1 Thessalonians 3:9

Authorized King James Version

For what thanks can we render to God again for you, for all the joy wherewith we joy for your sakes before our God;

Word-by-Word Analysis

τίνα

G5101

what

an interrogative pronoun, who, which or what (in direct or indirect questions)

γὰρ

G1063

For

properly, assigning a reason (used in argument, explanation or intensification; often with other particles)

εὐχαριστίαν

G2169

thanks

gratitude; actively, grateful language (to god, as an act of worship)

δυνάμεθα

G1410

can we

to be able or possible

τῷ

G3588

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

θεοῦ

G2316

God

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

ἀνταποδοῦναι

G467

again

to requite (good or evil)

περὶ

G4012

for

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

ὑμῶν

G5216

you

of (from or concerning) you

#10

ἐπὶ

G1909

for

properly, meaning superimposition (of time, place, order, etc.), as a relation of distribution (with the genitive case), i.e., over, upon, etc.; of re

#11

πάσῃ

G3956

all

all, any, every, the whole

#12

τῇ

G3588

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

#13

χαρᾷ

G5479

the joy

cheerfulness, i.e., calm delight

#14

ᾗ

G3739

wherewith

the relatively (sometimes demonstrative) pronoun, who, which, what, that

#15

χαίρομεν

G5463

we joy

to be "cheer"ful, i.e., calmly happy or well-off; impersonally, especially as salutation (on meeting or parting), be well

#16

δι'

G1223

for

through (in very wide applications, local, causal, or occasional)

#17

ὑμᾶς

G5209

your sakes

you (as the objective of a verb or preposition)

#18

ἔμπροσθεν

G1715

before

in front of (in place (literally or figuratively) or time)

#19

τοῦ

G3588

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

#20

θεοῦ

G2316

God

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

#21

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 divine sovereignty contributes to our systematic understanding of Christian doctrine 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 divine sovereignty. Archaeological and historical evidence reveals Archaeological discoveries continue to illuminate the historical context of biblical texts.

Questions for Reflection

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?
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?
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?

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Topics

Prayer