1 Thessalonians 3:9
New International Version
How can we thank God enough for you in return for all the joy we have in the presence of our God because of you?

New Living Translation
How we thank God for you! Because of you we have great joy as we enter God’s presence.

English Standard Version
For what thanksgiving can we return to God for you, for all the joy that we feel for your sake before our God,

Berean Standard Bible
How can we adequately thank God for you in return for our great joy over you in His presence?

Berean Literal Bible
For what thanksgiving are we able to give to God concerning you in return for all the joy that we rejoice before our God because of you,

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

New King James Version
For what thanks can we render to God for you, for all the joy with which we rejoice for your sake before our God,

New American Standard Bible
For what thanks can we give to God for you in return for all the joy with which we rejoice because of you before our God,

NASB 1995
For what thanks can we render to God for you in return for all the joy with which we rejoice before our God on your account,

NASB 1977
For what thanks can we render to God for you in return for all the joy with which we rejoice before our God on your account,

Legacy Standard Bible
For what thanks can we render to God for you in return for all the joy with which we rejoice before our God because of you,

Amplified Bible
For what [adequate] thanks can we offer to God for you in return for all the joy and delight we have before our God on your account?

Christian Standard Bible
How can we thank God for you in return for all the joy we experience before our God because of you,

Holman Christian Standard Bible
How can we thank God for you in return for all the joy we experience before our God because of you,

American Standard Version
For what thanksgiving can we render again unto God for you, for all the joy wherewith we joy for your sakes before our God;

Contemporary English Version
How can we possibly thank God enough for all the happiness you have brought us?

English Revised Version
For what thanksgiving can we render again unto God for you, for all the joy wherewith we joy for your sakes before our God;

GOD'S WORD® Translation
We can never thank God enough for all the joy you give us as we rejoice in God's presence.

Good News Translation
Now we can give thanks to our God for you. We thank him for the joy we have in his presence because of you.

International Standard Version
How can we thank God enough for you in return for all the joy that we have in God's presence because of you?

Majority Standard Bible
How can we adequately thank God for you in return for our great joy over you in His presence?

NET Bible
For how can we thank God enough for you, for all the joy we feel because of you before our God?

New Heart English Bible
For what thanksgiving can we render again to God for you, for all the joy with which we rejoice for your sakes before our God;

Webster's Bible Translation
For what thanks can we render to God again for you, for all the joy with which we rejoice for your sakes before our God;

Weymouth New Testament
For what thanksgiving on your behalf can we possibly offer to God in return for all the joy which fills our souls before our God for you,

World English Bible
For what thanksgiving can we render again to God for you, for all the joy with which we rejoice for your sakes before our God,
Literal Translations
Literal Standard Version
For what thanks are we able to repay to God for you, for all the joy with which we delight because of you in the presence of our God,

Berean Literal Bible
For what thanksgiving are we able to give to God concerning you in return for all the joy that we rejoice before our God because of you,

Young's Literal Translation
for what thanks are we able to recompense to God for you, for all the joy with which we do joy because of you in the presence of our God?

Smith's Literal Translation
For what thankfulness can we return to God for you, for all the joy with which we rejoice for you before our God;
Catholic Translations
Douay-Rheims Bible
For what thanks can we return to God for you, in all the joy wherewith we rejoice for you before our God,

Catholic Public Domain Version
For what thanks would we be able to repay to God because of you, for all the joy with which we rejoice over you before our God?

New American Bible
What thanksgiving, then, can we render to God for you, for all the joy we feel on your account before our God?

New Revised Standard Version
How can we thank God enough for you in return for all the joy that we feel before our God because of you?
Translations from Aramaic
Lamsa Bible
What thanks can we offer to God for you, for all the joy with which we rejoice for your sakes,

Aramaic Bible in Plain English
For what thanks can we pay on your behalf to God, for every joy with which we rejoice because of you,
NT Translations
Anderson New Testament
For what thanks can we render to God for you, for the great joy with which we rejoice on your account before our God,

Godbey New Testament
For what thanks are we able to render unto God in your behalf, for all the joy with which we rejoice on account of you before our God;

Haweis New Testament
For what sufficient thanks can we render to God for you, for all the joy with which we rejoice on your account before our God,

Mace New Testament
how can I be sufficiently thankful to God upon your account, for all the joy, which by your means we have been affected with,

Weymouth New Testament
For what thanksgiving on your behalf can we possibly offer to God in return for all the joy which fills our souls before our God for you,

Worrell New Testament
For what thanksgiving can we render again to God concerning you for all the joy wherewith we rejoice on your account before our God;

Worsley New Testament
For what thanks can we render to God concerning you, for all the joy wherewith we rejoice on your account before our God,

