1 Thessalonians 2:17-18

Forced Absence from Thessalonica

2:17 But when we were separated from you, brothers and sisters, ¹  for a short time (in presence, not in affection) ²  we became all the more fervent in our great desire ³  to see you in person. ⁴  2:18 For we wanted to come to you (I, Paul, in fact tried again and again) ⁵  but Satan thwarted us.

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

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

[2:17]  ³ tn Grk “with great desire.”

[2:17]  ⁴ tn Grk “to see your face.”

[2:18]  ⁵ 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.