1 Thessalonians 3:10

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1 Thessalonians 3:10 in Multiple Translations

Berean Standard Bible BSB

Night and day we pray most earnestly that we may see you face to face and supply what is lacking from your faith.

King James Version KJV

Night and day praying exceedingly that we might see your face, and might perfect that which is lacking in your faith?

American Standard Version ASV

night and day praying exceedingly that we may see your face, and may perfect that which is lacking in your faith?

Bible in Basic English BBE

Night and day requesting God again and again that we may see your face and make your faith complete.

Free Bible Version FBV

Night and day we pray for you as earnestly as possible, hoping to see you again face to face, and to help you continue developing your trust in God.

Geneva Bible 1599 GNV

Night and day, praying exceedingly that wee might see your face, and might accomplish that which is lacking in your faith?

Young's Literal Translation YLT

night and day exceedingly beseeching, that we might see your face, and perfect the things lacking in your faith.

World English Bible WEB

night and day praying exceedingly that we may see your face and may perfect that which is lacking in your faith?

Noah Webster Bible WBS

Night and day praying exceedingly that we may see your face, and may perfect that which is lacking in your faith?

Douay-Rheims 1899 DRV

Night and day more abundantly praying that we may see your face, and may accomplish those things that are wanting to your faith?

Translation for Translators T4T

We constantly [HYP] and fervently/earnestly ask God that we will be able to visit you [SYN] and that we will be able to help you to trust in Christ/God more strongly!

Plain English Version PEV

We are always praying to God, both in the day time and at night time, and we are strongly asking him to let us visit you again. There are still some things we need to tell you about Jesus so that you can trust him even more.

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Berean Amplified Bible — 1 Thessalonians 3:10

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Word Study

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1 Thessalonians 3:10 Interlinear (Deep Study)

BIB

GRK νυκτος και ημερας υπερ εκπερισσου δεομενοι εις το ιδειν υμων το προσωπον και καταρτισαι τα υστερηματα της πιστεως υμων

νυκτος nux G3571 night Noun-GSF

και kai G2532 and Conj

ημερας hēmera G2250 day Noun-GSF

υπερ huper G5228 above/for Prep

εκπερισσου perissos G4053 excessive Adv

δεομενοι deomai G1189 to pray Verb-PNP-NPM

εις eis G1519 toward Prep

το ho G3588 the/this/who Art-ASN

ιδειν horaō G3708 to see: see Verb-2AAN

υμων su G4771 you Pron-2GP

το ho G3588 the/this/who Art-ASN

προσωπον prosōpon G4383 face Noun-ASN

και kai G2532 and Conj

καταρτισαι katartizō G2675 to complete Verb-AAN

τα ho G3588 the/this/who Art-APN

υστερηματα husterēma G5303 deficiency Noun-APN

της ho G3588 the/this/who Art-GSF

πιστεως pistis G4102 faith Noun-GSF

υμων su G4771 you Pron-2GP

Greek Word Study

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Greek Word Reference — 1 Thessalonians 3:10

νυκτος nux G3571 "night" Noun-GSF

Night is the time of darkness, as in Matthew 12:40 and Mark 6:48. It can be literal or figurative, like in 1 Thessalonians 5:7.

Definition: νύξ genitive νυκτός, ἡ, [in LXX chiefly for לַיִל ;] night: Mat.12:40, Mrk.6:48, Jhn.13:30, al.; genitive temp. (of the time within which something happens; M, Pr., 73; B1., § 36, 13), νυκτός, by night, Mat.2:14, Jhn.3:2, 1Th.5:7, al.; ν. κ. ἡμέρας, Mrk.5:5, 1Th.2:9, al.; ἡμέρας κ. ν., Luk.18:7, Rev.4:8, al.; μέσης ν., Mat.25:6; dative, νυκτί, in ans. to the question, "when?" (rare in cl.; Hdt., Soph.), ταύτῃ τ. ν., Luk.12:20, al.; ἐκείνῃ Act.12:6; ἐπιούσῃ, Act.23:11; accusative durat. (Bl., § 34, 8; Kühner3, III, 314b), ν. κ. ἠμέραν, Luk.2:37 Act.20:31; τ. νύκτας, Luk.21:37; διὰ νυκτός (= cl. νυκτός; Bl., § 42, 1; 46, 7), Act.5:19 16:9 17:10 23:31; δι᾽ ὅλης ν., Luk.5:5; κατὰ μέσον τῆς ν. (Bl., § 47, 6), Act.27:27. Metaphorical: Jhn.9:4, Rom.13:12, 1Th.5:5 (AS)

Usage: Occurs in 62 NT verses. KJV: (mid-)night See also: 1 Corinthians 11:23; John 21:3; Revelation 4:8.

και kai G2532 "and" Conj

And or also, a connecting word used to join ideas or words, like in Matthew 2:18 and Hebrews 1:1.

