2 Thessalonians 1:3
What does 2 Thessalonians 1:3 mean?
A plain-English look at 2 Thessalonians 1:3 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.
What 2 Thessalonians 1:3 means
Paul says he is morally obligated to give thanks to God for the Thessalonians because it is fitting: their faith is not static but “grows exceedingly,” and their mutual love is overflowing. He does not flatter them, nor does he credit them as the ultimate source; he thanks God, who causes such growth. Faith maturing under pressure is evidence of God’s active grace. And love “each one of you all toward one another” highlights that this is a community-wide reality, not the achievement of a few. In a hostile environment, their increasing trust in God and their abounding care for each other are signs of genuine spiritual life.
Parallel translations
WEB
World English Bible · 2000We are bound to give thanks to God always for you, brethren, even as it is meet, for that your faith groweth exceedingly, and the love of each one of you all toward one another aboundeth;
KJV
King James Version · 1611We are bound to thank God always for you, brethren, as it is meet, because that your faith groweth exceedingly, and the charity of every one of you all toward each other aboundeth;
ASV
American Standard Version · 1901We are bound to give thanks to God always for you, brethren, even as it is meet, for that your faith groweth exceedingly, and the love of each one of you all toward one another aboundeth;
BBE
Bible in Basic English · 1949It is right for us to give praise to God at all times for you, brothers, because of the great increase of your faith, and the wealth of your love for one another;
YLT
Young's Literal Translation · 1862We ought to give thanks to God always for you, brethren, as it is meet, because increase greatly doth your faith, and abound doth the love of each one of you all, to one another;
DRA
Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752We are bound to give thanks always to God for you, brethren, as it is fitting, because your faith groweth exceedingly and the charity of every one of you towards each other aboundeth.
DBY
Darby Bible · 1890We ought to thankGod always for you, brethren, even as it is meet, because your faith increases exceedingly, and the love of each one of you all towards one another abounds;
Context
After blessing them with grace and peace (verse 2), Paul begins his customary thanksgiving. This verse introduces the two virtues he will spotlight: faith and love. In the next verse he adds patience under persecution, showing how these graces are tested and displayed. These opening notes prepare for his argument that their endurance is a token of God’s righteous judgment (verse 5), and that God will set things right at the revelation of the Lord Jesus (verses 6–10).
Cross references
Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.
- 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;
- Proverbs 4:18
But the path of the righteous is as the dawning light, That shineth more and more unto the perfect day.
- 1 Thessalonians 3:6
But 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;
- 1 Thessalonians 4:9
But concerning love of the brethren ye have no need that one write unto you: for ye yourselves are taught of God to love one another;
- John 15:2
Every branch in me that beareth not fruit, he taketh it away: and every branch that beareth fruit, he cleanseth it, that it may bear more fruit.
- Philippians 1:9
And this I pray, that your love may abound yet more and more in knowledge and all discernment;
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