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front:intro jp2y 0 # Introduction to 1 Thessalonians\n## Part 1: General Introduction\n\n### Outline of the Book of 1 Thessalonians\n\n1. Greeting (1:1)\n1. Prayer of thanksgiving for the Thessalonian Christians (1:2-10)\n1. Pauls ministry in Thessalonica (2:1-16)\n1. Pauls concerns for their spiritual growth\n- Like a mother (2:7)\n- Like a father (2:11)\n1. Paul sends Timothy to the Thessalonians and Timothy reports back to Paul (3:1-13)\n1. Practical instructions\n- Live to please God (4:1-12)\n- Comfort regarding those who have died (4:12-18)\n- Christs return is a motive for godly living (5:1-11)\n1. Closing blessings, thanks, and prayers (5:12-28)\n\n### Who wrote 1 Thessalonians?\n\nPaul wrote 1 Thessalonians. Paul was from the city of Tarsus. He had been known as Saul in his early life. Before becoming a Christian, Paul was a Pharisee. He persecuted Christians. After he became a Christian, he traveled several times throughout the Roman Empire telling people about Jesus.\n\nPaul wrote this letter while staying in the city of Corinth. Of all Pauls letters that are in the Bible, many scholars think 1 Thessalonians was the first letter Paul wrote.\n\n### What is the Book of 1 Thessalonians about?\n\nPaul wrote this letter to the believers in the city of Thessalonica. He wrote it after the Jews in the city forced him to leave. In this letter he said he considered his visit to them a success, even though he was forced to leave.\n\nPaul responded to the news from Timothy about the Thessalonian believers. The believers there were being persecuted. He encouraged them to continue living in a way that pleased God. He also comforted them by explaining what happens to those who die before Christ returns.\n\n### How should the title of this book be translated?\n\nTranslators may choose to call this book by its traditional title, “1 Thessalonians” or “First Thessalonians.” They may instead prefer to choose a clearer title, such as “Pauls First Letter to the Church in Thessalonica,” or “The First Letter to the Christians in Thessalonica.” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-names]])\n\n## Part 2: Important Religious and Cultural Concepts\n\n### What is the “second coming” of Jesus?\n\nPaul wrote much in this letter about Jesus eventual return to Earth. When Jesus returns, he will judge all mankind. He will also rule over creation, and there will be peace everywhere.\n\n### What happens to those who die before the return of Christ?\n\nPaul made clear that those who die before Christs return will come back to life and be with Jesus. They will not remain dead forever. Paul wrote this to encourage the Thessalonians. For some of them worried that those who died would miss the great day when Jesus returns.\n\n## Part 3: Important Translation Issues\n\n### What did Paul mean by expressions like “in Christ” and “in the Lord.”?\n\nPaul meant to express the idea of a very a close union with Christ and the believers. Please see the introduction to the Book of Romans for more details about this kind of expression.\n\n### What are the major issues in the text of the Book of 1 Thessalonians?\n\nFor the following verses, modern versions of the Bible differ from older versions. The ULT text has the modern reading and puts the older reading in a footnote. If a translation of the Bible exists in the general region, translators should consider using the reading found in those versions. If not, translators are advised to follow the modern reading.\n\n* “May grace and peace be to you” (1:1). Some older versions read: “Grace and peace to you from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.”\n* “Instead, we were as gentle among you as a mother comforting her own children.” (2:7) Other modern versions and older versions read, “Instead, we were like babies among you, as when a mother comforts her own children.”\n* “Timothy, our brother and fellow worker for God” (3:2). Some other versions read: “Timothy, our brother and servant of God.”\n\n(See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-textvariants]])
1:intro y8c5 0 # 1 Thessalonians 01 General Notes\n## Structure and formatting\n\nVerse 1 formally introduces this letter. Letters in the ancient Near East commonly had introductions of this type.\n\n## Special concepts in this chapter\n\n### Hardship\nOther people persecuted the Christians in Thessalonica. But the Christians there handled it well. (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])
1:1 dp37 0 Paul identifies himself as the writer of the letter and greets the church at Thessalonica.
1:1 ms5e rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit Παῦλος, καὶ Σιλουανὸς, καὶ Τιμόθεος; τῇ ἐκκλησίᾳ 1 The UST makes clear that it was Paul who wrote this letter. (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])
1:1 luw5 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy χάρις ὑμῖν καὶ εἰρήνη 1 The terms “grace” and “peace” are metonyms for the person who acts toward people in a kindly and peaceful manner. Alternate translation: “May God be kind to you and give you peace” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])
1:1 nn67 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-you εἰρήνη 1 The word “you” refers to the Thessalonian believers. (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-you]])
1:2 y98w rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-exclusive 0 In this letter the words “we” and “us” refer to Paul, Silvanus, and Timothy, unless otherwise noted. Also, the word “you” is plural and refers to the believers at the church of Thessalonica. (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-exclusive]] and [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-you]])
1:2 xud4 εὐχαριστοῦμεν τῷ Θεῷ πάντοτε 1 Here “always” suggests that when Paul prays to God, he consistently presents the Thessalonians to God in his prayers.