Definition: καί, conj., and __I. Copulative. __1. Connecting single words; __(a) in general: Mat.2:18, 16:1, Mrk.2:15, Luk.8:15, Heb.1:1, al. mult.; repeated before each of the terms in a series, Mat.23:23, Luk.14:21, Rom.7:12, 9:4, al. __(b) connecting numerals (WM, §37, 4): Jhn.2:20, Act.13:20; __(with) joining terms which are not mutually exclusive, as the part with the whole: Mat.8:33, 26:59, Mrk.16:17, Act.5:29, al. __2. Connecting clauses and sentences: Mat.3:12, Act.5:21, al. mult.; esp. __(a) where, after the simplicity of the popular language, sentences are paratactically joined (WM, §60, 3; M, Pr., 12; Deiss., LAE, 128ff.): Mat.1:21, 7:25, Mrk.9:5, Jhn.10:3, al.; __(b) joining affirmative to negative sentences: Luk.3:14, Jhn.4:11, IIIJhn.10; __(with) consecutive, and so: Mat.5:1, 23:32, Heb.3:19, al.; after imperatives, Mat.4:19, Luk.7:7, al.; __(d) = καίτοι, and yet: Mat.3:14, 6:26, Mrk.12:12, Luk.18:7 (Field, Notes, 72), 1Co.5:2, al.; __(e) beginning an apodosis (= Heb. וְ; so sometimes δέ in cl.), then: Luk.2:21, 7:12, Act.1:10; beginning a question (WM, §53, 3a): Mrk.10:26, Luk.10:29, Jhn.9:36. __3. Epexegetic, and, and indeed, namely (WM, §53, 3c): Luk.3:18, Jhn.1:16, Act.23:6, Rom.1:5, 1Co.3:5, al. __4. In transition: Mat.4:23, Mrk.5:1, 21, Jhn.1:19, al.; so, Hebraistically, καὶ ἐγένετο (וַי:הִי; also ἐγένετο δέ), Mrk.1:9 (cf. Luk.5:1; V. Burton, §§357-60; M, Pr., 14, 16). __5. καὶ . . . καί, both . . . and (for τε . . . καί, see: τε); __(a) connecting single words: Mat.10:28, Mrk.4:41, Rom.11:33, al.; __(b) clauses and sentences: Mrk.9:13, Jhn.7:28, 1Co.1:22, al. __II. Adjunctive, also, even, still: Mat.5:39, 40; Mrk.2:28, al. mult.; esp. with pron., adv., etc., Mat.20:4, Jhn.7:47, al; ὡς κ., Act.11:17; καθὼς κ., Rom.15:7; οὑτω κ., Rom.6:11; διὸ κ., Luk.1:35; ὁ κ. (Deiss., BS, 313ff.), Act.13:9; pleonastically, μετὰ κ.. (Bl., §77, 7; Deiss., BS, 265f,), Php.4:3; τί κ., 1 Co 15:29; ἀλλὰ κ., Luk.14:22, Jhn.5:18, al.; καίγε (M, Pr., 230; Burton, §437), Act.17:27; καίπερ, Heb.5:8; κ. ἐάν, see: ἐάν. ἐάν, contr. fr. εἰ ἄν, conditional particle, representing something as "under certain circumstances actual or liable to happen," but not so definitely expected as in the case of εἰ with ind. (Bl., §65, 4; cf. Jhn.13:17, 1Co.7:36), if haply, if; __1. with subjc. (cl.); __(a) pres.: Mat.6:22, Luk.10:6, Jhn.7:17, Rom.2:25, 26 al.; { __(b) aor. (= Lat. fut. pf.): Mat.4:9 16:26 (cf. ptcp. in Luk.9:25; M, Pr., 230), Mrk.3:24, Luk.14:34, Jhn.5:43, Rom.7:2, al.; = cl. εἰ, with opt., Jhn.9:22 11:57, Act.9:2; as Heb. אִם = ὅταν, Jhn.12:32 14:3, I Jhn.2:28 3:2, Heb.3:7" (LXX) . __2. C. indic, (as in late writers, fr. Arist. on; see WH, App., 171; VD, MGr. 2, App., §77; Deiss., BS, 201f., LAE, 155, 254; M, Pr., 168, 187; Bl., §65, 4); __(a) fut.: Mat.18:19 T, Luk.19:40, Act.7:7; __(b) pres.: 1Th.3:8 (see Milligan, in l.). __3. With other particles: ἐ. καί (Bl., §65, 6), Gal.6:1; ἐ. μή (M, Pr., 185, 187; Bl., l.with), with subjc. pres., Mat.10:13, 1Co.8:8, Jas.2:17, 1Jn.3:21; aor., Mat.6:15, Mrk.3:27, Jhn.3:3, Rom.10:15, Gal.1:8 2:16 (see Lft., Ellic., in ll.); ἐ. τε . . . ἐ. τε, [in LXX for אִם . . . אִם, Est.19:13, al.,] Rom.14:8. __4. = cl. ἄν (which see) after relat. pronouns and adverbs (Tdf., Pr., 96; WH, App., 173; M, Pr., 42f.; Bl., §26, 4; Mayser, 152f.; Deiss., BS, 202ff.): ὃς ἐ., Mat.5:19, Mrk.6:22, 23 Luk.17:32, 1Co.6:18, al.; ὅπου ἐ., Mat.8:19; ὁσάκις ἐ., Rev.11:6; οὗ ἐ., 1Co.16:6; καθὸ ἐ., 2Co.8:12; ὅστις ἐ., Gal.5:10. (AS)

Usage: Occurs in 5212 NT verses. KJV: and, also, both, but, even, for, if, or, so, that, then, therefore, when, yet See also: 1 Corinthians 1:1; 1 Corinthians 10:4; 1 Corinthians 16:1.

ημερας hēmera G2250 "day" Noun-GSF

The Greek word for day refers to a 24-hour period, used in Revelation 21:25 and Acts 9:24. It can also mean a period of time, like in Luke 21:37.

Definition: ἡμέρα, -ας, ἡ, [in LXX chiefly (very freq.) for יוֹם ;] day; __1. as distinct from night: genitive ἡμέρας, by day (WM, §30, 11), Rev.21:25; ἡ. κ. νυκτός (ν. κ. ̔ἡ.), Act.9:24, 1Th.2:9, 2Th.3:8, Rev.4:8 (BL, §36, 13); ἡμέρας μέσης, at mid-day, Act.26:13; accusative durat., τ. ἡμέρας, Luk.21:37; ὅλην τὴν ἡ., Rom.8:36; ἐν ἡμέρα, Jhn.11:9, Rom.13:13; ἡμέρας ὁδός, a day's journey, Luk.2:44; ἡ. γίνεται, Lk 4:42 22:66; κλίνει, Luk.9:12, al.; metaphorically, Jhn.9:4, Rom.13:12, 1Th.5:4, 5 8, 2Pe.1:19. __2. Of a civil day of 24 hours, incl. night: Mat.6:34, Mrk.6:21, Luk.13:14, al.; τρίτῃ ἡ., Mat.16:21; ἡμέρᾳ κ. ἡ. (cf. יוֹם בְּיוֹם, Est.3:4), 2Co.4:16; ὅλην τ. ἡ., Rom.8:36 10:21; pl., Jhn.2:12, Act.9:19, al.; ἡ. τῶν ἀζύμων, Act.12:3; τ. σαββάτου, Luk.13:14, 16; ἡ κυριάκη ἡ., Rev.1:10. __3. In Messianic sense, of the last day: ἡ ἡ. (ἐκείνη, τ. κυρίου, etc.), Mat.7:22, Luk.6:23, Rom.13:12, 1Co.1:8, 1Th.5:2, 2Th.2:2, 2Pe.3:10, al; by meton., as compared with the divine judgment on that day, ἡ. ἀνθρωπίνη, of a human tribunal, 1Co.4:3 (EV, man's judgment). __4. As in Heb. (also in Gk. writers; Bl, §46, 9; M, Pr., 81), of time in general: Jhn.8:56 14:20, 2Co.6:2, Eph.6:13, 2Pe.3:18; pl. Act.15:7, Eph.5:16, Heb.10:32; πᾶσας τὰς ἡ. (cf. כָּל הַיָּמִים, Deu.4:40, al.; MM, Exp., xv), Mat.28:20; ἐλεύσονται ἡ. ὅταν (ὅτε), Mat.9:15, Mrk.2:20, Luk.5:35 17:22; αἱ ἡ., with genitive of person(s) (Gen.26:1, al.), Mat.2:1, Luk.1:5, Act.7:45, 1Pe.3:20; ἀρχ̀ ἡμερῶν, Heb.7:3. (AS)

Usage: Occurs in 366 NT verses. KJV: age, + alway, (mid-)day (by day, (-ly)), + for ever, judgment, (day) time, while, years See also: 1 Corinthians 1:8; Acts 21:5; 1 Peter 2:12.

υπερ huper G5228 "above/for" Prep

Above or for something, often used to describe doing something for someone's benefit. In Matthew 5:44 and Romans 10:1, it means praying for or on behalf of others.

