King James Version

What Does 1 Thessalonians 2:19 Mean?

1 Thessalonians 2:19 in the King James Version says “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 com... — study this verse from 1 Thessalonians chapter 2 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

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

1 Thessalonians 2:19 · KJV


Context

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

20

For ye are our glory and joy.


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
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?tis gar hēmōn elpis ē chara ē stephanos kauchēseōs ē ouchi kai hymeis emprosthen tou Kyriou hēmōn Iēsou en tē autou parousia (τίς γὰρ ἡμῶν ἐλπὶς ἢ χαρὰ ἢ στέφανος καυχήσεως ἢ οὐχὶ καὶ ὑμεῖς ἔμπροσθεν τοῦ Κυρίου ἡμῶν Ἰησοῦ ἐν τῇ αὐτοῦ παρουσίᾳ; 'For what is our hope or joy or crown of boasting? Is it not even you before our Lord Jesus at his coming?'). Stephanos (στέφανος) is the victor's wreath, not royal diadema—the reward for faithful service.

At his coming (parousia, παρουσία)—first explicit mention of Christ's return in Paul's letters, a theme dominating 1 Thessalonians (2:19; 3:13; 4:15; 5:23). Parousia meant 'presence' or 'arrival' (especially of royalty or military commanders); Paul applies it to Christ's triumphant return. The Thessalonians themselves are Paul's 'crown'—successful ministry produces spiritual children who will stand before Christ at His return. This future orientation transforms present suffering: what matters isn't comfort now but fruit then, when Christ evaluates ministry (1 Cor 3:12-15; 2 Cor 5:10).

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Historical & Cultural Context

Athletic imagery resonated in Greco-Roman culture, where victorious athletes received laurel wreaths (stephanos) and public honor. Paul transforms this imagery: the true victory wreath isn't personal achievement but fruitful ministry producing believers who persevere to Christ's return. The emphasis on parousia reflects early Christian expectation of Christ's imminent return, though Paul doesn't date-set (5:1-3). This hope sustained perseverance—present suffering was temporary; coming glory and reunion with Christ were permanent.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does viewing spiritual children as your 'crown of rejoicing' at Christ's coming change your approach to discipleship and evangelism?
  2. What evidence demonstrates that your present ministry priorities are oriented toward fruit at Christ's return rather than comfort or recognition now?
  3. How does expectation of Christ's <em>parousia</em> (coming) affect your evaluation of present suffering, sacrifice, and service?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 23 words
τίς1 of 23

what

G5101

an interrogative pronoun, who, which or what (in direct or indirect questions)

γὰρ2 of 23

For

G1063

properly, assigning a reason (used in argument, explanation or intensification; often with other particles)

ἡμῶν3 of 23

is our

G2257

of (or from) us

ἐλπὶς4 of 23

hope

G1680

expectation (abstractly or concretely) or confidence

5 of 23

or

G2228

disjunctive, or; comparative, than

χαρὰ6 of 23

joy

G5479

cheerfulness, i.e., calm delight

7 of 23

or

G2228

disjunctive, or; comparative, than

στέφανος8 of 23

crown

G4735

a chaplet (as a badge of royalty, a prize in the public games or a symbol of honor generally; but more conspicuous and elaborate than the simple fille

καυχήσεως9 of 23

of rejoicing

G2746

boasting (properly, the act; by implication, the object), in a good or a bad sense

10 of 23

or

G2228

disjunctive, or; comparative, than

οὐχὶ11 of 23

Are not

G3780

not indeed

καὶ12 of 23

even

G2532

and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words

ὑμεῖς13 of 23

ye

G5210

you (as subjective of verb)

ἔμπροσθεν14 of 23

in the presence

G1715

in front of (in place (literally or figuratively) or time)

τοῦ15 of 23
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

κυρίου16 of 23

Lord

G2962

supreme in authority, i.e., (as noun) controller; by implication, master (as a respectful title)

ἡμῶν17 of 23

is our

G2257

of (or from) us

Ἰησοῦ18 of 23

Jesus

G2424

jesus (i.e., jehoshua), the name of our lord and two (three) other israelites

Χριστοῦ19 of 23

Christ

G5547

anointed, i.e., the messiah, an epithet of jesus

ἐν20 of 23

at

G1722

"in," at, (up-)on, by, etc

τῇ21 of 23
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

αὐτοῦ22 of 23

his

G846

the reflexive pronoun self, used (alone or in the comparative g1438) of the third person, and (with the proper personal pronoun) of the other persons

παρουσίᾳ23 of 23

coming

G3952

a being near, i.e., advent (often, return; specially, of christ to punish jerusalem, or finally the wicked); (by implication) physically, aspect


Study Guide

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 2:19 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 2:19 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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