1 Thessalonians 2:10
What does 1 Thessalonians 2:10 mean?
A plain-English look at 1 Thessalonians 2:10 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.
What 1 Thessalonians 2:10 means
Paul appeals to a double witness—“Ye are witnesses, and God also”—regarding their behavior: holy toward God, righteous in dealings with others, and blameless in public reproach. This threefold description covers piety, justice, and reputation. Their conduct matched their creed. Such consistency is powerful evidence that the Gospel they preached is true and transformative. By living uprightly “toward you that believe,” they did not undermine the faith of new converts by hypocrisy. Invoking God as witness underscores that integrity is measured before Him, not only before human observers. The Thessalonians can recall many examples of this steady, transparent life.
Parallel translations
WEB
World English Bible · 2000Ye are witnesses, and God also, how holily and righteously and unblamably we behaved ourselves toward you that believe:
KJV
King James Version · 1611Ye are witnesses, and God also, how holily and justly and unblameably we behaved ourselves among you that believe:
ASV
American Standard Version · 1901Ye are witnesses, and God also, how holily and righteously and unblamably we behaved ourselves toward you that believe:
BBE
Bible in Basic English · 1949You are witnesses, with God, how holy and upright and free from all evil was our way of life among you who have faith;
YLT
Young's Literal Translation · 1862ye <FI>are<Fi> witnesses--God also--how kindly and righteously, and blamelessly to you who believe we became,
DRA
Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752You are witnesses, and God also, how holily and justly and without blame we have been to you that have believed:
DBY
Darby Bible · 1890Ye [are] witnesses, andGod, how piously and righteously and blamelessly we have conducted ourselves with you that believe:
Context
Verses 9–10 pair sacrificial labor with moral integrity as evidence of sincerity. Having described how they refused to burden the church, Paul now testifies to the quality of their behavior. This prepares for verses 11–12, where he describes their fatherly exhortations aimed at a worthy walk. The flow moves from what the apostles modeled to what they urged, showing that example and instruction went hand in hand in their ministry.
v.9For ye remember, brethren, our labor and travail: working night and day, that we might not burden any of you, we preached unto you the gospel of God.
v.10This passage
v.11as ye know how we dealt with each one of you, as a father with his own children, exhorting you, and encouraging you, and testifying,
Cross references
Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.
- Titus 2:7
in all things showing thyself an ensample of good works; in thy doctrine showing uncorruptness, gravity,
- Acts 24:16
Herein I also exercise myself to have a conscience void of offence toward God and men always.
- 1 Timothy 4:12
Let no man despise thy youth; but be thou an ensample to them that believe, in word, in manner of life, in love, in faith, in purity.
- 1 Thessalonians 2:5
For neither at any time were we found using words of flattery, as ye know, nor a cloak of covetousness, God is witness;
- Acts 20:18
And when they were come to him, he said unto them, Ye yourselves know, from the first day that I set foot in Asia, after what manner I was with you all the time,
- 2 Corinthians 4:2
but we have renounced the hidden things of shame, not walking in craftiness, nor handling the word of God deceitfully; but by the manifestation of the truth commending ourselves to every man’s conscience in the sight of God.
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