Definition: ὑπέρ (when following subst.—poët.—ὕπερ; so as adv., 2Co.11:23), prep. with genitive, accusative __I. C. genitive, primarily of place (rest or motion), over, above, across, beyond, hence, metaphorically, __1. for, on behalf of: of prayer, Mat.5:44, Act.8:24, Rom.10:1, Jas.5:16, al.; of laying down life, Jhn.10:11, Rom.9:3, al.; esp. of Christ giving his life for man's redemption, Mrk.14:24, Jhn.10:15, Act.21:13, Rom.5:6-8, al.; opposite to κατά, Mrk.9:40, Luk.9:50, Rom.8:31. __2. Causal, for, because of, for the sake of: with genitive of person(s), Act.5:41, Rom.1:5, Php.1:29, 2Co.12:10, al.; with genitive of thing(s), Jhn.11:4, Rom.15:8, 2Co.1:6, al. __3. = ἀντί (see M, Pr., 105), for, instead of, in the name of: 1Co.15:29, 2Co.5:15, 21 Gal.3:13, Col.1:7, Phm 13 (cf. Field, Notes, 225). __4. In more colourless sense, = περί (M, Pr., l.with), for, concerning, with regard to: Rom.9:27, 2Co.1:6 8:23 12:8, Php.1:7, 2Th.2:1, al. __II. C. accusative, primarily of place, over, beyond, across, hence, metaphorically, of measure or degree in excess, above, beyond, over, more than: Mat.10:24, 37 Luk.6:40, Act.26:13, 1Co.10:13, 2Co.1:8, Eph.1:22 3:20, Phm 16, al.; after comparatives = than (Jdg.11:25, al.), Luk.16:8, Heb.4:12. __III. As adv. (see supr. ad init.), more: ὕπερ ἐγώ, I more, 2Co.11:23; in compounds, see: ὑπεράνω, ὑπερλίαν, ὑπερπερισσῶς. __IV. In composition: over (ὑπεραίρω), beyond (ὑπερβάλλω), more (ὐπερνικάω), on behalf of (ὐπερεντυγχάνω). (AS)

Usage: Occurs in 142 NT verses. KJV: (+ exceeding, abundantly) above, in (on) behalf of, beyond, by, + very chiefest, concerning, exceeding (above, -ly), for, + very highly, more (than), of, over, on the part of, for sake of, in stead, than, to(-ward), very See also: 1 Corinthians 1:13; Ephesians 3:20; 1 Peter 2:21.

εκπερισσου perissos G4053 "excessive" Adv

This word means excessive or superior in quality or quantity. In John 10:10, it describes the abundant life that Jesus offers. It can also mean violent or extreme, as in Mark 6:51.

Definition: περισσός, -ή, -όν [in LXX for יֶתֶר and cogn. forms ;] __1. more than sufficient, over and above, abundant: Jhn.10:10, 2Co.9:1; with genitive (a popular substitute for πλειών, Bl., § 11, 3.4), Mat.5:37; id. with ellips. genitive, Mat.5:47 (EV, more than others; but see infr.); εκ περισσοῦ, Mrk.6:51, Rec., T. (on ὑπὲρ ὲκ π., see: ὑπερεκπερισσοῦ). Compar. neut., -ότερον: Luk.12:4, 48; with genitive, Mrk.12:33; adverbially (cf. περισσῶς), more abundantly, 2Co.10:8, Heb.6:17 7:15; with genitive, π. πάντων, 1Co.15:10; pleonast., μᾶλλον π., Mrk.7:36. __2. out of the common, pre-eminent, superior: Mat.5:47 (Thayer, see word, but see supr.); τὸ π., as subst., Rom.3:1; compar., -ότερος, with genitive, Mat.11:9, Luk.7:26; with subst., Mrk.12:40, Luk.20:47, 1Co.12:23-24, 2Co.2:7.† (AS)

Usage: Occurs in 25 NT verses. KJV: exceeding abundantly above, more abundantly, advantage, exceedingly, very highly, beyond measure, more, superfluous, vehement(-ly) See also: 1 Corinthians 12:23; Luke 7:26; Hebrews 6:17.

δεομενοι deomai G1189 "to pray" Verb-PNP-NPM

To pray or beg for something, often used to describe asking for help or forgiveness, like in Acts 26:3 and Luke 5:12.

Definition: δέομαι (mid. of δέω, II, which see, as depon.) [in LXX for חנן, etc. ;] to want for oneself; __1. to want, need: __(a) absol.; __(b) with genitive __2. to beg, request, beseech, pray; __(i) in general: absol., Act.26:3, WH; with genitive of person(s), Luk.5:12; 8:28; 38 (ἐδεῖτο; T, ἐδέετο, cf. Veitch, see word δέω) 9:38, Act.8:34; 21:39, 2Co.5:20, Gal.4:12; before ἵνα, Luk.9:40; before τό, with inf., 2Co.10:2; with genitive of person(s) and of thing(s), 2Co.8:4; __(ii) of prayer to God: absol., Act.4:31; before εἴ πως, Rom.1:10; ἵνα, Luk.21:36; 22:32; εἰς τό, 1Th.3:10; ὑπὲρ ἐμοῦ πρὸς τ. κύριον, ὅπως, Act.8:24; with genitive, τοῦ κυρίου, ὅπως, Mat.9:38, Luk.10:2; τοῦ Θεοῦ, Act.10:2; before εἰ ἄρα, Act.8:22.† SYN.: αἰτέω, and cf. δέησις. (AS)

Usage: Occurs in 22 NT verses. KJV: beseech, pray (to), make request See also: 1 Thessalonians 3:10; Galatians 4:12; Romans 1:10.

εις eis G1519 "toward" Prep

This word means toward or into, indicating direction or purpose, as seen in Matthew 8:23 and Mark 1:45. It can also imply a sense of movement or action. The KJV translates it in various ways.

