1 Thessalonians 5 (BHT-ATN)

+1:1“All of” is drawn from the plural “you” here.+1:1Unless otherwise marked (through superscript—ˢyou), all second person pronouns are in the second person plural.+1:3Or before.+1:4Cf Ac 10-11, 15:14; Col 3:12. Though there were both Jewish and Gentile believers in Thessalonica (see Ac 17:4), Paul is focusing his attention here on Gentile believers (see v 9 below). Cf Eph 1.+1:5Lit in word, or in speech, or in an act of speaking. Looking to BDAG for the more specific sense of λόγος ( logos) here (see BDAG, 599, sv 1.a.α.). Cf 1 Co 2:1-5, 4:18-21; 2 Co 11:6.+1:5Translating in the same way as at 1 Co 2:5 (see translation and note there). Cf also UBSHS (1 Th), 10.+1:5Cf Ac 14:27, 15:3-4, 15:12-14; 1 Co 2:1-5, 4:18-21.+1:5“For certain” is included in translation here to make the comparison with the “knowing” of v 4 (signaled by καθὼς́ [ kathōs]; see, eg, L-N, 64.14) clear, since οἶδα ( oida) was translated as “certain” there. Paul’s point here is that God had furnished proof to them of His acceptance of the Gentiles; likewise, Paul’s life and that of his companions had furnished proof to the Gentiles of the reliability of the message/ministers that God had sent to them.+1:5Lit for the benefit/sake of you. The preposition here is functioning as a marker of benefaction (see, eg, L-N, 90.38). Cf HCSB, ISV, NCV, NET, TEV. Cf also Php 2:4; translation and notes at 2 Co 5:13.+1:8Lit your faith in God. ME. In English, we don’t usually speak of someone’s “faith” going out. The meaning here is that the news about their faith and example has spread (see ESS [1 and 2 Th], 27; UBSHS [1 Th], 13). Cf TEV.+1:8Lit so that we do not have need to speak anything. Cf ESS (1 and 2 Th), 28; UBSHS (1 Th), 14.+1:9Cf Is 44:6-23; Jr 10:1-16; Ac 14:15; Rm 6:1-23.+1:10IT. Cf ISV, NCV.+1:10Cf Rm 4:25; 1 Co 6:9-11; Ga 1:4; Eph 5:1-20; Col 3:1-11; 1 Th 1:10, 4:3-8; 2 Pt 3:14-15; 1 Jn 2:1-2; Re 19:7-9, 21:7-8.+2:2Lit in/by our God. ME. Cf NCV, NIV, NLT; translation and notes at Act 14:3; BDAG, 329, sv ἐν 6.+2:3Cf 2 Co 5:20.+2:4Lit our hearts. ME(H/OTB) (see note at Mk 3:5; UBSHS [1 Th], 26). Cf ISV, TEV. Cf Gn 22:1; Dt 8:2; 1 Sm 16:7; 1 Ch 28:9; 2 Ch 6:30; Jb 23:10; Ps 7:9, 11:5, 17:3, 26:2, 33:13-15, 44:21, 139:23; Pr 17:3; Jr 11:20,17:10, 20:12, 32:19; Ezk 11:5; Rm 8:27; Jm 1:12; Re 2:23.+2:6Or glory, or honor.+2:7Or Although we could have made demands. Lit to be in weight. ME(I/F) (see BDAG, 167, sv βάρος 2; L-N, 65.56).+2:7Lit became small children/babes/infants. ME(H/I). If the idiom in the preceding clause (being “in weight”) is to be understood in terms of status and importance as BDAG and L-N contend (see previous note), then “becoming children” here means doing the opposite, namely, taking on a lowly status: “In first-century thought children were often very little esteemed” ( NAC [Mt], 273). Cf 1 Co 11:1; Ph 2:1-10; the parallelism between νήπιος ( nēpios) and ταπεινόω ( tapeinoō) at Ps 114:6 in the LXX. If the idiom in the preceding clause means “could have made demands” or “could have been strong in our use of authority,” then the point here is weakness. (Cf the textual variant: “gentle.”) For a brief discussion of the variant here, see NET Bible Notes, 1 Th 2:8.