SIL Translator’s Notes on 1 Thessalonians 2002 – Page 7

SIL Translator's Notes on 1 Thessalonians 3:2

3:2a

our brother and fellow worker for God in the gospel of Christ: This verse contains a long description of Timothy in the middle of a narrative sentence. In some languages, wording it this way may interrupt the flow of the sentence to have this information about Timothy between Paul’s statement that “we sent” him and his description of the reason why he and Silvanus sent him. Paul provided this information in order to confirm that he had authorized Timothy to visit the Thessalonians and that Timothy was fully qualified to help them. In some languages it may be necessary to use a separate sentence for Paul’s description of Timothy, then return to the main theme in a new sentence afterward. For example:

and send Timothy to you. Timothy, our brother, works with us for God and helps us tell people the Good news about Christ. We sent him to strengthen and encourage you in your faith. (New Century Version)

our brother: For the term brother, see the note on 1:4.

fellow worker for God: There is a textual problem in this verse. There are three different Greek texts followed by English versions:

(1) The text reads “God’s fellow worker”.

(Berean Standard Bible, New International Version (2011 Revision), Good News Translation, NET Bible, New Living Translation (2004 Revision), New Revised Standard Version, Revised English Bible, New Century Version, SSA)

(2) The text reads “God’s servant”.

(Revised Standard Version, God’s Word, New Jerusalem Bible)

(3) The text reads “God’s servant and our fellow worker”.

(King James Version, Contemporary English Version)

Most Greek scholars agree that the first option (1) is the correct one, so it is recommended that you follow it.

However not all scholars agree on what the phrase that the Berean Standard Bible translates as fellow worker for God means. There are two possibilities:

(1) It means that Timothy worked together with God, that they worked together to spread the gospel.

(English Standard Version, Revised English Bible, New International Version (2011 Revision))

(2) It means that Timothy was a fellow-worker of Paul and Silas and that all three worked together for God.

(Berean Standard Bible, New International Version, 2011 edition, Good News Translation, New Century Version, NET Bible, New Living Translation (2004 Revision), New Revised Standard Version, SSA)

It is recommended that you follow the first option (1).

in the gospel of Christ: The Greek text has no verb in this part of the verse, but most modern English versions include a verb here, such as “spreading” (New International Version (2011 Revision)) or “preaching” (Good News Translation). It will probably be necessary to do something similar in your translation.

the gospel of Christ: In this context, this means “the gospel about Christ.”

3:2b

to strengthen…you in your faith: Paul intended that Timothy should strengthen the Thessalonians inwardly/spiritually, that he should help them believe more strongly in Christ.

and encourage you in your faith: The second thing that Paul intended was that Timothy should encourage the Thessalonians to keep on believing.

in your faith: Notice that this phrase goes with both verbs, strengthen and encourage.

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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.

SIL Translator's Notes on 1 Thessalonians 5:5

5:5a

For: The Greek conjunction gar, which the Berean Standard Bible translates as For, indicates that the words that follow are the grounds or evidence for Paul’s words in 5:4a. Here is one way to translate this:

It will not come unexpectedly for you because (SSA)

Many English versions leave this conjunction implicit in this verse. Introduce this verse in a natural way in your language.

you are all sons of the light and sons of the day: To refer to someone as the “son” of some object is a Hebrew metaphor. It means that the person has the same characteristics as the object or belongs to the object.

sons of the light: This means those who live in the light (as opposed to the darkness in 5:4a, 5:5b), those who belong to the light. You should try to translate this in a way that contrasts with 5:4a.

sons of the day: This means those who belong to the day (as opposed to the night in 5:5b). It may mean the same thing as “sons of the light.”

These are difficult phrases to translate. Here are two suggested ways to deal with this part of the verse:

• You could keep the metaphor of light and day, as most modern English versions have done. For example:

people who belong to the light, who belong to the day (Good News Translation)

• You could combine the two metaphors. For example,

people who do everything as though it were done in the light, that is, in the daytime (UBS Handbook Handbook, page 109)
-or-
people who do what is right as people usually do when it is light/daytime” (SSA).