Definition: εἰς, prep. with accusative, expressing entrance, direction, limit, into, unto, to, upon, towards, for, among (Lat. in, with accusative). __I. Of place. __1. After verbs of motion; __(a) of entrance into: Mat.8:23, 9:7, Mrk.1:45, Luk.2:15, 8:31, al.; __(b) of approach, to or towards: Mrk.11:1, Luk.6:8, 19:28, Jhn.11:31, 21:6, al.; __(with) before pl. and collective nouns, among: Mrk.4:7, 8:19, 20, Luk.11:49, Jhn.21:23, al.; __(d) Of a limit reached, unto, on, upon: Mat.8:18, 21:1, Mrk.11:1, 13:16, Luk.14:10, Jhn.6:3, 11:32, al.; with accusative of person(s) (as in Ep. and Ion.), Act.23:15, Rom.5:12, 16:19, 2Co.10:14; __(e) elliptical: ἐπιστολαὶ εἰς Δαμασκόν, Act.9:2; ἡ διακονία μου ἡ εἰς Ἱ., Rom.15:31; metaphorically, of entrance into a certain state or condition, or of approach or direction towards some end (Thayer, B, i, 1; ii, 1), εἰς τ. ὄνομα, M, Pr., 200. __2. Of direction; __(a) after verbs of seeing: Mat.6:26, Mrk.6:41, Luk.9:16, 62, Jhn.13:22, al.; metaphorically, of the mind, Heb.11:26, 12:2, al.; __(b) after verbs of speaking: Mat.13:10, 14:9, 1Th.2:9, al. __3. After verbs of rest; __(a) in "pregnant" construction, implying previous motion (cl.; see WM, 516; Bl., §39, 3; M, Pr., 234f.): Mat.2:23, 4:13, 2Th.2:4, 2Ti.1:11, Heb.11:9, al.; __(b) by an assimilation general in late Gk (see Bl., M, Pr., ll. with) = ἐν: Luk.1:44, 4:23, Act.20:16, 21:17, Jhn.1:18 (but see Westc, in l.), al. __II. Of time, for, unto; __1. accentuating the duration expressed by the accusative: εἰς τ. αἰῶνα, Mat.21:19; εἰς γενεὰς καὶ γ., Luk.1:50; εἰς τ. διηνεκές, Heb.7:3, al. __2. Of a point or limit of time, unto, up to, until: Mat.6:34, Act.4:3, 25:21, Php.1:10, 2:16, 1Th.4:15, 2Ti.1:12; of entrance into a future period, σεις τὸ μέλλον (see: μέλλω), next (year), Luk.13:9 (but with ICC, in l.); εἰς τ. μεταξὺ σάββατον, on the next Sabbath, Act.13:42; εἰς τὸ πάλιν (see: πάλιν, 2Co.13:2. __III. Of result, after verbs of changing, joining, dividing, etc.: στρέφειν εἰς, Rev.11:6; μετας-, Act.2:20, Jas.4:9; μεταλλάσσειν, Rom.1:26; σχίζειν εἰς δύο, Mat.27:51, al.; predicatively with εἴναι, Act.8:23. __IV. Of relation, to, towards, for, in regard to (so in cl., but more frequently in late Gk., εἰς encroaching on the simple dative, which it has wholly displaced in MGr.; Jannaris, Gr., §1541; Robertson, Gr., 594; Deiss., BS, 117f.): Luk.7:30, Rom.4:20, 15:2, 26, 1Co.16:1, Eph.3:16, al.; ἀγάπη εἰς, Rom.5:8, al.; χρηστός, Eph.4:32; φρονεῖν εἰς, Rom.12:16; θαρρεῖν, 2Co.10:1. __V. Of the end or object: εὔθετος εἰς, Luk.14:34; σόφος, Rom.16:19; ἰσχύειν, Mat.5:13; εἰς τοῦτο, Mrk.1:38, al.; ἀφορίζειν εἰς, Rom.1:1; indicating purpose, εἰς φόβον, Rom.8:15; εἰς ἔνδειξιν, Rom.3:25; εἰς τό, with inf. (= ἵνα or ὥστε; Bl., §71, 5; M, Pr., 218ff.): Mat.20:19, Rom.1:11, 1Co.9:18, al. __VI. Adverbial phrases: εἰς τέλος, εἰς τὸ πάλιν, etc (see: τέλος, πάλιν, etc.). (AS)

Usage: Occurs in 1512 NT verses. KJV: (abundant-)ly, against, among, as, at, (back-)ward, before, by, concerning, + continual, + far more exceeding, for (intent, purpose), fore, + forth, in (among, at, unto, -so much that, -to), to the intent that, + of one mind, + never, of, (up-)on, + perish, + set at one again, (so) that, therefore(-unto), throughout, til, to (be, the end, -ward), (here-)until(-to), …ward, (where-)fore, with See also: 1 Corinthians 1:9; 1 Timothy 1:16; 1 Peter 1:2.

το ho G3588 "the/this/who" Art-ASN

The Greek word for 'the' or 'this', used to point out a specific person or thing, like in Acts 17:28. It can also mean 'he', 'she', or 'it'.

Definition: ὁ, ἡ, τό, the prepositive article (ἄρθρον προτακτικόν), originally a demonstr. pron. (so usually in Hom.), in general corresponding to the Eng. definite article. __I. As demonstr. pron. __1. As frequently in Hom., absol., he (she, it), his (etc.): Act.17:28 (quoted from the poet Aratus). __2. Distributive, ὁ μὲν . . . ὁ δέ, the one . . . the other: 1Co.7:7, Gal.4:22; pl., Act.14:4, 17:32, Php.1:16, al.; οἱ μὲν . . . ἄλλοι δέ, Mat.16:14, Jhn.7:12; οἱ μεν̀ . . . ὁδέ, Heb.7:21, 23. __3. In narration (without ὁ μὲν preceding), ὁ δέ, but he: Mat.2:14, Mrk.1:45, Luk.8:21, Jhn.9:38, al. mult. __II. As prepositive article, the, prefixed, __1. to nouns unmodified: ὁ θεός, τὸ φῶς, etc.; to abstract nouns, ἡ σοφία, etc., to pl. nouns which indicate a class, οἱ ἀλώπεκες, foxes, Mat.8:20, al.; to an individual as representing a class, ὁ ἐργάτης, Luk.10:7; with nom. = voc. in addresses, Mat.11:26, Jhn.19:3, Jas.5:1, al.; to things which pertain to one, ἡ χεῖρ, his hand, Mrk.3:1; to names of persons well known or already mentioned; usually to names of countries (originally adjectives), ἡ Ἰουδαία, etc. __2. To modified nouns: with of person(s) pron. genitive, μοῦ, σοῦ, etc.; with poss. pron., ἐμός, σός, etc.; with adj. between the art. and the noun, ὁ ἀγαθὸς ἄνθρωπος, Mat.12:35; the noun foll, by adj., both with art., ὁ ποιμὴν ὁ καλός, Jhn.10:11 (on ὁ ὄχλος πολύς, Jhn.12:9, see M, Pr., 84); before adjectival phrases, ἡ κατ᾽ ἐκλογὴν πρόθεσις, Rom.9:11. __3. To Other parts of speech used as substantives; __(a) neuter adjectives: τ. ἀγαθόν, etc.; __(b) cardinal numerals: ὁ εἶς, οἷ δύο, etc.; __(with) participles: ὁ βαπτίζων (= ὁ Βαπτιστής, Mat.14:2), Mrk.6:14; πᾶς ὁ, with ptcp., every one who, etc.; __(d) adverbs: τὸ πέραν, τὰ νῦν, ὁ ἔσω ἄνθρωπος; __(e) infinitives: nom., τὸ θέλειν, Rom.7:18, al.; genitive, τοῦ, after adjectives, ἄξιον τοῦ πορεύεσθαι, 1Co.16:4; verbs, ἐλαχεν τοῦ θυμιᾶσαι, Luk.1:9; and frequently in a final sense, ἐξῆλθεν ὁ σπείρειν, Mat.13:3 (on the artic. inf., see Bl., §71). __4. In the neut. to sentences, phrases or single words treated as a quotation: τὸ Ἐι δύνῃ, Mrk.9:23; τὸ ἔτι ἅπαξ, Heb.12:27; τὸ ἀνέβη, Eph.4:9, al. __5. To prepositional phrases: οἱ ἀπὸ Ἰταλίας, Heb.13:24; οἱ ἐκ νόμου, Rom.4:14; neut. accusative absol., in adverbial phrases, τὸ καθ᾽ ἡμέραν, daily, Luk.11:3; τὸ κατὰ σάρκα, as regards the flesh, Rom.9:5. __6. To nouns in the genitive, denoting kinship, association, etc.: ὁ τοῦ, the son of (unless context indicates a different relationship), Mat.10:2, al.; τὰ τοῦ θεοῦ, the things that pertain to God, Mat.16:23; τὰ τῆς εἰρήνης, Rom.14:19 (cf. M, Pr., 81ff.; Bl, §§46, 47). (AS)

