1 Thessalonians 3:6

Authorized King James Version

But now when Timotheus came from you unto us, and brought us good tidings of your faith and charity, and that ye have good remembrance of us always, desiring greatly to see us, as we also to see you:

Word-by-Word Analysis

Ἄρτι

G737

now

just now

δὲ

G1161

But

but, and, etc

ἐλθόντος

G2064

came

to come or go (in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively)

Τιμοθέου

G5095

when Timotheus

dear to god; timotheus, a christian

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,

ἡμᾶς

G2248

ἀφ'

G575

from

"off," i.e., away (from something near), in various senses (of place, time, or relation; literal or figurative)

ὑμῶν

G5216

of your

of (from or concerning) you

καὶ

G2532

also

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

#10

εὐαγγελισαμένου

G2097

brought

to announce good news ("evangelize") especially the gospel

#11

ἡμῖν

G2254

to (or for, with, by) us

#12

τὴν

G3588

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

#13

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

#14

καὶ

G2532

also

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

#15

τὴν

G3588

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

#16

ἀγάπην

G26

charity

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

#17

ὑμῶν

G5216

of your

of (from or concerning) you

#18

καὶ

G2532

also

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

#19

ὅτι

G3754

that

demonstrative, that (sometimes redundant); causative, because

#20

ἔχετε

G2192

ye have

to hold (used in very various applications, literally or figuratively, direct or remote; such as possession; ability, contiuity, relation, or conditio

#21

μνείαν

G3417

remembrance

recollection; by implication, recital

#22

ἡμῶν

G2257

of us

of (or from) us

#23

ἀγαθὴν

G18

good

"good" (in any sense, often as noun)

#24

πάντοτε

G3842

always

every when, i.e., at all times

#25

ἐπιποθοῦντες

G1971

desiring greatly

to dote upon, i.e., intensely crave possession (lawfully or wrongfully)

#26

ἡμᾶς

G2248

#27

ἰδεῖν

G1492

to see

used only in certain past tenses, the others being borrowed from the equivalent g3700 and g3708; properly, to see (literally or figuratively); by impl

#28

καθάπερ

G2509

exactly as

#29

καὶ

G2532

also

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

#30

ἡμεῖς

G2249

we (only used when emphatic)

#31

ὑμᾶς

G5209

to see you

you (as the objective of a verb or preposition)

Analysis

Within the broader context of 1 Thessalonians, this passage highlights salvation through simile or metaphorical language. The theological weight of faith connects to fundamental Christian doctrine about faith, 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

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 faith in this particular way.

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 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 faith in its original context challenge or deepen contemporary Christian thinking about salvation?

Related Resources

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

Topics

Prayer