Devine Scripture

1 Thessalonians 2:7

What does 1 Thessalonians 2:7 mean?

A plain-English look at 1 Thessalonians 2:7 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.

What 1 Thessalonians 2:7 means

Paul describes their manner as “gentle” among the Thessalonians, like a nursing mother cherishing her children. Such an image communicates tenderness, patience, protection, and costly care. Rather than asserting status (v. 6), they stooped to serve. True gospel work is not only bold in public preaching but also soft in personal dealings. This motherly metaphor emphasizes emotional warmth and attentiveness to needs. It counters slanders that Paul was harsh or exploitative. The apostles’ authority was exercised through affection, not domination. Their gentleness reflects the heart of the God who entrusts the Gospel and, supremely, the compassion seen in the Lord Jesus toward His people.

Parallel translations

WEB

World English Bible · 2000

But we were gentle in the midst of you, as when a nurse cherisheth her own children:

KJV

King James Version · 1611

But we were gentle among you, even as a nurse cherisheth her children:

ASV

American Standard Version · 1901

But we were gentle in the midst of you, as when a nurse cherisheth her own children:

BBE

Bible in Basic English · 1949

But we were gentle among you, like a woman caring for her little ones:

YLT

Young's Literal Translation · 1862

But we became gentle in your midst, as a nurse may cherish her own children,

DRA

Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752

Whereas we might have been burdensome to you, as the apostles of Christ: but we became little ones in the midst of you, as if a nurse should cherish her children:

DBY

Darby Bible · 1890

but have been gentle in the midst of you, as a nurse would cherish her own children.

Context

After denying worldly motives and methods (vv. 3–6), Paul turns positive in verse 7, portraying their pastoral posture. The maternal metaphor prepares for the statement in verse 8 about sharing not only the Gospel but their very lives, and for verse 11’s complementary paternal image. This balance of courage and care is central to Paul’s defense: their ministry was both truthful and tender. The flow underscores that authority in Christ’s service is exercised through sacrificial love.

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

v.7This passage

v.8even so, being affectionately desirous of you, we were well pleased to impart unto you, not the gospel of God only, but also our own souls, because ye were become very dear to us.

Cross references

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

  • Acts 13:18

    And for about the time of forty years as a nursing-father bare he them in the wilderness.

  • James 3:17

    But the wisdom that is from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, easy to be entreated, full of mercy and good fruits, without variance, without hypocrisy.

  • 2 Corinthians 10:1

    Now I Paul myself entreat you by the meekness and gentleness of Christ, I who in your presence am lowly among you, but being absent am of good courage toward you:

  • Galatians 5:22

    But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness,

  • Matthew 11:29

    Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls.

  • 2 Timothy 2:24

    And the Lord’s servant must not strive, but be gentle towards all, apt to teach, forbearing,

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