Usage: Occurs in 7033 NT verses. KJV: the, this, that, one, he, she, it, etc See also: 1 Corinthians 1:1; 1 Corinthians 7:16; 1 Corinthians 11:24.

ιδειν horaō G3708 "to see: see" Verb-2AAN

This word means 'to see' or 'to perceive', and can also mean 'to attend to' or 'to experience', like in Mark 6:38 and John 1:46. It's a key word for understanding and perceiving things.

Definition: ὁράω, -ῶ, [in LXX chiefly for ראה, also for חזה, etc. ;] in "durative" sense (hence aor. act., εἶδον, pass., ὤφθην, fut., ὄψομαι, from different roots; see M, Pr., 110f.), to see (in colloq. even the present is rare, its place being generally taken by θεωρέω, see BL, §24). __1. Of bodily vision, to see, perceive, behold: absol., Mrk.6:38, al.; ἔρχου καὶ ἴδε, Jhn.1:46, al.; before ὅτι, Mrk.2:16, al.; with accusative, Mat.2:2, Mrk.1:10 16:7, Gal.1:19, al.; θεόν, Jhn.1:18, 1Jn.4:20, al. __2. to see with the mind, perceive, discern: absol, Rom.15:21; with accusative of thing(s), Mat.9:2 27:54, Act.8:23, Col.2:18, al. __3. to see, take heed, beware: ὅρα μή, with aor. subjc., Mat.8:4 18:10, Mrk.1:44, 1Th.5:15; id., sc. μὴ ποήσῃς, Rev.19:10 22:9 (Bl., §81, 1); before imperat. Mat.9:30 16:6, Mrk.8:15 __4. to experience: τ. θάνατον, Luk.2:26, Heb.11:5; ζωήν, Jhn.3:36; τ. διαφθοράν, Act.2:27. __5. to visit: with accusative of person(s), Luk.8:20, Jhn.12:21, Rom.1:11, al.; with accusative loc, Act.19:21. __6. to see to, care for: Mat.27:4, Act.18:15 (cf. ἀφ-, καθ-, προ-, συν-οράω). SYN.: see: βλέπω. (AS)

Usage: Occurs in 605 NT verses. KJV: behold, perceive, see, take heed See also: 1 Corinthians 2:9; Acts 16:40; 1 Peter 1:8.

υμων su G4771 "you" Pron-2GP

This Greek word means 'you' and is used to address someone directly, like in John 1:30 and Matthew 26:64. It's a way to emphasize or contrast the person being spoken to. The KJV Bible translates it as 'thou'.

Definition: σύ, pron. of 2nd of person(s), thou, you, genitive, σοῦ, dative, σοί, accusative, σέ, pl., ὑμεῖς, -ῶν, -ῖν, -ᾶς (enclitic in oblique cases sing., except after prep. (BL, §48, 3), though πρὸς σέ occurs in Mat.25:39). Nom. for emphasis or contrast: Jhn.1:30, 4:10, 5:33, 39, 44, Act.4:7, Eph.5:32; so also perhaps σὺ εἶπας, Mat.26:64, al. (M, Pr., 86); before voc., Mat.2:6, Luk.1:76, Jhn.17:5, al.; sometimes without emphasis (M, Pr., 85f.), as also in cl., but esp. as rendering of Heb. phrase, e.g. υἱός μου εἶ σύ (בְּנִי־אַתָּה, Psa.2:7), Act.13:33. The genitive (σοῦ, ὑμῶν) is sometimes placed bef. the noun: Luk.7:48, 12:30, al.; so also the enclitic σοῦ, Mat.9:6; on τί ἐμοὶ κ. σοί, see: ἐγώ. (AS)

Usage: Occurs in 2041 NT verses. KJV: thou See also: 1 Corinthians 1:3; 1 Corinthians 15:3; 1 Peter 1:2.

το ho G3588 "the/this/who" Art-ASN

The Greek word for 'the' or 'this', used to point out a specific person or thing, like in Acts 17:28. It can also mean 'he', 'she', or 'it'.

Usage: Occurs in 7033 NT verses. KJV: the, this, that, one, he, she, it, etc See also: 1 Corinthians 1:1; 1 Corinthians 7:16; 1 Corinthians 11:24.

προσωπον prosōpon G4383 "face" Noun-ASN

The face or countenance, as seen in Matthew 6:16-17 and 2 Corinthians 3:7, representing a person's presence or appearance. It can also refer to someone's presence or personality. In the Bible, the face is often used to describe a person's emotions or character.

