2 Thessalonians 1:3

KJV

We are bound to thank God always for you, brethren, as it is meet, because that your faith groweth exceedingly, and the charity of every one of you all toward each other aboundeth;

KJV (with Strong's)

We are bound {G3784} to thank {G2168} God {G2316} always {G3842} for {G4012} you {G5216}, brethren {G80}, as {G2531} it is {G2076} meet {G514}, because {G3754} that your {G5216} faith {G4102} groweth exceedingly {G5232}, and {G2532} the charity {G26} of every {G1538} one {G1520} of you {G5216} all {G3956} toward {G1519} each other {G240} aboundeth {G4121};

Complete Jewish Bible

We have to keep thanking God for you always, brothers, as is appropriate; because your trust continues to grow greater, and the love you each have for one another continues to increase.

Berean Standard Bible

We are obligated to thank God for you all the time, brothers, as is fitting, because your faith is growing more and more, and your love for one another is increasing.

American Standard Version

We are bound to give thanks to God always for you, brethren, even as it is meet, for that your faith groweth exceedingly, and the love of each one of you all toward one another aboundeth;

Commentary

### SUMMARY
In 2 Thessalonians 1:3, the Apostle Paul, along with Silvanus and Timotheus, expresses profound and obligatory gratitude to God for the Thessalonian believers. This thanksgiving is prompted by their exceptional spiritual growth, evidenced by their faith that is "growing exceedingly" and their "charity" (love) for one another that "aboundeth." This verse serves as a powerful commendation of their spiritual vitality and perseverance amidst trials, setting an encouraging and appreciative tone for the entire epistle.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse initiates the body of Paul's second letter to the Thessalonians, immediately following the salutation in [2 Thessalonians 1:1-2](/2_thessalonians/1-1-2 "2 Thessalonians 1:1-2 - Salutation"). It functions as an opening thanksgiving, a common feature in Pauline epistles, which serves to build rapport and introduce the letter's main themes. This particular thanksgiving sets a positive tone, affirming the Thessalonians' spiritual progress before addressing the more challenging topics of persecution and eschatological clarification that dominate the rest of the letter, particularly in [2 Thessalonians 1:4-10](/2_thessalonians/1-4-10 "2 Thessalonians 1:4-10 - Paul's Prayer and Assurance of Justice"). The commendation of their faith and love provides a foundation for Paul's subsequent exhortations and teachings.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Written likely from Corinth, shortly after the first letter (circa AD 51-52), 2 Thessalonians addresses a young church established during Paul's second missionary journey. The Thessalonian Christians were facing significant persecution, as evidenced by Paul's earlier comments in [1 Thessalonians 2:14](/1_thessalonians/2-14 "1 Thessalonians 2:14 - Persecution of the Thessalonians") and his direct acknowledgement in [2 Thessalonians 1:4](/2_thessalonians/1-4 "2 Thessalonians 1:4 - Their Patience and Faith in Persecution"). Despite these external pressures and internal misunderstandings about the Day of the Lord, their spiritual state was remarkably robust. Paul's emphasis on their growing faith and abounding love highlights the counter-cultural nature of Christian community, where adversity often strengthens rather than diminishes spiritual virtues.
* **Key Themes:** This verse contributes to several overarching themes in 2 Thessalonians and Paul's broader theology. It underscores the theme of **Divine Obligation and Gratitude**, presenting thanksgiving for the spiritual growth of others not merely as an option but as a fitting and necessary response to God's work. The mention of their "faith groweth exceedingly" highlights the theme of **Progressive Sanctification and Spiritual Maturity**, emphasizing that Christian life is a dynamic journey of increasing trust and reliance on God, even amidst suffering (as seen in [Philippians 1:6](/philippians/1-6 "Philippians 1:6 - God's Work in Believers")). Furthermore, the "charity of every one of you all toward each other aboundeth" powerfully reinforces the theme of **Agape Love as a Mark of True Discipleship**, demonstrating that genuine faith expresses itself in overflowing, selfless love within the community, a concept central to Paul's teachings, particularly in [1 Corinthians 13](/1_corinthians/13 "1 Corinthians 13 - The Superiority of Love").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **bound (Greek, _opheílō'_):** This word signifies a moral obligation or duty, indicating that Paul and his companions felt it was not merely appropriate but necessary and fitting to give thanks to God for the Thessalonians. It implies a sense of indebtedness or a proper response to God's gracious work.
* **groweth exceedingly (Greek, _hyperauxánō'_):** A compound verb formed from "hyper" (over, above) and "auxano" (to grow), this term powerfully conveys the idea of an extraordinary, super-abundant, or exponential growth. It suggests their faith was not merely increasing, but thriving beyond expectation, flourishing remarkably.
* **charity (Greek, _agápē'_):** This is the distinctive New Testament word for divine, selfless, unconditional love. It describes a benevolent, volitional love that seeks the highest good of the other, distinct from familial affection (philia) or romantic desire (eros). Here, it specifically refers to the practical, self-sacrificing love demonstrated by the Thessalonian believers for one another.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"We are bound to thank God always for you, brethren, as it is meet,"**: Paul, Silvanus, and Timotheus declare their deep and constant obligation to give thanks to God on behalf of the Thessalonian believers. The phrase "as it is meet" (G514, _áxios_) reinforces that this thanksgiving is not optional but entirely appropriate and fitting, a proper response to what God has accomplished in them. It highlights a divine imperative to acknowledge God's work in the lives of others.
* **"because that your faith groweth exceedingly,"**: This clause provides the primary reason for their thanksgiving. The Thessalonians' faith was not stagnant but was actively and remarkably increasing, even "super-growing." This indicates a dynamic and vibrant spiritual life, suggesting that their trust and confidence in God were deepening and expanding significantly, likely in response to the trials they were enduring.
* **"and the charity of every one of you all toward each other aboundeth;"**: The second reason for gratitude is the overflowing nature of their love. "Charity" (agape) refers to their selfless, benevolent love, which was not just present but "abounding" (G4121, _pleonázō_), meaning it was increasing, overflowing, and lavishly demonstrated among all members of the community. This mutual love served as a powerful testament to their genuine transformation and the presence of God's Spirit within them.