Additional Translations ...
Audio Bible



Context
Timothy's Encouraging Report
8For now we can go on living, as long as you are standing firm in the Lord. 9 How can we adequately thank God for you in return for our great joy over you in His presence? 10Night and day we pray most earnestly that we may see you face to face and supply what is lacking from your faith.…

Cross References
Philippians 1:3-5
I thank my God every time I remember you. / In every prayer for all of you, I always pray with joy, / because of your partnership in the gospel from the first day until now,

2 Corinthians 9:15
Thanks be to God for His indescribable gift!

Colossians 1:3-4
We always thank God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, when we pray for you, / because we have heard about your faith in Christ Jesus and your love for all the saints—

Ephesians 1:15-16
For this reason, ever since I heard about your faith in the Lord Jesus and your love for all the saints, / I have not stopped giving thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers,

Romans 1:8-9
First, I thank my God through Jesus Christ for all of you, because your faith is being proclaimed all over the world. / God, whom I serve with my spirit in preaching the gospel of His Son, is my witness how constantly I remember you

2 Thessalonians 1:3
We are obligated to thank God for you all the time, brothers, as is fitting, because your faith is growing more and more, and your love for one another is increasing.

Philemon 1:4-5
I always thank my God, remembering you in my prayers, / because I hear about your faith in the Lord Jesus and your love for all the saints.

1 Corinthians 1:4
I always thank my God for you because of the grace He has given you in Christ Jesus.

2 Corinthians 2:14
But thanks be to God, who always leads us triumphantly as captives in Christ and through us spreads everywhere the fragrance of the knowledge of Him.

2 Timothy 1:3
I thank God, whom I serve with a clear conscience as did my forefathers, as I constantly remember you night and day in my prayers.

Psalm 116:12
How can I repay the LORD for all His goodness to me?

Psalm 103:1-2
Of David. Bless the LORD, O my soul; all that is within me, bless His holy name. / Bless the LORD, O my soul, and do not forget all His kind deeds—

Psalm 30:12
that my heart may sing Your praises and not be silent. O LORD my God, I will give thanks forever.

Psalm 9:1-2
For the choirmaster. To the tune of “The Death of the Son.” A Psalm of David. I will give thanks to the LORD with all my heart; I will recount all Your wonders. / I will be glad and rejoice in You; I will sing praise to Your name, O Most High.

Psalm 107:21-22
Let them give thanks to the LORD for His loving devotion and His wonders to the sons of men. / Let them offer sacrifices of thanksgiving and declare His works with rejoicing.


Treasury of Scripture

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

what.

1 Thessalonians 1:2,3
We give thanks to God always for you all, making mention of you in our prayers; …

2 Samuel 7:18-20
Then went king David in, and sat before the LORD, and he said, Who am I, O Lord GOD? and what is my house, that thou hast brought me hitherto? …

Nehemiah 9:5
Then the Levites, Jeshua, and Kadmiel, Bani, Hashabniah, Sherebiah, Hodijah, Shebaniah, and Pethahiah, said, Stand up and bless the LORD your God for ever and ever: and blessed be thy glorious name, which is exalted above all blessing and praise.

for.

1 Thessalonians 3:7,8
Therefore, brethren, we were comforted over you in all our affliction and distress by your faith: …

See on ch.

1 Thessalonians 2:19
For what is our hope, or joy, or crown of rejoicing? Are not even ye in the presence of our Lord Jesus Christ at his coming?

before.

Deuteronomy 12:2,18
Ye shall utterly destroy all the places, wherein the nations which ye shall possess served their gods, upon the high mountains, and upon the hills, and under every green tree: …

Deuteronomy 16:11
And thou shalt rejoice before the LORD thy God, thou, and thy son, and thy daughter, and thy manservant, and thy maidservant, and the Levite that is within thy gates, and the stranger, and the fatherless, and the widow, that are among you, in the place which the LORD thy God hath chosen to place his name there.

2 Samuel 6:21
And David said unto Michal, It was before the LORD, which chose me before thy father, and before all his house, to appoint me ruler over the people of the LORD, over Israel: therefore will I play before the LORD.

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Able Account Behalf Enough Feel Fills Glad Great Joy Offer Possibly Praise Presence Recompense Rejoice Render Sake Sakes Souls Thank Thanks Thanksgiving Wherewith
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Able Account Behalf Enough Feel Fills Glad Great Joy Offer Possibly Praise Presence Recompense Rejoice Render Sake Sakes Souls Thank Thanks Thanksgiving Wherewith
1 Thessalonians 3
1. Paul testifies his great love to the Thessalonians,
5. partly by sending Timothy unto them to strengthen and comfort them;
7. partly by rejoicing in their well-doing;
10. and partly by praying for them, and desiring a safe coming unto them.














