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Stephen's edits to 1TH (#3141) 

Co-authored-by: stephenwunrow <stephenwunrow@noreply.door43.org>
Co-authored-by: Richard Mahn <richmahn@users.noreply.github.com>
Reviewed-on: https://git.door43.org/unfoldingWord/en_tn/pulls/3141
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Richard Mahn 2023-02-03 17:08:02 +00:00
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@ -194,7 +194,7 @@ front:intro jp2y 0 # Introduction to 1 Thessalonians\n\n## Part 1: General In
2:19 mksc rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit ἐν τῇ αὐτοῦ παρουσίᾳ 1 Here, the phrase **his coming** refers to the specific time in the future when Jesus will come back to earth, judge everyone, punish unbelievers, and reward believers. If it would be helpful in your language, you could make this idea more explicit. Alternate translation: “when he comes back to earth” or “at his return to us”
2:20 l3m0 rc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-words-phrases γάρ 1 Here, the word **For** could introduce: (1) a restatement of the point that Paul made in the previous verse (see [2:19](../02/19.md)). Alternate translation: “Yes,” (2) the basis for the point that Paul made in the previous verse (see [2:19](../02/19.md)). Alternate translation: “That is because”
2:20 nlbd rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns ἐστε ἡ δόξα ἡμῶν, καὶ ἡ χαρά 1 If your language does not use abstract nouns for the ideas of **glory** and **joy**, you could express the same ideas in another way. Alternate translation: “cause us to feel glorious and joyful” or “glorify us and make us happy”
3:intro j379 0 # 1 Thessalonians 3 General Notes\n\n## Structure and Formatting\n\n1. Timothy’s Visit (3:1–5)\n * Apostolic concern (3:1–2)\n * Apostolic encouragement (3:3–5)\n2. Timothy’s Report (3:6–13)\n * Good news (3:6–10)\n * Apostolic prayer (3:11–13)\n\nThe first part of this chapter recounts Timothy’s visit to Thessalonica. The second part tells about his report to Paul and Silvanus at Athens. Lastly, the apostles offer a prayer on behalf of the Thessalonian church.\n\n## “We” and “You”\n\nIn this letter, the words **we** and **our** refer to Paul, Silvanus, and Timothy, unless otherwise noted. Throughout the letter, **we** and **our** is used to convey that all three apostles are in agreement with the letter.\n\n## Special Concepts in this Chapter\n\n### Metaphor\n\nIn this chapter, the Apostle Paul uses the phrase “stand firm” in [3:8](../03/08.md) as a metaphor of faithfulness to the Gospel, and “be shaken” in [3:3](../03/03.md) as the opposite of being faithful. (See: [[rc://*/tw/dict/bible/kt/faithful]])\n\nUse a building metaphor, the apostles pray that God will “strengthen the “hearts” of the Thessalonian church “blameless” (See [3:13](../03/13.md)).\n\nThe enemy of God’s people, “Satan” (See [2:18](../02/18.md)) is here called “the tempter” (See [3:5](../03/05.md)).\n\n### Hyperbole\n\nPaul uses emotional and extreme language when speaking of his memory of the Thessalonian church. “Enduring it no longer,” the apostles and especially Paul (See [3:1,5](../03/01.md)) feel compelled to find out about the spiritual condition of the church. The intensity and duration of the apostles’ prayers is described as “night and day pleading earnestly” (See [3:10](../03/10.md)).\n\n### The Second Coming of Christ\n\nHere the apostles pray that the Thessalonian church will be preserved holy when Christ comes again with all his holy ones or “saints” (See [3:13](../03/13.md)).
3:intro j379 0 # 1 Thessalonians 3 General Notes\n\n## Structure and Formatting\n\n1. Timothy’s Visit (3:1–5)\n * Apostolic concern (3:1–2)\n * Apostolic encouragement (3:3–5)\n2. Timothy’s Report (3:6–13)\n * Good news (3:6–10)\n * Apostolic prayer (3:11–13)\n\nThe first part of this chapter recounts Timothy’s visit to Thessalonica. The second part tells about his report to Paul and Silvanus at Athens. Lastly, the apostles offer a prayer on behalf of the Thessalonians.\n\n## Special Concepts in this Chapter\n\n### Timothy’s return to Paul\n\nAfter Paul, Timothy, and Silvanus left Thessalonica, they visited a city named Berea. Then, they visited a city named Athens. In [3:1](../03/01.md), Paul mentions that he and Silvanus stayed in Athens and sent Timothy to visit the Thessalonians. Eventually, Paul left Athens and went to Corinth. While he was in Corinth, Timothy returned from visiting the Thessalonians (see [Acts 18:1–5](../act/18/01.md)). In this chapter, Paul explains how happy he and his fellow workers became when they heard good news from Timothy about the Thessalonians. In fact, Timothy’s return to Paul is the reason why Paul wrote this letter.\n\n### Afflictions\n\nThroughout this chapter, Paul refers to how he, his fellow workers, and other believers (including the Thessalonians) are or will experience afflictions. When Paul and his fellow workers visited Thessalonica and a nearby town named Berea, some other Jewish people tried to hurt them and have them arrested. These people also persecuted anyone who believed the gospel. You can read about these afflictions in [Acts 17:1–15](../act/17/01.md). Make sure that your translation clearly indicates this kind of persecution.\n\n### Paul’s prayer\n\nIn [3:11–13](../03/11.md), Paul includes a prayer that God would enable him and his fellow workers to visit the Thessalonians and that God would strengthen and bless the Thessalonians. Paul refers to God in the third person in this prayer, which was a common practice for this kind of prayer. Consider how you might include a prayer to God within a letter in your culture. \n\n## Other Possible Translation Difficulties in this Chapter\n\n### “We” and “You”\n\nIn this chapter, unless a note specifies otherwise, the words “we,” “us,” and “our” always refer to Paul and his fellow workers, particularly Silvanus and Timothy, and do not include the Thessalonians. Also, in this chapter, the words “you” and “your” are always plural. (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-exclusive]] and [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-yousingular]])
3:1 zvgz rc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-logic-result διὸ 1 Here, the word **Therefore** introduces an inference or result based on what Paul said in the previous verses about how he and his fellow workers desired to visit the Thessalonians (see [2:17–20](../02/17.md)). If it would be helpful in your language, you could use a word or phrase that introduces an inference or result. Alternate translation: “As a result of that” or “Because of that”
3:1 fqe3 rc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-logic-result στέγοντες 1 Here, the word **enduring** could introduce: (1) the reason why Paul and his fellow workers **thought it good to be left behind**. Alternate translation: “since we could endure it” (2) the time when Paul and his fellow workers **thought it good to be left behind**. Alternate translation: “when we could endure it”
3:1 amxf rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit μηκέτι στέγοντες 1 Here Paul implies that he and his fellow workers could no longer endure being separated from the Thessalonians and longing to see them. If it would be helpful in your language, you could make this idea more explicit. Alternate translation: “enduring our separation from you no longer” or “no longer enduring how we long to see you”
@ -210,104 +210,124 @@ front:intro jp2y 0 # Introduction to 1 Thessalonians\n\n## Part 1: General In
3:2 pqif rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-possession τῷ εὐαγγελίῳ τοῦ Χριστοῦ 1 Here, Paul is using the possessive form to describe a **gospel** that could be: (1) about **Christ**. Alternate translation: “the gospel about Christ” (2) be from **Christ**. Alternate translation: “the gospel from Christ”
3:2 maoe rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor στηρίξαι 1 Here, Paul is speaking of Timothy supporting or helping the Thessalonians in their faith as if he were making them stronger. If it would be clearer in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “help”
3:2 pizt rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns τῆς πίστεως ὑμῶν 1 If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea of **faith**, you could express the same idea in another way. Alternate translation: “how you believe”
3:3 u7vo rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns τὸ μηδένα σαίνεσθαι ἐν ταῖς θλίψεσιν ταύταις 1 If your language does not use the abstract noun **afflictions**, you can express the idea behind it in another way. Alternate translation: “so that when you are distressed, it would not make anyone waver” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns]])
3:3 o4w8 rc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-logic-goal τὸ μηδένα σαίνεσθαι 1 This is a purpose clause. Paul is stating the purpose for sending Timothy. Use a natural way in your language for introducing a purpose clause. Alternate translation: “in order that no one would waver” or “for the purpose of keeping anyone from being deceived” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-logic-goal]])
3:3 v8q7 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-nominaladj τὸ μηδένα σαίνεσθαι 1 Paul is using the adjective **no one** as a noun in order to describe the Thessalonian church. Your language may use adjectives in the same way. If not, you could translate this with a noun phrase. Alternate translation: “so that no person wavers” or “in order that none of you are deceived” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-nominaladj]])
3:3 t0vs rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rpronouns αὐτοὶ γὰρ οἴδατε 1 Paul uses the word **yourselves** to emphasize what the apostles had previously told them about **afflictions**. Use a way that is natural in your language to indicate this emphasis. Alternate translation: “In fact, you know for yourselves” or “Certainly, you are well aware of the fact” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rpronouns]])
3:3 cdaa rc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-collectivenouns εἰς τοῦτο 1 Here, **this** refers to **afflictions**. However, in this sentence the meaning is more like a condition or state of “being afflicted” regularly or continually. The pronoun is changed to be singular to agree with this unstated idea. If you readers would not understand this shift, you could change **this** to a plural pronoun or make this unstated idea explicit. Alternate translation: “for these afflictions” or “for this affliction” “for a life characterized by afflictions”(See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-collectivenouns]])
3:3 rkx9 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit κείμεθα 1 Paul assumes that the Thessalonian church knows that it is God who **appointed** the apostles for **afflictions**. If it would be helpful to your readers, you could say that explicitly. Alternate translation: “God appointed us” or “God destined us” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])
3:3 gla7 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-exclusive κείμεθα 1 Here, **we** refers exclusively to the apostles. Your language may require you to mark these forms. (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-exclusive]])
3:4 nm1l rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-background καὶ γὰρ ὅτε πρὸς ὑμᾶς ἦμεν, προελέγομεν ὑμῖν ὅτι μέλλομεν θλίβεσθαι, καθὼς καὶ ἐγένετο καὶ οἴδατε. 1 Paul is giving background information about his previous visit. Paul reminds the Thessalonian church that what he predicted about the apostles’ sufferings has come true, so they should not be tempted to doubt the apostles’ authority or teaching (See [3:5,7](../03/05.md)). Use the natural form in your language for expressing background information. Alternate translation: “Indeed, the last time we visited you, we kept telling you before it happened, ‘We are destined to be afflicted.’ You are well aware that it happened exactly as we told you” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-background]])
3:4 wo6q rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-exclusive ἦμεν 1 Here, **we** is exclusive of the apostles. Your language may require you to mark these forms. Alternate translation: “we apostles were” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-exclusive]])
3:4 w95u rc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-words-phrases γὰρ 1 Here, **For** indicates that what follows explains and emphasizes what the Thessalonian already know about the apostles’ afflictions. Alternate translation: “Certainly,” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-words-phrases]])
3:4 wuco rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-quotations προελέγομεν ὑμῖν ὅτι μέλλομεν θλίβεσθαι 1 Here, **that** could either express emphasis or be a quotation marker of what the apostles said. If it would be more natural in your language, you could express this as a direct quotation. Alternate translation: “we kept telling you ahead of time, ‘We are destined to endure distress.’” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-quotations]])
3:4 a5y6 καὶ ἐγένετο 1 Here, **and it happened** is meant to emphasize Paul, Silvanus, and Timothy’s apostolic credentials by verifying that their prophetic words came true. Use a natural way in your language to express this emphasis. Alternate translation: “and this is precisely what happened”
3:5 tj4e rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-participants διὰ τοῦτο κἀγὼ μηκέτι στέγων, ἔπεμψα εἰς τὸ γνῶναι τὴν πίστιν ὑμῶν 1 Here Paul summarizes the story of Timothy’s visit but leaves out mention of Timothy as redundant information. If it is clearer in your language, you could include mention of Timothy. Alternate translation: “Again, since I could not wait anymore, I sent Timothy to learn if you still trust in God” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-participants]])
3:5 o9ep rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-parallelism κἀγὼ μηκέτι στέγων, ἔπεμψα 1 Paul repeats the same phrase **no longer enduring {it}** found in [3:1](../03/01.md). Here, “I sent” parallels “we sent” in [3:1–2](../03/01.md). This expresses that Paul represents the apostles who sent Timothy to Thessalonica. Use a natural way in your language to indicate this parallelism. (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-parallelism]])
3:5 st3d rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-hyperbole κἀγὼ μηκέτι στέγων 1 This phrase is an exaggeration that Paul uses to express deep concern. If this would be misunderstood in your language, you could use an equivalent expression from your language that shows deep concern. See your translation at [3:1](../03/01.md). (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-hyperbole]])
3:5 zn36 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit ἔπεμψα 1 Here it is implied that Paul **sent** Timothy. If it would be helpful to your readers, you could say that explicitly. Alternate translation: “I, Paul, sent Timothy” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])
3:5 judq rc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-logic-goal εἰς τὸ γνῶναι τὴν πίστιν ὑμῶν 1 This is a purpose clause. Paul is stating the purpose for why he **sent** Timothy. Use a natural way in your language for introducing a purpose clause. Alternate translation: “so that I could learn if you remained faithful” or “in order to discern whether you still trust God” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-logic-goal]])
3:5 nopp rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom ὁ πειράζων 1 Here Paul uses the phrase **the tempter** as a title to identify Satan (See Matthew 4:3). The phrase means “one who tempts.” If this would be misunderstood in your language, you could use a phrase. Alternate translation: “Satan, the one who tempts” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]])
3:5 ua7i rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-hypo μή πως ἐπείρασεν ὑμᾶς ὁ πειράζων, καὶ 1 Paul is using a hypothetical situation to help his readers recognize how powerful satanic temptation can be. Use the natural form in your language for expressing a hypothetical situation. Alternate translation: “because if Satan tempted you, I wanted to find out, and then” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-hypo]])
3:5 gnow rc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-logic-result καὶ εἰς κενὸν γένηται ὁ κόπος ἡμῶν 1 This phrase could be a result clause. Paul is stating what would be the result if the Thessalonian church let Satan tempt them to stop trusting God. Use a natural way in your language for introducing a result clause. Alternate translation: “then how hard we worked would have been worthless” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-logic-result]])
3:5 jnzb rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-hyperbole εἰς κενὸν 1 Here, **in vain** is an exaggeration that Paul uses to express how sad the apostles would have been if the Thessalonian church had not remained faithful to God. Paul does not really think the apostles’ **labor** is worthless. If this would be misunderstood in your language, you could use an equivalent expression from your language that shows deep disappointment. Alternate translation: “worthless” or “purposeless” or “profitless” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-hyperbole]])
3:6 esxw rc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-time-background 0 In [3:6](../03/06.md) Paul describes Timothy’s current report about the Thessalonian church. Paul provides this background information to help his readers understand how comforted he is (See [3:7](../03/07.md)).Use the natural form in your language for expressing background information. (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-time-background]])
3:6 r4pa rc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-words-phrases ἄρτι δὲ ἐλθόντος Τιμοθέου πρὸς ἡμᾶς ἀφ’ ὑμῶν 1 # Connecting Statement:\n\nThe phrase **But just now** brings Paul’s narrative into the present time. Use a natural way in your language to express this emphasis. Alternate translation: “But Timothy recently returned to us from visiting you” or “But now, Timothy is back to us from his visit with you” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-words-phrases]])
3:6 gci4 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-exclusive πρὸς ἡμᾶς 1 This is an exclusive use of **us**, referring to Paul and Silvanus. Your language may require you to mark these forms. (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-exclusive]])
3:6 tu8d rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns τὴν πίστιν καὶ τὴν ἀγάπην ὑμῶν 1 If your language does not use the abstract nouns **faith** and **love**, you can express the idea behind them in another way. Alternate translation: “that you remain faithful to God and love him” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns]])
3:6 fu8h rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-hendiadys τὴν πίστιν καὶ τὴν ἀγάπην ὑμῶν 1 This phrase could express a single idea by using two words connected with **and**. The word **faith** could describe **love**. If it would be more natural in your language, you could express this meaning with an equivalent phrase that does not use **and**. Alternate translation: “your faithful love” or “your faithful love toward God” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-hendiadys]])
3:6 tf95 rc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-logic-result καὶ ὅτι ἔχετε μνείαν ἡμῶν ἀγαθὴν πάντοτε, ἐπιποθοῦντες ἡμᾶς ἰδεῖν 1 This phrase could indicate a result clause. If it would be clearer in your language, you could reverse the order of these phrases, since the second phrase gives the reason for the result that the first phrase describes. Alternate translation: “and you constantly desire to visit with us, because you always remember us fondly” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-logic-result]])
3:6 e6kx rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns καὶ ὅτι ἔχετε μνείαν ἡμῶν ἀγαθὴν πάντοτε 1 If your language does not use the abstract noun **memories**, you can express the idea behind it in another way. Alternate translation: “and how you always remember us fondly” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns]])
3:7 dpij rc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-logic-result διὰ τοῦτο παρεκλήθημεν, ἀδελφοί, ἐφ’ ὑμῖν 1 This phrase is a result clause. Paul is stating the result of the Timothy’s good news in [3:6](../03/06.md). Use a natural way in your language for introducing a result clause. Alternate translation: “Fellow believers in Christ, as a result of Timothy’s good news about you, God consoled us” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-logic-result]])
3:7 csz7 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-hendiadys ἐπὶ πάσῃ τῇ ἀνάγκῃ καὶ θλίψει ἡμῶν 1 This phrase expresses a single idea by using two words connected with **and**. The word **distress** describes the **affliction**. If it would be more natural in your language, you could express this meaning with an equivalent phrase that does not use **and**. Here this phrase emphasizes how much and how intensely the apostles were persecuted. Alternate translation: “in all our abusive affliction” or “in all our violent suffering” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-hendiadys]])
3:7 e96u rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns ἐπὶ πάσῃ τῇ ἀνάγκῃ καὶ θλίψει ἡμῶν 1 If your language does not use the abstract nouns **distress** and **affliction**, you can express them in another way. Here, it could refer to: (1) the time of distress and affliction. Alternate translation: “during all our abuse and affliction” or “each time we violently suffered” (2) the place or way of distress and affliction. Alternate translation: “in every place the tempter violently afflicted us” or “in every way we suffered abuse” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns]])
3:8 utk3 rc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-logic-result ὅτι νῦν ζῶμεν, ἐὰν ὑμεῖς στήκετε ἐν Κυρίῳ 1 If it would be more natural in your language, you could reverse the order of these phrases, since the second phrase gives the reason for the result that the first phrase describes. Alternate translation: “Since you are remaining faithful to the Lord Jesus, we are now refreshed!” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-logic-result]])
3:8 y1vb rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-hyperbole ὅτι νῦν ζῶμεν 1 Here, **For now we live** is an exaggeration that Paul uses to show how thankful he is that the Thessalonians **stand firm** in the Christian faith (See [3:7](../03/07.md)). Paul is not trying to say that he was dead. If this would be misunderstood in your language, you could use an equivalent expression from your language that shows thankfulness. Alternate translation (replace the comma): “O how we are now refreshed!” or “O how we now feel alive!” or “Certainly now we thrive!” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-hyperbole]])
3:8 x4zn rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom ἐὰν ὑμεῖς στήκετε ἐν Κυρίῳ 1 Here, the term **stand firm** is an idiom meaning “remain faithful.” If this would be misunderstood in your language, you could use an equivalent idiom or use plain language. Alternate translation: “when you remain faithful to the Lord” or “if you continue unwavering in your relationship with the Lord” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]])
3:8 zbyo rc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-condition-fact ἐὰν ὑμεῖς στήκετε ἐν Κυρίῳ 1 Paul is speaking as if this were a hypothetical possibility, but he means that it is actually true. If your language does not state something as a condition if it is certain or true, and if your readers might think that what Paul is saying is not certain, then you could translate his words as an affirmative statement. Alternate translation: “since you are remaining faithful to the Lord Jesus” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-condition-fact]])
3:8 hk91 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor ὑμεῖς στήκετε ἐν Κυρίῳ 1 Paul speaks of the Thessalonian church as though they were occupying space inside the Lord Jesus. Here, this metaphor, **in the Lord**, could express these ideas: (1) devotion to Jesus. Alternate translation: “you are really devoted to the Lord Jesus” (2) relationship with Jesus. Alternate translation: “you are truly standing firm in your relationship with the Lord Jesus” (3) union with Jesus. Alternate translation: “all of you are firmly united to the Lord Jesus” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
3:8 e3pe rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rpronouns ὑμεῖς 1 Paul uses the word **yourselves** to emphasize his joy for the Thessalonian church’s faithfulness. Use a way that is natural in your language to indicate this emphasis. Alternative translation: “indeed” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rpronouns]])
3:9 pzq7 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion τίνα γὰρ εὐχαριστίαν δυνάμεθα τῷ Θεῷ ἀνταποδοῦναι περὶ ὑμῶν, ἐπὶ πάσῃ τῇ χαρᾷ ᾗ χαίρομεν δι’ ὑμᾶς, ἔμπροσθεν τοῦ Θεοῦ ἡμῶν. 1 Paul is using a rhetorical question that continues to the end of [3:10](../03/10.md) in order to emphasize the apostles’ thankful joy for the Thessalonian church’s faithfulness to God. If you would not use a rhetorical question for this purpose in your language, you could translate his words as a statement or an exclamation and communicate the emphasis in another way. Alternate translation: “We could not possibly thank God enough for what he has done for you! When we pray to our God, we greatly rejoice because of you!” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion]])
3:9 pdc5 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor τίνα γὰρ εὐχαριστίαν δυνάμεθα τῷ Θεῷ ἀνταποδοῦναι περὶ ὑμῶν 1 With the phrase **give back**, Paul speaks of the apostles as if they owe God a debt for the sake of the Thessalonian church’s faithfulness. Paul means that the apostles cannot adequately express how thankful they are. If your readers would not understand what it means to **give back** in this context, you could use an equivalent metaphor from your culture. Alternatively, you could express Paul’s meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “Because, how could we possibly show how grateful we are to God for you” or “Indeed, what kind of thanksgiving for you could we give to God” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
3:9 j6pj rc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-logic-result ἐπὶ πάσῃ τῇ χαρᾷ ᾗ χαίρομεν δι’ ὑμᾶς, ἔμπροσθεν τοῦ Θεοῦ ἡμῶν 1 If it would be more natural in your language, you could reverse the order of these phrases, since the second phrase gives the reason for the result that the first phrase describes. Since this is a rhetorical question, you could change it to a statement, and begin a new sentence here. Alternate translation: “Because of you, we greatly rejoice when we pray to God,” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-logic-result]])
3:9 u00t rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-doublet ἐπὶ πάσῃ τῇ χαρᾷ ᾗ χαίρομεν 1 Here, **joy** and **rejoice** mean basically the same thing. The repetition is used to emphasize how much joy the apostles have because of how faithful the Thessalonian church has been towards God. Alternate translation: “for how much we greatly rejoice” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-doublet]])
3:9 p5ka rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom χαίρομεν & ἔμπροσθεν τοῦ Θεοῦ ἡμῶν 1 Here, **before our God** is an idiom for being in the personal presence of God. If this would be misunderstood in your language, you could use an equivalent idiom or use plain language. Alternate translation: “we rejoice in the presence of our God” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]])
3:10 k71n rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-hyperbole νυκτὸς καὶ ἡμέρας, ὑπέρἐκπερισσοῦ δεόμενοι 1 This emphatic phrase is an exaggeration that Paul uses to show how much and often the apostles pray for the Thessalonian church. Paul does not mean to say he never does anything else except pray. If this would be misunderstood in your language, you could use an equivalent expression from your language that expresses this emphasis. Alternate translation: “we never stop intensely pleading” or “we continually and fervently pray” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-hyperbole]])
3:10 eb26 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom εἰς τὸ ἰδεῖν ὑμῶν τὸ πρόσωπον 1 Here, the phrase **to see your face** is an idiom meaning “visit.” If this would be misunderstood in your language, you could use an equivalent idiom or use plain language. Alternate translation: “to visit you” or “to spend time with you” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]])
3:10 s0xz rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche ὑμῶν τὸ πρόσωπον 1 Paul refers to **your face** to mean the whole Thessalonian church. If this would be misunderstood in your language, you could use an equivalent expression from your culture or use plain language. Alternate translation: “all of you” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche]])
3:10 e5fh rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns καὶ καταρτίσαι τὰ ὑστερήματα τῆς πίστεως ὑμῶν 1 If your language does not use the abstract noun **faith**, you can express the idea behind it in another way (See also [2:17](../02/17.md)). Alternate translation: “and to provide support so that you remain faithful” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns]])
3:3 o4w8 rc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-logic-goal τὸ μηδένα σαίνεσθαι 1 Here, the word **that** could introduce: (1) another purpose for which Paul sent Timothy to the Thessalonians to strengthen and comfort them (see [3:2](../03/02.md)). Alternate translation: “in order that no one would be disturbed” (2) what Timothy strengthened and comforted the Thessalonians about. Alternate translation: “showing you that no one should be disturbed” or “that is, that no one be disturbed” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-logic-goal]])
3:3 v8q7 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive μηδένα σαίνεσθαι ἐν ταῖς θλίψεσιν ταύταις 1 If your language does not use this passive form, you could express the idea in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “these afflictions disturb no one”
3:3 u7vo rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns ἐν ταῖς θλίψεσιν ταύταις 1 If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea of **afflictions**, you could express the same idea in another way. Alternate translation: “by being afflicted” or “by how we are afflicted”
3:3 s8s2 rc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-words-phrases γὰρ 1 Here, the word **For** introduces an explanation for why the Thessalonians should not **be disturbed**. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use a word or phrase that introduces an explanation for a claim. Alternate translation: “Indeed,” or “You should not be disturbed because”
3:3 t0vs rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rpronouns αὐτοὶ & οἴδατε 1 Here, the word translated **yourselves** emphasizes **you**. Consider using a natural way to emphasize **you** in your language. Alternate translation: “you indeed know” or “it is you who know” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rpronouns]])
3:3 cdaa rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-pronouns εἰς τοῦτο 1 The pronoun **this** refers to experiencing the **afflictions** that Paul has mentioned. If this is not clear for your readers, you could refer to the **afflictions** more explicitly. Alternate translation: “for suffering these afflictions”
3:3 rkx9 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive κείμεθα 1 If your language does not use this passive form, you could express the idea in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. If you need to say who did the action, it is clear from the context that it was God. Alternate translation: “God has appointed us”
3:3 gla7 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-exclusive κείμεθα 1 By **we**, Paul includes himself, his fellow workers, and the Thessalonians, so use the inclusive form of that word in your translation if your language marks that distinction.