Definition: πρόσωπον, -ου, τό (πρός, ὤψ), [in LXX chiefly and very frequently for פָּנִים ;] __1. prop., of persons (so always in cl.); __(a) the face, countenance: Mat.6:16-17, Mrk.14:65, Luk.9:29, 2Co.3:7, Rev.4:7, al.; τὸ π. τῆς γενέτεως (EV, natural face), Jas.1:23; πίπτειν ἐπὶ (τὰ) π., Mat.17:6, Luk.5:12, Rev.7:11, al.; ἀγνοούμενος τῷ π., Gal.1:22; π., οὐ καρδίᾳ, 1Th.2:17; κατὰ πρόσωπον (in front, facing: Thuc., Xen., al.), when present, face to face, Act.25:16, 2Co.10:1 10:7, Gal.2:11; id. with genitive, as compound prep., in the presence of (not cl.; see Bl., § 40, 9; M, Pr., 99 f.; Thackeray, Gr., 43 f.), Luk.2:31, Act.3:13; similarly ἀπὸ π. (Heb. (פָּנִים מִלִּפְּנֵי); see Dalman, Words, 29), from the presence of, Act.3:19 5:41 7:45, 2Th.1:9, Rev.12:14 20:11; πρὸ π. (Heb. (פָּנִים לִפְנֵי), before, Mat.11:10, Mrk.1:2, Luk.7:27" (LXX), al.; in other phrases resembling Heb. idiom (Thackeray, Gr., 42), βλέπειν (ὁρᾶν, θεωρεῖν, ἰδεῖν) τὸ π., to see one's face, i.e. see him in person, Mat.18:10, Act.20:25, 38, 1Th.3:10, Rev.22:4; ἐμφανισθῆναι τῷ π. τοῦ θεοῦ, Heb.9:24; ἐν π. Χριστοῦ, 2Co.2:10 4:6; μετὰ τοῦ π. σου with thy presence, Act.2:28 (LXX); εἰς π. τῶν ἐκκλησιῶν, 2Co.8:24; στηρίζειν τὸ π. (Heb. פָּנִים שׂוּם: Jer.21:10, al.; see Dalman, Words, 30), with inf., to set one's face towards, Luk.9:51; similarly, τὸ π. αὐτοῦ ἦν πορευόμενον (op. cit., 31), Luk.9:53; τὸ π. τοῦ κυρίου ἐπί, 1Pe.3:12 (LXX) __(b) form, person: καυχᾶσθαι. ἐν π. καὶ μὴ ἐν καρδίᾳ, 2Co.5:12 (cf. 1Ki.16:7); metaphorically, as in Heb. idiom, of judgment according to appearance, external condition or circumstances (פָּנִים H5387; see Dalman, Words, 30; Thackeray, Gr., 43 f.): λαμβάνειν π., Luk.20:21, Gal.2:6; βλέπειν εἰς π., Mat.22:16, Mrk.12:14; θαυμάζειν πρόσωπα, Ju 16. __2. Of things (cf. Dalman, l.with) __(a) face, appearance (Psa.104:30): Mat.16:3 (WH, R, mg., om.), Luk.12:56, Jas.1:11 __(b) surface (Gen.2:6): Luk.21:35, Act.17:26 (AS)

Usage: Occurs in 73 NT verses. KJV: (outward) appearance, X before, countenance, face, fashion, (men's) person, presence See also: 1 Corinthians 13:12; Luke 1:76; 1 Peter 3:12.

και kai G2532 "and" Conj

And or also, a connecting word used to join ideas or words, like in Matthew 2:18 and Hebrews 1:1.

Usage: Occurs in 5212 NT verses. KJV: and, also, both, but, even, for, if, or, so, that, then, therefore, when, yet See also: 1 Corinthians 1:1; 1 Corinthians 10:4; 1 Corinthians 16:1.

καταρτισαι katartizō G2675 "to complete" Verb-AAN

To complete or repair something, like fixing a net in Matthew 4:21, or to prepare someone for a task, as in Luke 6:40 and Hebrews 11:3.

Definition: κατ-αρτίζω [in LXX chiefly in Ps (Psa.8:2 al.; כּוּן, etc.) and Ezra (כְּלַל) ;] to render ἄρτιος, i.e. fit, complete; __(a) to mend, repair: Mat.4:21, Mrk.1:19; __(b) to furnish completely, complete, equip, prepare: pass., Luk.6:40, Rom.9:22, Heb.11:3; mid., Mat.21:16 (LXX), Heb.10:5 (LXX); __(with) in ethical sense, to prepare, complete, perfect: Gal.6:1 (EV, restore), 1Pe.5:10; pass., 1Co.1:10 (Field, Notes, 167), 2Co.13:11, Heb.13:21 (cf. προ-καταρτίζω).† (AS)

Usage: Occurs in 13 NT verses. KJV: fit, frame, mend, (make) perfect(-ly join together), prepare, restore See also: 1 Corinthians 1:10; Hebrews 11:3; 1 Peter 5:10.

τα ho G3588 "the/this/who" Art-APN

The Greek word for 'the' or 'this', used to point out a specific person or thing, like in Acts 17:28. It can also mean 'he', 'she', or 'it'.

Usage: Occurs in 7033 NT verses. KJV: the, this, that, one, he, she, it, etc See also: 1 Corinthians 1:1; 1 Corinthians 7:16; 1 Corinthians 11:24.

υστερηματα husterēma G5303 "deficiency" Noun-APN

Deficiency refers to something that is lacking, like in 1 Corinthians 16:17 and Philippians 2:30, where it describes a shortage of something or someone.

Definition: ὑστέρημα, -τος, τό (ὑστερέω), [in LXX: Jdg.18:10 19:19-20, Psa.34:9 (מַחְסוֹר), Ecc.1:15 (חֶסְרוֹן), Est.6:9 (ὑ. εἶναι, חֲשַׁח) * ;] __(a) that which is lacking, deficiency, shortcoming: with genitive puss. (prop. pose.), 1Co.16:17, Php.2:30; with genitive of thing(s), Col.1:24, 1Th.3:10; __(b) need, want, poverty (Psa.34:10, Jdg.18:10, al.): Luk.21:4, 2Co.9:12 11:9; opposite to περίσσευμα, 2Co.8:13-14 (eccl.).† (AS)

Usage: Occurs in 9 NT verses. KJV: that which is behind, (that which was) lack(-ing), penury, want See also: 1 Corinthians 16:17; 2 Corinthians 9:12; Philippians 2:30.

της ho G3588 "the/this/who" Art-GSF

The Greek word for 'the' or 'this', used to point out a specific person or thing, like in Acts 17:28. It can also mean 'he', 'she', or 'it'.

Usage: Occurs in 7033 NT verses. KJV: the, this, that, one, he, she, it, etc See also: 1 Corinthians 1:1; 1 Corinthians 7:16; 1 Corinthians 11:24.

πιστεως pistis G4102 "faith" Noun-GSF

Faith is the meaning of this word, which involves trust and confidence in God or Jesus Christ. It's used in Matthew 8:10 and Romans 1:8, showing reliance on God's power and promises.

Definition: πίστις, -εως, ἡ (πείθω), [in LXX chiefly for אֱמוּנָה ;] __1. in active sense, faith, belief, trust, confidence, in NT always of religious faith in God or Christ or spiritual things: Mat.8:10, Luk.5:20, Act.14:9, Rom.1:8, 1Co.2:5, 2Co.1:24, 1Ti.1:5, al.; with genitive obj., Mrk.11:22, Act.3:16, Rom.3:22, Gal.2:16, Eph.3:12, Jas.2:1, al.; with prep., ἐν, Rom.3:25, Gal.3:26, Eph.1:15, Col.1:24, 1Ti.1:14 3:13, 2Ti.1:13 3:15, 2Pe.1:1; εἰς, Act.20:21 24:24 26:18, Col.2:5, 1Pe.1:21; πρός, 1Th.1:8, Phm 5; ἐπί, with accusative Heb.6:1; ἐν τῇ π. στήκειν (εἶναι, μένειν), 1Co.16:13, 1Co.13:5, 1Ti.2:15; ὑπακοὴ τῆς π., Rom.1:5 16:26; ὁ ἐκ π., Rom.3:26 4:16, Gal.3:12; διὰ (τῆς) π., Rom.3:30, Gal.2:16, Php.3:9. By meton., objectively, that which is the object or content of belief, the faith: Act.6:7 14:22, Gal.1:23 3:23 6:10, Php.1:26, 27 Ju 3, 20, and perh. also Act.13:8 16:5, Rom.1:5 and 16:26 (see supr.), 1Co.16:13, Col.1:23, 2Th.3:2 (Lft., Notes, 125), 1Ti.1:19 3:9 4:1, 6 5:8 6:10, 12, 2Ti.3:8 4:7 Tit.1:4, 13 3:15, 1Pe.5:9. __2. In passive sense, __(a) fidelity, faithfulness: Mat.23:23, Gal.5:22; ἡ π. τοῦ θεοῦ, Rom.3:3; __(b) objectively, plighted faith, a pledge of fidelity: 1Ti.5:12. (On the various shades of meaning in which the word is used in NT, see esp. ICC on Rom.1:17, pp. 31ff.; Lft., Ga., 154ff.; Stevens, Th. NT, 422, 515ff.; DB, i, 830ff.; Cremer, see word) (AS)

