1 Thessalonians 3:9

How can we adequately thank God for you in return for our great joy over you in His presence?

Berean Standard Bible

Study note

Setting — Paul writes to the Thessalonian church after hearing of their steadfast faith, posing a rhetorical question while standing before God. He addresses them during a period of intense prayer and spiritual labor for their growth.

The words — ἀνταποδοῦναι (antapodounai) means “to give back” or “repay,” paired with εὐχαριστίαν (eucharistian) for “thanksgiving.” The grammar asks what possible repayment of thanksgiving can be made to God concerning them.

The thread — This pattern of directing overwhelming gratitude to God runs through Psalms 96:12 and Psalms 71:14, while 2 Corinthians 9:15 applies the same posture to divine provision. Paul consistently places spiritual outcomes beyond human accounting.

Why it lands — The text requires readers to recognize that human gratitude is insufficient when measuring God’s work in others. It commands the shift from personal praise to corporate acknowledgment, placing the results of faith entirely in God’s hands.

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 thanks can we render to God again for you, for all the joy wherewith we joy for your sakes before our God;

Cross-references

Psalms 96:12 Let the fields exult, and all that is in them. Then all the trees of the forest will sing for joy
2 Corinthians 9:15 Thanks be to God for His indescribable gift!
Psalms 71:14 But I will always hope and will praise You more and more.
1 Thessalonians 1:2 We always thank God for all of you, remembering you in our prayers
2 Samuel 7:18 Then King David went in, sat before the LORD, and said, “Who am I, O Lord GOD, and what is my house, that You have brought me this far?
1 Thessalonians 3:7 For this reason, brothers, in all our distress and persecution, we have been reassured about you, because of your faith.
Deuteronomy 12:2 Destroy completely all the places where the nations you are dispossessing have served their gods—atop the high mountains, on the hills, and under every green tree.
Deuteronomy 12:18 Instead, you must eat them in the presence of the LORD your God at the place the LORD your God will choose—you, your sons and daughters, your menservants and maidservants, and the Levite within your gates. Rejoice before the LORD your God in all you do,
Deuteronomy 16:11 and you shall rejoice before the LORD your God in the place He will choose as a dwelling for His Name—you, your sons and daughters, your menservants and maidservants, and the Levite within your gates, as well as the foreigner, the fatherless, and the widows among you.
2 Samuel 6:21 But David said to Michal, “I was dancing before the LORD, who chose me over your father and all his house when He appointed me ruler over the LORD’s people Israel. I will celebrate before the LORD,