1 Thessalonians Chapter 4 · Verse 10
And indeed ye do it toward all the brethren which are in all Macedonia: but we beseech you, brethren, that ye increase more and more;
Original Language Analysis
καὶ
And
G2532
καὶ
And
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
1 of 19
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
γὰρ
indeed
G1063
γὰρ
indeed
Strong's:
G1063
Word #:
2 of 19
properly, assigning a reason (used in argument, explanation or intensification; often with other particles)
ποιεῖτε
ye do
G4160
ποιεῖτε
ye do
Strong's:
G4160
Word #:
3 of 19
to make or do (in a very wide application, more or less direct)
αὐτὸ
it
G846
αὐτὸ
it
Strong's:
G846
Word #:
4 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
εἰς
toward
G1519
εἰς
toward
Strong's:
G1519
Word #:
5 of 19
to or into (indicating the point reached or entered), of place, time, or (figuratively) purpose (result, etc.); also in adverbial phrases
τῇ
which
G3588
τῇ
which
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
7 of 19
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
ἀδελφοί
brethren
G80
ἀδελφοί
brethren
Strong's:
G80
Word #:
8 of 19
a brother (literally or figuratively) near or remote (much like g0001)
τῇ
which
G3588
τῇ
which
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
9 of 19
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
ὅλῃ
all
G3650
ὅλῃ
all
Strong's:
G3650
Word #:
11 of 19
"whole" or "all", i.e., complete (in extent, amount, time or degree), especially (neuter) as noun or adverb
τῇ
which
G3588
τῇ
which
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
12 of 19
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
παρακαλοῦμεν
we beseech
G3870
παρακαλοῦμεν
we beseech
Strong's:
G3870
Word #:
14 of 19
to call near, i.e., invite, invoke (by imploration, hortation or consolation)
ἀδελφοί
brethren
G80
ἀδελφοί
brethren
Strong's:
G80
Word #:
17 of 19
a brother (literally or figuratively) near or remote (much like g0001)
Cross References
1 Thessalonians 3:12And the Lord make you to increase and abound in love one toward another, and toward all men, even as we do toward you:Philippians 1:9And this I pray, that your love may abound yet more and more in knowledge and in all judgment;2 Thessalonians 1:3We are bound to thank God always for you, brethren, as it is meet, because that your faith groweth exceedingly, and the charity of every one of you all toward each other aboundeth;1 Thessalonians 1:7So that ye were ensamples to all that believe in Macedonia and Achaia.
Historical Context
The Thessalonians' love for believers throughout Macedonia was remarkable given their own poverty and persecution. They apparently shared resources with other churches, hosted traveling believers, and maintained fellowship despite distances and difficulties. Paul later commended Macedonian churches (including Thessalonica) for extraordinary generosity: 'their deep poverty abounded unto the riches of their liberality... beyond their power' (2 Cor 8:2-3). This sacrificial love proved their faith's authenticity and established a model for churches throughout history.
Questions for Reflection
- How does your love extend beyond your local congregation to believers regionally and globally?
- What specific actions demonstrate that your love is 'increasing more and more' rather than static or declining?
- How do you balance affirmation for present growth with exhortation toward continued increase without creating either complacency or discouragement?
Analysis & Commentary
And indeed ye do it toward all the brethren which are in all Macedonia: but we beseech you, brethren, that ye increase more and more—kai gar poieite auto eis pantas tous adelphous tous en holē tē Makedonia. parakaloumen de hymas, adelphoi, perisseuein mallon (καὶ γὰρ ποιεῖτε αὐτὸ εἰς πάντας τοὺς ἀδελφοὺς τοὺς ἐν ὅλῃ τῇ Μακεδονίᾳ. παρακαλοῦμεν δὲ ὑμᾶς, ἀδελφοί, περισσεύειν μᾶλλον). The Thessalonians' love extended beyond their local church to all the brethren in all Macedonia—believers in Philippi, Berea, and other Macedonian cities. This regional love demonstrated authentic Christianity transcending local congregationalism. Yet even exemplary love requires growth: perisseuein mallon (περισσεύειν μᾶλλον, 'to abound more and more').
Paul's pattern repeats: affirmation ('ye do it') plus exhortation ('increase more and more'). This balance prevents both complacency (resting on present attainment) and discouragement (feeling nothing is ever enough). Love should continually increase—there's no ceiling to growth in grace. The phrase 'increase more and more' echoes 3:12 (love abounding) and 4:1 (pleasing God abundantly), establishing progressive sanctification as Christian life's pattern. Believers never 'arrive' but press toward the goal (Phil 3:12-14), always growing in love, faith, and holiness.