1 Thessalonians 2:13
What does 1 Thessalonians 2:13 mean?
A plain-English look at 1 Thessalonians 2:13 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.
What 1 Thessalonians 2:13 means
Paul continually thanks God because the Thessalonians received the preached message “not as the word of men,” but truly “the word of God,” which is at work in believers. The Gospel, proclaimed by human lips, carries divine authority and power. Their response—accepting it as God’s own word—explains their endurance and growth. God’s word is living and active; it does not merely inform but transforms. This gratitude to God also guards against boasting in the messengers. Faith is God’s gift, and His word energizes those who believe. The Thessalonians’ experience confirms the reality that the apostolic message about Christ is God’s saving truth.
Parallel translations
WEB
World English Bible · 2000And 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.
KJV
King James Version · 1611For this cause also thank we God without ceasing, because, when ye received the word of God which ye heard of us, ye received it not as the word of men, but as it is in truth, the word of God, which effectually worketh also in you that believe.
ASV
American Standard Version · 1901And 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.
BBE
Bible in Basic English · 1949And for this cause we still give praise to God, that, when the word came to your ears through us, you took it, not as the word of man, but, as it truly is, the word of God, which has living power in you who have faith.
YLT
Young's Literal Translation · 1862Because of this also, we--we do give thanks to God continually, that, having received the word of hearing from us of God, ye accepted, not the word of man, but as it is truly, the word of God, who also doth work in you who believe;
DRA
Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752Therefore, we also give thanks to God without ceasing: because, that when you had received of us the word of the hearing of God, you received it not as the word of men, but (as it is indeed) the word of God, who worketh in you that have believed.
DBY
Darby Bible · 1890And for this cause we also give thanks toGod unceasingly that, having received [the] word of [the] report ofGod by us, ye accepted, not men's word, but, even as it is truly,God's word, which also works in you who believe.
Context
Having urged a worthy walk (v. 12), Paul now thanks God that the Thessalonians received the message as it truly is: God’s word (v. 13). This sets the theological foundation for why their faith stands under pressure. Verses 14–16 will show that this word empowered them to endure suffering like other churches. The flow moves from exhortation to thanksgiving to solidarity in affliction, highlighting the word’s transforming effect.
v.12to the end that ye should walk worthily of God, who calleth you into his own kingdom and glory.
v.13This passage
v.14For ye, brethren, became imitators of the churches of God which are in Judæa in Christ Jesus: for ye also suffered the same things of your own countrymen, even as they did of the Jews;
Cross references
Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.
- 1 Thessalonians 1:5
how that our gospel came not unto you in word only, but also in power, and in the Holy Spirit, and in much assurance; even as ye know what manner of men we showed ourselves toward you for your sake.
- Luke 8:11
Now the parable is this: The seed is the word of God.
- Matthew 10:20
For it is not ye that speak, but the Spirit of your Father that speaketh in you.
- Acts 17:32
Now when they heard of the resurrection of the dead, some mocked; but others said, We will hear thee concerning this yet again.
- Romans 10:17
So belief cometh of hearing, and hearing by the word of Christ.
- Colossians 1:6
which is come unto you; even as it is also in all the world bearing fruit and increasing, as it doth in you also, since the day ye heard and knew the grace of God in truth;
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