1 Thessalonians 4 10

1 Thessalonians 4:10 kjv

And indeed ye do it toward all the brethren which are in all Macedonia: but we beseech you, brethren, that ye increase more and more;

1 Thessalonians 4:10 nkjv

and indeed you do so toward all the brethren who are in all Macedonia. But we urge you, brethren, that you increase more and more;

1 Thessalonians 4:10 niv

And in fact, you do love all of God's family throughout Macedonia. Yet we urge you, brothers and sisters, to do so more and more,

1 Thessalonians 4:10 esv

for that indeed is what you are doing to all the brothers throughout Macedonia. But we urge you, brothers, to do this more and more,

1 Thessalonians 4:10 nlt

Indeed, you already show your love for all the believers throughout Macedonia. Even so, dear brothers and sisters, we urge you to love them even more.

1 Thessalonians 4 verses

1 Thessalonians 4 10 Meaning

The Apostle Paul confirms the Thessalonian believers are actively demonstrating brotherly love, not just among themselves but broadly across the region of Macedonia. Following this affirmation, he strongly urges them to increase and abound in this same brotherly love even more.

1 Thessalonians 4 10 Context

This verse is situated in a section of Paul's first letter to the Thessalonians that deals with practical Christian living (Chapter 4). Immediately preceding it, in verse 9, Paul mentions that the Thessalonians "are taught by God to love one another" (regarding brotherly love, philadelphia). Verse 10 builds on this by commending them for already putting this divine teaching into practice, extending their love widely across the entire province of Macedonia. Following this commendation and exhortation for continued growth in love (verse 10), Paul transitions in verses 11-12 to urging them to lead a quiet life, mind their own business, and work with their hands, demonstrating a good witness to outsiders. The broader historical context shows a young church facing external pressures (persecution) and internal challenges (potentially idleness or questions about eschatology), for whom Paul provides a balance of warm commendation and clear moral instruction.

1 Thessalonians 4 10 Word analysis

• and indeed (καὶ γὰρ - kai gar): A connective particle expressing affirmation and slight emphasis. "Kai" means "and," while "gar" indicates "for" or "indeed," here confirming that they are actually doing what was implied in the previous verse – showing love.
• you are doing (ποιεῖτε - poieite): Present active indicative. It means "you habitually do," "you are practicing." This emphasizes that their love is not just theoretical but practical and ongoing.
• so (αὐτὸ - auto): "It" or "this very thing." Refers back to "loving one another" from verse 9, reinforcing the specific action Paul is addressing.
• to all the brethren (εἰς πάντας τοὺς ἀδελφοὺς - eis pantas tous adelphous): "Eis" means "to" or "unto," indicating direction towards recipients. "Pantas" means "all," stressing the universality of their care. "Adelphous" means "brothers" or "fellow believers," encompassing all Christians, not just local ones.
• who are in all Macedonia (τοὺς ἐν ὅλῃ τῇ Μακεδονίᾳ - tous en holē tē Makedonia): "Holē" means "all" or "whole." Macedonia was a Roman province, a significant geographical region. This phrase highlights the remarkable breadth of the Thessalonians' generosity and care, extending beyond their own city to the entire Christian network in the province. This demonstrates the interconnectedness of the early church.
• But (δὲ - de): A mild adversative or connective, often translated as "but" or "and." Here, it marks a transition from affirmation to exhortation.
• we urge you (παρακαλοῦμεν ὑμᾶς - parakaloumen hymas): "Parakaloumen" is a strong Greek word meaning "we appeal," "we exhort," "we comfort," or "we encourage." It carries both the sense of comfort and authoritative instruction, a hallmark of Paul's pastoral method. "Hymas" is the plural "you."
• brethren (ἀδελφοί - adelphoi): A term of endearment and shared identity, used to soften the exhortation and emphasize their unity in Christ.
• that you increase (περισσεύειν - perisseuein): This infinitive means "to abound," "to overflow," "to excel," or "to superabound." It implies continuous growth beyond what is merely sufficient, urging them to an exceeding measure of brotherly love.
• more and more (μᾶλλον καὶ μᾶλλον - mallon kai mallon): An intensified adverbial phrase, literally "more and more." It signifies an unending, progressive, and ever-growing expansion or excellence in the specified action, highlighting sanctification as a dynamic process.

1 Thessalonians 4 10 Bonus section

Paul's pattern of "affirmation-then-exhortation" is a key aspect of his pastoral strategy found throughout his epistles (e.g., in Philippians and Colossians). He consistently built up believers by acknowledging their strengths and progress before challenging them to press on to greater spiritual maturity. This approach fostered receptiveness to his instruction rather than defensive resistance. The concept of brotherly love (philadelphia) was a crucial identifier for the early Christian community, distinguishing them from the surrounding pagan society where such wide, unconditional love between non-relatives was uncommon. The Thessalonians' demonstration of this love "in all Macedonia" speaks to the practical interconnectedness and shared identity of Christians even across geographical distances, serving as a testament to the Holy Spirit's work in binding believers together as one body. This interconnectedness was a vital lifeline for early Christian communities.

1 Thessalonians 4 10 Commentary

In 1 Thessalonians 4:10, Paul masterfully balances commendation with challenge, reflecting his pastoral heart. He begins by affirming the Thessalonians for their existing, exemplary brotherly love, which was not confined to their local church but extended throughout the broader Christian community in Macedonia. This serves as encouragement, letting them know their efforts are recognized and pleasing. However, Paul's intention is not for them to become complacent. The shift signaled by "but we urge you" pivots to a profound exhortation. The imperative to "increase more and more" in this love emphasizes that Christian growth is dynamic and unending. It’s a call to greater excellence, deeper commitment, and wider application of the love that originates from God Himself. This ongoing pursuit of abounding love is foundational for healthy community life and effective witness.