Devine Scripture

1 Thessalonians 1:9

What does 1 Thessalonians 1:9 mean?

A plain-English look at 1 Thessalonians 1:9 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.

What 1 Thessalonians 1:9 means

The widespread reports recounted two key facts: how the missionaries first came to Thessalonica, and how the Thessalonians responded by turning to God from idols. Their conversion was a decisive reorientation—from false gods to the “living and true God.” It was not mere belief but a transfer of service and loyalty. In a city filled with pagan worship, this change was unmistakable and costly, providing strong evidence of God’s work. The living God stands in contrast to lifeless idols; serving Him means entering into real relationship and obedient worship. Outsiders could see that a fundamental allegiance had shifted in these believers.

Parallel translations

WEB

World English Bible · 2000

For they themselves report concerning us what manner of entering in we had unto you; and how ye turned unto God from idols, to serve a living and true God,

KJV

King James Version · 1611

For they themselves shew of us what manner of entering in we had unto you, and how ye turned to God from idols to serve the living and true God;

ASV

American Standard Version · 1901

For they themselves report concerning us what manner of entering in we had unto you; and how ye turned unto God from idols, to serve a living and true God,

BBE

Bible in Basic English · 1949

For they themselves give the news of how we came among you; and how you were turned from images to God, to the worship of a true and living God,

YLT

Young's Literal Translation · 1862

for they themselves concerning us do declare what entrance we had unto you, and how ye did turn unto God from the idols, to serve a living and true God,

DRA

Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752

For they themselves relate of us, what manner of entering in we had unto you: and how you turned to God from idols to serve the living and true God.

DBY

Darby Bible · 1890

for they themselves relate concerning us what entering in we had to you, and how ye turned toGod from idols to serve a living and trueGod,

Context

This verse gives the content of the reputation described in verse 8. It focuses first on their past turning—repentance manifested in abandoning idolatry and embracing service to God. Verse 10 will complete the picture by adding their forward-looking hope. Together, verses 9–10 portray the Christian life as both active service in the present and eager expectation for the future, crystallizing the earlier triad of faith, love, and hope.

v.8For from you hath sounded forth the word of the Lord, not only in Macedonia and Achaia, but in every place your faith to God-ward is gone forth; so that we need not to speak anything.

v.9This passage

v.10and to wait for his Son from heaven, whom he raised from the dead, even Jesus, who delivereth us from the wrath to come.

Cross references

Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.

  • 1 Thessalonians 2:13

    And for this cause we also thank God without ceasing, that, when ye received from us the word of the message, even the word of God, ye accepted it not as the word of men, but, as it is in truth, the word of God, which also worketh in you that believe.

  • 1 Timothy 4:10

    For to this end we labor and strive, because we have our hope set on the living God, who is the Saviour of all men, specially of them that believe.

  • Isaiah 37:4

    It may be Jehovah thy God will hear the words of Rabshakeh, whom the king of Assyria his master hath sent to defy the living God, and will rebuke the words which Jehovah thy God hath heard: wherefore lift up thy prayer for the remnant that is left.

  • Malachi 1:11

    For from the rising of the sun even unto the going down of the same my name shall be great among the Gentiles; and in every place incense shall be offered unto my name, and a pure offering: for my name shall be great among the Gentiles, saith Jehovah of hosts.

  • Isaiah 37:17

    Incline thine ear, O Jehovah, and hear; open thine eyes, O Jehovah, and see; and hear all the words of Sennacherib, who hath sent to defy the living God.

  • Psalms 42:2

    My soul thirsteth for God, for the living God: When shall I come and appear before God?

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