2 Thessalonians 3:5 kjv
And the Lord direct your hearts into the love of God, and into the patient waiting for Christ.
2 Thessalonians 3:5 nkjv
Now may the Lord direct your hearts into the love of God and into the patience of Christ.
2 Thessalonians 3:5 niv
May the Lord direct your hearts into God's love and Christ's perseverance.
2 Thessalonians 3:5 esv
May the Lord direct your hearts to the love of God and to the steadfastness of Christ.
2 Thessalonians 3:5 nlt
May the Lord lead your hearts into a full understanding and expression of the love of God and the patient endurance that comes from Christ.
2 Thessalonians 3 5 Cross References
| Verse | Text | Reference |
|---|---|---|
| 2 Thessalonians 3:5 | May Christ direct your hearts into God's love and Christ's perseverance. | (Direct statement) |
| Colossians 1:11 | strengthened with all power according to his glorious might for all endurance and patience | (Strength for endurance) |
| Romans 15:5 | May the God of endurance and encouragement grant you to live in harmony with one another, in accordance with Christ Jesus | (God of endurance) |
| Philippians 1:9 | your love may overflow more and more with knowledge and all discernment | (Love overflowing with knowledge) |
| 1 John 4:16 | So we have come to know and to believe the love that God has for us. God is love, and whoever abides in love abides in God, and God abides in him. | (God is love) |
| Hebrews 12:2 | looking to Jesus, the founder and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is seated at the right hand of the throne of God. | (Jesus as perfecter and example of endurance) |
| 2 Peter 1:6 | and knowledge with self-control, and self-control with steadfastness, and steadfastness with godliness | (Steadfastness) |
| Romans 8:28 | that in everything God works for good with those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose. | (God's purpose in all things) |
| Ephesians 3:17 | so that, because of Christ's power that enables you, you may be strengthened from within by his Spirit, | (Strengthened from within) |
| 2 Thessalonians 1:3 | we ought always to thank God for you, brothers, as is right, because your faith is growing abundantly, and the love of each of you for one another increases. | (Growing faith and love) |
| 1 Corinthians 1:8 | He will sustain you to the end, guiltless on the day of our Lord Jesus Christ. | (Sustaining to the end) |
| John 13:34 | A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another: just as I have loved you, you also are to love one another. | (Command to love one another) |
| John 14:27 | Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Let not your hearts be troubled, neither let them be fearful. | (Christ's peace) |
| 1 Thessalonians 5:23 | May himself the God of peace sanctify you completely, and may your whole spirit and soul and body be kept blameless at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. | (God of peace) |
| 2 Thessalonians 2:17 | may he comfort your hearts and establish them in every good work and word. | (Comfort and establishment) |
| 1 Timothy 6:11 | But as for you, O man of God, flee these things. Pursue righteousness, godliness, faith, love, steadfastness, gentleness. | (Pursue steadfastness) |
| 2 Timothy 2:1 | You therefore, my son, be strong in the grace that is in Christ Jesus. | (Be strong in grace) |
| Revelation 1:9 | I, John, your brother and companion in the tribulation and the kingdom and the perseverance of Jesus, was on the island called Patmos on account of the word of God and the testimony of Jesus. | (Perseverance of Jesus) |
| Galatians 5:22 | But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, | (Fruit of the Spirit) |
| Ephesians 5:1-2 | Therefore be imitators of God, as beloved children. And walk in love, as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us, a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God. | (Imitate God and walk in love) |
| James 1:4 | And let steadfastness have its full effect, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing. | (Steadfastness producing perfection) |
| Matthew 24:13 | But the one who endures to the end will be saved. | (Endurance to the end) |
2 Thessalonians 3 verses
2 Thessalonians 3 5 Meaning
May Christ direct your hearts into God's love and Christ's perseverance. This verse is a prayer for the Thessalonian believers, a wish that their journey of faith would be guided by God's love and the steadfast endurance modeled by Christ.
