1 Thessalonians 3:10

Authorized King James Version

Night and day praying exceedingly that we might see your face, and might perfect that which is lacking in your faith?

Word-by-Word Analysis

νυκτὸς

G3571

Night

"night" (literally or figuratively)

καὶ

G2532

and

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

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

ὑπὲρ

G5228

"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

ἐκπερισσοῦ

G4057

superabundantly

δεόμενοι

G1189

praying

to beg (as binding oneself), i.e., petition

εἰς

G1519

that

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

τὸ

G3588

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

ἰδεῖν

G1492

we might see

used only in certain past tenses, the others being borrowed from the equivalent g3700 and g3708; properly, to see (literally or figuratively); by impl

#10

ὑμῶν

G5216

in your

of (from or concerning) you

#11

τὸ

G3588

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

#12

πρόσωπον

G4383

face

the front (as being towards view), i.e., the countenance, aspect, appearance, surface; by implication, presence, person

#13

καὶ

G2532

and

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

#14

καταρτίσαι

G2675

might perfect

to complete thoroughly, i.e., repair (literally or figuratively) or adjust

#15

τὰ

G3588

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

#16

ὑστερήματα

G5303

that which is lacking

a deficit; specially, poverty

#17

τῆς

G3588

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

#18

πίστεως

G4102

faith

persuasion, i.e., credence; moral conviction (of religious truth, or the truthfulness of god or a religious teacher), especially reliance upon christ

#19

ὑμῶν

G5216

in your

of (from or concerning) you

Analysis

Within the broader context of 1 Thessalonians, this passage highlights salvation through rhetorical questioning that engages the reader. The theological weight of faith connects to fundamental Christian doctrine about faith, 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 faith in this particular way.

Questions for Reflection

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?
How does this verse's literary context within 1 Thessalonians chapter 3 illuminate its theological significance, and what does this teach us about biblical interpretation?

Related Resources

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Topics

Prayer