1:2 r3yd μνείαν ποιούμενοι ἐπὶ τῶν προσευχῶν ἡμῶν, ἀδιαλείπτως 1 “we continually pray for you”
1:3 bl7l τοῦ ἔργου τῆς πίστεως 1 acts done because of trust in God
1:4 xky4 0 Paul continues to give thanks for the believers at Thessalonica and praises them for their faith in God.
1:4 erb6 ἀδελφοὶ 1 Here this means fellow Christians, including both men and women.
1:4 u5er rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-exclusive εἰδότες 1 The word “we” refers to Paul, Silvanus, and Timothy but not the Thessalonian believers. (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-exclusive]])
1:5 ude4 οὐκ & ἐν λόγῳ μόνον 1 “not only in what we said”
1:5 h675 ἀλλὰ καὶ ἐν δυνάμει, καὶ ἐν Πνεύματι Ἁγίῳ 1 Possible meanings are (1) the Holy Spirit gave Paul and his companions the ability to preach the gospel powerfully or (2) the Holy Spirit made the preaching of the gospel have a powerful effect among the Thessalonian believers or (3) the Holy Spirit demonstrated the truth of the gospel preaching by means of miracles, signs, and wonders.
1:5 t1w3 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns καὶ πληροφορίᾳ πολλῇ 1 The abstract noun “assurance” can be translated as a verb. Alternate translation: “God made you sure that it was true” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns]])
1:5 e889 οἷοι 1 “how we conducted ourselves when”
1:6 cs49 καὶ ὑμεῖς μιμηταὶ & ἐγενήθητε 1 To “imitate” means to act like or to copy the behavior of another.
1:6 cl6r δεξάμενοι τὸν λόγον 1 “welcomed the message” or “accepted what we had to say”
1:6 q4gm ἐν θλίψει πολλῇ 1 “during a time of great suffering” or “in much persecution”
1:7 ml7u rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-names ἐν τῇ Ἀχαΐᾳ 1 This is an ancient district in what is present-day Greece. (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-names]])
1:8 qyk6 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy ὁ λόγος τοῦ Κυρίου 1 “Word” here is a metonym for “message.” Alternate translation: “the Lords teachings” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])
1:8 sht4 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor ἐξήχηται 1 Here Paul speaks of the Christian witness produced by the Thessalonian believers as if it were a bell that was rung or a musical instrument that was being played. (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
1:9 rd2b αὐτοὶ γὰρ 1 Paul is referring to the churches that already existed in the surrounding regions, who have heard about the Thessalonian believers.
1:9 amc1 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rpronouns αὐτοὶ 1 Here “themselves” is used to emphasize those people who had heard about the Thessalonian believers. (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rpronouns]])
1:9 v145 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy ὁποίαν εἴσοδον ἔσχομεν πρὸς ὑμᾶς 1 The abstract noun “reception” can be expressed as the verb “receive” or “welcome.” Alternate translation: “how warmly you received us” or “how warmly you welcomed us” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])
1:9 u1um rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor ἐπεστρέψατε πρὸς τὸν Θεὸν ἀπὸ τῶν εἰδώλων, δουλεύειν Θεῷ ζῶντι καὶ ἀληθινῷ 1 Here “turned to … from” is a metaphor that means to start being loyal to one person and stop being loyal to someone else. Alternate translation: “you stopped worshiping idols and started serving the living and true God” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
1:10 dg6a rc://*/ta/man/translate/guidelines-sonofgodprinciples τὸν Υἱὸν αὐτοῦ 1 This is an important title for Jesus that describes his relationship to God. (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/guidelines-sonofgodprinciples]])
1:10 pmi8 ὃν ἤγειρεν 1 “whom God caused to live again”
1:10 wba8 ἐκ τῶν νεκρῶν 1 “so that he was no longer dead.” This expression describes all dead people together in the underworld. To come back from among them speaks of becoming alive again.
1:10 pt1s rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-exclusive τὸν ῥυόμενον ἡμᾶς 1 Here Paul includes the Thessalonian believers. (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-exclusive]])
2:intro kt5l 0 # 1 Thessalonians 02 General Notes\n## Special concepts in this chapter\n\n### Christian witness\nPaul values his “Christian witness” as evidence that the gospel is true. Paul says that being godly or holy bears witness to the non-Christian. Paul defends his character, so that his witness is not affected. (See: [[rc://*/tw/dict/bible/kt/testimony]] and [[rc://*/tw/dict/bible/kt/godly]] and [[rc://*/tw/dict/bible/kt/holy]])
2:1 pt75 0 Paul defines the believers service and reward.
2:1 gpr4 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rpronouns αὐτοὶ 1 The words “you” and “yourselves” refer to the Thessalonian believers. (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rpronouns]])
2:1 tdl3 ἀδελφοί 1 Here this means fellow Christians, including both men and women.
