2 Thessalonians 3:1

Authorized King James Version

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Finally, brethren, pray for us, that the word of the Lord may have free course, and be glorified, even as it is with you:

Original Language Analysis

Τὸ G3588
Τὸ
Strong's: G3588
Word #: 1 of 18
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
λοιπὸν Finally G3063
λοιπὸν Finally
Strong's: G3063
Word #: 2 of 18
something remaining (adverbially)
προσεύχεσθε pray G4336
προσεύχεσθε pray
Strong's: G4336
Word #: 3 of 18
to pray to god, i.e., supplicate, worship
ἀδελφοί brethren G80
ἀδελφοί brethren
Strong's: G80
Word #: 4 of 18
a brother (literally or figuratively) near or remote (much like g0001)
περὶ for G4012
περὶ for
Strong's: G4012
Word #: 5 of 18
properly, through (all over), i.e., around; figuratively with respect to; used in various applications, of place, cause or time (with the genitive cas
ἡμῶν us G2257
ἡμῶν us
Strong's: G2257
Word #: 6 of 18
of (or from) us
ἵνα that G2443
ἵνα that
Strong's: G2443
Word #: 7 of 18
in order that (denoting the purpose or the result)
ὁ G3588
ὁ
Strong's: G3588
Word #: 8 of 18
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
λόγος the word G3056
λόγος the word
Strong's: G3056
Word #: 9 of 18
something said (including the thought); by implication, a topic (subject of discourse), also reasoning (the mental faculty) or motive; by extension, a
τοῦ G3588
τοῦ
Strong's: G3588
Word #: 10 of 18
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
κυρίου of the Lord G2962
κυρίου of the Lord
Strong's: G2962
Word #: 11 of 18
supreme in authority, i.e., (as noun) controller; by implication, master (as a respectful title)
τρέχῃ may have free course G5143
τρέχῃ may have free course
Strong's: G5143
Word #: 12 of 18
which uses ????? <pronunciation strongs="drem'-o"/> (the base of g1408) as alternate in certain tenses; to run or walk hastily (literally or figurativ
καὶ and G2532
καὶ and
Strong's: G2532
Word #: 13 of 18
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
δοξάζηται be glorified G1392
δοξάζηται be glorified
Strong's: G1392
Word #: 14 of 18
to render (or esteem) glorious (in a wide application)
καθὼς as G2531
καθὼς as
Strong's: G2531
Word #: 15 of 18
just (or inasmuch) as, that
καὶ and G2532
καὶ and
Strong's: G2532
Word #: 16 of 18
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
πρὸς it is with G4314
πρὸς it is with
Strong's: G4314
Word #: 17 of 18
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 #: 18 of 18
you (as the objective of a verb or preposition)

Analysis & Commentary

Finally, brethren, pray for us, that the word of the Lord may have free course, and be glorified, even as it is with you—Finally (to loipon, τὸ λοιπόν, 'for the rest') transitions to closing exhortations. Paul requests pray for us (proseuchesthe peri hēmōn, προσεύχεσθε περὶ ἡμῶν)—apostles need prayer support. The petition: that the word of the Lord may have free course (ho logos tou Kyriou trechē, ὁ λόγος τοῦ Κυρίου τρέχῃ, 'run' like an athlete).

And be glorified (doxazētai, δοξάζηται)—honored, acclaimed. Even as it is with you—the Thessalonians' reception of the gospel exemplifies what Paul desires everywhere. God's word advances or stalls based on reception. Prayer removes obstacles, enabling rapid spread and glorious reception of truth.

Historical Context

Paul likely wrote from Corinth, facing fierce Jewish opposition (Acts 18:5-6, 12-13). He needed prayer for protection and effectiveness. The gospel's advance wasn't automatic but required both divine power and human intercession. Ancient travel and communication barriers made prayer vital.

Questions for Reflection

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