1 Thessalonians 2:17
New International Version
But, brothers and sisters, when we were orphaned by being separated from you for a short time (in person, not in thought), out of our intense longing we made every effort to see you.

New Living Translation
Dear brothers and sisters, after we were separated from you for a little while (though our hearts never left you), we tried very hard to come back because of our intense longing to see you again.

English Standard Version
But since we were torn away from you, brothers, for a short time, in person not in heart, we endeavored the more eagerly and with great desire to see you face to face,

Berean Standard Bible
Brothers, although we were torn away from you for a short time (in person, not in heart), our desire to see you face to face was even more intense.

Berean Literal Bible
But we, having been bereaved of you, brothers, for the time of an hour--in face, not in heart--were more abundantly eager with great desire to see your face.

King James Bible
But we, brethren, being taken from you for a short time in presence, not in heart, endeavoured the more abundantly to see your face with great desire.

New King James Version
But we, brethren, having been taken away from you for a short time in presence, not in heart, endeavored more eagerly to see your face with great desire.

New American Standard Bible
But we, brothers and sisters, having been orphaned from you by absence for a short while—in person, not in spirit—were all the more eager with great desire to see your face.

NASB 1995
But we, brethren, having been taken away from you for a short while— in person, not in spirit— were all the more eager with great desire to see your face.

NASB 1977
But we, brethren, having been bereft of you for a short while—in person, not in spirit—were all the more eager with great desire to see your face.

Legacy Standard Bible
But we, brothers, having been taken away from you for a short while—in face but not in heart—were all the more eager with great desire to see your face.

Amplified Bible
But since we were taken away from you, believers, for a little while—in person, but not in heart—we endeavored, with great longing to see you face to face.

Christian Standard Bible
But as for us, brothers and sisters, after we were forced to leave you for a short time (in person, not in heart ), we greatly desired and made every effort to return and see you face to face.

Holman Christian Standard Bible
But as for us, brothers, after we were forced to leave you for a short time (in person, not in heart), we greatly desired and made every effort to return and see you face to face.

American Standard Version
But we, brethren, being bereaved of you for a short season, in presence not in heart, endeavored the more exceedingly to see your face with great desire:

Contemporary English Version
My friends, we were kept from coming to you for a while, but we never stopped thinking about you. We were eager to see you and tried our best to visit you in person.

English Revised Version
But we, brethren, being bereaved of you for a short season, in presence, not in heart, endeavoured the more exceedingly to see your face with great desire:

GOD'S WORD® Translation
Brothers and sisters, we have been separated from you for a little while. Although we may not be able to see you, you're always in our thoughts. We have made every possible effort to fulfill our desire to see you.

Good News Translation
As for us, friends, when we were separated from you for a little while--not in our thoughts, of course, but only in body--how we missed you and how hard we tried to see you again!

International Standard Version
Brothers, although we have been separated from you for a little while—in person but not in heart—we eagerly desire to see you again face to face.

Majority Standard Bible
Brothers, although we were torn away from you for a short time (in person, not in heart), our desire to see you face to face was even more intense.

NET Bible
But when we were separated from you, brothers and sisters, for a short time (in presence, not in affection) we became all the more fervent in our great desire to see you in person.

New Heart English Bible
But we, brothers, being bereaved of you for a short season, in presence, not in heart, tried even harder to see your face with great desire,

Webster's Bible Translation
But we, brethren, being taken from you for a short time in presence, not in heart, endeavored the more abundantly to see your face with great desire.

Weymouth New Testament
But we, brethren, having been for a short time separated from you in bodily presence, though not in heart, endeavoured all the more earnestly, with intense longing, to see you face to face.

World English Bible
But we, brothers, being bereaved of you for a short season in presence, not in heart, tried even harder to see your face with great desire,
Literal Translations
Literal Standard Version
And we, brothers, having been taken from you for the space of an hour—in presence, not in heart—hurried more abundantly to see your face in much desire;

Berean Literal Bible
But we, having been bereaved of you, brothers, for the time of an hour--in face, not in heart--were more abundantly eager with great desire to see your face.

Young's Literal Translation
And we, brethren, having been taken from you for the space of an hour -- in presence, not in heart -- did hasten the more abundantly to see your face in much desire,

Smith's Literal Translation
And we, brethren, having been separated from you for a due measure of time, in face, not in heart, we were the more excessively zealous to see your face with much eager desire.
Catholic Translations
Douay-Rheims Bible
But we, brethren, being taken away from you for a short time, in sight, not in heart, have hastened the more abundantly to see your face with great desire.