5:5b

we do not belong to the night or to the darkness: This part of the verse repeats 5:5a, but it uses negative statements instead of the positive ones of 5:5a. The word darkness here means the same as it does in 5:4a.

we: This refers to all believers.

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SIL Translator's Notes on 1 Thessalonians 1:9

1:9a

For: This gives the reason why Paul and his companions did not need to tell people about the Thessalonians’ faith (1:8d): It was because people already knew about that wherever he went.

they themselves: This refers to the people of Macedonia, Achaia, and the “every place” of 1:8c.

report: The Greek verb apaggellō, which the Berean Standard Bible translates as report, here means “to tell.” These people told everyone they met. Therefore, Paul and his companions did not need to say anything (1:8d).

what kind of welcome you gave us: The Greek word eisodos, which the Berean Standard Bible translates as welcome, literally means “entrance.” The commentators do not agree how this word should be understood here. There are two possibilities:

(1) It should be understood literally. This focuses on Paul and his companions and what they did in Thessalonica. For example:

our visit to you (Revised English Bible)
-or-
how we started the work among you” (New Jerusalem Bible)

(Revised English Bible, New Jerusalem Bible)

(2) It should be understood figuratively. It means “welcome.” This focuses on the way that the Thessalonians welcomed Paul and his companions and accepted their message.

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

Although most English versions prefer the second option, it is recommended that you follow the first option (1). Most commentators support this option. The whole passage focuses on the successful nature of Paul’s ministry. This makes the first option more likely. In addition, 2:1 uses the same Greek word with this meaning.

1:9b

and how you turned to God from idols: This refers to how the Thessalonians stopped worshiping their traditional gods and idols and began worshiping God. At this time in history, the expression “to turn to God from idols” usually described people who had stopped worshiping idols and had become Jews. But here Paul was referring to people that had become Christians not Jews. The words in 1:10 make this clear. So it seems that Paul was saying that the majority of the Thessalonian Christians had changed directly from their traditional religion to Christianity. They did not first convert to the Jewish religion, as some of those in Acts 17:4 did.

idols: When Paul talked about idols, he was referring both to the spirit and the object or image that represents it. Therefore, you can translate idols by the word or phrase that your language uses to refer to traditional fetishes, gods, or spirits. However, if possible, use a general word that refers to any idol, not the name of a specific one.

to serve: The Greek word douleuō used here means “to serve a master.” However, Paul did not mean working for God. He meant becoming wholeheartedly committed to God, acknowledging him as Lord and worshiping him.

the living and true God: The expression the living…God is frequently found in the Old Testament, for example, Psalm 42:2. It means “the only God who is alive.” The expression “the true God…the living God” is found in Jeremiah 10:10. It emphasizes that there is only one God, a living one, and all other so-called gods are false. Paul used that meaning here. Paul was praising the Thessalonians because they had stopped worshiping their dead, false idols and now worshiped the God who is alive and is the only real God.

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SIL Translator's Notes on 1 Thessalonians 3:13

3:13a

so that He may establish your hearts: This part of the verse states the purpose of 3:12a. One way to make this connection clear would be to begin the verse:

We^(excl) pray this so that He may establish your hearts

He may establish your hearts: The verb that the Berean Standard Bible translates as establish is the same verb that Paul used in 3:2b. The expression your hearts refers to the inner being—the thoughts, feelings, and purposes of a person (see the note on 2:4c). Paul was therefore asking God to strengthen the Thessalonians inwardly so they would do what pleased God.

3:13b

blamelessness: The word blamelessness here means “God will not accuse you of doing wrong.” See the note on 2:10b

holiness: See the note on “holy” in 2:10b. Although Paul used a different word here, the meaning is the same in this context.

our God and Father: See the note on 1:3a.

