1 Thessalonians 2:11
What does 1 Thessalonians 2:11 mean?
A plain-English look at 1 Thessalonians 2:11 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.
What 1 Thessalonians 2:11 means
Paul shifts to a fatherly metaphor: they dealt with “each one” personally, “exhorting,” “encouraging,” and “testifying.” This shows individual attention, not mere public sermons. Exhorting challenges believers to obedience; encouraging strengthens the faint; testifying bears solemn witness to truth and consequences. Good pastoral care includes all three. Fatherly care complements the earlier motherly gentleness (v. 7), displaying both tenderness and firmness. The apostles were not aloof authorities but engaged mentors. Their goal was maturity in Christlike living, shaped through counsel, comfort, and earnest warning—tailored to each believer’s need.
Parallel translations
WEB
World English Bible · 2000as ye know how we dealt with each one of you, as a father with his own children, exhorting you, and encouraging you, and testifying,
KJV
King James Version · 1611As ye know how we exhorted and comforted and charged every one of you, as a father doth his children,
ASV
American Standard Version · 1901as ye know how we dealt with each one of you, as a father with his own children, exhorting you, and encouraging you, and testifying,
BBE
Bible in Basic English · 1949Even as you saw how, like a father with his children, we were teaching and comforting you all, and giving witness,
YLT
Young's Literal Translation · 1862even as ye have known, how each one of you, as a father his own children, we are exhorting you, and comforting, and testifying,
DRA
Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752As you know in what manner, entreating and comforting you (as a father doth his children),
DBY
Darby Bible · 1890as ye know how, as a father his own children, we used to exhort each one of you, and comfort and testify,
Context
Following the general witness of a holy life (v. 10), verse 11 narrows to the personal, fatherly ministry among individuals. This sets up verse 12, which states the purpose of such exhortations: that the believers would walk worthily of God’s call. The flow shows how example (vv. 9–10) and instruction (vv. 11–12) converge toward the same end—practical holiness under God’s kingdom rule.
Cross references
Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.
- Genesis 50:16
And they sent a message unto Joseph, saying, Thy father did command before he died, saying,
- 1 Chronicles 28:20
And David said to Solomon his son, Be strong and of good courage, and do it: fear not, nor be dismayed; for Jehovah God, even my God, is with thee; he will not fail thee, nor forsake thee, until all the work for the service of the house of Jehovah be finished.
- 1 Corinthians 4:14
I write not these things to shame you, but to admonish you as my beloved children.
- Proverbs 7:24
Now therefore, mysons, hearken unto me, And attend to the words of my mouth.
- Acts 20:2
And when he had gone through those parts, and had given them much exhortation, he came into Greece.
- 1 Timothy 6:2
And they that have believing masters, let them not despise them, because they are brethren; but let them serve them the rather, because they that partake of the benefit are believing and beloved. These things teach and exhort.
Related questions readers ask
Keep reading
Want to dig deeper? Explore 1 Thessalonians 2
Hand-picked devotionals, topical studies, and pastoral answers that draw on 1 Thessalonians 2.
Topics that quote it
Topic
Bible Verses About Brotherly Love
Discover what the Bible teaches about brotherly love, a cornerstone of Christian fellowship and a reflection of God's own character.
Topic
Bible Verses About Courtship
Courtship, a journey of intentional relationship-building, is a concept beautifully illuminated by the wisdom found in God's Word.
Topic
Bible Verses About Dating
Dating, while not explicitly mentioned in the Bible, can be guided by biblical principles for wise and God-honoring relationships
What the Bible says about…