2:1 g6qq rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-exclusive τὴν εἴσοδον ἡμῶν 1 The word “our” refers to Paul, Silvanus, and Timothy but not the Thessalonian believers. (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-exclusive]])
2:1 w584 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-doublenegatives οὐ κενὴ γέγονεν 1 This can be expressed in a positive manner. Alternate translation: “was very worthwhile” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-doublenegatives]])
2:2 x6ez προπαθόντες καὶ ὑβρισθέντες 1 “were mistreated and insulted”
2:2 v4dg ἐν πολλῷ ἀγῶνι 1 “while struggling under great opposition”
2:3 t7ty οὐκ ἐκ πλάνης, οὐδὲ ἐξ ἀκαθαρσίας, οὐδὲ ἐν δόλῳ 1 “was truthful, pure, and honest”
2:4 is1a δεδοκιμάσμεθα ὑπὸ τοῦ Θεοῦ, πιστευθῆναι 1 Paul was tested and proven trustworthy by God.
2:4 qqj2 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit λαλοῦμεν 1 Paul is referring to preaching the gospel message. (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])
2:4 k1m9 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy τῷ δοκιμάζοντι τὰς καρδίας ἡμῶν 1 The word “hearts” is a metonym for a persons desires and thoughts. Alternate translation: “who knows our desires and thoughts” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])
2:5 xcy6 0 Paul tells the Thessalonian believers that his conduct was not based in flattery, greed, or self glory.
2:5 i8cr οὔτε & ἐν λόγῳ κολακίας ἐγενήθημεν 1 “we never spoke to you with false praise”
2:7 ag1l rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-simile ὡς ἐὰν τροφὸς θάλπῃ τὰ ἑαυτῆς τέκνα 1 Just as a mother gently comforts her children, so Paul, Silvanus, and Timothy spoke gently to the Thessalonian believers. (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-simile]])
2:8 r8b4 οὕτως ὁμειρόμενοι ὑμῶν 1 “This is how we demonstrated our affection for you”
2:8 g73f ὁμειρόμενοι ὑμῶν 1 “we loved you”
2:8 q86v rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor εὐδοκοῦμεν μεταδοῦναι ὑμῖν, οὐ μόνον τὸ εὐαγγέλιον τοῦ Θεοῦ, ἀλλὰ καὶ τὰς ἑαυτῶν ψυχάς 1 Paul speaks of the gospel message and his life and the lives of those with him as if they were a physical object that one could share with others. Alternate translation: “We were pleased not only to tell you the gospel of God but also to spend time with you and to help you” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
2:8 p4e4 ἀγαπητοὶ ἡμῖν ἐγενήθητε 1 “we cared for you deeply”
2:9 j9lu ἀδελφοί 1 Here this means fellow Christians, including both men and women.
2:9 tc98 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-doublet τὸν κόπον ἡμῶν καὶ τὸν μόχθον 1 The words “labor” and “toil” mean basically the same thing. Paul uses them to emphasize how hard they worked. Alternate translation: “how hard we worked” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-doublet]])
2:9 b16f νυκτὸς καὶ ἡμέρας ἐργαζόμενοι, πρὸς τὸ μὴ ἐπιβαρῆσαί τινα ὑμῶν 1 “We worked hard to make our own living so you would not need to support us”
2:10 il3e ὁσίως, καὶ δικαίως, καὶ ἀμέμπτως 1 Paul uses three words that describe their good behavior toward the Thessalonian believers.
2:11 i58m rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor ὡς πατὴρ τέκνα ἑαυτοῦ 1 Paul compares how he encouraged the Thessalonians to a father gently teaching his children how to behave. (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
2:12 m91e rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-doublet παρακαλοῦντες ὑμᾶς, καὶ παραμυθούμενοι, καὶ μαρτυρόμενοι & ὑμᾶς 1 The words “exhorting,” “encouraging,” and “urging” are used together to express how passionately Pauls group encouraged the Thessalonians. Alternate translation: “We were strongly encouraging you” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-doublet]])
2:12 n8dr rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-hendiadys εἰς τὴν ἑαυτοῦ βασιλείαν καὶ δόξαν 1 The word “glory” describes the word “kingdom.” Alternate translation: “into his own glorious kingdom” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-hendiadys]])
2:12 qmc3 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor εἰς τὸ περιπατεῖν ὑμᾶς ἀξίως τοῦ Θεοῦ 1 “Walk” here is an metaphor for “live.” Alternate translation: “live so that people will think well of God” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
2:13 au3b 0 Paul continues to use “we” to refer to himself and his traveling companions and “you” to the Thessalonian believers.
2:13 z53w καὶ ἡμεῖς εὐχαριστοῦμεν τῷ Θεῷ ἀδιαλείπτως 1 Paul often thanks God for their acceptance of the gospel message he shared with them.
2:13 zj5f rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche οὐ λόγον ἀνθρώπων 1 “Word of man” here is a synecdoche for “a message that comes simply from a man.” Alternate translation: “(it is) not a message that is made up by a man” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche]])
2:13 rpb1 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy ἐδέξασθε & καθὼς ἀληθῶς ἐστὶν, λόγον Θεοῦ 1 “Word” here is a metonym for “message.” Alternate translation: “you accepted it … as it truly is, the message that comes from God” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])
2:13 ci1e rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-personification ὃς καὶ ἐνεργεῖται ἐν ὑμῖν τοῖς πιστεύουσιν 1 Paul speaks of Gods gospel message as if it were a person who was doing work. “Word” is a metonym for “message.” Alternate translation: “which those of you who believe are listening to and beginning to obey” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-personification]] and [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])
2:14 s2mp ἀδελφοί 1 Here this means fellow Christians, including both men and women.
