1 Thessalonians 3:5
What does 1 Thessalonians 3:5 mean?
A plain-English look at 1 Thessalonians 3:5 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.
What 1 Thessalonians 3:5 means
Paul discloses the depth of his concern: he sent to learn about their faith because he feared that the tempter might have exploited their trials. He knows persecution can open doors to doubt, compromise, or bitterness. The “tempter” reminds us that spiritual opposition is personal and active. Paul’s anxiety is not unbelief in God’s care but love’s vigilance—he does not assume growth without shepherding. He worries that all their labor in planting and teaching could be nullified if the church abandons the gospel. This verse shows responsible ministry: trust God, yes, but also take wise steps to confirm, encourage, and, if needed, restore those under pressure.
Parallel translations
WEB
World English Bible · 2000For this cause I also, when I could no longer forbear, sent that I might know your faith, lest by any means the tempter had tempted you, and our labor should be in vain.
KJV
King James Version · 1611For this cause, when I could no longer forbear, I sent to know your faith, lest by some means the tempter have tempted you, and our labour be in vain.
ASV
American Standard Version · 1901For this cause I also, when I could no longer forbear, sent that I might know your faith, lest by any means the tempter had tempted you, and our labor should be in vain.
BBE
Bible in Basic English · 1949For this reason, when I was no longer able to keep quiet, I sent to get news of your faith, fearing that you might be tested by the Evil One and that our work might come to nothing.
YLT
Young's Literal Translation · 1862because of this also, I, no longer forbearing, did send to know your faith, lest he who is tempting did tempt you, and in vain might be our labour.
DRA
Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752For this cause also, I, forbearing no longer, sent to know your faith: lest perhaps he that tempteth should have tempted you: and our labour should be made vain.
DBY
Darby Bible · 1890For this reason I also, no longer able to refrain myself, sent to know your faith, lest perhaps the tempter had tempted you and our labour should be come to nothing.
Context
After recalling the prediction of suffering, Paul reveals why he sent Timothy: to assess whether their faith held under trial. Verse 5 completes the account of his motive and fear, setting the stage for the dramatic turn in verse 6 when Timothy returns. The reader, having felt Paul’s tension and love, is ready to feel the corresponding joy of a positive report. This contrast heightens the emotional and theological impact of the next section (verses 6–8).
v.4For verily, when we were with you, we told you beforehand that we are to suffer affliction; even as it came to pass, and ye know.
v.5This passage
v.6But when Timothy came even now unto us from you, and brought us glad tidings of your faith and love, and that ye have good remembrance of us always, longing to see us, even as we also to see you;
Cross references
Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.
- Ephesians 4:14
that we may be no longer children, tossed to and fro and carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the sleight of men, in craftiness, after the wiles of error;
- 1 Corinthians 7:5
Defraud ye not one the other, except it be by consent for a season, that ye may give yourselves unto prayer, and may be together again, that Satan tempt you not because of your incontinency.
- 2 Corinthians 7:5
For even when we were come into Macedonia our flesh had no relief, butwe wereafflicted on every side; without were fightings, within were fears.
- 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 Corinthians 2:11
that no advantage may be gained over us by Satan: for we are not ignorant of his devices.
- Galatians 2:2
And I went up by revelation; and I laid before them the gospel which I preach among the Gentiles but privately before them who were of repute, lest by any means I should be running, or had run, in vain.
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