Bible Strands
1 Thessalonians 2:19
After all, who is our hope, our joy, our crown of boasting, if it is not you yourselves in the presence of our Lord Jesus at His coming?
Berean Standard Bible
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Study note
Setting — Paul writes to the Thessalonian believers after being physically prevented from visiting them (v. 18); he is naming what their perseverance means to him at Christ's return.
The words — στέφανος (stephanos) is a victor's wreath, not a royal diadem; it carries the image of a prize awarded at a contest, not a birthright.
The thread — Paul calls the Philippians "my joy and crown" (Philippians 4:1) and speaks of boasting "on the day of Christ" (Philippians 2:16); 1 Thessalonians 3:13 likewise looks to the Thessalonians' blamelessness "at the coming of our Lord Jesus."
Why it lands — The rhetorical question makes the reader the entire stake: if they falter, Paul has no hope, no joy, and no ground for boasting at the parousia. It is not a compliment but a test — their standing determines whether his labor was in vain.
Drafted by a language model from the text, its original words and its cross-references, then checked against them. It can still be wrong: open the verse in the app to report it.
The Greek words
King James Version
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?
Cross-references
- 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.
- 1 Thessalonians 3:13 so that He may establish your hearts in blamelessness and holiness before our God and Father at the coming of our Lord Jesus with all His saints. Amen.
- Philippians 2:16 as you hold forth the word of life, in order that I may boast on the day of Christ that I did not run or labor in vain.
- 1 Thessalonians 5:23 Now may the God of peace Himself sanctify you completely, and may your entire spirit, soul, and body be kept blameless at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ.
- 2 Corinthians 1:14 as you have already understood us in part, that you may boast of us just as we will boast of you in the day of our Lord Jesus.
- Matthew 16:27 For the Son of Man will come in His Father’s glory with His angels, and then He will repay each one according to what he has done.
- 1 Corinthians 15:23 But each in his own turn: Christ the firstfruits; then at His coming, those who belong to Him.
- 1 John 2:28 And now, little children, remain in Christ, so that when He appears, we may be confident and unashamed before Him at His coming.
- Revelation 22:12 “Behold, I am coming soon, and My reward is with Me, to give to each one according to what he has done.
- 1 Thessalonians 4:15 By the word of the Lord, we declare to you that we who are alive and remain until the coming of the Lord will by no means precede those who have fallen asleep.