Usage: Occurs in 228 NT verses. KJV: assurance, belief, believe, faith, fidelity See also: 1 Corinthians 2:5; Galatians 3:23; 1 Peter 1:5.

υμων su G4771 "you" Pron-2GP

Usage: Occurs in 2041 NT verses. KJV: thou See also: 1 Corinthians 1:3; 1 Corinthians 15:3; 1 Peter 1:2.

Study Notes — 1 Thessalonians 3:10

Show Verse Quote Highlights

Context
Cross References
1 Thessalonians 3:10 Summary
Frequently Asked Questions
Reflection Questions
Gill's Exposition on 1 Thessalonians 3:10
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on 1 Thessalonians 3:10
Matthew Poole's Commentary on 1 Thessalonians 3:10
Trapp's Commentary on 1 Thessalonians 3:10
Ellicott's Commentary on 1 Thessalonians 3:10
Adam Clarke's Commentary on 1 Thessalonians 3:10
Cambridge Bible on 1 Thessalonians 3:10
Barnes' Notes on 1 Thessalonians 3:10
Whedon's Commentary on 1 Thessalonians 3:10
Sermons on 1 Thessalonians 3:10

Context — Timothy’s Encouraging Report

8For now we can go on living, as long as you are standing firm in the Lord. 9How can we adequately thank God for you in return for our great joy over you in His presence?

10Night and day we pray most earnestly that we may see you face to face and supply what is lacking in your faith.

11Now may our God and Father Himself, and our Lord Jesus, direct our way to you. 12And may the Lord cause you to increase and overflow with love for one another and for everyone else, just as our love for you overflows,

Cross References

	Reference	Text (BSB)
1	2 Corinthians 13:9	In fact, we rejoice when we are weak but you are strong, and our prayer is for your perfection.
2	1 Thessalonians 3:11	Now may our God and Father Himself, and our Lord Jesus, direct our way to you.
3	Philippians 1:25	Convinced of this, I know that I will remain and will continue with all of you for your progress and joy in the faith,
4	Romans 15:30–32	Now I urge you, brothers, by our Lord Jesus Christ and by the love of the Spirit, to join me in my struggle by praying to God for me. Pray that I may be delivered from the unbelievers in Judea, and that my service in Jerusalem may be acceptable to the saints there, so that by God’s will I may come to you with joy and together with you be refreshed.
5	1 Thessalonians 2:17–18	Brothers, although we were torn away from you for a short time (in person, not in heart), our desire to see you face to face was even more intense. For we wanted to come to you—indeed I, Paul, tried again and again—but Satan obstructed us.
6	Romans 1:10–12	in my prayers at all times, asking that now at last by God’s will I may succeed in coming to you. For I long to see you so that I may impart to you some spiritual gift to strengthen you, that is, that you and I may be mutually encouraged by each other’s faith.
7	2 Corinthians 1:24	Not that we lord it over your faith, but we are fellow workers with you for your joy, because it is by faith that you stand firm.
8	2 Corinthians 1:15	Confident of this, I planned to visit you first, so that you might receive a double blessing.
9	2 Thessalonians 1:11	To this end, we always pray for you, that our God will count you worthy of His calling, and that He will powerfully fulfill your every good desire and work of faith,
10	2 Timothy 1:3	I thank God, whom I serve with a clear conscience as did my forefathers, as I constantly remember you night and day in my prayers.

1 Thessalonians 3:10 Summary

[In 1 Thessalonians 3:10, the apostle Paul expresses his deep desire to see the Thessalonians in person and help them grow stronger in their faith. He prays for them 'night and day', showing how much he cares about them. Just like Paul, we can pray for our friends and family, asking God to help them in their spiritual journey (as seen in Romans 1:8-10). By doing so, we can demonstrate our love and concern for them, and help them mature in their faith, as encouraged in 2 Peter 1:5-8.]

Frequently Asked Questions

What does it mean to 'supply what is lacking from your faith' in 1 Thessalonians 3:10?

This phrase means to help strengthen and mature the believers' faith, as seen in other passages like 1 Corinthians 12:31 and 2 Peter 1:5-8, where spiritual growth and development are encouraged.

Why is it important for the apostle Paul to see the Thessalonians 'face to face'?

Seeing the Thessalonians face to face allowed Paul to personally assess their spiritual condition and provide guidance, as indicated in 2 Corinthians 1:15-16, where Paul expresses his desire to visit the Corinthians for their benefit.

How often did Paul pray for the Thessalonians?

According to 1 Thessalonians 3:10, Paul prayed for the Thessalonians 'night and day', demonstrating his deep concern and love for them, similar to his devotion expressed in Philippians 1:3-4 and Romans 1:8-10.

Is Paul's prayer in 1 Thessalonians 3:10 a model for our own prayers?

Yes, Paul's persistent and earnest prayer for the Thessalonians serves as an example for believers to pray fervently for one another, as taught in Ephesians 6:18 and Colossians 1:9-12, where prayer is emphasized as a vital aspect of the Christian life.

Reflection Questions

What are some ways I can demonstrate my love and concern for fellow believers, as Paul did for the Thessalonians?
How can I prioritize prayer in my daily life, making it a 'night and day' endeavor like Paul's?
In what areas of my faith do I feel lacking, and how can I seek guidance and support from spiritual leaders or mentors?
What are some ways I can 'supply what is lacking' in the faith of others, and how can I be a source of encouragement and strength for them?

Gill's Exposition on 1 Thessalonians 3:10

Night and day praying exceedingly,.... This good news, not only comforted their hearts, and revived their spirits, and filled them with joy and thankfulness, but also sent them to the throne of grace

Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on 1 Thessalonians 3:10

Night and day praying exceedingly that we might see your face, and might perfect that which is lacking in your faith? Night and day (note, 1 Thessalonians 2:9).

