1 Thessalonians 3:11

Now God himself and our Father, and our Lord Jesus Christ, direct our way unto you.

Word-by-Word Analysis

Αὐτὸς

G846

himself

the reflexive pronoun self, used (alone or in the comparative g1438) of the third person, and (with the proper personal pronoun) of the other persons

δὲ

G1161

Now

but, and, etc

ὁ

G3588

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

θεὸς

G2316

God

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

καὶ

G2532

and

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

πατὴρ

G3962

Father

a "father" (literally or figuratively, near or more remote)

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

ὁ

G3588

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

#10

κύριος

G2962

Lord

supreme in authority, i.e., (as noun) controller; by implication, master (as a respectful title)

#11

ἡμῶν

G2257

our

of (or from) us

#12

Ἰησοῦς

G2424

Jesus

jesus (i.e., jehoshua), the name of our lord and two (three) other israelites

#13

Χριστός

G5547

Christ

anointed, i.e., the messiah, an epithet of jesus

#14

κατευθύναι

G2720

direct

to straighten fully, i.e., (figuratively) direct

#15

τὴν

G3588

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

#16

ὁδὸν

G3598

way

a road; by implication, a progress (the route, act or distance); figuratively, a mode or means

#17

ἡμῶν

G2257

our

of (or from) us

#18

πρὸς

G4314

unto

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,

#19

ὑμᾶς·

G5209

you

you (as the objective of a verb or preposition)

Analysis

Within the broader context of 1 Thessalonians, this passage highlights salvation through declarative statements that establish theological truth. The theological weight of divine sovereignty connects to fundamental Christian doctrine about divine sovereignty, 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

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 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 systematic theological implications arise from this verse's treatment of salvation, and how does it contribute to a biblical theology of soteriology and the doctrine of salvation?
In what ways does understanding divine sovereignty in its original context challenge or deepen contemporary Christian thinking about salvation?

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