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2front:introjp2y0# Introduction to 1 Thessalonians\n\n## Part 1: General Introduction\n\n### Outline of the book of 1 Thessalonians\n\nIn this letter, the apostle Paul, along with Silvanus and Timothy, encourages and makes appeals to the Thessalonian church (See: rc://*/tw/bible/names/thessalonica.md). Paul is the spokesman for all of them, using “we” to refer to the group, but in certain places Paul speaks for himself using “I” (See [2:18](../02/18.md); [3:5](../03/05.md); [5:27](../05/27.md)). The background story for the apostles activity in Thessalonica can be found in Acts 17:110.\n\n1. Apostolic memories of the Thessalonian church (1:110)\n * Greeting (1:1)\n * Thanksgiving for the Thessalonian Christians (1:24)\n * Examples of Thessalonian suffering (1:610)\n2. Apostolic authority (2:116)\n * Persecution of the church (2:113)\n * Opposition to the church (2:1416)\n3. Timothys visit to Thessalonica (3:113)\n * Reason for the visit (3:15)\n * Report about the visit (3:613)\n4. Apostolic teachings (4:118)\n * Holiness (4:18)\n * Christian love (4:912)\n * Manner of the Second Coming of Christ (4:1318)\n5. Final teachings (5:128)\n * Timing of the Second Coming of Christ (5:110)\n * Final appeals and teachings (5:1128)\n\n### Who wrote 1 Thessalonians?\n\nPaul wrote 1 Thessalonians, writing with the agreement of Silvanus and Timothy. Paul was from the city of Tarsus. He had been known as Saul in his early life. Before becoming a Christian, Saul was a Pharisee. He persecuted Christians. After he became a Christian, Paul traveled several times throughout the Roman Empire, telling people about Jesus. Paul wrote this letter while staying in the city of Corinth. Many scholars think 1 Thessalonians was the first letter Paul wrote of all Pauls letters that are in the Bible.\n\nSilvanus is also mentioned in 2 Corinthians 1:19; 2 Thessalonians 1:1; 1 Peter 5:12. “Silas,” the name used in the book of Acts, is a contracted form of Silvanus; Silas and Silvanus are considered to be the same person. Timothy was leader of the church at Ephesus (See 1 Timothy 1:14). Paul wrote this letter while staying in the city of Corinth with these two men. The mention of all three men in 1:1 indicates they were in Thessalonica together at some point.\n\n### What is the book of 1 Thessalonians about?\n\nPaul wrote this letter to the church in the city of Thessalonica, after the Jews in the city forced him to leave. Ancient Thessalonica was located on the southeast coast of ancient Macedonia, and is now called Thessaloniki, located in northeast Greece. (See: rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-background). In this letter Paul said he considered his visit to them a success, even though he was forced to leave (See Acts 17:110).\n\nPaul responded to the news from Timothy about the Thessalonian believers. The believers there were being persecuted. He encouraged them to continue living in a way that pleased God. He also comforted them by explaining what happens to those who die before Christ returns.\n\n### How should the title of this book be translated?\n\nTranslators may choose to call this book by its traditional title, “1 Thessalonians” or “First Thessalonians.” They may instead prefer to choose a clearer title, such as “Pauls First Letter to the Church in Thessalonica,” or “The First Letter to the Church in Thessalonica.” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-names]])\n\n## Part 2: Important Religious and Cultural Concepts\n\n### Trinity\n\nIn this letter, the doctrine of the Holy Trinity finds solid support. The terms: God, Father, Son, Lord, Jesus, and Holy Spirit appear numerous times. (See: [[rc://*/tw/dict/bible/kt/god]])\n\n### The gospel\n\nIn this letter, Paul frequently refers to the apostles ministry of the gospel and uses different phrases to communicate the concept of Gods good news about Jesus Christ. (See: [[rc://*/tw/dict/bible/kt/goodnews]])\n\n### Prayer\n\nPaul reassures the Thessalonians that his group of apostles frequently prays for them (See [1:2](../01/02.md)). He also gives instructions about prayer (See [5:2](../05/02.md)), and asks the Thessalonians to pray for them (See [5:25](../05/25.md)). (See: [[rc://*/tw/dict/bible/kt/pray]])\n\n### Faith and Faithfulness\n\nThrough the letter the Thessalonians are commended for their faithfulness to God. They are reminded to trust God and remain faithful to gospel living. (See: [[rc://*/tw/dict/bible/kt/faithful]], [[rc://*/tw/dict/bible/kt/faith]])\n\n### Apostolic authority\n\nMuch of this letter is a defense of the apostles authority, based on their teaching and living. The term “apostles” is used in [2:6](../02/06.md)) to reinforce that Paul, Silvanus, and Timothy are sent by God. (See: [[rc://*/tw/dict/bible/kt/apostle]])\n\n### Second Coming of Christ\n\nPaul wrote much in this letter about Jesus eventual return to Earth. When Jesus returns, he will judge all mankind. He will also rule over creation, and there will be peace everywhere.\n\n### The fate of reposed Christians\n\nPaul made clear that those who die before Christs return will come back to life and be with Jesus. They will not remain dead forever. Paul wrote this to encourage the Thessalonians, for some of them worried that those Christians who died would miss the great “day of the Lord” when Jesus returns.\n\n### Idolatry\n\nThe Greek and Roman cultural background in Thessalonica meant that many members of the church were former pagans who practiced some sort of idolatry (See [1:9](../01/09.md)(See: [[rc://*/tw/dict/bible/other/image]]).\n\n### Suffering\n\nMuch of this letter addresses both the sufferings of the apostles and the Thessalonian church for faithfulness to the gospel. (See: [[rc://*/tw/dict/bible/other/afflict]], [[rc://*/tw/dict/bible/other/persecute]], [[rc://*/tw/dict/bible/other/suffer]])\n\n### Sanctification\n\nThe concept of holiness is prevalent in this letter. Chapter four discusses how a Christian should practice a holy life. (See: [[rc://*/tw/dict/bible/kt/sanctify]])\n\n## Part 3: Important Translation Issues\n\n### What did Paul mean by expressions like “in Christ” and “in Christ Jesus” and “in the Lord Jesus Christ” and “in God the Father” and “in the Holy Spirit”?\n\nPaul meant to express the idea of a union between God and Christians that includes all three persons of the Trinity. Please see the introduction to the book of Romans for more details about these kinds of expressions.\n\n### What did Paul mean by expressions like “his coming” and “the coming of the Lord Jesus” and “the coming of the Lord Jesus Christ”?\n\nPaul used “coming” in a specific way in relation to Jesus Christ to refer to the time when he will come again to earth, this time displaying his glory and power and gathering his people to himself. Depending on the nuances of your language, you may need to translate this with a special concept or word.\n\n### What did Paul mean by expressions like “the word of God” or “the word of the Lord”?\n\nThroughout this letter, Paul uses these well-known phrases or abbreviations to refer to the gospel message.\n\n### What did Paul mean by expressions like “brothers”?\n\nThroughout this letter, “brothers” is a metaphor that refers to all believers, including females. (See [1:4](../01/04.md); 2:1, 9, 14, 17; 3:7; 4:1, 6, 10, 13; 5:1, 4, 12, 14, 26, 27)\n\n### “We” and “you”\n\nIn this letter, the words “we”, “us,” and “our” refer to Paul, Silvanus, and Timothy, unless otherwise noted. In addition, “we”, “us,” and “our” are used to convey that all three apostles are in agreement with the letter.\n\n### Major textual issues in the text of the book of First Thessalonians\n\nWhen ancient manuscripts of the Bible differ, ULT puts in its text the reading that scholars consider to be the most accurate, but it puts other possibly accurate readings in footnotes. The introductions to each chapter will discuss places where the ancient manuscripts differ in significant ways, and notes will address those places again where they occur in the book. If a translation of the Bible already exists in your region, consider using the readings found in that version. If not, we recommend that you follow the readings in the ULT text. (See: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-textvariants)\n* “Grace and peace to you” (See [1:1](../01/01.md)). Some other manuscripts read: “Grace and peace to you from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.”\n* “but we became little children in the midst of you, as if a mother might comfort her own children” (See [2:7](../02/07.md)). Some other manuscripts read, “Instead, we were as gentle among you as a mother comforting her own children.”\n* “Timothy, our brother and a servant of God” (See [3:2](../03/02.md)). Some other manuscripts read: “Timothy, our brother and fellow worker for God.”\n\n(See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-textvariants]])
31:introy8c50# 1 Thessalonians 1 General Notes\n\n## Structure and Formatting\n\n1. Greeting (1:1)\n2. Prayer of thanksgiving for the Thessalonian church (1:210)\n * Memory of the Thessalonians (1:25)\n * apostolic prayers (1:2)\n * work of the Thessalonians (1:23)\n * Gods election of the Thessalonians (1:45)\n * Thessalonians example (1:610)\n * reception of the apostles teaching (1:6)\n * examples to Macedonia and Achaia (1:710)\n * example of suffering (1:7)\n * preaching of the gospel (1:8)\n * turned away from idolatry to God (1:9)\n * waiting for the Second Coming of Christ (1:10)\n\nVerse 1 formally introduces this letter. Letters in the ancient Near East commonly had introductions of this type in which the senders identified themselves and the recipient and then gave a greeting.\n\n## Special Concepts in this Chapter\n\n### Trinity\n\nGod the Father, God the Son, and God the Holy Spirit are mentioned numerous times in this chapter. Paul can speak of each of them individually, but he describes them working together as God. Make sure that your translation distinguishes between Father, Son, and Holy Spirit but still identifies them as God. \n\n### Imitators and examples\n\nIn [1:8](../01/08.md), Paul describes how the Thessalonians became “imitators” of the apostles and of Jesus. They became “imitators” when they suffered but still experienced joy from the Holy Spirit. Paul then describes how this behavior made them “examples” for other believers to imitate (See: [1:78](../01/07.md)). Make sure that your translation indicates that the Thessalonians are imitating the apostles and Christ, which means that other people should imitate them. \n\n### The second coming\n\nIn [1:10](../01/10.md), Paul refers to the “second coming,” a specific day in the future in which Jesus will come back to earth, all dead people will come back to life, the world will be renewed, and God will judge people, punishing those who have sinned but rewarding those who believe in Jesus and obey him. Pauls focus in this verse is especially on Gods judgment. Consider whether your readers will infer this information from what Paul says in [1:10](../01/10.md) or whether you should include some of this implied information.
41:1ms5erc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicitΠαῦλος, καὶ Σιλουανὸς, καὶ Τιμόθεος; τῇ ἐκκλησίᾳ1Your language may have a particular way of introducing the author of a letter and its intended audience. For example, you may want to indicate that this is a letter. Alternate translation: “I, Paul, along with Silvanus and Timothy, wrote this letter to you, the church”
51:1zivbrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicitΠαῦλος, καὶ Σιλουανὸς, καὶ Τιμόθεος1**Paul** is the author of this letter. **Silvanus and Timothy** are with him as he writes and are in agreement with what he writes. If it would be helpful in your language, you could make this idea more explicit. Alternate translation: “I, Paul, together with Silvanus and Timothy, write”
61:1r7n0rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-namesΣιλουανὸς1The name **Silvanus** is a longer form of the name **Silas**, the form of the name used for this same man in the book of Acts. You could choose to use the shorter form here as well, or you could choose to use the longer form here and include a footnote explaining that they are forms of the same name.
71:1z7wurc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphorἐν Θεῷ Πατρὶ καὶ Κυρίῳ Ἰησοῦ Χριστῷ1Here Paul uses the spatial metaphor **in God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ** to describe the union of believers with **God** and **Christ**. In this case, being **in God** and **Christ**, or united to God and Christ, identifies the Thessalonians as Christians. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use a phrase that indicates that the Thessalonians have a very close relationship with **God** and **Christ**. Alternative translation: “that is united to God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ” or “in union with God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ”
81:1vlb3rc://*/ta/man/translate/guidelines-sonofgodprinciplesΘεῷ Πατρὶ καὶ Κυρίῳ Ἰησοῦ Χριστῷ1When **God** is called **Father**, it highlights his relationship to **Jesus** as “Son” (See [1:10](../01/10.md)). Here, the Old Testament title for **God**, **Lord**, is applied to **Jesus**, equating him with **God**. Be sure to accurately translate these titles in your translation.
91:1luw5rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-blessingχάρις ὑμῖν καὶ εἰρήνη1After stating his name and the people to whom he is writing, Paul adds a blessing. Use a form that people would recognize as a blessing in your language. Alternate translation: “May you experience kindness and peace within you” or “I pray that you will have grace and peace”
101:1qx70rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnounsχάρις ὑμῖν καὶ εἰρήνη1If your language does not use abstract nouns for the ideas of **Grace** and **peace**, you could express the same ideas in another way. Alternate translation: “I pray that God will be favorable to you and give you a peaceful spirit”
111:1nn67rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-youὑμῖν1Throughout this letter the word **you** is plural and refers to the Thessalonian believers, unless otherwise noted.
121:1e5eurc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-textvariantsχάρις ὑμῖν καὶ εἰρήνη1Many ancient manuscripts read **Grace to you and peace**. The ULT follows that reading. Other ancient manuscripts read “Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.” 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.
131:2of3grc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-infostructureεὐχαριστοῦμεν τῷ Θεῷ πάντοτε περὶ πάντων ὑμῶν, μνείαν ποιούμενοι ἐπὶ τῶν προσευχῶν ἡμῶν, ἀδιαλείπτως1Here Paul states what he, Silvanus, and Timothy do more specifically first (they **give thanks to God**) and then describes it more generally (they are **making mention** of the Thessalonians). If it would be clearer in your language, you could reverse the order of the clauses. Alternate translation: “We continually make mention of you in our prayers, always giving thanks to God for all of you”
141:2o7cprc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-hyperboleπάντοτε & ἀδιαλείπτως1Paul says **always** and **continually** here as generalizations for emphasis. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use a different way to express the emphasis. Alternate translation: “very regularly … extremely often”
151:2ga1brc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-infostructureμνείαν ποιούμενοι ἐπὶ τῶν προσευχῶν ἡμῶν, ἀδιαλείπτως1Here, the word **continually** could modify: (1) **making mention {of you}**. Alternate translation: “making mention of you continually in our prayers” (2) “remembering” in the following verse ([1:3](../01/03.md)). If you use the following alternate translation, you will need to omit the comma at the end of this verse. Alternate translation: “making mention of you in our prayers, continually”
161:3ecw0rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicitμνημονεύοντες ὑμῶν τοῦ ἔργου τῆς πίστεως, καὶ τοῦ κόπου τῆς ἀγάπης, καὶ τῆς ὑπομονῆς τῆς ἐλπίδος τοῦ Κυρίου ἡμῶν, Ἰησοῦ Χριστοῦ, ἔμπροσθεν τοῦ Θεοῦ καὶ Πατρὸς ἡμῶν;1Here, when Paul says that he and those with him are **remembering** things **before our God and Father**, he means that they are thanking God about specific things. If it would be helpful in your language, you could make this idea more explicit. Alternate translation: “gratefully mentioning to our God and Father your work of faith and labor of love and endurance of hope of our Lord Jesus Christ”
171:3w769rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnounsὑμῶν τοῦ ἔργου τῆς πίστεως, καὶ τοῦ κόπου τῆς ἀγάπης, καὶ τῆς ὑπομονῆς τῆς ἐλπίδος τοῦ Κυρίου ἡμῶν, Ἰησοῦ Χριστοῦ1If your language does not use abstract nouns for the ideas of **faith**, **love**, **endurance**, and **hope**, you could express the same ideas in another way. Alternate translation: “how you work because you believe, and how you labor because you love, and how you endure because you hope in our Lord Jesus Christ”
181:3s8asrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-possessionὑμῶν τοῦ ἔργου τῆς πίστεως1Here, Paul could be using the possessive form to describe **work** that is: (1) a result of **faith**. Alternate translation: “your work produced by faith” (2) a proof of **faith**. Alternate translation: “your work that proves that you have faith”
191:3tq4erc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-possessionτοῦ κόπου τῆς ἀγάπης1Here, Paul could be using the possessive form to describe **labor** that is: (1) a result of **love** for other believers. Alternate translation: “labor produced by love for others” (2) a result of **love** for God. Alternate translation: “labor produced by love for God” (3) a proof of **love**. Alternate translation: “labor that proves that you have love”
201:3mshsrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-possessionτῆς ὑπομονῆς τῆς ἐλπίδος1Here, Paul could be using the possessive form to describe **endurance** that is: (1) a result of **hope**. Alternate translation: “endurance produced by hope” (2) a characteristic of **hope**. Alternate translation: “enduring hope”
211:3kr8qrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-possessionτῆς ἐλπίδος τοῦ Κυρίου ἡμῶν, Ἰησοῦ Χριστοῦ1Here, Paul is using the possessive form to describe a **hope** that is about **our Lord Jesus Christ**. If it would be helpful in your language, you could express the idea in another way. Alternate translation: “of hope in our Lord Jesus Christ”
221:3tvrgrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-hendiadysτοῦ Θεοῦ καὶ Πατρὸς ἡμῶν1Here, **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. Alternate translation: “God our Father” or “our Father God”
231:3v01erc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-exclusiveἡμῶν1Here, the word **our** includes Paul, Silvanus, Timothy, the Thessalonians, and all believers. Your language may require you to mark this form.
