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;

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

What does 2 Thessalonians 1:3 mean?

2 Thessalonians 1:3 means that Paul and his companions feel a strong obligation to thank God continually for the Thessalonian believers, because their faith is growing rapidly and their love for one another is increasing. The verse highlights gratitude to God for the spiritual growth and mutual care seen in this church.

Paul is writing to the church in Thessalonica, addressing fellow believers he calls "brethren." He points out that it is only right ("meet") to thank God for them, since their trust in God ("faith") is expanding greatly and their love ("charity") for each other is overflowing. This verse sets a tone of encouragement, recognizing the community’s spiritual progress.

The Greek behind 2 Thessalonians 1:3

  • "bound" (ὀφείλομεν, opheilomen): This word means "we are obligated" or "we owe it." Paul is not just saying he feels like thanking God, but that he truly sees it as a duty because of what God is doing among the Thessalonians.
  • "exceedingly" (ὑπεραυξάνει, hyperauxanei): This word means "to increase beyond measure." Paul is emphasizing that their faith is not just growing, but growing at an extraordinary rate, which is why he is so thankful.
  • "charity" (ἀγάπη, agapē): This is the well-known Greek word for selfless, sacrificial love. Paul notes that this kind of love is what the Thessalonians are showing to each other, and it is "abounding"—overflowing in the community.
  • "aboundeth" (πλεονάζει, pleonazei): This means "to be present in abundance" or "to overflow." Paul uses it to describe how the Thessalonians' love for each other is not just present, but is increasing and plentiful.

Why 2 Thessalonians 1:3 matters

  • This verse clears up any idea that spiritual growth is only about personal faith; Paul ties together faith in God and love for others as signs of a healthy church.
  • Paul’s language shows that gratitude to God is not just a feeling but a real responsibility when witnessing genuine spiritual progress in others.
  • The verse connects to the wider passage by setting a positive example before Paul addresses challenges and suffering, reminding readers that growth and love are possible even in hard times.

Where else these words appear

“aboundeth” Greek G4121 · used in 8 verses

  • Romans 5:20 Moreover the law entered, that the offence might abound. But where sin abounded, grace did much more abound:
  • 2 Corinthians 4:15 For all things are for your sakes, that the abundant grace might through the thanksgiving of many redound to the glory of God.
  • Philippians 4:17 Not because I desire a gift: but I desire fruit that may abound to your account.

“bound” Greek G3784 · used in 35 verses

  • Matthew 18:28 But the same servant went out, and found one of his fellowservants, which owed him an hundred pence: and he laid hands on him, and took him by the throat, saying, Pay me that thou owest.
  • John 19:7 The Jews answered him, We have a law, and by our law he ought to die, because he made himself the Son of God.
  • 2 Corinthians 12:11 I am become a fool in glorying; ye have compelled me: for I ought to have been commended of you: for in nothing am I behind the very chiefest apostles, though I be nothing.

“thank” Greek G2168 · used in 38 verses

  • Matthew 15:36 And he took the seven loaves and the fishes, and gave thanks, and brake them, and gave to his disciples, and the disciples to the multitude.
  • Acts 28:15 And from thence, when the brethren heard of us, they came to meet us as far as Appii forum, and The three taverns: whom when Paul saw, he thanked God, and took courage.
  • 2 Corinthians 1:11 Ye also helping together by prayer for us, that for the gift bestowed upon us by the means of many persons thanks may be given by many on our behalf.

“always” Greek G3842 · used in 38 verses

  • Matthew 26:11 For ye have the poor always with you; but me ye have not always.
  • 1 Corinthians 15:58 Therefore, my beloved brethren, be ye stedfast, unmoveable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, forasmuch as ye know that your labour is not in vain in the Lord.
  • Colossians 4:6 Let your speech be alway with grace, seasoned with salt, that ye may know how ye ought to answer every man.