King James Version

What Does 1 Thessalonians 4:10 Mean?

1 Thessalonians 4:10 in the King James Version says “And indeed ye do it toward all the brethren which are in all Macedonia: but we beseech you, brethren, that ye increase m... — study this verse from 1 Thessalonians chapter 4 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

And indeed ye do it toward all the brethren which are in all Macedonia: but we beseech you, brethren, that ye increase more and more;

1 Thessalonians 4:10 · King James Version


Context

8

He therefore that despiseth, despiseth not man, but God, who hath also given unto us his holy Spirit. despiseth: or, rejecteth

9

But as touching brotherly love ye need not that I write unto you: for ye yourselves are taught of God to love one another.

10

And indeed ye do it toward all the brethren which are in all Macedonia: but we beseech you, brethren, that ye increase more and more;

11

And that ye study to be quiet, and to do your own business, and to work with your own hands, as we commanded you;

12

That ye may walk honestly toward them that are without, and that ye may have lack of nothing. of: or, of no man


Commentaries4 scholars

KJV Study CommentaryPublic Domain
And indeed ye do it toward all the brethren which are in all Macedonia: but we beseech you, brethren, that ye increase more and morekai gar poieite auto eis pantas tous adelphous tous en holē tē Makedonia. parakaloumen de hymas, adelphoi, perisseuein mallon (καὶ γὰρ ποιεῖτε αὐτὸ εἰς πάντας τοὺς ἀδελφοὺς τοὺς ἐν ὅλῃ τῇ Μακεδονίᾳ. παρακαλοῦμεν δὲ ὑμᾶς, ἀδελφοί, περισσεύειν μᾶλλον). The Thessalonians' love extended beyond their local church to all the brethren in all Macedonia—believers in Philippi, Berea, and other Macedonian cities. This regional love demonstrated authentic Christianity transcending local congregationalism. Yet even exemplary love requires growth: perisseuein mallon (περισσεύειν μᾶλλον, 'to abound more and more').

Paul's pattern repeats: affirmation ('ye do it') plus exhortation ('increase more and more'). This balance prevents both complacency (resting on present attainment) and discouragement (feeling nothing is ever enough). Love should continually increase—there's no ceiling to growth in grace. The phrase 'increase more and more' echoes 3:12 (love abounding) and 4:1 (pleasing God abundantly), establishing progressive sanctification as Christian life's pattern. Believers never 'arrive' but press toward the goal (Phil 3:12-14), always growing in love, faith, and holiness.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

The Thessalonians' love for believers throughout Macedonia was remarkable given their own poverty and persecution. They apparently shared resources with other churches, hosted traveling believers, and maintained fellowship despite distances and difficulties. Paul later commended Macedonian churches (including Thessalonica) for extraordinary generosity: 'their deep poverty abounded unto the riches of their liberality... beyond their power' (2 Cor 8:2-3). This sacrificial love proved their faith's authenticity and established a model for churches throughout history.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does your love extend beyond your local congregation to believers regionally and globally?
  2. What specific actions demonstrate that your love is 'increasing more and more' rather than static or declining?
  3. How do you balance affirmation for present growth with exhortation toward continued increase without creating either complacency or discouragement?

Compare 4 commentaries from different scholars and time periods for a richer understanding.


Original Language Analysis

Greek · 19 words
καὶ1 of 19

And

G2532

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

γὰρ2 of 19

indeed

G1063

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

ποιεῖτε3 of 19

ye do

G4160

to make or do (in a very wide application, more or less direct)

αὐτὸ4 of 19

it

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

εἰς5 of 19

toward

G1519

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

πάντας6 of 19

all

G3956

all, any, every, the whole

τῇ7 of 19

which

G3588

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

ἀδελφοί8 of 19

brethren

G80

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

τῇ9 of 19

which

G3588

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

ἐν10 of 19

are in

G1722

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

ὅλῃ11 of 19

all

G3650

"whole" or "all", i.e., complete (in extent, amount, time or degree), especially (neuter) as noun or adverb

τῇ12 of 19

which

G3588

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

Μακεδονίᾳ13 of 19

Macedonia

G3109

macedonia, a region of greece

παρακαλοῦμεν14 of 19

we beseech

G3870

to call near, i.e., invite, invoke (by imploration, hortation or consolation)

δὲ15 of 19

but

G1161

but, and, etc

ὑμᾶς16 of 19

you

G5209

you (as the objective of a verb or preposition)

ἀδελφοί17 of 19

brethren

G80

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

περισσεύειν18 of 19

that ye increase

G4052

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

μᾶλλον19 of 19

and more

G3123

(adverbially) more (in a greater degree)) or rather


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 4:10 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 4:10 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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