King James Version

What Does 2 Thessalonians 3:1 Mean?

2 Thessalonians 3:1 in the King James Version says “Finally, brethren, pray for us, that the word of the Lord may have free course, and be glorified, even as it is with you... — study this verse from 2 Thessalonians chapter 3 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

Finally, brethren, pray for us, that the word of the Lord may have free course, and be glorified, even as it is with you: have: Gr. run

2 Thessalonians 3:1 · KJV


Context

1

Finally, brethren, pray for us, that the word of the Lord may have free course, and be glorified, even as it is with you: have: Gr. run

2

And that we may be delivered from unreasonable and wicked men: for all men have not faith. unreasonable: Gr. absurd

3

But the Lord is faithful, who shall stablish you, and keep you from evil.


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Finally, brethren, pray for us, that the word of the Lord may have free course, and be glorified, even as it is with youFinally (to loipon, τὸ λοιπόν, 'for the rest') transitions to closing exhortations. Paul requests pray for us (proseuchesthe peri hēmōn, προσεύχεσθε περὶ ἡμῶν)—apostles need prayer support. The petition: that the word of the Lord may have free course (ho logos tou Kyriou trechē, ὁ λόγος τοῦ Κυρίου τρέχῃ, 'run' like an athlete).

And be glorified (doxazētai, δοξάζηται)—honored, acclaimed. Even as it is with you—the Thessalonians' reception of the gospel exemplifies what Paul desires everywhere. God's word advances or stalls based on reception. Prayer removes obstacles, enabling rapid spread and glorious reception of truth.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

Paul likely wrote from Corinth, facing fierce Jewish opposition (Acts 18:5-6, 12-13). He needed prayer for protection and effectiveness. The gospel's advance wasn't automatic but required both divine power and human intercession. Ancient travel and communication barriers made prayer vital.

Reflection Questions

  1. What specific gospel workers and missionaries are you consistently praying for by name?
  2. How does your church reception of God's word either glorify or hinder it?
  3. What obstacles currently hinder the word's 'free course' in your community?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 18 words
Τὸ1 of 18
G3588

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

λοιπὸν2 of 18

Finally

G3063

something remaining (adverbially)

προσεύχεσθε3 of 18

pray

G4336

to pray to god, i.e., supplicate, worship

ἀδελφοί4 of 18

brethren

G80

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

περὶ5 of 18

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

ἡμῶν6 of 18

us

G2257

of (or from) us

ἵνα7 of 18

that

G2443

in order that (denoting the purpose or the result)

8 of 18
G3588

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

λόγος9 of 18

the word

G3056

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

τοῦ10 of 18
G3588

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

κυρίου11 of 18

of the Lord

G2962

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

τρέχῃ12 of 18

may have free course

G5143

which uses ????? <pronunciation strongs="drem'-o"/> (the base of g1408) as alternate in certain tenses; to run or walk hastily (literally or figurativ

καὶ13 of 18

and

G2532

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

δοξάζηται14 of 18

be glorified

G1392

to render (or esteem) glorious (in a wide application)

καθὼς15 of 18

as

G2531

just (or inasmuch) as, that

καὶ16 of 18

and

G2532

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

πρὸς17 of 18

it is with

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,

ὑμᾶς18 of 18

you

G5209

you (as the objective of a verb or preposition)


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 3:1 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 3:1 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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