3:13c

at the coming of our Lord Jesus with all His saints: This refers to the time when Jesus will return to earth to judge everyone.

His saints: In this context, commentators do not agree about how the Greek word hagioi, which the Berean Standard Bible translates as saints, should be translated. There are two possibilities:

(1) It refers to angels. If Paul is alluding to the Old Testament sense of “holy ones,” this would be the meaning.

(2) It refers to Christians, whom Paul often refers to as “saints.” This is how most English versions translate it.

These are both possible. Some English versions use a phrase that could include both meanings. For example:

all those who belong to him (Good News Translation)

If you decide to use a term in your translation that only means “angels” or that only means “Christians,” then it would be a good idea to include the other possibility in a footnote.

Paragraph 4:1–8

Paul reminded the Thessalonian believers that he had already taught them how to behave in order to please God. He then urged them to do even better than they had done already.

4:1a

Finally: The Greek word loipon, which the Berean Standard Bible translates as Finally, indicates that here Paul was beginning the second and last major part of his letter. As in many of his other letters, in this final part he instructs the Thessalonians about how Christians should behave. However, remember there are still two chapters left, so avoid using a term which would make it sound like Paul was ending his letter here.

In Greek, the verse begins with oun, “therefore.” Paul used this term to indicate that what he was about to write in chapters 4 and 5 was based on what he wrote in the first part of the letter, that is, chapters 1–3.

brothers: See the note on 1:4.

we ask and encourage you: The commentators disagree about whether there is any significant difference between the meaning of the two Greek verbs erōtaō (ask) and parakaleō (encourage). Paul often used two verbs instead of one with the second one emphasizing the first. In your translation you have a choice about how to translate these two verbs:

• Use two verbs with similar meaning. This is what almost every English version has done.

• Combine the two verbs into one expression, for example, “we strongly urge you.”

You should retain two verbs if it is possible to do so in your language. Otherwise, you can follow the second option.

in the Lord Jesus: This is a phrase that Paul often used in his letters. However, commentators disagree about what it means. The same expression is used in 2 Thessalonians 3:12. There are two possible meanings:

(1) It means “because we are united in Christ Jesus.” Paul was appealing to the common fellowship that he, his companions, and the Thessalonians had because they were all members of the family of God.

(Revised English Bible, Contemporary English Version, SSA)

(2) It means “because the Lord Jesus has authorized us.” This interpretation seems to be supported by the phrase “by the authority of the Lord Jesus” in 4:2.

(Good News Translation, King James Version, God’s Word, New Living Translation (2004 Revision))

Other English versions do not clearly indicate which of these interpretations they follow. However, it is recommended that you follow the first option (1), because in the context of this letter, Paul was emphasizing the Thessalonians’ love for him and God and Jesus, rather than his authority as an apostle.

4:1b

just as you have received from us: Paul was referring to instructions that he and his companions had given the Thessalonian believers while they were with them. He was not referring to the instructions in the previous part of this letter. Paul and his companions had already taught them how to behave as a Christian should.

4:1c

This is how you already live: This clause is omitted in King James Version because some Greek manuscripts omit it. But the UBS Handbook Greek text and other major English versions agree that it should be there. Therefore, you should include it in your translation. As he did in 1:6–9, Paul was recognizing that the Thessalonians were already behaving in the way he had mentioned in 4:1a.

4:1d

so you should do so all the more: This means “you should please God all the more.” Paul was never content that those whom he had helped to believe in Christ should do the minimum to prove they were Christians. He wanted them all to imitate Jesus as much as possible.

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SIL Translator's Notes on 1 Thessalonians 5:16

5:16

Rejoice at all times: The command to Rejoice was especially necessary because the Thessalonians were being persecuted and they could easily have become discouraged and unhappy. Paul commanded them to be full of joy, no matter what happened. See also Philippians 4:4.

at all times: This is the word emphasized in this sentence. See the note on 5:15b above. You should emphasize this in your translation in the way that is natural in your language.

