1 Thessalonians 2:16-20

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  2:18 For we wanted to come to you (I, Paul, in fact tried again and again) ⁸  but Satan thwarted us. 2:19 For who is our hope or joy or crown to boast of ⁹  before our Lord Jesus at his coming? Is it not of course you? 2:20 For you are our glory and joy!

[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.”

[2:18]  ⁸ tn Or “several times”; Grk, “both once and twice.” The literal expression “once and twice” is frequently used as a Greek idiom referring to an indefinite low number, but more than once (“several times”); see L&N 60.70.

[2:19]  ⁹ sn Crown to boast of (Grk “crown of boasting”). Paul uses boasting or exultation to describe the Christian’s delight in being commended for faithful service by the Lord at his return (1 Cor 9:15-16; 2 Cor 1:12-14; 10:13-18; Phil 2:16; and 1 Cor 3:14; 4:5).