1 Thessalonians 2:19
For what [is] our hope, or joy, or crown of rejoicing? [Are] not even ye in the presence of our Lord Jesus Christ at his coming?
For {G1063} what {G5101} is our {G2257} hope {G1680}, or {G2228} joy {G5479}, or {G2228} crown {G4735} of rejoicing {G2746}?{G2228} Are not {G3780} even {G2532} ye {G5210} in the presence {G1715} of our {G2257} Lord {G2962} Jesus {G2424} Christ {G5547} at {G1722} his {G846} coming {G3952}?
For when our Lord Yeshua returns, what will be our hope, our joy, our crown to boast about? Won’t it be you?
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?
For what is our hope, or joy, or crown of glorying? Are not even ye, before our Lord Jesus at his coming?
Cross-References
-
Philippians 4:1 (13 votes)
¶ Therefore, my brethren dearly beloved and longed for, my joy and crown, so stand fast in the Lord, [my] dearly beloved. -
Philippians 2:16 (9 votes)
Holding forth the word of life; that I may rejoice in the day of Christ, that I have not run in vain, neither laboured in vain. -
1 Thessalonians 3:13 (9 votes)
To the end he may stablish your hearts unblameable in holiness before God, even our Father, at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ with all his saints. -
2 Corinthians 1:14 (8 votes)
As also ye have acknowledged us in part, that we are your rejoicing, even as ye also [are] ours in the day of the Lord Jesus. -
1 Thessalonians 5:23 (8 votes)
¶ And the very God of peace sanctify you wholly; and [I pray God] your whole spirit and soul and body be preserved blameless unto the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. -
1 Corinthians 15:23 (7 votes)
But every man in his own order: Christ the firstfruits; afterward they that are Christ's at his coming. -
Matthew 16:27 (7 votes)
For the Son of man shall come in the glory of his Father with his angels; and then he shall reward every man according to his works.
Commentary
1 Thessalonians 2:19 (KJV)
"For what [is] our hope, or joy, or crown of rejoicing? [Are] not even ye in the presence of our Lord Jesus Christ at his coming?"
Commentary
This verse comes as Paul defends his ministry and expresses his deep affection for the believers in Thessalonica. He has just described how much he wanted to see them again and how their faith was a source of strength to him.
The core message here is Paul's declaration that the Thessalonian believers themselves are his greatest source of hope, joy, and future reward. He uses rhetorical questions to emphasize this point: "What else could be our hope, joy, or ultimate reward at Christ's return? Is it not you?"
The phrase "crown of rejoicing" translates the Greek stephanos kauchēseōs. A stephanos was typically a wreath awarded to victors in athletic games or given as a mark of honor, not a royal crown. Kauchēsis means boasting, glorying, or rejoicing. So, it signifies what Paul will boast about or rejoice in receiving as his reward before Christ – the spiritual fruit of his labor, represented by the Thessalonians' faith and perseverance.
This verse beautifully illustrates the profound spiritual connection between a minister/disciple-maker and those they serve. Their greatest reward is not earthly gain or recognition, but the salvation and growth of others, which will be evident and celebrated in the presence of our Lord Jesus Christ at his coming (also see Philippians 4:1).
For believers today, this verse serves as an encouragement for those involved in sharing their faith or discipling others. The impact you have on another person's spiritual journey is a lasting treasure. It also reminds all believers that their steadfastness in faith until Christ's return is a source of profound joy for those who ministered to them.
Please note that only the commentary section is AI-generated — the main Scripture and cross-references are stored on the site and are from trusted and verified sources.