralism and questions about the necessity of Christ, and how should the church respond?
In what ways does understanding truth in its original context challenge or deepen contemporary Christian thinking about salvation?
How does this passage contribute to our understanding of from physical deliverance in the Old Testament to spiritual redemption in the New, and what implications does this have for Christian discipleship?

Related Resources

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