1 Thessalonians 3:10
Night and day praying exceedingly that we might see your face, and might perfect that which is lacking in your faith?
Original Language Analysis
καὶ
and
G2532
καὶ
and
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
2 of 19
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 #:
3 of 19
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
ὑπὲρ
G5228
ὑπὲρ
Strong's:
G5228
Word #:
4 of 19
"over", i.e., (with the genitive case) of place, above, beyond, across, or causal, for the sake of, instead, regarding; with the accusative case super
εἰς
that
G1519
εἰς
that
Strong's:
G1519
Word #:
7 of 19
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 #:
8 of 19
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
ἰδεῖν
we might see
G1492
ἰδεῖν
we might see
Strong's:
G1492
Word #:
9 of 19
used only in certain past tenses, the others being borrowed from the equivalent g3700 and g3708; properly, to see (literally or figuratively); by impl
τὸ
G3588
τὸ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
11 of 19
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
πρόσωπον
face
G4383
πρόσωπον
face
Strong's:
G4383
Word #:
12 of 19
the front (as being towards view), i.e., the countenance, aspect, appearance, surface; by implication, presence, person
καὶ
and
G2532
καὶ
and
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
13 of 19
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
καταρτίσαι
might perfect
G2675
καταρτίσαι
might perfect
Strong's:
G2675
Word #:
14 of 19
to complete thoroughly, i.e., repair (literally or figuratively) or adjust
τὰ
G3588
τὰ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
15 of 19
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
τῆς
G3588
τῆς
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
17 of 19
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
Cross References
2 Corinthians 13:9For we are glad, when we are weak, and ye are strong: and this also we wish, even your perfection.2 Corinthians 1:24Not for that we have dominion over your faith, but are helpers of your joy: for by faith ye stand.1 Thessalonians 3:11Now God himself and our Father, and our Lord Jesus Christ, direct our way unto you.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;Acts 26:7Unto which promise our twelve tribes, instantly serving God day and night, hope to come. For which hope's sake, king Agrippa, I am accused of the Jews.Colossians 4:12Epaphras, who is one of you, a servant of Christ, saluteth you, always labouring fervently for you in prayers, that ye may stand perfect and complete in all the will of God.2 Corinthians 1:15And in this confidence I was minded to come unto you before, that ye might have a second benefit;2 Thessalonians 1:11Wherefore also we pray always for you, that our God would count you worthy of this calling, and fulfil all the good pleasure of his goodness, and the work of faith with power:Philippians 1:25And having this confidence, I know that I shall abide and continue with you all for your furtherance and joy of faith;Colossians 1:28Whom we preach, warning every man, and teaching every man in all wisdom; that we may present every man perfect in Christ Jesus:
Historical Context
Paul's three-week ministry in Thessalonica (Acts 17:2) couldn't provide comprehensive teaching. The Thessalonians needed clarification on Christ's return (4:13-18), sanctification (4:3-8), church order (5:12-13), and other doctrines. Paul's 'night and day' prayer for reunion and further instruction demonstrates pastoral responsibility continuing beyond initial evangelism. His inability to return (2:18) meant this letter must serve as substitute instruction—hence the doctrinal content in chapters 4-5. Timothy's visit provided some instruction, but Paul longed for extended personal ministry to 'perfect' their faith.
Questions for Reflection
- How do you balance thanksgiving for present spiritual growth with recognition of continuing 'deficiencies' needing completion?
- What role does 'night and day' intensive prayer play in your concern for others' spiritual maturity?
- How do you intentionally work to 'perfect that which is lacking' in your own faith and others', moving from initial conversion toward maturity?
Analysis & Commentary
Night and day praying exceedingly that we might see your face, and might perfect that which is lacking in your faith—nyktos kai hēmeras hyperekperissou deomenoi eis to idein hymōn to prosōpon kai katartisai ta hysterēmata tēs pisteōs hymōn (νυκτὸς καὶ ἡμέρας ὑπερεκπερισσοῦ δεομένοι εἰς τὸ ἰδεῖν ὑμῶν τὸ πρόσωπον καὶ καταρτίσαι τὰ ὑστερήματα τῆς πίστεως ὑμῶν). Hyperekperissou (ὑπερεκπερισσοῦ, 'beyond all measure/most earnestly') intensifies ekperissou ('abundantly'); Paul prays with superlative intensity. Nyktos kai hēmeras ('night and day') indicates continual, not merely habitual, prayer.
And might perfect that which is lacking in your faith (katartisai ta hysterēmata tēs pisteōs hymōn, καταρτίσαι τὰ ὑστερήματα τῆς πίστεως ὑμῶν)—katartizō means 'to restore, complete, equip' (used of mending nets, Matt 4:21; preparing disciples, Luke 6:40; completing what's lacking, 1 Cor 1:10). Hysterēma (deficiency/lack) indicates incompleteness, not falsehood. The Thessalonians' faith was genuine but immature; they needed further instruction. Paul's pastoral concern includes both thanksgiving for present faith (v. 9) and desire to complete their training. Genuine faith grows toward maturity; stagnant faith questions authenticity.