1 Thessalonians 2:19
What does 1 Thessalonians 2:19 mean?
A plain-English look at 1 Thessalonians 2:19 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.
What 1 Thessalonians 2:19 means
Paul asks what their “hope, or joy, or crown of glorying” is, and answers: it is the Thessalonians themselves, “before our Lord Jesus at his coming.” He pictures the final day when believers stand in Christ’s presence. The converts’ steadfastness will be his crown—his reason for rejoicing in God’s work through the Gospel. Ministry fruit is measured not by earthly accolades but by people presented to Christ. This openly Christ-centered horizon gives meaning to present labor and suffering. The Lord Jesus’ coming is the point toward which all service tends, and faithful believers are the crown God graciously places upon the labor of His servants.
Parallel translations
WEB
World English Bible · 2000For what is our hope, or joy, or crown of glorying? Are not even ye, before our Lord Jesus at his coming?
KJV
King James Version · 1611For what is our hope, or joy, or crown of rejoicing? Are not even ye in the presence of our Lord Jesus Christ at his coming?
ASV
American Standard Version · 1901For what is our hope, or joy, or crown of glorying? Are not even ye, before our Lord Jesus at his coming?
BBE
Bible in Basic English · 1949For what is our hope or joy or crown of glory? Are not even you, before our Lord Jesus, at his coming?
YLT
Young's Literal Translation · 1862for what <FI>is<Fi> our hope, or joy, or crown of rejoicing? are not even ye before our Lord Jesus Christ in his presence?
DRA
Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752For what is our hope or joy or crown of glory? Are not you, in the presence of our Lord Jesus Christ at his coming?
DBY
Darby Bible · 1890For what [is] our hope, or joy, or crown of boasting? [are] not ye also before our Lord Jesus at his coming?
Context
After describing hindered visits (v. 18), Paul anchors encouragement in the future appearing of the Lord Jesus. Verse 19 reframes their relationship in eschatological terms: the Thessalonians are Paul’s crown in Christ’s presence. This anticipates themes developed later in the letter about the Lord’s coming. The flow lifts the church’s focus above present separation to promised reunion and reward in Christ, leading to the affectionate affirmation of verse 20.
Cross references
Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.
- Matthew 16:27
For the Son of man shall come in the glory of his Father with his angels; and then shall he render unto every man according to his deeds.
- Titus 2:13
looking for the blessed hope and appearing of the glory of the great God and our Saviour Jesus Christ;
- 1 Thessalonians 5:23
And the God of peace himself sanctify you wholly; and may your spirit and soul and body be preserved entire, without blame at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ.
- Philippians 4:1
Wherefore, my brethren beloved and longed for, my joy and crown, so stand fast in the Lord, my beloved.
- Philippians 2:16
holding forth the word of life; that I may have whereof to glory in the day of Christ, that I did not run in vain neither labor in vain.
- 2 Timothy 4:1
I chargetheein the sight of God, and of Christ Jesus, who shall judge the living and the dead, and by his appearing and his kingdom:
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