1TH front intro jp2y 0 # Introduction to 1 Thessalonians<br><br>## Part 1: General Introduction<br><br>### Outline of the Book of 1 Thessalonians<br><br>1. Greeting (1:1)<br>1. Prayer of thanksgiving for the Thessalonian Christians (1:2-10)<br>1. Paul’s ministry in Thessalonica (2:1-16)<br>1. Paul’s concerns for their spiritual growth<br> * Like a mother (2:7)<br> * Like a father (2:11)<br>1. Paul sends Timothy to the Thessalonians and Timothy reports back to Paul (3:1-13)<br>1. Practical instructions<br> * Live to please God (4:1-12)<br> * Comfort regarding those who have died (4:12-18)<br> * Christ’s return is a motive for godly living (5:1-11)<br>1. Closing blessings, thanks, and prayers (5:12-28)<br><br>### Who wrote 1 Thessalonians?<br><br>Paul wrote 1 Thessalonians. Paul was from the city of Tarsus. He had been known as Saul in his early life. Before becoming a Christian, Paul was a Pharisee. He persecuted Christians. After he became a Christian, he traveled several times throughout the Roman Empire telling people about Jesus.<br><br>Paul wrote this letter while staying in the city of Corinth. Of all Paul’s letters that are in the Bible, many scholars think 1 Thessalonians was the first letter Paul wrote.<br><br>### What is the Book of 1 Thessalonians about?<br><br>Paul wrote this letter to the believers in the city of Thessalonica. He wrote it after the Jews in the city forced him to leave. In this letter he said he considered his visit to them a success, even though he was forced to leave.<br><br>Paul responded to the news from Timothy about the Thessalonian believers. The believers there were being persecuted. He encouraged them to continue living in a way that pleased God. He also comforted them by explaining what happens to those who die before Christ returns.<br><br>### How should the title of this book be translated?<br><br>Translators may choose to call this book by its traditional title, “1 Thessalonians” or “First Thessalonians.” They may instead prefer to choose a clearer title, such as “Paul’s First Letter to the Church in Thessalonica,” or “The First Letter to the Christians in Thessalonica.” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names]])<br><br>## Part 2: Important Religious and Cultural Concepts<br><br>### What is the “second coming” of Jesus?<br><br>Paul wrote much in this letter about Jesus’ eventual return to Earth. When Jesus returns, he will judge all mankind. He will also rule over creation, and there will be peace everywhere.<br><br>### What happens to those who die before the return of Christ?<br><br>Paul made clear that those who die before Christ’s return will come back to life and be with Jesus. They will not remain dead forever. Paul wrote this to encourage the Thessalonians. For some of them worried that those who died would miss the great day when Jesus returns.<br><br>## Part 3: Important Translation Issues<br><br>### What did Paul mean by expressions like “in Christ” and “in the Lord.”?<br><br>Paul meant to express the idea of a very a close union with Christ and the believers. Please see the introduction to the Book of Romans for more details about this kind of expression.<br><br>### What are the major issues in the text of the Book of 1 Thessalonians?<br><br>For the following verses, modern versions of the Bible differ from older versions. The ULT text has the modern reading and puts the older reading in a footnote. If a translation of the Bible exists in the general region, translators should consider using the reading found in those versions. If not, translators are advised to follow the modern reading.<br>* “May grace and peace be to you” (1:1). Some older versions read: “Grace and peace to you from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.”<br>* “Instead, we were as gentle among you as a mother comforting her own children.” (2:7) Other modern versions and older versions read, “Instead, we were like babies among you, as when a mother comforts her own children.”<br>* “Timothy, our brother and fello
1TH 1 intro y8c5 0 # 1 Thessalonians 1 General Notes<br><br>## Structure and formatting<br><br>Verse 1 formally introduces this letter. Letters in the ancient Near East commonly had introductions of this type.<br><br>## Special concepts in this chapter<br><br>### Hardship<br><br>Other people persecuted the Christians in Thessalonica. But the Christians there handled it well. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])
1TH 1 1 ms5e figs-explicit Παῦλος, καὶ Σιλουανὸς, καὶ Τιμόθεος; τῇ ἐκκλησίᾳ 1 Paul and Silvanus and Timothy to the church The UST makes clear that it was Paul who wrote this letter. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])
1TH 1 1 luw5 figs-metonymy χάρις ὑμῖν καὶ εἰρήνη 1 Grace and peace to you The terms **Grace** and **peace** are metonyms for the person who acts toward people in a kindly and peaceful manner. Alternate translation: “May God be kind to you and give you peace” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])
1TH 1 1 nn67 figs-you ὑμῖν 1 to you The word **you** refers to the Thessalonian believers. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-you]])
1TH 1 2 y98w figs-exclusive 0 General Information: In this letter the words **we** and **us** refer to Paul, Silvanus, and Timothy, unless otherwise noted.(See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-exclusive]])
1TH 1 2 x3u1 figs-you 0 General Information: The word **you** is plural and refers to the believers at the church of Thessalonica. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-you]])
1TH 1 2 xud4 εὐχαριστοῦμεν τῷ Θεῷ πάντοτε 1 We always give thanks to God Here, **always** suggests that when Paul prays to God, he consistently presents the Thessalonians to God in his prayers.