+2:9Lit our labor and toil. ME (see ANLEX, 266, sv μόχθος; Ibid, 235, sv κόπος; L-N, 42.47, 42.48; UBSHS [1 Th], 31). Cf NLT, TEV.+2:11Lit as you know how [we were] with each of you as a father with his own children. Cf ISV, NCV, NET, NIV, NLT, TEV.+2:11This gloss is not too strong here (see 1 Th 4:3-8; cf Eh 5:3-7).+2:12Or calls, or invites.+2:12Cf Mt 22:9; Ac 10:44-48, 11:18, 11:27, 15:14, 26:16-18; Eph 1:18; Col 1:12-14; Heb 3:1; 1 Pt 1:5; 2 Pt 1:3; 1 Ti 6:12; 2 Ti 2:10.+2:13Lit When you received the message of hearing from us of God. ME. Cf ISV, NIV.+2:13Cf Mt 10:40; Jn 13:20.+2:13Or which. The antecedent here can be either “God” or “word”.+2:13Or which is continually at work for its own good purpose.+2:13Or in, or within.+2:13Cf Jr 23:29; Rm 2:28-29, 8:1-27; 2 Co 3:7-18; Ga 3:1-5, 5:16-26; Eph 1:18-21, 3:14-19; Php 1:6, 2:12-13; Col 1:9-14, 3:16; 1 Th 4:3-8; Heb 4:12.+2:14Lit became imitators. ME. Here, “become imitators” doesn’t refer to making a conscious decision to follow an example, but to a shared experience (see UBSHS [1 Th], 41). Cf the second part of the verse.+2:14Cf CJB, ISV.+2:14Here, Ἰουδαῖος ( youdaios) obviously doesn’t refer to all Jews, but to those hostile to the gospel (see BDAG, 478, sv 2.c.), and especially leaders (see note at Ac 9:22). This has been made explicit in translation here (though I’ve tried not to mitigate the emotion present contextually) because of the long history of anti-Semitism in the church, which has often marshalled and distorted verses like these to foster hatred and arrogant attitudes towards the Jews (God help us! [see Rm 11:17-21]).+2:15Lit God not pleasing. The opposite of “please” in this context is to provoke to anger (see v 16; cf UBSHS [1 Th], 43). “Constantly” is drawn from the verbal aspect in this context, where regular/habitual action is meant.+2:16Lit from telling the Gentiles that/how they may be saved, or, from speaking to the Gentiles so that they may be saved. Following the lead of the UBSHS in translation here (see UBSHS [1 Th], 44). Cf Mfft.+2:16Cf Ac 22:21-22.+2:16Lit so as to fill up their sins always. ME(OTB). Cf TEV at Gn 15:16. The closest parallel to Paul’s statement here is Gn 15:16 (cf LXX; see also BDAG, 70, sv ἀναπληρόω 1). Cf also Lk 11:47-51; Mt 23:29-39. The meaning in Gn 15:16 is clear: God restrains his judgment over a period of time while unpunished sins continue to pile up, and at some point, according to God’s timetable, they reach a point, a limit, when he is no longer willing to hold back judgment.+2:16Or against them in the end. Cf Lv 26; Dt 27-32; Ps 83; Is 1, 9-14, 29-30, 40, 63; Jr 30-31; Ezk 38-39; Zc 12-14; Dn 12; Jl 2-3; Am 9; Zc 12-14; Mt 23:29-39, 24:9-25; Lk 11:47-51, 21:20-24; Rm 9:27.+2:17Lit in face, not heart. ME(I/F) (see L-N, 85.26; UBSHS [1 Th], 47; note at Mk 3:5).+2:17Lit after being torn away the time of an hour. ME. Following the lead of the UBSHS in translation here (see UBSHS [1 Th], 47).+2:17Cf Ac 17:1-15.+2:17Lit we were all the more/exceedingly eager to see your face in great longing. ME (see L-N, 85.26; UBSHS [1 Th], 48); Cf CJB, NEB, TEV.+2:18Cf Ac 17:5-15; Re 2:9, 3:9.+2:19Lit our victor’s crown of boasting. When used in the genitive with στέφανος ( stephanos), καύχησις means something like “honor” or “glory” (cf Pr 16:31 and Ezk 16:31 in the LXX; cf also BDAG, 537, sv καύχησις 1). Note the presence of δόξα ( doxa) in the supporting clause that follows.