For what thanks can we render to God again for you, for all the joy wherewith we joy for your sakes before our God;

1 THESSALONIANS 3:9KJV
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1 Thessalonians 3:9 (KJV)

What does 1 Thessalonians 3:9 mean?

1 Thessalonians 3:9 expresses Paul’s deep gratitude to God for the Thessalonian believers, saying he cannot find words or ways to thank God enough for the joy he feels because of them. Paul is overwhelmed with thankfulness and joy as he thinks about their faith and well-being before God.

Paul is writing to the church in Thessalonica, a group of Christians he had helped start on one of his missionary journeys. He had been worried about their faith under pressure, but after hearing good news about them, he is so relieved and happy that he feels any amount of thanks he could give to God would fall short. This verse shows the close bond and genuine care Paul has for these people.

The Greek behind 1 Thessalonians 3:9

  • εὐχαριστία (eucharistia, “thanks”): This word means gratitude or thankfulness, often directed toward God. Paul is emphasizing not just a polite thank you, but a deep, heartfelt gratitude.
  • χαρά (chara, “joy”): This word for joy is not just happiness, but a deep sense of gladness that comes from seeing the Thessalonians’ faith and well-being.
  • χαίρω (chairō, “we joy”): This verb is closely related to the word for joy, showing that Paul and his companions are actively rejoicing, not just feeling quietly glad.
  • ἔμπροσθεν (emprosthen, “before”): This word means “in the presence of,” highlighting that Paul’s joy and thankfulness are expressed directly before God, not just in private or to others.

Why 1 Thessalonians 3:9 matters

  • This verse shows that Paul’s relationship with the Thessalonians is deeply personal and emotional, not just formal or distant.
  • It clears up any idea that Paul takes their faith for granted; instead, he sees their spiritual health as a cause for overflowing gratitude to God.
  • The verse ties into the wider context of the letter, where Paul is encouraging the Thessalonians and expressing relief after hearing that they are standing strong in their faith despite hardships.

Where else these words appear

“render” Greek G467 · used in 6 verses

  • Luke 14:14 And thou shalt be blessed; for they cannot recompense thee: for thou shalt be recompensed at the resurrection of the just.
  • Romans 11:35 Or who hath first given to him, and it shall be recompensed unto him again?
  • 2 Thessalonians 1:6 Seeing it is a righteous thing with God to recompense tribulation to them that trouble you;

“thanks” Greek G2169 · used in 15 verses

  • Acts 24:3 We accept it always, and in all places, most noble Felix, with all thankfulness.
  • 2 Corinthians 9:12 For the administration of this service not only supplieth the want of the saints, but is abundant also by many thanksgivings unto God;
  • 1 Timothy 2:1 I exhort therefore, that, first of all, supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks, be made for all men;

“before” Greek G1715 · used in 45 verses

  • Matthew 5:16 Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.
  • Matthew 27:11 And Jesus stood before the governor: and the governor asked him, saying, Art thou the King of the Jews? And Jesus said unto him, Thou sayest.
  • John 1:30 This is he of whom I said, After me cometh a man which is preferred before me: for he was before me.

“joy” Greek G5479 · used in 57 verses

  • Matthew 2:10 When they saw the star, they rejoiced with exceeding great joy.
  • John 16:21 A woman when she is in travail hath sorrow, because her hour is come: but as soon as she is delivered of the child, she remembereth no more the anguish, for joy that a man is born into the world.
  • Philippians 1:25 And having this confidence, I know that I shall abide and continue with you all for your furtherance and joy of faith;