241:4psc4rc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-logic-resultεἰδότες1Here, the word **knowing** introduces a reason why Paul and those with him give thanks to God (See: [1:2](../01/02.md)). If it would be helpful in your language, you could use a word or phrase that introduces a reason. Alternate translation: “that is because we know” or “since we know”
251:4erb6rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphorἀδελφοὶ1Paul 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: “believers”
261:4egkqrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-gendernotationsἀδελφοὶ1Although the term **brothers** is masculine, Paul is using the word in a generic sense that includes both men and women. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use a phrase that makes this clear. Alternate translation: “brothers and sisters”
271:4j08trc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassiveἠγαπημένοι ὑπὸ τοῦ Θεοῦ1If 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: “whom God is loving”
281:4ohtlrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnounsτὴν ἐκλογὴν ὑμῶν,1If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea of **election**, you could express the same idea in another way. Alternate translation: “that you have been chosen” or “that God has selected you”
291:5jxfsrc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-logic-resultὅτι1Here, **because** introduces a reason why Paul and those with him are sure about the Thessalonians “election” (See: [1:4](../01/04.md)). If it would be helpful in your language, you could use a word or phrase that introduces a reason for a previous statement. Alternate translation: “which we are sure about because”
301:5ude4rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-personificationτὸ εὐαγγέλιον ἡμῶν οὐκ ἐγενήθη εἰς ὑμᾶς1Here, Paul speaks of **our gospel** as if it were a person who could **come to you**. He means that the Thessalonians heard the gospel from Paul and his fellow workers. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “you did not receive our gospel”
311:5sm4jrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymyἐν λόγῳ1Paul is using the term **word** to refer to speaking words. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “in speech” or “in spoken words”
321:5t1w3rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnounsἐν δυνάμει, καὶ ἐν Πνεύματι Ἁγίῳ, καὶ πληροφορίᾳ πολλῇ1If your language does not use abstract nouns for the ideas of **power** and **assurance**, you could express the same ideas in another way. Alternate translation: “in us acting powerfully and in the Holy Spirit working and in us being fully assured”
331:5kjinrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicitἐν δυνάμει, καὶ ἐν Πνεύματι Ἁγίῳ, καὶ πληροφορίᾳ πολλῇ1Here Paul could mean that: (1) Paul and those with him preached the gospel with **power** and with the help of **the Holy Spirit** and with **much assurance** that what they preached was true. Alternate translation: “we preached with power and with the Holy Spirit and with much assurance that it is true” (2) the Thessalonians experienced **power** and **the Holy Spirit** and **much assurance** when they heard the gospel. Alternate translation: “you experienced its power and the presence of the Holy Spirit and much assurance that it is true”
341:5wdr7rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicitκαθὼς οἴδατε οἷοι1Here, the phrase **just as you know** could introduce: (1) a basis for Pauls claim about how the Thessalonians experienced the gospel. Alternate translation: “and you know that is true because you remember what kind of men” (2) a comparison between what Paul has said about how the Thessalonians experienced the gospel and what the Thessalonians know about Paul and his fellow workers. Alternate translation: “and that fits with what you know about what kind of men”
351:6kgjrrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rpronounsὑμεῖς & ἐγενήθητε1Here, the word translated **yourselves** emphasizes **you**. Consider using a natural way to emphasize **you** in your language. Alternate translation: “you indeed became” or “it is you who became”
361:6cs49rc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-time-simultaneousδεξάμενοι1Here, the phrase **having received** could introduce: (1) the way in which the Thessalonians **became imitators**. Alternate translation: “that is, you received” (2) when the Thessalonians **became imitators**. Alternate translation: “which you did when you received”
371:6c2hlrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymyτὸν λόγον1Here, **the word** represents a message that is made up of words, specifically the gospel. If it would be helpful in your language, you could express the idea in another way. Alternate translation: “the gospel message” or “the words of the gospel”
381:6wurarc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnounsἐν θλίψει πολλῇ1If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea of **affliction**, you could express the idea in another way. Alternate translation: “while being afflicted” or “while people made you suffer”
391:6r7o6rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnounsμετὰ χαρᾶς Πνεύματος Ἁγίου1If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea of **joy**, you could express the idea in another way. Alternate translation: “rejoicing because of the Holy Spirit”
401:6ohenrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-possessionμετὰ χαρᾶς Πνεύματος Ἁγίου1Here, Paul is using the possessive form to describe **joy** that is given by **the Holy Spirit**. If this is not clear in your language, you could express the idea in another way. Alternate translation: “with joy from the Holy Spirit” or “with joy given by the Holy Spirit”
411:7lwbmrc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-logic-resultὥστε1Here, the phrase **so that** introduces a result from how the Thessalonians became imitators of Paul, his fellow workers, and the Lord (See: [1:6](../01/06.md)). If it would be helpful in your language, you could use a word or phrase that introduces a result. Alternate translation: “As a result” or “So”
421:7et1hrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnounsγενέσθαι ὑμᾶς τύπους πᾶσιν τοῖς πιστεύουσιν ἐν τῇ Μακεδονίᾳ καὶ ἐν τῇ Ἀχαΐᾳ1If your language would not use the abstract noun **examples**, you could express the idea in another way. Alternate translation: “you showed all the ones believing in Macedonia and in Achaia how to behave” or “all the believers in Macedonia and Achaia started to copy how you live”
431:7xetprc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-namesἐν τῇ Μακεδονίᾳ καὶ ἐν τῇ Ἀχαΐᾳ1The word **Achaia** is the name of a Roman province in the southern part of modern-day Greece. The word **Macedonia** is the same of a Roman province in the northern part of modern-day Greece. If it would be helpful in your language, you could clarify that these words are names of provinces or regions. Alternate translation: “in the regions of Macedonia and Achaia”
441:8smjvrc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-words-phrasesγὰρ1Here, the word **For** introduces an explanation of how the Thessalonians became examples throughout Macedonia and Achaia. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use a word or phrase that introduces an explanation. Alternate translation: “More specifically,” or “Indeed,”
451:8da73rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassiveἀφ’ ὑμῶν & ἐξήχηται ὁ λόγος τοῦ Κυρίου1If 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: “you have sounded out the word of the Lord”
461:8qyk6rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymyὁ λόγος τοῦ Κυρίου1Paul is using the term **word** to refer to the message about **the Lord**, which is the gospel. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “the good news about the Lord”
471:8sht4rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphorἐξήχηται1Here, Paul speaks as if the Thessalonians were playing an instrument that makes a sound that can be heard from far away. He means that people in many places hear **the word of the Lord** because of how the Thessalonians act. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use a comparable figure of speech or express the idea plainly. Alternate translation: “has shone forth” or “has been heard”
481:8w8b3rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-namesἐν τῇ Μακεδονίᾳ καὶ ἐν τῇ Ἀχαΐᾳ1See how you translated the similar phrases in [1:7](../01/07.md). Alternate translation: “in the regions of Macedonia and Achaia”
491:8lxc3rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-personificationἐν παντὶ τόπῳ ἡ πίστις ὑμῶν ἡ πρὸς τὸν Θεὸν ἐξελήλυθεν1Here Paul speaks as if the Thessalonians **faith** were a person who could travel to many places. He means that people in many places have heard about their **faith**. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “people have heard about your faith toward God in every place” or “news of your trust in God has been heard in every place”
501:8esk9rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymyἡ πίστις ὑμῶν1Here, the word **faith** represents knowledge about the Thessalonians **faith**. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use an equivalent expression from your language or state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “the news about your faith” or “knowledge concerning your faith”
511:8bvkfrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnounsἡ πίστις ὑμῶν ἡ πρὸς1If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea of **faith**, you could express the same idea in another way. Alternate translation: “the way that you believe in”
521:8wtg5rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-hyperboleἐν παντὶ τόπῳ1Here Paul speaks as if people in **every place** know about Thessalonians faith. The Thessalonians would have understood him to mean that their faith is known in many places, or in every place that Paul and his fellow workers visit. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “into every place we go” or “throughout the world”
531:8z9eurc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicitλαλεῖν τι1Here Paul implies that he does not **need to say anything** about the Thessalonians **faith**. If it would be helpful in your language, you could express this idea more explicitly. Alternate translation: “to say anything about your faith”
541:9nswsrc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-words-phrasesγὰρ1Here, the word **For** introduces a reason why Paul and his fellow workers do not need to say anything about the Thessalonians (See: [1:8](../01/08.md)). If it would be helpful in your language, you could use a word or phrase that introduces a reason. Alternate translation: “In fact,” or “That is because”
551:9vfa3rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-pronounsαὐτοὶ & ἀπαγγέλλουσιν1Here, the phrase **they themselves** refers to everyone who has heard about the Thessalonians faith. If it would be helpful in your language, you could make the pronouns more explicit. Alternate translation: “they themselves who have heard about your faith report”
561:9rd2brc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rpronounsαὐτοὶ & ἀπαγγέλλουσιν1Here, the word translated **themselves** emphasizes **they**. Consider using a natural way to emphasize **they** in your language. Alternate translation: “they indeed report” or “it is they who report”
571:9qrafrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-exclusiveἡμῶν1Here, the word **us** could include: (1) just Paul and his fellow workers. Alternate translation: “us who preached the good news” (2) Paul, his fellow workers, and the Thessalonians. Alternate translation: “you and us”
581:9xeffrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicitὁποίαν εἴσοδον ἔσχομεν πρὸς ὑμᾶς1Here Paul refers to his and his fellow workers visit to the Thessalonians as an **entrance**. He implies that the Thessalonians welcomed him and that it was a good visit. If it would be helpful in your language, you could express this idea more explicitly. Alternate translation: “what a good visit we had with you” or “the wonderful way in which we visited you”
591:9usherc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-exclusiveἔσχομεν1Here, the word **we** refers only to Paul and his fellow workers. It does not include the Thessalonians.
601:9u1umrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphorἐπεστρέψατε πρὸς τὸν Θεὸν ἀπὸ τῶν εἰδώλων1Paul speaks of the Thessalonians as if they had been facing toward their **idols** and then **turned** around to face toward **God**. He means that they no longer worship idols, but now they worship God. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use a similar figure of speech or express the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “you started worshiping God and left the idols behind” or “you abandoned the idols for Gods sake”
611:9fa47rc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-logic-goalδουλεύειν1Here, the phrase **to serve** could introduce: (1) the purpose for which the Thessalonians **turned**. Alternate translation: “in order to serve” (2) a restatement of what it means for the Thessalonians to have **turned**. Alternate translation: “that is, you chose to serve” (3) the result the Thessalonians having **turned**. Alternate translation: “with the result that you serve”
621:9ou5hrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicitΘεῷ ζῶντι καὶ ἀληθινῷ1Here, the phrase **living and true God** identifies God as the one who lives and is truly God. The point is that God actually lives, unlike idols and other things that people may call gods, and that God really is God. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use a word or phrase that emphasizes that God really lives and is the true God. Alternate translation: “the real God who actually lives” or “the only true God”
631:10wkt5rc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-logic-goalκαὶ ἀναμένειν1The phrase **to wait** is parallel with the phrase “to serve” in the previous verse ([1:9](../01/09.md)). Introduce it the same way you introduced “to serve.” Alternate translation: “and in order to wait for” or “and with the result that you wait for”
641:10og49rc://*/ta/man/translate/guidelines-sonofgodprinciplesτὸν Υἱὸν αὐτοῦ1**Son** is an important title for Jesus that describes his relationship to God the Father.
651:10wil8rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicitἐκ τῶν οὐρανῶν1Here Paul assumes that the Thessalonians know that Jesus ascended into **the heavens** and will someday come back to earth from there. If it would be helpful in your language, you could make this information more explicit. Alternate translation: “to return from his place in the heavens” or “to come back to earth after he ascended into the heavens”
661:10ffrorc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiomἤγειρεν ἐκ τῶν νεκρῶν1Here, the phrase **raised from the dead** refers to someone who died and came back to life. If your language does not use **raised** to describe coming back to life, you can use a comparable idiom or express the idea plainly. Alternate translation: “he restored to life after he had died”
671:10r3nlrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-nominaladjτῶν νεκρῶν1Paul is using the adjective **dead** as a noun in order to refer to all people who are **dead**. Your language may use adjectives in the same way. If not, you could translate this one with a noun phrase. Alternate translation: “the dead people” or “the corpses”
681:10dbclrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-distinguishἸησοῦν, τὸν ῥυόμενον ἡμᾶς1The clause **the one rescuing us** is functioning as an adjective that describes Jesus in his role as rescuer. Paul is not distinguishing between more than one **Jesus**. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use a form that makes this explicit. Alternate translation: “Jesus, our rescuer” or “Jesus, who rescues us”
691:10pt1src://*/ta/man/translate/figs-exclusiveἡμᾶς1Here, the word **us** includes Paul, Silvanus, Timothy, and the Thessaloniansand by extension—all Christians. Your language may require you to mark these forms. Alternate translation: “all of us Christians” or “all of us believers in Christ”
701:10g3zzrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnounsἐκ τῆς ὀργῆς τῆς ἐρχομένης1If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea of **wrath**, you could express the same idea in another way. Alternate translation: “from the time when God punishes people” or “so that God does not punish us in the future”
711:10cx5grc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-personificationτῆς ὀργῆς τῆς ἐρχομένης1Paul speaks of **wrath** as though it were someone who could travel and is **coming** to where people are. He means that in the future God will act wrathfully against people who have sinned and who have not trusted in Jesus to forgive their sins. If it would be helpful in your language, you could express this plainly. Alternate translation: “Gods judgment that will happen” or “when God will punish people for sin”
722:introkt5l0# 1 Thessalonians 2 General Notes\n\n## Structure and Formatting\n\n1. Apostolic Suffering (2:113)\n * Apostolic preaching (2:16)\n * Apostolic conduct (2:79)\n * Apostolic witness (2:103)\n2. Persecution of the Church (2:1416)\n * Thessalonian persecution (2:14a)\n * Jewish persecution (2:14b16)\n3. Pauls Desire to Visit (2:1720)\n\nThe first part of this chapter is a description of how Paul and his fellow workers preached the gospel to the Thessalonians. The second part is a recounting of the Thessalonian churchs sufferings. The third part is an expression of Pauls deep desire to visit the Thessalonian church.\n\n## Special Concepts in this Chapter\n\n### Pauls previous visit with the Thessalonians\n\nBefore he wrote this letter, Paul had briefly visited the city of Thessalonica and preached the gospel. He may have been in this city for only three weeks (See: [Acts 17:2](../act/17/02.md)), but many people still believed in Jesus during this time. They started the church of the Thessalonians, to whom Paul wrote this letter. However, Paul had to leave the city quickly because some Jewish people started a riot and tried to seize Paul and his fellow workers. You can read about this story in [Acts 17:110](../act/17/01.md). In this chapter, Paul describes how he and his fellow workers acted when he visited them, and he describes how the believers responded (See: [2:113](../02/01.md)). He also refers to how some Jewish people persecuted him and his fellow workers (See: [2:1516](../02/15.md)). Finally, he describes how he wants to visit them again after he and his fellow workers had to leave so soon (See: [2:1720](../02/17.md)). \n\n### God and the Thessalonians as “witnesses”\n\nIn [2:5](../02/05.md) and [2:10](../02/10.md), Paul names God as a “witness” to what he is saying, and he also names the Thessalonians as “witnesses” in [2:10](../02/10.md). Witnesses testify about whether something is true, so Paul names God and the Thessalonians as witnesses to show the Thessalonians that what he is saying is true. Your language may have a specific form for appealing to someone to guarantee that a statement is true. \n\n### “The Jews”\n\nIn [2:1416](../02/14.md), Paul refers to people whom he calls “the Jews.” He does not mean Jewish people in general, since he refers to “the churches of God that are in Judea” as a separate group, and most if not all of these people were Jewish. Paul himself clarifies that he means “the ones having killed both the Lord Jesus and the prophets and having persecuted us.” This does not describe one group of people, since many of the people who killed Gods “prophets” died before Jesus came. What it does describe is a type of person: a person who opposes God and his messengers. When Paul refers to “the Jews” in this chapter, then, he is referring to Jewish people who oppose God and his messengers. You may need to make this more explicit in your translation. (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])\n\n## Important Figures of Speech in this Chapter\n\n### Figures of speech related to families\n\nIn this chapter, Paul describes himself and his fellow workers as “little children” ([2:7](../02/07.md)), “mothers” ([2:7](../02/07.md)), and “fathers” ([2:11](../02/11.md)). He also refers to the Thessalonians as “brothers” ([2:1](../02/01.md), [9](../02/09.md), [14](../02/14.md), [17](../02/17.md)). Paul describes himself and his fellow workers in these ways to show the Thessalonians that he and his fellow workers love and care about them as if they were members of the same family. Paul especially emphasizes this since he was only with the Thessalonians for a short period of time. If possible, preserve the figures of speech that describe the Thessalonians and Paul and his fellow workers as members of the same family.\n\n## Other Possible Translation Difficulties in this Chapter\n\n### “We” and “You”\n\nIn this chapter, the words “we,” “us,” and “our” always refer to Paul and his fellow workers, particularly Silvanus and Timothy. These words 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]])
732:1ii5jrc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-words-phrasesγὰρ1Here, the word **For** introduces a longer explanation of the “entrance” that Paul and his fellow workers had among the Thessalonians (See: [1:9](../01/09.md)). This explanation is found in [2:112](../02/01.md). If it would be helpful in your language, you could use a word or phrase that introduces an explanation of a previous statement. Alternate translation: “Concerning our entrance to you,” or “Now about your visit,”
742:1gpr4rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rpronounsαὐτοὶ & οἴδατε1Here, 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”
752:1tdl3rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphorἀδελφοί1Paul 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: “fellow Christians”
762:1r14zrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-gendernotationsἀδελφοί1Although 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.
