2 Thessalonians 1:3

Authorized King James Version

We 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;

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
Εὐχαριστεῖν
G2168
to thank
to be grateful, i.e., (actively) to express gratitude (towards); specially, to say grace at a meal
#2
ὀφείλομεν
G3784
We are bound
to owe (pecuniarily); figuratively, to be under obligation (ought, must, should); morally, to fail in duty
#3
τῷ
G3588
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#4
θεῷ
G2316
God
a deity, especially (with g3588) the supreme divinity; figuratively, a magistrate; exceedingly (by hebraism)
#5
πάντοτε
G3842
always
every when, i.e., at all times
#6
περὶ
G4012
for
properly, through (all over), i.e., around; figuratively with respect to; used in various applications, of place, cause or time (with the genitive cas
#7
ὑμῶν
G5216
of you
of (from or concerning) you
#8
ἀδελφοί
G80
brethren
a brother (literally or figuratively) near or remote (much like g0001)
#9
καθὼς
G2531
as
just (or inasmuch) as, that
#10
ἄξιόν
G514
meet
deserving, comparable or suitable (as if drawing praise)
#11
ἐστιν
G2076
it is
he (she or it) is; also (with neuter plural) they are
#12
ὅτι
G3754
because
demonstrative, that (sometimes redundant); causative, because
#13
ὑπεραυξάνει
G5232
groweth exceedingly
to increase above ordinary degree
#14
ἡ
G3588
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#15
πίστις
G4102
faith
persuasion, i.e., credence; moral conviction (of religious truth, or the truthfulness of god or a religious teacher), especially reliance upon christ
#16
ὑμῶν
G5216
of you
of (from or concerning) you
#17
καὶ
G2532
and
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
#18
πλεονάζει
G4121
aboundeth
to do, make or be more, i.e., increase (transitively or intransitively); by extension, to superabound
#19
ἡ
G3588
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#20
ἀγάπη
G26
the charity
love, i.e., affection or benevolence; specially (plural) a love-feast
#21
ἑνὸς
G1520
one
one
#22
ἑκάστου
G1538
of every
each or every
#23
πάντων
G3956
all
all, any, every, the whole
#24
ὑμῶν
G5216
of you
of (from or concerning) you
#25
εἰς
G1519
toward
to or into (indicating the point reached or entered), of place, time, or (figuratively) purpose (result, etc.); also in adverbial phrases
#26
ἀλλήλους
G240
each other
one another

Analysis

This verse develops the salvation theme central to 2 Thessalonians. The concept of faith reflects the development of salvation within biblical theology. The divine name or title here functions within biblical literature contributing to the canon's theological witness to establish theological authority and covenantal relationship. The original language emphasizes pistis in Greek, encompassing both belief and faithfulness, 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 cultural practices and social structures that would have been familiar to the original readers, illuminating the verse's original impact.

Questions for Reflection