2 Thessalonians 1:3
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;
Original Language Analysis
Εὐχαριστεῖν
to thank
G2168
Εὐχαριστεῖν
to thank
Strong's:
G2168
Word #:
1 of 26
to be grateful, i.e., (actively) to express gratitude (towards); specially, to say grace at a meal
ὀφείλομεν
We are bound
G3784
ὀφείλομεν
We are bound
Strong's:
G3784
Word #:
2 of 26
to owe (pecuniarily); figuratively, to be under obligation (ought, must, should); morally, to fail in duty
τῷ
G3588
τῷ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
3 of 26
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
θεῷ
God
G2316
θεῷ
God
Strong's:
G2316
Word #:
4 of 26
a deity, especially (with g3588) the supreme divinity; figuratively, a magistrate; exceedingly (by hebraism)
περὶ
for
G4012
περὶ
for
Strong's:
G4012
Word #:
6 of 26
properly, through (all over), i.e., around; figuratively with respect to; used in various applications, of place, cause or time (with the genitive cas
ἀδελφοί
brethren
G80
ἀδελφοί
brethren
Strong's:
G80
Word #:
8 of 26
a brother (literally or figuratively) near or remote (much like g0001)
ὅτι
because
G3754
ὅτι
because
Strong's:
G3754
Word #:
12 of 26
demonstrative, that (sometimes redundant); causative, because
ἡ
G3588
ἡ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
14 of 26
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
πίστις
faith
G4102
πίστις
faith
Strong's:
G4102
Word #:
15 of 26
persuasion, i.e., credence; moral conviction (of religious truth, or the truthfulness of god or a religious teacher), especially reliance upon christ
καὶ
and
G2532
καὶ
and
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
17 of 26
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
πλεονάζει
aboundeth
G4121
πλεονάζει
aboundeth
Strong's:
G4121
Word #:
18 of 26
to do, make or be more, i.e., increase (transitively or intransitively); by extension, to superabound
ἡ
G3588
ἡ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
19 of 26
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
ἀγάπη
the charity
G26
ἀγάπη
the charity
Strong's:
G26
Word #:
20 of 26
love, i.e., affection or benevolence; specially (plural) a love-feast
Cross References
Proverbs 4:18But the path of the just is as the shining light, that shineth more and more unto the perfect day.2 Peter 3:18But grow in grace, and in the knowledge of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. To him be glory both now and for ever. Amen.1 Thessalonians 4:1Furthermore then we beseech you, brethren, and exhort you by the Lord Jesus, that as ye have received of us how ye ought to walk and to please God, so ye would abound more and more.2 Thessalonians 2:13But we are bound to give thanks alway to God for you, brethren beloved of the Lord, because God hath from the beginning chosen you to salvation through sanctification of the Spirit and belief of the truth:Romans 1:8First, I thank my God through Jesus Christ for you all, that your faith is spoken of throughout the whole world.John 15:2Every branch in me that beareth not fruit he taketh away: and every branch that beareth fruit, he purgeth it, that it may bring forth more fruit.1 Thessalonians 3:9For what thanks can we render to God again for you, for all the joy wherewith we joy for your sakes before our God;1 Peter 1:22Seeing ye have purified your souls in obeying the truth through the Spirit unto unfeigned love of the brethren, see that ye love one another with a pure heart fervently:Philippians 1:9And this I pray, that your love may abound yet more and more in knowledge and in all judgment;
Historical Context
The Thessalonian church was young (perhaps only 1-2 years old) and faced relentless opposition. Paul's earlier ministry there lasted mere weeks (Acts 17:2). Yet their explosive growth in faith and love testified to the Spirit's power, not human wisdom or favorable circumstances.
Questions for Reflection
- Is your faith 'super-growing' under pressure, or merely surviving?
- How specifically do you demonstrate love to 'every one' in your church, including the difficult?
- Why does Paul consider thanksgiving for believers' growth not optional but obligatory?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
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—Paul's thanksgiving is obligatory (opheilomen, ὀφείλομεν, 'we owe'). Their pistis (πίστις, faith) is growing exceedingly (hyperauxanei, ὑπεραυξάνει), a rare compound meaning 'super-growing,' used only here in the NT.
Their agapē (ἀγάπη, self-sacrificing love) abounds (pleonazei, πλεονάζει)—overflows beyond measure. Despite persecution, the Thessalonians' faith didn't merely survive but thrived. Each believer loved every one, not selectively. This commendation precedes Paul's stern correction in chapter 2, following the biblical pattern of affirmation before rebuke.