3:4 w95u rc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-logic-result καὶ γὰρ 1 Here, the phrase **For also** introduces a reason why the Thessalonians should “know” that believers are appointed to be afflicted (see [3:3](../03/03.md)). If it would be helpful in your language, you could use a word or phrase that introduces a reason for a claim. Alternate translation: “You should know that because” or “In fact,”
3:4 wo6q rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-exclusive πρὸς ὑμᾶς ἦμεν, προελέγομεν ὑμῖν ὅτι μέλλομεν 1 Here, the word **we** in the clauses **we were with you** and **we were telling you** only includes Paul and his fellow workers. It does not include the Thessalonians. However, the word **we** in the clause **we are about to suffer affliction** does include the Thessalonians. Make sure that this is clear if your language marks these distinctions.
3:4 wuco rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-quotations προελέγομεν ὑμῖν ὅτι μέλλομεν θλίβεσθαι, καθὼς 1 It may be more natural in your language to have a direct quotation here. Alternate translation: “we were telling you in advance, ‘We are about to be afflicted,’ just as”
3:4 nm1l rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive μέλλομεν θλίβεσθαι 1 If your language does not use this passive form, you could express the idea in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. If you need to say who did the action, you could use an indefinite subject. Alternate translation: “people are about to afflict us”
3:4 qqri rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit ἐγένετο καὶ οἴδατε 1 Here Paul means that what he and his fellow workers told the Thessalonians would happen did indeed happen, and the Thessalonians know it. If it would be helpful in your language, you could make it more explicit that the Thessalonians **know** that the afflictions **happened**. Alternate translation: “it happened, which you know”
3:5 tj4e rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-pronouns διὰ τοῦτο κἀγὼ μηκέτι στέγων, ἔπεμψα 1 Here, the word **this** could refer to: (1) what Paul said in the previous verse about how the believers have experienced affliction (see [3:4](../03/04.md)). Alternate translation: “Because of those afflictions, I also, no longer enduring it, sent” (2) what Paul says in this verse about how he could no longer endure. Alternate translation: “Because I could no longer endure it, I also sent”
3:5 o9ep rc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-logic-result μηκέτι στέγων 1 Here, much as in [3:1](../03/01.md), the word **enduring** could introduce: (1) the reason why Paul **sent** Timothy. Alternate translation: “since I could no longer endure it” (2) the time when Paul **sent** Timothy. Alternate translation: “when I could no longer endure it”
3:5 st3d rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit μηκέτι στέγων 1 Here, much as in [3:1](../03/01.md) Paul implies that he could no longer endure being separated from the Thessalonians and not knowing how they were doing. If it would be helpful in your language, you could make this idea more explicit. Alternate translation: “enduring my separation from you no longer” or “no longer enduring how I long to see you”
3:5 zn36 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit ἔπεμψα 1 Here Paul implies that he **sent** Timothy to the Thessalonians. If it would be helpful in your language, you could make this idea more explicit. Alternate translation: “sent Timothy to you”
3:5 judq rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns τὴν πίστιν ὑμῶν 1 If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea of **faith**, you could express the same idea in another way. Alternate translation: “whether you continue to believe”
3:5 raeh rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit μή πως 1 Here, the phrase **lest somehow** introduces something that Paul was worried about. If it would be helpful in your language, you could make this idea more explicit. Alternate translation: “fearing that somehow” or “worrying that somehow”
3:5 nopp rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit ὁ πειράζων 1 Here Paul uses the phrase **the tempter** to refer to the devil, Satan. If it would be helpful in your language, you could make this idea more explicit. Alternate translation: “the tempter, Satan,”
3:5 ua7i rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit ἐπείρασεν ὑμᾶς 1 Here Paul implies that he was worried not only that they would be **tempted** but also that they would stop believing when they were tempted. If it would be helpful in your language, you could make this idea more explicit. Alternate translation: “had somehow successfully tempted you” or “had tempted you with the result that you stopped believing”
3:5 gnow rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns ὁ κόπος ἡμῶν 1 If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea of **labor**, you could express the same idea in another way. Alternate translation: “what we had done among you”
3:5 jnzb rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom εἰς κενὸν 1 Here, the phrase **in vain** identifies a cause that does not have its intended effect. In this case, Paul’s **labor** will not help the Thessalonians if the tempter successfully tempts them. If it would be helpful in your language, you use a word or phrase that identifies a cause that does not have its intended effect. Alternate translation: “for nothing” or “to no purpose”
3:6 r4pa rc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-logic-contrast δὲ 1 Here, the word **But** introduces what has actually happened in contrast to what Paul said in the previous verse about what he was worried about. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use a word or phrase that contrasts a concern with what actually happened. Alternate translation: “Despite my fears,” or “But here is what really happened:”
3:6 esxw rc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-time-background ἄρτι 1 Here, the phrase **just now** introduces the event that prompted Paul to write this letter, 1 Thessalonians. When Paul writes that Timothy returned **just now**, he is referring to the time immediately before he began writing this letter. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use a word or phrase that introduces something that happened right before a person starts speaking about it. Alternate translation: “just before I started writing this letter,” or “a short while ago,”
3:6 gci4 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-exclusive πρὸς ἡμᾶς & ἡμῖν & ἡμῶν & ἡμᾶς & ἡμεῖς 1 Every time the words **us** or **we** appear in this verse, they include Paul and Silvanus, but they do not include Timothy or the Thessalonians, so use the exclusive form of that word in your translation if your language marks that distinction.
3:6 tu8d rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns τὴν πίστιν καὶ τὴν ἀγάπην ὑμῶν 1 If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea of **text**, you could express the same idea in another way. Paul implies that the **faith** is in God and **love** is for other people. Alternate translation: “that you continue to believe in God and love other people”
3:6 fu8h rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom ἔχετε μνείαν ἡμῶν ἀγαθὴν πάντοτε 1 Here, the clause **you always have good memory of us** indicates that the Thessalonians remembered Paul and his fellow workers as people whom they liked and would want to meet again. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use a comparable clause or state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “you always have pleasant memories about us” or “you always remember us fondly”
3:6 tf95 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit ἐπιποθοῦντες 1 Here, the word **longing** could introduce: (1) another thing that the Thessalonians do. If you use the following alternate translation, you should delete the comma before **longing**. Alternate translation: “and that you long” (2) a result of the kind of **memory** that the Thessalonians have. Alternate translation: “so that you long”
3:6 e6kx rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-ellipsis καὶ ἡμεῖς ὑμᾶς 1 Paul is leaving out some of the words that in many languages a sentence would need in order to be complete. You can supply these words from earlier in the sentence if it would be clearer in your language. Alternate translation: “we also long to see you”
3:7 dpij rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-pronouns διὰ τοῦτο 1 Here, the word **this** refers to what Paul said in the previous verse about what Timothy said about the Thessalonians’ faith, love, and good memory of Paul and his fellow workers. If it would be helpful in your language, you could make this idea more explicit. Alternate translation: “Because of this good news” or “Because of what Timothy told us”
3:7 s9iv rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor ἀδελφοί 1 Paul is using the term **brothers** to mean people who share the same faith. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “believing friends”
3:7 fotb rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-gendernotations ἀδελφοί 1 Although the term **brothers** is masculine, Paul is using the word in a generic sense that includes both men and women. If you retain the metaphor in your translation, and if it would be helpful in your language, you could say “brothers and sisters” to indicate this.
3:7 by7h rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive παρεκλήθημεν 1 If your language does not use this passive form, you could express the idea in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. If you need to say who did the action, it is clear from the context that it was God. Alternate translation: “we felt encouragement” or “God encouraged us”
3:7 grk5 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit ἐφ’ ὑμῖν 1 Here, the phrase **about you** could identify: (1) what Paul and his fellow workers are **encouraged** about. Alternate translation: “concerning you” (2) the reason why Paul and his fellow workers are **encouraged**. Alternate translation: “because of you”
3:7 csz7 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-doublet ἐπὶ πάσῃ τῇ ἀνάγκῃ καὶ θλίψει ἡμῶν 1 The terms **distress** and **affliction** mean similar things. Paul is using the two terms together for emphasis. If it would be clearer for your readers, you could express the emphasis with a single phrase. Alternate translation: “in all our affliction” or “in all our troubles“
3:7 e96u rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns ἐπὶ πάσῃ τῇ ἀνάγκῃ καὶ θλίψει ἡμῶν, διὰ τῆς ὑμῶν πίστεως 1 If your language does not use abstract nouns for the ideas of **distress**, **affliction**, and **faith**, you could express the same ideas in another way. Alternate translation: “whenever we were distressed and afflicted, through how you believe”
3:8 m2rq rc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-logic-result ὅτι 1 Here, the word **For** introduces a reason why what Paul said in the previous verse about being encouraged is true (see [3:7](../03/07.md)). If it would be helpful in your language, you could use a word or phrase that introduces a reason or basis for a previous claim. Alternate translation: “That is because” or “That happened because”
3:8 utk3 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-infostructure νῦν ζῶμεν, ἐὰν ὑμεῖς στήκετε ἐν Κυρίῳ 1 If it would be helpful in your language, you could reverse the order of these phrases, since the second phrase gives the basis for the first phrase. Alternate translation: “if you yourselves stand firm in the Lord, now we live”
3:8 tcv6 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit νῦν 1 Here, the word **now** could refer to: (1) the time when Paul and his fellow workers **live**. Alternate translation: “presently” or “at this moment” (2) the result of how the Thessalonians **stand firm**. Alternate translation: “as a result” or “then”
3:8 y1vb rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor ζῶμεν 1 Here, the phrase **we live** means that Paul and his fellow workers are refreshed and able to enjoy their lives. Paul does not mean that they were dead or about to die and are now alive again. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use a comparable figure of speech or state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “we can really live” or “we are refreshed”
3:8 zbyo rc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-condition-fact ἐὰν 1 Paul is speaking as if this were a hypothetical possibility, but he means that it is actually true. If your language does not state something as a condition if it is certain or true, and if your readers might think that what Paul is saying is not certain, then you could translate his words as an affirmative statement. Alternate translation: “since”
3:8 x4zn rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom ὑμεῖς στήκετε ἐν Κυρίῳ 1 Here, the phrase **stand firm in** indicates that people are remaining faithful to whomever they are **in**. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use a comparable phrase or state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “you yourselves remain faithful to the Lord” or “you yourselves persist in trusting the Lord”
3:8 e3pe rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rpronouns ὑμεῖς στήκετε 1 Here, the word translated **yourselves** emphasizes **you**. Consider using a natural way to emphasize **you** in your language. Alternate translation: “you indeed stand firm” or “it is you who stand firm”
3:9-10 pzq7 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion τίνα γὰρ εὐχαριστίαν δυνάμεθα τῷ Θεῷ ἀνταποδοῦναι περὶ ὑμῶν, ἐπὶ πάσῃ τῇ χαρᾷ ᾗ χαίρομεν δι’ ὑμᾶς, ἔμπροσθεν τοῦ Θεοῦ ἡμῶν. νυκτὸς καὶ ἡμέρας, ὑπέρἐκπερισσοῦ δεόμενοι εἰς τὸ ἰδεῖν ὑμῶν τὸ πρόσωπον, καὶ καταρτίσαι τὰ ὑστερήματα τῆς πίστεως ὑμῶν? 1 Here Paul is using the question form to show the Thessalonians how thankful he is that they continue to trust God. If you would not use the question form for this purpose in your language, you could translate this as a statement or an exclamation. Alternate translation: “For we give back to God very many thanks concerning you for all the joy in which we rejoice before our God because of you, night and day pleading earnestly to see your face and to provide what is lacking in your faith!”
3:9 b5o6 rc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-words-phrases γὰρ 1 Here, the word **For** introduces further information about how Paul and his fellow workers responded to the good news about the Thessalonians. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use a word or phrase that introduces more information, or you could leave **For** untranslated. Alternate translation: “Indeed,” or “Further,”
3:9 vu2k rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-exclusive δυνάμεθα & χαίρομεν & ἡμῶν 1 Here, the word **we** in the phrases **are we able** and **we rejoice** only includes Paul and his fellow workers. It does not include the Thessalonians. However, the word **our** in the phrase **our God** does include the Thessalonians. Make sure that this is clear if your language marks these distinctions.
3:9 pdc5 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor τίνα & εὐχαριστίαν δυνάμεθα τῷ Θεῷ ἀνταποδοῦναι 1 Here Paul speaks as if he and his fellow workers owe God a debt that they can pay back by giving **thanks**. He means that the appropriate response to God’s work among the Thessalonians is give thanks to God. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “how can we be thankful enough to God” or “what kind of thanksgiving could we give to God”
3:9 gvvx rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-textvariants τῷ Θεῷ & τοῦ Θεοῦ ἡμῶν 1 Many ancient manuscripts read **to God** and **our God**. The ULT follows that reading. A few ancient manuscripts read “to the Lord” and “our Lord.” If a translation of the Bible exists in your region, you may wish to use the reading that it uses. If a translation of the Bible does not exist in your region, you may wish to use the reading of the ULT.
