1 Thessalonians 3:8
What does 1 Thessalonians 3:8 mean?
A plain-English look at 1 Thessalonians 3:8 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.
What 1 Thessalonians 3:8 means
Paul exclaims that he truly lives if the Thessalonians stand firm in the Lord. Their steadfastness gives new energy and purpose to his life and ministry. This is not dependence on people for identity but delight in seeing Christ formed in them. To “stand fast in the Lord” means holding to the gospel, remaining loyal to Jesus, and resisting pressure to compromise. Such stability is life-giving to those who labored for it. Paul’s joy is not self-centered; it is tied to their spiritual health, which is ultimately the Lord’s work. Their perseverance confirms that God’s grace is active, and that confirmation revives Paul’s heart.
Parallel translations
WEB
World English Bible · 2000for now we live, if ye stand fast in the Lord.
KJV
King James Version · 1611For now we live, if ye stand fast in the Lord.
ASV
American Standard Version · 1901for now we live, if ye stand fast in the Lord.
BBE
Bible in Basic English · 1949For it is life to us if you keep your faith in the Lord unchanged.
YLT
Young's Literal Translation · 1862because now we live, if ye may stand fast in the Lord;
DRA
Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752Because now we live, if you stand in the Lord.
DBY
Darby Bible · 1890because now we live if ye stand firm in [the] Lord.
Context
Verse 8 intensifies the comfort described in verse 7, showing how deeply Paul values their spiritual firmness. It transitions smoothly into worship and prayer in verses 9–10, where gratitude overflows and specific petitions arise. The structure moves from report to response: good news leads to life, life leads to thanksgiving, and thanksgiving leads to intercession that aims at even greater maturity (verses 10–13).
Cross references
Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.
- Colossians 1:23
if so be that ye continue in the faith, grounded and stedfast, and not moved away from the hope of the gospel which ye heard, which was preached in all creation under heaven; whereof I Paul was made a minister.
- John 15:7
If ye abide in me, and my words abide in you, ask whatsoever ye will, and it shall be done unto you.
- John 15:4
Abide in me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself, except it abide in the vine; so neither can ye, except ye abide in me.
- Revelation 3:3
Remember therefore how thou hast received and didst hear; and keep it, and repent. If therefore thou shalt not watch, I will come as a thief, and thou shalt not know what hour I will come upon thee.
- Hebrews 10:23
let us hold fast the confession of our hope that it waver not; for he is faithful that promised:
- 1 Peter 5:10
And the God of all grace, who called you unto his eternal glory in Christ, after that ye have suffered a little while, shall himself perfect, establish, strengthen you.
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