2:14 mh8n μιμηταὶ ἐγενήθητε & τῶν ἐκκλησιῶν 1 The Thessalonian believers endured persecutions similar to the Judean believers. “became like the churches”
2:14 cxm3 ὑπὸ τῶν ἰδίων συμφυλετῶν 1 “from other Thessalonians”
2:16 rw7e κωλυόντων ἡμᾶς & λαλῆσαι 1 “They try to make us stop speaking”
2:16 n2ue rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor τὸ ἀναπληρῶσαι αὐτῶν τὰς ἁμαρτίας πάντοτε 1 Paul speaks as though someone can fill a container with their own sins as with liquid. (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
2:16 fq9m ἔφθασεν & ἐπ’ αὐτοὺς ἡ ὀργὴ εἰς τέλος 1 This refers to God finally judging and punishing people for their sins.
2:17 edb1 ἀδελφοί 1 This means fellow Christians, including both men and women.
2:17 vr7v rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy προσώπῳ οὐ καρδίᾳ 1 Here “heart” represents thoughts and emotions. Though Paul and those traveling with him were not present physically in Thessalonica, they continued to care and think about the believers there. Alternate translation: “in person, but we continued to think about you” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])
2:17 t5d5 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche τὸ πρόσωπον ὑμῶν ἰδεῖν 1 Here “your face” means the entire person. Alternate translation: “to see you” or “to be with you” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche]])
2:19 j7j5 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion τίς γὰρ ἡμῶν ἐλπὶς ἢ χαρὰ ἢ στέφανος καυχήσεως? ἢ οὐχὶ καὶ ὑμεῖς, ἔμπροσθεν τοῦ Κυρίου ἡμῶν, Ἰησοῦ, ἐν τῇ αὐτοῦ παρουσίᾳ? 1 Paul uses questions to emphasize the reasons he wants to come see the Thessalonian believers. Alternate translation: “For you are our confidence for the future, and joy, and crown of pride in front of our Lord Jesus at his coming.” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion]])
2:19 mj9n rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy ἡμῶν ἐλπὶς & ἢ οὐχὶ καὶ ὑμεῖς 1 By “hope” Paul means the assurance he has that God will reward him for his work. The Thessalonian Christians are the reason for his hope. (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])
2:19 ty78 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy ἢ χαρὰ 1 The Thessalonians are the reason for his joy. (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])
2:19 e7tl rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy στέφανος καυχήσεως 1 Here “crown” refers to a laurel wreath awarded to victorious athletes. The expression “crown of pride” means a reward for victory, or having done well. (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])
3:intro j379 0 # 1 Thessalonians 03 General Notes\n## Special concepts in this chapter\n\n### Standing\nIn this chapter, Paul uses “stand firm” to illustrate being steadfast. This is a common way to describe being steadfast or faithful. Paul uses “be shaken” as the opposite of being steadfast. (See: [[rc://*/tw/dict/bible/kt/faithful]])
3:1 nal1 0 Paul tells the believers he has sent Timothy to strengthen their faith.
3:1 fqe3 μηκέτι στέγοντες 1 “we could no longer endure worrying about you”
3:1 t3vt ηὐδοκήσαμεν καταλειφθῆναι ἐν Ἀθήναις μόνοι 1 “good for Silvanus and me to stay behind in Athens”
3:1 qhj4 ηὐδοκήσαμεν 1 “it was proper” or “it was reasonable”
3:1 laf9 rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-names Ἀθήναις 1 This is a city in the Achaia province, which is now modern-day Greece. (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-names]])
3:2 d8yy τὸν ἀδελφὸν ἡμῶν, καὶ διάκονον 1 These two expressions both describe Timothy.
3:3 y74m rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom μηδένα σαίνεσθαι 1 To be “shaken” is an idiom for being afraid. Alternate translation: “no one would be frightened away from trusting in Christ” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]])
3:3 rkx9 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit κείμεθα 1 Paul assumes that everyone knows that it was God who appointed them. This can be made explicit. Alternate translation: “God has appointed us” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])
3:4 nm1l θλίβεσθαι 1 “to be mistreated by others”
3:5 st3d rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom κἀγὼ μηκέτι στέγων 1 Paul was describing his own emotions by using an idiom. Alternate translation: “I could not longer wait patiently” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]])
3:5 zn36 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit ἔπεμψα 1 It is implied that Paul sent Timothy. This can be made explicit. Alternate translation: “I sent Timothy” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])
3:5 g92s ὁ κόπος ἡμῶν 1 “our hard work among you” or “our teaching among you”
3:5 ne5x εἰς κενὸν 1 “useless”
3:6 r4pa 0 Paul tells his readers about Timothys report after he returned from visiting them.
3:6 gci4 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-exclusive ἐλθόντος & πρὸς ἡμᾶς 1 The word “us” refers to Paul and Silvanus. (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-exclusive]])
3:6 tu8d rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit εὐαγγελισαμένου & τὴν πίστιν & ὑμῶν 1 It is understood that this refers to faith in Christ. This can be made explicit. Alternate translation: “a good report of your faith” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])
3:6 e6kx ἔχετε μνείαν & ἀγαθὴν πάντοτε 1 When they think of Paul, they always have good thoughts about him.