+2:19Cf Ps 21:3-4, 103:4; Is 28:5, 62:3; Zc 9:16-17; Php 4:1; 2 Ti 4:8; Jm 1:12; 1 Pt 5:4; Re 2:10.+2:20Lit the glory of us, or the glory [coming to] us. The language here is highly compressed. The context indicates that “glory” here means the “glorious reward” which Paul and his companions will receive when Jesus returns.+3:1Lit no longer enduring. ME (see UBSHS [1 Th], 52).+3:1Cf Ac 17:13-15.+3:2Or our brother and co-worker of God. Cf ISV, LEB, NET, NRSV, TEV.+3:3Cf Ac 14:22; Php 1:29-30; 1 Pt 1:27-24, 3:17, 4:19.+3:4Cf Mt 20:23; Ac 14:22.+3:4Lit just as also it turned out and you know. ME. Cf NIV, NLT, TEV.+3:5Lit lest somehow. Fear or concern is in implied here (cf Ga 4:11, where the concern is made explicit). Cf CJB, ESV, HCSB, ISV, NASB, NCV, NET, NIV, NLT, NRSV, RSV.+3:6Lit has come [back] to us from you. ME.+3:8Lit now we live. ME. Cf NJB. The NJB captures the intended meaning well here, in my opinion, and has thus been followed in translation.+3:10νυκτὸς καὶ ἡμέρας ( nuktos kai hēmeras) is in an embedded focal position (see BART Display and LDGNT), and thus repetition has been used to give extra focus to this constituent.+3:10Lit quite beyond all measure, or superabundantly. ME (see ANLEX, 390, ὑπερεκπερισσου; UBSHS [1 Th], 64). Cf ESV, NIV.+3:10Lit see your face. ME(I/F) (see L-N, 85.26). Cf NET, TEV.+3:10Lit supply the things lacking in your faith. ME (see UBSHS [1 Th], 64).+3:11Or direct our way to you. Lit make straight our road to you, or guide our road to you. ME (see UBSHS [1 Th], 67; cf 2:18 above). Cf Brc, NCV, NIV, TEV.+3:12Lit cause you to increase and abound. ME (see BDAG, 824. sv πλεονάζω, 3.b.; BDAG, 805, sv περισσεύω 1.a.γ., 2.a., 2.b.).+3:13Or in the presence of.+3:13Lit so as to strengthen your hearts blameless in holiness before our God. ME (see BDAG, 325, sv ἔμπροσθεν 1.b.β.; ESS [1 and 2 Th], 100; L-N, 83.33, 90.20; UBSHS [1 Th], 70; notes at Mk 3:5. Cf Brc, ISV, JB, NCV, NET, NIV, TEV). Cf Eph 1:4-5, 3:14-19, 5:27; 2 Co 7:, 11:2; Php 1:9-11; 1 Th 2:19, 5:23. Cf also Mt 10:32-33; Mk 9:38; Lk 21:36; Jud 24; Re 3:4-6; 19:6-8.+3:13Or holy people, or saints. Cf Zc 14:5; 1 Th 4:16; 2 Th 1:7; Jud 14.+4:1Lit in the Lord Jesus, or by the Lord Jesus. ME. With παρακαλέω ( parakaleō) here, ἐν ( en) is signaling an appeal to authority (see UBSHS [1 Th], 75; cf ESS [1 and 2 Th], 104). Cf v 2; 1 Co 1:10; 2 Co 5:16-21, 10:1.+4:1Lit just as you received from us the how it is necessary for you to walk and please God, just as also you are walking, that you abound even more. ME. Cf NET, NCV, NIV, TEV.+4:2Lit through. ME. The meaning is essentially the same as in v 1 (see UBSHS [1 Th], 76; note the presence of γὰρ). Cf CJB, NCV, NIV, TEV.+4:3Lit your sanctification. ME/IT (see Timothy Miller, “Paul’s Priestly Mission and Salvation from the Coming Wrath: A Missiological Probe of Romans 15:16 and the Question of Divine Anger through the Worldview of Leviticus” [PhD diss., Columbia International University, 2024]).+4:4Lit his vessel. ME. Cf TEV.