Bible Strands
1 Thessalonians 3:8
For now we can go on living, as long as you are standing firm in the Lord.
Berean Standard Bible
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Study note
Setting — Paul writes to the Thessalonian church during a period of personal distress and persecution, reporting his relief at their maintained faith. He frames their spiritual stability as the direct condition for his own continued vitality.
The words — στήκετε (stēkete) translates literally as "are standing firm," and ζῶμεν (zōmen) means "we live." These present tense verbs establish a direct conditional link between the apostle's life and the congregation's posture.
The thread — The motif of spiritual stability appears in 1 Corinthians 16:13 with an imperative command, Colossians 1:23 with an indicative verb and descriptive participles, and Revelation 3:11 with a warning to hold fast. Each passage treats steadfastness as essential for enduring in the faith.
Why it lands — The verse conditions the writer's existence on the readers' continued allegiance to Christ. It demands that believers prioritize doctrinal and moral endurance over temporary comfort or external circumstances.
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 now we live, if ye stand fast in the Lord.
Cross-references
- 1 Corinthians 16:13 Be on the alert. Stand firm in the faith. Be men of courage. Be strong.
- Colossians 1:23 if indeed you continue in your faith, established and firm, not moved from the hope of the gospel you heard, which has been proclaimed to every creature under heaven, and of which I, Paul, have become a servant.
- Revelation 3:11 I am coming soon. Hold fast to what you have, so that no one will take your crown.
- Philippians 1:21 For to me, to live is Christ, and to die is gain.
- Hebrews 4:14 Therefore, since we have a great high priest who has passed through the heavens, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold firmly to what we profess.
- Hebrews 10:23 Let us hold resolutely to the hope we profess, for He who promised is faithful.
- Psalms 30:5 For His anger is fleeting, but His favor lasts a lifetime. Weeping may stay the night, but joy comes in the morning.
- Acts 11:23 When he arrived and saw the grace of God, he rejoiced and encouraged them all to abide in the Lord with all their hearts.
- Ephesians 3:17 so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith. Then you, being rooted and grounded in love,
- Hebrews 3:14 We have come to share in Christ if we hold firmly to the end the assurance we had at first.