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SIL Translator's Notes on 1 Thessalonians 2:11

2:11

For you know: The Greek phrase which the Berean Standard Bible translates as For you know is literally “just as you know.” Here are some other ways to translate this phrase:

As you well know… (Revised English Bible)
-or-
As you know (New Revised Standard Version)

Paul now gave the Thessalonians some examples of the holy, righteous, and blameless way that he and his companions had behaved when they were in Thessalonica.

we treated each of you: The words we treated are not in the Greek text in 2:11. The Berean Standard Bible has included these words to make the connection with 2:10b clear. Most modern English versions add a similar verb and you will probably also need to do that.

as a father treats his own children: In 2:7, Paul had already compared himself and his companions to a mother who gently cared for her children. Here he compared himself and his companions to a father who teaches his children how to behave.

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SIL Translator's Notes on 1 Thessalonians 4:12

4:12a

you will behave: This refers to the way the Thessalonians lived every day.

properly toward outsiders: The word outsiders refers to those who did not believe in the Lord Jesus. Not everything that believers do will please non-believers. But Paul was saying that believers must behave and work in ways that everyone recognized as the correct way to behave. For example, no one would respect a lazy person, so the believers should make sure they were not lazy.

4:12b

without being dependent on anyone: This refers back to the phrase in 4:11c, “and to work with your hands.” Those who worked would not need to ask others for food and drink. Here Paul is describing a second result that will happen if the Thessalonians behave as he told them to behave in 4:10–11. (The first result is in 4:12a.)

on anyone: The commentators do not agree about what the Greek word mēdenos, “nobody, nothing,” means here. There are two possibilities:

(1) It means “no one.” The meaning of 4:12b therefore is “so that you will be dependent on no one”.

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

(2) It means “nothing.” The meaning of 4:12b therefore is “so that you may need nothing”.

(King James Version, Revised English Bible, New American Standard Bible)

It is recommended that you follow the first interpretation (1), as it fits the context better, especially 4:11c.

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SIL Translator's Notes on 1 Thessalonians 5:27

5:27

I charge you: The verb enorkizō, which the Berean Standard Bible has translated as charge, is a verb used for making people take an oath or make a solemn promise to do something. Another way to translate it would be: “I ask you to solemnly promise…” Paul was ordering the Thessalonians to do something, not asking them to do it.

before the Lord: There are two possible interpretations of this expression in this context:

(1) It was a standard expression for making an oath. See Mark 5:7, which contains a similar construction. This would mean that Paul was saying: “I ask you to promise me in the name of the Lord Jesus that you will….” This would then make the Thessalonians accountable to the Lord Jesus.

(Berean Standard Bible, New International Version (2011 Revision), Revised Standard Version, NET Bible, Revised English Bible, New American Standard Bible, King James Version)

(2) It means that it was the Lord who authorized Paul to give this command.

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

Either of these is possible, but as the phrase is used in the context of an oath, it is recommended that you follow the first option (1).

the Lord: This probably refers to Jesus here.

to have this letter read to all the brothers: Paul was concerned that not just the people who received the letter read it, but that all the believers would hear the contents. What Paul taught was for all the believers in Thessalonica.

brothers: See the note on 1:4.

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Source: SIL Translator's Notes on 1 Thessalonians 2002

SIL Translator's Notes on 1 Thessalonians 3:2

SIL Translator's Notes on 1 Thessalonians 5:5

SIL Translator's Notes on 1 Thessalonians 1:9

SIL Translator's Notes on 1 Thessalonians 3:13

SIL Translator's Notes on 1 Thessalonians 5:16

SIL Translator's Notes on 1 Thessalonians 2:11

SIL Translator's Notes on 1 Thessalonians 4:12

SIL Translator's Notes on 1 Thessalonians 5:27

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