2 Thessalonians 3:1
What does 2 Thessalonians 3:1 mean?
A plain-English look at 2 Thessalonians 3:1 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.
What 2 Thessalonians 3:1 means
Paul closes with a humble request: pray for us. He depends on the believers’ intercession so that the “word of the Lord” will spread quickly and be honored. He pictures the gospel running freely and being celebrated, just as it had been among the Thessalonians. This shows both urgency and confidence—the message is powerful, but human prayer supports its advance. Paul is not asking for personal acclaim; he wants Christ’s word to have free course and glory. His request dignifies the church’s role in mission: ordinary saints, through prayer, partner in the gospel’s triumph and help clear obstacles that hinder its progress in new places and hearts.
Parallel translations
WEB
World English Bible · 2000Finally, brethren, pray for us, that the word of the Lord may run and be glorified, even as alsoit iswith you;
KJV
King James Version · 1611Finally, brethren, pray for us, that the word of the Lord may have free course, and be glorified, even as it is with you:
ASV
American Standard Version · 1901Finally, brethren, pray for us, that the word of the Lord may run and be glorified, even as alsoit iswith you;
BBE
Bible in Basic English · 1949For the rest, my brothers, let there be prayer for us that the word of the Lord may go forward with increasing glory, even as it does with you;
YLT
Young's Literal Translation · 1862As to the rest, pray ye, brethren, concerning us, that the word of the Lord may run and may be glorified, as also with you,
DRA
Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752For the rest, brethren, pray for us that the word of God may run and may be glorified, even as among you:
DBY
Darby Bible · 1890For the rest, brethren, pray for us, that the word of the Lord may run and be glorified, even as also with you;
Context
After addressing confusion about the Lord’s coming in chapter 2, Paul turns to practical matters and final appeals. He begins with prayer, not as a mere formality but as the engine for gospel work. This opening request sets the tone for the rest of the chapter: God’s word must move forward, and the church participates through prayer. It leads naturally into verse 2’s request for protection from opponents and then into assurances of God’s faithfulness, which undergird the commands Paul will soon give about order, work, and discipline.
v.1This passage
v.2and that we may be delivered from unreasonable and evil men; for all have not faith.
Cross references
Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.
- 1 Thessalonians 5:17
pray without ceasing;
- Luke 10:2
And he said unto them, The harvest indeed is plenteous, but the laborers are few: pray ye therefore the Lord of the harvest, that he send forth laborers into his harvest.
- Colossians 4:3
withal praying for us also, that God may open unto us a door for the word, to speak the mystery of Christ, for which I am also in bonds;
- Psalms 138:2
I will worship toward thy holy temple, And give thanks unto thy name for thy lovingkindness and for thy truth: For thou hast magnified thy word above all thy name.
- Acts 13:48
And as the Gentiles heard this, they were glad, and glorified the word of God: and as many as were ordained to eternal life believed.
- Hebrews 13:18
Pray for us: for we are persuaded that we have a good conscience, desiring to live honorably in all things.
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