772:1r6cyrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicitτὴν εἴσοδον ἡμῶν τὴν πρὸς ὑμᾶς1Here, just as in [1:9](../01/09.md), Paul refers to his and his fellow workers visit to the Thessalonians as an **entrance**. If it would be helpful in your language, you could make this idea more explicit. Alternate translation: “that our visit with you” or “that our time with you”
782:1g6qqrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-exclusiveτὴν εἴσοδον ἡμῶν1Here, the word **our** includes Paul, Silvanus, and Timothy but not the Thessalonians. Your language may require you to mark this form. Alternate translation: “the entrance of me, Silvanus, and Timothy”
792:1w584rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-litotesοὐ κενὴ γέγονεν1Paul is using a figure of speech here that expresses a strongly positive meaning by using a negative word, **not**, together with an expression that is the opposite of the intended meaning, **in vain**. If it would be helpful in your language, you could express the positive meaning. Alternate translation: “has definitely been worthwhile” or “has been very useful”
802:2nt5nrc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-logic-contrastἀλλὰ1Here, the word **But** introduces a contrast with how Paul and his fellow workers might have visited the Thessalonians “in vain” (See: [2:1](../02/01.md)). If it would be helpful in your language, you could use a word or phrase that introduces this kind of contrast. Alternate translation: “Rather,” or “Instead of acting in vain,”
812:2h9s8rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-backgroundπροπαθόντες καὶ ὑβρισθέντες, καθὼς οἴδατε, ἐν Φιλίπποις1These words provide background information about what happened when Paul, Silvanus, and Timothy were in the city of Philippi. You can read about this in [Acts 16:1640](../act/16/16.md). Use a natural form in your language for expressing background information. Alternate translation: “even though we suffered and were shamefully treated when we were in Philippi, just as you know”
822:2w0qurc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-logic-contrastπροπαθόντες καὶ ὑβρισθέντες1Here, the phrases **having previously suffered and having been shamefully treated** refer to something that contrasts with **we were bold**. If it would be helpful in your language, you could introduce the phrases **having previously suffered and having been shamefully treated** with a word or phrase that introduces a contrast or something that is unexpected. Alternate translation: “despite having previously suffered and having been shamefully treated” or “even though we suffered previously and were shamefully treated”
832:2fac4rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-doubletπροπαθόντες καὶ ὑβρισθέντες1These two phrases mean basically the same thing. The repetition is used to emphasize how badly the apostles suffered. If your language does not use repetition in this way, you can combine these phrases. Alternate translation: “having earlier suffered violently” or “having already been shamefully abused”
842:2f5d2rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassiveὑβρισθέντες1If 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: “having experienced shameful treatment” or “people having shamefully treated us”
852:2clqqrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-infostructureἀλλὰ προπαθόντες καὶ ὑβρισθέντες, καθὼς οἴδατε, ἐν Φιλίπποις1Here Paul includes the phrase **just as you know** at the end of the information that he says they **know**. If it would be helpful in your language, you could move **just as you know** to wherever it would be natural in your language. Alternate translation: “But, just as you know, having previously suffered and having been shamefully treated at Philippi”
862:2ddlxrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphorἐν τῷ Θεῷ ἡμῶν1Here Paul uses the spatial metaphor **in God** to describe the union of believers with **God**. In this case, being **in God**, or united to God, explains how Paul and his fellow workers were able to be **bold**. Paul could mean more specifically that: (1) **God** enabled them to be bold. Alternate translation: “with boldness from God” (2) they were bold because of their union with **God**. Alternate translation: “because of our union with God”
872:2daeirc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-possessionτὸ εὐαγγέλιον τοῦ Θεοῦ1Here, Paul is using the possessive form to describe a **gospel** that relates to **God**. More specifically, the **gospel** could: (1) come from God. Alternate translation: “the gospel that God gave us” (2) be about God. Alternate translation: “the gospel about God”
882:2v4dgrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicitἐν πολλῷ ἀγῶνι1Here, the phrase **much struggle** could refer: (1) generally to how difficult preaching the gospel was. Alternate translation: “in great difficulty” (2) specifically to people who opposed Paul. Alternate translation: “in much opposition”
892:3hl9crc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-words-phrasesγὰρ1Here, the word **For** introduces an explanation of how Paul and his fellow workers spoke the gospel. 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: “Here is how we spoke:” or “Indeed,”
902:3xg1crc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnounsἡ & παράκλησις ἡμῶν οὐκ ἐκ πλάνης, οὐδὲ ἐξ ἀκαθαρσίας, οὐδὲ ἐν δόλῳ1If your language does not use nouns for some or all of the ideas in this verse, you can express the ideas in another way. Alternate translation: “when we appealed to you, we did not lead you astray, nor did we speak impurely, nor did we deceive you”
912:3sckcrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicitἡ & παράκλησις ἡμῶν1Here Paul could be implying that this **exhortation** was addressed to: (1) the Thessalonians specifically. Alternate translation: “our exhortation to you” (2) anyone to whom Paul and his fellow workers proclaim the gospel. Alternate translation: “our exhortation to people”
922:3mzm6rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicitοὐκ ἐκ πλάνης1Here Paul could be implying that the **exhortation** was not **from error** because: (1) he and his fellow workers did not try to convince the Thessalonians to believe what is wrong. Alternate translation: “was neither from false teaching” (2) he and his fellow workers did not believe what is wrong. Alternate translation: “was neither from our false beliefs”
932:4m8sqrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-infostructureκαθὼς δεδοκιμάσμεθα ὑπὸ τοῦ Θεοῦ, πιστευθῆναι τὸ εὐαγγέλιον, οὕτως λαλοῦμεν1Here Paul describes the manner in which he and his fellow workers **speak** something before he says that they **speak**. If it would be helpful in your language, you could rearrange the elements so that Paul says what he is doing before he describes the manner in which he does it. Alternate translation: “we speak as those who have been examined by God to be entrusted with the gospel”
942:4ue4yrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassiveδεδοκιμάσμεθα ὑπὸ τοῦ Θεοῦ, πιστευθῆναι1If 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: “God has examined us to entrust us with”
952:4lfv7rc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-logic-resultπιστευθῆναι1Here, the phrase **to be entrusted** introduces the result of being **examined by God**. Paul implies that God approved of them when he **examined** them, and so they were **entrusted with the gospel**. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use a form that introduces the result of a test or examination. Alternate translation: “with the result that we were entrusted with” or “and approved to be entrusted with”
962:4qqj2rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-ellipsisἀλλὰ Θεῷ1Paul 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: “but as pleasing to God”
972:4bq9arc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymyτὰς καρδίας ἡμῶν1In Pauls culture, the heart is the place where humans think and plan. If it would be helpful in your language, you could refer to the place where humans think in your culture or express the idea plainly. Alternate translation: “our minds” or “what we think”
982:5xk2orc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-words-phrasesγάρ1Here, the word **For** introduces further explanation of how Paul and his fellow workers spoke and acted. 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: “Further,” or “Even more,”
992:5hqihrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-infostructureοὔτε γάρ ποτε ἐν λόγῳ κολακίας ἐγενήθημεν, καθὼς οἴδατε1Here Paul includes the phrase **just as you know** in the middle of the information that he says they know. If it would be helpful in your language, you could move **just as you know** to wherever it would be natural in your language. See how you translated the similar form in [2:2](../02/02.md). Alternate translation: “For, just as you know, we were not at that time in a word of flattery”
1002:5qjtyrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicitποτε1Here, the phrase **at that time** refers to the time when Paul and his fellow workers visited the Thessalonians. If it would be helpful in your language, you could make this idea more explicit. Alternate translation: “at the time of our visit”
1012:5lkx2rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymyἐν λόγῳ κολακίας1Paul is using the term **word** to mean a message in words. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “in a message of flattery” or “in speech of flattery”
1022:5ulcmrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnounsλόγῳ κολακίας1If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea of **flattery**, you could express the same idea in another way. Alternate translation: “a flattering word”
1032:5q2yhrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-possessionπροφάσει πλεονεξίας1Here, Paul is using the possessive form to describe a **pretext** that hides or disguises **greed**. If this is not clear in your language, you could express the idea in another way. Alternate translation: “a pretext for greed” or “a pretext that hides greed”
1042:5oh2orc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnounsἐν προφάσει πλεονεξίας1If your language does not use abstract nouns for the ideas of **pretext** and **greed**, you could express the same ideas in another way. Alternate translation: “by disguising how greedy we might have been” or “being greedy and trying to hide it”
1052:5lfymrc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-oathformula(Θεὸς μάρτυς)1The phrase **God {is} witness** is an oath formula. Use a natural way in your language to express an oath. Alternate translation: “we swear by God” or “as God knows”
1062:6afccrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnounsἐξ ἀνθρώπων δόξαν, οὔτε ἀφ’ ὑμῶν, οὔτε ἀπ’ ἄλλων1If your language does not use the abstract noun **glory**, you could express the idea in another way. Alternate translation: “for men, neither you nor others, to praise us”
1072:6j6c4rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-gendernotationsἀνθρώπων1Although the term **men** is masculine, Paul is using the word in a generic sense that includes both men and women. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use a phrase that makes this clear. Alternate translation: “humans” or “men and women”
1082:7a75zrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphorδυνάμενοι ἐν βάρει εἶναι1Here Paul speaks as if he and his fellow workers could have made the Thessalonians carry something heavy. He means that he and his fellow workers could have made the Thessalonians lives harder. More specifically, the **burden** could be: (1) Paul and his fellow workers demanding respect and obedience. Alternate translation: “being able to require your obedience” (2) Paul and his fellow workers demanding money and other things. Alternate translation: “being able to demand money from you”
1092:7y3birc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphorἐγενήθημεν νήπιοι1Here, Paul speaks as if he and his fellow workers **became little children**. He means that they treated the Thessalonians gently and did not use their authority. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly or use a simile. Alternate translation: “we acted as mild as infants” or “we behaved gently”
1102:7u7y2rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-textvariantsνήπιοι1Here, many ancient manuscripts read **little children**. The ULT follows that reading. Other ancient manuscripts read “gentle.” 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.
1112:7bnp2ἐν μέσῳ ὑμῶν1Alternate translation: “among you” or “when we visited you”
1122:7ag1lrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-simileὡς ἐὰν τροφὸς θάλπῃ τὰ ἑαυτῆς τέκνα1The point of this comparison is that in the same way a **mother** would gently **comfort her own children**, so the apostles gently and affectionately cared for the Thessalonians. If it would be helpful in your language , you could make the meaning more explicit. Alternate translation: “and we loved you like mother who affectionately cares for her own children” or “as we affectionately cared for you”
1132:7q9bvrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-infostructureἐν μέσῳ ὑμῶν, ὡς ἐὰν τροφὸς θάλπῃ τὰ ἑαυτῆς τέκνα1Here, the clause **as if a mother might comfort her own children** could be: (1) a further explanation of what Paul has already said about how they acted like **children**. Alternate translation: “in the midst of you, just as a mother might comfort her own children” (2) a description of what he is about to say about how they long for the Thessalonians (See: [2:8](../02/08.md)). If you use the following alternate translation, you will need to to continue the sentence in the following verse instead of starting a new sentence there. Alternate translation: “in the midst of you. As a mother might comfort her own children,”
1142:8r8b4rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicitοὕτως1Here, the phrase **in this manner** could: (1) refer back to what Paul said in the previous verse about how he and his fellow workers love and care for the Thessalonians as if they were the Thessalonians mothers. Alternate translation: “in that very way” or “as a mother does” (2) make the word **longing** stronger. Alternate translation: “so very much” (3) refer ahead to what Paul and his fellow workers did because of their **longing**. Alternate translation: “in the following way:”
1152:8oxdmrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassiveεὐδοκοῦμεν1If 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: “we were happy” or “we considered it good”
1162:8pjp6rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-possessionτὸ εὐαγγέλιον τοῦ Θεοῦ1Here, Paul is using the possessive form to describe **the gospel** that relates to **God** (See: the similar phrase in [2:2](../02/02.md)). More specifically, the **gospel** could: (1) come from **God**. Alternate translation: “the gospel that God gave us” (2) be about **God**. Alternate translation: “the gospel about God”
1172:8q86vrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymyτὰς ἑαυτῶν ψυχάς1Here, the word **souls** represents people and focuses particularly on who people are and what they do. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use an equivalent expression from your language or state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “our own selves”
1182:9v837rc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-words-phrasesγάρ1Here, the word **For** introduces a reason why the Thessalonians should believe Paul when he writes that he and his fellow workers loved and cared for the them. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use a word or phrase that introduces a reason or basis for a claim, or you could leave **For** untranslated. Alternate translation: “You know that is true because” or “In fact,”
1192:9gxvcrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphorἀδελφοί1Paul 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: “believers”
1202:9exw6rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-gendernotationsἀδελφοί1Although the term **brothers** is masculine, Paul is using the word here in a generic sense that includes both males and females. Alternate translation: “brothers and sisters” or “siblings”
1212:9tc98rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-doubletτὸν κόπον ἡμῶν καὶ τὸν μόχθον1Here, **labor** and **toil** mean basically the same thing. The repetition emphasizes how hard the apostles worked. If it would be clearer for your readers, you could express the emphasis with a single phrase. Alternate translation: “our toilsome labor” or “how hard we worked”
1222:9ylklrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiomνυκτὸς καὶ ἡμέρας1Here, the phrase **night and day** indicates that Paul and his fellow workers worked during both the day and the night. This means that they worked very much 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”
1232:9kedfrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphorπρὸς τὸ μὴ ἐπιβαρῆσαί τινα ὑμῶν1Here Paul speaks of asking for money as if it were a heavy **burden** that he and his fellow workers could have asked the Thessalonians to carry for them. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use a comparable figure of speech or plain language. Alternative translation, “so that none of you would have to support us financially” or “in order not to make life hard for any of you”
1242:9ezqnrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-possessionτὸ εὐαγγέλιον τοῦ Θεοῦ1Here, Paul is using the possessive form to describe **the gospel** that relates to **God** (See: the similar phrase in [2:8](../02/08.md)). More specifically, the **gospel** could: (1) come from **God**. Alternate translation: “the gospel that God gave us” (2) be about **God**. Alternate translation: “the gospel about God”
1252:10re18rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphorὑμεῖς μάρτυρες καὶ ὁ Θεός, ὡς1Here Paul speaks as if he were summoning both the Thessalonians and God as **witnesses** to testify on their behalf before a judge. He means that the both the Thessalonians and God know how he and his fellow workers acted. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use a similar figure of speech or state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “You and God can declare how” or “You and God know how”
1262:10il3erc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-doubletὡς ὁσίως, καὶ δικαίως, καὶ ἀμέμπτως1The terms **piously**, **righteously**, and **blamelessly** mean similar things. Paul is using the three terms together for emphasis. If it would be clearer for your readers, you could express the emphasis with only one or two terms. Alternate translation: “righteously” or “properly and and purely”
1272:11oug6rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-ellipsisὡς ἕνα ἕκαστον ὑμῶν, ὡς πατὴρ τέκνα ἑαυτοῦ1Paul 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 the previous verse if it would be clearer in your language (See: [2:10](../02/10.md)). Alternate translation: “how we were with each one of you as a father is with his own children” or “how we treated each one of you as a father treats his own children”
1282:11i58mrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-simileὡς πατὴρ τέκνα ἑαυτοῦ1The point of Pauls comparison is that Paul and his fellow workers are like fathers who model and instruct proper behavior for their **children**. If it would be helpful in your language, you could make the meaning more explicit. Alternate translation: “as a father teaches and trains his own children” or “we taught and disciplined you as fathers do with their own children”
1292:12clhgrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicitπαρακαλοῦντες ὑμᾶς, καὶ παραμυθούμενοι, καὶ μαρτυρόμενοι1Here, the words **exhorting**, **encouraging**, and **testifying** describe ways in which Paul and his fellow workers acted like fathers. If it would be helpful in your language, you could make this idea more explicit. Alternate translation: “by exhorting you and encouraging you and testifying to you”
1302:12m91erc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-doubletπαρακαλοῦντες ὑμᾶς, καὶ παραμυθούμενοι1The terms **exhorting** and **encouraging** 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: “exhorting you”
1312:12obherc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicitμαρτυρόμενοι1Here Paul could be implying that he and his fellow workers testify: (1) about how believers should behave. Alternate translation: “testifying about proper behavior” (2) to the truth of the good news. Alternate translation: “testifying to the truth of the gospel”
1322:12udekrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphorεἰς τὸ περιπατεῖν1Paul speaks of behavior in life as if it were walking. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “to act” or “to live your lives”
1332:12go6brc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-possessionἀξίως τοῦ Θεοῦ1Here, Paul is using the possessive form to describe what **God** considers to be worthy. If this is not clear in your language, you could express the idea in another way. Alternate translation: “in a way that honors God” or “in a way that God considers worthy”
1342:12v9phrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-distinguishτοῦ καλοῦντος ὑμᾶς1Here Paul is adding more information about God. He is not distinguishing between different gods. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use a form that clearly adds information instead of distinguishing between people. Alternate translation: “who is the one calling you”
1352:12vbd2rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-hendiadysεἰς τὴν ἑαυτοῦ βασιλείαν καὶ δόξαν1Here, the phrase **kingdom and glory** could refer: (1) to two distinct things that God calls his people to participate in. Alternate translation: “into his own kingdom and his own glory” (2) to one thing described with two words connected by **and** (this is called hendiadys). Alternate translation: “into his own glorious kingdom”
1362:13au3brc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-pronounsκαὶ διὰ τοῦτο καὶ ἡμεῖς εὐχαριστοῦμεν τῷ Θεῷ ἀδιαλείπτως, ὅτι1Here, the word **this** could refer to: (1) what Paul is about to write, which he introduces with the word **that**. Alternate translation: “And here is why we also thank God constantly: it is that” (2) what Paul has already written about how Paul and his fellow workers preached and how the Thessalonians welcomed them. Alternate translation: “And because of those things, we also thank God constantly, that”
1372:13ruy0rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-exclusiveἡμεῖς & ἡμῶν1Here the words **we** and **us** include Paul and his fellow workers but not the Thessalonians, so use the exclusive form of those words in your translation if your language marks that distinction.
1382:13qy80rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicitκαὶ ἡμεῖς1Here, the word **also** could imply that: (1) Paul and his fellow workers thank God about the Thessalonians like other people do (See: [1:810](../01/08.md)). Alternate translation: “we too” (2) Paul and his fellow workers are thanking God for additional things about the Thessalonians. Alternate translation: “we yet again”
1392:13zja7rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-hyperboleἀδιαλείπτως1Paul says **continually** here as a generalization for emphasis. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use a different way to express the emphasis. See how you translated the similar form in [1:2](../01/02.md). Alternate translation: “extremely often”
1402:13f6tarc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymyλόγον ἀκοῆς & λόγον ἀνθρώπων & λόγον Θεοῦ1In this verse, Paul uses the term **word** to mean a message that is spoken by using words. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “the spoken message of hearing … something spoken by men … something spoken by God”
1412:13ei3jrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-possessionλόγον ἀκοῆς παρ’ ἡμῶν τοῦ Θεοῦ1Here, Paul is using the possessive form to describe a **word** that he connects with **hearing** and with **God**. He could mean that: (1) the **word** allowed the Thessalonians to hear about **God**. Alternate translation: “the word in which you heard about God from us” (2) the **word** is what the Thessalonians heard from Paul and his fellow workers, and this **word** is about **God**. Alternate translation: “the word which you heard from us about God” (3) the **word** is from **God**, and the Thessalonians heard it from Paul and his fellow workers. Alternate translation: “the word from God which you heard from us“
1422:13inhnrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-gendernotationsἀνθρώπων1Although the term **men** is masculine, Paul is using the word in a generic sense that includes both men and women. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use a phrase that makes this clear. Alternate translation: “of humans” or “of people”
1432:13z89grc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-pronounsὃς1Here, the word translated **which** could refer to: (1) **the word**. Alternate translation: “which word” (2) **God**. Alternate translation: “who”
1442:13ci1erc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-personificationὃς καὶ ἐνεργεῖται1Here Paul refers to **the word of God** as if it were a person doing work. He means that God uses **the word** to work in the Thessalonians. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “through which God is also working” or “which is also effective”
1452:14-15mh8nrc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-versebridge0To help your readers understand the authors main point in this verse and the next one, you could combine both verses into a verse bridge. You could include what the unbelieving **Jews** did first and then include how the Thessalonians are **imitators** of the believers in Judea. Alternate translation: “For the Jews, the ones having killed both the Lord Jesus and the prophets and having persecuted us, made the churches of God that are in Judea in Christ Jesus suffer. Now you, brothers, became imitators of them, because the same things you also suffered from your own countrymen, just as they also from the Jews, the ones not being pleasing to God and {being} hostile to all men,”
1462:14xoptrc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-words-phrasesγὰρ1Here, the word **For** introduces proof of how Gods message is working among the Thessalonians. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use a word or phrase that introduces proof or support for a claim. Alternate translation: “We know it is working in you because” or “Indeed,”
1472:14u40grc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphorἀδελφοί1Paul 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: “the believers”
1482:14cj05rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-gendernotationsἀδελφοί1Although 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.