How can we adequately thank God
The phrase begins with a rhetorical question that emphasizes the depth of gratitude Paul feels. The Greek word for "thank" is "εὐχαριστέω" (eucharisteō), which conveys a sense of deep, heartfelt gratitude. This word is the root of the term "Eucharist," reflecting the profound thanksgiving inherent in Christian worship. Paul’s use of this term underscores the spiritual depth of his gratitude, suggesting that mere words are insufficient to express his thanks to God for the Thessalonians.

for you
The focus here is on the Thessalonian believers. Paul’s gratitude is not abstract but directed specifically towards the community of faith in Thessalonica. Historically, Thessalonica was a significant city in Macedonia, a hub of commerce and culture. The church there faced persecution, yet their faithfulness brought Paul immense joy. This personal connection highlights the relational aspect of the early church, where communities were bound by love and mutual support.

in return for our great joy
The phrase "in return" suggests a reciprocal relationship. The Greek word "ἀντί" (anti) implies a response or exchange. Paul’s joy is not one-sided; it is a response to the faith and perseverance of the Thessalonians. The "great joy" (Greek: "χαρά" - chara) is a profound, spiritual joy that transcends circumstances. This joy is a fruit of the Spirit (Galatians 5:22) and reflects the deep satisfaction and delight found in witnessing the faithfulness of others.

over you
This phrase indicates the source of Paul’s joy. The Thessalonians themselves, their faith, love, and steadfastness, are the cause of his rejoicing. It is a joy that is deeply personal and relational, rooted in the shared life of the community. This reflects the biblical principle that believers are interconnected, and the spiritual growth of one brings joy to all.

in His presence
The phrase "in His presence" (Greek: "ἐνώπιον" - enōpion) signifies being before God, in His sight. This is not merely a physical presence but a spiritual reality. Paul’s joy and gratitude are offered in the context of worship and prayer, acknowledging that all things are ultimately before God. This reflects the biblical understanding that God is omnipresent and that all of life is lived coram Deo, before the face of God. It is a reminder that our lives, actions, and relationships are always in the presence of the divine, calling us to live with integrity and gratitude.

(9) For what thanks can we render.--An apology for the enthusiastic expressions used in the three foregoing verses. "I may call it a gospel, a balm for all anxieties, a new life, for what mode of thanksgiving could be deemed extravagant in such a case of joy?"

Before our God.--As in 1Thessalonians 1:3, the occasion on which the joy and thankfulness bursts out is "in prayer;" perhaps, in connection with thanksgiving, especially at the great Eucharistic Thanksgiving (1Corinthians 14:16), when he "stood before the Lord in a special manner (Acts 13:2; comp. Leviticus 1:3; Leviticus 1:11; Leviticus 3:1, et al). . . .

Verse 9. - For; assigning the reason of the declaration, "now we live." What thanks can we render to God again for you. As their steadfastness in the faith was owing to God's grace, thanks was to be rendered to God on their behalf. For all the joy; joy in all its fullness (comp. James 1:2, "Count it all joy"). Wherewith we joy for your sakes before our God. Giving prominence to the purity of their joy.

Parallel Commentaries ...


Greek
How
Τίνα (Tina)
Interrogative / Indefinite Pronoun - Accusative Feminine Singular
Strong's 5101: Who, which, what, why. Probably emphatic of tis; an interrogative pronoun, who, which or what.

can we
δυνάμεθα (dynametha)
Verb - Present Indicative Middle or Passive - 1st Person Plural
Strong's 1410: (a) I am powerful, have (the) power, (b) I am able, I can. Of uncertain affinity; to be able or possible.

[adequately] thank
εὐχαριστίαν (eucharistian)
Noun - Accusative Feminine Singular
Strong's 2169: Thankfulness, gratitude; giving of thanks, thanksgiving. From eucharistos; gratitude; actively, grateful language.

God
Θεῷ (Theō)
Noun - Dative Masculine Singular
Strong's 2316: A deity, especially the supreme Divinity; figuratively, a magistrate; by Hebraism, very.

for
περὶ (peri)
Preposition
Strong's 4012: From the base of peran; properly, through, i.e. Around; figuratively with respect to; used in various applications, of place, cause or time.

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

in return for
ἐπὶ (epi)
Preposition
Strong's 1909: On, to, against, on the basis of, at.

our great joy
χαίρομεν (chairomen)
Verb - Present Indicative Active - 1st Person Plural
Strong's 5463: A primary verb; to be 'cheer'ful, i.e. Calmly happy or well-off; impersonally, especially as salutation, be well.

over
δι’ (di’)
Preposition
Strong's 1223: A primary preposition denoting the channel of an act; through.

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

in [His] presence?
ἔμπροσθεν (emprosthen)
Preposition
Strong's 1715: From en and pros; in front of (literally or figuratively) or time).


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NT Letters: 1 Thessalonians 3:9 For what thanksgiving can we render again (1 Thess. 1 Thes. 1Th iTh i Th)
1 Thessalonians 3:8
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