Matthew Poole's Commentary on 1 Thessalonians 3:10

We have here the last effect of Timothy’ s message upon the apostle, it put him upon prayer for these Thessalonians; expressed by the assiduity of it, night and day, & c., that is, in a constant course; as we noted before, . And by the fervency of it, exceedingly, or excessively. The Greek word cannot well be Englished, yet is often used by the apostle when he would express any thing with an emphasis, as , and in this Epistle, . And by the matter of it; that we might see your face, and might perfect that which is lacking in your faith. Though his Epistles might avail towards it, yet his personal presence would do more. There is a peculiar blessing attends oral preaching, more than reading. The like prayer he made with respect to the Romans, and upon the same account also, ,11. Though the apostle had before commended their faith, yet there was something lacking in it. No faith is made perfect at first; yea, the best faith may have some defects. And the word is used elsewhere to signify something that is wanting, or left behind, . And their faith might be defective: 1. As to the matter of it, some mysteries of faith they might not yet understand; as the disciples did not, till after Christ’ s ascension; and some of the Corinthians a while doubted the doctrine of the resurrection, , &c. 2. As to the clearness of it, with respect to the truths they did already know and believe. 3. As to the lively operations and fruits of it. The former defects are removed by doctrine, the last by exhortation and comfort, and the apostle desired to see their face on the account of both: and to perfect a thing is to make it complete, both as to parts and degrees. The word here used we find often in the New Testament, , &c.; and variously rendered in the several translations, but yet much to the same sense: the apostle being so suddenly driven from them, he left them as a house half built; but his affection to them was so great, that he longed to return to them for the perfecting of their faith, though he had met but a while before with such great perils at Thessalonica.

Trapp's Commentary on 1 Thessalonians 3:10

10 Night and day praying exceedingly that we might see your face, and might perfect that which is lacking in your faith? Ver. 10. Night and day praying exceedingly] Prayer must be constant and instant, with utmost assiduity and intention of affection, Luke 18:1. And might perfect that which is lacking in your faith] Faith is not as Jonah’ s gourd, that grew up in a night; or as a bullet in a mould, that is made in a moment; but is perfected by degrees and so made even (as the word καταρτισαι signifies here in the original) and complete.

Ellicott's Commentary on 1 Thessalonians 3:10

(10) See your face.—Seeing them by proxy might satisfy for the while, but not for long. This exceeding importunate, prayer is caused by the feeling that it was Satan’s hindrance (1 Thessalonians 2:18), not God’s will, which forbad the meeting. He would not so have prayed to go into Bithynia (Acts 16:7), for the essence of prayer is to conform the will to God’s will. That which is lacking in your faith.—Bishop Wordsworth points out the unflattering faithfulness of St. Paul’s dealing with his converts. What the deficiencies were is unknown, but they certainly include want of knowledge of the state of the dead and concerning the Advent.

Adam Clarke's Commentary on 1 Thessalonians 3:10

Verse 10. Night and day praying exceedingly] Supplicating God at all times; mingling this with all my prayers; υπερεκπερισσουδεομενοι, abounding and superabounding in my entreaties to God to permit me to revisit you. How strong was his affection for this Church! Might perfect that which is lacking] That I might have the opportunity of giving you the fullest instructions in the doctrine of Christ, that ye might have every thing in the most ample detail; so that the great outlines of truth which you already know may be filled up, that ye may be perfectly fitted to every good word and work.

Cambridge Bible on 1 Thessalonians 3:10

10. night and day praying exceedingly] In this last adverb, peculiar to St Paul, he strains language to express the ardour of his feeling: beyond measure exceedingly; it recurs in ch. 1 Thessalonians 5:13 and Ephesians 3:20. Night and day puts more vividly the “without ceasing” of ch. 1 Thessalonians 1:3; comp. ch. 1 Thessalonians 2:9.“Praying” is here, more strictly, begging, or beseeching, and points to the want of the suppliant (comp. 2 Corinthians 5:20, “We beg you, on Christ’s behalf, Be reconciled to God”); whereas the ordinary word for prayer (see e.g. ch. 1 Thessalonians 1:2; 2 Thessalonians 3:1) indicates devotion towards the object of worship. Prayer goes with thanksgiving, as in ch. 1 Thessalonians 1:2-3, and constantly in St Paul; comp. ch. 1 Thessalonians 5:17-18.that we might see your face] might makes the realisation seem distant and doubtful; read may (R. V.). See notes on ch. 1 Thessalonians 2:17.and might perfect that which is lacking in your faith] Or, may make good the deficiencies of your faith; not so much what was lacking in as lacking to their faith. Thessalonian faith was in itself steadfast and vigorous (ch. 1 Thessalonians 1:3; 1 Thessalonians 1:8; 1 Thessalonians 2:13; 1 Thessalonians 3:6-8; 2 Thessalonians 1:3, “Your faith groweth exceedingly”); but it needed the supplement of added Christian light and moral wisdom. Hence the teaching and admonition the Apostle supplies in chaps. 4, 5 and in the Second Epistle (see Introd. pp. 23–25). Timothy’s return from Thessalonica and the news he brought, while removing St Paul’s great anxiety, made him still more sensible of the need this young and most promising Church had for the continued instruction which he alone could supply. This increased his eagerness to revisit the Thessalonians. For a similar wish—less warmly expressed, inasmuch as it concerned strangers—see Romans 1:9-15; Romans 15:23.The word rendered “perfect” means to fit up, furnish, fully equip; it is used of “mending nets” (Matthew 4:21), of “vessels fitted for destruction” (Romans 9:22), and of “perfecting saints for work of ministration” (Ephesians 4:12).

Barnes' Notes on 1 Thessalonians 3:10

Night and day - Constantly. Praying exceedingly - Greek, abundantly; that is, there was much more than ordinary prayer.

Whedon's Commentary on 1 Thessalonians 3:10

10. See your face—Repeatedly St. Paul did pass through Thessalonica and confirm and make powerful that future stronghold of Christian faith.

Sermons on 1 Thessalonians 3:10

	Sermon	Description
	Holiness of God by Leonard Ravenhill	In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of having a revelation of God's holiness and majesty. He challenges the congregation to examine their priorities and idols, u
	They Were More Noble by Leonard Ravenhill	In this sermon, the preacher discusses the concept of love and its importance in the Christian faith. He emphasizes that love never fails and is not rude or selfish. The preacher a
	The Sermon on the Mount - Part 1 by St. Augustine	The preacher from Greek Word Studies delves into the meaning of 'katartízō,' which signifies fitting or joining together to mend or repair, restoring to a former condition. This te
	The Lord's Coming and Revival by Peter Brandon	Peter Brandon emphasizes the urgency of spiritual readiness for the imminent return of Christ, urging believers to prepare for a revival and an ingathering of souls. He draws from
	The Example of Paul by Andrew Murray	Andrew Murray emphasizes the example of Paul as a model for ministers, highlighting Paul's dedication to prayer for his congregation and his encouragement for them to pray for him.
	Day 34, Acts 6 by David Servant	David Servant emphasizes the early believers' generosity towards the poor, particularly widows, in the early church, highlighting the importance of prioritizing those in need. He d
	Ambassadors for Christ - Part 3 by Zac Poonen	In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of humbling ourselves and seeking God's face. He encourages the listeners to respond to the teachings they have heard and to a