#### Literary Devices
The verse employs several significant literary devices. **Hyperbole** is evident in the phrases "groweth exceedingly" and "aboundeth," which emphasize the extraordinary and overflowing nature of the Thessalonians' faith and love. While not strictly hyperbole in the sense of exaggeration, these terms convey a growth beyond the ordinary, highlighting its remarkable quality. The use of **Parallelism** is also clear, as Paul lists two distinct but related virtues—faith and love—both described with verbs indicating super-abundant growth. This structural balance underscores the dual pillars of their spiritual maturity. Furthermore, the verse uses **Metaphor** in the concept of "growing" faith, likening spiritual development to organic growth, suggesting vitality, natural progression, and a living, dynamic quality. The term "aboundeth" for love also carries a metaphorical sense of an overflowing river or spring, indicating an inexhaustible and generous supply.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
This verse profoundly connects to the New Testament's emphasis on the dynamic nature of Christian life. It teaches that genuine faith is not static but is characterized by continuous growth and that this growth is intrinsically linked to an increasing, selfless love for fellow believers. Paul's "bound" obligation to give thanks underscores the theological truth that all spiritual progress is ultimately God's work, prompting gratitude. The flourishing of faith and love in the midst of persecution also highlights God's sustaining power and the resilience of the church, demonstrating that adversity can serve as a catalyst for deeper spiritual maturity and communal solidarity.

* [Philippians 1:9](/philippians/1-9 "Paul's Prayer for Abounding Love and Knowledge")
* [1 Corinthians 13:13](/1_corinthians/13-13 "Faith, Hope, and Love")
* [Galatians 5:6](/galatians/5-6 "Faith Working Through Love")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Paul's commendation of the Thessalonians serves as a powerful mirror for contemporary believers and churches. It challenges us to examine the quality and trajectory of our own faith and love. Is our faith merely present, or is it "growing exceedingly," deepening in conviction and trust, especially when faced with trials or uncertainties? Is our love for fellow believers merely adequate, or does it "abound," overflowing in practical service, forgiveness, and genuine concern for one another? This verse calls us to cultivate a culture of gratitude, recognizing and celebrating God's work in the lives of others, and to actively pursue spiritual growth not just individually, but corporately, as a visible testimony to the transforming power of the Gospel. It reminds us that authentic Christian discipleship is marked by both an increasing trust in God and an overflowing, self-sacrificial love for His people.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what specific ways can I identify my own faith "growing exceedingly" in the past year?**
* **How does the "charity" (love) I show to other believers truly "abound," or where might it be lacking?**
* **What practical steps can my community of faith take to foster an environment where both faith and love are visibly growing and overflowing?**
* **How does Paul's "bound" obligation to thank God for others challenge my own prayer life and expressions of gratitude?**

