Night and day praying exceedingly that we might see your face, and might perfect that which is lacking in your faith?

1 THESSALONIANS 3:10KJV
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1 Thessalonians 3:10 (KJV)

What does 1 Thessalonians 3:10 mean?

1 Thessalonians 3:10 describes how Paul and his companions pray intensely, both night and day, hoping to see the Thessalonian believers in person so they can help strengthen whatever is still lacking in their faith. Paul’s longing is not just to visit, but to support their spiritual growth where it is still incomplete.

Paul is writing to the church in Thessalonica, expressing deep concern and affection for them. He and his team have been separated from the Thessalonians and are worried about their spiritual well-being. This verse shows Paul’s pastoral heart: he wants to encourage and teach them further, recognizing that their faith, though genuine, still needs building up.

The Greek behind 1 Thessalonians 3:10

  • προσευχόμενοι (G1189, proseuchomenoi, “praying”): The Greek here points to earnest, ongoing prayer, not just a casual mention. Paul’s prayer is persistent and heartfelt.
  • ὑπερεκπερισσοῦ (G5228, hyperekperissou, “exceedingly”): This word means “beyond measure” or “more than abundantly,” highlighting just how intensely Paul and his companions are praying for the Thessalonians.
  • καταρτίσαι (G2675, katartisai, “perfect”): This verb means “to make complete,” “to mend,” or “to equip.” Paul’s goal is to help fill in the gaps in their faith, suggesting he sees their spiritual journey as ongoing.
  • ὑστερήμασιν (G5303, hysterēmasin, “lacking”): This word refers to deficiencies or things that are missing. Paul is not criticizing, but acknowledging that faith is something that can always be strengthened and completed.

Why 1 Thessalonians 3:10 matters

  • This verse clears up the idea that faith is a one-time achievement; Paul shows that even sincere believers can have areas that need growth and encouragement.
  • Paul’s deep desire to see the Thessalonians in person emphasizes the importance of face-to-face teaching and support in the early Christian community.
  • The intensity of Paul’s prayers highlights his genuine care and responsibility for those he has taught, showing a model of spiritual leadership that is both loving and persistent.

Where else these words appear

“lacking” Greek G5303 · used in 8 verses

  • Luke 21:4 For all these have of their abundance cast in unto the offerings of God: but she of her penury hath cast in all the living that she had.
  • 2 Corinthians 8:14 But by an equality, that now at this time your abundance may be a supply for their want, that their abundance also may be a supply for your want: that there may be equality:
  • 2 Corinthians 11:9 And when I was present with you, and wanted, I was chargeable to no man: for that which was lacking to me the brethren which came from Macedonia supplied: and in all things I have kept myself from being burdensome unto you, and so will I keep myself.

“exceedingly” Greek G4053 · used in 10 verses

  • Matthew 5:37 But let your communication be, Yea, yea; Nay, nay: for whatsoever is more than these cometh of evil.
  • Mark 14:31 But he spake the more vehemently, If I should die with thee, I will not deny thee in any wise. Likewise also said they all.
  • 2 Corinthians 9:1 For as touching the ministering to the saints, it is superfluous for me to write to you:

“perfect” Greek G2675 · used in 13 verses

  • Matthew 4:21 And going on from thence, he saw other two brethren, James the son of Zebedee, and John his brother, in a ship with Zebedee their father, mending their nets; and he called them.
  • Romans 9:22 What if God, willing to shew his wrath, and to make his power known, endured with much longsuffering the vessels of wrath fitted to destruction:
  • Hebrews 10:5 Wherefore when he cometh into the world, he saith, Sacrifice and offering thou wouldest not, but a body hast thou prepared me:

“praying” Greek G1189 · used in 22 verses

  • Matthew 9:38 Pray ye therefore the Lord of the harvest, that he will send forth labourers into his harvest.
  • Luke 21:36 Watch ye therefore, and pray always, that ye may be accounted worthy to escape all these things that shall come to pass, and to stand before the Son of man.
  • Acts 21:39 But Paul said, I am a man which am a Jew of Tarsus, a city in Cilicia, a citizen of no mean city: and, I beseech thee, suffer me to speak unto the people.