+4:6Or Indeed, this is the will of God: That you become holy, by keeping away from sexual immorality; by each of you knowing how to gain control of his own body (or how to live with his wife) in a holy and honorable way, not in passionate lust like the Gentiles who do not know God; by not wronging and swindling your brother in the matter. Following Vincent’s interpretation in translation here (see Vincent, Word Studies, 4:34-7). Cf 1 Co 4:17, 5:9-11; Eph 4:25-5:25; Col 3:5-20; 1 Pt 3:7.+4:6Lit For the Lord is an avenger/executor of punishment in regard to all such things. ME. Cf NCV, NIV, TEV+4:7Or called, or invited.+4:7Lit in sanctification. ME. Cf NIV; TNT in ESS (1 and 2 Th), 116.+4:9Cf Is 54:13; Jr 31:33-34; Jn 6:45; 1 Co 2:13; 1 Jn 2:20; Heb 8:10-11.+4:11Lit aspire to be quiet/rest. ME (see BDAG, 440, sv ἡσυχάζω 2; BSL, 1 Th 4:11; L-N, 25.78, 88.103; UBSHS [1 Th], 89). Cf Ac 17:1-9; Rm 12:18.+4:12Lit so that you walk respectably toward/in reference to/in the judgment of those outside. ME. Cf CJB, NCV, ISV, NIV, NLT, TEV. Cf Ac 2:47, 5:13; 1 Pt 3:1.+4:12Cf Ac 2:47, 5:13; 1 Pt 3:1.+4:12Or so that you aren’t in need. Lit so that you may have need of no one, or so that you may have need of nothing. ME (see UBSHS [1 Th], 91). In my opinion, translations like “not depend on” create a bit of a wrong impression here, especially in modern Western cultures that cherish individualism and self-sufficiency in ways outside the boundaries of what Paul has in mind here (cf, eg, Ac 2:45, 4:34-35, 6:1; Eph 4:28; 1 Th 2:9-10; 2 Th 3:8-12; 1 Ti 5:1-16). Paul’s point here is not that believers never need or depend on each other, but that they should work hard and not be lazy.+4:13Lit we do not want you to fail to understand. The point here is clarity of understanding (cf UBSHS [1 Th], 93; NAB in ESS [1 and 2 Th], 126). Also, the figure of speech here is most likely functioning as a litotes (an understatement by means of which an emphatic statement is made through the denial of a negative statement) (see ESS [1 and 2 Th], 126). These things are reflected in the translation.+4:13Lit concerning those who are asleep. ME(I/F) (see L-N, 23.104; UBSHS [1 Th], 93). Cf CJB, ISV, NCV, NLT, TEV. So throughout this section.+4:13Here, “have no hope” means having no reason or grounds for hope, which is based on the gospel content that follows (vv 14-18) (see BDAG, 320, sv ἐλπίς 1.b. β.; UBSHS [1 Th], 94).+4:14πιστεύω ( pisteuō) doesn’t just involve content, but conviction of truth and complete and total trust (see, ANLEX, 314, sv; BDAG, 816, sv; DBL Greek, #4409; L-N, 31.35). Because of the complexities involved in translating this verse (see note at “God” just below), I have linked the protasis directly with the fact of Jesus’ resurrection. However, to make sure that the conditional participle does not signal doubt to English readers, but rather a presentation of logic, I have translated πιστεύω ( pisteuō) according to its fuller meaning.+4:14Lit together with him. ME (see ANLEX, 363, sv σύν 2; UBSHS [1 Th], 98; ESS [1 and 2 Th], 130).+4:15Or according to the Lord’s own message, or by the word of the Lord.+4:15Lit will certainly not precede. ME. The meaning here is clear from the context, although translation is a bit tricky since both dead and living people are being referred to!+4:15Cf Jn 11:25-26.+4:16Or from the sky. Cf Ac 1:11.