1 Thessalonians 3:12
And the Lord make you to increase and abound in love one toward another, and toward all men, even as we do toward you:
Original Language Analysis
ὁ
G3588
ὁ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
3 of 19
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
κύριος
the Lord
G2962
κύριος
the Lord
Strong's:
G2962
Word #:
4 of 19
supreme in authority, i.e., (as noun) controller; by implication, master (as a respectful title)
πλεονάσαι
make
G4121
πλεονάσαι
make
Strong's:
G4121
Word #:
5 of 19
to do, make or be more, i.e., increase (transitively or intransitively); by extension, to superabound
καὶ
and
G2532
καὶ
and
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
6 of 19
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
περισσεύσαι
abound
G4052
περισσεύσαι
abound
Strong's:
G4052
Word #:
7 of 19
to superabound (in quantity or quality), be in excess, be superfluous; also (transitively) to cause to superabound or excel
τῇ
G3588
τῇ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
8 of 19
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
ἀγάπῃ
in love
G26
ἀγάπῃ
in love
Strong's:
G26
Word #:
9 of 19
love, i.e., affection or benevolence; specially (plural) a love-feast
εἰς
do toward
G1519
εἰς
do toward
Strong's:
G1519
Word #:
10 of 19
to or into (indicating the point reached or entered), of place, time, or (figuratively) purpose (result, etc.); also in adverbial phrases
καὶ
and
G2532
καὶ
and
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
12 of 19
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
εἰς
do toward
G1519
εἰς
do toward
Strong's:
G1519
Word #:
13 of 19
to or into (indicating the point reached or entered), of place, time, or (figuratively) purpose (result, etc.); also in adverbial phrases
καὶ
and
G2532
καὶ
and
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
16 of 19
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
Cross References
Philippians 1:9And this I pray, that your love may abound yet more and more in knowledge and in all judgment;Matthew 22:39And the second is like unto it, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself.Romans 13:8Owe no man any thing, but to love one another: for he that loveth another hath fulfilled the law.1 Thessalonians 5:15See that none render evil for evil unto any man; but ever follow that which is good, both among yourselves, and to all men.Galatians 5:22But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith,2 Thessalonians 1:3We are bound to thank God always for you, brethren, as it is meet, because that your faith groweth exceedingly, and the charity of every one of you all toward each other aboundeth;Galatians 5:6For in Jesus Christ neither circumcision availeth any thing, nor uncircumcision; but faith which worketh by love.
Historical Context
The Thessalonians lived in a hostile environment—neighbors had attacked them, authorities threatened them, family ostracized them. Natural response would be defensive withdrawal or retaliatory hatred. Instead, Paul prays for increasing, overflowing love toward fellow believers and 'all people' (including persecutors). This countercultural love, possible only through Christ, becomes compelling witness. Roman emperor Julian the Apostate later complained that Christianity spread because 'the impious Galileans support not only their own poor but ours as well'—enemies couldn't ignore Christians' practical love.
Questions for Reflection
- How do you distinguish between natural affection and supernatural <em>agape</em> that increases, abounds, and extends even to enemies?
- What evidence demonstrates that your love is growing ('increase and abound') rather than stagnant or diminishing?
- How does Paul's modeling of sacrificial love ('even as we do toward you') challenge leaders to exemplify what they teach?
Analysis & Commentary
And the Lord make you to increase and abound in love one toward another, and toward all men, even as we do toward you—hymas de ho Kyrios pleonasai kai perisseuai tē agapē eis allēlous kai eis pantas kathaper kai hēmeis eis hymas (ὑμᾶς δὲ ὁ Κύριος πλεονάσαι καὶ περισσεύσαι τῇ ἀγάπῃ εἰς ἀλλήλους καὶ εἰς πάντας καθάπερ καὶ ἡμεῖς εἰς ὑμᾶς). Two verbs intensify: pleonazō (πλεονάζω, 'to increase/multiply') and perisseuō (περισσεύω, 'to abound/overflow')—love should not merely exist but multiply and overflow. Agape must grow toward two targets: eis allēlous (εἰς ἀλλήλους, 'toward one another,' believers) and eis pantas (εἰς πάντας, 'toward all,' including unbelievers and enemies).
Even as we do toward you (kathaper kai hēmeis eis hymas, καθάπερ καὶ ἡμεῖς εἰς ὑμᾶς)—Paul models the love he commands. His sacrificial ministry (2:7-12), anxious concern (3:5), and overwhelming joy at their perseverance (3:9) demonstrate agape surpassing professional duty. Love's two dimensions (internal to believing community, external to all people) fulfill Jesus's dual command: love believers (John 13:34-35) and love enemies (Matt 5:44). Only divine intervention ('the Lord make you') produces love exceeding natural capacity. Supernatural love authenticates Christian witness (John 13:35).