1 Thessalonians 2:4
What does 1 Thessalonians 2:4 mean?
A plain-English look at 1 Thessalonians 2:4 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.
What 1 Thessalonians 2:4 means
Paul explains the driving principle of their ministry: they were “approved of God” and “intrusted with the gospel.” This divine commissioning made them speak with accountability to God, not to human opinion. “God who proveth our hearts” searches motives; therefore, the apostles did not adjust their message to please crowds or avoid offense. Faithfulness, not popularity, guided them. To be entrusted with the Gospel is an immense stewardship—God’s own good news about His Son. This trust demands sincerity, courage, and purity. The Thessalonians can test authenticity by this standard: are the messengers God-centered, transparent before Him, and consistent, even when pleasing people would be easier?
Parallel translations
WEB
World English Bible · 2000but even as we have been approved of God to be intrusted with the gospel, so we speak; not as pleasing men, but God who proveth our hearts.
KJV
King James Version · 1611But as we were allowed of God to be put in trust with the gospel, even so we speak; not as pleasing men, but God, which trieth our hearts.
ASV
American Standard Version · 1901but even as we have been approved of God to be intrusted with the gospel, so we speak; not as pleasing men, but God who proveth our hearts.
BBE
Bible in Basic English · 1949But even as the good news was given to us by the approval of God, so we give it out; not as pleasing men, but God by whom our hearts are tested.
YLT
Young's Literal Translation · 1862but as we have been approved by God to be entrusted with the good news, so we speak, not as pleasing men, but God, who is proving our hearts,
DRA
Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752But as we were approved by God that the gospel should be committed to us: even so we speak, not as pleasing men but God, who proveth our hearts.
DBY
Darby Bible · 1890but even as we have been approved ofGod to have the glad tidings entrusted to us, so we speak; not as pleasing men, butGod, who proves our hearts.
Context
Verses 3–4 move from denial of corrupt motives to affirmation of Godward motives. Having said their exhortation was not born of error or deceit, Paul asserts their divine approval and stewardship. This sets up verses 5–6, where he gives specific evidences—no flattery, no greed, no pursuit of human glory. The flow shows that accountability to the God who tests hearts produces transparent ministry practices. The Thessalonians should interpret Paul’s conduct through this lens, not through rumors or opponents’ accusations.
Cross references
Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.
- 1 Corinthians 7:25
Now concerning virgins I have no commandment of the Lord: but I give my judgment, as one that hath obtained mercy of the Lord to be trustworthy.
- Titus 1:3
but in his own seasons manifested his word in the message, wherewith I was intrusted according to the commandment of God our Saviour;
- Numbers 27:16
Let Jehovah, the God of the spirits of all flesh, appoint a man over the congregation,
- Luke 16:11
If therefore ye have not been faithful in the unrighteous mammon, who will commit to your trust the true riches?
- Psalms 139:1
O Jehovah, thou hast searched me, and knownme.
- Ephesians 6:6
not in the way of eyeservice, as men-pleasers; but as servants of Christ, doing the will of God from the heart;
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