King James Version

What Does 1 Thessalonians 3:12 Mean?

1 Thessalonians 3:12 in the King James Version says “And the Lord make you to increase and abound in love one toward another, and toward all men, even as we do toward you:” — study this verse from 1 Thessalonians chapter 3 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

“And the Lord make you to increase and abound in love one toward another, and toward all men, even as we do toward you:”

1 Thessalonians 3:12 · KJV

Love

Context

10

Night and day praying exceedingly that we might see your face, and might perfect that which is lacking in your faith?

11

Now God himself and our Father, and our Lord Jesus Christ, direct our way unto you. direct: or, guide

12

And the Lord make you to increase and abound in love one toward another, and toward all men, even as we do toward you:

13

To the end he may stablish your hearts unblameable in holiness before God, even our Father, at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ with all his saints. saints: or, holy ones, or, angels

Read 1 Thessalonians 3 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
And the Lord make you to increase and abound in love one toward another, and toward all men, even as we do toward you—hymas de ho Kyrios pleonasai kai perisseuai tē agapē eis allēlous kai eis pantas kathaper kai hēmeis eis hymas (ὑμᾶς δὲ ὁ Κύριος πλεονάσαι καὶ περισσεύσαι τῇ ἀγάπῃ εἰς ἀλλήλους καὶ εἰς πάντας καθάπερ καὶ ἡμεῖς εἰς ὑμᾶς). Two verbs intensify: pleonazō (πλεονάζω, 'to increase/multiply') and perisseuō (περισσεύω, 'to abound/overflow')—love should not merely exist but multiply and overflow. Agape must grow toward two targets: eis allēlous (εἰς ἀλλήλους, 'toward one another,' believers) and eis pantas (εἰς πάντας, 'toward all,' including unbelievers and enemies).

Even as we do toward you (kathaper kai hēmeis eis hymas, καθάπερ καὶ ἡμεῖς εἰς ὑμᾶς)—Paul models the love he commands. His sacrificial ministry (2:7-12), anxious concern (3:5), and overwhelming joy at their perseverance (3:9) demonstrate agape surpassing professional duty. Love's two dimensions (internal to believing community, external to all people) fulfill Jesus's dual command: love believers (John 13:34-35) and love enemies (Matt 5:44). Only divine intervention ('the Lord make you') produces love exceeding natural capacity. Supernatural love authenticates Christian witness (John 13:35).

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Historical & Cultural Context

The Thessalonians lived in a hostile environment—neighbors had attacked them, authorities threatened them, family ostracized them. Natural response would be defensive withdrawal or retaliatory hatred. Instead, Paul prays for increasing, overflowing love toward fellow believers and 'all people' (including persecutors). This countercultural love, possible only through Christ, becomes compelling witness. Roman emperor Julian the Apostate later complained that Christianity spread because 'the impious Galileans support not only their own poor but ours as well'—enemies couldn't ignore Christians' practical love.

Reflection Questions

  1. How do you distinguish between natural affection and supernatural <em>agape</em> that increases, abounds, and extends even to enemies?
  2. What evidence demonstrates that your love is growing ('increase and abound') rather than stagnant or diminishing?
  3. How does Paul's modeling of sacrificial love ('even as we do toward you') challenge leaders to exemplify what they teach?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 19 words
ὑμᾶς1 of 19

“you”

G5209

you (as the objective of a verb or preposition)

δὲ2 of 19

“And”

G1161

but, and, etc

ὁ3 of 19
G3588

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

κύριος4 of 19

“the Lord”

G2962

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

πλεονάσαι5 of 19

“make”

G4121

to do, make or be more, i.e., increase (transitively or intransitively); by extension, to superabound

καὶ6 of 19

“and”

G2532

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

περισσεύσαι7 of 19

“abound”

G4052

to superabound (in quantity or quality), be in excess, be superfluous; also (transitively) to cause to superabound or excel

τῇ8 of 19
G3588

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

ἀγάπῃ9 of 19

“in love”

G26

love, i.e., affection or benevolence; specially (plural) a love-feast

εἰς10 of 19

“do toward”

G1519

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

ἀλλήλους11 of 19

“another”

G240

one another

καὶ12 of 19

“and”

G2532

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

εἰς13 of 19

“do toward”

G1519

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

πάντας14 of 19

“all”

G3956

all, any, every, the whole

καθάπερ15 of 19

“as”

G2509

exactly as

καὶ16 of 19

“and”

G2532

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

ἡμεῖς17 of 19

“we”

G2249

we (only used when emphatic)

εἰς18 of 19

“do toward”

G1519

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

ὑμᾶς19 of 19

“you”

G5209

you (as the objective of a verb or preposition)

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 3:12 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 3:12 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Philippians 1:91 John 4:7-16Romans 13:8Matthew 22:392 Thessalonians 1:31 John 3:11-19

Test Your Knowledge

1 Thessalonians 3 QuizTest your knowledge of this chapter1 Thessalonians Book QuizComprehensive quiz for the entire book

Continue Your Study

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