1 Thessalonians 2:4

Authorized King James Version

But as we were allowed of God to be put in trust with the gospel, even so we speak; not as pleasing men, but God, which trieth our hearts.

Word-by-Word Analysis

ἀλλὰ

G235

But

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

καθὼς

G2531

just (or inasmuch) as, that

δοκιμάζοντι

G1381

we were allowed

to test (literally or figuratively); by implication, to approve

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 (

τοῦ

G3588

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

θεῷ

G2316

God

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

πιστευθῆναι

G4100

to be put in trust

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

τὸ

G3588

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

εὐαγγέλιον

G2098

with the gospel

a good message, i.e., the gospel

#10

οὕτως

G3779

even so

in this way (referring to what precedes or follows)

#11

λαλοῦμεν

G2980

we speak

to talk, i.e., utter words

#12

οὐχ

G3756

not

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

#13

ὡς

G5613

which how, i.e., in that manner (very variously used, as follows)

#14

ἀνθρώποις

G444

men

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

#15

ἀρέσκοντες

G700

pleasing

to be agreeable (or by implication, to seek to be so)

#16

ἀλλὰ

G235

But

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

#17

τῷ

G3588

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

#18

θεῷ

G2316

God

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

#19

τῷ

G3588

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

#20

δοκιμάζοντι

G1381

we were allowed

to test (literally or figuratively); by implication, to approve

#21

τὰς

G3588

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

#22

καρδίας

G2588

hearts

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

#23

ἡμῶν

G2257

our

of (or from) us

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

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 sovereignty in this particular way.

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

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