1 Thessalonians 2:18

Authorized King James Version

Wherefore we would have come unto you, even I Paul, once and again; but Satan hindered us.

Word-by-Word Analysis

διό

G1352

Wherefore

through which thing, i.e., consequently

ἠθελήσαμεν

G2309

we would

to determine (as an active option from subjective impulse; whereas g1014 properly denotes rather a passive acquiescence in objective considerations),

ἐλθεῖν

G2064

have come

to come or go (in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively)

πρὸς

G4314

unto

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,

ὑμᾶς

G5209

you

you (as the objective of a verb or preposition)

ἐγὼ

G1473

i, me

μὲν

G3303

even

properly, indicative of affirmation or concession (in fact); usually followed by a contrasted clause with g1161 (this one, the former, etc.)

Παῦλος

G3972

Paul

(little; but remotely from a derivative of g3973, meaning the same); paulus, the name of a roman and of an apostle

καὶ

G2532

and

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

#10

ἅπαξ

G530

one (or a single) time (numerically or conclusively)

#11

καὶ

G2532

and

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

#12

δίς

G1364

again

twice

#13

καὶ

G2532

and

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

#14

ἐνέκοψεν

G1465

hindered

to cut into, i.e., (figuratively) impede, detain

#15

ἡμᾶς

G2248

#16

ὁ

G3588

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

#17

Σατανᾶς

G4567

Satan

the accuser, i.e., the devil

Analysis

This verse develops the salvation theme central to 1 Thessalonians. The concept of divine revelation reflects the development of salvation within biblical theology. The literary structure and word choice here contribute to biblical literature contributing to the canon's theological witness, advancing the author's theological argument. The original language emphasizes careful word choice that would have carried specific theological weight for the original audience, providing deeper understanding of the author's theological intention.

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 revelation 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 systematic theological implications arise from this verse's treatment of salvation, and how does it contribute to a biblical theology of soteriology and the doctrine of salvation?

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Topics

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