1TH 1 2 r3yd μνείαν ποιούμενοι ἐπὶ τῶν προσευχῶν ἡμῶν, ἀδιαλείπτως 1 continually making mention of you in our prayers “and we continually pray for you”
1TH 1 5 h675 ἀλλὰ καὶ ἐν δυνάμει, καὶ ἐν Πνεύματι Ἁγίῳ 1 but also in power, and in the Holy Spirit This could mean: (1) the **Holy Spirit** gave Paul and his companions the ability to preach the gospel powerfully. (2) the **Holy Spirit** made the preaching of the gospel have a powerful effect among the Thessalonian believers. (3) the **Holy Spirit** demonstrated the truth of the gospel preaching by means of miracles, signs, and wonders.
1TH 1 5 t1w3 figs-abstractnouns πληροφορίᾳ πολλῇ 1 in much assurance The abstract noun **assurance** can be translated as a verb. Alternate translation: “God made you sure that it was true” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns]])
1TH 1 7 ml7u translate-names ἐν τῇ Ἀχαΐᾳ 1 in Achaia This is an ancient district in what is present-day Greece. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names]])
1TH 1 8 qyk6 figs-metonymy ὁ λόγος τοῦ Κυρίου 1 the word of the Lord Here, **word** is a metonym for “message.” Alternate translation: “the Lord’s teachings” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])
1TH 1 8 sht4 figs-metaphor ἐξήχηται 1 has been sounded out Here Paul speaks of the Christian witness produced by the Thessalonian believers as if it were a bell that was rung or a musical instrument that was being played. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
1TH 1 9 rd2b αὐτοὶ…ἀπαγγέλλουσιν 1 they themselves report Paul is referring to the churches that already existed in the surrounding regions, who have heard about the Thessalonian believers.
1TH 1 9 amc1 figs-rpronouns αὐτοὶ 1 themselves Here, **themselves** is used to emphasize those people who had heard about the Thessalonian believers. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-rpronouns]])
1TH 1 9 v145 figs-metonymy ὁποίαν εἴσοδον ἔσχομεν πρὸς ὑμᾶς 1 what kind of reception we had with you The abstract noun **reception** can be expressed as the verb “receive” or “welcome.” Alternate translation: “how warmly you received us” or “how warmly you welcomed us” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])
1TH 1 9 u1um figs-metaphor ἐπεστρέψατε πρὸς τὸν Θεὸν ἀπὸ τῶν εἰδώλων, δουλεύειν Θεῷ ζῶντι καὶ ἀληθινῷ 1 you turned to God from the idols to serve the living and true God Here, **turned to … from** is a metaphor that means to start being loyal to one person and stop being loyal to someone else. Alternate translation: “you stopped worshiping idols and started serving the living and true God” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
1TH 1 10 dg6a guidelines-sonofgodprinciples τὸν Υἱὸν αὐτοῦ 1 his Son This is an important title for Jesus that describes his relationship to God. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/guidelines-sonofgodprinciples]])
1TH 1 10 pmi8 ὃν ἤγειρεν 1 whom he raised “whom God caused to live again”
1TH 1 10 wba8 ἐκ τῶν νεκρῶν 1 from the dead “so that he was no longer dead.” This expression describes all dead people together in the underworld. To come back from among them speaks of becoming alive again.
1TH 1 10 pt1s figs-exclusive τὸν ῥυόμενον ἡμᾶς 1 the one rescuing us Here, **us** includes Paul and the Thessalonian believers. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-exclusive]])
1TH 2 intro kt5l 0 # 1 Thessalonians 2 General Notes<br><br>## Special concepts in this chapter<br><br>### Christian witness<br><br>Paul values his “Christian witness” as evidence that the gospel is true. Paul says that being godly or holy bears witness to the non-Christian. Paul defends his character, so that his witness is not affected. (See: [[rc://en/tw/dict/bible/kt/testimony]] and [[rc://en/tw/dict/bible/kt/godly]] and [[rc://en/tw/dict/bible/kt/holy]])
1TH 2 1 gpr4 figs-rpronouns αὐτοὶ…οἴδατε 1 you yourselves know The words **you** and **yourselves** refer to the Thessalonian believers. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-rpronouns]])
1TH 2 1 g6qq figs-exclusive τὴν εἴσοδον ἡμῶν 1 our coming The word **our** refers to Paul, Silvanus, and Timothy but not the Thessalonian believers. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-exclusive]])
1TH 2 1 w584 figs-doublenegatives οὐ κενὴ γέγονεν 1 has not been in vain This can be expressed in a positive manner. Alternate translation: “was very worthwhile” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-doublenegatives]])
1TH 2 4 k1m9 figs-metonymy τῷ δοκιμάζοντι τὰς καρδίας ἡμῶν 1 the one who examines our hearts The word **hearts** is a metonym for a person’s desires and thoughts. Alternate translation: “who knows our desires and thoughts” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])
1TH 2 5 i8cr οὔτε…ἐν λόγῳ κολακίας ἐγενήθημεν 1 we did not come … in words of flattery “we never spoke to you … with false praise”