1492:14ij9jrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-possessionτῶν ἐκκλησιῶν τοῦ Θεοῦ1Here, Paul is using the possessive form to describe **churches** that belong to **God**. If this is not clear in your language, you could express the idea without using the possessive form. Alternate translation: “of the churches that belong to God”
1502:14g0t5rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphorἐν Χριστῷ Ἰησοῦ1Here Paul uses the spatial metaphor **in Christ Jesus** to describe the union of believers with **Christ Jesus**. In this case, being **in Christ Jesus**, or united to Christ, explains that **churches** are truly believers and have a relationship with Christ. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use a phrase that indicates that these believers are united to Christ. Alternate translation: “and that are united to Christ Jesus” or “and that are in union with Christ Jesus”
1512:14dnw1rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-pronounsτὰ αὐτὰ ἐπάθετε, καὶ ὑμεῖς ὑπὸ τῶν ἰδίων συμφυλετῶν, καθὼς καὶ αὐτοὶ ὑπὸ τῶν Ἰουδαίων1Here, the phrase **the same things** refers to the phrase **just as they also from the Jews**. Paul means that the Thessalonians and the believers **in Judea** experienced the same kind of suffering and persecution. If it would be helpful in your language, you could make this idea more explicit. You may need to rearrange the end of the verse to do so. Alternate translation: “you also suffered from your own countrymen exactly what they also suffered from the Jews” or “whatever they also suffered from the Jews you also suffered from your own countrymen”
1522:14f37lrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-gendernotationsτῶν ἰδίων συμφυλετῶν1Although the term **countrymen** is masculine, Paul is using the word in a generic sense that includes both men and women. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use a phrase that makes this clear. Alternate translation: “others from your own country” or “people who live in your city”
1532:14d7qcrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-ellipsisκαὶ αὐτοὶ ὑπὸ1Paul 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: “they also suffered these things from”
1542:14s27yrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicitτῶν Ἰουδαίων1Here Paul is referring to Jewish people who did not believe in Jesus and who persecuted those who did believe in Jesus. He is not referring to Jewish people in general, since **the churches of God that are in Judea** were mostly Jewish people. If it would be helpful in your language, you could make it more explicit that Paul is speaking about **Jews** who did not believe persecuting other Jewish people who did believe. Alternate translation: “the Jews who did not believe in Jesus” or “the Jews who opposed Jesus”
1552:15a6xdrc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-backgroundτῶν καὶ τὸν Κύριον ἀποκτεινάντων Ἰησοῦν, καὶ τοὺς προφήτας, καὶ ἡμᾶς ἐκδιωξάντων; καὶ Θεῷ μὴ ἀρεσκόντων, καὶ πᾶσιν ἀνθρώποις ἐναντίων1Paul provides this background information about “the Jews” to help readers understand exactly which Jews he is speaking about. Use the natural form in your language for expressing background information. Alternate translation: “by which I mean the Jews who in the past killed both the Lord Jesus and the prophets and persecuted us and who are not pleasing God and who are hostile to all men”
1562:15ucazrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-eventsτῶν καὶ τὸν Κύριον ἀποκτεινάντων Ἰησοῦν, καὶ τοὺς προφήτας, καὶ ἡμᾶς ἐκδιωξάντων1This list of those persecuted by the people whom Paul calls “the Jews” is not chronological, but emphasizes the order of importance and intensity of persecution. If it would be helpful in your language, you could make the order of events clear. Alternate translation: “the ones having killed the prophets, then the Lord Jesus, and finally persecuting us”
1572:15wg1trc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicitτοὺς προφήτας1Here, the phrase **the prophets** refers to the prophets who are mentioned in the Old Testament. These prophets were also Jewish and spoke Gods message to his people. If it would be helpful in your language, you could make this idea more explicit. Alternate translation: “the Jewish prophets” or “Gods prophets”
1582:15ywwrrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-hyperboleπᾶσιν ἀνθρώποις1Paul says **all men** here as a generalization for emphasis. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use a different way to express the emphasis. Alternate translation: “to very many men” or “to the majority of men”
1592:15vfyvrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-gendernotationsπᾶσιν ἀνθρώποις1Although the term **men** is masculine, Paul is using the word in a generic sense that includes both men and women. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use a phrase that makes this clear. Alternate translation: “to all men and women”
1602:16u012rc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-logic-resultκωλυόντων1Here, the word **forbidding** could introduce: (1) a reason why Paul says that the unbelieving Jews are not “pleasing to God” and are “hostile to all men” (See: [2:15](../02/15.md)). Alternate translation: “because they forbid” or “which is because they forbid” (2) the means by which the unbelieving Jews act in ways that are not “pleasing to God” and “hostile to all men” (See: [2:15](../02/15.md)). Alternate translation: “which they do by forbidding”
1612:16fo8crc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicitλαλῆσαι1Here Paul implies that he speaks the gospel **to the Gentiles**. If it would be helpful in your language, you could make this idea more explicit. Alternate translation: “to speak the gospel”
1622:16r5firc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-logic-goalτοῖς ἔθνεσιν & ἵνα σωθῶσιν1Here, the clause **so that they might be saved** expresses the purpose for which Paul and his fellow workers **speak to the Gentiles**. If it would be helpful in your language, you could make this connection more explicit. Alternate translation: “to the Gentiles, which we do so that they might be saved“
1632:16ceverc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassiveσωθῶσιν1If 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 might save them”
1642:16z5frrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicitεἰς τὸ ἀναπληρῶσαι αὐτῶν τὰς ἁμαρτίας πάντοτε1Here Paul is referring to how the unbelieving Jews **fill up their sins**. He does not mean that **the Gentiles** who are saved are filling up their sins. If it would be helpful in your language, you could make this idea more explicit. Alternate translation: “so that these unbelieving Jews always fill up their sins”
1652:16n2uerc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphorεἰς τὸ ἀναπληρῶσαι αὐτῶν τὰς ἁμαρτίας πάντοτε1Here, Paul speaks of how the unbelieving Jews sin as if it were filling something up with sins. He could mean: (1) that they commit many sins all the time. Alternate translation: “so that they commit many sins at many times” (2) that they commit enough sins that God will punish them. Alternate translation: “so that they always commit enough sins for God to punish them”
1662:16jzjjrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-pastforfutureἔφθασεν & ἐπ’ αὐτοὺς ἡ ὀργὴ1Here Paul could be using the past tense phrase **has come upon them** to indicate that: (1) the **wrath** will **come** in the future. In this case, Paul uses the past tense to indicate that the **wrath** is certain or will be revealed soon. Alternate translation: “the wrath will certainly come upon them” or “the wrath will soon come upon them” (2) **wrath** has already **come** when Paul wrote this letter. In this case, at the time Paul wrote this letter, the unbelieving Jews were already experiencing the **wrath**. Alternate translation: “the wrath has already come upon them” (3) God had already revealed the **wrath** would eventually **come**. In this case, people already know about the **wrath** but will experience it in the future. Alternate translation: “it has already been revealed that the wrath will come upon them”
1672:16btodrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicitἡ ὀργὴ1Here Paul implies that **the wrath** is Gods **wrath**. If it would be helpful in your language, you could make this idea more explicit. Alternate translation: “Gods wrath”
1682:16uwuqrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnounsἔφθασεν & ἐπ’ αὐτοὺς ἡ ὀργὴ1If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea of **wrath**, you could express the same idea in another way. See how you translated this word in [1:10](../01/10.md). Alternate translation: “God has punished them” or “they will be punished”
1692:16h8ibrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiomεἰς τέλος1Here, the phrase **to the end** could mean that Gods **wrath has come up them**: (1) completely or totally. In this case, God reveals all of his **wrath**, not just some of it. Alternate translation: “totally” or “fully” (2) at a moment at the end of a period of time. In this case, the unbelieving Jews are sinning until God finally reveals his **wrath**. Alternate translation: “finally” or “at last” (3) at the end of this world. In this case, the **end** refers to when Jesus comes back. Alternate translation: “at the end of this world” or “when Jesus returns”
1702:17edb1rc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-logic-contrastδέ1Here, the word **But** introduces how Paul and his fellow workers act in contrast to the people that Paul has described in the previous verses. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use a word or phrase that introduces a contrast. Alternate translation: “On the other hand,”
1712:17tpp2rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphorἀδελφοί1Paul 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”
1722:17m5sfrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-gendernotationsἀδελφοί1Although 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.
1732:17yhhyrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicitἀπορφανισθέντες ἀφ’ ὑμῶν1Here Paul refers to how he and his fellow workers had to leave the Thessalonians soon after arriving in their city and preaching the good news to them. You can read about this in [Acts 17:110](../act/17/01.md). If it would be helpful in your language, you could make this idea more explicit. Alternate translation: “having been forced to leave you” or “having had to go away from you”
1742:17ci7irc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassiveἀπορφανισθέντες1If 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 must state who did the action, [Acts 17:110](../act/17/01.md) shows that people who opposed Paul did it. Alternate translation: “opponents having separated us” or “persecution having separated us”
1752:17lmpurc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiomπρὸς καιρὸν ὥρας1Here, the phrase **for the time of an hour** refers to a short span of time. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use a similar phrase or plain language. Alternate translation: “for a short time”
1762:17vr7vrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymyπροσώπῳ οὐ καρδίᾳ1Here, the word **face** represents physical presence, and the word **heart** represents thoughts and desires. Paul means that he and his fellow workers thought and cared about the Thessalonians (**by heart**) even though they were not physically present in Thessalonica (**by face**). If it would be helpful in your language, you could use an equivalent expression from your language or state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “by physical presence, not by feelings” or “in person, not in affection”
1772:17yxzurc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-doubletπερισσοτέρως ἐσπουδάσαμεν τὸ πρόσωπον ὑμῶν ἰδεῖν ἐν πολλῇ ἐπιθυμίᾳ1The terms **extremely eager** and **in much desire** 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: “greatly desired to see your face” or “became filled with much eagerness to see your face”
1782:17ot1src://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiomτὸ πρόσωπον ὑμῶν ἰδεῖν1The 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”
1792:17jgi2rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnounsἐν πολλῇ ἐπιθυμίᾳ1If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea of **desire**, you could express the same idea in another way. Alternate translation: “which we greatly desire” or “for which we yearn”
1802:18zlnyrc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-words-phrasesδιότι1Here, the word **For** could introduce: (1) basis or evidence for Pauls claim in the previous verse that he and his fellow workers were eager to visit the Thessalonians. Alternate translation: “In fact,” or “You know that is true because” (2) an inference from Pauls claim in the previous verse about how eager he and his fellow workers were to visit the Thessalonians. Alternate translation: “Therefore,” or “So then,”
1812:18pnw3rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-goἐλθεῖν1Your language may say “go” rather than **come** in contexts such as this. Alternate translation: “to go”
1822:18n0jlrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-ellipsisἐγὼ μὲν Παῦλος, καὶ ἅπαξ καὶ δίς1Paul 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: “indeed I, Paul, desired to come to you both once and twice”
1832:18yj0wrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiomκαὶ ἅπαξ καὶ δίς1Here, the phrase **both once and twice** could mean that: (1) Paul tried to visit the Thessalonians multiple times. In this case, Paul does not clarify how many times he tried. Alternate translation: “many times” (2) Paul tried to visit them twice. Alternate translation: “two times” or “twice”
1842:18uuaerc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicitἐνέκοψεν ἡμᾶς1Here Paul means that Satan prevented him and his fellow workers from visiting the Thessalonians. If it would be helpful in your language, you could make this idea more explicit. Alternate translation: “prevented us from doing so” or “made it impossible for us to come”
1852:19j7j5rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestionτίς γὰρ ἡμῶν ἐλπὶς ἢ χαρὰ ἢ στέφανος καυχήσεως? ἢ οὐχὶ καὶ ὑμεῖς, ἔμπροσθεν τοῦ Κυρίου ἡμῶν, Ἰησοῦ, ἐν τῇ αὐτοῦ παρουσίᾳ?1Paul is using the question form to to show the Thessalonians how much he and his fellow workers value and care about them. If you would not use the question form for this purpose in your language, you could translate these questions as statements or exclamations. Alternate translation: “For here is our hope and joy and crown boasting: it is even you before our Lord Jesus at his coming!” or “For you are our hope and joy and crown of boasting before our Lord Jesus at his coming.”
1862:19mj9nrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-personificationτίς & ἡμῶν ἐλπὶς ἢ χαρὰ ἢ στέφανος καυχήσεως1In the next question, Paul identifies the **hope**, **joy**, and **crown** as the Thessalonians themselves. If it would be helpful in your language, you could express this question so that Paul is asking about people instead of things. Alternate translation: “who gives us hope and joy and a crown of boasting”
1872:19jfakrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnounsτίς & ἡμῶν ἐλπὶς ἢ χαρὰ ἢ στέφανος καυχήσεως1If your language does not use abstract nouns for the ideas of **hope** and **joy**, you could express the same ideas in another way. Alternate translation: “what makes us hopeful or joyful or gives us a crown of boasting”
1882:19uvb4rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-possessionστέφανος καυχήσεως1Here, Paul is using the possessive form to describe a **crown** that leads to or causes **boasting**. If this is not clear in your language, you could express the idea in another way. Alternate translation: “crown about which we boast”
1892:19e7tlrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymyστέφανος καυχήσεως1Here, the word **crown** represents the honor and recognition that someone receives for accomplishing a task or goal. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use an equivalent expression from your language or state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “reward about which we boast” or “honor about which we boast”
1902:19hrvbrc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-textvariantsκαυχήσεως1Here, many ancient manuscripts read **of boasting**. The ULT follows that reading. Other ancient manuscripts read “of great joy.” 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.
1912:19q7f2rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-infostructureκαυχήσεως? ἢ οὐχὶ καὶ ὑμεῖς, ἔμπροσθεν τοῦ Κυρίου ἡμῶν, Ἰησοῦ, ἐν τῇ αὐτοῦ παρουσίᾳ?1Here, the phrase **Or {is it} not even you** could: (1) introduce a second question that answers the first question. Paul is saying that the Thessalonians will be their **hope**, **joy**, and **crown** at Jesus **coming**. Alternate translation: “of boasting? In fact, is it not even you who are these things before Lord Jesus at his coming?” (2) be a second question that answers the longer question the phrase interrupts. In this case, you could use a form that marks the phrase as an interruption, or you could move it to the end of the verse. Alternate translation: “of boasting—is it not even you?—before our Lord Jesus at his coming?” or “of boasting before our Lord Jesus at his coming? Is it not even you?”
1922:19wf6qrc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-words-phrases3Here, the word **Or** introduces the correct answer to the question that Paul asked in the first half of the verse. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use a word or phrase that introduces a correct answer, or you could leave **Or** untranslated. Alternate translation: “Indeed,” or “In fact,”
1932:19h7ghrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicitἔμπροσθεν τοῦ Κυρίου ἡμῶν, Ἰησοῦ1Here, the phrase **before our Lord Jesus** implies that Paul, his fellow workers, and the Thessalonians will be examined by **the Lord Jesus**. Paul is confident that Jesus will approve of the Thessalonians, which will give Paul and his fellow workers honor and joy. If it would be helpful in your language, you could make this idea more explicit. Alternate translation: “before our Lord Jesus when he examines everyone” or “when we all are judged by the Lord Jesus”
1942:19mkscrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicitἐν τῇ αὐτοῦ παρουσίᾳ1Here, 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”
1952:20l3m0rc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-words-phrasesγάρ1Here, 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”
1962:20nlbdrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnounsἐστε ἡ δόξα ἡμῶν, καὶ ἡ χαρά1If 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”
1973:introj3790# 1 Thessalonians 3 General Notes\n\n## Structure and Formatting\n\n1. Timothys Visit (3:15)\n * Apostolic concern (3:12)\n * Apostolic encouragement (3:35)\n2. Timothys Report (3:613)\n * Good news (3:610)\n * Apostolic prayer (3:1113)\n\nThe first part of this chapter recounts Timothys 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### Timothys 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 18:15](../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, Timothys 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 17:115](../act/17/01.md). Make sure that your translation clearly indicates this kind of persecution.\n\n### Pauls prayer\n\nIn [3:1113](../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]])
1983:1zvgzrc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-logic-resultδιὸ1Here, 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: [2:1720](../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”
1993:1fqe3rc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-logic-resultστέγοντες1Here, 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”
2003:1amxfrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicitμηκέτι στέγοντες1Here 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”
2013:1n47xrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-exclusiveμηκέτι στέγοντες, ηὐδοκήσαμεν καταλειφθῆναι1Here Paul could be saying that: (1) Paul, Silvanus, and Timothy could endure no longer and together decided that Paul and Silvanus should stay in Athens. Alternate translation: “enduring it no longer, Silvanus, Timothy, and I thought it good that Silvanus and I should be left behind” (2) Paul, Silvanus, and Timothy could endure no longer and together decided that Paul should stay in Athens by himself. Alternate translation: “enduring it no longer, Silvanus, Timothy, and I though it good that I should be left behind” (3) only Paul could endure no longer and himself decided that he should stay in Athens by himself. In this case, Paul uses the plural form to refer to himself only. Alternate translation: “enduring it no longer, I thought it good that I should be left behind” (4) Paul and Silvanus could endure no longer and together decided that they should stay in Athens. Alternate translation: “enduring it no longer, Silvanus and I thought it good to be left behind”
2023:1ml5trc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassiveκαταλειφθῆναι1If 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: “to remain” or “to have everyone else leave us behind”
2033:1jvh4rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-namesἈθήναις1The word **Athens** is the name of a city. It was one of the most important cities in the country we call Greece.
2043:2vsoorc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-exclusiveἐπέμψαμεν Τιμόθεον & ἡμῶν1Here, the words **we** and **our** do not include the Thessalonians. Make sure that your translation fits with you chose to translate “we” in the previous verse. In this verse, the words **we** and **our** could refer to: (1) Paul and Silvanus. Alternate translation: “Silvanus and I sent Timothy, our” (2) just Paul. Alternate translation: “I sent Timothy, my”
2053:2r42rrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicitἐπέμψαμεν Τιμόθεον1Here Paul implies that he and Silvanus **sent Timothy** to visit the Thessalonians. If it would be helpful in your language, you could make this idea more explicit. Alternate translation: “we sent Timothy to you”
2063:2yyiorc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphorτὸν ἀδελφὸν ἡμῶν1Paul is using the term **brother** to mean a person who shares the same faith with him. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “our believing friend”
2073:2lkvorc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-possessionδιάκονον τοῦ Θεοῦ1Here, Paul is using the possessive form to describe a **servant** who could: (1) serve **God**. Alternate translation: “one who serves God” (2) serve other people for Gods sake. Alternate translation: “one who serves others for Gods sake”
2083:2wyknrc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-textvariantsδιάκονον τοῦ Θεοῦ1Many ancient manuscripts read **a servant of God**. The ULT follows that reading. Other ancient manuscripts read “a fellow worker of God.” Other ancient manuscripts read “ fellow worker.” Other manuscripts read “a servant of God and our fellow worker.” 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.
2093:2dsncrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicitἐν1The preposition **in** could refer to: (1) how Timothy works to preach the gospel. Alternate translation: “in preaching” (2) the means by which Timothy serves. Alternate translation: “by means of”
2103:2pqifrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-possessionτῷ εὐαγγελίῳ τοῦ Χριστοῦ1Here, 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”
2113:2maoerc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphorστηρίξαι1Here, 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”
2123:2piztrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnounsτῆς πίστεως ὑμῶν1If 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”
2133:3o4w8rc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-logic-goalτὸ μηδένα σαίνεσθαι1Here, 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”
2143:3v8q7rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassiveμηδένα σαίνεσθαι ἐν ταῖς θλίψεσιν ταύταις1If 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”
2153:3u7vorc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnounsἐν ταῖς θλίψεσιν ταύταις1If 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”
2163:3s8s2rc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-words-phrasesγὰρ1Here, 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”
2173:3t0vsrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rpronounsαὐτοὶ & οἴδατε1Here, 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”
2183:3cdaarc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-pronounsεἰς τοῦτο1The 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”
2193:3rkx9rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassiveκείμεθα1If 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”
2203:3gla7rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-exclusiveκείμεθα1By **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.
2213:4w95urc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-logic-resultκαὶ γὰρ1Here, 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,”
2223:4wo6qrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-exclusiveπρὸς ὑμᾶς ἦμεν, προελέγομεν ὑμῖν ὅτι μέλλομεν1Here, 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.
2233:4wucorc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-quotationsπροελέγομεν ὑμῖν ὅτι μέλλομεν θλίβεσθαι, καθὼς1It 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”
2243:4nm1lrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassiveμέλλομεν θλίβεσθαι1If 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”
2253:4qqrirc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicitἐγένετο καὶ οἴδατε1Here 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”
2263:5tj4erc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-pronounsδιὰ τοῦτο κἀγὼ μηκέτι στέγων, ἔπεμψα1Here, 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”
2273:5o9eprc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-logic-resultμηκέτι στέγων1Here, 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”
2283:5st3drc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicitμηκέτι στέγων1Here, 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”
2293:5zn36rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicitἔπεμψα1Here 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”
2303:5judqrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnounsτὴν πίστιν ὑμῶν1If 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”
2313:5raehrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicitμή πως1Here, 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”
2323:5nopprc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicitὁ πειράζων1Here 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,”
2333:5ua7irc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicitἐπείρασεν ὑμᾶς1Here 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”
2343:5gnowrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnounsὁ κόπος ἡμῶν1If 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”
2353:5jnzbrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiomεἰς κενὸν1Here, the phrase **in vain** identifies a cause that does not have its intended effect. In this case, Pauls **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”
2363:6r4parc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-logic-contrastδὲ1Here, 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:”
2373:6esxwrc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-time-backgroundἄρτι1Here, 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,”
2383:6gci4rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-exclusiveπρὸς ἡμᾶς & ἡμῖν & ἡμῶν & ἡμᾶς & ἡμεῖς1Every 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.
