1 Thessalonians 3:2

Authorized King James Version

And sent Timotheus, our brother, and minister of God, and our fellowlabourer in the gospel of Christ, to establish you, and to comfort you concerning your faith:

Word-by-Word Analysis

καὶ

G2532

And

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

ἐπέμψαμεν

G3992

sent

to dispatch (from the subjective view or point of departure, whereas ???? (as a stronger form of ????) refers rather to the objective point or <i>term

Τιμόθεον

G5095

Timotheus

dear to god; timotheus, a christian

τὸν

G3588

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

ἀδελφὸν

G80

brother

a brother (literally or figuratively) near or remote (much like g0001)

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

διάκονον

G1249

minister

an attendant, i.e., (genitive case) a waiter (at table or in other menial duties); specially, a christian teacher and pastor (technically, a deacon)

τοῦ

G3588

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

#10

θεοῦ

G2316

of God

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

#11

καὶ

G2532

And

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

#12

συνεργὸν

G4904

fellowlabourer

a co-laborer, i.e., coadjutor

#13

ἡμῶν

G2257

our

of (or from) us

#14

ἐν

G1722

"in," at, (up-)on, by, etc

#15

τῷ

G3588

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

#16

εὐαγγελίῳ

G2098

the gospel

a good message, i.e., the gospel

#17

τοῦ

G3588

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

#18

Χριστοῦ

G5547

of Christ

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

#19

εἰς

G1519

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

#20

τὸ

G3588

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

#21

στηρίξαι

G4741

establish

to set fast, i.e., (literally) to turn resolutely in a certain direction, or (figuratively) to confirm

#22

ὑμᾶς

G5209

you

you (as the objective of a verb or preposition)

#23

καὶ

G2532

And

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

#24

παρακαλέσαι

G3870

to comfort

to call near, i.e., invite, invoke (by imploration, hortation or consolation)

#25

ὑμᾶς

G5209

you

you (as the objective of a verb or preposition)

#26

περὶ

G4012

concerning

properly, through (all over), i.e., around; figuratively with respect to; used in various applications, of place, cause or time (with the genitive cas

#27

τῆς

G3588

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

#28

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

#29

ὑμῶν

G5216

your

of (from or concerning) you

Analysis

This verse develops the salvation theme central to 1 Thessalonians. The concept of faith 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 pistis in Greek, encompassing both belief and faithfulness, providing deeper understanding of the author's theological intention.

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 verse's literary context within 1 Thessalonians chapter 3 illuminate its theological significance, and what does this teach us about biblical interpretation?
How might the original audience's understanding of faith differ from modern interpretations, and what bridges can be built between ancient meaning and contemporary application?
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?

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Topics

Prayer