1TH 2 7 ag1l figs-simile ὡς ἐὰν τροφὸς θάλπῃ τὰ ἑαυτῆς τέκνα 1 as if a mother might comfort her own children Just as a **mother** would gently **comfort** her **children**, so Paul, Silvanus, and Timothy spoke gently to the Thessalonian believers. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-simile]])
1TH 2 8 r8b4 οὕτως ὁμειρόμενοι ὑμῶν 1 Having affection for you in this manner “Because of our great affection for you”
1TH 2 8 q86v figs-metaphor εὐδοκοῦμεν μεταδοῦναι ὑμῖν, οὐ μόνον τὸ εὐαγγέλιον τοῦ Θεοῦ, ἀλλὰ καὶ τὰς ἑαυτῶν ψυχάς 1 we were pleased to impart to you not only the gospel of God but also our own souls Paul speaks of the gospel message and his soul and the souls of those with him as if they were physical objects that one could share with others. Alternate translation: “We were pleased not only to tell you the gospel of God but also to spend time with you and to help you” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
1TH 2 8 p4e4 ἀγαπητοὶ ἡμῖν ἐγενήθητε 1 you had become beloved to us “we cared for you deeply”
1TH 2 9 tc98 figs-doublet τὸν κόπον ἡμῶν καὶ τὸν μόχθον 1 our labor and toil The words **labor** and **toil** mean basically the same thing. Paul uses them to emphasize how hard they worked. Alternate translation: “how hard we worked” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-doublet]])
1TH 2 9 b16f νυκτὸς καὶ ἡμέρας ἐργαζόμενοι, πρὸς τὸ μὴ ἐπιβαρῆσαί τινα ὑμῶν 1 night and day working, in order not to burden any of you “working hard to make our own living so you would not need to support us”
1TH 2 10 il3e ὁσίως, καὶ δικαίως, καὶ ἀμέμπτως 1 holy, and righteous, and blameless Paul uses three words that describe their good behavior toward the Thessalonian believers.
1TH 2 11 i58m figs-metaphor ὡς πατὴρ τέκνα ἑαυτοῦ 1 as a father his own children Paul compares how he encouraged the Thessalonians to a **father** gently teaching his **children** how to behave. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
1TH 2 12 m91e figs-doublet παρακαλοῦντες ὑμᾶς, καὶ παραμυθούμενοι, καὶ μαρτυρόμενοι…ὑμᾶς 1 exhorting you and encouraging and testifying for you The words **exhorting,** **encouraging**, and ** testifying** are used together to express how passionately Paul’s group encouraged the Thessalonians. Alternate translation: “We were strongly encouraging you” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-doublet]])
1TH 2 12 n8dr figs-hendiadys εἰς τὴν ἑαυτοῦ βασιλείαν καὶ δόξαν 1 into his own kingdom and glory The word **glory** describes the word **kingdom**. Alternate translation: “into his own glorious kingdom” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-hendiadys]])
1TH 2 12 qmc3 figs-metaphor εἰς τὸ περιπατεῖν ὑμᾶς ἀξίως τοῦ Θεοῦ 1 for you to walk worthily of God Here, **walk** is a metaphor for “live.” Alternate translation: “for you to live in such a way that people will think well of God” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
1TH 2 13 au3b 0 General Information: Paul continues to use “we” to refer to himself and his traveling companions and “you” to the Thessalonian believers.
1TH 2 13 z53w καὶ ἡμεῖς εὐχαριστοῦμεν τῷ Θεῷ ἀδιαλείπτως 1 we also thank God constantly Paul often thanks God for their acceptance of the gospel message he shared with them.
1TH 2 13 zj5f figs-synecdoche οὐ λόγον ἀνθρώπων 1 not as the word of man Here, **word of man** is a synecdoche for “a message that comes simply from a man.” Alternate translation: “not as if it was a message that a man made up” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche]])
1TH 2 13 rpb1 figs-metonymy λόγον Θεοῦ 1 the word of God Here, **word** is a metonym for “message.” Alternate translation: “the message that comes from God” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])
1TH 2 13 ci1e figs-personification ὃς καὶ ἐνεργεῖται ἐν ὑμῖν τοῖς πιστεύουσιν 1 which is also working in you who believe Paul speaks of God’s gospel message as if it were a person who was doing work. Alternate translation: “which those of you who believe are listening to and beginning to obey” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-personification]])
1TH 2 14 mh8n μιμηταὶ ἐγενήθητε…τῶν ἐκκλησιῶν 1 became imitators of the churches The Thessalonian believers endured persecutions similar to the Judean believers. “became like the churches”
1TH 2 16 rw7e κωλυόντων ἡμᾶς…λαλῆσαι 1 forbidding us to speak “trying to make us stop speaking”
1TH 2 16 n2ue figs-metaphor εἰς τὸ ἀναπληρῶσαι αὐτῶν τὰς ἁμαρτίας πάντοτε 1 to always fill up their own sins Paul speaks as though someone can **fill** a container with **their own sins** as with liquid. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
1TH 2 16 fq9m ἔφθασεν…ἐπ’ αὐτοὺς ἡ ὀργὴ εἰς τέλος 1 wrath has come upon them in the end This refers to God finally judging and punishing people for their sins.
