King James Version

What Does 1 Thessalonians 2:9 Mean?

1 Thessalonians 2:9 in the King James Version says “For ye remember, brethren, our labour and travail: for labouring night and day, because we would not be chargeable unto ... — study this verse from 1 Thessalonians chapter 2 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

For ye remember, brethren, our labour and travail: for labouring night and day, because we would not be chargeable unto any of you, we preached unto you the gospel of God.

1 Thessalonians 2:9 · KJV


Context

7

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

8

So being affectionately desirous of you, we were willing to have imparted unto you, not the gospel of God only, but also our own souls, because ye were dear unto us.

9

For ye remember, brethren, our labour and travail: for labouring night and day, because we would not be chargeable unto any of you, we preached unto you the gospel of God.

10

Ye are witnesses, and God also, how holily and justly and unblameably we behaved ourselves among you that believe:

11

As ye know how we exhorted and comforted and charged every one of you , as a father doth his children,


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
For ye remember, brethren, our labour and travail: for labouring night and day, because we would not be chargeable unto any of you, we preached unto you the gospel of Godkopon kai mochthon (κόπον καὶ μόχθον, 'labor and toil') indicates exhausting work unto weariness. Paul worked nykta kai hēmeran ergazomenoi (νύκτα καὶ ἡμέραν ἐργαζόμενοι, 'working night and day') to support himself through tentmaking while conducting evangelistic ministry. Pros to mē epibarēsai tina hymōn (πρὸς τὸ μὴ ἐπιβαρῆσαί τινα ὑμῶν, 'in order not to burden any of you') explains his motive: removing financial obstacles to the gospel.

Paul's self-support accomplished multiple purposes: (1) proved his motives weren't mercenary, (2) modeled diligent work for believers tempted toward idleness (4:11-12; 2 Thess 3:7-10), (3) removed the appearance of exploitation, (4) enabled ministry to the poor who couldn't support teachers. Yet this wasn't legalism—Paul accepted support from established churches (Phil 4:15-16) and taught ministers' right to support (1 Cor 9:14). His voluntary sacrifice demonstrated love exceeding obligation, authenticating the costly gospel he preached.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

Tentmaking was portable, skilled labor suitable for traveling missionaries. Paul likely made leather tents for Roman military use (a major industry in Thessalonica, a garrison city). Working 'night and day' meant crafting tents during daylight hours, then teaching and evangelizing evenings. Synagogue teaching on Sabbaths (Acts 17:2) added to this schedule. The physical and emotional exhaustion ('labor and travail') demonstrated Paul's commitment. His self-support was particularly remarkable in a culture where manual labor was considered degrading for educated free men.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does Paul's voluntary sacrifice of legitimate financial support challenge contemporary assumptions about pastoral compensation?
  2. What role does a minister's willingness to work sacrificially play in validating the gospel's cost and value?
  3. How do you distinguish between appropriate financial stewardship in ministry and exploitative patterns disguised as faith?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 27 words
μνημονεύετε1 of 27

ye remember

G3421

to exercise memory, i.e., recollect; by implication, to punish; also to rehearse

γάρ,2 of 27

For

G1063

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

ἀδελφοί3 of 27

brethren

G80

a brother (literally or figuratively) near or remote (much like g0001)

τὸν4 of 27
G3588

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

κόπον5 of 27

labour

G2873

a cut, i.e., (by analogy) toil (as reducing the strength), literally or figuratively; by implication, pains

ἡμῶν6 of 27

our

G2257

of (or from) us

καὶ7 of 27

and

G2532

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

τὸν8 of 27
G3588

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

μόχθον·9 of 27

travail

G3449

toil, i.e., (by implication) sadness

νυκτὸς10 of 27

night

G3571

"night" (literally or figuratively)

γάρ,11 of 27

For

G1063

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

καὶ12 of 27

and

G2532

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

ἡμέρας13 of 27

day

G2250

day, i.e., (literally) the time space between dawn and dark, or the whole 24 hours (but several days were usually reckoned by the jews as inclusive of

ἐργαζόμενοι14 of 27

labouring

G2038

to toil (as a task, occupation, etc.), (by implication) effect, be engaged in or with, etc

πρὸς15 of 27

because

G4314

a preposition of direction; forward to, i.e., toward (with the genitive case, the side of, i.e., pertaining to; with the dative case, by the side of,

τὸ16 of 27
G3588

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

μὴ17 of 27

not

G3361

(adverb) not, (conjunction) lest; also (as an interrogative implying a negative answer (whereas g3756 expects an affirmative one)) whether

ἐπιβαρῆσαί18 of 27

be chargeable

G1912

to be heavy upon, i.e., (pecuniarily) to be expensive to; figuratively, to be severe towards

τινα19 of 27

unto any

G5100

some or any person or object

ὑμῶν20 of 27

of you

G5216

of (from or concerning) you

ἐκηρύξαμεν21 of 27

we preached

G2784

to herald (as a public crier), especially divine truth (the gospel)

εἰς22 of 27

unto

G1519

to or into (indicating the point reached or entered), of place, time, or (figuratively) purpose (result, etc.); also in adverbial phrases

ὑμᾶς23 of 27

you

G5209

you (as the objective of a verb or preposition)

τὸ24 of 27
G3588

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

εὐαγγέλιον25 of 27

the gospel

G2098

a good message, i.e., the gospel

τοῦ26 of 27
G3588

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

θεοῦ27 of 27

of God

G2316

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


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 2:9 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 2:9 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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