3:9 j6pj rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns ἐπὶ πάσῃ τῇ χαρᾷ ᾗ χαίρομεν 1 If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea of **joy**, you could express the same idea in another way. Alternate translation: “for how joyfully we rejoice”
3:9 u00t rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-doublet ἐπὶ πάσῃ τῇ χαρᾷ ᾗ χαίρομεν 1 Here Paul uses both the word **joy** and the word **rejoice** to emphasize how much joy he and his fellow workers have. If it would be clearer for your readers, you could express the emphasis with a single phrase. Alternate translation: “for how greatly we rejoice” or “for how much joy we experience”
3:9 p5ka rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom ἔμπροσθεν τοῦ Θεοῦ ἡμῶν 1 Here, the phrase **before our God** means that Paul and his fellow workers **rejoice** in God’s presence. If it would be helpful in your language, you could make this idea more explicit. Alternate translation: “in the presence of our God” or “when we approach God”
3:10 v6y0 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom νυκτὸς καὶ ἡμέρας 1 Here, the phrase **night and day** indicates that Paul and his fellow workers were **pleading earnestly** during both the day and the night. This means that they were **pleading earnestly** very often every day. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use a comparable expression or state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “all the time” or “always”
3:10 wj8y rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit ὑπέρἐκπερισσοῦ δεόμενοι 1 Here Paul implies that he and his fellow workers pray to God when they are **pleading**. If it would be helpful in your language, you could make this idea more explicit. Alternate translation: “pleading earnestly with God”
3:10 eb26 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom εἰς τὸ ἰδεῖν ὑμῶν τὸ πρόσωπον 1 The phrase **to see your face** refers to visiting someone and being with them. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use an equivalent expression from your language or state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “to visit you” or “to spend time with you”
3:10 s0xz rc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-collectivenouns ὑμῶν τὸ πρόσωπον 1 Here Paul speaks as if the Thessalonians together had one **face**, but he is referring to each of their faces. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “your faces”
3:10 uqwr rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit καταρτίσαι τὰ ὑστερήματα τῆς πίστεως ὑμῶν 1 Here Paul could be implying that the Thessalonians are **lacking**: (1) knowledge about God that should be included in their **faith**. Alternate translation: “to teach you more about your faith” (2) some aspects of **faith** in God. Alternate translation: “to enable you to have faith completely”
3:10 e5fh rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns τῆς πίστεως ὑμῶν 1 If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea of **faith**, you could express the same idea in another way. Alternate translation: “in the way you believe”
3:11-13 tet9 rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-blessing δὲ & κατευθύναι 1 Here the verb forms indicate that this is a blessing or prayer that continues through [3:13](../03/13.md). Use a form that people would recognize as a blessing or prayer in your language. Alternate translation: “Now we pray that … would guide” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-blessing]])
3:11 f3wh rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-hendiadys ὁ Θεὸς καὶ Πατὴρ ἡμῶν 1 Here, **our God and Father** refers to the one divine person who is both God and Father. This phrase is a hendiadys, since Father further describes God (See also [1:3](../01/03.md)). Alternate translation: “God our Father” or “our Father God” (See: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-hendiadys)
3:11 mc2m rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rpronouns αὐτὸς 1 Paul uses the word **himself** to distinguish **our God and Father** from **our Lord Jesus**. Use a way that is natural in your language to indicate this distinction. (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rpronouns]])
3:11 bql9 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-exclusive ἡμῶν & ἡμῶν & ἡμῶν 1 It is possible that these first two uses of **our** are inclusive of the whole Christian Church. Yet, the third use of **our** exclusively refers to the apostles. So, it is most likely that **our** refers exclusively to Paul, Silvanus, and Timothy in this whole verse (see also [1:9, 2:1, 3:9](../01/09.md)). Your language may require you to mark these forms. (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-exclusive]])
3:11 um1c rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor κατευθύναι τὴν ὁδὸν ἡμῶν πρὸς ὑμᾶς. 1 Paul speaks about God as if he were a pilot or captain of a ship. Paul means that he wants God to allow the apostles to visit the Thessalonian church again. If your readers would not understand what **direct our way to you** means in this context, you could use an equivalent metaphor from your culture. Alternatively, you could express Paul’s meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “may … quickly bring us to you” or “may … direct our voyage so that we can visit you” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
3:12 f4ma rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-doublet ὑμᾶς δὲ ὁ Κύριος πλεονάσαι καὶ περισσεύσαι 1 Here, **increase** and **abound** mean basically the same thing. The repetition is used to emphasize how much the apostles want the Thessalonian church to keep increasing in their love for all people. If your language does not use repetition in this way, you can combine these phrases. Alternate translation: “May the Lord Jesus make you completely excel” or “O that the Lord Jesus would cause you to fully thrive” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-doublet]])
3:12 o80n rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor τῇ ἀγάπῃ 1 Paul speaks of **love** as something that can be quantified or measured. He means that he hopes the Thessalonian church will keep loving people well. If your readers would not understand what **in love** means in this context, you could use an equivalent metaphor from your culture. Alternate translation: “in the way you love” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
3:12 ofl2 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-merism εἰς ἀλλήλους, καὶ εἰς πάντας 1 Paul could be speaking, using these phrases in order to include the whole human race. If this would be misunderstood in your language, you could use an equivalent expression or use plain language. Alternate translation: “toward each and every person” or “toward the whole human race” or “toward Christians and non-Christians” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-merism]])
3:12 gyy3 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-nominaladj εἰς πάντας 1 Paul could be using the adjective **all** as a noun in order to describe a group of people. Your language may use adjectives in the same way. If not, you could translate this with a noun phrase. It could refer to: (1) the whole human race. Alternate translation: “toward all humanity” (2) all Christians. Alternate translation: “for all your fellow believers in Christ” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-nominaladj]])
3:12 dm6c καθάπερ καὶ ἡμεῖς εἰς ὑμᾶς 1 Here, **just as we also toward you** is an emphatic phrase meant to reinforce the deep love the apostles have for the Thessalonian church (also in [3:6](../03/06.md)). Use a natural way in your language to express this emphasis. Alternate translation: “in the same way that we love you”
3:13 ms8t rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns εἰς τὸ στηρίξαι ὑμῶν τὰς καρδίας, ἀμέμπτους ἐν ἁγιωσύνῃ 1 If your language does not use the abstract nouns **hearts** and **holiness**, you can express the ideas behind them in another way. Alternate translation: “so that how you love one another strengthens you to become resolved to live blamelessly, as is appropriate for those who belong to the Lord Jesus” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns]])
3:13 ly21 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor εἰς τὸ στηρίξαι ὑμῶν τὰς καρδίας 1 Paul speaks of the people of the Thessalonian church as if they have one heart that is like a building that can be established or supported. He means that he wants God to increase their willpower or affections so that they would remain faithful to God. If your readers would not understand what this phrase means in this context, you could use an equivalent metaphor from your culture. Alternatively, you could express Paul’s meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “to establish your affections” or “to strengthen your will” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
3:13 taws rc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-logic-goal εἰς τὸ στηρίξαι ὑμῶν τὰς καρδίας 1 This phrase is a purpose clause. Paul is stating the purpose for why he prays that God will increase the Thessalonian church’s love for all people. Use a natural way in your language for introducing a purpose clause. Alternate translation: “so that the Lord will establish your affections for him” or “in order that the Lord will strengthen your willpower” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-logic-goal]])
3:13 jev8 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-doublet ἀμέμπτους ἐν ἁγιωσύνῃ 1 Here, **blameless** and **holiness** mean basically the same thing. The repetition is used to emphasize total sanctification. If your language does not use repetition in this way, you can combine these phrases. This phrase could refer to: (1) a condition of holiness. Alternate translation: “blameless in a condition of holiness” (2) how to become holy. Alternate translation: “blameless through holiness” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-doublet]])
3:13 p12j rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom ἔμπροσθεν τοῦ Θεοῦ καὶ Πατρὸς ἡμῶν 1 This phrase is an idiom for being in the personal presence of God (See [3:9](../03/09.md)). If this would be misunderstood in your language, you could use an equivalent idiom or use plain language. Alternate translation: “in the presence of our Father God” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]])
3:13 vnsi rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit ἐν τῇ παρουσίᾳ τοῦ Κυρίου ἡμῶν, Ἰησοῦ, μετὰ πάντων τῶν ἁγίων αὐτοῦ 1 This is a reference to Zechariah 14:5 (See also 2 Thessalonians 1:7,10; Jude 14). Here it is implied that these **saints** are all those who are **blameless in holiness** and who have already died (See [4:14](../04/14.md)). If it would be helpful to your readers, you could say that explicitly. Alternate translation: “at the time the Lord Jesus arrives along with all his holy people who have already died” or “when the Lord Jesus returns a second time with all those reposed people who belong to him” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])
3:13 ytqg rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom ἐν τῇ παρουσίᾳ τοῦ Κυρίου ἡμῶν, Ἰησοῦ 1 Here, **at the coming of the Lord Jesus** is a well-known idiom in 1–2 Thessalonians for the Second Coming of Christ (See [2:19; 4:15](../02/19.md)) or the “Day of the **Lord**” [5:2](../05/02.md)). Use a natural way in your language to emphasize this idea. Alternate translation: “in the presence of our Lord Jesus at his Second Coming” or “in the sight of our Lord Jesus when he arrives again” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]])
4:intro b1z5 0 # 1 Thessalonians 4 General Notes\n\n## Outline of 1 Thessalonians 4\n\n1. Apostolic Teachings on Holiness (4:1–8)\n2. Apostolic Teachings on Christian Love (4:9–12)\n* Reminder (4:9–10)\n* Keep Busy (4:11–12)\n3. Apostolic Teachings on the Manner of the Second Coming of Christ (4:13–18)\n\n## “We” and “You”\n\nIn this letter, the words **we** and **our** refer to Paul, Silvanus, and Timothy, unless otherwise noted. Throughout the letter, **we** and **our** are used to convey that all three apostles are in agreement with the letter.\n\n## Special Concepts in this Chapter\n\n### Christian love\n\nThe apostles address the topic of Christian love that the Thessalonian church had previously asked about. The apostles encouraged the church that they were already loving well, and they should continue to grow in this practice. The apostles also link “brotherly love” to living in harmony with each other and minding their own business, so that they would be a good example to non-Christians (See [4:11–12](../04/11.md)).\n\n### Dying before the Second Coming of Christ\n\nThe Thessalonian church was concerned about what would happen if a believer died before Christ returned. They were anxious to know whether or not those who died before Christ returned would be part of the Kingdom of God. Paul addresses that concern in [4:13–5:11](../04/13.md).\n\n### The manner of the Second Coming of Christ\n\nIn [4:13–18](../04/13.md), the apostles teach about the events related to the Second Coming of Christ (called “the day of the Lord” in [5:2](../05/02.md)). This is so that the Thessalonians can “comfort one another with these words” (See [4:18](../04/18.md)).\n\n## Important Translation Issues in this Chapter\n\n### Sexual immorality\n\nDifferent cultures have different standards of sexual morality. These different cultural standards may make translating this passage difficult. Translators will have to consider the most appropriate way to communicate these sensitive issues.\n\n### The Second Coming of Christ and the Day of the Lord\n\nAll Christians believe that Jesus will return to earth to judge all people and to rule forever. As the Nicene Creed (381 A.D.) states: “I await the resurrection of the dead and the life of the age to come.” Christ came once as Incarnate God and will return once as Resurrected Judge. However, there are various ways that Christians understand the “coming of the Lord” as explained in [4:13–5:11](../04/13.md), and the “day of the Lord” in [5:2](../05/02.md). Some believe they are one and the same event, but others believe them to be two separate events. Your translation should state clearly only what is clear in these verses without promoting any particular interpretation.
4:1 vtas rc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-words-phrases λοιπὸν οὖν 1 Here, **So finally** could refer to: (1) a summary of the apostles’ teachings. Alternate translation: “So, in summary,” (2) the remaining things to address. “So then, here is what remains for us to talk about” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-words-phrases]])
4:1 u2lw rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-doublet ἐρωτῶμεν ὑμᾶς καὶ παρακαλοῦμεν 1 These two phrases mean basically the same thing. The repetition is used to emphasize how seriously the apostles want the Thessalonian church to follow their teachings. If your language does not use repetition in this way, you can combine these phrases. Alternate translation: “we are urging and appealing to you” or “we strongly urge you” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-doublet]])
4:1 foeh rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor ἐν Κυρίῳ Ἰησοῦ 1 Paul speaks as if the apostles are occupying space inside of **the Lord Jesus**. Here, the metaphor expresses the idea that the apostles represent Jesus himself like ambassadors who possess a king’s authority. If your readers would not understand what **in the Lord** means in this context, you could use an equivalent metaphor from your culture. Alternatively, you could express Paul’s meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “with our authority from the Lord Jesus” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
4:1 p4db rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor τὸ πῶς δεῖ ὑμᾶς περιπατεῖν 1 Here, **to walk** is a metaphor that means “to live” or “to obey” (See [2:12](../02/12.md)). If your readers would not understand what it means **to walk** in this context, you could use an equivalent metaphor from your culture. Alternatively, you could express Paul’s meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “about how you must live” or “about how you are obligated to obey” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
4:1 ckii rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-hendiadys τὸ πῶς δεῖ ὑμᾶς περιπατεῖν καὶ ἀρέσκειν Θεῷ (καθὼς καὶ περιπατεῖτε) 1 Here, **to walk and to please** expresses a single idea by using two words connected with **and**. The word **please** describes how the Thessalonian church should **walk**. If it would be more natural in your language, you could express this meaning with an equivalent phrase that does not use **and**. Alternate translation: “about how you must live to please God (exactly as you live now)” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-hendiadys]])
4:1 q937 rc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-logic-goal ἵνα περισσεύητε μᾶλλον 1 This phrase is a purpose clause. Paul is stating the purpose for which apostles are begging and exhorting the Thessalonian church. Use a natural way in your language for introducing a purpose clause. Alternate translation: “so that you can excel more and more” or “in order that you thrive even more” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-logic-goal]])
4:2 oyu3 rc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-time-background 0 Paul is providing this background information about the apostles’ teachings during their previous visit to help readers understand what happens next. Use a natural way in your language for introducing background information. (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-time-background]])
4:2 dg4p rc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-logic-result οἴδατε γὰρ τίνας παραγγελίας ἐδώκαμεν ὑμῖν διὰ τοῦ Κυρίου Ἰησοῦ 1 This verse expresses that the Thessalonian church should do what the apostles previously taught them (See [4:1](../04/01.md)), because these teachings are actually commands from **the Lord Jesus** himself. Use a natural way in your language to express a result clause. Alternate translation: “The reason we beg and exhort you is because you realize that when we gave commands, it was actually the Lord Jesus who taught you” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-logic-result]])
4:2 ebjm rc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-words-phrases γὰρ 1 Here, **For** indicates that what follows is something else important that the Thessalonian church should pay attention to. Use a natural way in your language to express this emphasis. Alternate translation: “In fact” or “Certainly” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-words-phrases]])
4:2 vg16 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor διὰ τοῦ Κυρίου Ἰησοῦ 1 Paul speaks of the **commands** that the apostles gave to the Thessalonian church as though **Jesus** personally told them to the apostles. Paul means that **Jesus** made the apostles his messengers, not that **Jesus** is a messenger of the apostles. If your readers would not understand what **through the Lord Jesus** means in this context, you could use an equivalent metaphor from your culture. Alternatively, you could express Paul’s meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “through a message from the Lord Jesus” or “by order of the Lord Jesus himself” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
4:3 ycsw rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns τοῦτο γάρ ἐστιν θέλημα τοῦ Θεοῦ, ὁ ἁγιασμὸς ὑμῶν, 1 If your language does not use the abstract nouns **will** and **sanctification**, you can express the ideas behind them in another way. Alternate translation: “Indeed, God desires that you live like those who belong to him” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns]])
4:3 lit4 rc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-words-phrases τοῦτο γάρ ἐστιν 1 Here, **For this is** indicates that this is the beginning of a section about the content of the commands from the Lord Jesus in [4:2](../04/02.md). Use a natural way in your language to indicate the beginning of new topic. Alternate translation: “Now, this is” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-words-phrases]])
4:3 vnp0 rc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-collectivenouns τοῦτο γάρ ἐστιν θέλημα τοῦ Θεοῦ 1 Here, **this** is a singular pronoun that emphasizes what **is the will of God**. Use a natural way in your language to express this emphasis. Alternate translation: “Certainly, this very thing is God’s will” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-collectivenouns]])
4:3 mw4j τοῦτο γάρ ἐστιν θέλημα τοῦ Θεοῦ, ὁ ἁγιασμὸς ὑμῶν 1 Here begins a list spanning through [4:3–8](../04/03.md) that explains what **sanctification** means in this context. Use a natural way in your language to indicate the beginning of a topic.
4:3 lgac rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-distinguish ἀπέχεσθαι ὑμᾶς ἀπὸ τῆς πορνείας 1 This phrase gives us further information about what is meant by **sanctification**. Paul is defining the **sanctification** God wants for his people by forbidding **sexually immorality**. If this is not understood in your language, you could make the relationship between these phrases clearer. (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-distinguish]])
4:3 lhxi rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-imperative ἀπέχεσθαι ὑμᾶς 1 The following list of verb forms in [4:3–6](../04/03.md) could be translated as commands (See [4:2](../04/02.md)). Here, the verb forms are likely meant to express a strong suggestion or appeal. Use a form in your language that would be used in this type of situation. Alternate translation: “you yourselves must refrain” or “you should withhold yourselves” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-imperative]])
4:4 u98k rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-distinguish εἰδέναι ἕκαστον ὑμῶν τὸ ἑαυτοῦ σκεῦος, κτᾶσθαι ἐν ἁγιασμῷ καὶ τιμῇ 1 Here Paul gives more instructions about the **sanctification** God wants for his people, by telling the Thessalonian church that every husband needs to treat his wife’s body and his own body **in sanctification and honor**. If this is not understood in your language, you could make the relationship between these verses clearer. (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-distinguish]])
4:4 vhbp rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-euphemism εἰδέναι ἕκαστον ὑμῶν τὸ ἑαυτοῦ σκεῦος, κτᾶσθαι ἐν ἁγιασμῷ καὶ τιμῇ, 1 Here, **to know to possess** refers to sexual intimacy. This is a polite way of referring to something private. If this would be misunderstood in your language, use a different polite way of referring to this or you could state this plainly. Alternate translation: “God desires that you treat your wives’ bodies like they belong to God and to honor them” or “each of you men must use your own body for God’s holy and honorable purposes” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-euphemism]])
4:4 fk6n rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-nominaladj ἕκαστον 1 Paul is using the adjective **each** as a noun in order to describe a group of men. Here it specifically is used to emphasize that every husband or man must obey this teaching. Your language may use adjectives in the same way. If not, you could translate this with a noun phrase. Alternate translation: “each and every man” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-nominaladj]])
4:4 f4ux rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor τὸ ἑαυτοῦ σκεῦος, κτᾶσθαι 1 Here Paul speaks of a person’s body as if it were a container. Here, **to possess his own vessel** is a metaphor that compares sexual self-control to a proper use of a container. If your readers would not understand what this phrase means in this context, you could use an equivalent metaphor from your culture. It could refer to: (1) a wife’s body. Alternate translation: “to use his wife’s body” or “to properly care for his own wife” (2) a husband’s own body. Alternate translation: “to control his own body” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
4:4 arkf rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-possession τὸ ἑαυτοῦ σκεῦος 1 Paul is using the possessive form **his own** to express ownership. Use a natural way in your language to express ownership. Alternate translation: “the wife that belongs to you” or “your very own wife” or “the body that belongs to you”(See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-possession]])
4:4 ihqe rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-hendiadys ἐν ἁγιασμῷ καὶ τιμῇ 1 This phrase could express a single idea by using two words connected with **and**. The word **honor** tells how a husband or man must live in **sanctification**. If it would be more natural in your language, you could express this meaning with an equivalent phrase that does not use **and**. Alternate translation: “by honorably setting it apart for God’s purposes” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-hendiadys]])
4:5 utvd rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns μὴ ἐν πάθει ἐπιθυμίας 1 If your language does not use the abstract noun phrase **in the passion of lust**, you can express the idea behind it in another way. Alternate translation: “not passionately lusting” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns]])
4:5 y9g2 rc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-logic-contrast μὴ ἐν πάθει ἐπιθυμίας 1 Here, **not in the passion of lust** contrasts with the previous phrase “in holiness and honor” (See: [4:4](../04/04.md)). Use a natural way in your language for introducing a contrast. Alternate translation: “not passionately lusting” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-logic-contrast]])
4:5 vjej rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-possession πάθει ἐπιθυμίας 1 Paul is using the possessive phrase **of lust** to describe **passion**. This genitive phrase could refer to: 1) passion characterized by lust. Alternate translation: “lustful passion” 2) the source of the passion. Alternate translation: “passion that comes from lust” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-possession]])
4:5 nrmz rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-distinguish καθάπερ καὶ τὰ ἔθνη τὰ μὴ εἰδότα τὸν Θεόν 1 This phrase gives us further information about the those who live **in the passion of lust**. If this is not understood in your language, you could make the relationship between these phrases clearer. Alternate translation: “like the nations who remain ignorant of God act” or “exactly like all the people who have no relationship with God” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-distinguish]])
4:5 tz8o rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-genericnoun τὰ ἔθνη 1 Here, **the Gentiles** refers to all the non-Christian nations in general, not one group of people. If this would be misunderstood in your language, use a more natural phrase (See your translation at [2:16](../02/16.md)). (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-genericnoun]])
4:5 w03g rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-distinguish τὰ μὴ εἰδότα τὸν Θεόν 1 Here, **the ones not knowing God** is meant to give further information about the **Gentiles**. If this is not understood in your language, you could make the relationship between these phrases clearer. Alternate translation: “who have no relationship with God” or “who remain ignorant of God” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-distinguish]])
4:6 wmb6 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-hendiadys ὑπερβαίνειν καὶ πλεονεκτεῖν 1 This phrase expresses a single idea by using two words connected with **and**. The word **exploit** describes **transgress** . If it would be more natural in your language, you could express this meaning with an equivalent phrase that does not use **and**. Alternate translation: “exploits by transgressing” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-hendiadys]])
4:6 ho6h rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor ὑπερβαίνειν καὶ πλεονεκτεῖν 1 Here, **transgress and exploit** speaks about adultery, by comparing it to a person who unlawfully enters someone’s property and claims it for their own. If your readers would not understand what it means to **transgress and exploit** in this context, you could use an equivalent metaphor from your culture. Alternatively, you could express Paul’s meaning plainly. Alternative translation, “must trespass and defraud” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
4:6 ckez rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor ἐν τῷ πράγματι τὸν ἀδελφὸν αὐτοῦ 1 Here, **in this matter** could be speaking of adultery as if someone is intruding in another person’s business matters. If your readers would not understand what **in this matter** means in this context, you could use an equivalent metaphor from your culture. Alternatively, you could express Paul’s meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “the marital matters of his fellow believer in Christ” or “the marriage relationship of another believer in Christ” or (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
4:6 q7bf rc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-logic-result διότι ἔκδικος Κύριος περὶ πάντων τούτων 1 This clause gives the final result for those who live “in the passion of lust” (See [4:5](../04/05.md)). Use a natural way in your language to express result. This could refer to: 1) all the matters spoken of in [4:3–6](../04/03.md). Alternate translation: “Certainly, the Lord Jesus will avenge all these things” 2) the sexually immoral people. Alternate translation: “This is because the Lord Jesus will punish all those people” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-logic-result]])
4:6 d1ip rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-background καθὼς καὶ προείπαμεν ὑμῖν καὶ διεμαρτυράμεθα 1 Paul provides this background information about what the apostles said in an earlier visit (See in [2:10–12](../02/10.md)). Use the natural form in your language for expressing background information. Alternate translation: “This will happen just as we already told you and solemnly testified to you” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-background]])
4:6 ix4p rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-doublet καθὼς καὶ προείπαμεν ὑμῖν καὶ διεμαρτυράμεθα 1 These two phrases mean basically the same thing. The repetition is used to emphasize what the apostles had already told the Thessalonian church during a previous visit. If your language does not use repetition in this way, you can combine these phrases. Alternate translation: “exactly as we also solemnly forewarned you” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-doublet]])
3:11 kdk9 rc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-words-phrases δὲ 1 Here, the word **But** introduces a new topic. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use a word or phrase that introduces a new topic, or you could leave **But** untranslated. Alternate translation: “Now”\n
3:11 um1c rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor αὐτὸς & ὁ Θεὸς καὶ Πατὴρ ἡμῶν, καὶ ὁ Κύριος ἡμῶν, Ἰησοῦς, κατευθύναι τὴν ὁδὸν ἡμῶν πρὸς ὑμᾶς 1 Paul speaks about God the Father and the Lord Jesus as if they were directing Paul’s way and his fellow worker’s ways. He could mean that God the Father and the Lord Jesus: (1) are like guides who take Paul and his fellow workers to meet the Thessalonians, which would enable Paul and his fellow workers to visit the Thessalonians. Alternate translation: “may our God and Father himself and our Lord Jesus bring us to you” (2) enable Paul and his fellow workers to overcome obstacles that prevent them from visiting the Corinthians. Alternate translation: “may our God and Father himself and our Lord Jesus remove everything that prevents us from visiting you” (3) lead Paul and his fellow workers on a straight path to the Thessalonians, which would enable Paul and his fellow workers to visit the Thessalonians soon. Alternate translation: “may our God and Father himself and our Lord Jesus enable us to visit you soon” \n
3:11 f3wh rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-hendiadys ὁ Θεὸς καὶ Πατὴρ ἡμῶν 1 Here, the phrase **our God and Father** refers to the one divine person who is both God and Father. The word **God** and the word **Father** refer to the same person. If it would be helpful in your language, you could make this idea more explicit. See how you translated the similar phrase in [1:3](../01/03.md). Alternate translation: “God our Father” or “our Father God”\n
3:11 mc2m rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rpronouns αὐτὸς & ὁ Θεὸς καὶ Πατὴρ ἡμῶν 1 Here, the word translated **himself** emphasizes **our God and Father**. Consider using a natural way to emphasize **our God and Father** in your language. Alternate translation: “he who is our God and Father” or “God our Father indeed”
3:11 bql9 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-exclusive ἡμῶν & ἡμῶν & ἡμῶν 1 Here, the word **our** in the phrases **our God** and **our Lord** includes all believers. The word **our** in the phrase **our way** only includes Paul and his fellow workers. It does not include the Thessalonians. Make sure that this is clear if your language marks these distinctions.
