For neither at any time used we flattering words, as ye know, nor a cloke of covetousness; God is witness:

1 THESSALONIANS 2:5KJV
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1 Thessalonians 2:5 (KJV)

What does 1 Thessalonians 2:5 mean?

1 Thessalonians 2:5 means that Paul and his companions did not use flattery or try to hide greedy motives when they spoke to the Thessalonians; instead, they were open and honest, with God as their witness. Paul is assuring the church that their message was not a cover for selfish gain or manipulation.

Paul is writing to the believers in Thessalonica, reminding them of how he and his team behaved when they first shared the gospel there. He points out that they never used smooth talk to win people over or pretended to be something they were not in order to get money or benefits. Paul calls on God as a witness to their sincerity, showing how important it was to him that their motives were pure and transparent.

The Greek behind 1 Thessalonians 2:5

  • "Flattering" (κολακείας, kolakeias): This word refers to insincere praise meant to manipulate or gain favor. Paul is emphasizing that their speech was not designed to trick or win people over with empty compliments.
  • "Cloke" (ἐν προφάσει, en prophasei): This phrase means a pretense or a false front. Paul is saying they did not hide greedy intentions behind a respectable appearance.
  • "Covetousness" (πλεονεξίας, pleonexias): This word means a strong desire for more, especially for material gain. Paul is making it clear that their ministry was not motivated by a desire for money or possessions.
  • "God" (Θεός, Theos) and "witness" (μάρτυς, martys): Paul appeals to God as the ultimate witness to their true motives, stressing the seriousness and honesty of his claim.

Why 1 Thessalonians 2:5 matters

  • This verse clears up any suspicion that Paul and his companions were using their ministry for personal gain or manipulation, which was a common accusation against traveling teachers in the ancient world.
  • It highlights Paul’s emphasis on integrity and transparency, which helps the Thessalonians trust the message and the messengers.
  • The verse connects to the wider passage where Paul defends his conduct and motives, showing that genuine ministry is marked by honesty and selflessness, not by hidden agendas.

Where else these words appear

“cloke” Greek G4392 · used in 7 verses

  • Matthew 23:14 Woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! for ye devour widows' houses, and for a pretence make long prayer: therefore ye shall receive the greater damnation.
  • Luke 20:47 Which devour widows' houses, and for a shew make long prayers: the same shall receive greater damnation.
  • Acts 27:30 And as the shipmen were about to flee out of the ship, when they had let down the boat into the sea, under colour as though they would have cast anchors out of the foreship,

“covetousness” Greek G4124 · used in 10 verses

  • Mark 7:22 Thefts, covetousness, wickedness, deceit, lasciviousness, an evil eye, blasphemy, pride, foolishness:
  • 2 Corinthians 9:5 Therefore I thought it necessary to exhort the brethren, that they would go before unto you, and make up beforehand your bounty, whereof ye had notice before, that the same might be ready, as a matter of bounty, and not as of covetousness.
  • Colossians 3:5 Mortify therefore your members which are upon the earth; fornication, uncleanness, inordinate affection, evil concupiscence, and covetousness, which is idolatry:

“time” Greek G4218 · used in 28 verses

  • Luke 22:32 But I have prayed for thee, that thy faith fail not: and when thou art converted, strengthen thy brethren.
  • Ephesians 2:2 Wherein in time past ye walked according to the course of this world, according to the prince of the power of the air, the spirit that now worketh in the children of disobedience:
  • Titus 3:3 For we ourselves also were sometimes foolish, disobedient, deceived, serving divers lusts and pleasures, living in malice and envy, hateful, and hating one another.

“witness” Greek G3144 · used in 34 verses

  • Matthew 18:16 But if he will not hear thee, then take with thee one or two more, that in the mouth of two or three witnesses every word may be established.
  • Acts 10:39 And we are witnesses of all things which he did both in the land of the Jews, and in Jerusalem; whom they slew and hanged on a tree:
  • 1 Timothy 5:19 Against an elder receive not an accusation, but before two or three witnesses.