2393:6tu8drc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnounsτὴν πίστιν καὶ τὴν ἀγάπην ὑμῶν1If 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”
2403:6fu8hrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiomἔχετε μνείαν ἡμῶν ἀγαθὴν πάντοτε1Here, 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”
2413:6tf95rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicitἐπιποθοῦντες1Here, 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”
2423:6e6kxrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-ellipsisκαὶ ἡμεῖς ὑμᾶς1Paul 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”
2433:7dpijrc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-pronounsδιὰ τοῦτο1Here, 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”
2443:7s9ivrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphorἀδελφοί1Paul 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”
2453:7fotbrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-gendernotationsἀδελφοί1Although 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.
2463:7by7hrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassiveπαρεκλήθημεν1If 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”
2473:7grk5rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicitἐφ’ ὑμῖν1Here, 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”
2483:7csz7rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-doubletἐπὶ πάσῃ τῇ ἀνάγκῃ καὶ θλίψει ἡμῶν1The 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“
2493:7e96urc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnounsἐπὶ πάσῃ τῇ ἀνάγκῃ καὶ θλίψει ἡμῶν, διὰ τῆς ὑμῶν πίστεως1If 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”
2503:8m2rqrc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-logic-resultὅτι1Here, 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”
2513:8utk3rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-infostructureνῦν ζῶμεν, ἐὰν ὑμεῖς στήκετε ἐν Κυρίῳ1If 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”
2523:8tcv6rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicitνῦν1Here, 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”
2533:8y1vbrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphorζῶμεν1Here, 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”
2543:8zbyorc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-condition-factἐὰν1Paul 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”
2553:8x4znrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiomὑμεῖς στήκετε ἐν Κυρίῳ1Here, 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”
2563:8e3perc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rpronounsὑμεῖς στήκετε1Here, 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”
2573:9-10pzq7rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestionτίνα 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?1Here 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!”
2583:9b5o6rc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-words-phrasesγὰρ1Here, 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,”
2593:9vu2krc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-exclusiveδυνάμεθα & χαίρομεν & ἡμῶν1Here, 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.
2603:9pdc5rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphorτίνα & εὐχαριστίαν δυνάμεθα τῷ Θεῷ ἀνταποδοῦναι1Here 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 Gods 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”
2613:9gvvxrc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-textvariantsτῷ Θεῷ & τοῦ Θεοῦ ἡμῶν1Many 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.
2623:9j6pjrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnounsἐπὶ πάσῃ τῇ χαρᾷ ᾗ χαίρομεν1If 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”
2633:9u00trc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-doubletἐπὶ πάσῃ τῇ χαρᾷ ᾗ χαίρομεν1Here 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”
2643:9p5karc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiomἔμπροσθεν τοῦ Θεοῦ ἡμῶν1Here, the phrase **before our God** means that Paul and his fellow workers **rejoice** in Gods 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”
2653:10v6y0rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiomνυκτὸς καὶ ἡμέρας1Here, 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”
2663:10wj8yrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicitὑπέρἐκπερισσοῦ δεόμενοι1Here 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”
2673:10eb26rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiomεἰς τὸ ἰδεῖν ὑμῶν τὸ πρόσωπον1The 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”
2683:10s0xzrc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-collectivenounsὑμῶν τὸ πρόσωπον1Here 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”
2693:10uqwrrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicitκαταρτίσαι τὰ ὑστερήματα τῆς πίστεως ὑμῶν1Here 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”
2703:10e5fhrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnounsτῆς πίστεως ὑμῶν1If 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”
2713:11-13tet9rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-blessingδὲ & κατευθύναι1Here 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”
2723:11kdk9rc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-words-phrasesδὲ1Here, 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”
2733:11um1crc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphorαὐτὸς & ὁ Θεὸς καὶ Πατὴρ ἡμῶν, καὶ ὁ Κύριος ἡμῶν, Ἰησοῦς, κατευθύναι τὴν ὁδὸν ἡμῶν πρὸς ὑμᾶς1Paul speaks about God the Father and the Lord Jesus as if they were directing Pauls way and his fellow workers 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”
2743:11f3whrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-hendiadysὁ Θεὸς καὶ Πατὴρ ἡμῶν1Here, 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”
2753:11mc2mrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rpronounsαὐτὸς & ὁ Θεὸς καὶ Πατὴρ ἡμῶν1Here, 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”
2763:11bql9rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-exclusiveἡμῶν & ἡμῶν & ἡμῶν1Here, 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.
2773:12eeu2rc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-words-phrasesδὲ1Here, the word **Now** introduces the next part of Pauls 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,”
2783:12f4marc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-doubletὑμᾶς & ὁ Κύριος πλεονάσαι καὶ περισσεύσαι1The 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”
2793:12o80nrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnounsτῇ ἀγάπῃ εἰς ἀλλήλους, καὶ εἰς πάντας1If 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”
2803:12gyy3rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-nominaladjεἰς πάντας1Paul 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”
2813:12dm6crc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-ellipsisκαὶ ἡμεῖς εἰς ὑμᾶς1Paul 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”
2823:13tawsrc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-logic-goalεἰς τὸ στηρίξαι1Here 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”
2833:13ly21rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphorεἰς τὸ στηρίξαι ὑμῶν τὰς καρδίας1Here 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”
2843:13wb3lrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-ellipsisὑμῶν τὰς καρδίας, ἀμέμπτους1Paul 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”
2853:13ms8trc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnounsἐν ἁγιωσύνῃ1If 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”
2863:13p12jrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiomἔμπροσθεν τοῦ Θεοῦ καὶ Πατρὸς ἡμῶν1Here, 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”
2873:13jev8rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-hendiadysτοῦ Θεοῦ καὶ Πατρὸς ἡμῶν1Here, 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”
2883:13ytqgrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicitἐν τῇ παρουσίᾳ τοῦ Κυρίου ἡμῶν, Ἰησοῦ1Here, 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”
2893:13vnsirc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicitμετὰ πάντων τῶν ἁγίων αὐτοῦ1Here, 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”
2904:introb1z50# 1 Thessalonians 4 General Notes\n\n## Outline of 1 Thessalonians 4\n\n1. Apostolic Teachings on Holiness (4:18)\n2. Apostolic Teachings on Christian Love (4:912)\n * Reminder (4:910)\n * Keep Busy (4:1112)\n3. Apostolic Teachings on the Manner of the Second Coming of Christ (4:1318)\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 [4:1112](../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 [4:135:11](../04/13.md).\n\n### The manner of the Second Coming of Christ\n\nIn [4:1318](../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 [4:135:11](../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.
2914:1udi2rc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-logic-resultοὖν1Here, the word **Therefore** introduces a development in Pauls 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”
2924:1vtasrc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-words-phrasesλοιπὸν1Here, 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”
2934:1fmucrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphorἀδελφοί1Paul 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”
2944:1p3berc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-gendernotationsἀδελφοί1Although 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.
2954:1u2lwrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-doubletἐρωτῶμεν ὑμᾶς καὶ παρακαλοῦμεν1The 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”
2964:1foehrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphorἐν Κυρίῳ Ἰησοῦ1Here 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”
2974:1p4dbrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphorπεριπατεῖν & περιπατεῖτε1Paul 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”
2984:1ckiirc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-hendiadysπεριπατεῖν καὶ ἀρέσκειν Θεῷ1Here, **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”
2994:1q937rc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-words-phrasesἵνα1Here, 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”
3004:1e3cdrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicitπερισσεύητε μᾶλλον1Here 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”
3014:2ebjmrc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-words-phrasesγὰρ1Here, 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,”
3024:2oyu3rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicitἐδώκαμεν ὑμῖν1Here 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”
3034:2vg16rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicitδιὰ τοῦ Κυρίου Ἰησοῦ1Here, 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”
3044:3lit4rc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-words-phrasesγάρ1Here, 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”
3054:3idjorc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-pronounsτοῦτο & ἐστιν θέλημα τοῦ Θεοῦ, ὁ ἁγιασμὸς ὑμῶν1Here, 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”
3064:3ycswrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnounsθέλημα τοῦ Θεοῦ, ὁ ἁγιασμὸς ὑμῶν,1If 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”
3074:3lgacrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicitὁ ἁγιασμὸς ὑμῶν, ἀπέχεσθαι ὑμᾶς1Here, the phrase **that you keep yourselves** introduces an explanation of what Paul means when he uses the word **sanctification**. This explanation continues in [4:46](../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”
3084:3uuu4ἀπέχεσθαι ὑμᾶς ἀπὸ1Alternate translation: “that you stay away from” or “that you avoid”
3094:3o59arc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnounsτῆς πορνείας1If 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”
3104:4s4ylrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicitεἰδέναι ἕκαστον ὑμῶν1Here, 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”
3114:4vhbprc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicitεἰδέναι ἕκαστον ὑμῶν & κτᾶσθαι1Here, 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”
3124:4arkfrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-euphemismτὸ ἑαυτοῦ σκεῦος, κτᾶσθαι1Here, the word **vessel** could refer to: (1) a persons sexual organ. This is a euphemism. Alternate translation: “to possess his own sexual organ” (2) a mans wife. This is a metaphor. Alternate translation: “to possess his own wife”
3134:4f4uxrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphorτὸ ἑαυτοῦ σκεῦος, κτᾶσθαι1The 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 organ, 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”
3144:4fpyvrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-gendernotationsτὸ ἑαυτοῦ σκεῦος1The 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 persons sexual organ, 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”
3154:4ihqerc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnounsἐν ἁγιασμῷ καὶ τιμῇ1If 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”
3164:5y9g2rc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-logic-contrastμὴ ἐν πάθει ἐπιθυμίας1Here, **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”
3174:5utvdrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnounsμὴ ἐν πάθει ἐπιθυμίας1If 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”
3184:5vjejrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-possessionπάθει ἐπιθυμίας1Here, 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”
3194:5nrmzrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-ellipsisκαθάπερ καὶ τὰ ἔθνη τὰ μὴ εἰδότα τὸν Θεόν1Paul 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”
3204:5w03grc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-distinguishτὰ ἔθνη τὰ μὴ εἰδότα τὸν Θεόν1Here 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”
3214:5lbvcrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiomτὰ μὴ εἰδότα τὸν Θεόν1Here, 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”
3224:6ho6hrc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-logic-goalτὸ μὴ ὑπερβαίνειν1Here, the phrase **not to transgress** could introduce: (1) the purpose of what Paul has said in [4:35](../04/03.md) about abstaining from sexual immorality. Alternate translation: “in order not to transgress” (2) another example of what “sanctification” means (See: [4:3](../04/03.md)). Alternate translation: “and that each of you does not transgress” (3) another description of what it means to avoid “sexual immorality” (See: [4:3](../04/03.md)). Alternate translation: “that each of you does not transgress”
3234:6wmb6rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-hendiadysὑπερβαίνειν καὶ πλεονεκτεῖν1The two terms **transgress** and **take advantage of** work together to express a single idea. The phrase **take advantage of** tells how a person might **transgress**. If it would be more natural in your language, you could express this meaning in a different way. Alternate translation: “transgress through taking advantage of” or “transgress, taking advantage of”
3244:6yudlrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphorτὸν ἀδελφὸν αὐτοῦ1Paul is using the term **brother** to mean a person who shares the same faith. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “his believing friend”
3254:6knirrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-gendernotationsτὸν ἀδελφὸν αὐτοῦ1Here Paul could be using the masculine form **his brother** to refer to: (1) specific fellow believers, whether men or women. Alternate translation: “any brother or sister” or “his or her brother or sister” (2) specific male believers, specifically men in charge of families. Alternate translation: “any brother in charge of a family”
3264:6ckezrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicitἐν τῷ πράγματι1Here, the phrase **this matter** refers to what Paul has been speaking about: sexual morality. If it would be helpful in your language, you could make this idea more explicit. Alternate translation: “in the area of sexual morality” or “in his sexual behavior”
3274:6q7bfrc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-logic-resultδιότι1Here, the word **for** introduces a reason why the Thessalonians should obey God by avoiding sexual immorality. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use a word or phrase that introduces a reason, or you could leave **for** untranslated. Alternate translation: “and you should behave in these ways because” or “all of which you should do since”
3284:6ax3krc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-pronounsπάντων τούτων1Here, the phrase **all these things** refers to the sinful sexual behaviors that Paul has mentioned. If it would be helpful in your language, you could make this idea more explicit. Alternate translation: “all these sexually immoral behaviors” or “every sexual sin”
3294:6d1iprc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicitκαθὼς καὶ προείπαμεν ὑμῖν καὶ διεμαρτυράμεθα1Here Paul refers to what he and his fellow workers told the Thessalonians when they visited them. If it would be helpful in your language, you could make this idea more explicit. Alternate translation: “just as we also we also said before to you and testified when we visited you”
3304:6ix4prc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-doubletκαὶ προείπαμεν ὑμῖν καὶ διεμαρτυράμεθα1The terms **said before** and **testified** 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 also solemnly warned you before” or “we also already testified to you”
3314:7v3nprc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-words-phrasesγὰρ1Here, the word **For** introduces a reason or basis for what Paul has said about avoiding sexual immorality (See: [4:36](../04/03.md)). If it would be helpful in your language, you could use a word or phrase that introduces a reason or basis. Alternate translation: “All that is important because”
3324:7q4tjrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-exclusiveἡμᾶς1Here, the word **us** includes Paul, his fellow workers, and the Thessalonians. Your language may require you to mark this form.
3334:7qx6yrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnounsἐπὶ ἀκαθαρσίᾳ, ἀλλ’ ἐν ἁγιασμῷ1If your language does not use abstract nouns for the ideas of **uncleanness** and **sanctification**, you could express the same ideas in another way. Alternate translation: “to be unclean, but to be sanctified” or “to act in unclean ways, but in holy ways”
3344:7qli0rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-ellipsisἀλλ’ ἐν ἁγιασμῷ1Paul is leaving out some of the words that in many languages a sentence would need in order to be complete. You could supply these words from earlier in the sentence if it would be clearer in your language. Alternate translation: “but he called us in sanctification”
3354:8mn5yrc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-logic-resultτοιγαροῦν1Here, the word **Therefore** introduces an inference or conclusion from what Paul has said in [4:37](../04/03.md). If it would be helpful in your language, you could use another word that introduces an inference or conclusion. Alternate translation: “Because of all that” or “In conclusion”
3364:8gzz8rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-pronounsὁ ἀθετῶν1Here, the word **this** refers back to what Paul has commanded the Thessalonians about living holy lives and avoiding sexual immorality. If it would be helpful in your language, you could make this idea more explicit. Alternate translation: “the one rejecting these commands about sexual morality” or “the one rejecting what we have said about sexual behavior”
3374:8kfcbrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-infostructureοὐκ ἄνθρωπον ἀθετεῖ, ἀλλὰ τὸν Θεὸν, τὸν διδόντα1If your language would not naturally put the negative statement before the positive statement, you could reverse the two elements here. Alternate translation: “rejects God, not man, and God is the one who gives”
3384:8b7q5rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-gendernotationsἄνθρωπον1Although the term **man** is masculine, Paul is using the word in a generic sense that includes both men and women. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use a phrase that makes this clear. Alternate translation: “a person” or “a man or woman”
3394:8zm4yrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-distinguishτὸν διδόντα1Here Paul is adding more information about **God**. He is not distinguishing between different gods. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use a form that clearly adds information instead of distinguishing between people. Alternate translation: “who is the one who gives”
3404:8v4lcrc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-textvariantsτὸν διδόντα1Many ancient manuscripts read **the one giving**. The ULT follows that reading. Other ancient manuscripts read “the one having given.” 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.
3414:8azkxrc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-textvariantsὑμᾶς1Many ancient manuscripts read **you**. The ULT follows that reading. Other ancient manuscripts read “us.” 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.
3424:9uxn8rc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-words-phrasesδὲ1Here, the word **But** introduces a new section in the letter. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use a word or phrase that introduces a new section, or you could leave **But** untranslated. Alternate translation: “Next,”
3434:9rpmnrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnounsτῆς φιλαδελφίας1If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea of **love**, you could express the same idea in another way. Alternate translation: “loving the brothers” or “how to love others in a brotherly way”
3444:9sgenrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-infostructureοὐ χρείαν ἔχετε γράφειν ὑμῖν, αὐτοὶ γὰρ ὑμεῖς θεοδίδακτοί ἐστε, εἰς τὸ ἀγαπᾶν ἀλλήλους1If your language would naturally state a reason before its result, you could reverse the order of these clauses. Alternate translation: “because you yourselves are taught by God to love one another, you have no need {for us} to write to you”
3454:9l1n7rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-textvariantsἔχετε1Many ancient manuscripts read **you have**. The ULT follows that reading. Other ancient manuscripts read “we have.” 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.
3464:9fyqerc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-logic-resultγὰρ1Here, the word **For** introduces a reason why Paul and his fellow workers do not need **to write** to the Thessalonians. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use a word or phrase that introduces a reason or basis for a claim, or you could leave **For** untranslated. Alternate translation: “since”
3474:9ctiqrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassiveαὐτοὶ & ὑμεῖς θεοδίδακτοί ἐστε1If 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: “God has taught you yourselves”
3484:9zroqrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rpronounsαὐτοὶ & ὑμεῖς & ἐστε1Here, the word translated **yourselves** emphasizes **you**. Consider using a natural way to emphasize **you** in your language. Alternate translation: “you indeed are” or “as for you, you are”
3494:10dec9rc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-logic-resultκαὶ γὰρ ποιεῖτε1Here, the phrase **For also** introduces another reason why Paul and his fellow workers do not need to write to the Thessalonians (See: [4:9](../04/09.md)). If it would be helpful in your language, you could use a word or phrase that introduces a reason or basis for a claim, or you could leave **For** untranslated. Alternate translation: “Again, we do not need to write to you about this, since you do” or “Even more, you do”
3504:10hg7arc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-pronounsποιεῖτε αὐτὸ1Here, the word **it** refers to “brotherly love” (See: [4:9](../04/09.md)). If it would be helpful in your language, you could make this idea more explicit. Alternate translation: “you show brotherly love”
3514:10gxfarc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphorπάντας τοὺς ἀδελφοὺς & ἀδελφοί1Paul 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: “all the believers … believing friends”
3524:10lxpcrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-gendernotationsπάντας τοὺς ἀδελφοὺς & ἀδελφοί1Although 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. Alternate translation: “all the brothers and sisters … brothers and sisters”
3534:10u3flrc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-words-phrasesδὲ1Here, the word **But** introduces a slight contrast between what the Thessalonians are doing and how Paul wants them to do it **even more**. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use a word or phrase that introduces this kind of contrast, or you could leave **But** untranslated. Alternate translation: “Now” or “Yet”
3544:10z51trc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicitπερισσεύειν μᾶλλον1Here Paul implies that he and his fellow workers want the Thessalonians to **abound** in brotherly love **even more**. If it would be helpful in your language, you could make this idea more explicit. Alternate translation: “to abound even more in brotherly love”
3554:11d2fgrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphorἡσυχάζειν1Here, the phrase **to be quiet** refers to living in a peaceful way that does not disrupt others. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use a similar phrase or state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “to avoid disrupting others” or “to behave calmly around other people”
3564:11j4c7rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicitπράσσειν τὰ ἴδια1Here, the phrase **to perform your own things** refers to focusing on ones own tasks and responsibilities instead of becoming involved in other peoples private affairs. If it would be helpful in your language, you could make this idea more explicit. Alternate translation: “to focus on your own own affairs” or “to stay out of other peoples business”
3574:11jmt9rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiomἐργάζεσθαι ταῖς ἰδίαις χερσὶν ὑμῶν1Here Paul uses the phrase **work with your own hands** to indicate that the Thessalonians should support themselves instead of relying on others to provide for them. He does not mean that they must do physical labor. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use a comparable phrase or state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “to provide for yourselves” or “to earn your own living”
3584:11bz8src://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicitκαθὼς ὑμῖν παρηγγείλαμεν1Here Paul refers to what he and his fellow workers **commanded** the Thessalonians when they visited them. If it would be helpful in your language, you could make this idea more explicit. Alternate translation: “just as we commanded you when we visited you”
3594:12wj25rc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-logic-resultἵνα1Here, the phrase **so that** could introduce: (1) the result of doing what Paul has commanded in [4:1011](../04/10.md). Alternate translation: “with the result that” (2) the purpose of doing what Paul has commanded in [4:1011](../04/10.md). Alternate translation: “in order that”
3604:12hp6grc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphorπεριπατῆτε εὐσχημόνως1Paul speaks of behavior in life as if it were walking. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “you may act properly” or “you may live your lives properly”
3614:12k59rrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiomτοὺς ἔξω1Here, the phrase **the ones outside** identifies people who do not belong to the group of believers in Thessalonica. If it would be helpful in your language, you could express the idea with a word or phrase that refers to people who do not belong to a specific group. Alternate translation: “the outsiders” or “the unbelievers”
3624:12naitrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicitμηδενὸς1Here word translated **nothing** could refer: (1) to things. In this case, Paul wants them to have everything that they need. Alternate translation: “of no essential things” (2) to people. In this case, Paul wants them to be independent and not rely on other people to provide for them. Alternate translation: “of nobody” or “of support from no person”
3634:13vi2yrc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-words-phrasesδὲ1Here, the word **Now** introduces a new section in the letter. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use a word or phrase that introduces a new section, or you could leave **Now** untranslated. Alternate translation: “Next,”
3644:13lan8rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-doublenegativesοὐ θέλομεν & ὑμᾶς ἀγνοεῖν1If it would be clearer in your language, you could use a positive expression to translate this double negative that consists of the negative particle **not** and the negative word **ignorant**. Alternate translation: “we want you to know”
3654:13p7nurc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphorἀδελφοί1Paul 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”
3664:13pcanrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-gendernotationsἀδελφοί1Although 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.
3674:13j68erc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-euphemismτῶν κοιμωμένων1Here, the phrase **the ones sleeping** is a polite way to refer to people who have died. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use a similar polite phrase or state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “the ones having passed away” or “the ones who are dead”
3684:13ocjprc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-logic-goalἵνα1The connecting words **so that** introduces the purpose for which Paul wants to instruct the Thessalonians. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use a word or phrase that introduces a purpose or goal. Alternate translation: “in order that”
3694:13jgglrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-ellipsisοἱ λοιποὶ, οἱ μὴ ἔχοντες ἐλπίδα1Paul is leaving out some of the words that in many languages a sentence would need in order to be complete. You could supply these words from earlier in the sentence if it would be clearer in your language. Alternate translation: “the rest grieve, the ones not having hope” or “the rest who have no hope grieve”
3704:13p5zsrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-distinguishοἱ λοιποὶ, οἱ μὴ ἔχοντες ἐλπίδα1Here Paul is distinguishing between people who have hope and people who do not have hope. Be sure that this distinction is clear in your translation. Alternate translation: “the rest who do not have hope” or “the rest, that is, those who do not have hope”
3714:13r9f8rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-nominaladjοἱ λοιποὶ1Paul is using the adjective **rest** as a noun to refer to a group of people that includes everyone who does not have hope. Your language may use adjectives in the same way. If not, you could translate this word with an equivalent phrase. Alternate translation: “the rest of people” or “everyone else”
3724:13f9eqrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicitἐλπίδα1Here Paul implies that the **hope** concerns what happens to people after they die. People who do not have **hope** do not expect anyone who dies to live again. If it would be helpful in your language, you could make this idea more explicit. Alternate translation: “hope that people will live again” or “hope of resurrection”
3734:13puvgrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnounsοἱ μὴ ἔχοντες ἐλπίδα1If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea of **hope**, you could express the same idea in another way. Alternate translation: “the ones not hoping for anything after people die” or “the ones not believing that people will live again”
3744:14j09orc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-condition-factεἰ1Paul speaks as if this were a hypothetical situation, but he means that it must be 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 uncertain, then you could translate his words as an affirmative statement. Alternate translation: “because”
3754:14ybz6rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-exclusiveπιστεύομεν1
3764:14hmw4rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicitπιστεύομεν ὅτι Ἰησοῦς ἀπέθανεν καὶ ἀνέστη1Here it is assumed that the Thessalonian church knows the apostolic teaching that **Jesus died and rose again**. If it would be helpful to your readers, you could indicate that explicitly. Alternate translation: “we apostles trust―as you already know―that Jesus died and rose again”
3774:14kmk2rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-ellipsisοὕτως καὶ ὁ Θεὸς1the phrase **thus also** could go with: (1) **God will bring**. In this case, **thus also** indicates that believers will experience something like how Jesus died and rose again. (2) the implied phrase “we believe.” In this case, **thus also** indicates that believing that Christians will resurrect results from believing in Jesus resurrection.
3784:14skuwrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicitἄξει1(1) believers who have died and who are with Jesus in heaven. God will resurrect them and send them with Jesus when Jesus comes back. (2) believers who have died. God will resurrect them and bring them to be with Jesus in heaven.
3794:14m1fyrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-euphemismτοὺς κοιμηθέντας1
3804:14tkhurc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-infostructureδιὰ τοῦ Ἰησοῦ1(1) with **will bring** (2) with **having slept**
3814:14tjqjrc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-pronounsαὐτῷ1
3824:15vvdarc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-words-phrasesτοῦτο γὰρ ὑμῖν λέγομεν ἐν λόγῳ Κυρίου1This clause indicates that what follows is something else important that the Thessalonian church should pay attention to (See also [1:8](../01/08.md) for **the word of the Lord**). Alternate translation: “Certainly, what we now say to you is the Lord Jesus message”
3834:15ni3mrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymyἐν λόγῳ Κυρίου1The phrase **the word of the Lord** refers to “the whole message of the Lords gospel.” If this would be misunderstood in your language, you could use an equivalent expression or use plain language. Here, **word** could refer to: (1) the authority of the message. Alternate translation: “because the Lord Jesus authorized our message” (2) the means of the message. Alternate translation: “with a message from the Lord Jesus”
3844:15gbe1rc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-words-phrasesΚυρίου, ὅτι ἡμεῖς1Here, **that** indicates that the rest of the verse is the content of **the word of the Lord**. You could indicate this by changing the punctuation or some other natural way in your language. Alternate translation: “of the Lord: we”
3854:15fdwkrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-exclusiveλέγομεν & ἡμεῖς οἱ ζῶντες1When Paul says **we say**, he is speaking of himself, Silvanus, and Timothy, so **we** would be exclusive. However, when Paul says **we who are alive**, since he seems to be referring to all Christians, **we, the ones being alive** would be inclusive. Your language may require you to mark these forms. Alternate translation: “we apostles say … all of us believers in Christ who are still alive”
3864:15hdlrrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-distinguishοἱ περιλειπόμενοι1This phrase gives us further information about **we, the ones being alive**. It is not making a distinction between **the ones being left behind** and **we, the ones being alive**. If this is not understood in your language, you could make the relationship between these phrases clearer. Alternate translation: “and survive” or “and remain here”
3874:15b786rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiomεἰς τὴν παρουσίαν τοῦ Κυρίου1Here, **coming of the Lord** is a well-known idiom in 12 Thessalonians for the Second Coming of Christ [3:13](../03/13.md) or the “Day of the **Lord**” [5:2](../05/02.md). If this would be misunderstood in your language, you could use an equivalent idiom or use plain language. Alternate translation: “until the Lord Jesus returns” or “for the Second Coming of the Lord Jesus”
3884:15xd2yrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-doublenegativesοὐ μὴ φθάσωμεν τοὺς κοιμηθέντας1Here, the phrase translated **certainly not** is a strong prohibition meaning “never.” If this double negative would be misunderstood in your language, you could translate it as a positive statement as in the UST. Alternate translation: “will never precede those who are dead” or “are not permitted to come before those who have already died”
3894:16ah7prc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-words-phrasesὅτι1Here, **For** indicates that following events are related to the Second Coming. Use a natural way in your language to indicate this. Alternately translation: “Certainly,” or “Indeed,”
3904:16c26brc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-time-simultaneousὅτι αὐτὸς ὁ Κύριος ἐν κελεύσματι, ἐν φωνῇ ἀρχαγγέλου, καὶ ἐν σάλπιγγι Θεοῦ, καταβήσεται ἀπ’ οὐρανοῦ1In this verse, Paul is describing events that happen at the same time **the Lord will descend from heaven**. He emphasizes the order of events by listing them prior to the main verb. If it is clearer in your language, you could place the main verb before the accompanying actions. You can also make this clear in your translation with an appropriate connecting word or phrase. Alternate translation: “Certainly, the Lord Jesus himself will come down from heaven with a commanding shout, and with the archangels voice, and with Gods trumpet”
3914:16ygfprc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rpronounsαὐτὸς ὁ Κύριος1Paul uses the word **himself** to emphasize that the Lord Jesus will come back in person. Use a way that is natural in your language to indicate this emphasis. Alternate translation: “the Lord Jesus will come back personally” or “the very person, the Lord Jesus”
3924:16z9kaἀρχαγγέλου1See Jude 9 for the only other use of the word **archangel** in the Bible.
3934:16breqrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-possessionσάλπιγγι Θεοῦ1Paul is using the possessive form to describe **a trumpet** that is related to God. Here, **trumpet of God** could refer to: (1) a trumpet that God commands to be blown. Alternate translation: “a trumpet that God orders to be blown” (2) a trumpet that belongs to God. Alternate translation: “Gods trumpet”
3944:16pjrhrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-parallelismκαταβήσεται ἀπ’ οὐρανοῦ; καὶ οἱ νεκροὶ ἐν Χριστῷ ἀναστήσονται πρῶτον1The first main verb **descend** is listed after the events that describe it. This is to show contrast with the second verb **rise**. After the **Lord** Jesus comes down from **heaven**, the **dead** Christians will resurrect from the earth. Paul makes two opposite statements, in similar ways, to emphasis the dramatic nature of the Lords Second Coming. Use a natural way in your language to indicate this emphasis. Alternate translation: “will come down from heaven, but the first to resurrect from the earth will be the dead people who are united to Christ”
3954:16k7sgrc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-time-sequentialκαὶ2The word **and** indicates that the event the story will now relate came after the event it has just described. If it would be helpful to your readers, you could show this relationship by using a fuller phrase. Alternate translation: “and then after that,” or “and afterward,”
3964:16dr89rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicitοἱ νεκροὶ1Paul assumes that the Thessalonian church knows that **the dead** are the same as “those who are asleep” in [4:1315](../04/13.md). If it would be helpful to your readers, you could indicate that explicitly. See how you translated “fallen asleep” in [4:1315](../04/13.md)
3974:16xrxurc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphorἐν Χριστῷ1Here Paul speaks about **the dead** as though they were occupying space inside **Christ**. This metaphor expresses the idea that believers are spiritually united to **Christ** (See also [2:14](../02/14.md)). Here, it also highlights the communion that living Thessalonian believers **in Christ** have with the believers **in Christ** who have died. If this might be misunderstood in your language, you could express the meaning plainly. Alternative translation: “who are united to Jesus Christ” or “who share life with Jesus Christ”
3984:17iy00rc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-time-sequentialἔπειτα1Here, **Then** indicates that the events the story will now relate came after the event it has just described. If it would be helpful to your readers, you could show this relationship by using a fuller phrase. Alternate translation: “After that,” or “Afterward,”
3994:17l5l1rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-exclusiveἡμεῖς οἱ ζῶντες1Though **we, the ones living** could be exclusive of the apostles (See note for the same phrase at [4:15](../04/15.md)), the universal content of this section implies that all Christians are in view, so **we** would be inclusive. Your language may require you to mark these forms. Alternate translation: “all of us believers in Christ who remain alive”
4004:17otiqrc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-pronounsἅμα σὺν αὐτοῖς1Here, Paul refers to “the dead in Christ” (See [4:16](../04/16.md)) as **them**. If this is confusing in your language, you can make the reference explicit. Alternate translation: “together with the dead in Christ
4014:17aj1nrc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-time-simultaneousἅμα σὺν αὐτοῖς1Here, **together with them** could refer to: (1) a simultaneous event. You can make this clear in your translation with an appropriate connecting word or phrase. Alternate translation: “with them at the same time” (2) association with the “dead in Christ.” Alternate translation: “along with the dead in Christ” (3) both event and association. Alternate translation: “at the same time together with the dead in Christ”
4024:17m3gbrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicitἁρπαγησόμεθα ἐν νεφέλαις εἰς ἀπάντησιν τοῦ Κυρίου εἰς ἀέρα1Here it is assumed that Paul is referring to the words of the angels at Jesus Ascension in [Acts 1:911] (acts/01/09.md), as a fulfillment of the prophecy in [Daniel 7:1314](../dan/07/13.md). If it would be helpful to your readers, you could provide a footnote or reference.
4034:17o7ljrc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-logic-goalεἰς ἀπάντησιν1Here, **to meet** is a purpose clause. Paul is stating the purpose for why living believers **will be caught up together** with “the dead in Christ.” Use a natural way in your language for introducing a purpose clause. Alternate translation: “in order to encounter”
4044:17ukh1rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-symlanguageἐν νεφέλαις εἰς ἀπάντησιν τοῦ Κυρίου εἰς ἀέρα1Here, **clouds** and **air** could be considered symbolic language representing Gods presence and the spiritual realm (See Exodus 19; Daniel 7:1314; Matthew 24; Mark 13; Luke 17; 21; Ephesians 2:2). If it would be helpful to your readers, you could indicate that explicitly. Alternate translation: “to spiritually encounter the Lord Jesus”
4054:17ti69rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-endofstoryκαὶ οὕτως1This clause is meant to signal the end of the events related to the Second Coming. You can use the natural form in your language for expressing the conclusion of a story.
4064:17ouvurc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-logic-resultκαὶ οὕτως1This clause also indicates the result of the meeting with **the Lord**. Use a natural way in your language to indicate result. Alternate translation: “and then” or “as a result”
4074:17k6qcrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-parallelismσὺν Κυρίῳ1Here, **with the Lord** parallels **together with them** to express union with Christ as communion with his people. Use a natural way in your language to indicate this emphasis.
4084:18gt91rc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-logic-resultὥστε παρακαλεῖτε1This is a result clause. Use a natural way in your language to indicate result. Alternate translation: “So then, keep encouraging” or “Because of this, you must comfort”
4094:18y7zirc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-imperativeπαρακαλεῖτε1This is an imperative, but it communicates an appeal rather than a command. Use a form in your language that communicates an appeal. Alternate translation: “you should encourage” or “please continue to comfort
4104:18aya5rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-pronounsἀλλήλους1The pronoun **one another** refers to the Thessalonian church. If it would be helpful in your language, you could make it explicit. Alternate translation: “each fellow member of your church” or “your fellow Thessalonian believers in Christ”
4114:18xsusrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdocheἐν τοῖς λόγοις τούτοις1Here, **with these words** could refer to “we will always be with the Lord” in [4:17](../04/17.md) or to all that has been said in [4:1317](../04/13.md). Alternate translation: “by reminding each other of our message” or “with these promises”
4125:introay3d0# 1 Thessalonians 5 General Notes\n\n## Outline of 1 Thessalonians 5\n\n1. Apostolic Teachings on the Second Coming of Christ (5:110)\n* Timing (5:13)\n* Preparation (5:48)\n* Gods plan (5:910)\n2. Final Instructions (5:1128)\n* Final Commands (5:1122)\n* Final Prayer (5:2324)\n* Final Appeals (5:2527)\n* Final blessing (5:2527)\n\n## Structure and Formatting\n\nPaul concludes his letter in a way that was typical of letters in the ancient Near East.\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### Idiom\n\n#### Day of the Lord\n\nThe “day of the Lord” is an idiom for the time of final salvation for Gods people and final judgment for Gods enemies. “Day” is metaphorical for a time period. Thus, the exact time of the coming “day of the Lord” will be a surprise to the world. The simile “like a thief in the night” refers to this surprise timing. Because of this, Christians must prepare for the coming of the Lord by living with faith, hope and love [5:8](../05/08.md) toward God and others. (See: [[rc://*/tw/dict/bible/kt/dayofthelord]])\n\n### Simile\n\n#### Like a thief\n\nThe simile “like a thief in the night” refers to this surprise timing. Because of this, Christians must prepare for the coming of the Lord by living with faith, hope, and love [5:8](../05/08.md) toward God and others. (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-simile]])\n\n### Metaphor\n\n#### Day and night, light and darkness\n\nThe apostles use many metaphors throughout [5:111](../05/01.md). “Night,” “darkness,” “drunk,” “sleep” are all metaphors about spiritual ignorance or lack of readiness. “Day,” “light,” “sober,” “watch” are all metaphors about spiritual awareness and readiness.\n\n#### Armor\n\nHere, the apostles use a military metaphor to urge the Thessalonian church to be ready for Christs Second Coming at “the day of the Lord.” Just as soldiers must always be armed and ready to fight, so the Christian must live prepared for Christs return. Faithfulness and love are compared to a breastplate, and the hope of salvation is likened to a helmet [5:8](../05/08.md).\n\n#### Prophecy\n\nThose who “despise prophecies” in [5:20](../05/20.md) are said to “quench the Spirit.” This is a metaphor for trying to hinder the Holy Spirits guidance in the Church. All prophecies are to be examined and tested to determine if they adhere to apostolic teaching [5:21](../05/21.md). All prophecies that are proven to agree with apostolic teaching, are to be retained as good [5:2122](../05/21/.md).\n\n### Submission to Christian leadership\n\nThe apostles link the well-being and spiritual safety of the Thessalonian church to obedience to their leaders. Christian leaders are to be given recognition and loving respect by the church [5:1213](../05/12.md).\n\n### Holy Kiss\n\nThis refers to the ancient practice of exchanging a kiss of peace on the cheek during the liturgy. Different cultures have different standards of appropriate physical contact. These different cultural standards may make translating this passage difficult. Translators will have to consider the most appropriate way to communicate this sensitive issue [5:26](../05/26.md).
4135:1i2vmrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicitπερὶ δὲ τῶν χρόνων καὶ τῶν καιρῶν1Here, **Now concerning** signals a change in subject (See also [4:9](../04/09.md)). This phrase implies that the apostles are answering a specific question previously asked by the Thessalonian church about the timing of “the coming of the Lord” and how the church should prepare for it. If it would be helpful to your readers, you could say that explicitly. Alternate translation: “Now, about your question related to the exact timing of the Lords return”
4145:1a8f3rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiomτῶν χρόνων καὶ τῶν καιρῶν1Here, **the times and the seasons** is an idiom referring to a specific point in time or a time period. If this would be misunderstood in your language, you could use an equivalent idiom or use plain language. This phrase could refer to: (1) a specific point in time. Alternate translation: “the appointed time when Jesus returns” or “the fixed time when Jesus returns” (See [Acts 1:7](acts/01/07.md)) for this exact phrase referring to the same thing)). (2) a specific amount of time. Alternate translation: “how long it will take for the Lord Jesus to return” or “when the Lord Jesus will return”
4155:1cauerc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-ellipsisοὐ χρείαν ἔχετε ὑμῖν γράφεσθαι1Here words are left out in the original that a sentence would need in many languages to be complete. Since English needs it, **{for us}** is added in brackets. Do what is natural in your language.
4165:2yvg3rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-simile0This verse begins an extended list of contrasting similes that continues through [5:8](../05/08.md). If this would be misunderstood in your language, you could use equivalent comparisons or express these meanings plainly.
4175:2dqgkrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rpronounsαὐτοὶ γὰρ ἀκριβῶς οἴδατε1The words **For**, **yourselves**, and **perfectly** emphasize how clearly the Thessalonian church should understand when and how the Lords Second Coming will happen. Use a natural way in your language to indicate this emphasis. Alternate translation: “In fact, it is certain that you recognize accurately” or “You are certainly well aware of this fact” or “Indeed, you know precisely”
4185:2mcq9rc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-logic-resultγὰρ1Here, **For** begins a reason clause that explains why the Thessalonian church has “no need that anything be written” to them about the timing and manner of the Lords Second Coming (See [5:1](../05/01.md)). Alternate translation: “In fact,” or “Certainly,”
4195:2tu9trc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiomἡμέρα Κυρίου1Here, **the day of the Lord** is an idiom that refers to the Old Testament concept of the time of Gods final judgment. The context of this passage makes it clear that **the day of the Lord** is synonymous with “the coming of the Lord” Jesus in [4:15](../04/15.md). (See also [Acts 2:20](../act/02/20.md); [1 Corinthians 5:5](../1co/05/05.md); [2 Thessalonians 2:2](../2th/02/02.md); [2 Peter 3:10](../2pe/03/10.md)). Use a natural way in your language to emphasize this idea. Alternate translation; “the time when the Lord Jesus returns again to earth” or “the time when the Lord Jesus will finally judge”
4205:2tmj3rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-simileὡς κλέπτης ἐν νυκτὶ οὕτως ἔρχεται1The point of this comparison is that, just like a thief at night comes unexpectedly, the way Jesus will return is unexpected and the timing of his return is unknown. If this would be misunderstood in your language, you could use an equivalent comparison or express this meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “is going to come as unexpectedly as a robber at night” or “is going to come so surprisinglylike when a thief breaks in at night” or “is going to happen like thisall of a sudden”
4215:3p1wirc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-hypoὅταν λέγωσιν, εἰρήνη καὶ ἀσφάλεια1Paul is using a hypothetical situation to express the suddenness of the “the day of the Lord.” Use the natural form in your language for expressing a hypothetical situation. Alternate translation: “Whenever they might say, Everything is safe and sound,’” or “At a time when people are saying, All is well,’”
4225:3mjvdrc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-logic-contrastτότε1Here what follows the word **then** is in contrast to the **Peace and safety** these people expected to last. Instead, **sudden destruction comes** on them. Use a natural way in your language for introducing a contrast.
4235:3ne9nrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-parallelismτότε αἰφνίδιος αὐτοῖς ἐφίσταται ὄλεθρος1Here, **sudden destruction** parallels the idea of terror that accompanies a sudden attack by “a thief in the night” (See [5:2](../05/02.md)). If it would be clearer in your language, you could make this idea explicit. Alternate translation: “then sudden calamity strikes” or “then immediate destruction looms over them”
4245:3sde2rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-parallelismαἰφνίδιος αὐτοῖς ἐφίσταται ὄλεθρος, ὥσπερ ἡ ὠδὶν τῇ ἐν γαστρὶ ἐχούσῃ; καὶ οὐ μὴ ἐκφύγωσιν1Here, **sudden** describes the unexpected timing of **birth pains** , and **certainly not escape** describes the nature of **destruction**. Paul says similar things with these phrases to show that Gods final judgment will be a total surprise and complete ruin for unbelievers. Use a natural way in your language to emphasize these ideas.
4255:3f1xrrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-simileὥσπερ ἡ ὠδὶν τῇ ἐν γαστρὶ ἐχούσῃ; καὶ οὐ μὴ ἐκφύγωσιν1The point of this comparison is that, just like a pregnant woman suddenly experiences labor pains, Gods final judgment will come suddenly and be inescapable. If this would be misunderstood in your language, you could use an equivalent comparison or express this meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “just as suddenly as labor pains seize a pregnant womanthese people can never escape Gods destruction”
4265:3iwc2rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiomτῇ ἐν γαστρὶ ἐχούσῃ1Here, **having in the womb** is an idiom meaning “pregnant.” If this would be misunderstood in your language, you could use an equivalent idiom or use plain language. Alternate translation: “do for a woman in late pregnancy”
4275:3undorc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-doublenegativesοὐ μὴ ἐκφύγωσιν1Here, **certainly not** is a strong prohibition meaning “never” (See [4:15](../04/15.md)). If this double negative would be misunderstood in your language, you could translate it as a positive statement. Alternate translation: “they will never escape” or “there is no way to possibly escape”
4285:4sk6vrc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-logic-contrastὑμεῖς δέ1Here what follows the words **But you** is in contrast to the “sudden destruction” of the people in [5:3](../05/03.md). Use a natural way in your language for introducing a contrast. Alternate translation: “Certainly you”
4295:4b6lvrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphorοὐκ ἐστὲ ἐν σκότει1Paul speaks of these people as if they actually live in place without light. He means that they are unaware or unprepared for the Lords return because they are living sinfully. If your readers would not understand what it means to be **in darkness** in this context, you could use an equivalent metaphor from your culture. Alternate translation: “are not unprepared” or “are not living sinfully”
4305:4elp9rc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-logic-resultἵνα ἡ ἡμέρα ὑμᾶς ὡς κλέπτας καταλάβῃ1This is a result clause. Use a natural way in your language to indicate result. Alternate translation: “causing you to be like people such as those surprised by a robber. You are ready for the time when the Lord Jesus will return”
4315:4otz2rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphorἡ ἡμέρα1Here, Paul speaks about the idiom “the **day** of the Lord” in [5:2](../05/02.md), by contrasting **the day** with **darkness**. He means that because the Thessalonian church is not unaware of “the **day** of the Lord,” they will not be unprepared, like people who live **in darkness**. If your readers would not understand what **the day** means in this context, you could use an equivalent metaphor from your culture. Alternatively, you could express Pauls meaning plainly. Alternative translation, “the day of the Lord”
4325:4ywezrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphorἵνα ἡ ἡμέρα ὑμᾶς ὡς κλέπτας καταλάβῃ1Paul speaks of “the **day** of the Lord” as if it were a thief who surprises a person. He means that “the **day** of the Lord” will come suddenly for those who are unprepared (See “sudden destruction” in [5:3](../05/03.md)). 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 Pauls meaning plainly. Alternative translation: “making you unprepared, like when a robber breaks in at night”
4335:5ddcerc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-doubletπάντες γὰρ ὑμεῖς υἱοὶ φωτός ἐστε, καὶ υἱοὶ ἡμέρας. οὐκ ἐσμὲν νυκτὸς οὐδὲ σκότους1Here, **sons of the light** means basically the same thing as **sons of the day**. Also, **of the night** means basically the same thing as **of the darkness**. The repetition is used to emphasize how **light** characterizes **day** and how **darkness** characterizes **night**. If your language does not use repetition in this way, you can combine these phrases. Alternate translation: “Certainly, all of you are ready for Christs Second Coming. None of us are unprepared”
4345:5zp3zrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphorπάντες γὰρ ὑμεῖς υἱοὶ φωτός ἐστε, καὶ υἱοὶ ἡμέρας1Paul speaks of the Thessalonian church as if the **light** and **day** were their physical parents. He means that the Thessalonian church members are Gods spiritual children who are characterized by spiritual readiness. If your readers would not understand what it means to be **sons of the light and sons of the day** in this context, you could use an equivalent metaphor from your culture. Alternatively, you could express Pauls meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “This is because all of you who belong to God are ready for Christs coming”
4355:5ilv4rc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-logic-resultγὰρ1Here, **For** begins a reason clause that explains why the Thessalonian church will escape Gods judgment on “the **day** of the Lord” (See [5:2](../05/02.md)). Alternate translation: “Because in fact” or “Certainly”
4365:5cxo9rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-nominaladjπάντες & ὑμεῖς & ἐστε1Paul is using the adjective **all** as a noun in order to describe the whole Thessalonian church. Your language may use adjectives in the same way. If not, you could translate this with a noun phrase. Alternate translation: “you Thessalonians are all”
4375:5d6fmrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphorοὐκ ἐσμὲν νυκτὸς οὐδὲ σκότους1Again, Paul speaks of these people as if they actually live in a place without light. He means that they are unaware or unprepared for the Lords return because they are living sinfully (See [5:4](../05/04.md)). If your readers would not understand what it means to be **of the night** or **of the darkness** in this context, you could use an equivalent metaphor from your culture. Alternate translation: “We are not unprepared like those at night or those who live in the darkness, ” or “We are not characterized by being spiritually ignorant” or “We do not live like those who are characterized by sinful activities”
4385:5kq0xrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-exclusiveἐσμὲν1In [5:510](../05/05.md), **We** is inclusive of all Christians. Your language may require you to mark these forms. Alternate translation: “We believers in Christ are”
4395:5f4uwrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-possessionνυκτὸς οὐδὲ σκότους1Paul is using the possessive form to describe people who are characterized by spiritual ignorance or who live sinfully. This means that they will not be prepared at “**the day** of the Lord.” If this is not clear in your language, you could make this explicit. Alternate translation: “characterized by being spiritually unprepared and living sinfully”
4405:6paqfrc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-logic-resultἄρα οὖν1Here, **so then** emphatically introduces a result clause. Use a natural way in your language to introduce a result clause. Alternate translation: “therefore” or “as a result”
4415:6d2ajrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphorμὴ καθεύδωμεν ὡς οἱ λοιποί1Here Paul speaks about the people “of the night” and “of the darkness” are if they are sleeping. He means that they are unaware or unprepared for the Lords return because they are living sinfully (See notes for “darkness” at [5:45](../05/04.md)). If your readers would not understand what it means to **sleep** in this context, you could use an equivalent metaphor from your culture. Alternate translation: “we must not be unprepared like non-Christians” or “let us not be like the rest of humanity, who are not aware that Jesus is coming back”
4425:6on3drc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-imperativeμὴ καθεύδωμεν & γρηγορῶμεν καὶ νήφωμεν1Here, the verb forms **sleep**, **keep watch**, and **be sober** could also refer to: (1) commands. Alternate translation: “we must not sleep … we must keep watch and be sober” (2) appeals. Alternate translation: “let us not sleep … let us keep watch and let us be sober”
4435:6x0zhrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-nominaladjοἱ λοιποί1Paul is using the adjective **the rest** as a noun in order to describe those who are unprepared for Christs return. Your language may use adjectives in the same way. If not, you could translate this with a noun phrase. Alternate translation: “like others who are not ready for the Lord Jesus to return” or “like the rest of humanity”
4445:6q33erc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-logic-contrastἀλλὰ1Here, what follows the word **but** is in contrast to **the rest** who **sleep**. Use a natural way in your language for introducing a contrast. Alternate translation (starting a new sentence): “On the contrary,” or “Instead,” or “Rather,”
4455:6sdwwrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphorγρηγορῶμεν καὶ νήφωμεν1Here, Paul speaks of Christians as if they are watch guards. He means that they should be aware and be prepared for the Lords return by living as Gods people should live. If your readers would not understand what it means to **keep watch** or **be sober** in this context, you could use an equivalent metaphor from your culture. Alternate translation: “instead, we must stay spiritually alert and prepared”
4465:6osxurc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-hendiadysγρηγορῶμεν καὶ νήφωμεν1These verbs express a similar idea by using two words connected with **and**. The verb **be sober** tells how Christians should **keep watch**. 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: “we should remain calmly alert” or “let us remain soberly awake”
4475:7fxcarc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-parallelismοἱ γὰρ καθεύδοντες, νυκτὸς καθεύδουσιν; καὶ οἱ μεθυσκόμενοι, νυκτὸς μεθύουσιν1These two phrases convey similar ideas by repeating the same verb forms twice. Paul says the same thing twice, in different ways, to show that **sleeping** and **getting drunk** are states of being that make people unaware or unprepared. If saying the same thing twice might be confusing for your readers, you could condense each phrase. Alternate translation: “Certainly, people sleep at night, and people get drunk at night”
4485:7oyjorc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-logic-resultγὰρ1Here, **For** begins a reason clause that explains why the Thessalonian church should “not sleep” or be unprepared for the Lords return (See [5:6](../05/06.md)). Alternate translation: “Because in fact,” or “Certainly,”
4495:7s253rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphorοἱ γὰρ καθεύδοντες, νυκτὸς καθεύδουσιν1Here again, like in [5:6](../05/06.md), Paul speaks as if these people are actually sleeping, or it is night time. He means that these people are spiritually unprepared or unaware or even sinful (See also notes at [5:2,4](../05/02.md)). If your readers would not understand what **sleep** and **night** mean in this context, you could use an equivalent metaphor from your culture. Alternatively, you could express Pauls meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “Those who are sleeping are unaware” or “Certainly those who are asleep are unprepared”
4505:7exa8rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphorοἱ μεθυσκόμενοι, νυκτὸς μεθύουσιν1Paul speaks as if these people are actually drunk, or it is night time. He means that these people are spiritually unprepared or unaware or sinful. If your readers would not understand what **getting drunk** or **night** mean in this context, you could use an equivalent metaphor from your culture. Alternatively, you could express Pauls meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “those who are drunk are unprepared” or “those who are drunk are unaware” or “those who drink too much alcohol tend to drink at night”
4515:8wh3grc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-logic-contrastδὲ1What follows the word **But** here is in contrast to “getting drunk” at “night” in [5:7](../05/07.md). Instead, Christians are characterized by the activities of **the day** and staying **sober** (See [5:56](../05/05.md)). Use a natural way in your language for introducing a contrast. Alternate translation: “However” or “Instead”
4525:8iv63rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-imperativeἡμεῖς & νήφωμεν1Here, **should stay sober** could refer to: (1) a command. Alternate translation: “we … must stay sober” (2) an appeal. Alternate translation: “let us … stay sober” (See your translation at [5:6](../05/06.md)).
4535:8jqqorc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphorἡμεῖς δὲ ἡμέρας ὄντες1Paul speaks of Christians as if they are actually a part of the day time. He means that they are characterized by spiritual readiness for the Lords return. If your readers would not understand what it means to be **of the day** in this context, you could use an equivalent metaphor from your culture. Alternatively, you could express Pauls meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “Now, because we are ready for Christs coming, we” or “Since we are characterized by being ready, we”
4545:8ev6irc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphorἐνδυσάμενοι θώρακα πίστεως καὶ ἀγάπης, καὶ περικεφαλαίαν, ἐλπίδα σωτηρίας1Paul speaks of Christians as if they are soldiers. He means that just as a soldier must equip himself with armor in order to be ready to fight, so Christians must prepare themselves for the Second Coming of Christ with the spiritual protection of **faith**, **love**, and **hope** (See also [Ephesians 6:1018,23](../eph/06/10.md)). If your readers would not understand what these phrases mean in this context, you could use equivalent metaphors from your culture. Alternatively, you could express Pauls meaning plainly.
4555:8l89qrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-possessionπίστεως καὶ ἀγάπης & σωτηρίας1Paul uses the possessive form to describe things that are characterized by **faith** and **hope** and **love**. You could turn these phrases into similes if it would be clearer in your language.
4565:9h5y2rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnounsὅτι οὐκ ἔθετο ἡμᾶς ὁ Θεὸς εἰς ὀργὴν1Here, **wrath** refers to Gods future and final Judgment (See your translation of **wrath** at [1:10](../01/10/.md), [2:16](../02/16/.md)). (See also [What is the “second coming” of Jesus?](../front/intro)). If your language does not use the abstract noun **wrath**, you can express the idea behind it in another way. “Certainly, God did not destine that he would punish us” or “Indeed, God did not determine that he would judge us”
4575:9lrx6rc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-logic-resultὅτι1Here, **For** begins a reason clause that explains why the Thessalonian church should have “the hope of salvation” (See [5:8](../05/08.md)). Use a natural way in your language to express this emphasis. Alternate translation: “Certainly”
4585:9erz5rc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-logic-goalεἰς & εἰς1Here, **to … to** introduces two purpose clauses. Paul is stating the purpose or goal for which God **appointed** the two types of people described in [5:38](../05/03.md)). Use a natural way in your language for introducing purpose clauses. Alternate translation: “for the purpose of … in order to”
4595:9qmo5rc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-logic-contrastἀλλὰ1What follows the word **but** here is in contrast to **wrath**. Here Paul emphasizes that Gods true people will not experience his final punishment. Use a natural way in your language for introducing a contrast. Alternate translation: “but actually” or “but instead”
4605:9qfcfrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-possessionεἰς περιποίησιν σωτηρίας1Here, the phrase translated **to obtain salvation** is a possessive form that Paul uses to indicate that **salvation** is something that belongs to Gods people. If this is not clear in your language, you could make this explicit. Alternate translation: “for the possessing of salvation” or “for the acquiring of salvation”
4615:10arhmrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-distinguishτοῦ ἀποθανόντος περὶ ἡμῶν1Here, **the one having died for us** gives us further information about what “salvation through our Lord Jesus Christ” is (See [5:9](../05/09.md)). Paul means that God gives the guarantee that Christians will “obtain salvation,” because Jesus **died for us**. If this is not understood in your language, you could make the relationship between these phrases clearer. Alternate translation: “who died on our behalf” or “who died for our sake”
4625:10dzq0rc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-logic-goalἵνα & ἅμα σὺν αὐτῷ ζήσωμεν1This is a purpose clause. Paul is stating why Jesus **died for us**. Use a natural way in your language for introducing a purpose clause. Alternate translation: “in order that … we could live together with him”
4635:10w59crc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphorεἴτε γρηγορῶμεν εἴτε καθεύδωμεν1Paul speaks of these people as if they were physically **awake or asleep**. He means that they are “alive or dead” (See [4:1417](../04/14.md)). If your readers would not understand what it means to be **awake or asleep** in this context, you could use an equivalent metaphor from your culture. Alternatively, you could express Pauls meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “whether we are living or even if we are dead”
4645:11r921rc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-words-phrasesδιὸ1Here, **Therefore** indicates the conclusion of this section about timing of “the day of the Lord,” and connects to the manner of Christs return in [4:1418](../04/14.md) by again using the same phrase, **comfort one another**.
