1 Thessalonians 1:2
What does 1 Thessalonians 1:2 mean?
A plain-English look at 1 Thessalonians 1:2 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.
What 1 Thessalonians 1:2 means
Paul reveals constant gratitude to God for the Thessalonians and a habit of praying for them. He gives thanks “always” and for “you all,” showing both regularity and inclusiveness. The focus of thanks is God, not human achievement, because their faith and perseverance are ultimately His work. “Making mention” in prayers suggests a deliberate, ongoing intercession, not a passing thought. This verse opens a window into apostolic care: gratitude fuels prayer, and prayer strengthens gratitude. It also assures the church that, though physically distant, the apostles hold them close before God, reinforcing their sense of belonging and divine care in the pressures they face.
Parallel translations
WEB
World English Bible · 2000We give thanks to God always for you all, making mentionof youin our prayers;
KJV
King James Version · 1611We give thanks to God always for you all, making mention of you in our prayers;
ASV
American Standard Version · 1901We give thanks to God always for you all, making mentionof youin our prayers;
BBE
Bible in Basic English · 1949We give praise to God at all times for you, keeping you in memory in our prayers;
YLT
Young's Literal Translation · 1862We give thanks to God always for you all, making mention of you in our prayers,
DRA
Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752Grace be to you and peace. We give thanks to God always for you all: making a remembrance of you in our prayers without ceasing,
DBY
Darby Bible · 1890We give thanks toGod always for you all, making mention of you at our prayers,
Context
Moving from greeting to thanksgiving, this verse leads into the specific reasons for Paul’s gratitude in verse 3. The apostles’ prayerful remembrance will soon highlight the Thessalonians’ faith, love, and hope. The sequence matters: Paul first affirms the relationship through prayer, then names the fruit God has produced among them. Readers should see verse 2 as the hinge that turns the salutation into a heartfelt celebration of God’s work in this young, afflicted congregation.
Cross references
Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.
- Philemon 1:4
I thank my God always, making mention of thee in my prayers,
- Colossians 1:3
We give thanks to God the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, praying always for you,
- Ephesians 1:15
For this cause I also, having heard of the faith in the Lord Jesus which is among you, and the love which ye show toward all the saints,
- Philippians 1:3
I thank my God upon all my remembrance of you,
- Romans 6:17
But thanks be to God, that, whereas ye were servants of sin, ye became obedient from the heart to that form of teaching whereunto ye were delivered;
- 1 Corinthians 1:4
I thank my God always concerning you, for the grace of God which was given you in Christ Jesus;
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