1 Thessalonians 3:9
For what thanks can we render to God again for you, for all the joy wherewith we joy for your sakes before our God;
Original Language Analysis
τίνα
what
G5101
τίνα
what
Strong's:
G5101
Word #:
1 of 21
an interrogative pronoun, who, which or what (in direct or indirect questions)
γὰρ
For
G1063
γὰρ
For
Strong's:
G1063
Word #:
2 of 21
properly, assigning a reason (used in argument, explanation or intensification; often with other particles)
εὐχαριστίαν
thanks
G2169
εὐχαριστίαν
thanks
Strong's:
G2169
Word #:
3 of 21
gratitude; actively, grateful language (to god, as an act of worship)
τῷ
G3588
τῷ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
5 of 21
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
θεοῦ
God
G2316
θεοῦ
God
Strong's:
G2316
Word #:
6 of 21
a deity, especially (with g3588) the supreme divinity; figuratively, a magistrate; exceedingly (by hebraism)
περὶ
for
G4012
περὶ
for
Strong's:
G4012
Word #:
8 of 21
properly, through (all over), i.e., around; figuratively with respect to; used in various applications, of place, cause or time (with the genitive cas
ἐπὶ
for
G1909
ἐπὶ
for
Strong's:
G1909
Word #:
10 of 21
properly, meaning superimposition (of time, place, order, etc.), as a relation of distribution (with the genitive case), i.e., over, upon, etc.; of re
τῇ
G3588
τῇ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
12 of 21
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
ᾗ
wherewith
G3739
ᾗ
wherewith
Strong's:
G3739
Word #:
14 of 21
the relatively (sometimes demonstrative) pronoun, who, which, what, that
χαίρομεν
we joy
G5463
χαίρομεν
we joy
Strong's:
G5463
Word #:
15 of 21
to be "cheer"ful, i.e., calmly happy or well-off; impersonally, especially as salutation (on meeting or parting), be well
δι'
for
G1223
δι'
for
Strong's:
G1223
Word #:
16 of 21
through (in very wide applications, local, causal, or occasional)
ἔμπροσθεν
before
G1715
ἔμπροσθεν
before
Strong's:
G1715
Word #:
18 of 21
in front of (in place (literally or figuratively) or time)
τοῦ
G3588
τοῦ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
19 of 21
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
Cross References
Historical Context
Paul's overwhelming joy contrasts with his previous anxiety. Months of uncertainty about the Thessalonians' spiritual state, combined with his own afflictions in Corinth, created emotional distress. Timothy's good news released floodgates of thanksgiving. This emotional trajectory—anxiety, relief, overwhelming joy—demonstrates Paul's humanity. He wasn't stoically indifferent but passionately invested in people's welfare. His joy 'before our God' indicates worship: thanksgiving becomes doxology as Paul praises God for sustaining the Thessalonians through persecution when Paul couldn't be present to help.
Questions for Reflection
- How do you distinguish between circumstantial happiness, achievement-satisfaction, and God-directed joy 'before our God'?
- What spiritual realities evoke in you thanksgiving so profound you struggle to articulate adequate thanks to God?
- How does your joy in others' spiritual growth and perseverance reflect (or fail to reflect) Paul's pastoral heart?
Analysis & Commentary
For what thanks can we render to God again for you, for all the joy wherewith we joy for your sakes before our God—tina gar eucharistian dynameth a tō Theō antapodounai peri hymōn epi pasē tē chara hē chairomen di' hymas emprosthen tou Theou hēmōn (τίνα γὰρ εὐχαριστίαν δυνάμεθα τῷ Θεῷ ἀνταποδοῦναι περὶ ὑμῶν ἐπὶ πάσῃ τῇ χαρᾷ ᾗ χαίρομεν δι' ὑμᾶς ἔμπροσθεν τοῦ Θεοῦ ἡμῶν, 'For what thanksgiving can we render to God for you for all the joy with which we rejoice because of you before our God'). Antapodidōmi (ἀνταποδίδωμι, 'to give back in return') suggests thanksgiving inadequate to match the gift—Paul can't thank God sufficiently for the Thessalonians.
The phrase epi pasē tē chara ('for all the joy') indicates joy's comprehensiveness; emprosthen tou Theou ('before our God') shows joy's orientation—not merely emotional pleasure but God-directed gladness. Paul's joy wasn't in personal success but in God's work through the gospel producing persevering saints. This God-centered joy differs from human happiness (circumstance-dependent) or achievement-satisfaction (self-centered). The rhetorical question 'what thanks can we render?' expresses gratitude exceeding articulation—God's grace in sustaining the Thessalonians surpasses Paul's ability to thank Him adequately.