1TH 2 17 vr7v figs-metonymy προσώπῳ οὐ καρδίᾳ 1 by face, not in heart Here, **heart** represents thoughts and emotions. Though Paul and those traveling with him were not present physically in Thessalonica, they continued to care and think about the believers there. Alternate translation: “in person, but we continued to think about you” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])
1TH 2 17 t5d5 figs-synecdoche τὸ πρόσωπον ὑμῶν ἰδεῖν 1 to see your faces Here, **your faces** means the entire person. Alternate translation: “to see you” or “to be with you” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche]])
1TH 2 19 j7j5 figs-rquestion τίς γὰρ ἡμῶν ἐλπὶς ἢ χαρὰ ἢ στέφανος καυχήσεως? ἢ οὐχὶ καὶ ὑμεῖς, ἔμπροσθεν τοῦ Κυρίου ἡμῶν, Ἰησοῦ, ἐν τῇ αὐτοῦ παρουσίᾳ? 1 For what is our hope, or joy, or crown of boasting? Is it not even you before our Lord Jesus at his coming? Paul uses these questions to emphasize the reasons he wants to come see the Thessalonian believers. Alternate translation: “For you are our confidence for the future, and joy, and crown of pride in front of our Lord Jesus at his coming.” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion]])
1TH 2 19 mj9n figs-metonymy ἡμῶν ἐλπὶς…ἢ οὐχὶ καὶ ὑμεῖς 1 our hope … Is it not even you By **hope** Paul means the assurance he has that God will reward him for his work. The Thessalonian Christians are the reason for his hope. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])
1TH 2 19 e7tl figs-metonymy στέφανος καυχήσεως 1 crown of boasting Here, **crown** refers to a laurel wreath awarded to victorious athletes. The expression **crown of boasting** means a reward for victory, or having done well. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])
1TH 3 intro j379 0 # 1 Thessalonians 3 General Notes<br><br>## Special concepts in this chapter<br><br>### Standing<br><br>In this chapter, Paul uses “stand firm” to illustrate being steadfast. This is a common way to describe being steadfast or faithful. Paul uses “be shaken” as the opposite of being steadfast. (See: [[rc://en/tw/dict/bible/kt/faithful]])
1TH 3 1 fqe3 μηκέτι στέγοντες 1 enduring it no longer “when we could no longer endure worrying about you”
1TH 3 1 t3vt ηὐδοκήσαμεν καταλειφθῆναι ἐν Ἀθήναις μόνοι 1 we thought it good to be left behind at Athens alone “we thought only Silvanus and me should stay behind in Athens”
1TH 3 1 qhj4 ηὐδοκήσαμεν 1 we thought it good “we thought it was proper” or “we decided it was reasonable”
1TH 3 1 laf9 translate-names Ἀθήναις 1 Athens This is a city in the Achaia province, which is now modern-day Greece. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names]])
1TH 3 2 d8yy τὸν ἀδελφὸν ἡμῶν, καὶ διάκονον 1 our brother and a servant These two expressions both describe Timothy.
1TH 3 3 y74m figs-idiom μηδένα σαίνεσθαι 1 no one be disturbed To be “disturbed” is an idiom for being afraid. Alternate translation: “no one would be frightened away from trusting in Christ” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]])
1TH 3 3 rkx9 figs-explicit κείμεθα 1 we are appointed Paul assumes that everyone knows that it was God who appointed them. This can be made explicit. Alternate translation: “God appointed us” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])
1TH 3 5 st3d figs-idiom κἀγὼ μηκέτι στέγων 1 I also no longer enduring it Paul was describing his own emotions by using an idiom. Alternate translation: “when I could no longer wait patiently” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]])
1TH 3 5 zn36 figs-explicit ἔπεμψα 1 sent It is implied that Paul **sent** Timothy. This can be made explicit. Alternate translation: “I sent Timothy” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])
1TH 3 6 gci4 figs-exclusive πρὸς ἡμᾶς 1 to us The word **us** refers to Paul and Silvanus. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-exclusive]])
1TH 3 6 tu8d figs-explicit τὴν πίστιν…ὑμῶν 1 of your faith It is understood that this refers to faith in Christ. This can be made explicit. Alternate translation: “of your faith in Christ” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])
1TH 3 7 k54j figs-explicit διὰ τῆς ὑμῶν πίστεως 1 because of your faith This refers to **faith** in Christ. This can be made explicit. Alternate translation: “because of your faith in Christ” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])
1TH 3 7 csz7 figs-doublet ἐπὶ πάσῃ τῇ ἀνάγκῃ καὶ θλίψει ἡμῶν 1 in all our distress and affliction The word **affliction** explains why they are in **distress**. Alternate translation: “in all our distress caused by our afflictions” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-doublet]])
1TH 3 8 x5xt figs-idiom ζῶμεν 1 we live This is an idiom that expresses living a satisfied life. Alternate translation: “we are very encouraged” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]])
1TH 3 8 x4zn figs-idiom ἐὰν ὑμεῖς στήκετε ἐν Κυρίῳ 1 if you stand firm in the Lord To **stand firm** is an idiom meaning to continue being faithful. Alternate translation: “if you continue to trust in the Lord” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]])
