King James Version

What Does 2 Thessalonians 1:3 Mean?

2 Thessalonians 1:3 in the King James Version says “We are bound to thank God always for you, brethren, as it is meet, because that your faith groweth exceedingly, and the ... — study this verse from 2 Thessalonians chapter 1 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

We are bound to thank God always for you, brethren, as it is meet, because that your faith groweth exceedingly, and the charity of every one of you all toward each other aboundeth;

2 Thessalonians 1:3 · KJV


Context

1

Paul, and Silvanus, and Timotheus, unto the church of the Thessalonians in God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ:

2

Grace unto you, and peace, from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.

3

We are bound to thank God always for you, brethren, as it is meet, because that your faith groweth exceedingly, and the charity of every one of you all toward each other aboundeth;

4

So that we ourselves glory in you in the churches of God for your patience and faith in all your persecutions and tribulations that ye endure:

5

Which is a manifest token of the righteous judgment of God, that ye may be counted worthy of the kingdom of God, for which ye also suffer:


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
We are bound to thank God always for you, brethren, as it is meet, because that your faith groweth exceedingly, and the charity of every one of you all toward each other aboundeth—Paul's thanksgiving is obligatory (opheilomen, ὀφείλομεν, 'we owe'). Their pistis (πίστις, faith) is growing exceedingly (hyperauxanei, ὑπεραυξάνει), a rare compound meaning 'super-growing,' used only here in the NT.

Their agapē (ἀγάπη, self-sacrificing love) abounds (pleonazei, πλεονάζει)—overflows beyond measure. Despite persecution, the Thessalonians' faith didn't merely survive but thrived. Each believer loved every one, not selectively. This commendation precedes Paul's stern correction in chapter 2, following the biblical pattern of affirmation before rebuke.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

The Thessalonian church was young (perhaps only 1-2 years old) and faced relentless opposition. Paul's earlier ministry there lasted mere weeks (Acts 17:2). Yet their explosive growth in faith and love testified to the Spirit's power, not human wisdom or favorable circumstances.

Reflection Questions

  1. Is your faith 'super-growing' under pressure, or merely surviving?
  2. How specifically do you demonstrate love to 'every one' in your church, including the difficult?
  3. Why does Paul consider thanksgiving for believers' growth not optional but obligatory?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 26 words
Εὐχαριστεῖν1 of 26

to thank

G2168

to be grateful, i.e., (actively) to express gratitude (towards); specially, to say grace at a meal

ὀφείλομεν2 of 26

We are bound

G3784

to owe (pecuniarily); figuratively, to be under obligation (ought, must, should); morally, to fail in duty

τῷ3 of 26
G3588

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

θεῷ4 of 26

God

G2316

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

πάντοτε5 of 26

always

G3842

every when, i.e., at all times

περὶ6 of 26

for

G4012

properly, through (all over), i.e., around; figuratively with respect to; used in various applications, of place, cause or time (with the genitive cas

ὑμῶν7 of 26

of you

G5216

of (from or concerning) you

ἀδελφοί8 of 26

brethren

G80

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

καθὼς9 of 26

as

G2531

just (or inasmuch) as, that

ἄξιόν10 of 26

meet

G514

deserving, comparable or suitable (as if drawing praise)

ἐστιν11 of 26

it is

G2076

he (she or it) is; also (with neuter plural) they are

ὅτι12 of 26

because

G3754

demonstrative, that (sometimes redundant); causative, because

ὑπεραυξάνει13 of 26

groweth exceedingly

G5232

to increase above ordinary degree

14 of 26
G3588

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

πίστις15 of 26

faith

G4102

persuasion, i.e., credence; moral conviction (of religious truth, or the truthfulness of god or a religious teacher), especially reliance upon christ

ὑμῶν16 of 26

of you

G5216

of (from or concerning) you

καὶ17 of 26

and

G2532

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

πλεονάζει18 of 26

aboundeth

G4121

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

19 of 26
G3588

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

ἀγάπη20 of 26

the charity

G26

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

ἑνὸς21 of 26

one

G1520

one

ἑκάστου22 of 26

of every

G1538

each or every

πάντων23 of 26

all

G3956

all, any, every, the whole

ὑμῶν24 of 26

of you

G5216

of (from or concerning) you

εἰς25 of 26

toward

G1519

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

ἀλλήλους26 of 26

each other

G240

one another


Study Guide

Historical Context

This verse is found in the book of 2 Thessalonians. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.

Theological Significance

2 Thessalonians 1:3 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 2 Thessalonians 1:3 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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