3:12 eeu2 rc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-words-phrases δὲ 1 Here, the word **Now** introduces the next part of Paul’s prayer. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use a word or phrase that introduces another section, or you could leave **Now** untranslated. Alternate translation: “Further,”
3:12 f4ma rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-doublet ὑμᾶς & ὁ Κύριος πλεονάσαι καὶ περισσεύσαι 1 The terms **increase** and **abound** mean similar things. Paul is using the two terms together for emphasis. If it would be clearer for your readers, you could express the emphasis with a single phrase. Alternate translation: “may the Lord make you very much abound” or “may the Lord make you increase greatly”
3:12 o80n rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns τῇ ἀγάπῃ εἰς ἀλλήλους, καὶ εἰς πάντας 1 If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea of **love**, you could express the same idea in another way. Alternate translation: “in how you love one another and all”
3:12 gyy3 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-nominaladj εἰς πάντας 1 Paul is using the adjective **all** as a noun to refer to all people. Your language may use adjectives in the same way. If not, you can translate this word with an equivalent phrase. Alternate translation: “for all humans”
3:12 dm6c rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-ellipsis καὶ ἡμεῖς εἰς ὑμᾶς 1 Paul is leaving out some of the words that in many languages a sentence would need in order to be complete. You can supply these words from earlier in the sentence if it would be clearer in your language. Alternate translation: “we also increase and abound in love toward you”
3:13 taws rc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-logic-goal εἰς τὸ στηρίξαι 1 Here the phrase **to strengthen** introduces the purpose for which Paul prays that the Lord will make the Thessalonians increase in love (see [3:12](../03/12.md)). If it would be helpful in your language, you could use a word or phrase that introduces a purpose. Alternate translation: “in order that he might strengthen” or “and I pray those things so that he might strengthen”
3:13 ly21 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor εἰς τὸ στηρίξαι ὑμῶν τὰς καρδίας 1 Here Paul speaks of the Thessalonians becoming spiritually stronger as if their **hearts** were being strengthened. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “to strengthen you spiritually” or “to make you stronger on the inside”
3:13 wb3l rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-ellipsis ὑμῶν τὰς καρδίας, ἀμέμπτους 1 Paul is leaving out some of the words that in many languages a sentence would need in order to be complete. You could supply words such as “so that they will be” if it would be clearer in your language. Alternate translation: “your hearts so that they will be blameless” or “your hearts so that you will be blameless”
3:13 ms8t rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns ἐν ἁγιωσύνῃ 1 If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea of **holiness**, you could express the same idea in another way. Alternate translation: “in how holy you are”
3:13 p12j rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom ἔμπροσθεν τοῦ Θεοῦ καὶ Πατρὸς ἡμῶν 1 Here, the phrase **before our God and Father** refers to being in the presence of **our God and Father**. In this case, the phrase emphasizes that God is the one who will declare the Thessalonians to be **blameless in holiness**. If it would be helpful in your language, you could make this idea more explicit. Alternate translation: “in the presence of our God and Father” or “according to our God and Father”
3:13 jev8 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-hendiadys τοῦ Θεοῦ καὶ Πατρὸς ἡμῶν 1 Here, the phrase **our God and Father** refers to the one divine person who is both God and Father. The word **God** and the word **Father** refer to the same person. If it would be helpful in your language, you could make this idea more explicit. See how you translated the similar phrase in [3:11](../03/11.md). Alternate translation: “God our Father” or “our Father God”\n\n\n\n\n\n
3:13 ytqg rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit ἐν τῇ παρουσίᾳ τοῦ Κυρίου ἡμῶν, Ἰησοῦ 1 Here, the phrase **the coming of our Lord Jesus** refers to the specific time in the future when Jesus will come back to earth, judge everyone, punish unbelievers, and reward believers. If it would be helpful in your language, you could make this idea more explicit. Alternate translation: “when our Lord Jesus comes back to earth” or “at return of our Lord Jesus to us”\n
3:13 vnsi rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit μετὰ πάντων τῶν ἁγίων αὐτοῦ 1 Here, the word **saints** could refer to: (1) believers. Alternate translation: “with everyone who believes in him” (2) believers and angels. Alternate translation: “with all his holy angels and those who believe in him” (3) angels. Alternate translation: “with all his holy angels”
4:intro b1z5 0 # 1 Thessalonians 4 General Notes\n\n## Outline of 1 Thessalonians 4\n\n1. Apostolic Teachings on Holiness (4:1–8)\n2. Apostolic Teachings on Christian Love (4:9–12)\n * Reminder (4:9–10)\n * Keep Busy (4:11–12)\n3. Apostolic Teachings on the Manner of the Second Coming of Christ (4:13–18)\n\n## “We” and “You”\n\nIn this letter, the words **we** and **our** refer to Paul, Silvanus, and Timothy, unless otherwise noted. Throughout the letter, **we** and **our** are used to convey that all three apostles are in agreement with the letter.\n\n## Special Concepts in this Chapter\n\n### Christian love\n\nThe apostles address the topic of Christian love that the Thessalonian church had previously asked about. The apostles encouraged the church that they were already loving well, and they should continue to grow in this practice. The apostles also link “brotherly love” to living in harmony with each other and minding their own business, so that they would be a good example to non-Christians (See [4:11–12](../04/11.md)).\n\n### Dying before the Second Coming of Christ\n\nThe Thessalonian church was concerned about what would happen if a believer died before Christ returned. They were anxious to know whether or not those who died before Christ returned would be part of the Kingdom of God. Paul addresses that concern in [4:13–5:11](../04/13.md).\n\n### The manner of the Second Coming of Christ\n\nIn [4:13–18](../04/13.md), the apostles teach about the events related to the Second Coming of Christ (called “the day of the Lord” in [5:2](../05/02.md)). This is so that the Thessalonians can “comfort one another with these words” (See [4:18](../04/18.md)).\n\n## Important Translation Issues in this Chapter\n\n### Sexual immorality\n\nDifferent cultures have different standards of sexual morality. These different cultural standards may make translating this passage difficult. Translators will have to consider the most appropriate way to communicate these sensitive issues.\n\n### The Second Coming of Christ and the Day of the Lord\n\nAll Christians believe that Jesus will return to earth to judge all people and to rule forever. As the Nicene Creed (381 A.D.) states: “I await the resurrection of the dead and the life of the age to come.” Christ came once as Incarnate God and will return once as Resurrected Judge. However, there are various ways that Christians understand the “coming of the Lord” as explained in [4:13–5:11](../04/13.md), and the “day of the Lord” in [5:2](../05/02.md). Some believe they are one and the same event, but others believe them to be two separate events. Your translation should state clearly only what is clear in these verses without promoting any particular interpretation.
4:1 udi2 rc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-logic-result οὖν 1 Here, the word **Therefore** introduces a development in Paul’s argument. He is transitioning from rejoicing about the Thessalonians to instructing them about how to act and what to believe. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use a word or phrase that introduces this kind of development. Alternate translation: “So” or “Given all that”
4:1 vtas rc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-words-phrases λοιπὸν 1 Here, the word **finally** signals to the audience that Paul is starting the last section of his letter. The word does not mean that Paul is about to finish the letter. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use a word or phrase that introduces the last major part of a letter. Alternate translation: “lastly” or “in this last section”
4:1 fmuc rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor ἀδελφοί 1 Paul is using the term **brothers** to mean people who share the same faith. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “believing friends”
4:1 p3be rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-gendernotations ἀδελφοί 1 Although the term **brothers** is masculine, Paul is using the word in a generic sense that includes both men and women. If you retain the metaphor in your translation, and if it would be helpful in your language, you could say “brothers and sisters” to indicate this.
4:1 u2lw rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-doublet ἐρωτῶμεν ὑμᾶς καὶ παρακαλοῦμεν 1 The terms **ask** and **encourage** mean similar things. Paul is using the two terms together for emphasis. If it would be clearer for your readers, you could express the emphasis with a single phrase. Alternate translation: “we strongly encourage you” or “we urgently ask you” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-doublet]])
4:1 foeh rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor ἐν Κυρίῳ Ἰησοῦ 1 Here Paul uses the spatial metaphor **in the Lord Jesus** to describe the union of believers with **Jesus**. In this case, being **in the Lord Jesus**, or united to Jesus, could specifically explain: (1) the reason why Paul and his fellow workers **ask and exhort*** the Thessalonians. Alternate translation: “because of your union with the Lord Jesus” (2) the authority by which Paul and his fellow workers **ask and exhort** the Thessalonians. Alternate translation: “as those who represent the Lord Jesus”
4:1 p4db rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor περιπατεῖν & περιπατεῖτε 1 Paul speaks of behavior in life as if it were **walking**. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. See you how you translated the similar phrase in [2:12](../02/12.md). Alternate translation: “to act … you are acting” or “to live your lives … you are living your lives”
4:1 ckii rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-hendiadys περιπατεῖν καὶ ἀρέσκειν Θεῷ 1 Here, **to walk and to please** expresses a single idea by using two words connected with **and**. The word **please** describes the way in which the Thessalonian church should **walk**. If it would be helpful in your language, you could express this meaning with an equivalent phrase that does not use **and**. Alternate translation: “to walk in a way that is pleasing to God” or “to walk so that you please God”
4:1 q937 rc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-words-phrases ἵνα 1 Here, the word **that** could introduce: (1) what it is that Paul and his fellow workers **ask and exhort** the Thessalonians to do. Alternate translation: “we ask that” (2) the purpose for which Paul and his fellow workers **ask and exhort** the Thessalonians. Alternate translation: “in order that”
4:1 e3cd rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit περισσεύητε μᾶλλον 1 Here Paul implies that he and his fellow workers want the Thessalonians to **abound even more** in pleasing God. If it would be helpful in your language, you could make this idea more explicit. Alternate translation: “you might abound even more in doing what is pleasing to God”
4:2 ebjm rc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-words-phrases γὰρ 1 Here, the word **For** introduces a further explanation of what Paul said in the previous verse about how the Thessalonians received instructions from Paul and his fellow workers (see [4:1](../04/01.md)). If it would be helpful in your language, you could use a word or phrase that introduces an explanation, or you could leave **For** untranslated. Alternate translation: “Indeed,” or “In fact,”
4:2 oyu3 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit ἐδώκαμεν ὑμῖν 1 Here Paul refers to what he and his fellow workers told the Thessalonians when they first visited them. If it would be helpful in your language, you could make this idea more explicit. Alternate translation: “we, when we were with you, gave you”
4:2 vg16 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit διὰ τοῦ Κυρίου Ἰησοῦ 1 Here, the phrase **through the Lord Jesus** indicates that Paul and his fellow workers said what **the Lord Jesus** wanted them to say. In other words, they spoke with the authority of **the Lord Jesus**. If it would be helpful in your language, you could make this idea more explicit. Alternate translation: “as we spoke what the Lord Jesus wanted” or “by the authority of the Lord Jesus”
4:3 lit4 rc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-words-phrases γάρ 1 Here, the word **For** introduces specific examples of the “commands” that Paul and his fellow workers gave to the Thessalonians (see [4:2](../04/02.md)). If it would be helpful in your language, you could use a word or phrase that introduces specific examples, or you could leave **For** untranslated. Alternate translation: “Specifically” or “For example, we told you that”
4:3 idjo rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-pronouns τοῦτο & ἐστιν θέλημα τοῦ Θεοῦ, ὁ ἁγιασμὸς ὑμῶν 1 Here, the word **this** refers to the phrase **your sanctification**. Paul uses this form to emphasize **sanctification**. If it would be helpful in your language, you could express the idea in another way that emphasizes **sanctification**. Alternate translation: “your sanctification is the will of God” or “the will of God is your sanctification”
4:3 ycsw rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns θέλημα τοῦ Θεοῦ, ὁ ἁγιασμὸς ὑμῶν, 1 If your language does not use abstract nouns for the ideas of **will** and **sanctification**, you could express the same ideas in another way. Alternate translation: “what God wants, that you become holy”
4:3 lgac rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit ὁ ἁγιασμὸς ὑμῶν, ἀπέχεσθαι ὑμᾶς 1 Here, the phrase **that you keep yourselves** introduces an explanation of what Paul means when he uses the word **sanctification**. This explanation continues in [4:4–6](../04/04.md). If it would be helpful in your language, you could use a word or phrase that introduces an explanation. Alternate translation: “your sanctification, that is, that you keep yourselves”
4:3 uuu4 ἀπέχεσθαι ὑμᾶς ἀπὸ 1 Alternate translation: “that you stay away from” or “that you avoid”
4:3 o59a rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns τῆς πορνείας 1 If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea of **immorality**, you could express the same idea in another way. Alternate translation: “doing what is sexually immoral” or “acting in sexually immoral ways”
4:4 s4yl rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit εἰδέναι ἕκαστον ὑμῶν 1 Here, the phrase **that each of you knows** could: (1) give another example of what “sanctification” means (see [4:3](../04/03.md)). Alternate translation: “and that each of you knows” (2) describe more specifically what it means to avoid “sexual immorality” (see [4:3](../04/03.md)). Alternate translation: “more specifically, that each of you knows”
4:4 vhbp rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit εἰδέναι ἕκαστον ὑμῶν & κτᾶσθαι 1 Here, the word **knows** could refer specifically to: (1) learning how to do something. Alternate translation: “that each of you learns to possess” (2) understanding something. Alternate translation: “that each of you understands how to possess”
4:4 arkf rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-euphemism τὸ ἑαυτοῦ σκεῦος, κτᾶσθαι 1 Here, the word **vessel** could refer to: (1) a person’s sexual organs. Alternate translation: “to possess his own sexual organs” (2) a person’s body. Alternate translation: “to possess his own body” (2) a man’s wife. Alternate translation: “to possess his own wife”
4:4 f4ux rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor τὸ ἑαυτοῦ σκεῦος, κτᾶσθαι 1 The meaning of the verb **possess** depends on what the word **vessel** means (see the previous note): (1) If the word **vessel** refers to the body or more specifically to the sexual organs, the word **possess** refers to people having control over their bodies. Alternate translation: “to exercise control over his sexual organs” or “to exercise sexual self-control” (2) If the word **vessel** refers to a wife, the word **possess** could refer to a man having sex with his wife. Alternate translation: “to have sexual relations with his wife” (3) If the word **vessel** refers to a wife, the word **possess** could refer to a man marrying a woman. Alternate translation: “to marry a wife”
4:4 fpyv rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-gendernotations τὸ ἑαυτοῦ σκεῦος 1 The referent of the word **his** depends on what the word **vessel** means (see the previous two notes): (1) If the word **vessel** refers to a person’s sexual organs, Paul is using the word **his** in a generic sense that includes both men and women. Alternate translation: “his or her own vessel” (2) If the word **vessel** refers to a wife, Paul is using the word **his** to refer only to men and not to women. Alternate translation: “the vessel that is his”
4:4 ihqe rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns ἐν ἁγιασμῷ καὶ τιμῇ 1 If your language does not use abstract nouns for the ideas of **sanctification** and **honor**, you could express the same ideas in another way. Alternate translation: “in holy and honorable ways”
4:5 y9g2 rc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-logic-contrast μὴ ἐν πάθει ἐπιθυμίας 1 Here, **not in the passion of lust** contrasts with the previous phrase “in holiness and honor” (see: [4:4](../04/04.md)). If it would be helpful in your language, you could use a word or phrase that introduces this kind of contrast. Alternate translation: “and in contrast, not in the passion of lust”
4:5 utvd rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns μὴ ἐν πάθει ἐπιθυμίας 1 If your language does not use abstract nouns for the ideas of **passion** and **lust**, you could express the same ideas in another way. Alternate translation: “not passionately lusting”
4:5 vjej rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-possession πάθει ἐπιθυμίας 1 Here, Paul is using the possessive form to connect **passion** and **lust**. More specifically, he could be referring to: (1) **passion** that is characterized by **lust**. Alternate translation: “lustful passion” 2) **lust** that is characterized by **passion**. Alternate translation: “passionate lust”
4:5 nrmz rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-ellipsis καθάπερ καὶ τὰ ἔθνη τὰ μὴ εἰδότα τὸν Θεόν 1 Paul is leaving out some of the words that in many languages a sentence would need in order to be complete. You could supply words such as “behave” or “act” if it would be clearer in your language. Alternate translation: “just as also the Gentiles behave, the ones not knowing God” or “just as also the Gentiles, the ones not knowing God, act”
4:5 w03g rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-distinguish τὰ ἔθνη τὰ μὴ εἰδότα τὸν Θεόν 1 Here Paul is distinguishing from **Gentiles** who do not know God from Gentiles who do know God. Be sure that this distinction is clear in your translation. Alternate translation: “the Gentiles, specifically the ones not knowing God” or “all the Gentiles who do not know God”
4:5 lbvc rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom τὰ μὴ εἰδότα τὸν Θεόν 1 Here, the phrase **not knowing God** means that these **Gentiles** do not listen to, trust in, or obey God. It does not mean that they do not know about God. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “the ones not listening to God” or “the ones not obeying God”
4:6 ho6h τὸ μὴ ὑπερβαίνειν 1
4:6 wmb6 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-hendiadys ὑπερβαίνειν καὶ πλεονεκτεῖν 1
4:6 yudl rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor τὸν ἀδελφὸν αὐτοῦ 1
4:6 knir rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-gendernotations τὸν ἀδελφὸν αὐτοῦ 1
4:6 ckez rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit ἐν τῷ πράγματι 1
4:6 q7bf rc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-logic-result διότι 1
4:6 ax3k rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-pronouns πάντων τούτων 1
4:6 d1ip rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit καθὼς καὶ προείπαμεν ὑμῖν καὶ διεμαρτυράμεθα 1
4:6 ix4p rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-doublet καὶ προείπαμεν ὑμῖν καὶ διεμαρτυράμεθα 1 These two phrases mean basically the same thing. The repetition is used to emphasize what the apostles had already told the Thessalonian church during a previous visit. If your language does not use repetition in this way, you can combine these phrases. Alternate translation: “exactly as we also solemnly forewarned you” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-doublet]])
4:7 qx6y rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns οὐ γὰρ ἐκάλεσεν ἡμᾶς ὁ Θεὸς ἐπὶ ἀκαθαρσίᾳ, ἀλλ’ ἐν ἁγιασμῷ 1 If your language does not use the abstract nouns **uncleanness** and **sanctification**, you can express the ideas behind them in other ways. Alternate translation: “We must not live impurely or act unholy, because God did not call us as his people for this purpose” or “God called us, so we must purify and set ourselves apart like those who belong to God” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns]])
4:7 v3np rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-litotes οὐ γὰρ ἐκάλεσεν ἡμᾶς ὁ Θεὸς ἐπὶ ἀκαθαρσίᾳ, ἀλλ’ ἐν ἁγιασμῷ 1 Paul uses a figure of speech that expresses a strong positive meaning by using a negative word together with a word that is the opposite of the intended meaning. If this is confusing in your language, you can express the meaning positively. Alternate translation: “Certainly God summons us to live purely and act holy” or “Indeed, God calls us to be pure and holy” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-litotes]])
4:7 q4tj rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-exclusive ἡμᾶς 1 Here, **us** is inclusive, referring to the apostles, the Thessalonian church, and by extension, to all Christians. Your language may require you to mark these forms. Alternate translation: “us believers in Christ” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-exclusive]])

1 Reference ID Tags SupportReference Quote Occurrence Note
194 2:19 mksc rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit ἐν τῇ αὐτοῦ παρουσίᾳ 1 Here, the phrase **his coming** refers to the specific time in the future when Jesus will come back to earth, judge everyone, punish unbelievers, and reward believers. If it would be helpful in your language, you could make this idea more explicit. Alternate translation: “when he comes back to earth” or “at his return to us”
195 2:20 l3m0 rc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-words-phrases γάρ 1 Here, the word **For** could introduce: (1) a restatement of the point that Paul made in the previous verse (see [2:19](../02/19.md)). Alternate translation: “Yes,” (2) the basis for the point that Paul made in the previous verse (see [2:19](../02/19.md)). Alternate translation: “That is because”
196 2:20 nlbd rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns ἐστε ἡ δόξα ἡμῶν, καὶ ἡ χαρά 1 If your language does not use abstract nouns for the ideas of **glory** and **joy**, you could express the same ideas in another way. Alternate translation: “cause us to feel glorious and joyful” or “glorify us and make us happy”
