1 Thessalonians 3:5

Authorized King James Version

For this cause, when I could no longer forbear, I sent to know your faith, lest by some means the tempter have tempted you, and our labour be in vain.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
διὰ
G1223
cause
through (in very wide applications, local, causal, or occasional)
#2
τοῦτο
G5124
For this
that thing
#3
κἀγὼ
G2504
when I
so also the dative case ????? <pronunciation strongs="kam-oy'"/>, and accusative case ???? <pronunciation strongs="kam-eh'"/> and (or also, even, etc.
#4
μηκέτι
G3371
no longer
no further
#5
στέγων
G4722
could
to roof over, i.e., (figuratively) to cover with silence (endure patiently)
#6
ἔπεμψα
G3992
I 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
#7
εἰς
G1519
in
to or into (indicating the point reached or entered), of place, time, or (figuratively) purpose (result, etc.); also in adverbial phrases
#8
τὸ
G3588
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#9
γνῶναι
G1097
know
to "know" (absolutely) in a great variety of applications and with many implications (as follow, with others not thus clearly expressed)
#10
τὴν
G3588
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#11
πίστιν
G4102
faith
persuasion, i.e., credence; moral conviction (of religious truth, or the truthfulness of god or a religious teacher), especially reliance upon christ
#12
ὑμῶν
G5216
your
of (from or concerning) you
#13
μήπως
G3381
lest by some means
lest somehow
#14
πειράζων
G3985
have tempted
to test (objectively), i.e., endeavor, scrutinize, entice, discipline
#15
ὑμᾶς
G5209
you
you (as the objective of a verb or preposition)
#16
ὁ
G3588
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#17
πειράζων
G3985
have tempted
to test (objectively), i.e., endeavor, scrutinize, entice, discipline
#18
καὶ
G2532
and
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
#19
εἰς
G1519
in
to or into (indicating the point reached or entered), of place, time, or (figuratively) purpose (result, etc.); also in adverbial phrases
#20
κενὸν
G2756
vain
empty (literally or figuratively)
#21
γένηται
G1096
be
to cause to be ("gen"-erate), i.e., (reflexively) to become (come into being), used with great latitude (literal, figurative, intensive, etc.)
#22
ὁ
G3588
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#23
κόπος
G2873
labour
a cut, i.e., (by analogy) toil (as reducing the strength), literally or figuratively; by implication, pains
#24
ἡμῶν
G2257
our
of (or from) us

Analysis

The salvation theme here intersects with the metanarrative of redemption running from Genesis to Revelation. Biblical theology recognizes this as part of a unified storyline from the promise in Genesis 3:15 to its fulfillment in Christ. The phrase emphasizing faith central to epistemology and the means by which humans receive divine revelation and connects to the broader scriptural witness about God's saving work from the Exodus to the cross.

Historical Context

The historical context of the biblical period relevant to this book's composition provides crucial background for understanding this verse. The historical and cultural milieu of the biblical world informed the author's theological expression and the audience's understanding. The the cultural context of the biblical world would have shaped how the original audience understood faith. Archaeological and historical evidence reveals Archaeological discoveries continue to illuminate the historical context of biblical texts.

Questions for Reflection

Related Resources

Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.

Topics