1 Thessalonians 2:9
For ye remember, brethren, our labour and travail: for labouring night and day, because we would not be chargeable unto any of you, we preached unto you the gospel of God.
Original Language Analysis
μνημονεύετε
ye remember
G3421
μνημονεύετε
ye remember
Strong's:
G3421
Word #:
1 of 27
to exercise memory, i.e., recollect; by implication, to punish; also to rehearse
γάρ,
For
G1063
γάρ,
For
Strong's:
G1063
Word #:
2 of 27
properly, assigning a reason (used in argument, explanation or intensification; often with other particles)
ἀδελφοί
brethren
G80
ἀδελφοί
brethren
Strong's:
G80
Word #:
3 of 27
a brother (literally or figuratively) near or remote (much like g0001)
τὸν
G3588
τὸν
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
4 of 27
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
κόπον
labour
G2873
κόπον
labour
Strong's:
G2873
Word #:
5 of 27
a cut, i.e., (by analogy) toil (as reducing the strength), literally or figuratively; by implication, pains
καὶ
and
G2532
καὶ
and
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
7 of 27
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
τὸν
G3588
τὸν
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
8 of 27
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
γάρ,
For
G1063
γάρ,
For
Strong's:
G1063
Word #:
11 of 27
properly, assigning a reason (used in argument, explanation or intensification; often with other particles)
καὶ
and
G2532
καὶ
and
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
12 of 27
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
ἡμέρας
day
G2250
ἡμέρας
day
Strong's:
G2250
Word #:
13 of 27
day, i.e., (literally) the time space between dawn and dark, or the whole 24 hours (but several days were usually reckoned by the jews as inclusive of
ἐργαζόμενοι
labouring
G2038
ἐργαζόμενοι
labouring
Strong's:
G2038
Word #:
14 of 27
to toil (as a task, occupation, etc.), (by implication) effect, be engaged in or with, etc
πρὸς
because
G4314
πρὸς
because
Strong's:
G4314
Word #:
15 of 27
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,
τὸ
G3588
τὸ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
16 of 27
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
μὴ
not
G3361
μὴ
not
Strong's:
G3361
Word #:
17 of 27
(adverb) not, (conjunction) lest; also (as an interrogative implying a negative answer (whereas g3756 expects an affirmative one)) whether
ἐπιβαρῆσαί
be chargeable
G1912
ἐπιβαρῆσαί
be chargeable
Strong's:
G1912
Word #:
18 of 27
to be heavy upon, i.e., (pecuniarily) to be expensive to; figuratively, to be severe towards
ἐκηρύξαμεν
we preached
G2784
ἐκηρύξαμεν
we preached
Strong's:
G2784
Word #:
21 of 27
to herald (as a public crier), especially divine truth (the gospel)
εἰς
unto
G1519
εἰς
unto
Strong's:
G1519
Word #:
22 of 27
to or into (indicating the point reached or entered), of place, time, or (figuratively) purpose (result, etc.); also in adverbial phrases
τὸ
G3588
τὸ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
24 of 27
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
Cross References
2 Corinthians 11:9And when I was present with you, and wanted, I was chargeable to no man: for that which was lacking to me the brethren which came from Macedonia supplied: and in all things I have kept myself from being burdensome unto you, and so will I keep myself.Acts 18:3And because he was of the same craft, he abode with them, and wrought: for by their occupation they were tentmakers.Nehemiah 5:15But the former governors that had been before me were chargeable unto the people, and had taken of them bread and wine, beside forty shekels of silver; yea, even their servants bare rule over the people: but so did not I, because of the fear of God.Nehemiah 5:18Now that which was prepared for me daily was one ox and six choice sheep; also fowls were prepared for me, and once in ten days store of all sorts of wine: yet for all this required not I the bread of the governor, because the bondage was heavy upon this people.1 Corinthians 4:12And labour, working with our own hands: being reviled, we bless; being persecuted, we suffer it:1 Corinthians 9:18What is my reward then? Verily that, when I preach the gospel, I may make the gospel of Christ without charge, that I abuse not my power in the gospel.1 Corinthians 9:15But I have used none of these things: neither have I written these things, that it should be so done unto me: for it were better for me to die, than that any man should make my glorying void.1 Timothy 4:10For therefore we both labour and suffer reproach, because we trust in the living God, who is the Saviour of all men, specially of those that believe.1 Thessalonians 2:6Nor of men sought we glory, neither of you, nor yet of others, when we might have been burdensome, as the apostles of Christ.2 Timothy 1:3I thank God, whom I serve from my forefathers with pure conscience, that without ceasing I have remembrance of thee in my prayers night and day;
Historical Context
Tentmaking was portable, skilled labor suitable for traveling missionaries. Paul likely made leather tents for Roman military use (a major industry in Thessalonica, a garrison city). Working 'night and day' meant crafting tents during daylight hours, then teaching and evangelizing evenings. Synagogue teaching on Sabbaths (Acts 17:2) added to this schedule. The physical and emotional exhaustion ('labor and travail') demonstrated Paul's commitment. His self-support was particularly remarkable in a culture where manual labor was considered degrading for educated free men.
Questions for Reflection
- How does Paul's voluntary sacrifice of legitimate financial support challenge contemporary assumptions about pastoral compensation?
- What role does a minister's willingness to work sacrificially play in validating the gospel's cost and value?
- How do you distinguish between appropriate financial stewardship in ministry and exploitative patterns disguised as faith?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
For ye remember, brethren, our labour and travail: for labouring night and day, because we would not be chargeable unto any of you, we preached unto you the gospel of God—kopon kai mochthon (κόπον καὶ μόχθον, 'labor and toil') indicates exhausting work unto weariness. Paul worked nykta kai hēmeran ergazomenoi (νύκτα καὶ ἡμέραν ἐργαζόμενοι, 'working night and day') to support himself through tentmaking while conducting evangelistic ministry. Pros to mē epibarēsai tina hymōn (πρὸς τὸ μὴ ἐπιβαρῆσαί τινα ὑμῶν, 'in order not to burden any of you') explains his motive: removing financial obstacles to the gospel.
Paul's self-support accomplished multiple purposes:
Yet this wasn't legalism—Paul accepted support from established churches (Phil 4:15-16) and taught ministers' right to support (1 Cor 9:14). His voluntary sacrifice demonstrated love exceeding obligation, authenticating the costly gospel he preached.