197 3:intro j379 0 # 1 Thessalonians 3 General Notes\n\n## Structure and Formatting\n\n1. Timothy’s Visit (3:1–5)\n * Apostolic concern (3:1–2)\n * Apostolic encouragement (3:3–5)\n2. Timothy’s Report (3:6–13)\n * Good news (3:6–10)\n * Apostolic prayer (3:11–13)\n\nThe first part of this chapter recounts Timothy’s visit to Thessalonica. The second part tells about his report to Paul and Silvanus at Athens. Lastly, the apostles offer a prayer on behalf of the Thessalonian church.\n\n## “We” and “You”\n\nIn this letter, the words **we** and **our** refer to Paul, Silvanus, and Timothy, unless otherwise noted. Throughout the letter, **we** and **our** is used to convey that all three apostles are in agreement with the letter.\n\n## Special Concepts in this Chapter\n\n### Metaphor\n\nIn this chapter, the Apostle Paul uses the phrase “stand firm” in [3:8](../03/08.md) as a metaphor of faithfulness to the Gospel, and “be shaken” in [3:3](../03/03.md) as the opposite of being faithful. (See: [[rc://*/tw/dict/bible/kt/faithful]])\n\nUse a building metaphor, the apostles pray that God will “strengthen the “hearts” of the Thessalonian church “blameless” (See [3:13](../03/13.md)).\n\nThe enemy of God’s people, “Satan” (See [2:18](../02/18.md)) is here called “the tempter” (See [3:5](../03/05.md)).\n\n### Hyperbole\n\nPaul uses emotional and extreme language when speaking of his memory of the Thessalonian church. “Enduring it no longer,” the apostles and especially Paul (See [3:1,5](../03/01.md)) feel compelled to find out about the spiritual condition of the church. The intensity and duration of the apostles’ prayers is described as “night and day pleading earnestly” (See [3:10](../03/10.md)).\n\n### The Second Coming of Christ\n\nHere the apostles pray that the Thessalonian church will be preserved holy when Christ comes again with all his holy ones or “saints” (See [3:13](../03/13.md)). # 1 Thessalonians 3 General Notes\n\n## Structure and Formatting\n\n1. Timothy’s Visit (3:1–5)\n * Apostolic concern (3:1–2)\n * Apostolic encouragement (3:3–5)\n2. Timothy’s Report (3:6–13)\n * Good news (3:6–10)\n * Apostolic prayer (3:11–13)\n\nThe first part of this chapter recounts Timothy’s visit to Thessalonica. The second part tells about his report to Paul and Silvanus at Athens. Lastly, the apostles offer a prayer on behalf of the Thessalonians.\n\n## Special Concepts in this Chapter\n\n### Timothy’s return to Paul\n\nAfter Paul, Timothy, and Silvanus left Thessalonica, they visited a city named Berea. Then, they visited a city named Athens. In [3:1](../03/01.md), Paul mentions that he and Silvanus stayed in Athens and sent Timothy to visit the Thessalonians. Eventually, Paul left Athens and went to Corinth. While he was in Corinth, Timothy returned from visiting the Thessalonians (see [Acts 18:1–5](../act/18/01.md)). In this chapter, Paul explains how happy he and his fellow workers became when they heard good news from Timothy about the Thessalonians. In fact, Timothy’s return to Paul is the reason why Paul wrote this letter.\n\n### Afflictions\n\nThroughout this chapter, Paul refers to how he, his fellow workers, and other believers (including the Thessalonians) are or will experience afflictions. When Paul and his fellow workers visited Thessalonica and a nearby town named Berea, some other Jewish people tried to hurt them and have them arrested. These people also persecuted anyone who believed the gospel. You can read about these afflictions in [Acts 17:1–15](../act/17/01.md). Make sure that your translation clearly indicates this kind of persecution.\n\n### Paul’s prayer\n\nIn [3:11–13](../03/11.md), Paul includes a prayer that God would enable him and his fellow workers to visit the Thessalonians and that God would strengthen and bless the Thessalonians. Paul refers to God in the third person in this prayer, which was a common practice for this kind of prayer. Consider how you might include a prayer to God within a letter in your culture. \n\n## Other Possible Translation Difficulties in this Chapter\n\n### “We” and “You”\n\nIn this chapter, unless a note specifies otherwise, the words “we,” “us,” and “our” always refer to Paul and his fellow workers, particularly Silvanus and Timothy, and do not include the Thessalonians. Also, in this chapter, the words “you” and “your” are always plural. (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-exclusive]] and [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-yousingular]])
198 3:1 zvgz rc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-logic-result διὸ 1 Here, the word **Therefore** introduces an inference or result based on what Paul said in the previous verses about how he and his fellow workers desired to visit the Thessalonians (see [2:17–20](../02/17.md)). If it would be helpful in your language, you could use a word or phrase that introduces an inference or result. Alternate translation: “As a result of that” or “Because of that”
199 3:1 fqe3 rc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-logic-result στέγοντες 1 Here, the word **enduring** could introduce: (1) the reason why Paul and his fellow workers **thought it good to be left behind**. Alternate translation: “since we could endure it” (2) the time when Paul and his fellow workers **thought it good to be left behind**. Alternate translation: “when we could endure it”
200 3:1 amxf rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit μηκέτι στέγοντες 1 Here Paul implies that he and his fellow workers could no longer endure being separated from the Thessalonians and longing to see them. If it would be helpful in your language, you could make this idea more explicit. Alternate translation: “enduring our separation from you no longer” or “no longer enduring how we long to see you”
210 3:2 pqif rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-possession τῷ εὐαγγελίῳ τοῦ Χριστοῦ 1 Here, Paul is using the possessive form to describe a **gospel** that could be: (1) about **Christ**. Alternate translation: “the gospel about Christ” (2) be from **Christ**. Alternate translation: “the gospel from Christ”
211 3:2 maoe rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor στηρίξαι 1 Here, Paul is speaking of Timothy supporting or helping the Thessalonians in their faith as if he were making them stronger. If it would be clearer in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “help”
212 3:2 pizt rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns τῆς πίστεως ὑμῶν 1 If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea of **faith**, you could express the same idea in another way. Alternate translation: “how you believe”
213 3:3 u7vo o4w8 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns rc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-logic-goal τὸ μηδένα σαίνεσθαι ἐν ταῖς θλίψεσιν ταύταις τὸ μηδένα σαίνεσθαι 1 If your language does not use the abstract noun **afflictions**, you can express the idea behind it in another way. Alternate translation: “so that when you are distressed, it would not make anyone waver” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns]]) Here, the word **that** could introduce: (1) another purpose for which Paul sent Timothy to the Thessalonians to strengthen and comfort them (see [3:2](../03/02.md)). Alternate translation: “in order that no one would be disturbed” (2) what Timothy strengthened and comforted the Thessalonians about. Alternate translation: “showing you that no one should be disturbed” or “that is, that no one be disturbed” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-logic-goal]])
214 3:3 o4w8 v8q7 rc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-logic-goal rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive τὸ μηδένα σαίνεσθαι μηδένα σαίνεσθαι ἐν ταῖς θλίψεσιν ταύταις 1 This is a purpose clause. Paul is stating the purpose for sending Timothy. Use a natural way in your language for introducing a purpose clause. Alternate translation: “in order that no one would waver” or “for the purpose of keeping anyone from being deceived” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-logic-goal]]) If your language does not use this passive form, you could express the idea in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “these afflictions disturb no one”
215 3:3 v8q7 u7vo rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-nominaladj rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns τὸ μηδένα σαίνεσθαι ἐν ταῖς θλίψεσιν ταύταις 1 Paul is using the adjective **no one** as a noun in order to describe the Thessalonian church. Your language may use adjectives in the same way. If not, you could translate this with a noun phrase. Alternate translation: “so that no person wavers” or “in order that none of you are deceived” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-nominaladj]]) If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea of **afflictions**, you could express the same idea in another way. Alternate translation: “by being afflicted” or “by how we are afflicted”
216 3:3 t0vs s8s2 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rpronouns rc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-words-phrases αὐτοὶ γὰρ οἴδατε γὰρ 1 Paul uses the word **yourselves** to emphasize what the apostles had previously told them about **afflictions**. Use a way that is natural in your language to indicate this emphasis. Alternate translation: “In fact, you know for yourselves” or “Certainly, you are well aware of the fact” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rpronouns]]) Here, the word **For** introduces an explanation for why the Thessalonians should not **be disturbed**. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use a word or phrase that introduces an explanation for a claim. Alternate translation: “Indeed,” or “You should not be disturbed because”
217 3:3 cdaa t0vs rc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-collectivenouns rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rpronouns εἰς τοῦτο αὐτοὶ & οἴδατε 1 Here, **this** refers to **afflictions**. However, in this sentence the meaning is more like a condition or state of “being afflicted” regularly or continually. The pronoun is changed to be singular to agree with this unstated idea. If you readers would not understand this shift, you could change **this** to a plural pronoun or make this unstated idea explicit. Alternate translation: “for these afflictions” or “for this affliction” “for a life characterized by afflictions”(See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-collectivenouns]]) Here, the word translated **yourselves** emphasizes **you**. Consider using a natural way to emphasize **you** in your language. Alternate translation: “you indeed know” or “it is you who know” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rpronouns]])
218 3:3 rkx9 cdaa rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-pronouns κείμεθα εἰς τοῦτο 1 Paul assumes that the Thessalonian church knows that it is God who **appointed** the apostles for **afflictions**. If it would be helpful to your readers, you could say that explicitly. Alternate translation: “God appointed us” or “God destined us” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]]) The pronoun **this** refers to experiencing the **afflictions** that Paul has mentioned. If this is not clear for your readers, you could refer to the **afflictions** more explicitly. Alternate translation: “for suffering these afflictions”
219 3:3 gla7 rkx9 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-exclusive rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive κείμεθα 1 Here, **we** refers exclusively to the apostles. Your language may require you to mark these forms. (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-exclusive]]) If your language does not use this passive form, you could express the idea in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. If you need to say who did the action, it is clear from the context that it was God. Alternate translation: “God has appointed us”
220 3:4 3:3 nm1l gla7 rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-background rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-exclusive καὶ γὰρ ὅτε πρὸς ὑμᾶς ἦμεν, προελέγομεν ὑμῖν ὅτι μέλλομεν θλίβεσθαι, καθὼς καὶ ἐγένετο καὶ οἴδατε. κείμεθα 1 Paul is giving background information about his previous visit. Paul reminds the Thessalonian church that what he predicted about the apostles’ sufferings has come true, so they should not be tempted to doubt the apostles’ authority or teaching (See [3:5,7](../03/05.md)). Use the natural form in your language for expressing background information. Alternate translation: “Indeed, the last time we visited you, we kept telling you before it happened, ‘We are destined to be afflicted.’ You are well aware that it happened exactly as we told you” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-background]]) By **we**, Paul includes himself, his fellow workers, and the Thessalonians, so use the inclusive form of that word in your translation if your language marks that distinction.
221 3:4 wo6q w95u rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-exclusive rc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-logic-result ἦμεν καὶ γὰρ 1 Here, **we** is exclusive of the apostles. Your language may require you to mark these forms. Alternate translation: “we apostles were” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-exclusive]]) Here, the phrase **For also** introduces a reason why the Thessalonians should “know” that believers are appointed to be afflicted (see [3:3](../03/03.md)). If it would be helpful in your language, you could use a word or phrase that introduces a reason for a claim. Alternate translation: “You should know that because” or “In fact,”
222 3:4 w95u wo6q rc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-words-phrases rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-exclusive γὰρ πρὸς ὑμᾶς ἦμεν, προελέγομεν ὑμῖν ὅτι μέλλομεν 1 Here, **For** indicates that what follows explains and emphasizes what the Thessalonian already know about the apostles’ afflictions. Alternate translation: “Certainly,” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-words-phrases]]) Here, the word **we** in the clauses **we were with you** and **we were telling you** only includes Paul and his fellow workers. It does not include the Thessalonians. However, the word **we** in the clause **we are about to suffer affliction** does include the Thessalonians. Make sure that this is clear if your language marks these distinctions.
223 3:4 wuco rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-quotations προελέγομεν ὑμῖν ὅτι μέλλομεν θλίβεσθαι προελέγομεν ὑμῖν ὅτι μέλλομεν θλίβεσθαι, καθὼς 1 Here, **that** could either express emphasis or be a quotation marker of what the apostles said. If it would be more natural in your language, you could express this as a direct quotation. Alternate translation: “we kept telling you ahead of time, ‘We are destined to endure distress.’” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-quotations]]) It may be more natural in your language to have a direct quotation here. Alternate translation: “we were telling you in advance, ‘We are about to be afflicted,’ just as”
224 3:4 a5y6 nm1l rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive καὶ ἐγένετο μέλλομεν θλίβεσθαι 1 Here, **and it happened** is meant to emphasize Paul, Silvanus, and Timothy’s apostolic credentials by verifying that their prophetic words came true. Use a natural way in your language to express this emphasis. Alternate translation: “and this is precisely what happened” If your language does not use this passive form, you could express the idea in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. If you need to say who did the action, you could use an indefinite subject. Alternate translation: “people are about to afflict us”
225 3:5 3:4 tj4e qqri rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-participants rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit διὰ τοῦτο κἀγὼ μηκέτι στέγων, ἔπεμψα εἰς τὸ γνῶναι τὴν πίστιν ὑμῶν ἐγένετο καὶ οἴδατε 1 Here Paul summarizes the story of Timothy’s visit but leaves out mention of Timothy as redundant information. If it is clearer in your language, you could include mention of Timothy. Alternate translation: “Again, since I could not wait anymore, I sent Timothy to learn if you still trust in God” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-participants]]) Here Paul means that what he and his fellow workers told the Thessalonians would happen did indeed happen, and the Thessalonians know it. If it would be helpful in your language, you could make it more explicit that the Thessalonians **know** that the afflictions **happened**. Alternate translation: “it happened, which you know”
226 3:5 o9ep tj4e rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-parallelism rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-pronouns κἀγὼ μηκέτι στέγων, ἔπεμψα διὰ τοῦτο κἀγὼ μηκέτι στέγων, ἔπεμψα 1 Paul repeats the same phrase **no longer enduring {it}** found in [3:1](../03/01.md). Here, “I sent” parallels “we sent” in [3:1–2](../03/01.md). This expresses that Paul represents the apostles who sent Timothy to Thessalonica. Use a natural way in your language to indicate this parallelism. (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-parallelism]]) Here, the word **this** could refer to: (1) what Paul said in the previous verse about how the believers have experienced affliction (see [3:4](../03/04.md)). Alternate translation: “Because of those afflictions, I also, no longer enduring it, sent” (2) what Paul says in this verse about how he could no longer endure. Alternate translation: “Because I could no longer endure it, I also sent”
227 3:5 st3d o9ep rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-hyperbole rc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-logic-result κἀγὼ μηκέτι στέγων μηκέτι στέγων 1 This phrase is an exaggeration that Paul uses to express deep concern. If this would be misunderstood in your language, you could use an equivalent expression from your language that shows deep concern. See your translation at [3:1](../03/01.md). (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-hyperbole]]) Here, much as in [3:1](../03/01.md), the word **enduring** could introduce: (1) the reason why Paul **sent** Timothy. Alternate translation: “since I could no longer endure it” (2) the time when Paul **sent** Timothy. Alternate translation: “when I could no longer endure it”
228 3:5 zn36 st3d rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit ἔπεμψα μηκέτι στέγων 1 Here it is implied that Paul **sent** Timothy. If it would be helpful to your readers, you could say that explicitly. Alternate translation: “I, Paul, sent Timothy” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]]) Here, much as in [3:1](../03/01.md) Paul implies that he could no longer endure being separated from the Thessalonians and not knowing how they were doing. If it would be helpful in your language, you could make this idea more explicit. Alternate translation: “enduring my separation from you no longer” or “no longer enduring how I long to see you”
229 3:5 judq zn36 rc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-logic-goal rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit εἰς τὸ γνῶναι τὴν πίστιν ὑμῶν ἔπεμψα 1 This is a purpose clause. Paul is stating the purpose for why he **sent** Timothy. Use a natural way in your language for introducing a purpose clause. Alternate translation: “so that I could learn if you remained faithful” or “in order to discern whether you still trust God” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-logic-goal]]) Here Paul implies that he **sent** Timothy to the Thessalonians. If it would be helpful in your language, you could make this idea more explicit. Alternate translation: “sent Timothy to you”
230 3:5 nopp judq rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns ὁ πειράζων τὴν πίστιν ὑμῶν 1 Here Paul uses the phrase **the tempter** as a title to identify Satan (See Matthew 4:3). The phrase means “one who tempts.” If this would be misunderstood in your language, you could use a phrase. Alternate translation: “Satan, the one who tempts” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]]) If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea of **faith**, you could express the same idea in another way. Alternate translation: “whether you continue to believe”
231 3:5 ua7i raeh rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-hypo rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit μή πως ἐπείρασεν ὑμᾶς ὁ πειράζων, καὶ μή πως 1 Paul is using a hypothetical situation to help his readers recognize how powerful satanic temptation can be. Use the natural form in your language for expressing a hypothetical situation. Alternate translation: “because if Satan tempted you, I wanted to find out, and then” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-hypo]]) Here, the phrase **lest somehow** introduces something that Paul was worried about. If it would be helpful in your language, you could make this idea more explicit. Alternate translation: “fearing that somehow” or “worrying that somehow”
232 3:5 gnow nopp rc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-logic-result rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit καὶ εἰς κενὸν γένηται ὁ κόπος ἡμῶν ὁ πειράζων 1 This phrase could be a result clause. Paul is stating what would be the result if the Thessalonian church let Satan tempt them to stop trusting God. Use a natural way in your language for introducing a result clause. Alternate translation: “then how hard we worked would have been worthless” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-logic-result]]) Here Paul uses the phrase **the tempter** to refer to the devil, Satan. If it would be helpful in your language, you could make this idea more explicit. Alternate translation: “the tempter, Satan,”
233 3:5 jnzb ua7i rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-hyperbole rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit εἰς κενὸν ἐπείρασεν ὑμᾶς 1 Here, **in vain** is an exaggeration that Paul uses to express how sad the apostles would have been if the Thessalonian church had not remained faithful to God. Paul does not really think the apostles’ **labor** is worthless. If this would be misunderstood in your language, you could use an equivalent expression from your language that shows deep disappointment. Alternate translation: “worthless” or “purposeless” or “profitless” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-hyperbole]]) Here Paul implies that he was worried not only that they would be **tempted** but also that they would stop believing when they were tempted. If it would be helpful in your language, you could make this idea more explicit. Alternate translation: “had somehow successfully tempted you” or “had tempted you with the result that you stopped believing”
234 3:6 3:5 esxw gnow rc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-time-background rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns ὁ κόπος ἡμῶν 0 1 In [3:6](../03/06.md) Paul describes Timothy’s current report about the Thessalonian church. Paul provides this background information to help his readers understand how comforted he is (See [3:7](../03/07.md)).Use the natural form in your language for expressing background information. (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-time-background]]) If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea of **labor**, you could express the same idea in another way. Alternate translation: “what we had done among you”
235 3:6 3:5 r4pa jnzb rc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-words-phrases rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom ἄρτι δὲ ἐλθόντος Τιμοθέου πρὸς ἡμᾶς ἀφ’ ὑμῶν εἰς κενὸν 1 # Connecting Statement:\n\nThe phrase **But just now** brings Paul’s narrative into the present time. Use a natural way in your language to express this emphasis. Alternate translation: “But Timothy recently returned to us from visiting you” or “But now, Timothy is back to us from his visit with you” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-words-phrases]]) Here, the phrase **in vain** identifies a cause that does not have its intended effect. In this case, Paul’s **labor** will not help the Thessalonians if the tempter successfully tempts them. If it would be helpful in your language, you use a word or phrase that identifies a cause that does not have its intended effect. Alternate translation: “for nothing” or “to no purpose”
236 3:6 gci4 r4pa rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-exclusive rc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-logic-contrast πρὸς ἡμᾶς δὲ 1 This is an exclusive use of **us**, referring to Paul and Silvanus. Your language may require you to mark these forms. (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-exclusive]]) Here, the word **But** introduces what has actually happened in contrast to what Paul said in the previous verse about what he was worried about. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use a word or phrase that contrasts a concern with what actually happened. Alternate translation: “Despite my fears,” or “But here is what really happened:”
237 3:6 tu8d esxw rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns rc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-time-background τὴν πίστιν καὶ τὴν ἀγάπην ὑμῶν ἄρτι 1 If your language does not use the abstract nouns **faith** and **love**, you can express the idea behind them in another way. Alternate translation: “that you remain faithful to God and love him” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns]]) Here, the phrase **just now** introduces the event that prompted Paul to write this letter, 1 Thessalonians. When Paul writes that Timothy returned **just now**, he is referring to the time immediately before he began writing this letter. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use a word or phrase that introduces something that happened right before a person starts speaking about it. Alternate translation: “just before I started writing this letter,” or “a short while ago,”
238 3:6 fu8h gci4 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-hendiadys rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-exclusive τὴν πίστιν καὶ τὴν ἀγάπην ὑμῶν πρὸς ἡμᾶς & ἡμῖν & ἡμῶν & ἡμᾶς & ἡμεῖς 1 This phrase could express a single idea by using two words connected with **and**. The word **faith** could describe **love**. If it would be more natural in your language, you could express this meaning with an equivalent phrase that does not use **and**. Alternate translation: “your faithful love” or “your faithful love toward God” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-hendiadys]]) Every time the words **us** or **we** appear in this verse, they include Paul and Silvanus, but they do not include Timothy or the Thessalonians, so use the exclusive form of that word in your translation if your language marks that distinction.