3:6 tx4h ἐπιποθοῦντες ἡμᾶς ἰδεῖν 1 “you desire to see us”
3:7 mqy5 ἀδελφοί 1 Here “brothers” means fellow Christians.
3:7 k54j rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit διὰ τῆς ὑμῶν πίστεως 1 This refers to faith in Christ. This can be made explicit. Alternate translation: “because of your faith in Christ” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])
3:7 csz7 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-doublet ἐπὶ πάσῃ τῇ ἀνάγκῃ καὶ θλίψει ἡμῶν 1 The word “affliction” explains why they are in “distress.” Alternate translation: “in all our distress caused by our afflictions” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-doublet]])
3:8 x5xt rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom ζῶμεν 1 This is an idiom that expresses living a satisfied life. Alternate translation: “we are very encouraged” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]])
3:8 x4zn rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom ἐὰν ὑμεῖς στήκετε ἐν Κυρίῳ 1 To “stand firm” is an idiom meaning to continue being faithful. Alternate translation: “if you continue to trust in the Lord” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]])
3:9 pzq7 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion τίνα γὰρ εὐχαριστίαν δυνάμεθα τῷ Θεῷ ἀνταποδοῦναι περὶ ὑμῶν, ἐπὶ πάσῃ τῇ χαρᾷ ᾗ χαίρομεν δι’ ὑμᾶς, ἔμπροσθεν τοῦ Θεοῦ ἡμῶν 1 This rhetorical question can be expressed as a statement. Alternate translation: “We cannot thank God enough for what he has done for you! We greatly rejoice over you when we pray to our God!” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion]])
3:9 p5ka rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor ἔμπροσθεν τοῦ Θεοῦ ἡμῶν 1 Paul speaks as if he and his companions were physically in Gods presence. He is probably referring to the activity of praying. (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
3:10 k71n ὑπέρ ἐκ περισσοῦ 1 “fervently”
3:10 eb26 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche τὸ ἰδεῖν ὑμῶν τὸ πρόσωπον 1 The word “face” refers to their whole person. Alternate translation: “visit you” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche]])
3:11 tet9 0 In these verses, the word “our” does not always refer to the same group of people. Please see the translation notes for specifics.
3:11 bql9 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-exclusive ὁ Θεὸς & Πατὴρ ἡμῶν 1 Paul includes the Thessalonian believers with his ministry team. (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-exclusive]])
3:11 mc2m ὁ Θεὸς & ἡμῶν 1 “We pray that our God”
3:11 um1c rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor κατευθύναι τὴν ὁδὸν ἡμῶν πρὸς ὑμᾶς 1 Paul speaks as if he wants God to show him and his companions the route to take to visit the Thessalonian Christians. He means that he wants God to make it possible for them to do so. (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
3:11 efl5 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-exclusive κατευθύναι τὴν ὁδὸν ἡμῶν πρὸς ὑμᾶς 1 The word “our” refers to Paul, Silvanus, and Timothy but not the Thessalonian believers. (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-exclusive]])
3:11 mp6s rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rpronouns αὐτὸς & Πατὴρ 1 Here “himself” refers back to “Father” for emphasis. (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rpronouns]])
3:12 f5z3 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor πλεονάσαι καὶ περισσεύσαι τῇ ἀγάπῃ 1 Paul speaks of love as an object that one could obtain more of. (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
3:13 ly21 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy τὸ στηρίξαι ὑμῶν τὰς καρδίας, ἀμέμπτους 1 Here “heart” is a metonym for ones beliefs and convictions. Alternate translation: “strenghten you, so that you will be” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])
3:13 xsd3 ἐν τῇ παρουσίᾳ τοῦ Κυρίου ἡμῶν, Ἰησοῦ 1 “when Jesus comes back to earth”
3:13 jlc5 μετὰ πάντων τῶν ἁγίων αὐτοῦ 1 “with all those who belong to him”
4:intro b1z5 0 # 1 Thessalonians 04 General Notes\n## Special concepts in this chapter\n\n### Sexual immorality\nDifferent cultures have different standards of sexual morality. These different cultural standards may make translating this passage difficult. Translators must also be aware of cultural taboos. These are topics considered improper to discuss.\n\n### Dying before the return of Christ\nIn the early church, people apparently wondered what would happen if a believer died before Christ returned. They may have worried whether those dying before Christ returned would be part of the kingdom of God. Paul answers that concern.\n\n### “Caught up in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air”\nThis passage refers to a time when Jesus calls to himself those who have believed in him. Scholars differ on whether or not this refers to Christs final glorious return. (See: [[rc://*/tw/dict/bible/kt/believe]])
4:1 wk39 ἀδελφοί 1 Here “brothers” means fellow Christians.