4655:11o85irc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-logic-resultδιὸ παρακαλεῖτε1**Therefore** begins a result clause. Paul explains how the Thessalonian church should respond to the fact that Jesus died so that Christians can “obtain salvation” (See [5:9](../05/09.md)). Alternate translation: “This is why you should encourage” or “As a result, you must comfort”
4665:11m2c9rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-doubletδιὸ παρακαλεῖτε ἀλλήλους, καὶ οἰκοδομεῖτε εἷς τὸν ἕνα1These two phrases mean basically the same thing. The repetition is used to emphasize how much Paul wants the Thessalonian church to encourage and support each other. If your language does not use repetition in this way, you can combine these phrases. Alternate translation: “As a result, continue to be supportive of what each person needs” or “This is why you must supportively console each other with this message”
4675:11hepxrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-imperativeπαρακαλεῖτε & οἰκοδομεῖτε1These verbs are imperatives but could communicate an appeal rather than a command. You could use a form in your language that communicates an urgent request or appeal. Alternate translation: “we apostles urge you to comfort … build up”
4685:11fx2frc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphorοἰκοδομεῖτε1Paul speaks of the Thessalonian church as if they were a building that can be constructed. He means that they should mutually support one another in the Christian life. If your readers would not understand what it means to **build up** in this context, you could use an equivalent metaphor from your culture. Alternatively, you could express Pauls meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “keep supporting” or “continue to confirm”
4695:11kdaerc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiomεἷς τὸν ἕνα1Here, the term **one the one** is an idiom meaning “each and every one” or “each one.” If this would be misunderstood in your language, you could use an equivalent idiom or use plain language. Alternate translation: “each one” or “one another”
4705:11sfv4καθὼς καὶ ποιεῖτε1Here Paul uses the emphatic phrase **just as also you are doing** to encourage the Thessalonian church to continue their practice of mutually supporting each other. Use a natural way in your language to indicate this emphasis. Alternate translation: “exactly as you have been doing”
4715:12pd47rc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-words-phrasesδὲ1Here, **Now** indicates that what follows is the final section of instructions from the apostles. Alternate translation: “Lastly” or “Indeed”
4725:12fqh3rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-distinguishτοὺς κοπιῶντας ἐν ὑμῖν, καὶ προϊσταμένους ὑμῶν ἐν Κυρίῳ, καὶ νουθετοῦντας ὑμᾶς1This clause expresses different functions for the same group of leaders. It is not making a distinction between **the ones laboring among you** and **leading you** and **admonishing you**. If this is not understood in your language, you could make the relationship between these phrases more clear. Alternate translation: “your leaders who are working among you and guiding you in the Lord and training you”
4735:12f4jvrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphorἐν Κυρίῳ1Paul speaks as if the leaders of the church at Thessalonica were occupying space inside of **the Lord**. Here, the metaphor expresses the idea that these men represent Jesus himself in their leadership role in the Thessalonian church (See also [4:1](../04/01.md). 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 Pauls meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “with authority from the Lord Jesus” or “as spokespersons for the Lord Jesus”
4745:13jq0orc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-logic-resultκαὶ ἡγεῖσθαι αὐτοὺς ὑπέρἐκπερισσοῦ ἐν ἀγάπῃ, διὰ τὸ ἔργον αὐτῶν1If 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: “and because of their work on your behalf, we also ask you to lovingly show them the utmost consideration” or “and since they work so hard for you, we also urge you to show them the highest honor out of love”
4755:13p6m4rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphorἐν ἀγάπῃ1Paul speaks as if the Thessalonian church is occupying space inside of **love**. He is describing how they should show honor to their leaders. If your readers would not understand what **in love** means in this context, you could use an equivalent metaphor from your culture. Alternatively, you could express Pauls meaning plainly. Here, **in love** could refer to: (1) the means of love. Alternate translation: “by loving them” (2) the basis for love. Alternate translation: “on the basis of your love for them”
4765:13rqs8rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-imperativeεἰρηνεύετε ἐν ἑαυτοῖς1Here is the first of 17 final appeals in [5:1326](../05/13.md) that the apostles give the Thessalonian church. **Be at peace** is an imperative, but here it could be an urgent request rather than a command. Use a natural way in your language to communicate an appeal or urgent request. Alternate translation: “We urge you to continue to live peacefully with your leaders”
4775:14lajkrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-litany0Paul uses a repetitive series of imperative sentences in [5:1422](../05/14) to urge the Thessalonian church to show practical love to one another. This repetitive style of speaking or writing is called a “litany.” Use a form in your language that someone would use to list things that someone should do.
4785:14tdxarc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-words-phrasesπαρακαλοῦμεν δὲ ὑμᾶς, ἀδελφοί,1This phrase signals the apostles final appeals to the Thessalonian church. Since there are 14 commands in this section [5:1422](../05/14.md), you could use a marker from your language to indicate this final section. Alternate translation: “Finally, we urge you, fellow believers in Christ”
4795:14qadbrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiomἀδελφοί1Here the idiom **brothers** could refer to: (1) the whole Thessalonian church including the leaders. Alternate translation: “our fellow believers in Christ” (2) the leaders of the Thessalonian church. Alternate translation: “fellow leaders of Christs church”
4805:14g34krc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-nominaladjπρὸς πάντας1Paul is using the adjective **all** 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: “toward all your fellow believers in Christ” or “with the whole Thessalonian church”
4815:15vlp7rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiomὁρᾶτε1Here, **See that** is an idiom used to command attention. If this would be misunderstood in your language, you could use an equivalent idiom or use plain language. Alternate translation: “Be certain that”
4825:15dqs8rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphorκακὸν ἀντὶ κακοῦ τινι ἀποδῷ1Paul speaks of **evil** as if it were goods or money that could be exchanged. He means that if a someone treats you badly, you should not respond in the same way. If your readers would not understand what it means to **pay back evil for evil** in this context, you could use an equivalent metaphor from your culture. Alternatively, you could express Pauls meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “treats anyone wrongly because they treated you wrongly”
4835:15oz10rc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-logic-contrastἀλλὰ1Here what follows the word **but** is in contrast to repaying **evil for evil**. Use a natural way in your language for introducing a contrast. Alternate translation: “and instead,”
4845:15mc2zrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-hyperboleπάντοτε1Here, **always** could be using exaggeration to express emphasis. Paul means that the Thessalonian church should make it a habit to **pursue what is good**. If this would be misunderstood in your language, you could use an equivalent expression from your language that expresses this emphasis. Alternate translation: “make every effort to” or “constantly” or “habitually”
4855:15pe3lrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-merismκαὶ εἰς ἀλλήλους καὶ εἰς πάντας1Here, **both for one another and for all** is used to emphasize groups of people. In this context, the phrase could refer to: (1) the Thessalonian church and all believers in Christ. Alternate translation (remove preceding comma): “for your church at Thessalonica and for all believers in Christ” (2) the Thessalonian church and the whole human race (See how you translated this phrase in [3:12](../03/12.md)). Alternate translation (remove preceding comma): “for everyone” or “for each and every person”
4865:15i0jyrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-nominaladjπάντας1Paul 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. Here it could refer to: (1) all Christians. Alternate translation: “all your fellow believers in Christ” (2) the whole human race. Alternate translation: “all humanity”
4875:16chw9rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-hyperboleπάντοτε1Here, **always** could be using exaggeration to express emphasis. Paul could mean that the Thessalonian church should make it a habit to **rejoice**. If this would be misunderstood in your language, you could use an equivalent expression from your language that expresses this emphasis. Alternate translation: “constantly” or “habitually”
4885:17l63irc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-hyperboleἀδιαλείπτως προσεύχεσθε1Here, **without ceasing** could be using exaggeration to express emphasis. Paul could mean that the Thessalonian church should make it a habit to **Pray**. If this would be misunderstood in your language, you could use an equivalent expression from your language that expresses this emphasis. Alternate translation: “Continue to pray” or “Keep praying regularly” or “Retain a prayerful state of mind”
4895:18bt5qrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-nominaladjἐν παντὶ1Paul is using the adjective **everything** as a noun in order to describe a situation or time. Your language may use adjectives in the same way. If not, you could translate this with a noun phrase. Here, **In everything** could refer to: (1) a situation or circumstance. Alternate translation: “In every circumstance” or “No matter what happens” (2) time. Alternate translation: “At every time” or “At every moment” (3) both a situation and time. Alternate translation: “In every circumstance and moment”
4905:18x2jgrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-infostructureἐν παντὶ εὐχαριστεῖτε;1If it would be more natural in your language, you could reverse the order of these phrases. Alternate translation: “Continue to give thanks in everything” or “Keep giving thanks all the time”
4915:18q7gnrc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-logic-resultἐν παντὶ εὐχαριστεῖτε; τοῦτο γὰρ θέλημα Θεοῦ ἐν Χριστῷ Ἰησοῦ εἰς ὑμᾶς1Here, **for** begins a reason clause. Paul is telling the Thessalonian church the reason why they should “rejoice,” “pray,” and **give thanks** in [5:1618](../05/16.md)). 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: “Give thanks in everything, because all these things are what God desires for those who are united to Christ Jesus” or “Because this is Gods will for you who are united to Christ Jesus, you must give thanks in everything”
4925:18l3skrc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-collectivenounsτοῦτο γὰρ θέλημα Θεοῦ1Here, **this** is a singular pronoun that could refer to: (1) all the commands in [5:1418](../05/14.md) Alternate translation: “because all these things are what God desires” (2) **give thanks**. Alternate translation: “for in fact, this is Gods will” or “for certainly, this thing is Gods will”
4935:18yu36rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-ellipsisτοῦτο1A word is left out here in the original that a sentence would need in many languages to be complete. Since English needs it, **{is}** is added in brackets. Do what is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “this is”
4945:18sw8brc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnounsθέλημα Θεοῦ ἐν Χριστῷ Ἰησοῦ εἰς ὑμᾶς1If your language does not use the abstract noun phrase **the will of God in Christ Jesus for you**, you can express the idea it in another way. Alternate translation: “how God desires people to live who are united to Christ Jesus”
4955:18mbz1rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphorἐν Χριστῷ Ἰησοῦ εἰς ὑμᾶς1Here, Paul speaks of **the will of God** as though it were occupying space inside **Christ Jesus**. This metaphor means that the way God desires his people to live is inseparable from being united to **Christ Jesus** (See also [2:14](../02/14.md)). If this might be misunderstood in your language, you could express the meaning plainly. Alternative translation, “for those of you who are united to Jesus Christ” or “for all of you who share life with Jesus Christ”
4965:19j1eirc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphorτὸ Πνεῦμα μὴ σβέννυτε1Paul speaks of **the** Holy **Spirit** as if he is fire that can be extinguished. Paul means that the Thessalonian church must not hinder the work of the Holy **Spirit**, especially by despising prophecies (See [5:20](../05/20.md)). If your readers would not understand what it means to **quench** in this context, you could use an equivalent metaphor from your culture. Alternatively, you could express Pauls meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “Do not extinguish the Spirit” or “Do not reject the Spirit”
4975:19sv8rrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-litotesμὴ σβέννυτε1Paul 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: “Continue to kindle” or “Be fervent in” or “Keep working along with”
4985:20iv1nrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-litotesμὴ ἐξουθενεῖτε1Paul 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: “Readily accept” or “Cherish”
4995:20rrzarc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-parallelismπροφητείας μὴ ἐξουθενεῖτε1The two phrases in [5:1920](../05/19.md) could refer to the same thing. Paul could be saying the same thing twice, in slightly different ways, to correct how the Thessalonian church viewed prophecy. He means that the Holy Spirit is the source of true prophecy (See [2 Peter 1:21](2pet/01/21.md)), so they should not “quench the Spirit” by rejecting all prophecies. You could use a natural way in your language to emphasize this. Alternate translation: “Do not continue to despise prophetic messages from the Holy Spirit”
5005:21ihzhπάντα δοκιμάζετε; τὸ καλὸν κατέχετε1This could mean: (1) Paul is beginning a general list of things that the Thessalonians should **Test** and **Hold fast** if they are **good**. (2) Paul is continuing to refer to the prophesies in the previous verse, and he wants the Thessalonians to **Test** those and **Hold fast** to the prophesies that are truly from God.
5015:21wx69rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphorπάντα δοκιμάζετε1Paul speaks as if the Thessalonians could make **all things** pass a test. This could mean: (1) they should examine everything they hear and do to make sure it conforms to what honors God. Alternate translation: “Carefully examine everything you hear and do” (2) they should examine and approve prophecies to determine whether or not they are genuinely from the Holy Spirit (See [2:4](../02/04.md) for a similar context)). Alternate translation: “examine and approve all prophecies”
5025:21sjh0rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-nominaladjπάντα1Here, **all things** is an adjectival phrase. Depending on whether you decided this is a new list or a continuation of verse 20, this could mean: (1) Alternate translation: “everything you hear and do” (2) Alternate translation: “all prophesies”
5035:21n1jvrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphorτὸ καλὸν κατέχετε1Paul speaks of **good** things as if they were objects that someone could hold tightly in his hands. He means that the Thessalonian church should only believe and practice things that prove to be from the Holy Spirit. If your readers would not understand what it means to **hold fast to what {is} good** in this context, you could use an equivalent metaphor from your culture. Alternatively, you could express Pauls meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “Keep only the valid things” or “Retain what is from the Spirit”
5045:21jskarc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-ellipsisτὸ καλὸν1A word is left out here in the original that a sentence would need in many languages to be complete. Since English needs it, **{is}** is added in brackets. Do what is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “what is good”
5055:22z9k0rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-personificationπαντὸς εἴδους πονηροῦ1Here, **evil** is spoken of as though it were a person who could be seen. If this might be confusing for your readers, you could express this meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “anything clearly wicked” or “all that is obviously evil”
5065:23mqi7rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-blessingαὐτὸς δὲ ὁ Θεὸς τῆς εἰρήνης ἁγιάσαι1Here, the verb forms indicate that this is a blessing or prayer (See also [3:1113](../03/11.md)). Use a form that people would recognize as a blessing or prayer in your language. Alternate translation: “Now we pray that God himself, who gives peace, would sanctify”
5075:23ozyhrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-parallelismἁγιάσαι ὑμᾶς ὁλοτελεῖς, καὶ ὁλόκληρον ὑμῶν τὸ πνεῦμα, καὶ ἡ ψυχὴ, καὶ τὸ σῶμα, ἀμέμπτως & τηρηθείη1These two clauses mean the same thing. Paul says the same thing twice, in slightly different ways, to show how much he wants God to preserve the Thessalonian church as his people. If saying the same thing twice might be confusing for your readers, you could combine the phrases into one. Alternate translation: “may … fully preserve you as his people to the end, and may every part of you be protected” or “may … completely preserve each and every one of you”
5085:23sbxcrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-possessionὁ Θεὸς τῆς εἰρήνης1Here Paul uses the possessive form **the God of peace**, which is a title for God found in the New Testament (See Romans 15:33; 16:20; Philippians 4:9; Hebrews 13:20). If this is not clear in your language, you could make it explicit. In this context, **the God of peace** could refer to: (1) who God is. Alternate translation: “the God who is characterized by peace” (2) what God does. Alternate translation: “the God who gives peace” (3) Both.
5095:23nb1xrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rpronounsαὐτὸς1Paul uses the word **himself** to emphasize the urgency of the apostles prayer or blessing by drawing attention to **God**, who is the only one who can sanctify and keep the Christian person blameless. Use a way that is natural in your language to indicate this emphasis.
5105:23vkhsrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassiveὁλόκληρον ὑμῶν τὸ πνεῦμα, καὶ ἡ ψυχὴ, καὶ τὸ σῶμα, ἀμέμπτως & τηρηθείη.1If it would be more natural in your language, you could say **be kept** with an active form, and you could emphasize who did the action. Alternate translation: “may God keep you completely blameless” or “may God make your whole life sinless”
5115:23s36krc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-merismὁλόκληρον ὑμῶν τὸ πνεῦμα, καὶ ἡ ψυχὴ, καὶ τὸ σῶμα1Paul speaks, using these three aspects of the human person in order to represent the whole human being. If this would be misunderstood in your language, you could use an equivalent expression or use plain language. Alternate translation: “your whole being” or “your whole life”
5125:23nymarc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiomἐν τῇ παρουσίᾳ τοῦ Κυρίου ἡμῶν, Ἰησοῦ Χριστοῦ1Here, **coming of the Lord** is a well-known idiom in 12 Thessalonians for the Second Coming of Christ (See [4:15](../04/15.md)) or the “Day of the **Lord**” in [5:2](../05/02.md). If this would be misunderstood in your language, you could use an equivalent idiom or use plain language. Alternate translation: “when our Lord Jesus Christ comes back to earth again” or “at the arrival of our Lord Jesus Christ”
5135:24i03krc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-logic-resultπιστὸς ὁ καλῶν ὑμᾶς, ὃς καὶ ποιήσει1Here, **who will also do it** expresses the result of Gods faithfulness. If it would be misunderstood in your language, you could make this explicit. Alternate translation: “Because God is faithful, he will also preserve you sanctified” or “Since God is trustworthy, he will also completely sanctify you”
5145:24vx20rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicitπιστὸς ὁ καλῶν ὑμᾶς1Here it is implied that **he** refers to “the God of peace” in [5:23](../05/23.md). If it would be helpful to your readers, you could say that explicitly. Alternate translation: “Faithful is God who calls you” or “The God who continues to summon you is faithful”
5155:24lg3brc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-ellipsisπιστὸς ὁ1A word is left out here in the original that a sentence would need in many languages to be complete. Since English needs it, **{is}** is added in brackets. Do what is natural in your language.
5165:24c3jgrc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-pronounsὁ καλῶν ὑμᾶς, ὃς καὶ ποιήσει1The pronouns **he** and **who** refer to “the God of peace” in [5:23](../05/23.md). Use a natural way in your language to make this explicit. Alternate translation: “is God who calls you, so he will also do it”
5175:24pa1grc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-ellipsisπιστὸς ὁ1A word is left out here in the original that a sentence would need in many languages to be complete. Since English needs it, **{is}** is added in brackets. Do what is natural in your language.
5185:25b7w3rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-imperativeπροσεύχεσθε καὶ περὶ ἡμῶν1Here, **pray** is an imperative, but it communicates a polite request or appeal rather than a command. Use a form in your language that communicates a polite request or appeal. It may be helpful to add an expression such as “please” to make this clearer. Alternate translation: “we ask you to pray” or “please pray for us”
5195:25tbhjrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-exclusiveἡμῶν1Here, **us** refers exclusively to the apostles. Your language may require you to mark these forms. Alternate translation: “us apostles”
5205:26j46qrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-imperativeἀσπάσασθε1Here, **Greet** is an imperative, but it communicates a polite request rather than a command. Use a form in your language that communicates a polite request. Alternate translation: “Make it your habit to greet” or “Make it your practice to greet”
5215:26dwl8rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiomτοὺς ἀδελφοὺς πάντας1Here, **all the brothers** is an idiom that refers to the whole Thessalonian churchand by extensionall Christians. Alternate translation: “all believers in Christ” or “all Christians”
5225:26v9iyrc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-symactionἐν φιλήματι ἁγίῳ1This action was an expression of Christian affection in this culture. It showed the unity of those who belong to Christ. If there is a gesture with similar meaning in your culture, you could consider using it here in your translation.
5235:27xn0nrc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-oathformulaἐνορκίζω ὑμᾶς τὸν Κύριον, ἀναγνωσθῆναι τὴν ἐπιστολὴν1The phrase **I solemnly charge you {by} the Lord** is an oath formula. Use a natural way in your language to express an oath. Alternate translation: “You must make a vow to the Lord that you will read this letter” or “I put you under oath to the Lord that this letter must be read”
5245:27n5cnrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicitἀναγνωσθῆναι τὴν ἐπιστολὴν1It is assumed that this letter would be read out loud by someone in the local church. If it would be helpful to your readers, you could say that explicitly. Alternate translation: “to have this letter read aloud”
5255:27yp7erc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassiveἀναγνωσθῆναι τὴν ἐπιστολὴν1If it would be more natural in your language, you could say this with an active form. Alternate translation: “to make sure you read this letter out loud”
5265:27mtvdrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiomπᾶσιν τοῖς ἀδελφοῖς1Here, **all the brothers** is an idiom that refers to the whole Thessalonian churchand by extensionall Christians (See [5:26](../05/26.md). Alternate translation: “to the whole church at Thessalonica”
5275:28ykkrrc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-blessingἡ χάρις τοῦ Κυρίου ἡμῶν, Ἰησοῦ Χριστοῦ, μεθ’ ὑμῶν1This is a blessing and greeting formula. Use a form that people would recognize as a blessing that could be used as a greeting in your language. Alternate translation: “May our Lord Jesus Christ show you how kind he is” or “May the favor of the Lord Jesus Christ be among you all” or “I pray that the Lord Jesus Christ will favor all of you”
5285:28n8urrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnounsἡ χάρις τοῦ Κυρίου ἡμῶν, Ἰησοῦ Χριστοῦ, μεθ’ ὑμῶν1If your language does not use the abstract noun **grace**, you can express the idea behind it in another way. Alternate translation: “May our Lord Jesus Christ always show you how kind he is”
5295:28d35drc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-textvariantsμεθ’ ὑμῶν1Many ancient manuscripts add “Amen”