239 3:6 tf95 tu8d rc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-logic-result rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns καὶ ὅτι ἔχετε μνείαν ἡμῶν ἀγαθὴν πάντοτε, ἐπιποθοῦντες ἡμᾶς ἰδεῖν τὴν πίστιν καὶ τὴν ἀγάπην ὑμῶν 1 This phrase could indicate a result clause. If it would be clearer in your language, you could reverse the order of these phrases, since the second phrase gives the reason for the result that the first phrase describes. Alternate translation: “and you constantly desire to visit with us, because you always remember us fondly” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-logic-result]]) If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea of **text**, you could express the same idea in another way. Paul implies that the **faith** is in God and **love** is for other people. Alternate translation: “that you continue to believe in God and love other people”
240 3:6 e6kx fu8h rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom καὶ ὅτι ἔχετε μνείαν ἡμῶν ἀγαθὴν πάντοτε ἔχετε μνείαν ἡμῶν ἀγαθὴν πάντοτε 1 If your language does not use the abstract noun **memories**, you can express the idea behind it in another way. Alternate translation: “and how you always remember us fondly” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns]]) Here, the clause **you always have good memory of us** indicates that the Thessalonians remembered Paul and his fellow workers as people whom they liked and would want to meet again. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use a comparable clause or state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “you always have pleasant memories about us” or “you always remember us fondly”
241 3:7 3:6 dpij tf95 rc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-logic-result rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit διὰ τοῦτο παρεκλήθημεν, ἀδελφοί, ἐφ’ ὑμῖν ἐπιποθοῦντες 1 This phrase is a result clause. Paul is stating the result of the Timothy’s good news in [3:6](../03/06.md). Use a natural way in your language for introducing a result clause. Alternate translation: “Fellow believers in Christ, as a result of Timothy’s good news about you, God consoled us” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-logic-result]]) Here, the word **longing** could introduce: (1) another thing that the Thessalonians do. If you use the following alternate translation, you should delete the comma before **longing**. Alternate translation: “and that you long” (2) a result of the kind of **memory** that the Thessalonians have. Alternate translation: “so that you long”
242 3:7 3:6 csz7 e6kx rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-hendiadys rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-ellipsis ἐπὶ πάσῃ τῇ ἀνάγκῃ καὶ θλίψει ἡμῶν καὶ ἡμεῖς ὑμᾶς 1 This phrase expresses a single idea by using two words connected with **and**. The word **distress** describes the **affliction**. If it would be more natural in your language, you could express this meaning with an equivalent phrase that does not use **and**. Here this phrase emphasizes how much and how intensely the apostles were persecuted. Alternate translation: “in all our abusive affliction” or “in all our violent suffering” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-hendiadys]]) Paul is leaving out some of the words that in many languages a sentence would need in order to be complete. You can supply these words from earlier in the sentence if it would be clearer in your language. Alternate translation: “we also long to see you”
243 3:7 e96u dpij rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-pronouns ἐπὶ πάσῃ τῇ ἀνάγκῃ καὶ θλίψει ἡμῶν διὰ τοῦτο 1 If your language does not use the abstract nouns **distress** and **affliction**, you can express them in another way. Here, it could refer to: (1) the time of distress and affliction. Alternate translation: “during all our abuse and affliction” or “each time we violently suffered” (2) the place or way of distress and affliction. Alternate translation: “in every place the tempter violently afflicted us” or “in every way we suffered abuse” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns]]) Here, the word **this** refers to what Paul said in the previous verse about what Timothy said about the Thessalonians’ faith, love, and good memory of Paul and his fellow workers. If it would be helpful in your language, you could make this idea more explicit. Alternate translation: “Because of this good news” or “Because of what Timothy told us”
244 3:8 3:7 utk3 s9iv rc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-logic-result rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor ὅτι νῦν ζῶμεν, ἐὰν ὑμεῖς στήκετε ἐν Κυρίῳ ἀδελφοί 1 If it would be more natural in your language, you could reverse the order of these phrases, since the second phrase gives the reason for the result that the first phrase describes. Alternate translation: “Since you are remaining faithful to the Lord Jesus, we are now refreshed!” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-logic-result]]) Paul is using the term **brothers** to mean people who share the same faith. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “believing friends”
245 3:8 3:7 y1vb fotb rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-hyperbole rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-gendernotations ὅτι νῦν ζῶμεν ἀδελφοί 1 Here, **For now we live** is an exaggeration that Paul uses to show how thankful he is that the Thessalonians **stand firm** in the Christian faith (See [3:7](../03/07.md)). Paul is not trying to say that he was dead. If this would be misunderstood in your language, you could use an equivalent expression from your language that shows thankfulness. Alternate translation (replace the comma): “O how we are now refreshed!” or “O how we now feel alive!” or “Certainly now we thrive!” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-hyperbole]]) Although the term **brothers** is masculine, Paul is using the word in a generic sense that includes both men and women. If you retain the metaphor in your translation, and if it would be helpful in your language, you could say “brothers and sisters” to indicate this.
246 3:8 3:7 x4zn by7h rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive ἐὰν ὑμεῖς στήκετε ἐν Κυρίῳ παρεκλήθημεν 1 Here, the term **stand firm** is an idiom meaning “remain faithful.” If this would be misunderstood in your language, you could use an equivalent idiom or use plain language. Alternate translation: “when you remain faithful to the Lord” or “if you continue unwavering in your relationship with the Lord” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]]) If your language does not use this passive form, you could express the idea in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. If you need to say who did the action, it is clear from the context that it was God. Alternate translation: “we felt encouragement” or “God encouraged us”
247 3:8 3:7 zbyo grk5 rc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-condition-fact rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit ἐὰν ὑμεῖς στήκετε ἐν Κυρίῳ ἐφ’ ὑμῖν 1 Paul is speaking as if this were a hypothetical possibility, but he means that it is actually true. If your language does not state something as a condition if it is certain or true, and if your readers might think that what Paul is saying is not certain, then you could translate his words as an affirmative statement. Alternate translation: “since you are remaining faithful to the Lord Jesus” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-condition-fact]]) Here, the phrase **about you** could identify: (1) what Paul and his fellow workers are **encouraged** about. Alternate translation: “concerning you” (2) the reason why Paul and his fellow workers are **encouraged**. Alternate translation: “because of you”
248 3:8 3:7 hk91 csz7 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-doublet ὑμεῖς στήκετε ἐν Κυρίῳ ἐπὶ πάσῃ τῇ ἀνάγκῃ καὶ θλίψει ἡμῶν 1 Paul speaks of the Thessalonian church as though they were occupying space inside the Lord Jesus. Here, this metaphor, **in the Lord**, could express these ideas: (1) devotion to Jesus. Alternate translation: “you are really devoted to the Lord Jesus” (2) relationship with Jesus. Alternate translation: “you are truly standing firm in your relationship with the Lord Jesus” (3) union with Jesus. Alternate translation: “all of you are firmly united to the Lord Jesus” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]]) The terms **distress** and **affliction** mean similar things. Paul is using the two terms together for emphasis. If it would be clearer for your readers, you could express the emphasis with a single phrase. Alternate translation: “in all our affliction” or “in all our troubles“
249 3:8 3:7 e3pe e96u rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rpronouns rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns ὑμεῖς ἐπὶ πάσῃ τῇ ἀνάγκῃ καὶ θλίψει ἡμῶν, διὰ τῆς ὑμῶν πίστεως 1 Paul uses the word **yourselves** to emphasize his joy for the Thessalonian church’s faithfulness. Use a way that is natural in your language to indicate this emphasis. Alternative translation: “indeed” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rpronouns]]) If your language does not use abstract nouns for the ideas of **distress**, **affliction**, and **faith**, you could express the same ideas in another way. Alternate translation: “whenever we were distressed and afflicted, through how you believe”
250 3:9 3:8 pzq7 m2rq rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion rc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-logic-result τίνα γὰρ εὐχαριστίαν δυνάμεθα τῷ Θεῷ ἀνταποδοῦναι περὶ ὑμῶν, ἐπὶ πάσῃ τῇ χαρᾷ ᾗ χαίρομεν δι’ ὑμᾶς, ἔμπροσθεν τοῦ Θεοῦ ἡμῶν. ὅτι 1 Paul is using a rhetorical question that continues to the end of [3:10](../03/10.md) in order to emphasize the apostles’ thankful joy for the Thessalonian church’s faithfulness to God. If you would not use a rhetorical question for this purpose in your language, you could translate his words as a statement or an exclamation and communicate the emphasis in another way. Alternate translation: “We could not possibly thank God enough for what he has done for you! When we pray to our God, we greatly rejoice because of you!” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion]]) Here, the word **For** introduces a reason why what Paul said in the previous verse about being encouraged is true (see [3:7](../03/07.md)). If it would be helpful in your language, you could use a word or phrase that introduces a reason or basis for a previous claim. Alternate translation: “That is because” or “That happened because”
251 3:9 3:8 pdc5 utk3 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-infostructure τίνα γὰρ εὐχαριστίαν δυνάμεθα τῷ Θεῷ ἀνταποδοῦναι περὶ ὑμῶν νῦν ζῶμεν, ἐὰν ὑμεῖς στήκετε ἐν Κυρίῳ 1 With the phrase **give back**, Paul speaks of the apostles as if they owe God a debt for the sake of the Thessalonian church’s faithfulness. Paul means that the apostles cannot adequately express how thankful they are. If your readers would not understand what it means to **give back** in this context, you could use an equivalent metaphor from your culture. Alternatively, you could express Paul’s meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “Because, how could we possibly show how grateful we are to God for you” or “Indeed, what kind of thanksgiving for you could we give to God” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]]) If it would be helpful in your language, you could reverse the order of these phrases, since the second phrase gives the basis for the first phrase. Alternate translation: “if you yourselves stand firm in the Lord, now we live”
252 3:9 3:8 j6pj tcv6 rc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-logic-result rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit ἐπὶ πάσῃ τῇ χαρᾷ ᾗ χαίρομεν δι’ ὑμᾶς, ἔμπροσθεν τοῦ Θεοῦ ἡμῶν νῦν 1 If it would be more natural in your language, you could reverse the order of these phrases, since the second phrase gives the reason for the result that the first phrase describes. Since this is a rhetorical question, you could change it to a statement, and begin a new sentence here. Alternate translation: “Because of you, we greatly rejoice when we pray to God,” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-logic-result]]) Here, the word **now** could refer to: (1) the time when Paul and his fellow workers **live**. Alternate translation: “presently” or “at this moment” (2) the result of how the Thessalonians **stand firm**. Alternate translation: “as a result” or “then”
253 3:9 3:8 u00t y1vb rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-doublet rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor ἐπὶ πάσῃ τῇ χαρᾷ ᾗ χαίρομεν ζῶμεν 1 Here, **joy** and **rejoice** mean basically the same thing. The repetition is used to emphasize how much joy the apostles have because of how faithful the Thessalonian church has been towards God. Alternate translation: “for how much we greatly rejoice” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-doublet]]) Here, the phrase **we live** means that Paul and his fellow workers are refreshed and able to enjoy their lives. Paul does not mean that they were dead or about to die and are now alive again. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use a comparable figure of speech or state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “we can really live” or “we are refreshed”
254 3:9 3:8 p5ka zbyo rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom rc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-condition-fact χαίρομεν & ἔμπροσθεν τοῦ Θεοῦ ἡμῶν ἐὰν 1 Here, **before our God** is an idiom for being in the personal presence of God. If this would be misunderstood in your language, you could use an equivalent idiom or use plain language. Alternate translation: “we rejoice in the presence of our God” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]]) Paul is speaking as if this were a hypothetical possibility, but he means that it is actually true. If your language does not state something as a condition if it is certain or true, and if your readers might think that what Paul is saying is not certain, then you could translate his words as an affirmative statement. Alternate translation: “since”
255 3:10 3:8 k71n x4zn rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-hyperbole rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom νυκτὸς καὶ ἡμέρας, ὑπέρἐκπερισσοῦ δεόμενοι ὑμεῖς στήκετε ἐν Κυρίῳ 1 This emphatic phrase is an exaggeration that Paul uses to show how much and often the apostles pray for the Thessalonian church. Paul does not mean to say he never does anything else except pray. If this would be misunderstood in your language, you could use an equivalent expression from your language that expresses this emphasis. Alternate translation: “we never stop intensely pleading” or “we continually and fervently pray” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-hyperbole]]) Here, the phrase **stand firm in** indicates that people are remaining faithful to whomever they are **in**. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use a comparable phrase or state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “you yourselves remain faithful to the Lord” or “you yourselves persist in trusting the Lord”
256 3:10 3:8 eb26 e3pe rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rpronouns εἰς τὸ ἰδεῖν ὑμῶν τὸ πρόσωπον ὑμεῖς στήκετε 1 Here, the phrase **to see your face** is an idiom meaning “visit.” If this would be misunderstood in your language, you could use an equivalent idiom or use plain language. Alternate translation: “to visit you” or “to spend time with you” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]]) Here, the word translated **yourselves** emphasizes **you**. Consider using a natural way to emphasize **you** in your language. Alternate translation: “you indeed stand firm” or “it is you who stand firm”
257 3:10 3:9-10 s0xz pzq7 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion ὑμῶν τὸ πρόσωπον τίνα γὰρ εὐχαριστίαν δυνάμεθα τῷ Θεῷ ἀνταποδοῦναι περὶ ὑμῶν, ἐπὶ πάσῃ τῇ χαρᾷ ᾗ χαίρομεν δι’ ὑμᾶς, ἔμπροσθεν τοῦ Θεοῦ ἡμῶν. νυκτὸς καὶ ἡμέρας, ὑπέρἐκπερισσοῦ δεόμενοι εἰς τὸ ἰδεῖν ὑμῶν τὸ πρόσωπον, καὶ καταρτίσαι τὰ ὑστερήματα τῆς πίστεως ὑμῶν? 1 Paul refers to **your face** to mean the whole Thessalonian church. If this would be misunderstood in your language, you could use an equivalent expression from your culture or use plain language. Alternate translation: “all of you” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche]]) Here Paul is using the question form to show the Thessalonians how thankful he is that they continue to trust God. If you would not use the question form for this purpose in your language, you could translate this as a statement or an exclamation. Alternate translation: “For we give back to God very many thanks concerning you for all the joy in which we rejoice before our God because of you, night and day pleading earnestly to see your face and to provide what is lacking in your faith!”
258 3:10 3:9 e5fh b5o6 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns rc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-words-phrases καὶ καταρτίσαι τὰ ὑστερήματα τῆς πίστεως ὑμῶν γὰρ 1 If your language does not use the abstract noun **faith**, you can express the idea behind it in another way (See also [2:17](../02/17.md)). Alternate translation: “and to provide support so that you remain faithful” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns]]) Here, the word **For** introduces further information about how Paul and his fellow workers responded to the good news about the Thessalonians. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use a word or phrase that introduces more information, or you could leave **For** untranslated. Alternate translation: “Indeed,” or “Further,”
259 3:9 vu2k rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-exclusive δυνάμεθα & χαίρομεν & ἡμῶν 1 Here, the word **we** in the phrases **are we able** and **we rejoice** only includes Paul and his fellow workers. It does not include the Thessalonians. However, the word **our** in the phrase **our God** does include the Thessalonians. Make sure that this is clear if your language marks these distinctions.
260 3:9 pdc5 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor τίνα & εὐχαριστίαν δυνάμεθα τῷ Θεῷ ἀνταποδοῦναι 1 Here Paul speaks as if he and his fellow workers owe God a debt that they can pay back by giving **thanks**. He means that the appropriate response to God’s work among the Thessalonians is give thanks to God. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “how can we be thankful enough to God” or “what kind of thanksgiving could we give to God”
261 3:9 gvvx rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-textvariants τῷ Θεῷ & τοῦ Θεοῦ ἡμῶν 1 Many ancient manuscripts read **to God** and **our God**. The ULT follows that reading. A few ancient manuscripts read “to the Lord” and “our Lord.” If a translation of the Bible exists in your region, you may wish to use the reading that it uses. If a translation of the Bible does not exist in your region, you may wish to use the reading of the ULT.