4:1 u2lw rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-doublet ἐρωτῶμεν ὑμᾶς καὶ παρακαλοῦμεν 1 Paul uses “encourage” and “exhort” to emphasize how strongly they encourage the believers. Alternate translation: “we strongly encourage you” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-doublet]])
4:1 iij6 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive παρελάβετε παρ’ ἡμῶν 1 This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “we taught you” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])
4:1 p4db rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor δεῖ ὑμᾶς περιπατεῖν 1 Here “walk” is an expression for the way one is to live. Alternate translation: “you ought to live” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
4:2 vg16 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor διὰ τοῦ Κυρίου Ἰησοῦ 1 Paul speaks of his instructions as if they were given by Jesus himself. (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
4:3 mw4j ἀπέχεσθαι ὑμᾶς & τῆς πορνείας 1 “you stay away from sexually immoral acts”
4:4 f4ux εἰδέναι & τὸ ἑαυτοῦ σκεῦος, κτᾶσθαι 1 Possible meanings are (1) “know how to live with his own wife” or (2) “know how to control his own body”
4:5 x2t7 ἐν πάθει ἐπιθυμίας 1 “with wrongful sexual desire”
4:6 gn9i rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-gendernotations τὸ μὴ 1 Here “man” refers to a man or a woman. “no one” or “no person” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-gendernotations]])
4:6 a9st rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-doublet ὑπερβαίνειν καὶ πλεονεκτεῖν 1 This is a doublet stating the same idea in two ways to reinforce the concept. Alternate translation: “do wrong things” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-doublet]])
4:6 q7bf rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit ἔκδικος Κύριος 1 This can be made explicit. Alternate translation: “the Lord will punish the one who transgressed and will defend the one who was wronged” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])
4:6 d1ip προείπαμεν ὑμῖν καὶ διεμαρτυράμεθα 1 “told you beforehand and strongly warned against”
4:7 v3np rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-doublenegatives οὐ & ἐκάλεσεν ἡμᾶς ὁ Θεὸς ἐπὶ ἀκαθαρσίᾳ, ἀλλ’ ἐν ἁγιασμῷ 1 This can be stated in positive form. Alternate translation: “God called us to cleanness and holiness” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-doublenegatives]])
4:7 q4tj rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-exclusive οὐ & ἐκάλεσεν ἡμᾶς ὁ Θεὸς 1 The word “us” refers to all believers. (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-exclusive]])
4:8 mn5y ὁ ἀθετῶν 1 “whoever disregards this teaching” or “whoever ignores this teaching”
4:8 su51 ἀθετῶν, οὐκ ἄνθρωπον ἀθετεῖ, ἀλλὰ τὸν Θεὸν 1 Paul stresses that this teaching is not from man, but from God.
4:9 uxn8 τῆς φιλαδελφίας 1 “love for fellow believers”
4:10 dec9 ποιεῖτε αὐτὸ εἰς πάντας τοὺς ἀδελφοὺς, τοὺς ἐν ὅλῃ τῇ Μακεδονίᾳ 1 “you show love to the believers throughout Macedonia”
4:10 jcg3 ἀδελφοὺς 1 Here “brothers” means fellow Christians.
4:11 d2fg φιλοτιμεῖσθαι 1 “to try to”
4:11 j4c7 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor ἡσυχάζειν 1 Paul uses the word “quietly” as a metaphor to describe living at peace in ones community and not causing strife. Alternate translation: “live in a calm and orderly way” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
4:11 jmt9 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit πράσσειν τὰ ἴδια 1 “do your own work” or “take care of the things that your are responsible to do.” This may also imply that we should not gossip and interfere in other peoples concerns. (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])
4:11 bz8s rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor ἐργάζεσθαι ταῖς ἰδίαις χερσὶν ὑμῶν 1 This is a metaphor for living a productive life. Alternate translation: “work at your own jobs to earn what you need to live” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
4:12 hp6g rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor περιπατῆτε εὐσχημόνως 1 Here “walk” is a metaphor for “live” or “behave.” Alternate translation: “behave properly” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
4:12 yl36 εὐσχημόνως 1 in a way that shows respect to others and earns their respect
4:12 k59r rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor πρὸς τοὺς ἔξω 1 Paul speaks of those who do not believer in Christ as if they are outside of a place away from the believers. Alternate translation: “in the sight of those who do not believe in Christ” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
4:13 j68e 0 Paul talks about believers who have died, who are still alive, and those who will be alive when Christ returns.
4:13 d9g4 οὐ θέλομεν & ὑμᾶς ἀγνοεῖν 1 This can be stated in positive form. Alternate translation: “We want you to be informed” or “We want you to know”
4:13 wt7l ἀδελφοί 1 Here “brothers” means fellow Christians.
