1 Thessalonians 2:8
What does 1 Thessalonians 2:8 mean?
A plain-English look at 1 Thessalonians 2:8 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.
What 1 Thessalonians 2:8 means
Their affection ran so deep that they were delighted to give the Thessalonians not only the Gospel but also their “own souls”—their lives, time, and energy. The phrase “ye were become very dear to us” shows that ministry was not transactional. People were not means to a platform; they were beloved. Sharing the Gospel involves sharing oneself, because truth is best carried on the shoulders of love. This verse reveals the costliness of real pastoral care and the joy that accompanies it. The Thessalonians’ spiritual good mattered so much that the apostles gladly poured themselves out for their sake.
Parallel translations
WEB
World English Bible · 2000even 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.
KJV
King James Version · 1611So being affectionately desirous of you, we were willing to have imparted unto you, not the gospel of God only, but also our own souls, because ye were dear unto us.
ASV
American Standard Version · 1901even 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.
BBE
Bible in Basic English · 1949Even so, being full of loving desire for you, we took delight in giving you not only God's good news, but even our lives, because you were dear to us.
YLT
Young's Literal Translation · 1862so being desirous of you, we are well-pleased to impart to you not only the good news of God, but also our own souls, because beloved ye have become to us,
DRA
Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752So desirous of you, we would gladly impart unto you not only the gospel of God but also our own souls: because you were become most dear unto us.
DBY
Darby Bible · 1890Thus, yearning over you, we had found our delight in having imparted to you not only the glad tidings ofGod, but our own lives also, because ye had become beloved of us.
Context
Following the gentle, motherly image (v. 7), verse 8 states the depth of personal investment the apostles made. It transitions from posture to action: they didn’t merely preach; they gave themselves. Verse 9 will illustrate this by their hard work to avoid being a financial burden. The flow shows that love shaped not only their tone but also their tangible choices, supporting the chapter’s theme of sincerity and selfless service.
Cross references
Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.
- Luke 7:2
And a certain centurion’s servant, who was dear unto him, was sick and at the point of death.
- Philippians 4:1
Wherefore, my brethren beloved and longed for, my joy and crown, so stand fast in the Lord, my beloved.
- Philippians 2:20
For I have no man likeminded, who will care truly for your state.
- Jeremiah 13:15
Hear ye, and give ear; be not proud; for Jehovah hath spoken.
- Romans 10:1
Brethren, my heart’s desire and my supplication to God is for them, that they may be saved.
- Romans 15:29
And I know that, when I come unto you, I shall come in the fulness of the blessing of Christ.
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