1 Thessalonians 2:16-17

2:16 because they hinder us from speaking to the Gentiles so that they may be saved. Thus they constantly fill up their measure of sins, ¹  but wrath ²  has come upon them completely. ³ 

Forced Absence from Thessalonica

2:17 But when we were separated from you, brothers and sisters, ⁴  for a short time (in presence, not in affection) ⁵  we became all the more fervent in our great desire ⁶  to see you in person. ⁷ 

[2:16]  ¹ tn Grk “to fill up their sins always.”

[2:16]  ² tc The Western text (D F G latt) adds τοῦ θεοῦ (tou qeou) to ὀργή (orgh) to read “the wrath of God,” in emulation of the normal Pauline idiom (cf., e.g., Rom 1:18; Eph 5:6; Col 3:6) and, most likely, to clarify which wrath is in view (since ὀργή is articular).

[2:16]  ³ tn Or “at last.”

[2:17]  ⁴ tn Grk “brothers.” See note on the phrase “brothers and sisters” in 1:4.

[2:17]  ⁵ tn Grk “in face, not in heart.”

[2:17]  ⁶ tn Grk “with great desire.”

[2:17]  ⁷ tn Grk “to see your face.”