1 Thessalonians 3:6
What does 1 Thessalonians 3:6 mean?
A plain-English look at 1 Thessalonians 3:6 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.
What 1 Thessalonians 3:6 means
Timothy’s return brings joyful news: the Thessalonians are holding firm in faith and expressing love. Their memory of Paul is affectionate, and they long to see him as he longs to see them. This mutual desire shows a healthy church-leader relationship centered on Christ, not personalities. Faith and love together indicate balanced maturity—trust in God expressed in practical care for others. The word of their steadfastness functions like a gospel announcement to Paul, reviving his heart. Their warm regard for him also counters any slander that might have tried to alienate them from their founding missionaries. Their spiritual life is not only intact; it is vibrant and affectionate.
Parallel translations
WEB
World English Bible · 2000But 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;
KJV
King James Version · 1611But now when Timotheus came from you unto us, and brought us good tidings of your faith and charity, and that ye have good remembrance of us always, desiring greatly to see us, as we also to see you:
ASV
American Standard Version · 1901But 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;
BBE
Bible in Basic English · 1949But now that Timothy has come to us from you, and has given us good news of your faith and love, and that you have happy memories of us, desiring greatly to see us, even as we do to see you;
YLT
Young's Literal Translation · 1862And now Timotheus having come unto us from you, and having declared good news to us of your faith and love, and that ye have a good remembrance of us always, desiring much to see us, as we also <FI>to see<Fi> you,
DRA
Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752But now when Timothy came to us from you and related to us your faith and charity, and that you have a good remembrance of us always, desiring to see us as we also to see you:
DBY
Darby Bible · 1890But Timotheus having just come to us from you, and brought to us the glad tidings of your faith and love, and that ye have always good remembrance of us, desiring much to see us, even as we also you;
Context
Verse 6 marks the turning point: after fear and waiting (verses 1–5), good news arrives through Timothy. The report focuses on faith, love, and mutual affection—exactly the areas threatened by persecution and the tempter. This sets up verses 7–8, where Paul describes the comfort and renewed vitality this news produced in him. The transition is from anxiety to consolation, preparing for thanksgiving and intercession in verses 9–13.
Cross references
Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.
- 1 Thessalonians 2:17
But we, brethren, being bereaved of you for a short season, in presence not in heart, endeavored the more exceedingly to see your face with great desire:
- 1 Corinthians 13:13
But now abideth faith, hope, love, these three; and the greatest of these is love.
- 1 John 3:23
And this is his commandment, that we should believe in the name of his Son Jesus Christ, and love one another, even as he gave us commandment.
- 1 Thessalonians 3:9
For what thanksgiving can we render again unto God for you, for all the joy wherewith we joy for your sakes before our God;
- Acts 18:1
After these things he departed from Athens, and came to Corinth.
- 2 Timothy 1:3
I thank God, whom I serve from my forefathers in a pure conscience, how unceasing is my remembrance of thee in my supplications, night and day
Related questions readers ask
Keep reading
Want to dig deeper? Explore 1 Thessalonians 3
Hand-picked devotionals, topical studies, and pastoral answers that draw on 1 Thessalonians 3.
Topics that quote it
Topic
Bible Verses About Brotherly Love
Discover what the Bible teaches about brotherly love, a cornerstone of Christian fellowship and a reflection of God's own character.
Topic
Bible Verses About Courtship
Courtship, a journey of intentional relationship-building, is a concept beautifully illuminated by the wisdom found in God's Word.
Topic
Bible Verses About Dating
Dating, while not explicitly mentioned in the Bible, can be guided by biblical principles for wise and God-honoring relationships
What the Bible says about…