1TH 3 9 pzq7 figs-rquestion τίνα γὰρ εὐχαριστίαν δυνάμεθα τῷ Θεῷ ἀνταποδοῦναι περὶ ὑμῶν, ἐπὶ πάσῃ τῇ χαρᾷ ᾗ χαίρομεν δι’ ὑμᾶς, ἔμπροσθεν τοῦ Θεοῦ ἡμῶν 1 For what thanks are we able to give back to God concerning you, for all the joy in which we rejoice before our God because of you, This is the beginning of a rhetorical question that continues to the end of the next verse. It can be expressed as a statement, but it will be necessary to change the question mark to a period at the end of verse 10. Alternate translation: “We cannot thank God enough for what he has done for you! We greatly rejoice over you when we pray to our God,” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion]])
1TH 3 9 p5ka figs-metaphor ἔμπροσθεν τοῦ Θεοῦ ἡμῶν 1 before our God Paul speaks as if he and his companions were physically in God’s presence. He is probably referring to the activity of praying. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
1TH 3 10 eb26 figs-synecdoche εἰς τὸ ἰδεῖν ὑμῶν τὸ πρόσωπον 1 to see your face The word **face** refers to their whole person. Alternate translation: “to visit you” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche]])
1TH 3 11 tet9 0 General Information: In these verses, the word “our” does not always refer to the same group of people. Please see the translation notes for specifics.
1TH 3 11 bql9 figs-exclusive ὁ Θεὸς καὶ Πατὴρ ἡμῶν…ὁ Κύριος ἡμῶν 1 our God and Father … our Lord Paul uses **our** to include the Thessalonian believers with his ministry team. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-exclusive]])
1TH 3 11 mc2m ὁ Θεὸς καὶ Πατὴρ ἡμῶν…κατευθύναι 1 may our God and Father … direct “we pray that our God and Father … will direct”
1TH 3 11 um1c figs-metaphor κατευθύναι τὴν ὁδὸν ἡμῶν πρὸς ὑμᾶς 1 may … direct our way to you Paul speaks as if he wants God to show him and his companions the route to take to visit the Thessalonian Christians. He means that he wants God to make it possible for them to do so. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
1TH 3 11 efl5 figs-exclusive τὴν ὁδὸν ἡμῶν πρὸς ὑμᾶς 1 our way to you The word **our** refers to Paul, Silvanus, and Timothy but not the Thessalonian believers. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-exclusive]])
1TH 3 11 mp6s figs-rpronouns αὐτὸς…Πατὴρ 1 Father himself Here, **himself** refers back to “Father” for emphasis. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-rpronouns]])
1TH 3 12 f5z3 figs-metaphor ὑμᾶς…ὁ Κύριος πλεονάσαι καὶ περισσεύσαι τῇ ἀγάπῃ 1 may the Lord make you increase and abound in love Paul speaks of **love** as an object that one could obtain more of. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
1TH 3 13 ly21 figs-metonymy εἰς τὸ στηρίξαι ὑμῶν τὰς καρδίας, ἀμέμπτους 1 to strengthen your hearts, blameless Here, **heart** is a metonym for one’s beliefs and convictions. Alternate translation: “to strengthen you, so that you will be” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])
1TH 4 intro b1z5 0 # 1 Thessalonians 4 General Notes<br><br>## Special concepts in this chapter<br><br>### Sexual immorality<br><br>Different cultures have different standards of sexual morality. These different cultural standards may make translating this passage difficult. Translators must also be aware of cultural taboos. These are topics considered improper to discuss.<br><br>### Dying before the return of Christ<br><br>In the early church, people apparently wondered what would happen if a believer died before Christ returned. They may have worried whether those dying before Christ returned would be part of the kingdom of God. Paul answers that concern.<br><br>### “Caught up in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air”<br><br>This passage refers to a time when Jesus calls to himself those who have believed in him. Scholars differ on whether or not this refers to Christ’s final glorious return. (See: [[rc://en/tw/dict/bible/kt/believe]])
1TH 4 1 u2lw figs-doublet ἐρωτῶμεν ὑμᾶς καὶ παρακαλοῦμεν 1 we beg and exhort you Paul uses **beg** and **exhort** to emphasize how strongly they encourage the believers. Alternate translation: “we strongly encourage you” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-doublet]])
1TH 4 1 iij6 figs-activepassive παρελάβετε παρ’ ἡμῶν 1 you received from us You can state this in active form. Alternate translation: “we taught you” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])
1TH 4 1 p4db figs-metaphor δεῖ ὑμᾶς περιπατεῖν 1 it is necessary for you to walk Here, **walk** is an expression for the way one is to live. Alternate translation: “you ought to live” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
1TH 4 2 vg16 figs-metaphor διὰ τοῦ Κυρίου Ἰησοῦ 1 through the Lord Jesus Paul speaks of his instructions as if they were given by **Jesus** himself. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
1TH 4 3 mw4j ἀπέχεσθαι ὑμᾶς ἀπὸ τῆς πορνείας 1 for you to keep from sexual immorality “for you to stay away from sexually immoral acts”
1TH 4 4 f4ux εἰδέναι…τὸ ἑαυτοῦ σκεῦος, κτᾶσθαι 1 to know to possess his own vessel This could refer to: (1) knowing how to live with his own wife. (2) knowing how to control his own body.
