1 Thessalonians 2:9

Authorized King James Version

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.

Word-by-Word Analysis

μνημονεύετε

G3421

ye remember

to exercise memory, i.e., recollect; by implication, to punish; also to rehearse

γάρ,

G1063

For

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

ἀδελφοί

G80

brethren

a brother (literally or figuratively) near or remote (much like g0001)

τὸν

G3588

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

κόπον

G2873

labour

a cut, i.e., (by analogy) toil (as reducing the strength), literally or figuratively; by implication, pains

ἡμῶν

G2257

our

of (or from) us

καὶ

G2532

and

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

τὸν

G3588

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

μόχθον·

G3449

travail

toil, i.e., (by implication) sadness

#10

νυκτὸς

G3571

night

"night" (literally or figuratively)

#11

γάρ,

G1063

For

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

#12

καὶ

G2532

and

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

#13

ἡμέρας

G2250

day

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

#14

ἐργαζόμενοι

G2038

labouring

to toil (as a task, occupation, etc.), (by implication) effect, be engaged in or with, etc

#15

πρὸς

G4314

because

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,

#16

τὸ

G3588

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

#17

μὴ

G3361

not

(adverb) not, (conjunction) lest; also (as an interrogative implying a negative answer (whereas g3756 expects an affirmative one)) whether

#18

ἐπιβαρῆσαί

G1912

be chargeable

to be heavy upon, i.e., (pecuniarily) to be expensive to; figuratively, to be severe towards

#19

τινα

G5100

unto any

some or any person or object

#20

ὑμῶν

G5216

of you

of (from or concerning) you

#21

ἐκηρύξαμεν

G2784

we preached

to herald (as a public crier), especially divine truth (the gospel)

#22

εἰς

G1519

unto

to or into (indicating the point reached or entered), of place, time, or (figuratively) purpose (result, etc.); also in adverbial phrases

#23

ὑμᾶς

G5209

you

you (as the objective of a verb or preposition)

#24

τὸ

G3588

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

#25

εὐαγγέλιον

G2098

the gospel

a good message, i.e., the gospel

#26

τοῦ

G3588

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

#27

θεοῦ

G2316

of God

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

Analysis

This verse develops the salvation theme central to 1 Thessalonians. The concept of divine sovereignty reflects the development of salvation within biblical theology. The divine name or title here functions within biblical literature contributing to the canon's theological witness to establish theological authority and covenantal relationship. 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

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 might the original audience's understanding of divine sovereignty differ from modern interpretations, and what bridges can be built between ancient meaning and contemporary application?
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