2:8a

We cared so deeply: In Greek this verse begins with the word houtōs, which the Berean Standard Bible translates as so deeply. However, this word has several meanings and scholars do not agree about its meaning here. There are two possibilities:

(1) It means “so deeply” or “so much”.

(Berean Standard Bible, New International Version (2011 Revision), Good News Translation, Contemporary English Version, God’s Word, New Century Version, New Jerusalem Bible, New Living Translation (2004 Revision), New Revised Standard Version, Revised English Bible)

(2) It means “therefore” and links 2:8b back to 2:7. The sentence then means that Paul and his companions cared for the Thessalonians like a mother and, therefore, because they loved them so much, they were happy to share the gospel.

(King James Version, Revised Standard Version, SSA)

It is recommended that you follow the first option (1), because it fits best into the context where Paul was expressing how much he cared about the Thessalonians. It is also supported by the majority of commentaries consulted. This is something he repeats in 2:8d.

2:8b

we were delighted to share with you not only the gospel of God: The form of the Greek verb here indicates that Paul and his companions had continually been content/happy to share the gospel and their lives with the Thessalonians while they were staying in Thessalonica.

share with you…the gospel of God: To “share the gospel” means to preach/tell the gospel to people.

gospel of God: See the note on “gospel of God” in 2:2c. This is the same phrase in Greek.

2:8c

but our own lives as well: Although there is no verb in this part of the verse in the Greek text, the implied verb is the same one as in 2:8b, “to share.” However, the verb in the expression “to share our own lives” does not have the same meaning as in the expression “to share the gospel.” Paul was able to use the same verb in Greek, but you may need to use a different verb in your translation. The expression “to share our lives” means to be willing to use one’s time and energy to help others.

2:8d

That is how beloved you have become to us: Here Paul expressed a similar idea to 2:8a.

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All Scripture quotations in this publication, unless otherwise indicated, are from The Holy Bible, Berean Standard Bible. BSB is produced in cooperation with Bible Hub, Discovery Bible, OpenBible.com, and the Berean Bible Translation Committee.