King James Version:
(The Lord speaking is red text)
For they themselves shew of us what manner of entering in we had unto you, and how ye turned to God from idols to serve the living and true God;
Complete Jewish Bible:
since they themselves keep telling us about the welcome we received from you and how you turned to God from idols, to serve the true God, the one who is alive,
Berean Standard Bible:
For they themselves report what kind of welcome you gave us, and how you turned to God from idols to serve the living and true God
American Standard Version:
For they themselves report concerning us what manner of entering in we had unto you; and how ye turned unto God from idols, to serve a living and true God,
KJV with Strong’s Numbers:
For{G1063} they{G518} themselves{G846} shew{G518} of{G4012} us{G2257} what manner{G3697} of entering in{G1529} we had{G2192}{G2192} unto{G4314} you{G5209}, and{G2532} how{G4459} ye turned{G1994} to{G4314} God{G2316} from{G575} idols{G1497} to serve{G1398} the living{G2198} and{G2532} true{G228} God{G2316};
Cross-References (KJV):
1 Timothy 4:10
- For therefore we both labour and suffer reproach, because we trust in the living God, who is the Saviour of all men, specially of those that believe.
1 Corinthians 12:2
- Ye know that ye were Gentiles, carried away unto these dumb idols, even as ye were led.
Galatians 4:8
- ¶ Howbeit then, when ye knew not God, ye did service unto them which by nature are no gods.
Galatians 4:9
- But now, after that ye have known God, or rather are known of God, how turn ye again to the weak and beggarly elements, whereunto ye desire again to be in bondage?
1 Thessalonians 2:13
- ¶ For this cause also thank we God without ceasing, because, when ye received the word of God which ye heard of us, ye received [it] not [as] the word of men, but as it is in truth, the word of God, which effectually worketh also in you that believe.
Zechariah 8:20
- Thus saith the LORD of hosts; [It shall] yet [come to pass], that there shall come people, and the inhabitants of many cities:
Zechariah 8:23
- Thus saith the LORD of hosts; In those days [it shall come to pass], that ten men shall take hold out of all languages of the nations, even shall take hold of the skirt of him that is a Jew, saying, We will go with you: for we have heard [that] God [is] with you.
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Commentary for 1 Thessalonians 1:9
1 Thessalonians 1:9 is part of the Apostle Paul's first letter to the church in Thessalonica, which is located in modern-day Greece. This verse reflects the profound transformation that occurred within the Thessalonian community following Paul's missionary efforts there. The historical context of this verse is rooted in the early expansion of Christianity, as Paul and his companions, including Silas and Timothy, established churches throughout the Roman Empire.
In this verse, Paul acknowledges the report he has received about the Thessalonians' conversion. The themes highlighted include the impact of Paul's ministry, the genuine nature of the Thessalonians' faith, and their radical change from pagan worship to serving the one true God. The phrase "how ye turned to God from idols" underscores a significant shift from polytheistic practices, which were prevalent in the Greco-Roman world, to monotheistic worship. The Thessalonians not only abandoned their idols but also embraced a life of service to the "living and true God," indicating a deep commitment to their newfound faith in Christianity.
Paul's words convey a sense of pride and validation for his work among the Thessalonians, as their transformation serves as a powerful testimony to the effectiveness of the Gospel message. The verse also emphasizes the living aspect of the Christian God, contrasting with the inanimate idols of their past, and stresses the truthfulness of Christianity in contrast to the falsities of pagan beliefs. This dramatic religious and cultural turnaround is celebrated as evidence of the work of the Holy Spirit and the authenticity of the Thessalonians' faith, which was a source of encouragement and example for other early Christian communities.
*This commentary is produced by Microsoft/WizardLM-2-8x22B AI model
Strong's Numbers and Definitions:
Note: H = Hebrew (OT), G = Greek (NT)
- Strong's Number: G1063
There are 1016 instances of this translation in the Bible
Lemma: γάρ
Transliteration: gár
Pronunciation: gar
Description: a primary particle; properly, assigning a reason (used in argument, explanation or intensification; often with other particles):--and, as, because (that), but, even, for, indeed, no doubt, seeing, then, therefore, verily, what, why, yet. - Strong's Number: G518
There are 125 instances of this translation in the Bible
Lemma: ἀπαγγέλλω
Transliteration: apangéllō
Pronunciation: ap-ang-el'-lo
Description: from ἀπό and the base of ἄγγελος; to announce:--bring word (again), declare, report, shew (again), tell. - Strong's Number: G846
There are 3776 instances of this translation in the Bible
Lemma: αὐτός
Transliteration: autós
Pronunciation: ow-tos'
Description: from the particle (perhaps akin to the base of ἀήρ through the idea of a baffling wind) (backward); the reflexive pronoun self, used (alone or in the comparative ἑαυτοῦ) of the third person , and (with the proper personal pronoun) of the other persons:--her, it(-self), one, the other, (mine) own, said, (self-), the) same, ((him-, my-, thy- )self, (your-)selves, she, that, their(-s), them(-selves), there(-at, - by, -in, -into, -of, -on, -with), they, (these) things, this (man), those, together, very, which. Compare αὑτοῦ. - Strong's Number: G4012
There are 304 instances of this translation in the Bible
Lemma: περί
Transliteration: perí
Pronunciation: per-ee'
