1 Thessalonians 3:8
For now we live, if ye stand fast in the Lord.
Original Language Analysis
ὅτι
For
G3754
ὅτι
For
Strong's:
G3754
Word #:
1 of 8
demonstrative, that (sometimes redundant); causative, because
νῦν
now
G3568
νῦν
now
Strong's:
G3568
Word #:
2 of 8
"now" (as adverb of date, a transition or emphasis); also as noun or adjective present or immediate
ἐὰν
if
G1437
ἐὰν
if
Strong's:
G1437
Word #:
4 of 8
a conditional particle; in case that, provided, etc.; often used in connection with other particles to denote indefiniteness or uncertainty
Cross References
Colossians 1:23If ye continue in the faith grounded and settled, and be not moved away from the hope of the gospel, which ye have heard, and which was preached to every creature which is under heaven; whereof I Paul am made a minister;1 Corinthians 16:13Watch ye, stand fast in the faith, quit you like men, be strong.Revelation 3:11Behold, I come quickly: hold that fast which thou hast, that no man take thy crown.Hebrews 10:23Let us hold fast the profession of our faith without wavering; (for he is faithful that promised;)Philippians 1:21For to me to live is Christ, and to die is gain.Hebrews 4:14Seeing then that we have a great high priest, that is passed into the heavens, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold fast our profession.Revelation 3:3Remember therefore how thou hast received and heard, and hold fast, and repent. If therefore thou shalt not watch, I will come on thee as a thief, and thou shalt not know what hour I will come upon thee.Hebrews 3:14For we are made partakers of Christ, if we hold the beginning of our confidence stedfast unto the end;Acts 11:23Who, when he came, and had seen the grace of God, was glad, and exhorted them all, that with purpose of heart they would cleave unto the Lord.Ephesians 3:17That Christ may dwell in your hearts by faith; that ye, being rooted and grounded in love,
Historical Context
Paul's emotional investment in the Thessalonians reflects his brief but intense ministry there. Forced to flee after only three weeks, uncertain if persecution destroyed the young church, he endured months of anxiety. Timothy's report that they 'stand fast in the Lord' released Paul from death-like distress into renewed life and purpose. This pattern marks apostolic ministry: Paul 'died daily' (1 Cor 15:31) through hardships but 'lived' through converts' perseverance. His joy wasn't in comfortable circumstances (he had few) but in fruitful ministry producing believers who endured to glory.
Questions for Reflection
- What evidence demonstrates that your spiritual children's perseverance matters more to you than your personal comfort or success?
- How do you 'stand fast in the Lord' when circumstances pressure you to compromise or abandon faith?
- Why does Paul equate the Thessalonians' steadfastness with his own life? What does this teach about ultimate values and priorities?
Analysis & Commentary
For now we live, if ye stand fast in the Lord—hoti nyn zōmen ean hymeis stēkete en Kyriō (ὅτι νῦν ζῶμεν ἐὰν ὑμεῖς στήκετε ἐν Κυρίῳ, 'because now we live if you stand fast in the Lord'). This startling statement equates the Thessalonians' perseverance with Paul's very life. Zaō (ζάω, 'to live') isn't mere biological existence but abundant life—purpose, joy, fulfillment. Stēkete (στήκετε, present imperative, 'stand firm/be steadfast') indicates continuing action: keep standing firm despite ongoing pressure. The phrase en Kyriō ('in the Lord') locates stability's source—not human strength but union with Christ.
Paul's statement reveals pastoral priorities: spiritual children's welfare matters more than personal comfort. He could endure affliction (v. 7) if the Thessalonians stood firm; their apostasy would devastate him more than persecution. This parent-heart reflects God's own grief over Israel's unfaithfulness (Hos 11:8) and Jesus's lament over Jerusalem (Matt 23:37). True spiritual fathers measure success by disciples' perseverance, not personal achievements. The conditional 'if ye stand fast' isn't doubt but emphasis—their perseverance is his life's meaning and joy.