King James Version
What Does 1 Thessalonians 2:17 Mean?
“But we, brethren, being taken from you for a short time in presence, not in heart, endeavoured the more abundantly to see your face with great desire.”
Context
15
Who both killed the Lord Jesus, and their own prophets, and have persecuted us; and they please not God, and are contrary to all men: persecuted us: or, chased us out
16
Forbidding us to speak to the Gentiles that they might be saved, to fill up their sins alway: for the wrath is come upon them to the uttermost.
17
But we, brethren, being taken from you for a short time in presence, not in heart, endeavoured the more abundantly to see your face with great desire.
18
Wherefore we would have come unto you, even I Paul, once and again; but Satan hindered us.
19
For what is our hope, or joy, or crown of rejoicing? Are not even ye in the presence of our Lord Jesus Christ at his coming? rejoicing: or, glorying
Commentary
Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers(17) **But we, brethren.**—Now comes a change of subject: no longer the memories of the time when St. Paul was among them, but his hopes and fears about them since he left.
“But while you were being persecuted by these reprobate Jews, we, who were driven away from you, were longing to come back to see whether your faith was such an effectual working faith as to support you through it all.”
**Taken from you.**—Literally, *bereaved from you*—*i.e., *bereaved by being torn from you; a return to the simile of the mother (1Thessalonians 2:7), or father (1Thessalonians 2:11).
**The more abundantly.**—“So far were we from the proverb, ‘out of sight, out of mind,’ that our very absence gave us a greater yearning after your presence” (1Corinthians 5:3).
Charles John Ellicott (1819–1905). Public Domain.
Historical Context
This verse is found in the book of 1 Thessalonians. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.
Theological Significance
1 Thessalonians 2:17 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.
Cross-References
Verses related to 1 Thessalonians 2:17
Colossians 2:5
→1 Corinthians 5:3
→1 Thessalonians 3:6
→Romans 1:13
→1 Thessalonians 3:10-11
→Romans 15:23
→Cross-references from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge