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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 17:1–10.\n\n1. Apostolic memories of the Thessalonian church (1:1–10)\n * Greeting (1:1)\n * Thanksgiving for the Thessalonian Christians (1:2–4)\n * Examples of Thessalonian suffering (1:6–10)\n2. Apostolic authority (2:1–16)\n * Persecution of the church (2:1–13)\n * Opposition to the church (2:14–16)\n3. Timothy’s visit to Thessalonica (3:1–13)\n * Reason for the visit (3:1–5)\n * Report about the visit (3:6–13)\n4. Apostolic teachings (4:1–18)\n * Holiness (4:1–8)\n * Christian love (4:9–12)\n * Manner of the Second Coming of Christ (4:13–18)\n5. Final teachings (5:1–28)\n * Timing of the Second Coming of Christ (5:1–10)\n * Final appeals and teachings (5:11–28)\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 Paul’s 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 1:1–4). 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 17:1–10).\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 “Paul’s 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 God’s 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 Christ’s return will come back to life and be with Jesus. They will not remain dead forever. Paul wrote this to encourage the Thessalonians, for some of them worried that those 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 (1:2–10)\n * Memory of the Thessalonians (1:2–5)\n * apostolic prayers (1:2)\n * work of the Thessalonians (1:2–3)\n * God’s election of the Thessalonians (1:4–5)\n * Thessalonians’ example (1:6–10)\n * reception of the apostles’ teaching (1:6)\n * examples to Macedonia and Achaia (1:7–10)\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 [1:7–8](../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. Paul’s focus in this verse is especially on God’s 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” (See rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit)
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” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])
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. (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-names]])
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” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
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. (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/guidelines-sonofgodprinciples]])
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” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-blessing]])
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” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns]])
111:1nn67rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-youὑμῖν1Throughout this letter the word **you** is plural and refers to the Thessalonian believers, unless otherwise noted. (See: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-you)
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. (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-textvariants]])
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” (See: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-infostructure)
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” (See: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-hyperbole)
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” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-infostructure]])
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” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])
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” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns]])
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” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-possession]])
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” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-possession]])
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” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-possession]])
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” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-possession]])
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” (See: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-hendiadys)
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. (See: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-exclusive)
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” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-logic-result]])
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” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
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” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-gendernotations]])
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” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])
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” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns]])
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” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-logic-result]])
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” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-personification]])
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” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])
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” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns]])
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” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])
341:5wdr7rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicitκαθὼς οἴδατε οἷοι1Here, the phrase **just as you know** could introduce: (1) a basis for Paul’s 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” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])
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” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rpronouns]])
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” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-time-simultaneous]])
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” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])
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” (See: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns)
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” (See: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns)
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” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-possession]])
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” (See: rc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-logic-result)
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” (See: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns)
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” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-names]])
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,” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-words-phrases]])
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” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])
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” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])
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” (See: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor)
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” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-names]])
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” (See: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-personification)
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” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])
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” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns]])
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” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-hyperbole]])
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” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])
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” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-words-phrases]])
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” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-pronouns]])
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” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rpronouns]])
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” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-exclusive]])
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” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])
591:9usherc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-exclusiveἔσχομεν1Here, the word **we** refers only to Paul and his fellow workers. It does not include the Thessalonians. (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-exclusive]])
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 God’s sake” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
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” (See: rc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-logic-goal)
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” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])
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” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-logic-goal]])
641:10og49rc://*/ta/man/translate/guidelines-sonofgodprinciplesτὸν Υἱὸν αὐτοῦ1**Son** is an important title for Jesus that describes his relationship to God the Father. (See: rc://*/ta/man/translate/guidelines-sonofgodprinciples)
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” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])
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” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]])
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” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-nominaladj]])
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” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-distinguish]])
691:10pt1src://*/ta/man/translate/figs-exclusiveἡμᾶς1Here, the word **us** includes Paul, Silvanus, Timothy, and the Thessalonians–and 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” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-exclusive]])
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” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns]])
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: “God’s judgment that will happen” or “when God will punish people for sin” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-personification]])
722:introkt5l0# 1 Thessalonians 2 General Notes\n\n## Structure and Formatting\n\n1. Apostolic Suffering (2:1–13)\n * Apostolic preaching (2:1–6)\n * Apostolic conduct (2:7–9)\n * Apostolic witness (2:10–3)\n2. Persecution of the Church (2:14–16)\n * Thessalonian persecution (2:14a)\n * Jewish persecution (2:14b–16)\n3. Paul’s Desire to Visit (2:17–20)\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 church’s sufferings. The third part is an expression of Paul’s deep desire to visit the Thessalonian church.\n\n## Special Concepts in this Chapter\n\n### Paul’s 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 17:1–10](../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 [2:1–13](../02/01.md)). He also refers to how some Jewish people persecuted him and his fellow workers (see [2:15–16](../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 [2:17–20](../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 [2:14–16](../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 God’s “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 [2:1–12](../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,” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-words-phrases]])
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” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rpronouns]])
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” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
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. (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-gendernotations]])
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” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])
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” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-exclusive]])
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” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-litotes]])
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,” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-logic-contrast]])
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 16:16–40](../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” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-background]])
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” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-logic-contrast]])
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” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-doublet]])
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” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])
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” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-infostructure]])
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” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
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” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-possession]])
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” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])
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,” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-words-phrases]])
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” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns]])
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” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])
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” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])
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” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-infostructure]])
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” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])
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” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-logic-result]])
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” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-ellipsis]])
972:4bq9arc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymyτὰς καρδίας ἡμῶν1In Paul’s 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” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])
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,” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-words-phrases]])
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” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-infostructure]])
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” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])
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” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])
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” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns]])
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” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-possession]])
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” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns]])
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” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns]])
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” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-gendernotations]])
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” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
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” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
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. (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-textvariants]])
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” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-simile]])
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,” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-infostructure]])
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:” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])
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” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])
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” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-possession]])
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” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])
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,” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-words-phrases]])
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” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
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” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-gendernotations]])
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” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-doublet]])
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” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]])
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” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
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” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-possession]])
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” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
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 Paul’s 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” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-simile]])
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” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
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” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-possession]])
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” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-distinguish]])
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 [1:8–10](../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 author’s 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 God’s 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,” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-words-phrases]])
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” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-events]])
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 God’s 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 “God’s 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” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-hyperbole]])
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 God’s **wrath**. If it would be helpful in your language, you could make this idea more explicit. Alternate translation: “God’s 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 God’s **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 17:1–10](../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 17:1–10](../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” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]])
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” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])
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” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]])
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 Paul’s 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 Paul’s claim in the previous verse about how eager he and his fellow workers were to visit the Thessalonians. Alternate translation: “Therefore,” or “So then,” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-words-phrases]])
1812:18pnw3rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-goἐλθεῖν1Your language may say “go” rather than **come** in contexts such as this. Alternate translation: “to go” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-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” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-ellipsis]])
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” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]])
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” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-personification]])
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. (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-textvariants]])
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-phrasesἢ3Here, 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. Timothy’s Visit (3:1–5)\n * Apostolic concern (3:1–2)\n * Apostolic encouragement (3:3–5)\n2. Timothy’s Report (3:6–13)\n * Good news (3:6–10)\n * Apostolic prayer (3:11–13)\n\nThe first part of this chapter recounts Timothy’s visit to Thessalonica. The second part tells about his report to Paul and Silvanus at Athens. Lastly, the apostles offer a prayer on behalf of the Thessalonian church.\n\n## “We” and “You”\n\nIn this letter, the words **we** and **our** refer to Paul, Silvanus, and Timothy, unless otherwise noted. Throughout the letter, **we** and **our** is used to convey that all three apostles are in agreement with the letter.\n\n## Special Concepts in this Chapter\n\n### Metaphor\n\nIn this chapter, the Apostle Paul uses the phrase “stand firm” in [3:8](../03/08.md) as a metaphor of faithfulness to the Gospel, and “be shaken” in [3:3](../03/03.md) as the opposite of being faithful. (See: [[rc://*/tw/dict/bible/kt/faithful]])\n\nUse a building metaphor, the apostles pray that God will “strengthen the “hearts” of the Thessalonian church “blameless” (See [3:13](../03/13.md)).\n\nThe enemy of God’s people, “Satan” (See [2:18](../02/18.md)) is here called “the tempter” (See [3:5](../03/05.md)).\n\n### Hyperbole\n\nPaul uses emotional and extreme language when speaking of his memory of the Thessalonian church. “Enduring it no longer,” the apostles and especially Paul (See [3:1,5](../03/01.md)) feel compelled to find out about the spiritual condition of the church. The intensity and duration of the apostles’ prayers is described as “night and day pleading earnestly” (See [3:10](../03/10.md)).\n\n### The Second Coming of Christ\n\nHere the apostles pray that the Thessalonian church will be preserved holy when Christ comes again with all his holy ones or “saints” (See [3:13](../03/13.md)).
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 [2:17–20](../02/17.md)). If it would be helpful in your language, you could use a word or phrase that introduces an inference or result. Alternate translation: “As a result of that” or “Because of that”
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 God’s sake. Alternate translation: “one who serves others for God’s 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”
2133:3u7vorc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnounsτὸ μηδένα σαίνεσθαι ἐν ταῖς θλίψεσιν ταύταις1If your language does not use the abstract noun **afflictions**, you can express the idea behind it in another way. Alternate translation: “so that when you are distressed, it would not make anyone waver” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns]])
2143:3o4w8rc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-logic-goalτὸ μηδένα σαίνεσθαι1This is a purpose clause. Paul is stating the purpose for sending Timothy. Use a natural way in your language for introducing a purpose clause. Alternate translation: “in order that no one would waver” or “for the purpose of keeping anyone from being deceived” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-logic-goal]])
2153:3v8q7rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-nominaladjτὸ μηδένα σαίνεσθαι1Paul is using the adjective **no one** as a noun in order to describe the Thessalonian church. Your language may use adjectives in the same way. If not, you could translate this with a noun phrase. Alternate translation: “so that no person wavers” or “in order that none of you are deceived” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-nominaladj]])
2163:3t0vsrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rpronounsαὐτοὶ γὰρ οἴδατε1Paul uses the word **yourselves** to emphasize what the apostles had previously told them about **afflictions**. Use a way that is natural in your language to indicate this emphasis. Alternate translation: “In fact, you know for yourselves” or “Certainly, you are well aware of the fact” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rpronouns]])
2173:3cdaarc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-collectivenounsεἰς τοῦτο1Here, **this** refers to **afflictions**. However, in this sentence the meaning is more like a condition or state of “being afflicted” regularly or continually. The pronoun is changed to be singular to agree with this unstated idea. If you readers would not understand this shift, you could change **this** to a plural pronoun or make this unstated idea explicit. Alternate translation: “for these afflictions” or “for this affliction” “for a life characterized by afflictions”(See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-collectivenouns]])
2183:3rkx9rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicitκείμεθα1Paul assumes that the Thessalonian church knows that it is God who **appointed** the apostles for **afflictions**. If it would be helpful to your readers, you could say that explicitly. Alternate translation: “God appointed us” or “God destined us” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])
2193:3gla7rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-exclusiveκείμεθα1Here, **we** refers exclusively to the apostles. Your language may require you to mark these forms. (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-exclusive]])
2203:4nm1lrc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-backgroundκαὶ γὰρ ὅτε πρὸς ὑμᾶς ἦμεν, προελέγομεν ὑμῖν ὅτι μέλλομεν θλίβεσθαι, καθὼς καὶ ἐγένετο καὶ οἴδατε.1Paul is giving background information about his previous visit. Paul reminds the Thessalonian church that what he predicted about the apostles’ sufferings has come true, so they should not be tempted to doubt the apostles’ authority or teaching (See [3:5,7](../03/05.md)). Use the natural form in your language for expressing background information. Alternate translation: “Indeed, the last time we visited you, we kept telling you before it happened, ‘We are destined to be afflicted.’ You are well aware that it happened exactly as we told you” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-background]])
2213:4wo6qrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-exclusiveἦμεν1Here, **we** is exclusive of the apostles. Your language may require you to mark these forms. Alternate translation: “we apostles were” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-exclusive]])
2223:4w95urc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-words-phrasesγὰρ1Here, **For** indicates that what follows explains and emphasizes what the Thessalonian already know about the apostles’ afflictions. Alternate translation: “Certainly,” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-words-phrases]])
2233:4wucorc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-quotationsπροελέγομεν ὑμῖν ὅτι μέλλομεν θλίβεσθαι1Here, **that** could either express emphasis or be a quotation marker of what the apostles said. If it would be more natural in your language, you could express this as a direct quotation. Alternate translation: “we kept telling you ahead of time, ‘We are destined to endure distress.’” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-quotations]])
2243:4a5y6καὶ ἐγένετο1Here, **and it happened** is meant to emphasize Paul, Silvanus, and Timothy’s apostolic credentials by verifying that their prophetic words came true. Use a natural way in your language to express this emphasis. Alternate translation: “and this is precisely what happened”
2253:5tj4erc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-participantsδιὰ τοῦτο κἀγὼ μηκέτι στέγων, ἔπεμψα εἰς τὸ γνῶναι τὴν πίστιν ὑμῶν1Here Paul summarizes the story of Timothy’s visit but leaves out mention of Timothy as redundant information. If it is clearer in your language, you could include mention of Timothy. Alternate translation: “Again, since I could not wait anymore, I sent Timothy to learn if you still trust in God” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-participants]])
2263:5o9eprc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-parallelismκἀγὼ μηκέτι στέγων, ἔπεμψα1Paul repeats the same phrase **no longer enduring {it}** found in [3:1](../03/01.md). Here, “I sent” parallels “we sent” in [3:1–2](../03/01.md). This expresses that Paul represents the apostles who sent Timothy to Thessalonica. Use a natural way in your language to indicate this parallelism. (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-parallelism]])
2273:5st3drc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-hyperboleκἀγὼ μηκέτι στέγων1This phrase is an exaggeration that Paul uses to express deep concern. If this would be misunderstood in your language, you could use an equivalent expression from your language that shows deep concern. See your translation at [3:1](../03/01.md). (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-hyperbole]])
2283:5zn36rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicitἔπεμψα1Here it is implied that Paul **sent** Timothy. If it would be helpful to your readers, you could say that explicitly. Alternate translation: “I, Paul, sent Timothy” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])
2293:5judqrc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-logic-goalεἰς τὸ γνῶναι τὴν πίστιν ὑμῶν1This is a purpose clause. Paul is stating the purpose for why he **sent** Timothy. Use a natural way in your language for introducing a purpose clause. Alternate translation: “so that I could learn if you remained faithful” or “in order to discern whether you still trust God” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-logic-goal]])
2303:5nopprc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiomὁ πειράζων1Here Paul uses the phrase **the tempter** as a title to identify Satan (See Matthew 4:3). The phrase means “one who tempts.” If this would be misunderstood in your language, you could use a phrase. Alternate translation: “Satan, the one who tempts” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]])
2313:5ua7irc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-hypoμή πως ἐπείρασεν ὑμᾶς ὁ πειράζων, καὶ1Paul is using a hypothetical situation to help his readers recognize how powerful satanic temptation can be. Use the natural form in your language for expressing a hypothetical situation. Alternate translation: “because if Satan tempted you, I wanted to find out, and then” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-hypo]])
2323:5gnowrc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-logic-resultκαὶ εἰς κενὸν γένηται ὁ κόπος ἡμῶν1This phrase could be a result clause. Paul is stating what would be the result if the Thessalonian church let Satan tempt them to stop trusting God. Use a natural way in your language for introducing a result clause. Alternate translation: “then how hard we worked would have been worthless” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-logic-result]])
2333:5jnzbrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-hyperboleεἰς κενὸν1Here, **in vain** is an exaggeration that Paul uses to express how sad the apostles would have been if the Thessalonian church had not remained faithful to God. Paul does not really think the apostles’ **labor** is worthless. If this would be misunderstood in your language, you could use an equivalent expression from your language that shows deep disappointment. Alternate translation: “worthless” or “purposeless” or “profitless” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-hyperbole]])
2343:6esxwrc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-time-background0In [3:6](../03/06.md) Paul describes Timothy’s current report about the Thessalonian church. Paul provides this background information to help his readers understand how comforted he is (See [3:7](../03/07.md)).Use the natural form in your language for expressing background information. (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-time-background]])
2353:6r4parc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-words-phrasesἄρτι δὲ ἐλθόντος Τιμοθέου πρὸς ἡμᾶς ἀφ’ ὑμῶν1# Connecting Statement:\n\nThe phrase **But just now** brings Paul’s narrative into the present time. Use a natural way in your language to express this emphasis. Alternate translation: “But Timothy recently returned to us from visiting you” or “But now, Timothy is back to us from his visit with you” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-words-phrases]])
2363:6gci4rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-exclusiveπρὸς ἡμᾶς1This is an exclusive use of **us**, referring to Paul and Silvanus. Your language may require you to mark these forms. (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-exclusive]])
2373:6tu8drc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnounsτὴν πίστιν καὶ τὴν ἀγάπην ὑμῶν1If your language does not use the abstract nouns **faith** and **love**, you can express the idea behind them in another way. Alternate translation: “that you remain faithful to God and love him” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns]])
2383:6fu8hrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-hendiadysτὴν πίστιν καὶ τὴν ἀγάπην ὑμῶν1This phrase could express a single idea by using two words connected with **and**. The word **faith** could describe **love**. If it would be more natural in your language, you could express this meaning with an equivalent phrase that does not use **and**. Alternate translation: “your faithful love” or “your faithful love toward God” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-hendiadys]])
2393:6tf95rc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-logic-resultκαὶ ὅτι ἔχετε μνείαν ἡμῶν ἀγαθὴν πάντοτε, ἐπιποθοῦντες ἡμᾶς ἰδεῖν1This phrase could indicate a result clause. If it would be clearer in your language, you could reverse the order of these phrases, since the second phrase gives the reason for the result that the first phrase describes. Alternate translation: “and you constantly desire to visit with us, because you always remember us fondly” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-logic-result]])
2403:6e6kxrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnounsκαὶ ὅτι ἔχετε μνείαν ἡμῶν ἀγαθὴν πάντοτε1If your language does not use the abstract noun **memories**, you can express the idea behind it in another way. Alternate translation: “and how you always remember us fondly” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns]])
2413:7dpijrc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-logic-resultδιὰ τοῦτο παρεκλήθημεν, ἀδελφοί, ἐφ’ ὑμῖν1This phrase is a result clause. Paul is stating the result of the Timothy’s good news in [3:6](../03/06.md). Use a natural way in your language for introducing a result clause. Alternate translation: “Fellow believers in Christ, as a result of Timothy’s good news about you, God consoled us” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-logic-result]])
2423:7csz7rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-hendiadysἐπὶ πάσῃ τῇ ἀνάγκῃ καὶ θλίψει ἡμῶν1This phrase expresses a single idea by using two words connected with **and**. The word **distress** describes the **affliction**. If it would be more natural in your language, you could express this meaning with an equivalent phrase that does not use **and**. Here this phrase emphasizes how much and how intensely the apostles were persecuted. Alternate translation: “in all our abusive affliction” or “in all our violent suffering” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-hendiadys]])
2433:7e96urc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnounsἐπὶ πάσῃ τῇ ἀνάγκῃ καὶ θλίψει ἡμῶν1If your language does not use the abstract nouns **distress** and **affliction**, you can express them in another way. Here, it could refer to: (1) the time of distress and affliction. Alternate translation: “during all our abuse and affliction” or “each time we violently suffered” (2) the place or way of distress and affliction. Alternate translation: “in every place the tempter violently afflicted us” or “in every way we suffered abuse” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns]])
2443:8utk3rc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-logic-resultὅτι νῦν ζῶμεν, ἐὰν ὑμεῖς στήκετε ἐν Κυρίῳ1If it would be more natural in your language, you could reverse the order of these phrases, since the second phrase gives the reason for the result that the first phrase describes. Alternate translation: “Since you are remaining faithful to the Lord Jesus, we are now refreshed!” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-logic-result]])
2453:8y1vbrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-hyperboleὅτι νῦν ζῶμεν1Here, **For now we live** is an exaggeration that Paul uses to show how thankful he is that the Thessalonians **stand firm** in the Christian faith (See [3:7](../03/07.md)). Paul is not trying to say that he was dead. If this would be misunderstood in your language, you could use an equivalent expression from your language that shows thankfulness. Alternate translation (replace the comma): “O how we are now refreshed!” or “O how we now feel alive!” or “Certainly now we thrive!” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-hyperbole]])
2463:8x4znrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiomἐὰν ὑμεῖς στήκετε ἐν Κυρίῳ1Here, the term **stand firm** is an idiom meaning “remain faithful.” If this would be misunderstood in your language, you could use an equivalent idiom or use plain language. Alternate translation: “when you remain faithful to the Lord” or “if you continue unwavering in your relationship with the Lord” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]])
2473:8zbyorc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-condition-factἐὰν ὑμεῖς στήκετε ἐν Κυρίῳ1Paul is speaking as if this were a hypothetical possibility, but he means that it is actually true. If your language does not state something as a condition if it is certain or true, and if your readers might think that what Paul is saying is not certain, then you could translate his words as an affirmative statement. Alternate translation: “since you are remaining faithful to the Lord Jesus” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-condition-fact]])
2483:8hk91rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphorὑμεῖς στήκετε ἐν Κυρίῳ1Paul speaks of the Thessalonian church as though they were occupying space inside the Lord Jesus. Here, this metaphor, **in the Lord**, could express these ideas: (1) devotion to Jesus. Alternate translation: “you are really devoted to the Lord Jesus” (2) relationship with Jesus. Alternate translation: “you are truly standing firm in your relationship with the Lord Jesus” (3) union with Jesus. Alternate translation: “all of you are firmly united to the Lord Jesus” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
2493:8e3perc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rpronounsὑμεῖς1Paul uses the word **yourselves** to emphasize his joy for the Thessalonian church’s faithfulness. Use a way that is natural in your language to indicate this emphasis. Alternative translation: “indeed” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rpronouns]])
2503:9pzq7rc://*/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.1Paul is using a rhetorical question that continues to the end of [3:10](../03/10.md) in order to emphasize the apostles’ thankful joy for the Thessalonian church’s faithfulness to God. If you would not use a rhetorical question for this purpose in your language, you could translate his words as a statement or an exclamation and communicate the emphasis in another way. Alternate translation: “We could not possibly thank God enough for what he has done for you! When we pray to our God, we greatly rejoice because of you!” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion]])
2513:9pdc5rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphorτίνα γὰρ εὐχαριστίαν δυνάμεθα τῷ Θεῷ ἀνταποδοῦναι περὶ ὑμῶν1With the phrase **give back**, Paul speaks of the apostles as if they owe God a debt for the sake of the Thessalonian church’s faithfulness. Paul means that the apostles cannot adequately express how thankful they are. If your readers would not understand what it means to **give back** in this context, you could use an equivalent metaphor from your culture. Alternatively, you could express Paul’s meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “Because, how could we possibly show how grateful we are to God for you” or “Indeed, what kind of thanksgiving for you could we give to God” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
2523:9j6pjrc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-logic-resultἐπὶ πάσῃ τῇ χαρᾷ ᾗ χαίρομεν δι’ ὑμᾶς, ἔμπροσθεν τοῦ Θεοῦ ἡμῶν1If it would be more natural in your language, you could reverse the order of these phrases, since the second phrase gives the reason for the result that the first phrase describes. Since this is a rhetorical question, you could change it to a statement, and begin a new sentence here. Alternate translation: “Because of you, we greatly rejoice when we pray to God,” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-logic-result]])
2533:9u00trc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-doubletἐπὶ πάσῃ τῇ χαρᾷ ᾗ χαίρομεν1Here, **joy** and **rejoice** mean basically the same thing. The repetition is used to emphasize how much joy the apostles have because of how faithful the Thessalonian church has been towards God. Alternate translation: “for how much we greatly rejoice” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-doublet]])
2543:9p5karc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiomχαίρομεν & ἔμπροσθεν τοῦ Θεοῦ ἡμῶν1Here, **before our God** is an idiom for being in the personal presence of God. If this would be misunderstood in your language, you could use an equivalent idiom or use plain language. Alternate translation: “we rejoice in the presence of our God” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]])
2553:10k71nrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-hyperboleνυκτὸς καὶ ἡμέρας, ὑπέρἐκπερισσοῦ δεόμενοι1This emphatic phrase is an exaggeration that Paul uses to show how much and often the apostles pray for the Thessalonian church. Paul does not mean to say he never does anything else except pray. If this would be misunderstood in your language, you could use an equivalent expression from your language that expresses this emphasis. Alternate translation: “we never stop intensely pleading” or “we continually and fervently pray” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-hyperbole]])
2563:10eb26rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiomεἰς τὸ ἰδεῖν ὑμῶν τὸ πρόσωπον1Here, the phrase **to see your face** is an idiom meaning “visit.” If this would be misunderstood in your language, you could use an equivalent idiom or use plain language. Alternate translation: “to visit you” or “to spend time with you” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]])
2573:10s0xzrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdocheὑμῶν τὸ πρόσωπον1Paul refers to **your face** to mean the whole Thessalonian church. If this would be misunderstood in your language, you could use an equivalent expression from your culture or use plain language. Alternate translation: “all of you” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche]])
2583:10e5fhrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnounsκαὶ καταρτίσαι τὰ ὑστερήματα τῆς πίστεως ὑμῶν1If your language does not use the abstract noun **faith**, you can express the idea behind it in another way (See also [2:17](../02/17.md)). Alternate translation: “and to provide support so that you remain faithful” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns]])
2593:11-13tet9rc://*/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” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-blessing]])
2603:11f3whrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-hendiadysὁ Θεὸς καὶ Πατὴρ ἡμῶν1Here, **our God and Father** refers to the one divine person who is both God and Father. This phrase is a hendiadys, since Father further describes God (See also [1:3](../01/03.md)). Alternate translation: “God our Father” or “our Father God” (See: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-hendiadys)
2613:11mc2mrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rpronounsαὐτὸς1Paul uses the word **himself** to distinguish **our God and Father** from **our Lord Jesus**. Use a way that is natural in your language to indicate this distinction. (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rpronouns]])
2623:11bql9rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-exclusiveἡμῶν & ἡμῶν & ἡμῶν1It is possible that these first two uses of **our** are inclusive of the whole Christian Church. Yet, the third use of **our** exclusively refers to the apostles. So, it is most likely that **our** refers exclusively to Paul, Silvanus, and Timothy in this whole verse (see also [1:9, 2:1, 3:9](../01/09.md)). Your language may require you to mark these forms. (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-exclusive]])
2633:11um1crc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphorκατευθύναι τὴν ὁδὸν ἡμῶν πρὸς ὑμᾶς.1Paul speaks about God as if he were a pilot or captain of a ship. Paul means that he wants God to allow the apostles to visit the Thessalonian church again. If your readers would not understand what **direct our way to you** means in this context, you could use an equivalent metaphor from your culture. Alternatively, you could express Paul’s meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “may … quickly bring us to you” or “may … direct our voyage so that we can visit you” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
2643:12f4marc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-doubletὑμᾶς δὲ ὁ Κύριος πλεονάσαι καὶ περισσεύσαι1Here, **increase** and **abound** mean basically the same thing. The repetition is used to emphasize how much the apostles want the Thessalonian church to keep increasing in their love for all people. If your language does not use repetition in this way, you can combine these phrases. Alternate translation: “May the Lord Jesus make you completely excel” or “O that the Lord Jesus would cause you to fully thrive” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-doublet]])
2653:12o80nrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphorτῇ ἀγάπῃ1Paul speaks of **love** as something that can be quantified or measured. He means that he hopes the Thessalonian church will keep loving people well. If your readers would not understand what **in love** means in this context, you could use an equivalent metaphor from your culture. Alternate translation: “in the way you love” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
2663:12ofl2rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-merismεἰς ἀλλήλους, καὶ εἰς πάντας1Paul could be speaking, using these phrases in order to include the whole human race. If this would be misunderstood in your language, you could use an equivalent expression or use plain language. Alternate translation: “toward each and every person” or “toward the whole human race” or “toward Christians and non-Christians” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-merism]])
2673:12gyy3rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-nominaladjεἰς πάντας1Paul could be using the adjective **all** as a noun in order to describe a group of people. Your language may use adjectives in the same way. If not, you could translate this with a noun phrase. It could refer to: (1) the whole human race. Alternate translation: “toward all humanity” (2) all Christians. Alternate translation: “for all your fellow believers in Christ” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-nominaladj]])
2683:12dm6cκαθάπερ καὶ ἡμεῖς εἰς ὑμᾶς1Here, **just as we also toward you** is an emphatic phrase meant to reinforce the deep love the apostles have for the Thessalonian church (also in [3:6](../03/06.md)). Use a natural way in your language to express this emphasis. Alternate translation: “in the same way that we love you”
2693:13ms8trc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnounsεἰς τὸ στηρίξαι ὑμῶν τὰς καρδίας, ἀμέμπτους ἐν ἁγιωσύνῃ1If your language does not use the abstract nouns **hearts** and **holiness**, you can express the ideas behind them in another way. Alternate translation: “so that how you love one another strengthens you to become resolved to live blamelessly, as is appropriate for those who belong to the Lord Jesus” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns]])
2703:13ly21rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphorεἰς τὸ στηρίξαι ὑμῶν τὰς καρδίας1Paul speaks of the people of the Thessalonian church as if they have one heart that is like a building that can be established or supported. He means that he wants God to increase their willpower or affections so that they would remain faithful to God. If your readers would not understand what this phrase means in this context, you could use an equivalent metaphor from your culture. Alternatively, you could express Paul’s meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “to establish your affections” or “to strengthen your will” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
2713:13tawsrc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-logic-goalεἰς τὸ στηρίξαι ὑμῶν τὰς καρδίας1This phrase is a purpose clause. Paul is stating the purpose for why he prays that God will increase the Thessalonian church’s love for all people. Use a natural way in your language for introducing a purpose clause. Alternate translation: “so that the Lord will establish your affections for him” or “in order that the Lord will strengthen your willpower” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-logic-goal]])
2723:13jev8rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-doubletἀμέμπτους ἐν ἁγιωσύνῃ1Here, **blameless** and **holiness** mean basically the same thing. The repetition is used to emphasize total sanctification. If your language does not use repetition in this way, you can combine these phrases. This phrase could refer to: (1) a condition of holiness. Alternate translation: “blameless in a condition of holiness” (2) how to become holy. Alternate translation: “blameless through holiness” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-doublet]])
2733:13p12jrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiomἔμπροσθεν τοῦ Θεοῦ καὶ Πατρὸς ἡμῶν1This phrase is an idiom for being in the personal presence of God (See [3:9](../03/09.md)). If this would be misunderstood in your language, you could use an equivalent idiom or use plain language. Alternate translation: “in the presence of our Father God” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]])
2743:13vnsirc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicitἐν τῇ παρουσίᾳ τοῦ Κυρίου ἡμῶν, Ἰησοῦ, μετὰ πάντων τῶν ἁγίων αὐτοῦ1This is a reference to Zechariah 14:5 (See also 2 Thessalonians 1:7,10; Jude 14). Here it is implied that these **saints** are all those who are **blameless in holiness** and who have already died (See [4:14](../04/14.md)). If it would be helpful to your readers, you could say that explicitly. Alternate translation: “at the time the Lord Jesus arrives along with all his holy people who have already died” or “when the Lord Jesus returns a second time with all those reposed people who belong to him” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])
2753:13ytqgrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiomἐν τῇ παρουσίᾳ τοῦ Κυρίου ἡμῶν, Ἰησοῦ1Here, **at the coming of the Lord Jesus** is a well-known idiom in 1–2 Thessalonians for the Second Coming of Christ (See [2:19; 4:15](../02/19.md)) or the “Day of the **Lord**” [5:2](../05/02.md)). Use a natural way in your language to emphasize this idea. Alternate translation: “in the presence of our Lord Jesus at his Second Coming” or “in the sight of our Lord Jesus when he arrives again” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]])
2764:introb1z50# 1 Thessalonians 4 General Notes\n\n## Outline of 1 Thessalonians 4\n\n1. Apostolic Teachings on Holiness (4:1–8)\n2. Apostolic Teachings on Christian Love (4:9–12)\n* Reminder (4:9–10)\n* Keep Busy (4:11–12)\n3. Apostolic Teachings on the Manner of the Second Coming of Christ (4:13–18)\n\n## “We” and “You”\n\nIn this letter, the words **we** and **our** refer to Paul, Silvanus, and Timothy, unless otherwise noted. Throughout the letter, **we** and **our** are used to convey that all three apostles are in agreement with the letter.\n\n## Special Concepts in this Chapter\n\n### Christian love\n\nThe apostles address the topic of Christian love that the Thessalonian church had previously asked about. The apostles encouraged the church that they were already loving well, and they should continue to grow in this practice. The apostles also link “brotherly love” to living in harmony with each other and minding their own business, so that they would be a good example to non-Christians (See [4:11–12](../04/11.md)).\n\n### Dying before the Second Coming of Christ\n\nThe Thessalonian church was concerned about what would happen if a believer died before Christ returned. They were anxious to know whether or not those who died before Christ returned would be part of the Kingdom of God. Paul addresses that concern in [4:13–5:11](../04/13.md).\n\n### The manner of the Second Coming of Christ\n\nIn [4:13–18](../04/13.md), the apostles teach about the events related to the Second Coming of Christ (called “the day of the Lord” in [5:2](../05/02.md)). This is so that the Thessalonians can “comfort one another with these words” (See [4:18](../04/18.md)).\n\n## Important Translation Issues in this Chapter\n\n### Sexual immorality\n\nDifferent cultures have different standards of sexual morality. These different cultural standards may make translating this passage difficult. Translators will have to consider the most appropriate way to communicate these sensitive issues.\n\n### The Second Coming of Christ and the Day of the Lord\n\nAll Christians believe that Jesus will return to earth to judge all people and to rule forever. As the Nicene Creed (381 A.D.) states: “I await the resurrection of the dead and the life of the age to come.” Christ came once as Incarnate God and will return once as Resurrected Judge. However, there are various ways that Christians understand the “coming of the Lord” as explained in [4:13–5:11](../04/13.md), and the “day of the Lord” in [5:2](../05/02.md). Some believe they are one and the same event, but others believe them to be two separate events. Your translation should state clearly only what is clear in these verses without promoting any particular interpretation.
2774:1vtasrc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-words-phrasesλοιπὸν οὖν1Here, **So finally** could refer to: (1) a summary of the apostles’ teachings. Alternate translation: “So, in summary,” (2) the remaining things to address. “So then, here is what remains for us to talk about” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-words-phrases]])
2784:1u2lwrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-doubletἐρωτῶμεν ὑμᾶς καὶ παρακαλοῦμεν1These two phrases mean basically the same thing. The repetition is used to emphasize how seriously the apostles want the Thessalonian church to follow their teachings. If your language does not use repetition in this way, you can combine these phrases. Alternate translation: “we are urging and appealing to you” or “we strongly urge you” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-doublet]])
2794:1foehrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphorἐν Κυρίῳ Ἰησοῦ1Paul speaks as if the apostles are occupying space inside of **the Lord Jesus**. Here, the metaphor expresses the idea that the apostles represent Jesus himself like ambassadors who possess a king’s authority. If your readers would not understand what **in the Lord** means in this context, you could use an equivalent metaphor from your culture. Alternatively, you could express Paul’s meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “with our authority from the Lord Jesus” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
2804:1p4dbrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphorτὸ πῶς δεῖ ὑμᾶς περιπατεῖν1Here, **to walk** is a metaphor that means “to live” or “to obey” (See [2:12](../02/12.md)). If your readers would not understand what it means **to walk** in this context, you could use an equivalent metaphor from your culture. Alternatively, you could express Paul’s meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “about how you must live” or “about how you are obligated to obey” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
2814:1ckiirc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-hendiadysτὸ πῶς δεῖ ὑμᾶς περιπατεῖν καὶ ἀρέσκειν Θεῷ (καθὼς καὶ περιπατεῖτε)1Here, **to walk and to please** expresses a single idea by using two words connected with **and**. The word **please** describes how the Thessalonian church should **walk**. If it would be more natural in your language, you could express this meaning with an equivalent phrase that does not use **and**. Alternate translation: “about how you must live to please God (exactly as you live now)” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-hendiadys]])
2824:1q937rc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-logic-goalἵνα περισσεύητε μᾶλλον1This phrase is a purpose clause. Paul is stating the purpose for which apostles are begging and exhorting the Thessalonian church. Use a natural way in your language for introducing a purpose clause. Alternate translation: “so that you can excel more and more” or “in order that you thrive even more” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-logic-goal]])
2834:2oyu3rc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-time-background0Paul is providing this background information about the apostles’ teachings during their previous visit to help readers understand what happens next. Use a natural way in your language for introducing background information. (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-time-background]])
2844:2dg4prc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-logic-resultοἴδατε γὰρ τίνας παραγγελίας ἐδώκαμεν ὑμῖν διὰ τοῦ Κυρίου Ἰησοῦ1This verse expresses that the Thessalonian church should do what the apostles previously taught them (See [4:1](../04/01.md)), because these teachings are actually commands from **the Lord Jesus** himself. Use a natural way in your language to express a result clause. Alternate translation: “The reason we beg and exhort you is because you realize that when we gave commands, it was actually the Lord Jesus who taught you” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-logic-result]])
2854:2ebjmrc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-words-phrasesγὰρ1Here, **For** indicates that what follows is something else important that the Thessalonian church should pay attention to. Use a natural way in your language to express this emphasis. Alternate translation: “In fact” or “Certainly” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-words-phrases]])
2864:2vg16rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphorδιὰ τοῦ Κυρίου Ἰησοῦ1Paul speaks of the **commands** that the apostles gave to the Thessalonian church as though **Jesus** personally told them to the apostles. Paul means that **Jesus** made the apostles his messengers, not that **Jesus** is a messenger of the apostles. If your readers would not understand what **through the Lord Jesus** means in this context, you could use an equivalent metaphor from your culture. Alternatively, you could express Paul’s meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “through a message from the Lord Jesus” or “by order of the Lord Jesus himself” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
2874:3ycswrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnounsτοῦτο γάρ ἐστιν θέλημα τοῦ Θεοῦ, ὁ ἁγιασμὸς ὑμῶν,1If your language does not use the abstract nouns **will** and **sanctification**, you can express the ideas behind them in another way. Alternate translation: “Indeed, God desires that you live like those who belong to him” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns]])
2884:3lit4rc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-words-phrasesτοῦτο γάρ ἐστιν1Here, **For this is** indicates that this is the beginning of a section about the content of the commands from the Lord Jesus in [4:2](../04/02.md). Use a natural way in your language to indicate the beginning of new topic. Alternate translation: “Now, this is” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-words-phrases]])
2894:3vnp0rc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-collectivenounsτοῦτο γάρ ἐστιν θέλημα τοῦ Θεοῦ1Here, **this** is a singular pronoun that emphasizes what **is the will of God**. Use a natural way in your language to express this emphasis. Alternate translation: “Certainly, this very thing is God’s will” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-collectivenouns]])
2904:3mw4jτοῦτο γάρ ἐστιν θέλημα τοῦ Θεοῦ, ὁ ἁγιασμὸς ὑμῶν1Here begins a list spanning through [4:3–8](../04/03.md) that explains what **sanctification** means in this context. Use a natural way in your language to indicate the beginning of a topic.
2914:3lgacrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-distinguishἀπέχεσθαι ὑμᾶς ἀπὸ τῆς πορνείας1This phrase gives us further information about what is meant by **sanctification**. Paul is defining the **sanctification** God wants for his people by forbidding **sexually immorality**. If this is not understood in your language, you could make the relationship between these phrases clearer. (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-distinguish]])
2924:3lhxirc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-imperativeἀπέχεσθαι ὑμᾶς1The following list of verb forms in [4:3–6](../04/03.md) could be translated as commands (See [4:2](../04/02.md)). Here, the verb forms are likely meant to express a strong suggestion or appeal. Use a form in your language that would be used in this type of situation. Alternate translation: “you yourselves must refrain” or “you should withhold yourselves” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-imperative]])
2934:4u98krc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-distinguishεἰδέναι ἕκαστον ὑμῶν τὸ ἑαυτοῦ σκεῦος, κτᾶσθαι ἐν ἁγιασμῷ καὶ τιμῇ1Here Paul gives more instructions about the **sanctification** God wants for his people, by telling the Thessalonian church that every husband needs to treat his wife’s body and his own body **in sanctification and honor**. If this is not understood in your language, you could make the relationship between these verses clearer. (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-distinguish]])
2944:4vhbprc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-euphemismεἰδέναι ἕκαστον ὑμῶν τὸ ἑαυτοῦ σκεῦος, κτᾶσθαι ἐν ἁγιασμῷ καὶ τιμῇ,1Here, **to know to possess** refers to sexual intimacy. This is a polite way of referring to something private. If this would be misunderstood in your language, use a different polite way of referring to this or you could state this plainly. Alternate translation: “God desires that you treat your wives’ bodies like they belong to God and to honor them” or “each of you men must use your own body for God’s holy and honorable purposes” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-euphemism]])
2954:4fk6nrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-nominaladjἕκαστον1Paul is using the adjective **each** as a noun in order to describe a group of men. Here it specifically is used to emphasize that every husband or man must obey this teaching. Your language may use adjectives in the same way. If not, you could translate this with a noun phrase. Alternate translation: “each and every man” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-nominaladj]])
2964:4f4uxrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphorτὸ ἑαυτοῦ σκεῦος, κτᾶσθαι1Here Paul speaks of a person’s body as if it were a container. Here, **to possess his own vessel** is a metaphor that compares sexual self-control to a proper use of a container. If your readers would not understand what this phrase means in this context, you could use an equivalent metaphor from your culture. It could refer to: (1) a wife’s body. Alternate translation: “to use his wife’s body” or “to properly care for his own wife” (2) a husband’s own body. Alternate translation: “to control his own body” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
2974:4arkfrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-possessionτὸ ἑαυτοῦ σκεῦος1Paul is using the possessive form **his own** to express ownership. Use a natural way in your language to express ownership. Alternate translation: “the wife that belongs to you” or “your very own wife” or “the body that belongs to you”(See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-possession]])
2984:4ihqerc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-hendiadysἐν ἁγιασμῷ καὶ τιμῇ1This phrase could express a single idea by using two words connected with **and**. The word **honor** tells how a husband or man must live in **sanctification**. If it would be more natural in your language, you could express this meaning with an equivalent phrase that does not use **and**. Alternate translation: “by honorably setting it apart for God’s purposes” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-hendiadys]])
2994:5utvdrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnounsμὴ ἐν πάθει ἐπιθυμίας1If your language does not use the abstract noun phrase **in the passion of lust**, you can express the idea behind it in another way. Alternate translation: “not passionately lusting” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns]])
3004:5y9g2rc://*/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)). Use a natural way in your language for introducing a contrast. Alternate translation: “not passionately lusting” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-logic-contrast]])
3014:5vjejrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-possessionπάθει ἐπιθυμίας1Paul is using the possessive phrase **of lust** to describe **passion**. This genitive phrase could refer to: 1) passion characterized by lust. Alternate translation: “lustful passion” 2) the source of the passion. Alternate translation: “passion that comes from lust” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-possession]])
3024:5nrmzrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-distinguishκαθάπερ καὶ τὰ ἔθνη τὰ μὴ εἰδότα τὸν Θεόν1This phrase gives us further information about the those who live **in the passion of lust**. If this is not understood in your language, you could make the relationship between these phrases clearer. Alternate translation: “like the nations who remain ignorant of God act” or “exactly like all the people who have no relationship with God” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-distinguish]])
3034:5tz8orc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-genericnounτὰ ἔθνη1Here, **the Gentiles** refers to all the non-Christian nations in general, not one group of people. If this would be misunderstood in your language, use a more natural phrase (See your translation at [2:16](../02/16.md)). (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-genericnoun]])
3044:5w03grc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-distinguishτὰ μὴ εἰδότα τὸν Θεόν1Here, **the ones not knowing God** is meant to give further information about the **Gentiles**. If this is not understood in your language, you could make the relationship between these phrases clearer. Alternate translation: “who have no relationship with God” or “who remain ignorant of God” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-distinguish]])
3054:6wmb6rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-hendiadysὑπερβαίνειν καὶ πλεονεκτεῖν1This phrase expresses a single idea by using two words connected with **and**. The word **exploit** describes **transgress** . If it would be more natural in your language, you could express this meaning with an equivalent phrase that does not use **and**. Alternate translation: “exploits by transgressing” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-hendiadys]])
3064:6ho6hrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphorὑπερβαίνειν καὶ πλεονεκτεῖν1Here, **transgress and exploit** speaks about adultery, by comparing it to a person who unlawfully enters someone’s property and claims it for their own. If your readers would not understand what it means to **transgress and exploit** in this context, you could use an equivalent metaphor from your culture. Alternatively, you could express Paul’s meaning plainly. Alternative translation, “must trespass and defraud” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
3074:6ckezrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphorἐν τῷ πράγματι τὸν ἀδελφὸν αὐτοῦ1Here, **in this matter** could be speaking of adultery as if someone is intruding in another person’s business matters. If your readers would not understand what **in this matter** means in this context, you could use an equivalent metaphor from your culture. Alternatively, you could express Paul’s meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “the marital matters of his fellow believer in Christ” or “the marriage relationship of another believer in Christ” or (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
3084:6q7bfrc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-logic-resultδιότι ἔκδικος Κύριος περὶ πάντων τούτων1This clause gives the final result for those who live “in the passion of lust” (See [4:5](../04/05.md)). Use a natural way in your language to express result. This could refer to: 1) all the matters spoken of in [4:3–6](../04/03.md). Alternate translation: “Certainly, the Lord Jesus will avenge all these things” 2) the sexually immoral people. Alternate translation: “This is because the Lord Jesus will punish all those people” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-logic-result]])
3094:6d1iprc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-backgroundκαθὼς καὶ προείπαμεν ὑμῖν καὶ διεμαρτυράμεθα1Paul provides this background information about what the apostles said in an earlier visit (See in [2:10–12](../02/10.md)). Use the natural form in your language for expressing background information. Alternate translation: “This will happen just as we already told you and solemnly testified to you” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-background]])
3104:6ix4prc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-doubletκαθὼς καὶ προείπαμεν ὑμῖν καὶ διεμαρτυράμεθα1These two phrases mean basically the same thing. The repetition is used to emphasize what the apostles had already told the Thessalonian church during a previous visit. If your language does not use repetition in this way, you can combine these phrases. Alternate translation: “exactly as we also solemnly forewarned you” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-doublet]])
3114:7qx6yrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnounsοὐ γὰρ ἐκάλεσεν ἡμᾶς ὁ Θεὸς ἐπὶ ἀκαθαρσίᾳ, ἀλλ’ ἐν ἁγιασμῷ1If your language does not use the abstract nouns **uncleanness** and **sanctification**, you can express the ideas behind them in other ways. Alternate translation: “We must not live impurely or act unholy, because God did not call us as his people for this purpose” or “God called us, so we must purify and set ourselves apart like those who belong to God” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns]])
3124:7v3nprc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-litotesοὐ γὰρ ἐκάλεσεν ἡμᾶς ὁ Θεὸς ἐπὶ ἀκαθαρσίᾳ, ἀλλ’ ἐν ἁγιασμῷ1Paul uses a figure of speech that expresses a strong positive meaning by using a negative word together with a word that is the opposite of the intended meaning. If this is confusing in your language, you can express the meaning positively. Alternate translation: “Certainly God summons us to live purely and act holy” or “Indeed, God calls us to be pure and holy” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-litotes]])
3134:7q4tjrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-exclusiveἡμᾶς1Here, **us** is inclusive, referring to the apostles, the Thessalonian church, and by extension, to all Christians. Your language may require you to mark these forms. Alternate translation: “us believers in Christ” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-exclusive]])
3144:7qli0rc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-logic-contrastἀλλ’ ἐν ἁγιασμῷ1What follows the word **but** is in contrast to **uncleanness**. Use a natural way in your language for introducing a contrast. (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-logic-contrast]])
3154:8mn5yrc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-words-phrasesτοιγαροῦν1The emphatic connecting word **Therefore** is meant to mark the end of this section prohibiting sexual immorality. Use a natural way in your language to indicate this emphasis. Alternate translation: “So then” or “As you can be absolutely certain” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-words-phrases]])
3164:8gzz8rc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-logic-contrastὁ ἀθετῶν & ἀλλὰ τὸν Θεὸν, τὸν διδόντα1Here God’s constant giving of the **Holy Spirit** is contrasted with the person who constantly **rejects** the apostolic teaching. Use a natural way in your language for introducing a contrast. Alternate translation: “he who continues to reject … but actually God himself, who continues to give” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-logic-contrast]])
3174:9uxn8rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicitπερὶ δὲ τῆς φιλαδελφίας1This phrase implies that the apostles are answering a specific question previously asked by the Thessalonian church. If it would be helpful to your readers, you could say that explicitly. Alternate translation: “Now, related to your question about how to love fellow believers in Christ” or “Now, about your question referring to Christian relationships” or “Now, about your question related to Christian friendships” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])
3184:9rpmnrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnounsτῆς φιλαδελφίας1If your language does not use the abstract noun phrase **brotherly love**, you can express the idea behind it in another way. Alternate translation: “how to affectionately care for fellow believers in Christ” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns]])
3194:9sgenrc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-logic-resultοὐ χρείαν ἔχετε γράφειν ὑμῖν, αὐτοὶ γὰρ ὑμεῖς θεοδίδακτοί ἐστε, εἰς τὸ ἀγαπᾶν ἀλλήλους1If 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: “because God himself teaches you that you should love each other, you do not need us to write to you” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-logic-result]])
3204:9l1n7rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-hyperboleοὐ χρείαν ἔχετε γράφειν ὑμῖν1Here, **no need** is an exaggeration that Paul uses to show how successfully the Thessalonian church is practicing Christian love. Paul knows that they still have things to learn about loving fellow believers in Christ. If this would be misunderstood in your language, you could use an equivalent expression from your language. Alternate translation: “we feel no need to write to you” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-hyperbole]])
3214:9fyqerc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-ellipsisοὐ χρείαν1A word is left out here 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. (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-ellipsis]])
3224:9ctiqαὐτοὶ γὰρ ὑμεῖς θεοδίδακτοί ἐστε, εἰς τὸ ἀγαπᾶν ἀλλήλους1This clause could refer to: (1) the content of God’s teaching. Alternate translation: “because it is God himself who teaches you: love each other” (2) the manner of God’s teaching. Alternate translation: “indeed, it is God who teaches you how to love each other” (3) the purpose of God’s teaching. Alternate translation: “the reason why God teaches you is so that you would love each other” Use a natural way in your language for expressing this idea.
3234:9j7z0rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphorαὐτοὶ γὰρ ὑμεῖς θεοδίδακτοί ἐστε1Paul speaks of the Thessalonian church as though God himself were physically present as their teacher. Paul means that the Thessalonian church already has been taught **to love one another** through the words of Jesus (See John 13:34; 15:12, 17) by the apostles. If your readers would not understand what it means to be **taught by God** in this context, you could use an equivalent metaphor from your culture. Alternatively, you could express Paul’s meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “because you have learned well what God teaches,” or “since this is what God teaches you to do,” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
3244:9zroqrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rpronounsαὐτοὶ1Paul uses the word **yourselves** to emphasize that the Thessalonian church is doing what God teaches. Use a way that is natural in your language to indicate this emphasis. Alternate translation: “personally” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rpronouns]])
3254:10e3e0rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-backgroundκαὶ γὰρ ποιεῖτε αὐτὸ εἰς πάντας τοὺς ἀδελφοὺς, τοὺς ἐν ὅλῃ τῇ Μακεδονίᾳ1Paul provides this background information to show another aspect of how the Thessalonian church “became an example” to the churches in Macedonia and Achaia (See [1:7–8](../01/07.md)). Use the natural form in your language for expressing background information. Alternate translation: “Certainly, you habitually show love to all your fellow believers in Christ throughout the region of Macedonia” or “In fact, you are doing just that to all the fellow Christians throughout the province of Macedonia” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-background]])
3264:10dec9rc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-words-phrasesκαὶ γὰρ1Here, **For indeed** indicates that what follows in an example of how the Thessalonian church shows Christian love. Use a natural way in your language to indicate this emphasis. (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-words-phrases]])
3274:10hg7arc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicitποιεῖτε αὐτὸ1What is implied here is that **this** refers back to the phrase “to love” in [4:9](../04/09.md). If it would be helpful to your readers, you could say that explicitly. (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])
3284:10gxfarc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-litanyπαρακαλοῦμεν δὲ ὑμᾶς, ἀδελφοί,1Speaking of what the apostles **exhort** the Thessalonian church to do, Paul uses a repetitive series of five verb forms that continues into [4:11](../04/11.md). 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 is urged to do. Alternate translation: “Now, fellow believers in Christ, we are urging you” or “But, fellow Christians, we strongly encourage you” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-litany]])
3294:10u3flrc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-words-phrasesδὲ1Here, **But** indicates that what follows are numerous exhortations. Use a natural way in your language to express this emphasis. Alternate translation: “However” or “Certainly” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-words-phrases]])
3304:11h2dfrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymyκαὶ φιλοτιμεῖσθαι, ἡσυχάζειν καὶ πράσσειν τὰ ἴδια, καὶ ἐργάζεσθαι ταῖς ἰδίαις χερσὶν ὑμῶν1Paul is describing peaceful communal living by using this combination of ideas. If this would be misunderstood in your language, you could use an equivalent expression or use plain language. Alternate translation: “and seek to lovingly honor others: by living quietly and tending to your own business and focusing on doing your own work” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])
3314:11d2fgκαὶ φιλοτιμεῖσθαι, ἡσυχάζειν1These phrases continue the apostles’ exhortations. Here, the phrases translated **and to strive to live quietly** could refer to: (1) phrases that complement each other. Alternate translation: “and to aspire to live quietly” (2) phrases that express separate ideas. Alternate translation: “and seek to lovingly honor others, to live quietly,” Use a natural way in your language to emphasize this.
3324:11j4c7rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicitπράσσειν τὰ ἴδια1Here, **to perform your own things** implies that the Thessalonian church should tend to their own concerns. If it would be helpful to your readers, you could say that explicitly. Alternate translation: “to tend to your own business” or “to focus on your own tasks” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])
3334:11jmt9rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiomἐργάζεσθαι ταῖς ἰδίαις χερσὶν ὑμῶν1Here, **to work with your own hands** is an idiom meaning “earn what you need to live.” If this would be misunderstood in your language, you could use an equivalent idiom or use plain language. Alternate translation: “to work hard to earn what you need” or “to labor to pay for your expenses” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]])
3344:11bz8src://*/ta/man/translate/figs-distinguishκαθὼς ὑμῖν παρηγγείλαμεν1This phrase and the following verse signal the end of this larger section of teaching about how to live in Christian community (See [4:1,2](../04/01.md) for the same wording). Here, **just as we commanded** also expresses that what the apostles teach is the same as being “taught by God” (See [4:9](../04/09.md)). If this would not be understood in your language, you could make the relationship between these phrases clearer. Alternate translation as a new sentence: “This is what we already commanded you to do” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-distinguish]])
3354:12wj25rc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-logic-goalἵνα1Here, **so that** could introduce a purpose clause. Paul could be stating the purpose for the apostles’ exhortation in [4:10](../04/10.md). Use a natural way in your language for introducing a purpose clause. Alternate translation: “in order that” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-logic-goal]])
3364:12oo9lrc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-logic-resultἵνα περιπατῆτε1Here, **so that you may walk** could be a result clause. It is possible that this phrase refers to both purpose and result. If there is a way to indicate this in your language, you could express this dual meaning. Alternate translation: “as a result you now live” or “then you will live” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-logic-result]])
3374:12hp6grc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphorπεριπατῆτε εὐσχημόνως1Here, **walk** is a metaphor that means “to live” or “behave.” If your readers would not understand what it means **to walk** in this context, you could use an equivalent metaphor from your culture. Alternatively, you could express Paul’s meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “you would live appropriately” or “you would live nobly” or “you would behave modestly” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
3384:12k59rrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphorπρὸς τοὺς ἔξω1Paul speaks of these people as if they were physically located outside of an area. He means that they are not part of the Christian community. If your readers would not understand what “before those outside” means in this context, you could use an equivalent metaphor from your culture. Alternatively, you could express Paul’s meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “in the presence of non-Christians” or “in front of those who do not trust in Christ” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
3394:12naitrc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-logic-resultκαὶ μηδενὸς χρείαν ἔχητε1This is a purpose clause. Paul is stating the purpose for the apostles’ exhortation in [4:10](../04/10.md). Use a natural way in your language for introducing a purpose clause. Alternate translation: “and so that you would not need anything” or “and then you could be self-sufficient” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-logic-result]])
3404:13vi2yrc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-words-phrasesδὲ1Here, **Now** is a connecting word that signals the beginning of an extended section in [4:13–5:11](../04/13.md) about the Second Coming of Christ (See chapter and book introduction)(See also 2 Thessalonians 1:7–10; 2:3–12). If our language has a special section marker, you could use it here. (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-words-phrases]])
3414:13lan8rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-litotesοὐ θέλομεν δὲ ὑμᾶς ἀγνοεῖν1Paul 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: “We want you to know for certain” or “Now we desire to clarify” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-litotes]])
3424:13qt5brc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicitπερὶ1Here, **concerning** implies that the apostles are answering another specific question previously asked by the Thessalonian church (See [4:9](../04/09.md)). If it would be helpful to your readers, you could say that explicitly. Alternate translation: “as it relates to your question about” or “concerning your question about” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])
3434:13j68erc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-euphemismτῶν κοιμωμένων1Here, **the ones sleeping** is a euphemism for death that continues through [5:10](../05/10.md). In this specific context, it refers to those human souls who are awaiting the reunion of their bodies at the Second Coming of Christ (See [4:16–17](../04/16.md)). You could either use a similar euphemism for death in your language or say this plainly. Alternate translation: “those who are already dead” or “those who have died” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-euphemism]])
3444:13ocjprc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-logic-goalἵνα μὴ λυπῆσθε1Here, **so that you may not grieve** is a purpose clause. Paul is stating the purpose for why he does not want the Thessalonian church to remain ignorant about the destiny of their loved ones **who are asleep**. Use a natural way in your language for introducing a purpose clause. Alternate translation: “so that you would not sorrow” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-logic-goal]])
3454:13r9f8rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-nominaladjκαθὼς καὶ οἱ λοιποὶ1Paul is using the adjective phrase **the rest** 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. Alternate translation: “like the rest of people” or “in the same way as the rest of humanity” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-nominaladj]])
3464:13f9eqrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicitοἱ μὴ ἔχοντες ἐλπίδα1Here Paul assumes that his readers will know that **hope** refers to salvation at the final resurrection (See [1:3; 2:19; 4:16; 5:8](../01/03.md)). Previously **hope** was associated with the Second Coming of Christ in [2:19](../02/19.md). If it would be helpful to your readers, you could indicate that explicitly. Alternate translation: “who possess no confidence of life after death” or “who possess no assurance of life after death” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])
3474:13puvgrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnounsοἱ μὴ ἔχοντες ἐλπίδα1If your language does not use the abstract noun **hope**, you can express the idea behind it in another way. Alternate translation: “who are not confident of life after death” “who are not sure about life after death” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns]])
3484:14j09orc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-condition-factεἰ γὰρ πιστεύομεν ὅτι Ἰησοῦς ἀπέθανεν καὶ ἀνέστη1Paul is speaking as if this were a hypothetical possibility, but he actually means that it is true. If your language does not state something as a condition if it is certain or true, and if your readers might what the apostles are saying is not certain, then you could translate their words as an affirmative statement. Alternate translation: “As we certainly believe that Jesus died and resurrected” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-condition-fact]])
3494:14hmw4rc://*/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” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])
3504:14ybz6rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-exclusiveπιστεύομεν1Although **we believe** could be inclusive of the Thessalonian church (and by extension all Christians), it is most likely exclusive, referring to Paul, Silvanus, and Timothy. The previous use in [4:11](../04/11.md) and subsequent uses (See “we say” in [4:15](../04/15.md)) are clearly referring to the apostles. Here, it mostly likely is a reference to their authoritative teaching. Your language may require you to mark these forms. (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-exclusive]])
3514:14kmk2rc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-logic-resultοὕτως & ὁ Θεὸς1This phrase could refer to: (1) result. Alternate translation: “then God” (2) manner. Alternate translation: “this is the way God” or “this is how God” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-logic-result]])
3524:14m1fyrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-possessionκαὶ ὁ Θεὸς τοὺς κοιμηθέντας διὰ τοῦ Ἰησοῦ ἄξει σὺν αὐτῷ.1Paul is using the possessive form. Here, **through Jesus** could refer to: (1) being united to Jesus’ resurrection power **through** death. Alternate translation: “God will bring back with Jesus those who are united to him in death” (2) those who God will also bring back again **through** Jesus. Alternate translation: “it is through Jesus that God will also bring back the dead people who are with him” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-possession]])
3534:14tjqjrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicitαὐτῷ1Here Paul implies that **him** refers to **Jesus**. If it would be helpful to your readers, you could say that explicitly. (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])
3544:15vvdarc://*/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” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-words-phrases]])
3554:15ni3mrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymyἐν λόγῳ Κυρίου1The phrase **the word of the Lord** refers to “the whole message of the Lord’s 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” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])
3564:15gbe1rc://*/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” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-words-phrases]])
3574:15fdwkrc://*/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” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-exclusive]])
3584:15hdlrrc://*/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” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-distinguish]])
3594:15b786rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiomεἰς τὴν παρουσίαν τοῦ Κυρίου1Here, **coming of the Lord** is a well-known idiom in 1–2 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” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]])
3604:15xd2yrc://*/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” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-doublenegatives]])
3614:16ah7prc://*/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,” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-words-phrases]])
3624:16c26brc://*/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 archangel’s voice, and with God’s trumpet” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-time-simultaneous]])
3634:16ygfprc://*/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” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rpronouns]])
3644:16z9kaἀρχαγγέλου1See Jude 9 for the only other use of the word **archangel** in the Bible.
3654:16breqrc://*/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: “God’s trumpet” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-possession]])
3664:16pjrhrc://*/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 Lord’s 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” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-parallelism]])
3674:16k7sgrc://*/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,” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-time-sequential]])
3684:16dr89rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicitοἱ νεκροὶ1Paul assumes that the Thessalonian church knows that **the dead** are the same as “those who are asleep” in [4:13–15](../04/13.md). If it would be helpful to your readers, you could indicate that explicitly. See how you translated “fallen asleep” in [4:13–15](../04/13.md) (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])
3694:16xrxurc://*/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” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
3704:17iy00rc://*/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,” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-time-sequential]])
3714:17l5l1rc://*/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” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-exclusive]])
3724:17otiqrc://*/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 (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-pronouns]])
3734:17aj1nrc://*/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” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-time-simultaneous]])
3744:17m3gbrc://*/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 1:9–11] (acts/01/09.md), as a fulfillment of the prophecy in [Daniel 7:13–14](../dan/07/13.md). If it would be helpful to your readers, you could provide a footnote or reference. (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])
3754:17o7ljrc://*/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” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-logic-goal]])
3764:17ukh1rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-symlanguageἐν νεφέλαις εἰς ἀπάντησιν τοῦ Κυρίου εἰς ἀέρα1Here, **clouds** and **air** could be considered symbolic language representing God’s presence and the spiritual realm (See Exodus 19; Daniel 7:13–14; 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” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-symlanguage]])
3774:17ti69rc://*/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. (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-endofstory]])
3784:17ouvurc://*/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” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-logic-result]])
3794:17k6qcrc://*/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. (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-parallelism]])
3804:18gt91rc://*/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” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-logic-result]])
3814:18y7zirc://*/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 (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-imperative]])
3824:18aya5rc://*/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” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-pronouns]])
3834:18xsusrc://*/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 [4:13–17](../04/13.md). Alternate translation: “by reminding each other of our message” or “with these promises” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche]])
3845:introay3d0# 1 Thessalonians 5 General Notes\n\n## Outline of 1 Thessalonians 5\n\n1. Apostolic Teachings on the Second Coming of Christ (5:1–10)\n* Timing (5:1–3)\n* Preparation (5:4–8)\n* God’s plan (5:9–10)\n2. Final Instructions (5:11–28)\n* Final Commands (5:11–22)\n* Final Prayer (5:23–24)\n* Final Appeals (5:25–27)\n* Final blessing (5:25–27)\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 God’s people and final judgment for God’s 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 [5:1–11](../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 Christ’s 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 Christ’s 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 Spirit’s 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 [5:21–22](../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 [5:12–13](../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).
3855:1i2vmrc://*/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 Lord’s return” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])
3865:1a8f3rc://*/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” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]])
3875:1cauerc://*/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. (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-ellipsis]])
3885:2yvg3rc://*/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. (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-simile]])
3895:2dqgkrc://*/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 Lord’s 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” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rpronouns]])
3905:2mcq9rc://*/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 Lord’s Second Coming (See [5:1](../05/01.md)). Alternate translation: “In fact,” or “Certainly,” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-logic-result]])
3915:2tu9trc://*/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 God’s 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” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]])
3925:2tmj3rc://*/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 surprisingly–like when a thief breaks in at night” or “is going to happen like this–all of a sudden” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-simile]])
3935:3p1wirc://*/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,’” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-hypo]])
3945:3mjvdrc://*/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. (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-logic-contrast]])
3955:3ne9nrc://*/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” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-parallelism]])
3965:3sde2rc://*/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 God’s final judgment will be a total surprise and complete ruin for unbelievers. Use a natural way in your language to emphasize these ideas. (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-parallelism]])
3975:3f1xrrc://*/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, God’s 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 woman–these people can never escape God’s destruction” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-simile]])
3985:3iwc2rc://*/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” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]])
3995:3undorc://*/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” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-doublenegatives]])
4005:4sk6vrc://*/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” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-logic-contrast]])
4015:4b6lvrc://*/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 Lord’s 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” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
4025:4elp9rc://*/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” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-logic-result]])
4035:4otz2rc://*/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 Paul’s meaning plainly. Alternative translation, “the day of the Lord” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
4045:4ywezrc://*/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 Paul’s meaning plainly. Alternative translation: “making you unprepared, like when a robber breaks in at night” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
4055:5ddcerc://*/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 Christ’s Second Coming. None of us are unprepared” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-doublet]])
4065:5zp3zrc://*/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 God’s 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 Paul’s meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “This is because all of you who belong to God are ready for Christ’s coming” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
4075:5ilv4rc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-logic-resultγὰρ1Here, **For** begins a reason clause that explains why the Thessalonian church will escape God’s judgment on “the **day** of the Lord” (See [5:2](../05/02.md)). Alternate translation: “Because in fact” or “Certainly” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-logic-result]])
4085:5cxo9rc://*/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” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-nominaladj]])
4095:5d6fmrc://*/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 Lord’s 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” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
4105:5kq0xrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-exclusiveἐσμὲν1In [5:5–10](../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” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-exclusive]])
4115:5f4uwrc://*/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” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-possession]])
4125:6paqfrc://*/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” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-logic-result]])
4135:6d2ajrc://*/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 Lord’s return because they are living sinfully (See notes for “darkness” at [5:4–5](../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” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
4145:6on3drc://*/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” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-imperative]])
4155:6x0zhrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-nominaladjοἱ λοιποί1Paul is using the adjective **the rest** as a noun in order to describe those who are unprepared for Christ’s 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” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-nominaladj]])
4165:6q33erc://*/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,” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-logic-contrast]])
4175:6sdwwrc://*/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 Lord’s return by living as God’s 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” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
4185:6osxurc://*/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” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-hendiadys]])
4195:7fxcarc://*/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” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-parallelism]])
4205:7oyjorc://*/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 Lord’s return (See [5:6](../05/06.md)). Alternate translation: “Because in fact,” or “Certainly,” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-logic-result]])
4215:7s253rc://*/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 Paul’s meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “Those who are sleeping are unaware” or “Certainly those who are asleep are unprepared” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
4225:7exa8rc://*/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 Paul’s 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” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
4235:8wh3grc://*/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 [5:5–6](../05/05.md)). Use a natural way in your language for introducing a contrast. Alternate translation: “However” or “Instead” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-logic-contrast]])
4245:8iv63rc://*/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)). (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-imperative]])
4255:8jqqorc://*/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 Lord’s 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 Paul’s meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “Now, because we are ready for Christ’s coming, we” or “Since we are characterized by being ready, we” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
4265:8ev6irc://*/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 6:10–18,23](../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 Paul’s meaning plainly. (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
4275:8l89qrc://*/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. (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-possession]])
4285:9h5y2rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnounsὅτι οὐκ ἔθετο ἡμᾶς ὁ Θεὸς εἰς ὀργὴν1Here, **wrath** refers to God’s 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” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns]])
4295:9lrx6rc://*/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” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-logic-result]])
4305:9erz5rc://*/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 [5:3–8](../05/03.md)). Use a natural way in your language for introducing purpose clauses. Alternate translation: “for the purpose of … in order to” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-logic-goal]])
4315:9qmo5rc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-logic-contrastἀλλὰ1What follows the word **but** here is in contrast to **wrath**. Here Paul emphasizes that God’s 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” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-logic-contrast]])
4325:9qfcfrc://*/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 God’s 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” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-possession]])
4335:10arhmrc://*/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” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-distinguish]])
4345:10dzq0rc://*/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” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-logic-goal]])
4355:10w59crc://*/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 [4:14–17](../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 Paul’s meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “whether we are living or even if we are dead” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
4365:11r921rc://*/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 Christ’s return in [4:14–18](../04/14.md) by again using the same phrase, **comfort one another**. (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-words-phrases]])
4375:11o85irc://*/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” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-logic-result]])
4385:11m2c9rc://*/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” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-doublet]])
4395:11hepxrc://*/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” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-imperative]])
4405:11fx2frc://*/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 Paul’s meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “keep supporting” or “continue to confirm” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
4415:11kdaerc://*/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” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]])
4425:11sfv4καθὼς 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”
4435:12pd47rc://*/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” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-words-phrases]])
4445:12fqh3rc://*/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” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-distinguish]])
4455:12f4jvrc://*/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 Paul’s meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “with authority from the Lord Jesus” or “as spokespersons for the Lord Jesus” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
4465:13jq0orc://*/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” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-logic-result]])
4475:13p6m4rc://*/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 Paul’s 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” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
4485:13rqs8rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-imperativeεἰρηνεύετε ἐν ἑαυτοῖς1Here is the first of 17 final appeals in [5:13–26](../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” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-imperative]])
4495:14lajkrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-litany0Paul uses a repetitive series of imperative sentences in [5:14–22](../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. (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-litany]])
4505:14tdxarc://*/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 [5:14–22](../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” See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-words-phrases]])
4515:14qadbrc://*/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 Christ’s church” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]])
4525:14g34krc://*/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” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-nominaladj]])
4535:15vlp7rc://*/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” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]])
4545:15dqs8rc://*/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 Paul’s meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “treats anyone wrongly because they treated you wrongly” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
4555:15oz10rc://*/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,” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-logic-contrast]])
4565:15mc2zrc://*/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” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-hyperbole]])
4575:15pe3lrc://*/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” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-merism]])
4585:15i0jyrc://*/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” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-nominaladj]])
4595:16chw9rc://*/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” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-hyperbole]])
4605:17l63irc://*/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” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-hyperbole]])
4615:18bt5qrc://*/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” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-nominaladj]])
4625:18x2jgrc://*/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” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-infostructure]])
4635:18q7gnrc://*/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 [5:16–18](../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 God’s will for you who are united to Christ Jesus, you must give thanks in everything” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-logic-result]])
4645:18l3skrc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-collectivenounsτοῦτο γὰρ θέλημα Θεοῦ1Here, **this** is a singular pronoun that could refer to: (1) all the commands in [5:14–18](../05/14.md) Alternate translation: “because all these things are what God desires” (2) **give thanks**. Alternate translation: “for in fact, this is God’s will” or “for certainly, this thing is God’s will” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-collectivenouns]])
4655:18yu36rc://*/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” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-ellipsis]])
4665:18sw8brc://*/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” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns]])
4675:18mbz1rc://*/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” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
4685:19j1eirc://*/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 Paul’s meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “Do not extinguish the Spirit” or “Do not reject the Spirit” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
4695:19sv8rrc://*/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” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-litotes]])
4705:20iv1nrc://*/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” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-litotes]])
4715:20rrzarc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-parallelismπροφητείας μὴ ἐξουθενεῖτε1The two phrases in [5:19–20](../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” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-parallelism]])
4725:21ihzhπάντα 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.
4735:21wx69rc://*/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” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
4745:21sjh0rc://*/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” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-nominaladj]])
4755:21n1jvrc://*/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 Paul’s meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “Keep only the valid things” or “Retain what is from the Spirit” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
4765:21jskarc://*/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” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-ellipsis]])
4775:22z9k0rc://*/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” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-personification]])
4785:23mqi7rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-blessingαὐτὸς δὲ ὁ Θεὸς τῆς εἰρήνης ἁγιάσαι1Here, the verb forms indicate that this is a blessing or prayer (See also [3:11–13](../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” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-blessing]])
4795:23ozyhrc://*/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” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-parallelism]])
4805:23sbxcrc://*/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. (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-possession]])
4815:23nb1xrc://*/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. (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rpronouns]])
4825:23vkhsrc://*/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” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])
4835:23s36krc://*/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” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-merism]])
4845:23nymarc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiomἐν τῇ παρουσίᾳ τοῦ Κυρίου ἡμῶν, Ἰησοῦ Χριστοῦ1Here, **coming of the Lord** is a well-known idiom in 1–2 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” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]])
4855:24i03krc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-logic-resultπιστὸς ὁ καλῶν ὑμᾶς, ὃς καὶ ποιήσει1Here, **who will also do it** expresses the result of God’s 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” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-logic-result]])
4865:24vx20rc://*/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” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])
4875:24lg3brc://*/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. (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-ellipsis]])
4885:24c3jgrc://*/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” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-pronouns]])
4895:24pa1grc://*/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. (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-ellipsis]])
4905:25b7w3rc://*/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” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-imperative]])
4915:25tbhjrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-exclusiveἡμῶν1Here, **us** refers exclusively to the apostles. Your language may require you to mark these forms. Alternate translation: “us apostles” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-exclusive]])
4925:26j46qrc://*/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” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-imperative]])
4935:26dwl8rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiomτοὺς ἀδελφοὺς πάντας1Here, **all the brothers** is an idiom that refers to the whole Thessalonian church–and by extension–all Christians. Alternate translation: “all believers in Christ” or “all Christians” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]])
4945:26v9iyrc://*/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. (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-symaction]])
4955:27xn0nrc://*/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” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-oathformula]])
4965:27n5cnrc://*/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” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])
4975:27yp7erc://*/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” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])
4985:27mtvdrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiomπᾶσιν τοῖς ἀδελφοῖς1Here, **all the brothers** is an idiom that refers to the whole Thessalonian church–and by extension–all Christians (See [5:26](../05/26.md). Alternate translation: “to the whole church at Thessalonica” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]])
4995:28ykkrrc://*/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” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-blessing]])
5005:28n8urrc://*/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” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns]])
5015:28d35drc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-textvariantsμεθ’ ὑμῶν1Many ancient manuscripts add “Amen” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-textvariants]])