1TH 4 5 x2t7 ἐν πάθει ἐπιθυμίας 1 in the passion of lust “with wrongful sexual desire”
1TH 4 6 a9st figs-doublet ὑπερβαίνειν καὶ πλεονεκτεῖν 1 transgress and wrong This is a doublet stating the same idea in two ways to reinforce the concept. Alternate translation: “do wrong things” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-doublet]])
1TH 4 6 q7bf figs-explicit ἔκδικος Κύριος 1 the Lord is an avenger This can be made explicit. Alternate translation: “the Lord will punish the one who transgressed and will defend the one who was wronged” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])
1TH 4 7 v3np figs-doublenegatives οὐ…ἐκάλεσεν ἡμᾶς ὁ Θεὸς ἐπὶ ἀκαθαρσίᾳ, ἀλλ’ ἐν ἁγιασμῷ 1 God did not call us to uncleanness, but in holiness You can state this in positive form. Alternate translation: “God called us to cleanness and holiness” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-doublenegatives]])
1TH 4 7 q4tj figs-exclusive οὐ…ἐκάλεσεν ἡμᾶς ὁ Θεὸς 1 God did not call us The word **us** refers to all believers. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-exclusive]])
1TH 4 8 mn5y ὁ ἀθετῶν 1 the one rejecting this “whoever disregards this teaching” or “whoever ignores this teaching”
1TH 4 8 su51 ἀθετῶν, οὐκ ἄνθρωπον ἀθετεῖ, ἀλλὰ τὸν Θεὸν 1 rejecting this rejects not man, but God Paul stresses that this teaching is not from **man**, but from **God**.
1TH 4 10 dec9 ποιεῖτε αὐτὸ εἰς πάντας τοὺς ἀδελφοὺς, τοὺς ἐν ὅλῃ τῇ Μακεδονίᾳ 1 you do this to all the brothers who are in all Macedonia “you show love to all the believers throughout Macedonia”
1TH 4 11 j4c7 figs-metaphor ἡσυχάζειν 1 to live quietly Paul uses the word **quietly** as a metaphor to describe living at peace in one’s community and not causing strife. Alternate translation: “live in a calm and orderly way” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
1TH 4 11 jmt9 figs-explicit πράσσειν τὰ ἴδια 1 to perform your own things “to do your own work” or “to take care of the things that your are responsible to do.” This may also imply that we should not gossip and interfere in other people’s concerns. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])
1TH 4 11 bz8s figs-metaphor ἐργάζεσθαι ταῖς ἰδίαις χερσὶν ὑμῶν 1 to work with your own hands This is a metaphor for living a productive life. Alternate translation: “to work at your own jobs to earn what you need to live” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
1TH 4 12 hp6g figs-metaphor περιπατῆτε εὐσχημόνως 1 you may walk properly Here, **walk** is a metaphor for “live” or “behave.” Alternate translation: “you may behave properly” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
1TH 4 12 k59r figs-metaphor πρὸς τοὺς ἔξω 1 before those outside Paul speaks of those who do not believer in Christ as if they are outside of a place away from the believers. Alternate translation: “in the sight of those who do not believe in Christ” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
1TH 4 13 d9g4 οὐ θέλομεν…ὑμᾶς ἀγνοεῖν 1 we do not want you to be uninformed You can state this in positive form. Alternate translation: “we want you to be informed” or “we want you to know”
1TH 4 13 zqz6 figs-euphemism τῶν κοιμωμένων 1 those who have fallen asleep Here to be **asleep** is a euphemism for being dead. Alternate translation: “those who have died” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-euphemism]])
1TH 4 13 r9f8 ἵνα μὴ λυπῆσθε, καθὼς καὶ οἱ λοιποὶ 1 so that you may not grieve just as also the rest “because we do not want you grieve like the rest”
1TH 4 13 qt5b μὴ λυπῆσθε 1 you may not grieve to mourn, be sad about something
1TH 4 13 rl73 figs-explicit καθὼς καὶ οἱ λοιποὶ, οἱ μὴ ἔχοντες ἐλπίδα 1 just as also the rest who have no hope “like people who do not confidence in the future promise.” You can state this clearly what those people do not have confidence about. Alternate translation: “like the people who are not sure that they will rise from the dead” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])
1TH 4 14 ybz6 figs-exclusive εἰ…πιστεύομεν 1 if we believe Here, **we** refers to Paul and his audience. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-exclusive]])
1TH 4 14 bi9w figs-euphemism τοὺς κοιμηθέντας 1 those who have fallen asleep Here, **fallen asleep** is a polite way to refer to having died. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-euphemism]])
1TH 4 15 ni3m figs-metonymy ἐν λόγῳ Κυρίου 1 by the word of the Lord Here, **word** is a metonym for “message.” Alternate translation: “by means of understanding the teachings of the Lord” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])
1TH 4 16 ah7p αὐτὸς ὁ Κύριος…καταβήσεται 1 the Lord himself … will descend “the Lord himself … will come down”