Description: from the base of πέραν; properly, through (all over), i.e. around; figuratively with respect to; used in various applications, of place, cause or time (with the genitive case denoting the subject or occasion or superlative point; with the accusative case the locality, circuit, matter, circumstance or general period):--(there-)about, above, against, at, on behalf of, X and his company, which concern, (as) concerning, for, X how it will go with, ((there-, where-)) of, on, over, pertaining (to), for sake, X (e-)state, (as) touching, (where-)by (in), with. In comparative, it retains substantially the same meaning of circuit (around), excess (beyond), or completeness (through). - Strong's Number: G2257
There are 365 instances of this translation in the Bible
Lemma: ἡμῶν
Transliteration: hēmōn
Pronunciation: hay-mone'
Description: genitive case plural of ἐγώ; of (or from) us:--our (company), us, we. - Strong's Number: G3697
There are 5 instances of this translation in the Bible
Lemma: ὁποῖος
Transliteration: hopoîos
Pronunciation: hop-oy'-os
Description: from ὅς and ποῖος; of what kind that, i.e. how (as) great (excellent) (specially, as an indefinite correlative to the definite antecedent τοιοῦτος of quality):--what manner (sort) of, such as whatsoever. - Strong's Number: G1529
There are 5 instances of this translation in the Bible
Lemma: εἴσοδος
Transliteration: eísodos
Pronunciation: ice'-od-os
Description: from εἰς and ὁδός; an entrance (literally or figuratively):--coming, enter(-ing) in (to). - Strong's Number: G2192
There are 628 instances of this translation in the Bible
Lemma: ἔχω
Transliteration: échō
Pronunciation: skheh'-o
Description: a primary verb; to hold (used in very various applications, literally or figuratively, direct or remote; such as possession; ability, contiuity, relation, or condition):--be (able, X hold, possessed with), accompany, + begin to amend, can(+ -not), X conceive, count, diseased, do + eat, + enjoy, + fear, following, have, hold, keep, + lack, + go to law, lie, + must needs, + of necessity, + need, next, + recover, + reign, + rest, + return, X sick, take for, + tremble, + uncircumcised, use. - Strong's Number: G4314
There are 674 instances of this translation in the Bible
Lemma: πρός
Transliteration: prós
Pronunciation: pros
Description: a strengthened form of πρό; a preposition of direction; forward to, i.e. toward (with the genitive case, the side of, i.e. pertaining to; with the dative case, by the side of, i.e. near to; usually with the accusative case, the place, time, occasion, or respect, which is the destination of the relation, i.e. whither or for which it is predicated):--about, according to , against, among, at, because of, before, between, (where-)by, for, X at thy house, in, for intent, nigh unto, of, which pertain to, that, to (the end that), X together, to (you) -ward, unto, with(-in). In the comparative case, it denotes essentially the same applications, namely, motion towards, accession to, or nearness at. - Strong's Number: G5209
There are 388 instances of this translation in the Bible
Lemma: ὑμᾶς
Transliteration: hymâs
Pronunciation: hoo-mas'
Description: accusative case of ὑμεῖς; you (as the objective of a verb or preposition):--ye, you (+ -ward), your (+ own). - Strong's Number: G2532
There are 5212 instances of this translation in the Bible
Lemma: καί
Transliteration: kaí
Pronunciation: kahee
Description: apparently, a primary particle, having a copulative and sometimes also a cumulative force; and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words:--and, also, both, but, even, for, if, or, so, that, then, therefore, when, yet. - Strong's Number: G4459
There are 100 instances of this translation in the Bible
Lemma: πῶς
Transliteration: pōs
Pronunciation: poce
Description: adverb from the base of ποῦ; an interrogative particle of manner; in what way? (sometimes the question is indirect, how?); also as exclamation, how much!:--how, after (by) what manner (means), that. (Occasionally unexpressed in English). - Strong's Number: G1994
There are 38 instances of this translation in the Bible
Lemma: ἐπιστρέφω
Transliteration: epistréphō
Pronunciation: ep-ee-stref'-o
Description: from ἐπί and στρέφω; to revert (literally, figuratively or morally):--come (go) again, convert, (re-)turn (about, again). - Strong's Number: G2316
There are 1172 instances of this translation in the Bible
Lemma: θεός
Transliteration: theós
Pronunciation: theh'-os
Description: of uncertain affinity; a deity, especially (with ὁ) the supreme Divinity; figuratively, a magistrate; by Hebraism, very:--X exceeding, God, god(-ly, -ward). - Strong's Number: G575
There are 1465 instances of this translation in the Bible
Lemma: ἀπό
Transliteration: apó
Pronunciation: apo'
Description: a primary particle; "off," i.e. away (from something near), in various senses (of place, time, or relation; literal or figurative):--(X here-)after, ago, at, because of, before, by (the space of), for(-th), from, in, (out) of, off, (up-)on(-ce), since, with. In composition (as a prefix) it usually denotes separation, departure, cessation, completion, reversal, etc. - Strong's Number: G1497
There are 11 instances of this translation in the Bible
Lemma: εἴδωλον
Transliteration: eídōlon
Pronunciation: i'-do-lon
Description: from εἶδος; an image (i.e. for worship); by implication, a heathen god, or (plural) the worship of such:--idol. - Strong's Number: G1398
There are 23 instances of this translation in the Bible
Lemma: δουλεύω
Transliteration: douleúō
Pronunciation: dool-yoo'-o
Description: from δοῦλος; to be a slave to (literal or figurative, involuntary or voluntary):--be in bondage, (do) serve(-ice). - Strong's Number: G2198
There are 127 instances of this translation in the Bible
Lemma: ζάω
Transliteration: záō
Pronunciation: dzah'-o
Description: a primary verb; to live (literally or figuratively):--life(-time), (a-)live(-ly), quick. - Strong's Number: G228
There are 236 instances of this translation in the Bible
Lemma: ἀληθινός
Transliteration: alēthinós
Pronunciation: al-ay-thee-nos'
Description: from ἀληθής; truthful:--true.