Catholic Public Domain Version
And we, brothers, having been deprived of you for a short time, in sight, but not in heart, have hurried all the more to see your face, with a great desire.

New American Bible
Brothers, when we were bereft of you for a short time, in person, not in heart, we were all the more eager in our great desire to see you in person.

New Revised Standard Version
As for us, brothers and sisters, when, for a short time, we were made orphans by being separated from you—in person, not in heart—we longed with great eagerness to see you face to face.
Translations from Aramaic
Lamsa Bible
But we, brethren, have been deprived of your affection for a little while, yet only in presence and not in heart, so we have with great love vigorously endeavored to see your faces.

Aramaic Bible in Plain English
But we, brethren, were bereaved for a short time of your presence, but not in our hearts, and we took all the more pains in much love to see your faces.
NT Translations
Anderson New Testament
But we, brethren, having been taken from you for a short time, in person, not in heart, did, with great desire, endeavor the more earnestly to see your face.

Godbey New Testament
But, brethren, we having been absent from you for the space of an hour, in presence, not in heart, we were the more exceedingly anxious to see your face with much desire.

Haweis New Testament
But we, brethren, bereaved of you for a short moment, in person, not in heart, have more abundantly longed to see your face with great desire.

Mace New Testament
As for me, my brethren, having been so abruptly separated from you, in person, tho' not in affection, I have the more ardently endeavour'd to see you again.

Weymouth New Testament
But we, brethren, having been for a short time separated from you in bodily presence, though not in heart, endeavoured all the more earnestly, with intense longing, to see you face to face.

Worrell New Testament
But we, brethren, having been bereft of you for a short season, in presence, not in heart, endeavored the more exceedingly to see your face, with great desire.

Worsley New Testament
But we, brethren, being separated from you for a season, in person not in heart, endeavoured the more earnestly to see you again with much desire.

Additional Translations ...
Audio Bible



Context
Paul's Longing to Visit
16hindering us from telling the Gentiles how they may be saved. As a result, they continue to heap up their sins to full capacity; the utmost wrath has come upon them. 17Brothers, although we were torn away from you for a short time (in person, not in heart), our desire to see you face to face was even more intense. 18For we wanted to come to you—indeed I, Paul, tried again and again—but Satan obstructed us.…

Cross References
Acts 17:10
As soon as night had fallen, the brothers sent Paul and Silas away to Berea. On arriving there, they went into the Jewish synagogue.

Acts 20:37-38
They all wept openly as they embraced Paul and kissed him. / They were especially grieved by his statement that they would never see his face again. Then they accompanied him to the ship.

2 Corinthians 11:28
Apart from these external trials, I face daily the pressure of my concern for all the churches.

Philippians 1:8
God is my witness how I long for all of you with the affection of Christ Jesus.

Romans 1:11
For I long to see you so that I may impart to you some spiritual gift to strengthen you,

2 Corinthians 1:15-16
Confident of this, I planned to visit you first, so that you might receive a double blessing. / I wanted to visit you on my way to Macedonia, and to return to you from Macedonia, and then to have you help me on my way to Judea.

2 Timothy 1:4
Recalling your tears, I long to see you so that I may be filled with joy.

Philippians 4:1
Therefore, my brothers, whom I love and long for, my joy and crown, that is how you must stand firm in the Lord, my beloved.

2 Corinthians 2:4
For through many tears I wrote you out of great distress and anguish of heart, not to grieve you but to let you know how much I love you.

Romans 15:23
But now that there are no further opportunities for me in these regions, and since I have longed for many years to visit you,

2 Corinthians 7:7
and not only by his arrival, but also by the comfort he had received from you. He told us about your longing, your mourning, and your zeal for me, so that I rejoiced all the more.

Galatians 4:19
My children, for whom I am again in the pains of childbirth until Christ is formed in you,

2 Corinthians 12:15
And for the sake of your souls, I will most gladly spend my money and myself. If I love you more, will you love me less?

Colossians 2:5
For although I am absent from you in body, I am present with you in spirit, and I delight to see your orderly condition and firm faith in Christ.

1 Corinthians 5:3
Although I am absent from you in body, I am present with you in spirit, and I have already pronounced judgment on the one who did this, just as if I were present.