262 3:9 j6pj rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns ἐπὶ πάσῃ τῇ χαρᾷ ᾗ χαίρομεν 1 If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea of **joy**, you could express the same idea in another way. Alternate translation: “for how joyfully we rejoice”
263 3:9 u00t rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-doublet ἐπὶ πάσῃ τῇ χαρᾷ ᾗ χαίρομεν 1 Here Paul uses both the word **joy** and the word **rejoice** to emphasize how much joy he and his fellow workers have. If it would be clearer for your readers, you could express the emphasis with a single phrase. Alternate translation: “for how greatly we rejoice” or “for how much joy we experience”
264 3:9 p5ka rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom ἔμπροσθεν τοῦ Θεοῦ ἡμῶν 1 Here, the phrase **before our God** means that Paul and his fellow workers **rejoice** in God’s presence. If it would be helpful in your language, you could make this idea more explicit. Alternate translation: “in the presence of our God” or “when we approach God”
265 3:10 v6y0 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom νυκτὸς καὶ ἡμέρας 1 Here, the phrase **night and day** indicates that Paul and his fellow workers were **pleading earnestly** during both the day and the night. This means that they were **pleading earnestly** very often every day. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use a comparable expression or state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “all the time” or “always”
266 3:10 wj8y rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit ὑπέρἐκπερισσοῦ δεόμενοι 1 Here Paul implies that he and his fellow workers pray to God when they are **pleading**. If it would be helpful in your language, you could make this idea more explicit. Alternate translation: “pleading earnestly with God”
267 3:10 eb26 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom εἰς τὸ ἰδεῖν ὑμῶν τὸ πρόσωπον 1 The phrase **to see your face** refers to visiting someone and being with them. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use an equivalent expression from your language or state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “to visit you” or “to spend time with you”
268 3:10 s0xz rc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-collectivenouns ὑμῶν τὸ πρόσωπον 1 Here Paul speaks as if the Thessalonians together had one **face**, but he is referring to each of their faces. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “your faces”
269 3:10 uqwr rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit καταρτίσαι τὰ ὑστερήματα τῆς πίστεως ὑμῶν 1 Here Paul could be implying that the Thessalonians are **lacking**: (1) knowledge about God that should be included in their **faith**. Alternate translation: “to teach you more about your faith” (2) some aspects of **faith** in God. Alternate translation: “to enable you to have faith completely”
270 3:10 e5fh rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns τῆς πίστεως ὑμῶν 1 If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea of **faith**, you could express the same idea in another way. Alternate translation: “in the way you believe”
271 3:11-13 tet9 rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-blessing δὲ & κατευθύναι 1 Here the verb forms indicate that this is a blessing or prayer that continues through [3:13](../03/13.md). Use a form that people would recognize as a blessing or prayer in your language. Alternate translation: “Now we pray that … would guide” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-blessing]])
272 3:11 f3wh kdk9 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-hendiadys rc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-words-phrases ὁ Θεὸς καὶ Πατὴρ ἡμῶν δὲ 1 Here, **our God and Father** refers to the one divine person who is both God and Father. This phrase is a hendiadys, since Father further describes God (See also [1:3](../01/03.md)). Alternate translation: “God our Father” or “our Father God” (See: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-hendiadys) Here, the word **But** introduces a new topic. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use a word or phrase that introduces a new topic, or you could leave **But** untranslated. Alternate translation: “Now”\n
273 3:11 mc2m um1c rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rpronouns rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor αὐτὸς αὐτὸς & ὁ Θεὸς καὶ Πατὴρ ἡμῶν, καὶ ὁ Κύριος ἡμῶν, Ἰησοῦς, κατευθύναι τὴν ὁδὸν ἡμῶν πρὸς ὑμᾶς 1 Paul uses the word **himself** to distinguish **our God and Father** from **our Lord Jesus**. Use a way that is natural in your language to indicate this distinction. (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rpronouns]]) Paul speaks about God the Father and the Lord Jesus as if they were directing Paul’s way and his fellow worker’s ways. He could mean that God the Father and the Lord Jesus: (1) are like guides who take Paul and his fellow workers to meet the Thessalonians, which would enable Paul and his fellow workers to visit the Thessalonians. Alternate translation: “may our God and Father himself and our Lord Jesus bring us to you” (2) enable Paul and his fellow workers to overcome obstacles that prevent them from visiting the Corinthians. Alternate translation: “may our God and Father himself and our Lord Jesus remove everything that prevents us from visiting you” (3) lead Paul and his fellow workers on a straight path to the Thessalonians, which would enable Paul and his fellow workers to visit the Thessalonians soon. Alternate translation: “may our God and Father himself and our Lord Jesus enable us to visit you soon” \n
274 3:11 bql9 f3wh rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-exclusive rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-hendiadys ἡμῶν & ἡμῶν & ἡμῶν ὁ Θεὸς καὶ Πατὴρ ἡμῶν 1 It is possible that these first two uses of **our** are inclusive of the whole Christian Church. Yet, the third use of **our** exclusively refers to the apostles. So, it is most likely that **our** refers exclusively to Paul, Silvanus, and Timothy in this whole verse (see also [1:9, 2:1, 3:9](../01/09.md)). Your language may require you to mark these forms. (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-exclusive]]) Here, the phrase **our God and Father** refers to the one divine person who is both God and Father. The word **God** and the word **Father** refer to the same person. If it would be helpful in your language, you could make this idea more explicit. See how you translated the similar phrase in [1:3](../01/03.md). Alternate translation: “God our Father” or “our Father God”\n
275 3:11 um1c mc2m rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rpronouns κατευθύναι τὴν ὁδὸν ἡμῶν πρὸς ὑμᾶς. αὐτὸς & ὁ Θεὸς καὶ Πατὴρ ἡμῶν 1 Paul speaks about God as if he were a pilot or captain of a ship. Paul means that he wants God to allow the apostles to visit the Thessalonian church again. If your readers would not understand what **direct our way to you** means in this context, you could use an equivalent metaphor from your culture. Alternatively, you could express Paul’s meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “may … quickly bring us to you” or “may … direct our voyage so that we can visit you” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]]) Here, the word translated **himself** emphasizes **our God and Father**. Consider using a natural way to emphasize **our God and Father** in your language. Alternate translation: “he who is our God and Father” or “God our Father indeed”
276 3:12 3:11 f4ma bql9 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-doublet rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-exclusive ὑμᾶς δὲ ὁ Κύριος πλεονάσαι καὶ περισσεύσαι ἡμῶν & ἡμῶν & ἡμῶν 1 Here, **increase** and **abound** mean basically the same thing. The repetition is used to emphasize how much the apostles want the Thessalonian church to keep increasing in their love for all people. If your language does not use repetition in this way, you can combine these phrases. Alternate translation: “May the Lord Jesus make you completely excel” or “O that the Lord Jesus would cause you to fully thrive” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-doublet]]) Here, the word **our** in the phrases **our God** and **our Lord** includes all believers. The word **our** in the phrase **our way** only includes Paul and his fellow workers. It does not include the Thessalonians. Make sure that this is clear if your language marks these distinctions.
277 3:12 o80n eeu2 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor rc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-words-phrases τῇ ἀγάπῃ δὲ 1 Paul speaks of **love** as something that can be quantified or measured. He means that he hopes the Thessalonian church will keep loving people well. If your readers would not understand what **in love** means in this context, you could use an equivalent metaphor from your culture. Alternate translation: “in the way you love” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]]) Here, the word **Now** introduces the next part of Paul’s prayer. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use a word or phrase that introduces another section, or you could leave **Now** untranslated. Alternate translation: “Further,”
278 3:12 ofl2 f4ma rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-merism rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-doublet εἰς ἀλλήλους, καὶ εἰς πάντας ὑμᾶς & ὁ Κύριος πλεονάσαι καὶ περισσεύσαι 1 Paul could be speaking, using these phrases in order to include the whole human race. If this would be misunderstood in your language, you could use an equivalent expression or use plain language. Alternate translation: “toward each and every person” or “toward the whole human race” or “toward Christians and non-Christians” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-merism]]) The terms **increase** and **abound** mean similar things. Paul is using the two terms together for emphasis. If it would be clearer for your readers, you could express the emphasis with a single phrase. Alternate translation: “may the Lord make you very much abound” or “may the Lord make you increase greatly”
279 3:12 gyy3 o80n rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-nominaladj rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns εἰς πάντας τῇ ἀγάπῃ εἰς ἀλλήλους, καὶ εἰς πάντας 1 Paul could be using the adjective **all** as a noun in order to describe a group of people. Your language may use adjectives in the same way. If not, you could translate this with a noun phrase. It could refer to: (1) the whole human race. Alternate translation: “toward all humanity” (2) all Christians. Alternate translation: “for all your fellow believers in Christ” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-nominaladj]]) If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea of **love**, you could express the same idea in another way. Alternate translation: “in how you love one another and all”
280 3:12 dm6c gyy3 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-nominaladj καθάπερ καὶ ἡμεῖς εἰς ὑμᾶς εἰς πάντας 1 Here, **just as we also toward you** is an emphatic phrase meant to reinforce the deep love the apostles have for the Thessalonian church (also in [3:6](../03/06.md)). Use a natural way in your language to express this emphasis. Alternate translation: “in the same way that we love you” Paul is using the adjective **all** as a noun to refer to all people. Your language may use adjectives in the same way. If not, you can translate this word with an equivalent phrase. Alternate translation: “for all humans”
281 3:13 3:12 ms8t dm6c rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-ellipsis εἰς τὸ στηρίξαι ὑμῶν τὰς καρδίας, ἀμέμπτους ἐν ἁγιωσύνῃ καὶ ἡμεῖς εἰς ὑμᾶς 1 If your language does not use the abstract nouns **hearts** and **holiness**, you can express the ideas behind them in another way. Alternate translation: “so that how you love one another strengthens you to become resolved to live blamelessly, as is appropriate for those who belong to the Lord Jesus” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns]]) Paul is leaving out some of the words that in many languages a sentence would need in order to be complete. You can supply these words from earlier in the sentence if it would be clearer in your language. Alternate translation: “we also increase and abound in love toward you”
282 3:13 ly21 taws rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor rc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-logic-goal εἰς τὸ στηρίξαι ὑμῶν τὰς καρδίας εἰς τὸ στηρίξαι 1 Paul speaks of the people of the Thessalonian church as if they have one heart that is like a building that can be established or supported. He means that he wants God to increase their willpower or affections so that they would remain faithful to God. If your readers would not understand what this phrase means in this context, you could use an equivalent metaphor from your culture. Alternatively, you could express Paul’s meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “to establish your affections” or “to strengthen your will” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]]) Here the phrase **to strengthen** introduces the purpose for which Paul prays that the Lord will make the Thessalonians increase in love (see [3:12](../03/12.md)). If it would be helpful in your language, you could use a word or phrase that introduces a purpose. Alternate translation: “in order that he might strengthen” or “and I pray those things so that he might strengthen”
283 3:13 taws ly21 rc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-logic-goal rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor εἰς τὸ στηρίξαι ὑμῶν τὰς καρδίας 1 This phrase is a purpose clause. Paul is stating the purpose for why he prays that God will increase the Thessalonian church’s love for all people. Use a natural way in your language for introducing a purpose clause. Alternate translation: “so that the Lord will establish your affections for him” or “in order that the Lord will strengthen your willpower” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-logic-goal]]) Here Paul speaks of the Thessalonians becoming spiritually stronger as if their **hearts** were being strengthened. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “to strengthen you spiritually” or “to make you stronger on the inside”
284 3:13 jev8 wb3l rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-doublet rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-ellipsis ἀμέμπτους ἐν ἁγιωσύνῃ ὑμῶν τὰς καρδίας, ἀμέμπτους 1 Here, **blameless** and **holiness** mean basically the same thing. The repetition is used to emphasize total sanctification. If your language does not use repetition in this way, you can combine these phrases. This phrase could refer to: (1) a condition of holiness. Alternate translation: “blameless in a condition of holiness” (2) how to become holy. Alternate translation: “blameless through holiness” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-doublet]]) Paul is leaving out some of the words that in many languages a sentence would need in order to be complete. You could supply words such as “so that they will be” if it would be clearer in your language. Alternate translation: “your hearts so that they will be blameless” or “your hearts so that you will be blameless”
285 3:13 p12j ms8t rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns ἔμπροσθεν τοῦ Θεοῦ καὶ Πατρὸς ἡμῶν ἐν ἁγιωσύνῃ 1 This phrase is an idiom for being in the personal presence of God (See [3:9](../03/09.md)). If this would be misunderstood in your language, you could use an equivalent idiom or use plain language. Alternate translation: “in the presence of our Father God” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]]) If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea of **holiness**, you could express the same idea in another way. Alternate translation: “in how holy you are”
286 3:13 vnsi p12j rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom ἐν τῇ παρουσίᾳ τοῦ Κυρίου ἡμῶν, Ἰησοῦ, μετὰ πάντων τῶν ἁγίων αὐτοῦ ἔμπροσθεν τοῦ Θεοῦ καὶ Πατρὸς ἡμῶν 1 This is a reference to Zechariah 14:5 (See also 2 Thessalonians 1:7,10; Jude 14). Here it is implied that these **saints** are all those who are **blameless in holiness** and who have already died (See [4:14](../04/14.md)). If it would be helpful to your readers, you could say that explicitly. Alternate translation: “at the time the Lord Jesus arrives along with all his holy people who have already died” or “when the Lord Jesus returns a second time with all those reposed people who belong to him” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]]) Here, the phrase **before our God and Father** refers to being in the presence of **our God and Father**. In this case, the phrase emphasizes that God is the one who will declare the Thessalonians to be **blameless in holiness**. If it would be helpful in your language, you could make this idea more explicit. Alternate translation: “in the presence of our God and Father” or “according to our God and Father”
287 3:13 ytqg jev8 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-hendiadys ἐν τῇ παρουσίᾳ τοῦ Κυρίου ἡμῶν, Ἰησοῦ τοῦ Θεοῦ καὶ Πατρὸς ἡμῶν 1 Here, **at the coming of the Lord Jesus** is a well-known idiom in 1–2 Thessalonians for the Second Coming of Christ (See [2:19; 4:15](../02/19.md)) or the “Day of the **Lord**” [5:2](../05/02.md)). Use a natural way in your language to emphasize this idea. Alternate translation: “in the presence of our Lord Jesus at his Second Coming” or “in the sight of our Lord Jesus when he arrives again” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]]) Here, the phrase **our God and Father** refers to the one divine person who is both God and Father. The word **God** and the word **Father** refer to the same person. If it would be helpful in your language, you could make this idea more explicit. See how you translated the similar phrase in [3:11](../03/11.md). Alternate translation: “God our Father” or “our Father God”\n\n\n\n\n\n
288 4:intro 3:13 b1z5 ytqg rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit ἐν τῇ παρουσίᾳ τοῦ Κυρίου ἡμῶν, Ἰησοῦ 0 1 # 1 Thessalonians 4 General Notes\n\n## Outline of 1 Thessalonians 4\n\n1. Apostolic Teachings on Holiness (4:1–8)\n2. Apostolic Teachings on Christian Love (4:9–12)\n* Reminder (4:9–10)\n* Keep Busy (4:11–12)\n3. Apostolic Teachings on the Manner of the Second Coming of Christ (4:13–18)\n\n## “We” and “You”\n\nIn this letter, the words **we** and **our** refer to Paul, Silvanus, and Timothy, unless otherwise noted. Throughout the letter, **we** and **our** are used to convey that all three apostles are in agreement with the letter.\n\n## Special Concepts in this Chapter\n\n### Christian love\n\nThe apostles address the topic of Christian love that the Thessalonian church had previously asked about. The apostles encouraged the church that they were already loving well, and they should continue to grow in this practice. The apostles also link “brotherly love” to living in harmony with each other and minding their own business, so that they would be a good example to non-Christians (See [4:11–12](../04/11.md)).\n\n### Dying before the Second Coming of Christ\n\nThe Thessalonian church was concerned about what would happen if a believer died before Christ returned. They were anxious to know whether or not those who died before Christ returned would be part of the Kingdom of God. Paul addresses that concern in [4:13–5:11](../04/13.md).\n\n### The manner of the Second Coming of Christ\n\nIn [4:13–18](../04/13.md), the apostles teach about the events related to the Second Coming of Christ (called “the day of the Lord” in [5:2](../05/02.md)). This is so that the Thessalonians can “comfort one another with these words” (See [4:18](../04/18.md)).\n\n## Important Translation Issues in this Chapter\n\n### Sexual immorality\n\nDifferent cultures have different standards of sexual morality. These different cultural standards may make translating this passage difficult. Translators will have to consider the most appropriate way to communicate these sensitive issues.\n\n### The Second Coming of Christ and the Day of the Lord\n\nAll Christians believe that Jesus will return to earth to judge all people and to rule forever. As the Nicene Creed (381 A.D.) states: “I await the resurrection of the dead and the life of the age to come.” Christ came once as Incarnate God and will return once as Resurrected Judge. However, there are various ways that Christians understand the “coming of the Lord” as explained in [4:13–5:11](../04/13.md), and the “day of the Lord” in [5:2](../05/02.md). Some believe they are one and the same event, but others believe them to be two separate events. Your translation should state clearly only what is clear in these verses without promoting any particular interpretation. Here, the phrase **the coming of our Lord Jesus** refers to the specific time in the future when Jesus will come back to earth, judge everyone, punish unbelievers, and reward believers. If it would be helpful in your language, you could make this idea more explicit. Alternate translation: “when our Lord Jesus comes back to earth” or “at return of our Lord Jesus to us”\n
289 4:1 3:13 vtas vnsi rc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-words-phrases rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit λοιπὸν οὖν μετὰ πάντων τῶν ἁγίων αὐτοῦ 1 Here, **So finally** could refer to: (1) a summary of the apostles’ teachings. Alternate translation: “So, in summary,” (2) the remaining things to address. “So then, here is what remains for us to talk about” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-words-phrases]]) Here, the word **saints** could refer to: (1) believers. Alternate translation: “with everyone who believes in him” (2) believers and angels. Alternate translation: “with all his holy angels and those who believe in him” (3) angels. Alternate translation: “with all his holy angels”
290 4:1 4:intro u2lw b1z5 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-doublet ἐρωτῶμεν ὑμᾶς καὶ παρακαλοῦμεν 1 0 These two phrases mean basically the same thing. The repetition is used to emphasize how seriously the apostles want the Thessalonian church to follow their teachings. If your language does not use repetition in this way, you can combine these phrases. Alternate translation: “we are urging and appealing to you” or “we strongly urge you” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-doublet]]) # 1 Thessalonians 4 General Notes\n\n## Outline of 1 Thessalonians 4\n\n1. Apostolic Teachings on Holiness (4:1–8)\n2. Apostolic Teachings on Christian Love (4:9–12)\n * Reminder (4:9–10)\n * Keep Busy (4:11–12)\n3. Apostolic Teachings on the Manner of the Second Coming of Christ (4:13–18)\n\n## “We” and “You”\n\nIn this letter, the words **we** and **our** refer to Paul, Silvanus, and Timothy, unless otherwise noted. Throughout the letter, **we** and **our** are used to convey that all three apostles are in agreement with the letter.\n\n## Special Concepts in this Chapter\n\n### Christian love\n\nThe apostles address the topic of Christian love that the Thessalonian church had previously asked about. The apostles encouraged the church that they were already loving well, and they should continue to grow in this practice. The apostles also link “brotherly love” to living in harmony with each other and minding their own business, so that they would be a good example to non-Christians (See [4:11–12](../04/11.md)).\n\n### Dying before the Second Coming of Christ\n\nThe Thessalonian church was concerned about what would happen if a believer died before Christ returned. They were anxious to know whether or not those who died before Christ returned would be part of the Kingdom of God. Paul addresses that concern in [4:13–5:11](../04/13.md).\n\n### The manner of the Second Coming of Christ\n\nIn [4:13–18](../04/13.md), the apostles teach about the events related to the Second Coming of Christ (called “the day of the Lord” in [5:2](../05/02.md)). This is so that the Thessalonians can “comfort one another with these words” (See [4:18](../04/18.md)).\n\n## Important Translation Issues in this Chapter\n\n### Sexual immorality\n\nDifferent cultures have different standards of sexual morality. These different cultural standards may make translating this passage difficult. Translators will have to consider the most appropriate way to communicate these sensitive issues.\n\n### The Second Coming of Christ and the Day of the Lord\n\nAll Christians believe that Jesus will return to earth to judge all people and to rule forever. As the Nicene Creed (381 A.D.) states: “I await the resurrection of the dead and the life of the age to come.” Christ came once as Incarnate God and will return once as Resurrected Judge. However, there are various ways that Christians understand the “coming of the Lord” as explained in [4:13–5:11](../04/13.md), and the “day of the Lord” in [5:2](../05/02.md). Some believe they are one and the same event, but others believe them to be two separate events. Your translation should state clearly only what is clear in these verses without promoting any particular interpretation.
291 4:1 foeh udi2 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor rc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-logic-result ἐν Κυρίῳ Ἰησοῦ οὖν 1 Paul speaks as if the apostles are occupying space inside of **the Lord Jesus**. Here, the metaphor expresses the idea that the apostles represent Jesus himself like ambassadors who possess a king’s authority. If your readers would not understand what **in the Lord** means in this context, you could use an equivalent metaphor from your culture. Alternatively, you could express Paul’s meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “with our authority from the Lord Jesus” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]]) Here, the word **Therefore** introduces a development in Paul’s argument. He is transitioning from rejoicing about the Thessalonians to instructing them about how to act and what to believe. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use a word or phrase that introduces this kind of development. Alternate translation: “So” or “Given all that”
292 4:1 p4db vtas rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor rc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-words-phrases τὸ πῶς δεῖ ὑμᾶς περιπατεῖν λοιπὸν 1 Here, **to walk** is a metaphor that means “to live” or “to obey” (See [2:12](../02/12.md)). If your readers would not understand what it means **to walk** in this context, you could use an equivalent metaphor from your culture. Alternatively, you could express Paul’s meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “about how you must live” or “about how you are obligated to obey” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]]) Here, the word **finally** signals to the audience that Paul is starting the last section of his letter. The word does not mean that Paul is about to finish the letter. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use a word or phrase that introduces the last major part of a letter. Alternate translation: “lastly” or “in this last section”
293 4:1 ckii fmuc rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-hendiadys rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor τὸ πῶς δεῖ ὑμᾶς περιπατεῖν καὶ ἀρέσκειν Θεῷ (καθὼς καὶ περιπατεῖτε) ἀδελφοί 1 Here, **to walk and to please** expresses a single idea by using two words connected with **and**. The word **please** describes how the Thessalonian church should **walk**. If it would be more natural in your language, you could express this meaning with an equivalent phrase that does not use **and**. Alternate translation: “about how you must live to please God (exactly as you live now)” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-hendiadys]]) Paul is using the term **brothers** to mean people who share the same faith. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “believing friends”
294 4:1 q937 p3be rc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-logic-goal rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-gendernotations ἵνα περισσεύητε μᾶλλον ἀδελφοί 1 This phrase is a purpose clause. Paul is stating the purpose for which apostles are begging and exhorting the Thessalonian church. Use a natural way in your language for introducing a purpose clause. Alternate translation: “so that you can excel more and more” or “in order that you thrive even more” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-logic-goal]]) Although the term **brothers** is masculine, Paul is using the word in a generic sense that includes both men and women. If you retain the metaphor in your translation, and if it would be helpful in your language, you could say “brothers and sisters” to indicate this.