2 Thessalonians 3 5 Context
Second Thessalonians chapter 3 deals with practical matters of church life, specifically addressing issues of idleness and disorderly conduct within the community. Paul concludes this letter with a prayer and benediction for the Thessalonians. Following his exhortations in the preceding verses to avoid idleness and to be self-supporting, verse 5 serves as a heartfelt prayer. Paul recognizes that apart from divine help, believers cannot consistently live out the principles he has just taught, nor can they endure the inevitable difficulties of the Christian life or Christ's return. The letter is a pastoral encouragement, seeking to ground the Thessalonians in truth and practical godliness as they await Christ's coming.
2 Thessalonians 3 5 Word Analysis
- εὐθύναι (euthynai): To make straight, direct, guide.
- The idea is to set on the right path, to align one's course.
- This word signifies more than just gentle guidance; it implies a purposeful and authoritative direction.
- ὑμῶν (hymōn): Your (plural possessive pronoun).
- Refers to the entire community of Thessalonian believers.
- καρδίας (kardias): Hearts (genitive singular of καρδία, kardia).
- In biblical usage, "heart" refers to the inner person, the seat of emotions, will, and understanding. It's the core of one's being.
- Directing the hearts implies influencing the deepest desires and intentions.
- εἰς (eis): Into, to.
- Indicates the destination or object of the directing.
- ἀγάπην (agapēn): Love (accusative singular of ἀγάπη, agape).
- Refers to God's unconditional, sacrificial, and benevolent love.
- The prayer is that their innermost selves would be oriented towards and filled with this divine love.
- τοῦ θεοῦ (tou theou): Of God (genitive singular of θεός, theos).
- Specifies the source of the love being directed into their hearts.
- καὶ (kai): And.
- Connects "God's love" with "Christ's perseverance."
- ὑπομονὴν (hypomonēn): Perseverance, endurance, steadfastness (accusative singular of ὑπομονή, hypomonē).
- This is not passive resignation but active, resilient waiting and enduring through trials.
- It implies a firm commitment and continuance in faith and obedience despite difficulties.
- τοῦ χριστοῦ (tou christou): Of Christ (genitive singular of Χριστός, Christos).
- The love is God's, but the model and source of perseverance is specifically Christ. His suffering, obedience, and ultimate victory are the pattern and empowerment.
Word Group Analysis:
- "κατευθύναι (kathythynai) τὰς καρδίας (tas kardias) ὑμῶν (hymon) εἰς (eis) ἀγάπην (agapēn) τοῦ θεοῦ (tou theou)": This phrase is a powerful petition for supernatural redirection of the believer's innermost being (the heart) towards the unfailing, unconditional love that originates from God. It signifies alignment with God's loving nature and intentions for them.
- "καὶ (kai) ὑπομονὴν (hypomonēn) τοῦ χριστοῦ (tou Christou)": This complements the first part by asking that their hearts also be guided into the steadfast endurance characteristic of Christ. This perseverance is not mere human grit but a Christ-empowered resilience born from abiding in God's love.
2 Thessalonians 3 5 Bonus Section
The inclusion of both "God's love" and "Christ's perseverance" highlights a key theological point: Christ's perseverance is deeply rooted in and expressive of God's love. Christ endured the cross because of His love for the Father and for humanity, a love that stemmed from the very essence of God. Therefore, to persevere like Christ is to be sustained by the same divine love that motivated Him. This verse connects the imitable example of Christ (perseverance) with the source of that imitable quality (God's love), forming a complete picture of Christ-likeness.
2 Thessalonians 3 5 Commentary
This verse is a profound apostolic prayer, offering a dual focus: love and perseverance. Paul asks God to guide the Thessalonians' inner beings – their wills, affections, and motivations – toward embracing and experiencing the deep, inexhaustible love that God possesses. Simultaneously, he prays that they would be directed into the characteristic endurance that marked Christ's earthly ministry. This dual petition addresses both the why (God's love motivates us) and the how (Christ's example and strength empower us) of Christian living, especially in anticipation of Christ's return and amidst trials. It's a reminder that genuine, sustained Christian life is a supernatural work, requiring divine direction of the heart and strength drawn from Christ's own perseverance.
- Practical Application: This prayer can be personally prayed for oneself and fellow believers: "Lord, direct my heart into Your amazing love, and grant me the unwavering perseverance that You demonstrated, so I can faithfully follow You through all circumstances."