1TH 4 16 z9ka ἀρχαγγέλου 1 of the archangel “of the chief angel”
1TH 4 16 dr89 figs-explicit οἱ νεκροὶ ἐν Χριστῷ ἀναστήσονται πρῶτον 1 the dead in Christ will rise first The **dead in Christ** are those believers who have passed away. Alternate translation: “those who believe in Jesus Christ, but who have already died, will rise first” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])
1TH 4 17 l5l1 figs-exclusive ἡμεῖς οἱ ζῶντες 1 we who are alive Here, **we** refers to all believers who have not died. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-exclusive]])
1TH 4 17 se1y ἁρπαγησόμεθα ἐν νεφέλαις εἰς ἀπάντησιν τοῦ Κυρίου εἰς ἀέρα 1 will be caught up … in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air “will be pulled up … to meet the Lord Jesus in the sky”
1TH 5 intro ay3d 0 # 1 Thessalonians 5 General Notes<br><br>## Structure and formatting<br><br>Paul concludes his letter in a way that was typical of letters in the ancient Near East.<br><br>## Special concepts in this chapter<br><br>### Day of the Lord<br><br>The exact time of the coming day of the Lord will be a surprise to the world. This is what the simile “like a thief in the night” means. Because of this, Christians are to live prepared for the coming of the Lord. (See: [[rc://en/tw/dict/bible/kt/dayofthelord]] and [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-simile]])<br><br>### Quench the Spirit<br><br>This means to ignore or work against the Holy Spirit’s guidance and work.
1TH 5 1 i2vm figs-exclusive 0 General Information: In this chapter the words “we” and “us” refer to Paul, Silvanus, and Timothy, unless otherwise noted. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-exclusive]])
1TH 5 1 caue figs-you 0 General Information: The word **you** is plural and refers to the believers at the church of Thessalonica. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-you]])
1TH 5 2 tmj3 figs-simile ὡς κλέπτης ἐν νυκτὶ οὕτως 1 in this manner—like a thief in the night Just as one does not know which night a **thief** may come, we do not know when the day of the Lord will come. Alternate translation: “unexpectedly” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-simile]])
1TH 5 3 p1wi ὅταν λέγωσιν 1 When they may say “When the people may say”
1TH 5 3 f1xr figs-simile ὥσπερ ἡ ὠδὶν τῇ ἐν γαστρὶ ἐχούσῃ 1 like birth pains to the one having in the womb Just as a pregnant woman’s **birth pains** come suddenly and do not stop until the birth is complete, the destruction will come, and people will not escape. Alternate translation: “like the birth pains of a pregnant woman” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-simile]])
1TH 5 4 b6lv figs-metaphor οὐκ ἐστὲ ἐν σκότει 1 are not in darkness Paul speaks of evil and ignorance about God as if they were **darkness**. Alternate translation: “you are not unknowing, like people who live in the dark” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
1TH 5 4 elp9 figs-simile ἵνα ἡ ἡμέρα ὑμᾶς ὡς κλέπτας καταλάβῃ 1 so that the day might overtake you like a thief The **day** when the Lord comes should not be a surprise to believers. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-simile]])
1TH 5 5 zp3z figs-metaphor πάντες γὰρ ὑμεῖς υἱοὶ φωτός ἐστε, καὶ υἱοὶ ἡμέρας 1 For you are all sons of the light and sons of the day Paul speaks of the truth as if it were **light** and **day**. Alternate translation: “For you know the truth, like people who live in the light, like people during the day” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
1TH 5 5 d6fm figs-metaphor οὐκ ἐσμὲν νυκτὸς οὐδὲ σκότους 1 We are not of the night nor of the darkness Paul speaks of evil and ignorance about God as if they were **darkness**. Alternate translation: “We are not unknowing, like people who live in the darkness, like people at night” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
1TH 5 6 us6s figs-metaphor μὴ καθεύδωμεν ὡς οἱ λοιποί 1 we might not sleep as the rest Paul speaks of spiritual unawareness as if it were sleep. Alternate translation: “let us not be like others who are not aware that Jesus is coming back” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
1TH 5 6 gu51 figs-exclusive μὴ καθεύδωμεν 1 we might not sleep The word **we** refers to all believers. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-exclusive]])
1TH 5 6 d2aj figs-metaphor γρηγορῶμεν καὶ νήφωμεν 1 we might keep watch and be sober Paul describes spiritual awareness as the opposite of sleep and drunkenness. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
1TH 5 7 s253 figs-metaphor οἱ γὰρ καθεύδοντες, νυκτὸς καθεύδουσιν 1 For those who are sleeping, sleep at night Just as when people **sleep** and do not know what is happening, so the people of this world do not know that Christ will return. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
