2 Thessalonians 2:13

Authorized King James Version

But 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:

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
Ἡμεῖς
G2249
we
we (only used when emphatic)
#2
δὲ
G1161
But
but, and, etc
#3
ὀφείλομεν
G3784
are bound
to owe (pecuniarily); figuratively, to be under obligation (ought, must, should); morally, to fail in duty
#4
εὐχαριστεῖν
G2168
to give thanks
to be grateful, i.e., (actively) to express gratitude (towards); specially, to say grace at a meal
#5
τῷ
G3588
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#6
θεὸς
G2316
God
a deity, especially (with g3588) the supreme divinity; figuratively, a magistrate; exceedingly (by hebraism)
#7
πάντοτε
G3842
alway
every when, i.e., at all times
#8
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
#9
ὑμῶν
G5216
you
of (from or concerning) you
#10
ἀδελφοὶ
G80
brethren
a brother (literally or figuratively) near or remote (much like g0001)
#11
ἠγαπημένοι
G25
beloved
to love (in a social or moral sense)
#12
ὑπὸ
G5259
of
under, i.e., (with the genitive case) of place (beneath), or with verbs (the agency or means, through); (with the accusative case) of place (whither (
#13
κυρίου
G2962
the Lord
supreme in authority, i.e., (as noun) controller; by implication, master (as a respectful title)
#14
ὅτι
G3754
because
demonstrative, that (sometimes redundant); causative, because
#15
εἵλετο
G138
chosen
to take for oneself, i.e., to prefer
#16
ὑμᾶς
G5209
you
you (as the objective of a verb or preposition)
#17
ὁ
G3588
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#18
θεὸς
G2316
God
a deity, especially (with g3588) the supreme divinity; figuratively, a magistrate; exceedingly (by hebraism)
#19
ἀπ'
G575
from
"off," i.e., away (from something near), in various senses (of place, time, or relation; literal or figurative)
#20
αρχῆς
G746
the beginning
(properly abstract) a commencement, or (concretely) chief (in various applications of order, time, place, or rank)
#21
εἰς
G1519
to
to or into (indicating the point reached or entered), of place, time, or (figuratively) purpose (result, etc.); also in adverbial phrases
#22
σωτηρίαν
G4991
salvation
rescue or safety (physically or morally)
#23
ἐν
G1722
through
"in," at, (up-)on, by, etc
#24
ἁγιασμῷ
G38
sanctification
properly, purification, i.e., (the state) purity; concretely (by hebraism) a purifier
#25
πνεύματος
G4151
of the Spirit
a current of air, i.e., breath (blast) or a breeze; by analogy or figuratively, a spirit, i.e., (human) the rational soul, (by implication) vital prin
#26
καὶ
G2532
and
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
#27
πίστει
G4102
belief
persuasion, i.e., credence; moral conviction (of religious truth, or the truthfulness of god or a religious teacher), especially reliance upon christ
#28
ἀληθείας
G225
of the truth
truth

Analysis

Within the broader context of 2 Thessalonians, this passage highlights salvation through declarative statements that establish theological truth. The theological weight of love connects to fundamental Christian doctrine about love, contributing to our understanding of God's nature and relationship with humanity. This verse contributes to the book's overall argument by building upon previous themes while advancing the overall message of 2 Thessalonians.

Historical Context

The literary and historical milieu of the literary conventions and historical circumstances of biblical literature shapes this text's meaning. The historical development of salvation within the theological tradition of 2 Thessalonians Understanding the ancient worldview that shaped the author's theological expression helps modern readers appreciate why the author emphasizes love in this particular way.

Questions for Reflection