2 Thessalonians 3:4

And we have confidence in the Lord touching you, that ye both do and will do the things which we command you.

Word-by-Word Analysis

πεποίθαμεν

G3982

we have confidence

to convince (by argument, true or false); by analogy, to pacify or conciliate (by other fair means); reflexively or passively, to assent (to evidence

δὲ

G1161

And

but, and, etc

ἐν

G1722

"in," at, (up-)on, by, etc

κυρίῳ

G2962

the Lord

supreme in authority, i.e., (as noun) controller; by implication, master (as a respectful title)

ἐφ'

G1909

touching

properly, meaning superimposition (of time, place, order, etc.), as a relation of distribution (with the genitive case), i.e., over, upon, etc.; of re

ὑμᾶς

G5209

you

you (as the objective of a verb or preposition)

ὅτι

G3754

that

demonstrative, that (sometimes redundant); causative, because

ἃ

G3739

the things which

the relatively (sometimes demonstrative) pronoun, who, which, what, that

παραγγέλλομεν

G3853

we command

to transmit a message, i.e., (by implication) to enjoin

#10

ὑμῖν,

G5213

you

to (with or by) you

#11

καὶ

G2532

and

and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words

#12

ποιήσετε

G4160

to make or do (in a very wide application, more or less direct)

#13

καὶ

G2532

and

and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words

#14

ποιήσετε

G4160

to make or do (in a very wide application, more or less direct)

Analysis

This verse develops the salvation theme central to 2 Thessalonians. The concept of divine sovereignty 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 the covenant name Yahweh, emphasizing God's faithfulness to His promises, 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 Historical documents from this period show cultural practices and social structures that would have been familiar to the original readers, illuminating the verse's original impact.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

How does this passage contribute to our understanding of from physical deliverance in the Old Testament to spiritual redemption in the New, and what implications does this have for Christian discipleship?
In what ways does understanding divine sovereignty in its original context challenge or deepen contemporary Christian thinking about salvation?
What systematic theological implications arise from this verse's treatment of salvation, and how does it contribute to a biblical theology of soteriology and the doctrine of salvation?