### FAQ

**Why was Paul "bound" to thank God for the Thessalonians?**
Answer: Paul felt "bound" (Greek, _opheílō_) to thank God because it was a moral obligation and a fitting response to God's evident work among the Thessalonians. Their remarkable spiritual growth—their faith "growing exceedingly" and their love "abounding"—was clearly a result of divine grace and power, not merely human effort. Therefore, giving thanks to God was the appropriate and necessary acknowledgment of His active presence and blessing in their lives, demonstrating Paul's deep appreciation for God's faithfulness to His people, as seen in the spirit of gratitude expressed throughout his letters, such as in [Philippians 1:3-5](/philippians/1-3-5 "Philippians 1:3-5 - Paul's Thanksgiving for the Philippians").

**What does "groweth exceedingly" mean for our faith today?**
Answer: "Groweth exceedingly" (Greek, _hyperauxánō_) implies an extraordinary, super-abundant, or exponential growth. For our faith today, this means that Christian faith is not meant to be static or stagnant. It's a dynamic, living trust in God that should deepen and expand over time, especially through trials and experiences that test and refine it. It suggests a faith that is not just maintained but actively thrives, becoming more robust, resilient, and influential in every aspect of life, reflecting the call to mature in Christ found in passages like [Ephesians 4:15](/ephesians/4-15 "Ephesians 4:15 - Growing Up into Christ").

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
While 2 Thessalonians 1:3 directly commends the Thessalonians' growth in faith and love, it implicitly points to Christ as the ultimate source and object of these virtues. The "faith" that "groweth exceedingly" is ultimately faith *in* Jesus Christ, whose life, death, and resurrection provide the foundation for all Christian belief and hope. It is through His finished work that believers are empowered by the Holy Spirit to grow in spiritual maturity. Similarly, the "charity" (love) that "aboundeth" among them is a reflection of the very nature of God, who is love ([1 John 4:8](/1_john/4-8 "1 John 4:8 - God Is Love")), and supremely demonstrated in Christ's sacrificial love on the cross ([John 15:13](/john/15-13 "John 15:13 - Greater Love Has No One Than This")). Jesus Himself commanded His disciples to love one another as He had loved them ([John 13:34-35](/john/13-34-35 "John 13:34-35 - A New Commandment")), making this abounding love a defining characteristic of His followers. Thus, the Thessalonians' commendable spiritual state is not merely a testament to their own effort, but a powerful witness to the transformative power of the Gospel of Jesus Christ, actively at work within His body, the church. Their growth serves as a living illustration of the new creation in Christ, where believers are continually being conformed to His image ([Romans 8:29](/romans/8-29 "Romans 8:29 - Conformed to the Image of His Son")).

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

2 Peter 3:18

But grow in grace, and [in] the knowledge of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. To him [be] glory both now and for ever. Amen.

Proverbs 4:18

But the path of the just [is] as the shining light, that shineth more and more unto the perfect day.

2 Peter 1:5

¶ And beside this, giving all diligence, add to your faith virtue; and to virtue knowledge;

2 Peter 1:10

Wherefore the rather, brethren, give diligence to make your calling and election sure: for if ye do these things, ye shall never fall:

Isaiah 40:29

He giveth power to the faint; and to [them that have] no might he increaseth strength.

Isaiah 40:31

But they that wait upon the LORD shall renew [their] strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; [and] they shall walk, and not faint.

1 Thessalonians 4:1

¶ Furthermore then we beseech you, brethren, and exhort [you] by the Lord Jesus, that as ye have received of us how ye ought to walk and to please God, [so] ye would abound more and more.