King James Version

What Does 1 Thessalonians 2:5 Mean?

1 Thessalonians 2:5 in the King James Version says “For neither at any time used we flattering words , as ye know, nor a cloke of covetousness; God is witness:” — study this verse from 1 Thessalonians chapter 2 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

“For neither at any time used we flattering words , as ye know, nor a cloke of covetousness; God is witness:”

1 Thessalonians 2:5 · KJV

Context

3

For our exhortation was not of deceit, nor of uncleanness, nor in guile:

4

But as we were allowed of God to be put in trust with the gospel, even so we speak; not as pleasing men, but God, which trieth our hearts.

5

For neither at any time used we flattering words , as ye know, nor a cloke of covetousness; God is witness:

6

Nor of men sought we glory, neither of you, nor yet of others, when we might have been burdensome , as the apostles of Christ. been: or, used authority

7

But we were gentle among you, even as a nurse cherisheth her children:

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Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
For neither at any time used we flattering words, as ye know, nor a cloke of covetousness; God is witness—en logō kolakeias (ἐν λόγῳ κολακείας, 'in word of flattery') describes insincere praise designed to manipulate. Ancient sophists flattered wealthy patrons for financial support; Paul flatly denies this practice. Prophasis pleonexias (πρόφασις πλεονεξίας, 'pretext for greed') indicates using ministry as a cover for selfish gain. Paul appeals to two witnesses: the Thessalonians ('as ye know' for observable behavior) and God ('God is witness' for unobservable motives).

Covetousness was particularly tempting for traveling teachers. Lucrative patronage awaited those who told wealthy supporters what they wanted to hear. Paul's refusal to accept support (v. 9) removed even the appearance of mercenary motives. His plain-spoken teaching sometimes offended (Acts 17:5-9) but never deceived. The contrast with greedy false teachers is stark: Paul worked to support himself, lived simply, spoke truth without flattery, and ultimately suffered rather than profited from gospel ministry. His integrity validated his message.

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Historical & Cultural Context

The Greco-Roman world expected religious teachers to seek patronage from wealthy supporters. Philosophers dedicated works to patrons; mystery cult leaders extracted fees from devotees; astrologers and magicians charged for services. Paul's financial independence was radical—he supported himself through tentmaking (Acts 18:3; 1 Thess 2:9), accepted occasional gifts from established churches (Phil 4:15-16), but never demanded support or used flattery to manipulate donors. This pattern protected gospel ministry from the appearance (and reality) of exploitation.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does contemporary Christian ministry demonstrate freedom from flattery and financial manipulation, or fail to do so?
  2. What safeguards protect ministers from using their platform for covetous purposes disguised as spiritual service?
  3. Why does Paul appeal to both human observation (for actions) and divine witness (for motives)? What does this teach about accountability?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 15 words
οὔτε1 of 15

“neither”

G3777

not too, i.e., neither or nor; by analogy, not even

γάρ2 of 15

“For”

G1063

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

ποτε3 of 15

“at any time”

G4218

indefinite adverb, at some time, ever

ἐν4 of 15

“a cloke”

G1722

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

λόγῳ5 of 15
G3056

something said (including the thought); by implication, a topic (subject of discourse), also reasoning (the mental faculty) or motive; by extension, a

κολακείας6 of 15

“flattering”

G2850

flattery

ἐγενήθημεν7 of 15

“used we”

G1096

to cause to be ("gen"-erate), i.e., (reflexively) to become (come into being), used with great latitude (literal, figurative, intensive, etc.)

καθὼς8 of 15

“as”

G2531

just (or inasmuch) as, that

οἴδατε9 of 15

“ye know”

G1492

used only in certain past tenses, the others being borrowed from the equivalent g3700 and g3708; properly, to see (literally or figuratively); by impl

οὔτε10 of 15

“neither”

G3777

not too, i.e., neither or nor; by analogy, not even

ἐν11 of 15

“a cloke”

G1722

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

προφάσει12 of 15
G4392

an outward showing, i.e., pretext

πλεονεξίας13 of 15

“of covetousness”

G4124

avarice, i.e., (by implication) fraudulency, extortion

θεὸς14 of 15

“God”

G2316

a deity, especially (with g3588) the supreme divinity; figuratively, a magistrate; exceedingly (by hebraism)

μάρτυς15 of 15

“is witness”

G3144

a witness (literally (judicially) or figuratively (genitive case)); by analogy, a "martyr"

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 2:5 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 2:5 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Romans 1:92 Corinthians 12:17Acts 20:332 Peter 2:3Galatians 1:20Revelation 18:12-13

Test Your Knowledge

1 Thessalonians 2 QuizTest your knowledge of this chapter1 Thessalonians Book QuizComprehensive quiz for the entire book

Continue Your Study

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