2 Thessalonians 2:13
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:
Original Language Analysis
ὀφείλομεν
are bound
G3784
ὀφείλομεν
are bound
Strong's:
G3784
Word #:
3 of 28
to owe (pecuniarily); figuratively, to be under obligation (ought, must, should); morally, to fail in duty
εὐχαριστεῖν
to give thanks
G2168
εὐχαριστεῖν
to give thanks
Strong's:
G2168
Word #:
4 of 28
to be grateful, i.e., (actively) to express gratitude (towards); specially, to say grace at a meal
τῷ
G3588
τῷ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
5 of 28
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
θεὸς
God
G2316
θεὸς
God
Strong's:
G2316
Word #:
6 of 28
a deity, especially (with g3588) the supreme divinity; figuratively, a magistrate; exceedingly (by hebraism)
περὶ
for
G4012
περὶ
for
Strong's:
G4012
Word #:
8 of 28
properly, through (all over), i.e., around; figuratively with respect to; used in various applications, of place, cause or time (with the genitive cas
ἀδελφοὶ
brethren
G80
ἀδελφοὶ
brethren
Strong's:
G80
Word #:
10 of 28
a brother (literally or figuratively) near or remote (much like g0001)
ὑπὸ
of
G5259
ὑπὸ
of
Strong's:
G5259
Word #:
12 of 28
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 (
κυρίου
the Lord
G2962
κυρίου
the Lord
Strong's:
G2962
Word #:
13 of 28
supreme in authority, i.e., (as noun) controller; by implication, master (as a respectful title)
ὅτι
because
G3754
ὅτι
because
Strong's:
G3754
Word #:
14 of 28
demonstrative, that (sometimes redundant); causative, because
ὁ
G3588
ὁ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
17 of 28
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
θεὸς
God
G2316
θεὸς
God
Strong's:
G2316
Word #:
18 of 28
a deity, especially (with g3588) the supreme divinity; figuratively, a magistrate; exceedingly (by hebraism)
ἀπ'
from
G575
ἀπ'
from
Strong's:
G575
Word #:
19 of 28
"off," i.e., away (from something near), in various senses (of place, time, or relation; literal or figurative)
αρχῆς
the beginning
G746
αρχῆς
the beginning
Strong's:
G746
Word #:
20 of 28
(properly abstract) a commencement, or (concretely) chief (in various applications of order, time, place, or rank)
εἰς
to
G1519
εἰς
to
Strong's:
G1519
Word #:
21 of 28
to or into (indicating the point reached or entered), of place, time, or (figuratively) purpose (result, etc.); also in adverbial phrases
ἁγιασμῷ
sanctification
G38
ἁγιασμῷ
sanctification
Strong's:
G38
Word #:
24 of 28
properly, purification, i.e., (the state) purity; concretely (by hebraism) a purifier
πνεύματος
of the Spirit
G4151
πνεύματος
of the Spirit
Strong's:
G4151
Word #:
25 of 28
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
καὶ
and
G2532
καὶ
and
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
26 of 28
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
Cross References
2 Timothy 1:9Who hath saved us, and called us with an holy calling, not according to our works, but according to his own purpose and grace, which was given us in Christ Jesus before the world began,1 Thessalonians 5:9For God hath not appointed us to wrath, but to obtain salvation by our Lord Jesus Christ,1 Thessalonians 1:4Knowing, brethren beloved, your election of God.Romans 9:11(For the children being not yet born, neither having done any good or evil, that the purpose of God according to election might stand, not of works, but of him that calleth;)Acts 13:48And when the Gentiles heard this, they were glad, and glorified the word of the Lord: and as many as were ordained to eternal life believed.Isaiah 46:10Declaring the end from the beginning, and from ancient times the things that are not yet done, saying, My counsel shall stand, and I will do all my pleasure:Ezekiel 16:8Now when I passed by thee, and looked upon thee, behold, thy time was the time of love; and I spread my skirt over thee, and covered thy nakedness: yea, I sware unto thee, and entered into a covenant with thee, saith the Lord GOD, and thou becamest mine.Daniel 9:23At the beginning of thy supplications the commandment came forth, and I am come to shew thee; for thou art greatly beloved: therefore understand the matter, and consider the vision.2 Thessalonians 1:3We 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;1 John 4:10Herein is love, not that we loved God, but that he loved us, and sent his Son to be the propitiation for our sins.
Historical Context
Thessalonian believers, once pagan idolaters, were now in Christ—evidence of gracious election, not human merit. Paul's doctrine of predestination comforted persecuted Christians: their salvation didn't depend on circumstances or perseverance but on God's eternal purpose.
Questions for Reflection
- How does God's electing love comfort you in trials where you feel spiritually weak?
- How do divine election and human belief of truth both operate in salvation without contradiction?
- Why does Paul immediately move from warning the damned to thanking God for the elect?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
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—But contrasts the damned (v. 12) with the saved. Opheilomen (ὀφείλομεν, 'we owe') thanksgiving for brethren beloved of the Lord (adelphoi ēgapēmenoi hypo Kyriou, ἀδελφοὶ ἠγαπημένοι ὑπὸ Κυρίου)—divine love secures them.
God hath from the beginning chosen you (heilato hymas ap' archēs, εἵλατο ὑμᾶς ἀπ' ἀρχῆς)—election before time. To salvation specifies the goal. The means: sanctification of the Spirit (Holy Spirit's setting apart) and belief of the truth (faith response). Divine sovereignty (election) and human responsibility (belief) cooperate. Those who love truth (v. 10) are those God chose.