295 4:2 4:1 oyu3 u2lw rc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-time-background rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-doublet ἐρωτῶμεν ὑμᾶς καὶ παρακαλοῦμεν 0 1 Paul is providing this background information about the apostles’ teachings during their previous visit to help readers understand what happens next. Use a natural way in your language for introducing background information. (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-time-background]]) The terms **ask** and **encourage** mean similar things. Paul is using the two terms together for emphasis. If it would be clearer for your readers, you could express the emphasis with a single phrase. Alternate translation: “we strongly encourage you” or “we urgently ask you” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-doublet]])
296 4:2 4:1 dg4p foeh rc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-logic-result rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor οἴδατε γὰρ τίνας παραγγελίας ἐδώκαμεν ὑμῖν διὰ τοῦ Κυρίου Ἰησοῦ ἐν Κυρίῳ Ἰησοῦ 1 This verse expresses that the Thessalonian church should do what the apostles previously taught them (See [4:1](../04/01.md)), because these teachings are actually commands from **the Lord Jesus** himself. Use a natural way in your language to express a result clause. Alternate translation: “The reason we beg and exhort you is because you realize that when we gave commands, it was actually the Lord Jesus who taught you” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-logic-result]]) Here Paul uses the spatial metaphor **in the Lord Jesus** to describe the union of believers with **Jesus**. In this case, being **in the Lord Jesus**, or united to Jesus, could specifically explain: (1) the reason why Paul and his fellow workers **ask and exhort*** the Thessalonians. Alternate translation: “because of your union with the Lord Jesus” (2) the authority by which Paul and his fellow workers **ask and exhort** the Thessalonians. Alternate translation: “as those who represent the Lord Jesus”
297 4:2 4:1 ebjm p4db rc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-words-phrases rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor γὰρ περιπατεῖν & περιπατεῖτε 1 Here, **For** indicates that what follows is something else important that the Thessalonian church should pay attention to. Use a natural way in your language to express this emphasis. Alternate translation: “In fact” or “Certainly” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-words-phrases]]) Paul speaks of behavior in life as if it were **walking**. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. See you how you translated the similar phrase in [2:12](../02/12.md). Alternate translation: “to act … you are acting” or “to live your lives … you are living your lives”
298 4:2 4:1 vg16 ckii rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-hendiadys διὰ τοῦ Κυρίου Ἰησοῦ περιπατεῖν καὶ ἀρέσκειν Θεῷ 1 Paul speaks of the **commands** that the apostles gave to the Thessalonian church as though **Jesus** personally told them to the apostles. Paul means that **Jesus** made the apostles his messengers, not that **Jesus** is a messenger of the apostles. If your readers would not understand what **through the Lord Jesus** means in this context, you could use an equivalent metaphor from your culture. Alternatively, you could express Paul’s meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “through a message from the Lord Jesus” or “by order of the Lord Jesus himself” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]]) Here, **to walk and to please** expresses a single idea by using two words connected with **and**. The word **please** describes the way in which the Thessalonian church should **walk**. If it would be helpful in your language, you could express this meaning with an equivalent phrase that does not use **and**. Alternate translation: “to walk in a way that is pleasing to God” or “to walk so that you please God”
299 4:3 4:1 ycsw q937 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns rc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-words-phrases τοῦτο γάρ ἐστιν θέλημα τοῦ Θεοῦ, ὁ ἁγιασμὸς ὑμῶν, ἵνα 1 If your language does not use the abstract nouns **will** and **sanctification**, you can express the ideas behind them in another way. Alternate translation: “Indeed, God desires that you live like those who belong to him” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns]]) Here, the word **that** could introduce: (1) what it is that Paul and his fellow workers **ask and exhort** the Thessalonians to do. Alternate translation: “we ask that” (2) the purpose for which Paul and his fellow workers **ask and exhort** the Thessalonians. Alternate translation: “in order that”
300 4:3 4:1 lit4 e3cd rc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-words-phrases rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit τοῦτο γάρ ἐστιν περισσεύητε μᾶλλον 1 Here, **For this is** indicates that this is the beginning of a section about the content of the commands from the Lord Jesus in [4:2](../04/02.md). Use a natural way in your language to indicate the beginning of new topic. Alternate translation: “Now, this is” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-words-phrases]]) Here Paul implies that he and his fellow workers want the Thessalonians to **abound even more** in pleasing God. If it would be helpful in your language, you could make this idea more explicit. Alternate translation: “you might abound even more in doing what is pleasing to God”
301 4:3 4:2 vnp0 ebjm rc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-collectivenouns rc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-words-phrases τοῦτο γάρ ἐστιν θέλημα τοῦ Θεοῦ γὰρ 1 Here, **this** is a singular pronoun that emphasizes what **is the will of God**. Use a natural way in your language to express this emphasis. Alternate translation: “Certainly, this very thing is God’s will” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-collectivenouns]]) Here, the word **For** introduces a further explanation of what Paul said in the previous verse about how the Thessalonians received instructions from Paul and his fellow workers (see [4:1](../04/01.md)). If it would be helpful in your language, you could use a word or phrase that introduces an explanation, or you could leave **For** untranslated. Alternate translation: “Indeed,” or “In fact,”
302 4:3 4:2 mw4j oyu3 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit τοῦτο γάρ ἐστιν θέλημα τοῦ Θεοῦ, ὁ ἁγιασμὸς ὑμῶν ἐδώκαμεν ὑμῖν 1 Here begins a list spanning through [4:3–8](../04/03.md) that explains what **sanctification** means in this context. Use a natural way in your language to indicate the beginning of a topic. Here Paul refers to what he and his fellow workers told the Thessalonians when they first visited them. If it would be helpful in your language, you could make this idea more explicit. Alternate translation: “we, when we were with you, gave you”
303 4:3 4:2 lgac vg16 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-distinguish rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit ἀπέχεσθαι ὑμᾶς ἀπὸ τῆς πορνείας διὰ τοῦ Κυρίου Ἰησοῦ 1 This phrase gives us further information about what is meant by **sanctification**. Paul is defining the **sanctification** God wants for his people by forbidding **sexually immorality**. If this is not understood in your language, you could make the relationship between these phrases clearer. (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-distinguish]]) Here, the phrase **through the Lord Jesus** indicates that Paul and his fellow workers said what **the Lord Jesus** wanted them to say. In other words, they spoke with the authority of **the Lord Jesus**. If it would be helpful in your language, you could make this idea more explicit. Alternate translation: “as we spoke what the Lord Jesus wanted” or “by the authority of the Lord Jesus”
304 4:3 lhxi lit4 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-imperative rc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-words-phrases ἀπέχεσθαι ὑμᾶς γάρ 1 The following list of verb forms in [4:3–6](../04/03.md) could be translated as commands (See [4:2](../04/02.md)). Here, the verb forms are likely meant to express a strong suggestion or appeal. Use a form in your language that would be used in this type of situation. Alternate translation: “you yourselves must refrain” or “you should withhold yourselves” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-imperative]]) Here, the word **For** introduces specific examples of the “commands” that Paul and his fellow workers gave to the Thessalonians (see [4:2](../04/02.md)). If it would be helpful in your language, you could use a word or phrase that introduces specific examples, or you could leave **For** untranslated. Alternate translation: “Specifically” or “For example, we told you that”
305 4:4 4:3 u98k idjo rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-distinguish rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-pronouns εἰδέναι ἕκαστον ὑμῶν τὸ ἑαυτοῦ σκεῦος, κτᾶσθαι ἐν ἁγιασμῷ καὶ τιμῇ τοῦτο & ἐστιν θέλημα τοῦ Θεοῦ, ὁ ἁγιασμὸς ὑμῶν 1 Here Paul gives more instructions about the **sanctification** God wants for his people, by telling the Thessalonian church that every husband needs to treat his wife’s body and his own body **in sanctification and honor**. If this is not understood in your language, you could make the relationship between these verses clearer. (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-distinguish]]) Here, the word **this** refers to the phrase **your sanctification**. Paul uses this form to emphasize **sanctification**. If it would be helpful in your language, you could express the idea in another way that emphasizes **sanctification**. Alternate translation: “your sanctification is the will of God” or “the will of God is your sanctification”
306 4:4 4:3 vhbp ycsw rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-euphemism rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns εἰδέναι ἕκαστον ὑμῶν τὸ ἑαυτοῦ σκεῦος, κτᾶσθαι ἐν ἁγιασμῷ καὶ τιμῇ, θέλημα τοῦ Θεοῦ, ὁ ἁγιασμὸς ὑμῶν, 1 Here, **to know to possess** refers to sexual intimacy. This is a polite way of referring to something private. If this would be misunderstood in your language, use a different polite way of referring to this or you could state this plainly. Alternate translation: “God desires that you treat your wives’ bodies like they belong to God and to honor them” or “each of you men must use your own body for God’s holy and honorable purposes” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-euphemism]]) If your language does not use abstract nouns for the ideas of **will** and **sanctification**, you could express the same ideas in another way. Alternate translation: “what God wants, that you become holy”
307 4:4 4:3 fk6n lgac rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-nominaladj rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit ἕκαστον ὁ ἁγιασμὸς ὑμῶν, ἀπέχεσθαι ὑμᾶς 1 Paul is using the adjective **each** as a noun in order to describe a group of men. Here it specifically is used to emphasize that every husband or man must obey this teaching. Your language may use adjectives in the same way. If not, you could translate this with a noun phrase. Alternate translation: “each and every man” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-nominaladj]]) Here, the phrase **that you keep yourselves** introduces an explanation of what Paul means when he uses the word **sanctification**. This explanation continues in [4:4–6](../04/04.md). If it would be helpful in your language, you could use a word or phrase that introduces an explanation. Alternate translation: “your sanctification, that is, that you keep yourselves”
308 4:4 4:3 f4ux uuu4 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor τὸ ἑαυτοῦ σκεῦος, κτᾶσθαι ἀπέχεσθαι ὑμᾶς ἀπὸ 1 Here Paul speaks of a person’s body as if it were a container. Here, **to possess his own vessel** is a metaphor that compares sexual self-control to a proper use of a container. If your readers would not understand what this phrase means in this context, you could use an equivalent metaphor from your culture. It could refer to: (1) a wife’s body. Alternate translation: “to use his wife’s body” or “to properly care for his own wife” (2) a husband’s own body. Alternate translation: “to control his own body” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]]) Alternate translation: “that you stay away from” or “that you avoid”
309 4:4 4:3 arkf o59a rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-possession rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns τὸ ἑαυτοῦ σκεῦος τῆς πορνείας 1 Paul is using the possessive form **his own** to express ownership. Use a natural way in your language to express ownership. Alternate translation: “the wife that belongs to you” or “your very own wife” or “the body that belongs to you”(See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-possession]]) If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea of **immorality**, you could express the same idea in another way. Alternate translation: “doing what is sexually immoral” or “acting in sexually immoral ways”
310 4:4 ihqe s4yl rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-hendiadys rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit ἐν ἁγιασμῷ καὶ τιμῇ εἰδέναι ἕκαστον ὑμῶν 1 This phrase could express a single idea by using two words connected with **and**. The word **honor** tells how a husband or man must live in **sanctification**. If it would be more natural in your language, you could express this meaning with an equivalent phrase that does not use **and**. Alternate translation: “by honorably setting it apart for God’s purposes” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-hendiadys]]) Here, the phrase **that each of you knows** could: (1) give another example of what “sanctification” means (see [4:3](../04/03.md)). Alternate translation: “and that each of you knows” (2) describe more specifically what it means to avoid “sexual immorality” (see [4:3](../04/03.md)). Alternate translation: “more specifically, that each of you knows”
311 4:5 4:4 utvd vhbp rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit μὴ ἐν πάθει ἐπιθυμίας εἰδέναι ἕκαστον ὑμῶν & κτᾶσθαι 1 If your language does not use the abstract noun phrase **in the passion of lust**, you can express the idea behind it in another way. Alternate translation: “not passionately lusting” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns]]) Here, the word **knows** could refer specifically to: (1) learning how to do something. Alternate translation: “that each of you learns to possess” (2) understanding something. Alternate translation: “that each of you understands how to possess”
312 4:5 4:4 y9g2 arkf rc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-logic-contrast rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-euphemism μὴ ἐν πάθει ἐπιθυμίας τὸ ἑαυτοῦ σκεῦος, κτᾶσθαι 1 Here, **not in the passion of lust** contrasts with the previous phrase “in holiness and honor” (See: [4:4](../04/04.md)). Use a natural way in your language for introducing a contrast. Alternate translation: “not passionately lusting” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-logic-contrast]]) Here, the word **vessel** could refer to: (1) a person’s sexual organs. Alternate translation: “to possess his own sexual organs” (2) a person’s body. Alternate translation: “to possess his own body” (2) a man’s wife. Alternate translation: “to possess his own wife”
313 4:5 4:4 vjej f4ux rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-possession rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor πάθει ἐπιθυμίας τὸ ἑαυτοῦ σκεῦος, κτᾶσθαι 1 Paul is using the possessive phrase **of lust** to describe **passion**. This genitive phrase could refer to: 1) passion characterized by lust. Alternate translation: “lustful passion” 2) the source of the passion. Alternate translation: “passion that comes from lust” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-possession]]) The meaning of the verb **possess** depends on what the word **vessel** means (see the previous note): (1) If the word **vessel** refers to the body or more specifically to the sexual organs, the word **possess** refers to people having control over their bodies. Alternate translation: “to exercise control over his sexual organs” or “to exercise sexual self-control” (2) If the word **vessel** refers to a wife, the word **possess** could refer to a man having sex with his wife. Alternate translation: “to have sexual relations with his wife” (3) If the word **vessel** refers to a wife, the word **possess** could refer to a man marrying a woman. Alternate translation: “to marry a wife”
314 4:5 4:4 nrmz fpyv rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-distinguish rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-gendernotations καθάπερ καὶ τὰ ἔθνη τὰ μὴ εἰδότα τὸν Θεόν τὸ ἑαυτοῦ σκεῦος 1 This phrase gives us further information about the those who live **in the passion of lust**. If this is not understood in your language, you could make the relationship between these phrases clearer. Alternate translation: “like the nations who remain ignorant of God act” or “exactly like all the people who have no relationship with God” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-distinguish]]) The referent of the word **his** depends on what the word **vessel** means (see the previous two notes): (1) If the word **vessel** refers to a person’s sexual organs, Paul is using the word **his** in a generic sense that includes both men and women. Alternate translation: “his or her own vessel” (2) If the word **vessel** refers to a wife, Paul is using the word **his** to refer only to men and not to women. Alternate translation: “the vessel that is his”
315 4:5 4:4 tz8o ihqe rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-genericnoun rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns τὰ ἔθνη ἐν ἁγιασμῷ καὶ τιμῇ 1 Here, **the Gentiles** refers to all the non-Christian nations in general, not one group of people. If this would be misunderstood in your language, use a more natural phrase (See your translation at [2:16](../02/16.md)). (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-genericnoun]]) If your language does not use abstract nouns for the ideas of **sanctification** and **honor**, you could express the same ideas in another way. Alternate translation: “in holy and honorable ways”
316 4:5 w03g y9g2 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-distinguish rc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-logic-contrast τὰ μὴ εἰδότα τὸν Θεόν μὴ ἐν πάθει ἐπιθυμίας 1 Here, **the ones not knowing God** is meant to give further information about the **Gentiles**. If this is not understood in your language, you could make the relationship between these phrases clearer. Alternate translation: “who have no relationship with God” or “who remain ignorant of God” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-distinguish]]) Here, **not in the passion of lust** contrasts with the previous phrase “in holiness and honor” (see: [4:4](../04/04.md)). If it would be helpful in your language, you could use a word or phrase that introduces this kind of contrast. Alternate translation: “and in contrast, not in the passion of lust”
317 4:6 4:5 wmb6 utvd rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-hendiadys rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns ὑπερβαίνειν καὶ πλεονεκτεῖν μὴ ἐν πάθει ἐπιθυμίας 1 This phrase expresses a single idea by using two words connected with **and**. The word **exploit** describes **transgress** . If it would be more natural in your language, you could express this meaning with an equivalent phrase that does not use **and**. Alternate translation: “exploits by transgressing” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-hendiadys]]) If your language does not use abstract nouns for the ideas of **passion** and **lust**, you could express the same ideas in another way. Alternate translation: “not passionately lusting”
318 4:6 4:5 ho6h vjej rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-possession ὑπερβαίνειν καὶ πλεονεκτεῖν πάθει ἐπιθυμίας 1 Here, **transgress and exploit** speaks about adultery, by comparing it to a person who unlawfully enters someone’s property and claims it for their own. If your readers would not understand what it means to **transgress and exploit** in this context, you could use an equivalent metaphor from your culture. Alternatively, you could express Paul’s meaning plainly. Alternative translation, “must trespass and defraud” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]]) Here, Paul is using the possessive form to connect **passion** and **lust**. More specifically, he could be referring to: (1) **passion** that is characterized by **lust**. Alternate translation: “lustful passion” 2) **lust** that is characterized by **passion**. Alternate translation: “passionate lust”
319 4:6 4:5 ckez nrmz rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-ellipsis ἐν τῷ πράγματι τὸν ἀδελφὸν αὐτοῦ καθάπερ καὶ τὰ ἔθνη τὰ μὴ εἰδότα τὸν Θεόν 1 Here, **in this matter** could be speaking of adultery as if someone is intruding in another person’s business matters. If your readers would not understand what **in this matter** means in this context, you could use an equivalent metaphor from your culture. Alternatively, you could express Paul’s meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “the marital matters of his fellow believer in Christ” or “the marriage relationship of another believer in Christ” or (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]]) Paul is leaving out some of the words that in many languages a sentence would need in order to be complete. You could supply words such as “behave” or “act” if it would be clearer in your language. Alternate translation: “just as also the Gentiles behave, the ones not knowing God” or “just as also the Gentiles, the ones not knowing God, act”
320 4:6 4:5 q7bf w03g rc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-logic-result rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-distinguish διότι ἔκδικος Κύριος περὶ πάντων τούτων τὰ ἔθνη τὰ μὴ εἰδότα τὸν Θεόν 1 This clause gives the final result for those who live “in the passion of lust” (See [4:5](../04/05.md)). Use a natural way in your language to express result. This could refer to: 1) all the matters spoken of in [4:3–6](../04/03.md). Alternate translation: “Certainly, the Lord Jesus will avenge all these things” 2) the sexually immoral people. Alternate translation: “This is because the Lord Jesus will punish all those people” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-logic-result]]) Here Paul is distinguishing from **Gentiles** who do not know God from Gentiles who do know God. Be sure that this distinction is clear in your translation. Alternate translation: “the Gentiles, specifically the ones not knowing God” or “all the Gentiles who do not know God”
321 4:6 4:5 d1ip lbvc rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-background rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom καθὼς καὶ προείπαμεν ὑμῖν καὶ διεμαρτυράμεθα τὰ μὴ εἰδότα τὸν Θεόν 1 Paul provides this background information about what the apostles said in an earlier visit (See in [2:10–12](../02/10.md)). Use the natural form in your language for expressing background information. Alternate translation: “This will happen just as we already told you and solemnly testified to you” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-background]]) Here, the phrase **not knowing God** means that these **Gentiles** do not listen to, trust in, or obey God. It does not mean that they do not know about God. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “the ones not listening to God” or “the ones not obeying God”
322 4:6 ix4p ho6h rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-doublet καθὼς καὶ προείπαμεν ὑμῖν καὶ διεμαρτυράμεθα τὸ μὴ ὑπερβαίνειν 1 These two phrases mean basically the same thing. The repetition is used to emphasize what the apostles had already told the Thessalonian church during a previous visit. If your language does not use repetition in this way, you can combine these phrases. Alternate translation: “exactly as we also solemnly forewarned you” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-doublet]])
323 4:6 wmb6 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-hendiadys ὑπερβαίνειν καὶ πλεονεκτεῖν 1
324 4:6 yudl rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor τὸν ἀδελφὸν αὐτοῦ 1
325 4:6 knir rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-gendernotations τὸν ἀδελφὸν αὐτοῦ 1
326 4:6 ckez rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit ἐν τῷ πράγματι 1
327 4:6 q7bf rc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-logic-result διότι 1
328 4:6 ax3k rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-pronouns πάντων τούτων 1
329 4:6 d1ip rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit καθὼς καὶ προείπαμεν ὑμῖν καὶ διεμαρτυράμεθα 1
330 4:6 ix4p rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-doublet καὶ προείπαμεν ὑμῖν καὶ διεμαρτυράμεθα 1 These two phrases mean basically the same thing. The repetition is used to emphasize what the apostles had already told the Thessalonian church during a previous visit. If your language does not use repetition in this way, you can combine these phrases. Alternate translation: “exactly as we also solemnly forewarned you” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-doublet]])
331 4:7 qx6y rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns οὐ γὰρ ἐκάλεσεν ἡμᾶς ὁ Θεὸς ἐπὶ ἀκαθαρσίᾳ, ἀλλ’ ἐν ἁγιασμῷ 1 If your language does not use the abstract nouns **uncleanness** and **sanctification**, you can express the ideas behind them in other ways. Alternate translation: “We must not live impurely or act unholy, because God did not call us as his people for this purpose” or “God called us, so we must purify and set ourselves apart like those who belong to God” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns]])
332 4:7 v3np rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-litotes οὐ γὰρ ἐκάλεσεν ἡμᾶς ὁ Θεὸς ἐπὶ ἀκαθαρσίᾳ, ἀλλ’ ἐν ἁγιασμῷ 1 Paul uses a figure of speech that expresses a strong positive meaning by using a negative word together with a word that is the opposite of the intended meaning. If this is confusing in your language, you can express the meaning positively. Alternate translation: “Certainly God summons us to live purely and act holy” or “Indeed, God calls us to be pure and holy” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-litotes]])
333 4:7 q4tj rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-exclusive ἡμᾶς 1 Here, **us** is inclusive, referring to the apostles, the Thessalonian church, and by extension, to all Christians. Your language may require you to mark these forms. Alternate translation: “us believers in Christ” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-exclusive]])