1 Thessalonians 2:14

Authorized King James Version

For ye, brethren, became followers of the churches of God which in Judaea are in Christ Jesus: for ye also have suffered like things of your own countrymen, even as they have of the Jews:

Word-by-Word Analysis

ὑμεῖς

G5210

you (as subjective of verb)

γὰρ

G1063

For

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

μιμηταὶ

G3402

followers

an imitator

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.)

ἀδελφοί

G80

brethren

a brother (literally or figuratively) near or remote (much like g0001)

τῶν

G3588

which

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

ἐκκλησιῶν

G1577

of the churches

a calling out, i.e., (concretely) a popular meeting, especially a religious congregation (jewish synagogue, or christian community of members on earth

τῶν

G3588

which

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

θεοῦ

G2316

of God

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

#10

τῶν

G3588

which

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

#11

οὐσῶν

G5607

are

being

#12

ἐν

G1722

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

#13

τῶν

G3588

which

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

#14

Ἰουδαίᾳ

G2449

Judaea

the judaean land (i.e., judaea), a region of palestine

#15

ἐν

G1722

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

#16

Χριστῷ

G5547

Christ

anointed, i.e., the messiah, an epithet of jesus

#17

Ἰησοῦ

G2424

Jesus

jesus (i.e., jehoshua), the name of our lord and two (three) other israelites

#18

ὅτι

G3754

for

demonstrative, that (sometimes redundant); causative, because

#19

ταὐτὰ

G5024

like things

in the same way

#20

ἐπάθετε

G3958

have suffered

to experience a sensation or impression (usually painful)

#21

καὶ

G2532

also

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

#22

ὑμεῖς

G5210

you (as subjective of verb)

#23

ὑπὸ

G5259

under, i.e., (with the genitive case) of place (beneath), or with verbs (the agency or means, through); (with the accusative case) of place (whither (

#24

τῶν

G3588

which

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

#25

ἰδίων

G2398

your own

pertaining to self, i.e., one's own; by implication, private or separate

#26

συμφυλετῶν

G4853

countrymen

a co-tribesman, i.e., native of the same country

#27

καθὼς

G2531

just (or inasmuch) as, 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

αὐτοὶ

G846

they have

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

#30

ὑπὸ

G5259

under, i.e., (with the genitive case) of place (beneath), or with verbs (the agency or means, through); (with the accusative case) of place (whither (

#31

τῶν

G3588

which

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

#32

Ἰουδαίων

G2453

the Jews

judaean, i.e., belonging to jehudah

Analysis

Within the broader context of 1 Thessalonians, this passage highlights salvation through simile or metaphorical language. 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 building upon previous themes while advancing the overall message of 1 Thessalonians.

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 divine sovereignty address religious pluralism and questions about the necessity of Christ, and how should the church respond?
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?
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

Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.

Topics

Prayer