Treasury of Scripture

But we, brothers, being taken from you for a short time in presence, not in heart, endeavored the more abundantly to see your face with great desire.

in presence.

2 Kings 5:26
And he said unto him, Went not mine heart with thee, when the man turned again from his chariot to meet thee? Is it a time to receive money, and to receive garments, and oliveyards, and vineyards, and sheep, and oxen, and menservants, and maidservants?

Acts 17:10
And the brethren immediately sent away Paul and Silas by night unto Berea: who coming thither went into the synagogue of the Jews.

1 Corinthians 5:3
For I verily, as absent in body, but present in spirit, have judged already, as though I were present, concerning him that hath so done this deed,

endeavoured.

1 Thessalonians 3:6,10,11
But now when Timotheus came from you unto us, and brought us good tidings of your faith and charity, and that ye have good remembrance of us always, desiring greatly to see us, as we also to see you: …

Genesis 31:30
And now, though thou wouldest needs be gone, because thou sore longedst after thy father's house, yet wherefore hast thou stolen my gods?

Genesis 45:28
And Israel said, It is enough; Joseph my son is yet alive: I will go and see him before I die.

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Abundant Abundantly Bereaved Bodily Body Desire Eagerly Earnestly Endeavored Endeavoured Exceedingly Face Great Harder Heart Intense Longing Presence Season Separated Short Thought Time Torn Tried Used
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Abundant Abundantly Bereaved Bodily Body Desire Eagerly Earnestly Endeavored Endeavoured Exceedingly Face Great Harder Heart Intense Longing Presence Season Separated Short Thought Time Torn Tried Used
1 Thessalonians 2
1. In what manner the gospel was brought and preached to the Thessalonians.
18. A reason is rendered both why Paul was so long absent from them, and also so desirous to see them.














Brothers
The term "brothers" (Greek: ἀδελφοί, adelphoi) is a term of endearment and spiritual kinship. In the early Christian community, this word emphasized the familial bond among believers, transcending biological ties. It reflects the unity and love that should characterize the body of Christ, as believers are adopted into God's family through faith in Jesus Christ.

when we were torn away from you
The phrase "torn away" (Greek: ἀπορφανισθέντες, aporphanisthentes) conveys a deep sense of separation and loss. The root of this word is related to being orphaned, highlighting the emotional and spiritual pain Paul and his companions felt when they were forced to leave the Thessalonian believers. This separation was not just physical but also carried a profound emotional weight, underscoring the deep connection Paul had with the church.

for a short time
This phrase indicates the temporary nature of their separation. Paul reassures the Thessalonians that their absence is not permanent. Historically, this reflects the persecution and opposition Paul faced, which led to his abrupt departure from Thessalonica. Despite the brevity of their separation, Paul’s commitment to the Thessalonians remained steadfast.

in person, not in spirit
Here, Paul distinguishes between physical presence and spiritual connection. While he was absent in body, his heart and prayers remained with the Thessalonians. This highlights the Christian belief in the power of spiritual unity and intercession, where physical distance cannot sever the bonds of love and concern within the body of Christ.

our desire to see you face to face
The phrase "face to face" (Greek: πρόσωπον πρὸς πρόσωπον, prosopon pros prosopon) emphasizes the longing for personal, intimate fellowship. In the ancient world, face-to-face encounters were crucial for building and maintaining relationships. Paul’s yearning to be with the Thessalonians reflects the importance of community and personal interaction in the Christian faith.

was even more intense
The intensity of Paul’s desire (Greek: περισσοτέρως, perissoteros) underscores the depth of his love and commitment to the Thessalonian believers. This fervent longing is a testament to the genuine pastoral care and affection Paul had for the church. It serves as an example for Christian leaders to cultivate deep, loving relationships with those they shepherd, mirroring the love of Christ for His church.

(17) But we, brethren.--Now comes a change of subject: no longer the memories of the time when St. Paul was among them, but his hopes and fears about them since he left.

"But while you were being persecuted by these reprobate Jews, we, who were driven away from you, were longing to come back to see whether your faith was such an effectual working faith as to support you through it all."

Taken from you.--Literally, bereaved from you--i.e., bereaved by being torn from you; a return to the simile of the mother (1Thessalonians 2:7), or father (1Thessalonians 2:11).

