Devine Scripture

1 Thessalonians 2:17

What does 1 Thessalonians 2:17 mean?

A plain-English look at 1 Thessalonians 2:17 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.

What 1 Thessalonians 2:17 means

Paul describes their separation as being “bereaved,” like a painful orphaning—“in presence not in heart.” Though absent bodily for “a short season,” their affection remained. Far from abandoning the church, they “endeavored the more exceedingly” to see them, with “great desire.” This counters accusations that Paul did not care or was unreliable. The language shows grief over forced distance and intense effort to return. Love longs for presence. Their hearts remained knit to the Thessalonians, and they were actively seeking reunion as soon as God would allow.

Parallel translations

WEB

World English Bible · 2000

But we, brethren, being bereaved of you for a short season, in presence not in heart, endeavored the more exceedingly to see your face with great desire:

KJV

King James Version · 1611

But we, brethren, being taken from you for a short time in presence, not in heart, endeavoured the more abundantly to see your face with great desire.

ASV

American Standard Version · 1901

But we, brethren, being bereaved of you for a short season, in presence not in heart, endeavored the more exceedingly to see your face with great desire:

BBE

Bible in Basic English · 1949

But we, my brothers, being away from you for a short time, in body but not in heart, had all the more desire to see your face;

YLT

Young's Literal Translation · 1862

And we, brethren, having been taken from you for the space of an hour--in presence, not in heart--did hasten the more abundantly to see your face in much desire,

DRA

Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752

But we, brethren, being taken away from you for a short time, in sight, not in heart, have hastened the more abundantly to see your face with great desire.

DBY

Darby Bible · 1890

But we, brethren, having been bereaved of you and separated for a little moment in person, not in heart, have used more abundant diligence to see your face with much desire;

Context

After addressing persecution and judgment (vv. 14–16), Paul turns to his relationship with the Thessalonians. Verse 17 affirms that the separation was involuntary and painful, not a sign of indifference. This sets up verse 18’s explanation of why return attempts failed: Satan hindered them. The flow shifts from external opposition to personal affection, preparing the way for the chapter’s closing focus on hope and joy at Christ’s coming (vv. 19–20).

v.16forbidding us to speak to the Gentiles that they may be saved; to fill up their sins always: but the wrath is come upon them to the uttermost.

v.17This passage

v.18because we would fain have come unto you, I Paul once and again; and Satan hindered us.

Cross references

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

  • 2 Kings 5:26

    And he said unto him, Went not my heart with thee, when the man turned from his chariot to meet thee? Is it a time to receive money, and to receive garments, and oliveyards and vineyards, and sheep and oxen, and men-servants and maid-servants?

  • Psalms 63:1

    O God, thou art my God; earnestly will I seek thee: My soul thirsteth for thee, my flesh longeth for thee, In a dry and weary land, where no water is.

  • 1 Thessalonians 3:6

    But when Timothy came even now unto us from you, and brought us glad tidings of your faith and love, and that ye have good remembrance of us always, longing to see us, even as we also to see you;

  • 1 Thessalonians 3:10

    night and day praying exceedingly that we may see your face, and may perfect that which is lacking in your faith?

  • Genesis 45:28

    and Israel said, It is enough; Joseph my son is yet alive: I will go and see him before I die.

  • 1 Corinthians 5:3

    For I verily, being absent in body but present in spirit, have already as though I were present judged him that hath so wrought this thing,

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