1 Thessalonians 3:11

Authorized King James Version

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Now God himself and our Father, and our Lord Jesus Christ, direct our way unto you.

Original Language Analysis

Αὐτὸς himself G846
Αὐτὸς himself
Strong's: G846
Word #: 1 of 19
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
δὲ Now G1161
δὲ Now
Strong's: G1161
Word #: 2 of 19
but, and, etc
ὁ G3588
ὁ
Strong's: G3588
Word #: 3 of 19
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
θεὸς God G2316
θεὸς God
Strong's: G2316
Word #: 4 of 19
a deity, especially (with g3588) the supreme divinity; figuratively, a magistrate; exceedingly (by hebraism)
καὶ and G2532
καὶ and
Strong's: G2532
Word #: 5 of 19
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
πατὴρ Father G3962
πατὴρ Father
Strong's: G3962
Word #: 6 of 19
a "father" (literally or figuratively, near or more remote)
ἡμῶν our G2257
ἡμῶν our
Strong's: G2257
Word #: 7 of 19
of (or from) us
καὶ and G2532
καὶ and
Strong's: G2532
Word #: 8 of 19
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
ὁ G3588
ὁ
Strong's: G3588
Word #: 9 of 19
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
κύριος Lord G2962
κύριος Lord
Strong's: G2962
Word #: 10 of 19
supreme in authority, i.e., (as noun) controller; by implication, master (as a respectful title)
ἡμῶν our G2257
ἡμῶν our
Strong's: G2257
Word #: 11 of 19
of (or from) us
Ἰησοῦς Jesus G2424
Ἰησοῦς Jesus
Strong's: G2424
Word #: 12 of 19
jesus (i.e., jehoshua), the name of our lord and two (three) other israelites
Χριστός Christ G5547
Χριστός Christ
Strong's: G5547
Word #: 13 of 19
anointed, i.e., the messiah, an epithet of jesus
κατευθύναι direct G2720
κατευθύναι direct
Strong's: G2720
Word #: 14 of 19
to straighten fully, i.e., (figuratively) direct
τὴν G3588
τὴν
Strong's: G3588
Word #: 15 of 19
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
ὁδὸν way G3598
ὁδὸν way
Strong's: G3598
Word #: 16 of 19
a road; by implication, a progress (the route, act or distance); figuratively, a mode or means
ἡμῶν our G2257
ἡμῶν our
Strong's: G2257
Word #: 17 of 19
of (or from) us
πρὸς unto G4314
πρὸς unto
Strong's: G4314
Word #: 18 of 19
a preposition of direction; forward to, i.e., toward (with the genitive case, the side of, i.e., pertaining to; with the dative case, by the side of,
ὑμᾶς· you G5209
ὑμᾶς· you
Strong's: G5209
Word #: 19 of 19
you (as the objective of a verb or preposition)

Analysis & Commentary

Now God himself and our Father, and our Lord Jesus Christ, direct our way unto you—autos de ho Theos kai Patēr hēmōn kai ho Kyrios hēmōn Iēsous kateuthynai tēn hodon hēmōn pros hymas (αὐτὸς δὲ ὁ Θεὸς καὶ Πατὴρ ἡμῶν καὶ ὁ Κύριος ἡμῶν Ἰησοῦς κατευθύναι τὴν ὁδὸν ἡμῶν πρὸς ὑμᾶς). Note the singular verb kateuthynai (κατευθύναι, 'may he direct') despite compound subject (God the Father and Lord Jesus Christ)—implying unity of divine persons. Kateuthynō means 'to make straight, guide directly.' Paul prays for divine removal of obstacles (2:18) preventing reunion.

This prayer reveals sovereignty's practicality: Paul made plans, sent Timothy, wrote letters—yet ultimately depended on God to 'direct our way.' Human effort and divine sovereignty aren't competitive but complementary. The phrase autos de ('himself') emphasizes God personally, not merely circumstances. Satan hindered (2:18); only God can override satanic opposition. The inclusion of Jesus Christ as joint subject of prayer addressed to God demonstrates Paul's high Christology—he prays to God and Christ interchangeably, implying Christ's deity. This casual trinitarian language predates later creedal formulations yet assumes divine unity-in-plurality.

Historical Context

Paul probably never returned to Thessalonica during this missionary journey (Acts ended before recording such a visit, though 2 Cor 7:5; 8:1 imply later Macedonian ministry). His prayer for divine direction wasn't answered immediately—teaching patient submission to God's timing. Yet the prayer's spirit (pastoral love, concern for completing their instruction) was answered through this letter and possibly later visits. God sometimes denies specific requests while granting broader intentions. Paul wanted personal reunion; God provided written instruction (this epistle) that has benefited countless believers beyond the Thessalonians.

Questions for Reflection