The more abundantly.--"So far were we from the proverb, 'out of sight, out of mind,' that our very absence gave us a greater yearning after your presence" (1Corinthians 5:3).

Verse 17. - Here a new chapter ought to have commenced, passing on to another subject, the apostle's desire to visit the Thessalonians. But we, brethren, being taken from you; literally, being bereaved of you (R.V.). For a short time; literally, for the space of an hour. And yet it was several years before the apostle revisited Thessalonica; but he here speaks of the short period - a space of six months - which had already separated them; not, as some suppose, that his mind was so full of the ideas of eternity that he overlooked all divisions of time. In presence, not in heart. Similar expressions are common in Paul's Epistles, denoting his love for his converts; thus: "Though I be absent in the flesh, yet I am with you in the spirit" (Colossians 2:5). Endeavored the more abundantly to see your face with great desire; because our separation has been so short. As has been well observed, "Universal experience testifies that the pain of separation from friends and the desire to return to them are more vivid, the more freshly the remembrance of the departure is on the mind" (Lunemann).

Parallel Commentaries ...


Greek
Brothers,
ἀδελφοί (adelphoi)
Noun - Vocative Masculine Plural
Strong's 80: A brother, member of the same religious community, especially a fellow-Christian. A brother near or remote.

although
δέ (de)
Conjunction
Strong's 1161: A primary particle; but, and, etc.

we
Ἡμεῖς (Hēmeis)
Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Nominative 1st Person Plural
Strong's 1473: I, the first-person pronoun. A primary pronoun of the first person I.

were torn away
ἀπορφανισθέντες (aporphanisthentes)
Verb - Aorist Participle Passive - Nominative Masculine Plural
Strong's 642: To separate from some one, be bereaved. From apo and a derivative of orphanos; to bereave wholly, i.e. separate.

from
ἀφ’ (aph’)
Preposition
Strong's 575: From, away from. A primary particle; 'off, ' i.e. Away, in various senses.

you
ὑμῶν (hymōn)
Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Genitive 2nd Person Plural
Strong's 4771: You. The person pronoun of the second person singular; thou.

for
πρὸς (pros)
Preposition
Strong's 4314: To, towards, with. A strengthened form of pro; a preposition of direction; forward to, i.e. Toward.

a short time
καιρὸν (kairon)
Noun - Accusative Masculine Singular
Strong's 2540: Fitting season, season, opportunity, occasion, time. Of uncertain affinity; an occasion, i.e. Set or proper time.

(in person,
προσώπῳ (prosōpō)
Noun - Dative Neuter Singular
Strong's 4383: From pros and ops; the front, i.e. The countenance, aspect, appearance, surface; by implication, presence, person.

not
οὐ (ou)
Adverb
Strong's 3756: No, not. Also ouk, and ouch a primary word; the absolute negative adverb; no or not.

in heart),
καρδίᾳ (kardia)
Noun - Dative Feminine Singular
Strong's 2588: Prolonged from a primary kar; the heart, i.e. the thoughts or feelings; also the middle.

[our]
ἐν (en)
Preposition
Strong's 1722: In, on, among. A primary preposition denoting position, and instrumentality, i.e. A relation of rest; 'in, ' at, on, by, etc.

desire
ἐπιθυμίᾳ (epithymia)
Noun - Dative Feminine Singular
Strong's 1939: Desire, eagerness for, inordinate desire, lust. From epithumeo; a longing.

to see
ἰδεῖν (idein)
Verb - Aorist Infinitive Active
Strong's 3708: Properly, to stare at, i.e. to discern clearly; by extension, to attend to; by Hebraism, to experience; passively, to appear.

you
ὑμῶν (hymōn)
Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Genitive 2nd Person Plural
Strong's 4771: You. The person pronoun of the second person singular; thou.

face [to face]
πρόσωπον (prosōpon)
Noun - Accusative Neuter Singular
Strong's 4383: From pros and ops; the front, i.e. The countenance, aspect, appearance, surface; by implication, presence, person.

was even more intense.
ἐσπουδάσαμεν (espoudasamen)
Verb - Aorist Indicative Active - 1st Person Plural
Strong's 4704: To hasten, be eager, be zealous. From spoude; to use speed, i.e. To make effort, be prompt or earnest.


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NT Letters: 1 Thessalonians 2:17 But we brothers being bereaved of you (1 Thess. 1 Thes. 1Th iTh i Th)
1 Thessalonians 2:16
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