Devine Scripture

1 Thessalonians 2:5

What does 1 Thessalonians 2:5 mean?

A plain-English look at 1 Thessalonians 2:5 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.

What 1 Thessalonians 2:5 means

Paul gives concrete proof of integrity: they never used flattering speech to win favor, nor did they hide greed under a pious “cloak.” He appeals to their memory—“as ye know”—and calls God as witness to motives no human eye can fully see. Flattery manipulates by telling people what they want to hear; covetousness uses religion as a mask for gain. Paul rejects both. His transparency and willingness to suffer (v. 2) contradict the profile of a profiteer. By reminding them of this, he reassures the church that the Gospel came free of manipulation and mercenary spirit, reflecting the character of the God who gave it.

Parallel translations

WEB

World English Bible · 2000

For neither at any time were we found using words of flattery, as ye know, nor a cloak of covetousness, God is witness;

KJV

King James Version · 1611

For neither at any time used we flattering words, as ye know, nor a cloke of covetousness; God is witness:

ASV

American Standard Version · 1901

For neither at any time were we found using words of flattery, as ye know, nor a cloak of covetousness, God is witness;

BBE

Bible in Basic English · 1949

For it is common knowledge among you that we never made use of smooth-sounding false words, and God is witness that at no time were we secretly desiring profit for ourselves,

YLT

Young's Literal Translation · 1862

for at no time did we come with speech of flattery, (as ye have known,) nor in a pretext for covetousness, (God <FI>is<Fi> witness!)

DRA

Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752

For neither have we used at any time the speech of flattery, as you know: nor taken an occasion of covetousness (God is witness):

DBY

Darby Bible · 1890

For we have not at any time been [among you] with flattering discourse, even as ye know, nor with a pretext for covetousness,God [is] witness;

Context

Following the God-centered standard of verse 4, Paul supplies negative evidences in verse 5: no flattery, no greed. This continues his defense against charges often leveled at itinerant teachers. The appeal to both human and divine witnesses strengthens his case. Verse 6 will add that they did not seek honor or status, even though they could have asserted apostolic rights. Together these verses show that the apostles’ conduct matched their message—humble, honest, and sacrificial.

v.4but 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.

v.5This passage

v.6nor seeking glory of men, neither from you nor from others, when we might have claimed authority as apostles of Christ.

Cross references

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

  • Matthew 23:13

    But woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! because ye shut the kingdom of heaven against men: for ye enter not in yourselves, neither suffer ye them that are entering in to enter.

  • Malachi 1:10

    Oh that there were one among you that would shut the doors, that ye might not kindle fire on mine altar in vain! I have no pleasure in you, saith Jehovah of hosts, neither will I accept an offering at your hand.

  • Galatians 1:20

    Now touching the things which I write unto you, behold, before God, I lie not.

  • Revelation 18:12

    merchandise of gold, and silver, and precious stone, and pearls, and fine linen, and purple, and silk, and scarlet; and all thyine wood, and every vessel of ivory, and every vessel made of most precious wood, and of brass, and iron, and marble;

  • Jeremiah 8:10

    Therefore will I give their wives unto others, and their fields to them that shall possess them: for every one from the least even unto the greatest is given to covetousness; from the prophet even unto the priest every one dealeth falsely.

  • Romans 1:9

    For God is my witness, whom I serve in my spirit in the gospel of his Son, how unceasingly I make mention of you, always in my prayers

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