1TH 5 7 exa8 figs-metaphor οἱ μεθυσκόμενοι, νυκτὸς μεθύουσιν 1 those who are getting drunk, get drunk at night Paul is stating that it is at night when people become **drunk**, so when people are unaware of Christ’s return they do not live a self-controlled life. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
1TH 5 8 zj9r figs-exclusive 0 General Information: In verses 8-10 the word “we” refers to all believers. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-exclusive]])
1TH 5 8 wh3g figs-metaphor ἡμεῖς…ἡμέρας ὄντες 1 we, being of the day Paul speaks of knowing the truth about God as belonging to the **day**. Alternate translation: “we, knowing the truth” or “we, having received the light of truth” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
1TH 5 8 i8j1 figs-metaphor νήφωμεν 1 might stay sober Paul compares being **sober** to exercising self-control. Alternate translation: “should exercise self-control” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
1TH 5 8 ev6i figs-metaphor ἐνδυσάμενοι θώρακα πίστεως καὶ ἀγάπης 1 having put on the breastplate of faith and of love As a soldier would **put on** a **breastplate** to protect his body, a believer who lives by **faith** and **love** will find protection. Alternate translation: “protect ourselves with faith and love” or “protect ourselves by trusting Christ and loving him” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
1TH 5 8 fk6r figs-metaphor περικεφαλαίαν, ἐλπίδα σωτηρίας 1 the helmet—the hope of salvation As a **helmet** protects a soldier’s head, assurance of **salvation** protects the believer. Alternate translation: “protect ourselves by being certain that Christ will save us” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
1TH 5 10 w59c figs-euphemism εἴτε γρηγορῶμεν εἴτε καθεύδωμεν 1 whether we might be awake or asleep These are polite ways of saying alive or dead. Alternate translation: “whether we are alive or dead” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-euphemism]])
1TH 5 11 r921 figs-metaphor οἰκοδομεῖτε εἷς τὸν ἕνα 1 build up one the other Here, **build up** is a metaphor that means “encourage.” Alternate translation: “encourage each other” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
1TH 5 12 ksp2 εἰδέναι τοὺς κοπιῶντας 1 to acknowledge those who are laboring “to esteem and appreciate those who are involved in leading”
1TH 5 12 fqh3 προϊσταμένους ὑμῶν ἐν Κυρίῳ 1 leading you in the Lord This refers to people God appointed to serve as leaders of the local group of believers.
1TH 5 13 c966 ἡγεῖσθαι αὐτοὺς ὑπέρἐκπερισσοῦ ἐν ἀγάπῃ, διὰ τὸ ἔργον αὐτῶν 1 to regard them highly in love because of their work Paul exhorts the believers to **love** and esteem their church leaders.
1TH 5 18 l3sk τοῦτο γὰρ θέλημα Θεοῦ 1 for this is the will of God Paul is referring to the behavior he just mentioned as being God’s **will** for the believers.
1TH 5 19 j1ei τὸ Πνεῦμα μὴ σβέννυτε 1 Do not quench the Spirit “Do not stop the Holy Spirit from working among you”
1TH 5 20 iv1n προφητείας μὴ ἐξουθενεῖτε 1 Do not despise prophecies “Do not have contempt for prophecies” or “Do not hate anything the Holy Spirit tells someone”
1TH 5 21 wx69 πάντα δοκιμάζετε 1 Test all things “Make sure that all messages that seem to come from God truly come from him”
1TH 5 21 r12r figs-metaphor τὸ καλὸν κατέχετε 1 Hold fast to what is good Paul speaks of messages from the Holy Spirit as if they were objects that one could grasp in his hands. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
1TH 5 23 gu2c ἁγιάσαι ὑμᾶς ὁλοτελεῖς 1 may … sanctify you completely This refers to God making a person sinless and perfect in his sight.
1TH 5 23 s36k figs-activepassive ὁλόκληρον ὑμῶν τὸ πνεῦμα, καὶ ἡ ψυχὴ, καὶ τὸ σῶμα, ἀμέμπτως…τηρηθείη 1 may your entire spirit, and soul, and body be kept blamelessly Here, **spirit, and soul, and body** represent the whole person. If your language does not have three words for these parts you can state it as “your whole life” or “you.” You can state this in active form. Alternate translation: “may God make your whole life without sin” or “may God keep you completely blameless” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])
1TH 5 27 n5cn figs-activepassive ἐνορκίζω ὑμᾶς τὸν Κύριον, ἀναγνωσθῆναι τὴν ἐπιστολὴν 1 I solemnly charge you by the Lord to have this letter read You can state this in active form. Alternate translation: “I urge you, as if the Lord were speaking to you, to have people read this letter” or “With the authority of the Lord I direct you to read this letter” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])
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