1 Thessalonians 4:11

Authorized King James Version

And that ye study to be quiet, and to do your own business, and to work with your own hands, as we commanded you;

Word-by-Word Analysis

καὶ

G2532

And

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

φιλοτιμεῖσθαι

G5389

that ye study

to be fond of honor, i.e., emulous (eager or earnest to do something)

ἡσυχάζειν

G2270

to be quiet

to keep still (intransitively), i.e., refrain from labor, meddlesomeness or speech

καὶ

G2532

And

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

πράσσειν

G4238

to do

to "practise", i.e., perform repeatedly or habitually (thus differing from g4160, which properly refers to a single act); by implication, to execute,

τὰ

G3588

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

ἰδίαις

G2398

own

pertaining to self, i.e., one's own; by implication, private or separate

καὶ

G2532

And

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

ἐργάζεσθαι

G2038

to work with

to toil (as a task, occupation, etc.), (by implication) effect, be engaged in or with, etc

#10

ταῖς

G3588

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

#11

ἰδίαις

G2398

own

pertaining to self, i.e., one's own; by implication, private or separate

#12

χερσὶν

G5495

hands

the hand (literally or figuratively (power); especially (by hebraism) a means or instrument)

#13

ὑμῶν

G5216

your

of (from or concerning) you

#14

καθὼς

G2531

just (or inasmuch) as, that

#15

ὑμῖν

G5213

you

to (with or by) you

#16

παρηγγείλαμεν

G3853

we commanded

to transmit a message, i.e., (by implication) to enjoin

Analysis

This verse develops the salvation theme central to 1 Thessalonians. The concept of divine revelation reflects the development of salvation within biblical theology. The literary structure and word choice here contribute to biblical literature contributing to the canon's theological witness, advancing the author's theological argument. The original language emphasizes careful word choice that would have carried specific theological weight for the original audience, providing deeper understanding of the author's theological intention.

Historical Context

This passage must be understood within the political and social structures of the biblical period. The author writes to address believers seeking to understand God's will and purposes, making the emphasis on salvation particularly relevant. Historical documents from this period show cultural practices and social structures that would have been familiar to the original readers, illuminating the verse's original impact.

Questions for Reflection

In what ways does this verse's emphasis on divine revelation address religious pluralism and questions about the necessity of Christ, and how should the church respond?
What systematic theological implications arise from this verse's treatment of salvation, and how does it contribute to a biblical theology of soteriology and the doctrine of salvation?
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?

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Topics

Prayer