1 Thessalonians 5:13

Authorized King James Version

And to esteem them very highly in love for their work's sake. And be at peace among yourselves.

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

ἡγεῖσθαι

G2233

to esteem

to lead, i.e., command (with official authority); figuratively, to deem, i.e., consider

αὐτῶν

G846

their

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

ὑπερ

G5228

very

"over", i.e., (with the genitive case) of place, above, beyond, across, or causal, for the sake of, instead, regarding; with the accusative case super

ἐκπερισσοῦ

G4057

superabundantly

ἐν

G1722

among

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

ἀγάπῃ

G26

love

love, i.e., affection or benevolence; specially (plural) a love-feast

διὰ

G1223

for

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

τὸ

G3588

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

#10

ἔργον

G2041

work's sake

toil (as an effort or occupation); by implication, an act

#11

αὐτῶν

G846

their

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

#12

εἰρηνεύετε

G1514

And be at peace

to be (act) peaceful

#13

ἐν

G1722

among

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

#14

ἑαυτοῖς

G1438

yourselves

(him- her-, it-, them-, my-, thy-, our-, your-)self (selves), etc

Analysis

This verse develops the salvation theme central to 1 Thessalonians. The concept of love reflects the development of salvation within biblical theology. The emotional and relational language employed here is characteristic of biblical literature contributing to the canon's theological witness, emphasizing the personal nature of divine-human relationship. The original language emphasizes agape in Greek contexts or hesed in Hebrew, indicating covenantal loyalty, 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 Historical documents from this period show patron-client relationships and family loyalty concepts, illuminating the verse's original impact.

Questions for Reflection

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?
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 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