2 Thessalonians 3:5

Authorized King James Version

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And the Lord direct your hearts into the love of God, and into the patient waiting for Christ.

Original Language Analysis

Ὁ G3588
Ὁ
Strong's: G3588
Word #: 1 of 17
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
δὲ And G1161
δὲ And
Strong's: G1161
Word #: 2 of 17
but, and, etc
κύριος the Lord G2962
κύριος the Lord
Strong's: G2962
Word #: 3 of 17
supreme in authority, i.e., (as noun) controller; by implication, master (as a respectful title)
κατευθύναι direct G2720
κατευθύναι direct
Strong's: G2720
Word #: 4 of 17
to straighten fully, i.e., (figuratively) direct
ὑμῶν your G5216
ὑμῶν your
Strong's: G5216
Word #: 5 of 17
of (from or concerning) you
τὰς G3588
τὰς
Strong's: G3588
Word #: 6 of 17
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
καρδίας hearts G2588
καρδίας hearts
Strong's: G2588
Word #: 7 of 17
the heart, i.e., (figuratively) the thoughts or feelings (mind); also (by analogy) the middle
εἰς into G1519
εἰς into
Strong's: G1519
Word #: 8 of 17
to or into (indicating the point reached or entered), of place, time, or (figuratively) purpose (result, etc.); also in adverbial phrases
τὴν G3588
τὴν
Strong's: G3588
Word #: 9 of 17
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
ἀγάπην the love G26
ἀγάπην the love
Strong's: G26
Word #: 10 of 17
love, i.e., affection or benevolence; specially (plural) a love-feast
τοῦ G3588
τοῦ
Strong's: G3588
Word #: 11 of 17
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
θεοῦ of God G2316
θεοῦ of God
Strong's: G2316
Word #: 12 of 17
a deity, especially (with g3588) the supreme divinity; figuratively, a magistrate; exceedingly (by hebraism)
καὶ and G2532
καὶ and
Strong's: G2532
Word #: 13 of 17
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
εἰς into G1519
εἰς into
Strong's: G1519
Word #: 14 of 17
to or into (indicating the point reached or entered), of place, time, or (figuratively) purpose (result, etc.); also in adverbial phrases
ὑπομονὴν the patient waiting G5281
ὑπομονὴν the patient waiting
Strong's: G5281
Word #: 15 of 17
cheerful (or hopeful) endurance, constancy
τοῦ G3588
τοῦ
Strong's: G3588
Word #: 16 of 17
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
Χριστοῦ for Christ G5547
Χριστοῦ for Christ
Strong's: G5547
Word #: 17 of 17
anointed, i.e., the messiah, an epithet of jesus

Analysis & Commentary

And the Lord direct your hearts into the love of God, and into the patient waiting for Christ—Paul prays the Lord direct your hearts (ho Kyrios kateuthynai hymas tas kardias, ὁ Κύριος κατευθύναι ὑμᾶς τὰς καρδίας, 'may the Lord make straight your hearts'). The goal: into the love of God (eis tēn agapēn tou Theou, εἰς τὴν ἀγάπην τοῦ Θεοῦ)—probably God's love for us (objective genitive), though loving God (subjective) is also implied.

And into the patient waiting for Christ (kai eis tēn hypomonēn tou Christou, καὶ εἰς τὴν ὑπομονὴν τοῦ Χριστοῦ)—either 'patient endurance like Christ's' or 'steadfast waiting for Christ.' Probably both. Hearts wander; God must redirect them toward His love and Christ's return. Proper eschatology produces patience, not panic.

Historical Context

The Thessalonians' eschatological confusion (2:2) produced either panicked idleness or discouragement. Paul redirects focus to God's faithful love and patient endurance until Christ's actual return. Right doctrine yields right living.

Questions for Reflection

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