4:13 zqz6 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-euphemism τῶν κοιμωμένων 1 Here “sleep” is a euphemism for being dead. Alternate translation: “those who have died” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-euphemism]])
4:13 r9f8 ἵνα μὴ λυπῆσθε, καθὼς & οἱ λοιποὶ 1 “because we do not want you grieve like the rest”
4:13 qt5b λυπῆσθε 1 mourn, be sad about something
4:13 rl73 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit καθὼς & οἱ λοιποὶ, οἱ μὴ ἔχοντες ἐλπίδα 1 “like people who do not confidence in the future promise.” It can be stated clearly what those people do not have confidence about. Alternate translation: “like the people who are not sure that they will rise from the dead” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])
4:14 ybz6 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-exclusive εἰ & πιστεύομεν 1 Here “we” refers to Paul and his audience. (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-exclusive]])
4:14 kmk2 ἀνέστη 1 “rose to live again”
4:14 bi9w rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-euphemism τοὺς κοιμηθέντας διὰ τοῦ Ἰησοῦ 1 Here “fallen asleep” is a polite way to refer to having died. (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-euphemism]])
4:15 ni3m rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy ἐν λόγῳ Κυρίου 1 “Word” here is a metonym for “message.” Alternate translation: “by means of understanding the teachings of the Lord” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])
4:15 b786 εἰς τὴν παρουσίαν τοῦ Κυρίου 1 “when the Lord returns”
4:16 ah7p αὐτὸς ὁ Κύριος & καταβήσεται 1 “the Lord himself will come down”
4:16 z9ka ἀρχαγγέλου 1 “the chief angel”
4:16 dr89 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit οἱ νεκροὶ ἐν Χριστῷ ἀναστήσονται πρῶτον 1 The “dead in Christ” are those believers who have passed away. Alternate translation: “those who believe in Jesus Christ, but who have already died, will rise first” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])
4:17 l5l1 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-exclusive ἡμεῖς οἱ ζῶντες 1 Here “we” refers to all believers who have not died. (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-exclusive]])
4:17 wvi8 σὺν αὐτοῖς 1 The word “them” refers to the dead believers who were made alive again.
4:17 se1y ἁρπαγησόμεθα ἐν νεφέλαις εἰς ἀπάντησιν τοῦ Κυρίου εἰς ἀέρα 1 “meet the Lord Jesus in the sky”
5:intro ay3d 0 # 1 Thessalonians 05 General Notes\n## Structure and formatting\n\nPaul concludes his letter in a way that was typical of letters in the ancient Near East.\n\n## Special concepts in this chapter\n\n### Day of the Lord\nThe exact time of the coming day of the Lord will be a surprise to the world. This is what the simile “like a thief in the night” means. Because of this, Christians are to live prepared for the coming of the Lord. (See: [[rc://*/tw/dict/bible/kt/dayofthelord]] and [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-simile]])\n\n### Quench the Spirit\nThis means to ignore or work against the Holy Spirits guidance and work.
5:1 i2vm rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-exclusive 0 In this chapter the words “we” and “us” refer to Paul, Silvanus, and Timothy, unless otherwise noted. Also, the word “you” is plural and refers to the believers at the church of Thessalonica. (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-exclusive]] and [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-you]])
5:1 z1s6 0 Paul continues talking about the day Jesus will come back.
5:1 h84m τῶν χρόνων καὶ τῶν καιρῶν 1 This refers to the events preceding the Lord Jesus return.
5:1 uq3n ἀδελφοί 1 Here “brothers” means fellow Christians.
5:2 mcq9 ἀκριβῶς 1 “very well” or “accurately”
5:2 tmj3 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-simile ὡς κλέπτης ἐν νυκτὶ οὕτως 1 Just as one does not know which night a thief may come, we do not know when the day of the Lord will come. Alternate translation: “unexpectedly” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-simile]])
5:3 p1wi ὅταν λέγωσιν 1 “When the people say”
5:3 ne9n τότε αἰφνίδιος & ὄλεθρος 1 “then unexpected destruction”
5:3 f1xr rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-simile ὥσπερ ἡ ὠδὶν τῇ ἐν γαστρὶ ἐχούσῃ 1 Just as a pregnant womans birth pains come suddenly and do not stop until the birth is complete, the destruction will come, and people will not escape. (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-simile]])
5:4 rr9j ὑμεῖς & ἀδελφοί 1 Here “brothers” means fellow Christians.
