1 Thessalonians 4:9

Authorized King James Version

But as touching brotherly love ye need not that I write unto you: for ye yourselves are taught of God to love one another.

Word-by-Word Analysis

Περὶ

G4012

as touching

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

δὲ

G1161

But

but, and, etc

τῆς

G3588

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

φιλαδελφίας

G5360

brotherly love

fraternal affection

οὐ

G3756

not

the absolute negative (compare g3361) adverb; no or not

χρείαν

G5532

employment, i.e., an affair; also (by implication) occasion, demand, requirement or destitution

ἔχετε

G2192

ye need

to hold (used in very various applications, literally or figuratively, direct or remote; such as possession; ability, contiuity, relation, or conditio

γράφειν

G1125

that I write

to "grave", especially to write; figuratively, to describe

ὑμῖν

G5213

unto you

to (with or by) you

#10

αὐτοὶ

G846

yourselves

the reflexive pronoun self, used (alone or in the comparative g1438) of the third person, and (with the proper personal pronoun) of the other persons

#11

γὰρ

G1063

for

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

#12

ὑμεῖς

G5210

you (as subjective of verb)

#13

θεοδίδακτοί

G2312

taught of God

divinely instructed

#14

ἐστε

G2075

are

ye are

#15

εἰς

G1519

to or into (indicating the point reached or entered), of place, time, or (figuratively) purpose (result, etc.); also in adverbial phrases

#16

τὸ

G3588

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

#17

ἀγαπᾶν

G25

love

to love (in a social or moral sense)

#18

ἀλλήλους

G240

one another

Analysis

Within the broader context of 1 Thessalonians, this passage highlights salvation through simile or metaphorical language. The theological weight of love connects to fundamental Christian doctrine about love, contributing to our understanding of God's nature and relationship with humanity. This verse contributes to the book's overall argument by building upon previous themes while advancing the overall message of 1 Thessalonians.

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 patron-client relationships and family loyalty concepts, illuminating the verse's original impact.

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 might the original audience's understanding of love differ from modern interpretations, and what bridges can be built between ancient meaning and contemporary application?
In what ways does understanding love in its original context challenge or deepen contemporary Christian thinking about salvation?

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