1 Thessalonians 2:17

Authorized King James Version

But we, brethren, being taken from you for a short time in presence, not in heart, endeavoured the more abundantly to see your face with great desire.

Word-by-Word Analysis

Ἡμεῖς

G2249

we (only used when emphatic)

δέ

G1161

But

but, and, etc

ἀδελφοί

G80

brethren

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

ἀπορφανισθέντες

G642

being taken

to bereave wholly, i.e., (figuratively) separate (from intercourse)

ἀφ'

G575

from

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

ὑμῶν

G5216

you

of (from or concerning) you

πρὸς

G4314

for

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,

καιρὸν

G2540

time

an occasion, i.e., set or proper time

ὥρας

G5610

a short

an "hour" (literally or figuratively)

#10

πρόσωπον

G4383

face

the front (as being towards view), i.e., the countenance, aspect, appearance, surface; by implication, presence, person

#11

οὐ

G3756

not

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

#12

καρδίᾳ

G2588

in heart

the heart, i.e., (figuratively) the thoughts or feelings (mind); also (by analogy) the middle

#13

περισσοτέρως

G4056

the more abundantly

more superabundantly

#14

ἐσπουδάσαμεν

G4704

endeavoured

to use speed, i.e., to make effort, be prompt or earnest

#15

τὸ

G3588

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

#16

πρόσωπον

G4383

face

the front (as being towards view), i.e., the countenance, aspect, appearance, surface; by implication, presence, person

#17

ὑμῶν

G5216

you

of (from or concerning) you

#18

ἰδεῖν

G1492

to see

used only in certain past tenses, the others being borrowed from the equivalent g3700 and g3708; properly, to see (literally or figuratively); by impl

#19

ἐν

G1722

with

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

#20

πολλῇ

G4183

great

(singular) much (in any respect) or (plural) many; neuter (singular) as adverbial, largely; neuter (plural) as adverb or noun often, mostly, largely

#21

ἐπιθυμίᾳ

G1939

desire

a longing (especially for what is forbidden)

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 revelation 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

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 revelation in this particular way.

Questions for Reflection

How does this verse's literary context within 1 Thessalonians chapter 2 illuminate its theological significance, and what does this teach us about biblical interpretation?
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?
How might the original audience's understanding of divine revelation differ from modern interpretations, and what bridges can be built between ancient meaning and contemporary application?

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Topics

Prayer