5:4 b6lv rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor οὐκ ἐστὲ ἐν σκότει 1 Paul speaks of evil and ignorance about God as if they were darkness. Alternate translation: “you are not unknowing, like people who live in the dark” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
5:4 elp9 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-simile ἵνα ἡ ἡμέρα ὑμᾶς ὡς κλέπτας καταλάβῃ 1 The day when the Lord comes should not be a surprise to believers. (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-simile]])
5:5 zp3z rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor πάντες γὰρ ὑμεῖς υἱοὶ φωτός ἐστε, καὶ υἱοὶ ἡμέρας 1 Paul speaks of the truth as if it were light and day. Alternate translation: “For you know the truth, like people who live in the light, like people during the day” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
5:5 d6fm rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor οὐκ ἐσμὲν νυκτὸς οὐδὲ σκότους 1 Paul speaks of evil and ignorance about God as if they were darkness. Alternate translation: We are not unknowing, like people who live in the darkness, like people at night” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
5:6 us6s rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor μὴ καθεύδωμεν ὡς οἱ λοιποί 1 Paul speaks of spiritual unawareness as if it were sleep. Alternate translation: “let us not be like others who are not aware that Jesus is coming back” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
5:6 gu51 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-exclusive καθεύδωμεν 1 The word “us” refers to all believers. (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-exclusive]])
5:6 d2aj rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor γρηγορῶμεν καὶ νήφωμεν 1 Paul describes spiritual awareness as the opposite of sleep and drunkenness. (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
5:7 s253 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor οἱ γὰρ καθεύδοντες, νυκτὸς καθεύδουσιν 1 Just as when people sleep and do not know what is happening, so the people of this world do not know that Christ will return. (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
5:7 exa8 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor οἱ μεθυσκόμενοι, νυκτὸς μεθύουσιν 1 Paul is stating that it is at night when people become drunk, so when people are unaware of Christs return they do not live a self-controlled life. (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
5:8 zj9r rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-exclusive 0 In verses 8-10 the word “we” refers to all believers. (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-exclusive]])
5:8 wh3g rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor ἡμεῖς & ἡμέρας ὄντες 1 Paul speaks of knowing the truth about God as belonging to the day. Alternate translation: “we know the truth” or “we have received the light of truth” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
5:8 i8j1 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor νήφωμεν 1 Paul compares being sober to exercising self-control. Alternate translation: “let us exercise self-control” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
5:8 ev6i rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor ἐνδυσάμενοι θώρακα πίστεως καὶ ἀγάπης 1 As a soldier would put on a breastplate to protect his body, a believer who lives by faith and love will find protection. Alternate translation: “protect ourselves with faith and love” or “protect ourselves by trusting Christ and loving him” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
5:8 fk6r rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor περικεφαλαίαν, ἐλπίδα σωτηρίας 1 As a helmet protects a soldiers head, assurance of salvation protects the believer. Alternate translation: “protect ourselves by being certain that Christ will save us” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
5:10 w59c rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-euphemism εἴτε γρηγορῶμεν εἴτε καθεύδωμεν 1 These are polite ways of saying alive or dead. Alternate translation: “whether we are alive or dead” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-euphemism]])
5:11 r921 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor οἰκοδομεῖτε εἷς τὸν ἕνα 1 Here “build” is a metaphor that means encourage. Alternate translation: “encourage each other” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
5:12 pd47 0 Paul begins to give his final instructions to the church in Thessalonica.
5:12 rka4 ἀδελφοί 1 Here “brothers” means fellow believers.
5:12 ksp2 εἰδέναι τοὺς κοπιῶντας 1 “to esteem and appreciate those who are involved in leading”
5:12 fqh3 προϊσταμένους ὑμῶν ἐν Κυρίῳ 1 This refers to people God appointed to serve as leaders of the local group of believers.
5:13 c966 ἡγεῖσθαι αὐτοὺς ὑπέρ ἐκ περισσοῦ ἐν ἀγάπῃ, διὰ τὸ ἔργον αὐτῶν 1 Paul exhorts the believers to love and esteem their church leaders.
5:16 chw9 πάντοτε χαίρετε 1 Paul is exhorting the believers to maintain a spiritual attitude of rejoicing in all things.
5:17 l63i ἀδιαλείπτως προσεύχεσθε 1 Paul is exhorting the believers to be vigilant in prayer.
5:18 z9gg ἐν παντὶ εὐχαριστεῖτε 1 Paul is exhorting the believers to express thankfulness in all things.
5:18 bt5q ἐν παντὶ 1 In all circumstances
5:18 l3sk τοῦτο γὰρ θέλημα Θεοῦ 1 Paul is referring to the behavior he just mentioned as being Gods will for the believers.
5:19 j1ei τὸ Πνεῦμα μὴ σβέννυτε 1 “Do not stop the Holy Spirit from working among you”
5:20 iv1n προφητείας μὴ ἐξουθενεῖτε 1 “Do not have contempt for prophecies” or “Do not hate anything the Holy Spirit tells someone”
5:21 wx69 πάντα δοκιμάζετε 1 “Make sure that all messages that seem to come from God truly come from him”
5:21 r12r rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor τὸ καλὸν κατέχετε 1 Paul speaks of messages from the Holy Spirit as if they were objects that one could grasp in his hands. (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
5:23 gu2c ἁγιάσαι ὑμᾶς ὁλοτελεῖς 1 This refers to God making a person sinless and perfect in his sight.
5:23 s36k rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive ὁλόκληρον ὑμῶν τὸ πνεῦμα, καὶ ἡ ψυχὴ, καὶ τὸ σῶμα, ἀμέμπτως & τηρηθείη 1 Here “spirit, soul, and body” represent the whole person. If your language does not have three words for these parts you can state it as “your whole life” or “you.” This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “May God make your whole life without sin” or “May God keep you completely blameless” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])
5:24 mq2u πιστὸς ὁ καλῶν ὑμᾶς 1 “He is faithful who calls you”
5:24 c3jg ὃς καὶ ποιήσει 1 “he will be helping you”
5:25 q8ki 0 Paul gives his closing statements.
5:26 qa1c ἀδελφοὺς 1 Here “brothers” means fellow Christians.
5:27 n5cn rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive ἐνορκίζω ὑμᾶς τὸν Κύριον, ἀναγνωσθῆναι τὴν ἐπιστολὴν 1 This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “I urge you, as if the Lord were speaking to you, to have people read this letter” or “With the authority of the Lord I direct you to read this letter” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])