1 Thessalonians 2:19
For what is our hope, or joy, or crown of rejoicing? Are not even ye in the presence of our Lord Jesus Christ at his coming?
Original Language Analysis
τίς
what
G5101
τίς
what
Strong's:
G5101
Word #:
1 of 23
an interrogative pronoun, who, which or what (in direct or indirect questions)
γὰρ
For
G1063
γὰρ
For
Strong's:
G1063
Word #:
2 of 23
properly, assigning a reason (used in argument, explanation or intensification; often with other particles)
στέφανος
crown
G4735
στέφανος
crown
Strong's:
G4735
Word #:
8 of 23
a chaplet (as a badge of royalty, a prize in the public games or a symbol of honor generally; but more conspicuous and elaborate than the simple fille
καυχήσεως
of rejoicing
G2746
καυχήσεως
of rejoicing
Strong's:
G2746
Word #:
9 of 23
boasting (properly, the act; by implication, the object), in a good or a bad sense
καὶ
even
G2532
καὶ
even
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
12 of 23
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
ἔμπροσθεν
in the presence
G1715
ἔμπροσθεν
in the presence
Strong's:
G1715
Word #:
14 of 23
in front of (in place (literally or figuratively) or time)
τοῦ
G3588
τοῦ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
15 of 23
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
κυρίου
Lord
G2962
κυρίου
Lord
Strong's:
G2962
Word #:
16 of 23
supreme in authority, i.e., (as noun) controller; by implication, master (as a respectful title)
Ἰησοῦ
Jesus
G2424
Ἰησοῦ
Jesus
Strong's:
G2424
Word #:
18 of 23
jesus (i.e., jehoshua), the name of our lord and two (three) other israelites
τῇ
G3588
τῇ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
21 of 23
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
Cross References
Philippians 4:1Therefore, my brethren dearly beloved and longed for, my joy and crown, so stand fast in the Lord, my dearly beloved.1 Thessalonians 3:13To the end he may stablish your hearts unblameable in holiness before God, even our Father, at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ with all his saints.2 Corinthians 1:14As also ye have acknowledged us in part, that we are your rejoicing, even as ye also are our's in the day of the Lord Jesus.1 Thessalonians 5:23And the very God of peace sanctify you wholly; and I pray God your whole spirit and soul and body be preserved blameless unto the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ.Philippians 2:16Holding forth the word of life; that I may rejoice in the day of Christ, that I have not run in vain, neither laboured in vain.1 Corinthians 15:23But every man in his own order: Christ the firstfruits; afterward they that are Christ's at his coming.Matthew 16:27For the Son of man shall come in the glory of his Father with his angels; and then he shall reward every man according to his works.1 John 2:28And now, little children, abide in him; that, when he shall appear, we may have confidence, and not be ashamed before him at his coming.Revelation 1:7Behold, he cometh with clouds; and every eye shall see him, and they also which pierced him: and all kindreds of the earth shall wail because of him. Even so, Amen.Revelation 22:12And, behold, I come quickly; and my reward is with me, to give every man according as his work shall be.
Historical Context
Athletic imagery resonated in Greco-Roman culture, where victorious athletes received laurel wreaths (stephanos) and public honor. Paul transforms this imagery: the true victory wreath isn't personal achievement but fruitful ministry producing believers who persevere to Christ's return. The emphasis on parousia reflects early Christian expectation of Christ's imminent return, though Paul doesn't date-set (5:1-3). This hope sustained perseverance—present suffering was temporary; coming glory and reunion with Christ were permanent.
Questions for Reflection
- How does viewing spiritual children as your 'crown of rejoicing' at Christ's coming change your approach to discipleship and evangelism?
- What evidence demonstrates that your present ministry priorities are oriented toward fruit at Christ's return rather than comfort or recognition now?
- How does expectation of Christ's <em>parousia</em> (coming) affect your evaluation of present suffering, sacrifice, and service?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
For what is our hope, or joy, or crown of rejoicing? Are not even ye in the presence of our Lord Jesus Christ at his coming?—tis gar hēmōn elpis ē chara ē stephanos kauchēseōs ē ouchi kai hymeis emprosthen tou Kyriou hēmōn Iēsou en tē autou parousia (τίς γὰρ ἡμῶν ἐλπὶς ἢ χαρὰ ἢ στέφανος καυχήσεως ἢ οὐχὶ καὶ ὑμεῖς ἔμπροσθεν τοῦ Κυρίου ἡμῶν Ἰησοῦ ἐν τῇ αὐτοῦ παρουσίᾳ; 'For what is our hope or joy or crown of boasting? Is it not even you before our Lord Jesus at his coming?'). Stephanos (στέφανος) is the victor's wreath, not royal diadema—the reward for faithful service.
At his coming (parousia, παρουσία)—first explicit mention of Christ's return in Paul's letters, a theme dominating 1 Thessalonians (2:19; 3:13; 4:15; 5:23). Parousia meant 'presence' or 'arrival' (especially of royalty or military commanders); Paul applies it to Christ's triumphant return. The Thessalonians themselves are Paul's 'crown'—successful ministry produces spiritual children who will stand before Christ at His return. This future orientation transforms present suffering: what matters isn't comfort now but fruit then, when Christ evaluates ministry (1 Cor 3:12-15; 2 Cor 5:10).