1 Thessalonians 2:8

Authorized King James Version

So being affectionately desirous of you, we were willing to have imparted unto you, not the gospel of God only, but also our own souls, because ye were dear unto us.

Word-by-Word Analysis

οὕτως

G3779

in this way (referring to what precedes or follows)

ἱμειρόμενοι

G2442

being affectionately desirous

of uncertain affinity); to long for

ὑμῶν

G5216

of you

of (from or concerning) you

εὐδοκοῦμεν

G2106

we were willing

to think well of, i.e., approve (an act); specially, to approbate (a person or thing)

μεταδοῦναι

G3330

to have imparted

to give over, i.e., share

ὑμῖν

G5213

unto you

to (with or by) you

οὐ

G3756

not

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

μόνον

G3440

only

merely

τὸ

G3588

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

#10

εὐαγγέλιον

G2098

the gospel

a good message, i.e., the gospel

#11

τοῦ

G3588

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

#12

θεοῦ

G2316

of God

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

#13

ἀλλὰ

G235

but

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

#14

καὶ

G2532

also

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

#15

τὰς

G3588

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

#16

ἑαυτῶν

G1438

our own

(him- her-, it-, them-, my-, thy-, our-, your-)self (selves), etc

#17

ψυχάς

G5590

souls

breath, i.e., (by implication) spirit, abstractly or concretely (the animal sentient principle only; thus distinguished on the one hand from g4151, wh

#18

διότι

G1360

because

on the very account that, or inasmuch as

#19

ἀγαπητοὶ

G27

dear

beloved

#20

ἡμῖν

G2254

unto us

to (or for, with, by) us

#21

γεγένησθε

G1096

ye were

to cause to be ("gen"-erate), i.e., (reflexively) to become (come into being), used with great latitude (literal, figurative, intensive, etc.)

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 sovereignty 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 divine sovereignty. Archaeological and historical evidence reveals Archaeological discoveries continue to illuminate the historical context of biblical texts.

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 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

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Topics

Prayer