1 Thessalonians 3:9

Translations

Modern

How can we adequately thank God for you in return for our great joy over you in His presence?

Traditional

For what thanks can we render to God again for you, for all the joy wherewith we joy for your sakes before our God;

Literal

For what thanksgiving are we able to recompense to God concerning you over all the joy with which we rejoice before our God because of you,

Latin

Quam enim gratiarum actionem possumus Deo retribuere pro vobis in omni gaudio, quo gaudemus propter vos ante Deum nostrum,

Original

Greek

English

How can we adequately thank God for you in return for our great joy over you in His presence?

Notes

1 Thessalonians 2:1–3:13

The letter begins by discussing the character of Paul and his associates, as well as how the Thessalonians accepted the good news (2:1–12; 13–16).

It emphasizes Paul’s genuine care for the church, mentioning:

his efforts to visit them again (2:17–20), and
his choice to send Timothy when he could not go himself (3:1–5).

It concludes with the apostle Paul’s happiness about Timothy’s positive report and his prayers to return to the church (3:6–9; 10–13). This detailed defense addresses criticisms of Paul’s sudden departure and long absence.

Theme notes and profiles

Paul (Saul)

Related verses

2 Corinthians 9:15
Thanks be to God for His indescribable gift!
Psalm 96:12–13
Let the fields exult, and all that is in them. Then all the trees of the forest will sing for joy
1 Thessalonians 1:2–3
We always thank God for all of you, remembering you in our prayers
Psalm 71:14–15
But I will always hope and will praise You more and more.
2 Samuel 7:18–20
Then King David went in, sat before the LORD, and said, “Who am I, O Lord GOD, and what is my house, that You have brought me this far?
1 Thessalonians 3:7–8
For this reason, brothers, in all our distress and persecution, we have been reassured about you, because of your faith.
Nehemiah 9:5
Then the Levites—Jeshua, Kadmiel, Bani, Hashabneiah, Sherebiah, Hodiah, Shebaniah, and Pethahiah—said, “Stand up and bless the LORD your God from everlasting to everlasting: Blessed be Your glorious name, and may it be exalted above all blessing and praise.
Deuteronomy 12:2
Destroy completely all the places where the nations you are dispossessing have served their gods—atop the high mountains, on the hills, and under every green tree.
Psalm 98:8–9
Let the rivers clap their hands, let the mountains sing together for joy
Deuteronomy 16:11
…and you shall rejoice before the LORD your God in the place He will choose as a dwelling for His Name—you, your sons and daughters, your menservants and maidservants, and the Levite within your gates, as well as the foreigner, the fatherless, and the widows among you.
Deuteronomy 12:18
Instead, you must eat them in the presence of the LORD your God at the place the LORD your God will choose—you, your sons and daughters, your menservants and maidservants, and the Levite within your gates. Rejoice before the LORD your God in all you do,
1 Thessalonians 2:19
After all, who is our hope, our joy, our crown of boasting, if it is not you yourselves in the presence of our Lord Jesus at His coming?

Glossary

First Letter to the Thessalonians

Topics

Christian Minister: Promises To, Joys of Joy of Paul, Rejoicing Over his Converts Joy: Ministers should Have, in the Faith and Holiness of Their People Love: Exemplification of the Love of Man for Man Ministers: when Faithful: Rejoice in the Faith and Holiness of Their People Ministers: when Faithful: Thank God for his Gifts to Their People

1 Thessalonians 3:9

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