1 Thessalonians 3:12

Authorized King James Version

And the Lord make you to increase and abound in love one toward another, and toward all men, even as we do toward you:

Word-by-Word Analysis

ὑμᾶς

G5209

you

you (as the objective of a verb or preposition)

δὲ

G1161

And

but, and, etc

ὁ

G3588

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

κύριος

G2962

the Lord

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

πλεονάσαι

G4121

make

to do, make or be more, i.e., increase (transitively or intransitively); by extension, to superabound

καὶ

G2532

and

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

περισσεύσαι

G4052

abound

to superabound (in quantity or quality), be in excess, be superfluous; also (transitively) to cause to superabound or excel

τῇ

G3588

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

ἀγάπῃ

G26

in love

love, i.e., affection or benevolence; specially (plural) a love-feast

#10

εἰς

G1519

do toward

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

#11

ἀλλήλους

G240

another

one another

#12

καὶ

G2532

and

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

#13

εἰς

G1519

do toward

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

#14

πάντας

G3956

all

all, any, every, the whole

#15

καθάπερ

G2509

exactly as

#16

καὶ

G2532

and

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

#17

ἡμεῖς

G2249

we (only used when emphatic)

#18

εἰς

G1519

do toward

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

#19

ὑμᾶς

G5209

you

you (as the objective of a verb or preposition)

Analysis

This verse develops the salvation theme central to 1 Thessalonians. The concept of love 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 the covenant name Yahweh, emphasizing God's faithfulness to His promises, providing deeper understanding of the author's theological intention.

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 love in this particular way.

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?
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?
In what ways does understanding love in its original context challenge or deepen contemporary Christian thinking about salvation?

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Topics

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