1 Thessalonians 4:1

Authorized King James Version

Furthermore then we beseech you, brethren, and exhort you by the Lord Jesus, that as ye have received of us how ye ought to walk and to please God, so ye would abound more and more.

Word-by-Word Analysis

τὸ

G3588

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

Λοιπὸν

G3063

Furthermore

something remaining (adverbially)

οὖν

G3767

then

(adverbially) certainly, or (conjunctionally) accordingly

ἀδελφοί

G80

brethren

a brother (literally or figuratively) near or remote (much like g0001)

ἐρωτῶμεν

G2065

we beseech

to interrogate; by implication, to request

ὑμᾶς

G5209

you (as the objective of a verb or preposition)

καὶ

G2532

and

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

παρακαλοῦμεν

G3870

exhort

to call near, i.e., invite, invoke (by imploration, hortation or consolation)

ἐν

G1722

you by

"in," at, (up-)on, by, etc

#10

κυρίῳ

G2962

the Lord

supreme in authority, i.e., (as noun) controller; by implication, master (as a respectful title)

#11

Ἰησοῦ

G2424

Jesus

jesus (i.e., jehoshua), the name of our lord and two (three) other israelites

#12

καθὼς

G2531

that as

just (or inasmuch) as, that

#13

παρελάβετε

G3880

ye have received

to receive near, i.e., associate with oneself (in any familiar or intimate act or relation); by analogy, to assume an office; figuratively, to learn

#14

παρ'

G3844

properly, near; i.e., (with genitive case) from beside (literally or figuratively), (with dative case) at (or in) the vicinity of (objectively or subj

#15

ἡμῶν

G2257

of (or from) us

#16

Τὸ

G3588

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

#17

πῶς

G4459

how

an interrogative particle of manner; in what way? (sometimes the question is indirect, how?); also as exclamation, how much!

#18

δεῖ

G1163

ought

also deon deh-on'; neuter active participle of the same; both used impersonally; it is (was, etc.) necessary (as binding)

#19

ὑμᾶς

G5209

you (as the objective of a verb or preposition)

#20

περιπατεῖν

G4043

to walk

to tread all around, i.e., walk at large (especially as proof of ability); figuratively, to live, deport oneself, follow (as a companion or votary)

#21

καὶ

G2532

and

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

#22

ἀρέσκειν

G700

to please

to be agreeable (or by implication, to seek to be so)

#23

θεῷ

G2316

God

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

#24

ἵνα

G2443

in order that (denoting the purpose or the result)

#25

περισσεύητε

G4052

ye would abound

to superabound (in quantity or quality), be in excess, be superfluous; also (transitively) to cause to superabound or excel

#26

μᾶλλον

G3123

and more

(adverbially) more (in a greater degree)) or rather

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

How does this verse's literary context within 1 Thessalonians chapter 4 illuminate its theological significance, and what does this teach us about biblical interpretation?
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?
How might the original audience's understanding of divine sovereignty differ from modern interpretations, and what bridges can be built between ancient meaning and contemporary application?

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