+4:17Lit for a meeting of the Lord. ME(H). According to M-M, ἀπάντησις ( hapantēsis) “ seems to have been a kind of t.t. for the official welcome of a newly arrived dignitary—a usage which accords excellently with its NT usage” ( M-M, 53, sv). Cf ESS [1 Th], 136; Little Kittle, 64, sv; UBSHS (1 Th), 103.+4:17Or in the air.+4:17Or always.+4:18The Greek word here has a wide range of meaning: urge, exhort, comfort, console, help, etc (see, eg, ANLEX, 296, sv παρακαλέω). Paul’s teaching about the Second Coming and events related to it is meant to spur the Thessalonians on in every way. “Console” has been included in the translation here because of the mention of grief in v 13.+5:2See notes at Mt 24:36.+5:2Cf Mk 13; Mt 24; Lk 17, 21; Re 16.+5:3Lit they. This is an indefinite plural. Cf CJB, ESV, NCV, ISV, NLT, NIV, RSV, TEV.+5:3Cf Dt 29:19; Jr 6:14, 8:11, 14:13, 23:16-24; Ezk 13:1-16, 38:8; Mt 7:15-27; Lk 21:34-36.+5:3Lit like the birth-pains on the woman who has in the womb. ME(I/F) (see L-N, 23.50).+5:3Cf Mt 24:36-41; Lk 17:26-29.+5:4Or surprise. Cf Lk 21:34-36.+5:5Lit sons of the light and sons of the day/daytime. ME(I/F)/IT (see ANLEX, 404, sv φῶς 4; BSL, 1 Th 5:4, sv ἡμέρας, φῶς; ESS [1 and 2 Th], 145; L-N, 11.14; UBSHS [1 Th], 109). Cf Jb 24:13-17; Ps 18:28; Jn 1:47, 3:19-20; Rm 13:11-14; Eph 5:8-14.+5:6Or be sober-minded. Lit be sober. ME (see DBL Greek, #3768; L-N, 30.25, 88.86; UBSHS [1 Th], 109). Cf Lk 21:34-36.+5:7Cf Jb 24:13-17.+5:9Cf Ex 12:1-13, 21-32 (cf 1 Co 5:7); Is 53:4-6, 10-12; Mt 20:28; Mk 10:45; Rm 5:6-9, 1 Ti 2:6.+5:9Cf Is 53.+5:10And/or died on our behalf, and/or died in our place. In the Koine era, there was substantial overlap in meaning between ὑπὲρ ( huper) and ἀντὶ ( anti) (see Wallace, Grammar, 383-9). Representation, substitution, and benefaction are all in view here. Cf, eg, Lv 16.+5:10Lit are awake/watchful. ME (see L-N, 23.97). Cf CJB, NCV, NLT, TEV. Paul is using γρηγορέω ( grēgoreō) here to reactivate two levels of information: (1) People who are alive when the Messiah returns (cf 4:13-18; note the contrast here with those who are “asleep” [ie, dead]); and (2) a state of watchfulness/alertness on the part of those who are “still alive” (note the use of γρηγορέω in v 6), since they are still passing through this age of darkness before the Lord’s return.+5:10Lit are asleep. ME(I/F) (see L-N, 23.104).+5:13Lit regard them superabundantly in love. ME (see UBSHS [1 Th], 117).+5:13Lit because of the work of them. The genitive has been rendered as a subjective genitive in translation. Cf UBSHS (1 Th), 117.+5:15Cf TEV.+5:21Cf 1 Jn 4:1.+5:23Lit sanctify you. ME/IT (see Timothy Miller, “Paul’s Priestly Mission and Salvation from the Coming Wrath: A Missiological Probe of Romans 15:16 and the Question of Divine Anger through the Worldview of Leviticus” [PhD diss., Columbia International University, 2024]).+5:23Or kept, or protected, or preserved.+5:23Lit to be kept/guarded/protected blamelessly. ME. Cf HCSB, NLT, NJB, TEV; translation and notes at 1 Th 3:13; TNT in ESS (1 and 2 Th), 172. The meaning is essentially the same here as at 1 Th 3:13 (see translation and notes there; ESS [1 and 2 Th], 171; NAC [1 Th], 189; UBSHS [1 Th], 70, 126). Cf Ps 6:1, 17:8-13, 25:20-21, 31:23, 37:28, 66:9, 86:2, 97:10, 121:4, 140:1, 145:20; Pr 2:8; 1 Sm 2:9; Jn 17:11-15; 2 Co 11:1-4; Eph 6:10-17; Php 4:7; 2 Th 3:3; 2 Ti 1:12; 1 Pt 1:5; 2 Pt 2:4-10; 1 Jn 5:18; Jud 24.