1 Thessalonians 2:19

Authorized King James Version

For what is our hope, or joy, or crown of rejoicing? Are not even ye in the presence of our Lord Jesus Christ at his coming?

Word-by-Word Analysis

τίς

G5101

what

an interrogative pronoun, who, which or what (in direct or indirect questions)

γὰρ

G1063

For

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

ἡμῶν

G2257

is our

of (or from) us

ἐλπὶς

G1680

hope

expectation (abstractly or concretely) or confidence

ἢ

G2228

disjunctive, or; comparative, than

χαρὰ

G5479

joy

cheerfulness, i.e., calm delight

ἢ

G2228

disjunctive, or; comparative, than

στέφανος

G4735

crown

a chaplet (as a badge of royalty, a prize in the public games or a symbol of honor generally; but more conspicuous and elaborate than the simple fille

καυχήσεως

G2746

of rejoicing

boasting (properly, the act; by implication, the object), in a good or a bad sense

#10

ἢ

G2228

disjunctive, or; comparative, than

#11

οὐχὶ

G3780

Are not

not indeed

#12

καὶ

G2532

even

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

#13

ὑμεῖς

G5210

you (as subjective of verb)

#14

ἔμπροσθεν

G1715

in the presence

in front of (in place (literally or figuratively) or time)

#15

τοῦ

G3588

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

#16

κυρίου

G2962

Lord

supreme in authority, i.e., (as noun) controller; by implication, master (as a respectful title)

#17

ἡμῶν

G2257

is our

of (or from) us

#18

Ἰησοῦ

G2424

Jesus

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

#19

Χριστοῦ

G5547

Christ

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

#20

ἐν

G1722

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

#21

τῇ

G3588

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

#22

αὐτοῦ

G846

his

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

#23

παρουσίᾳ

G3952

coming

a being near, i.e., advent (often, return; specially, of christ to punish jerusalem, or finally the wicked); (by implication) physically, aspect

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 hope 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 historical context of the biblical period relevant to this book's composition provides crucial background for understanding this verse. The historical and cultural milieu of the biblical world informed the author's theological expression and the audience's understanding. The the cultural context of the biblical world would have shaped how the original audience understood hope. Archaeological and historical evidence reveals Archaeological discoveries continue to illuminate the historical context of biblical texts.

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

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Topics

Prayer