The Meaning of 1 Thessalonians 1:7 Explained

1 Thessalonians 1:7

KJV: So that ye were ensamples to all that believe in Macedonia and Achaia.

YLT: so that ye became patterns to all those believing in Macedonia and Achaia,

Darby: so that ye became models to all that believe in Macedonia and in Achaia:

ASV: so that ye became an ensample to all that believe in Macedonia and in Achaia.

KJV Reverse Interlinear

So  that ye  were  ensamples  to all  that believe  in  Macedonia  and  Achaia. 

What does 1 Thessalonians 1:7 Mean?

Context Summary

1 Thessalonians 1:1-10 - Imitators And Examples
This chapter abounds in thanksgiving; and the Apostle recites the many beautiful and hopeful traits of character and behavior by which the members of this Christian community had endeared themselves to him. Notice his favorite grouping of faith, hope, and love. We are taught to crave for these in our own soul-garden, and to rejoice to find them blossoming in others. Too often the gospel comes only in word; let us seek the other three accompaniments of 1 Thessalonians 1:5. What a blessed thing it would be if our church life were so full of the Spirit of Christ that the ministers would not need to say anything! "By whose preaching," a lad was asked, "were you converted?" "By no one's preaching," was the reply, "but by my Aunt Mary's living."
There are three memorable steps indicated in 1 Thessalonians 1:9-10. Turn unto God: serve Him as true and living: wait for the coming of the Son of man. The last phrase strikes the keynote of this Epistle. The Church is encouraged to stand expectant at the oriel window. Behind her is the night from which she has been delivered, and on the bosom of the dawn shines the morning star. [source]

Chapter Summary: 1 Thessalonians 1

1  The Thessalonians are told both how mindful of them Paul was in thanksgiving, and prayer;
5  and also how well he was persuaded of the truth and sincerity of their faith and conversion to God

Greek Commentary for 1 Thessalonians 1:7

So that ye became [ωστε γενεσται υμας]
Definite result expressed by ωστε — hōste and the infinitive γενεσται — genesthai (second aorist middle of γινομαι — ginomai) as is common in the Koiné. [source]
An ensample [τυπον]
So B D, but Aleph A C have τυπους — tupous (plural). The singular looks at the church as a whole, the plural as individuals like υμας — humās Τυπος — Tupos is an old word from τυπτω — tuptō to strike, and so the mark of a blow, print as in John 20:25. Then the figure formed by the blow, image as in Acts 7:43. Then the mould or form (Romans 6:17; Acts 23:25). Then an example or pattern as in Acts 7:44, to be imitated as here, Philemon 3:17, etc. It was a great compliment for the church in Thessalonica to be already a model for believers in Macedonia and Achaia. Our word type for printers is this same word with one of its meanings. Note separate article with both Macedonia (τηι Μακεδονιαι — tēi Makedoniāi) and Achaia (τηι Αχαιαι — tēi Achaiāi) treated as separate provinces as they were. [source]
An ensample [τύπον]
See on 1 Peter 5:3. [source]
Macedonia and Achaia []
Shortly after 146 b.c., all Greece south of Macedonia and Epirus was formed into a Roman province under the name of Achaia, and Macedonia with Epirus into another province called Macedonia. [source]

Reverse Greek Commentary Search for 1 Thessalonians 1:7

Acts 17:10 Immediately by night [ευτεως δια νυκτος]
Paul‘s work had not been in vain in Thessalonica (1 Thessalonians 1:7.; 1 Thessalonians 2:13, 1 Thessalonians 2:20). Paul loved the church here. Two of them, Aristarchus and Secundus, will accompany him to Jerusalem (Acts 20:4) and Aristarchus will go on with him to Rome (Acts 27:2). Plainly Paul and Silas had been in hiding in Thessalonica and in real danger. After his departure severe persecution came to the Christians in Thessalonica (1 Thessalonians 2:14; 1 Thessalonians 3:1-5; 2 Thessalonians 1:6). It is possible that there was an escort of Gentile converts with Paul and Silas on this night journey to Beroea which was about fifty miles southwest from Thessalonica near Pella in another district of Macedonia (Emathia). There is a modern town there of some 6,000 people. [source]
Acts 17:14 Sent forth [εχαπεστειλαν]
Double compound Same form in Acts 9:30. As far as to the sea (heōs epi tēn thalassan). It is not clear whether Paul went all the way to Athens by land or took ship at Dium or Pydna, some sixteen miles away, and sailed to Athens. Some even think that Paul gave the Jews the slip and went all the way by land when they expected him to go by sea. At any rate we know that Paul was grieved to cut short his work in Macedonia, probably not over six months in all, which had been so fruitful in Philippi, Thessalonica, and Beroea. Silas and Timothy (note his presence) remained behind in Beroea and they would keep the work going. Paul no doubt hoped to return soon. Silas and Timothy in Beroea would also serve to screen his flight for the Jews wanted his blood, not theirs. The work in Macedonia spread widely (1 Thessalonians 1:7.). [source]
Acts 17:14 As far as to the sea [heōs epi tēn thalassan)]
It is not clear whether Paul went all the way to Athens by land or took ship at Dium or Pydna, some sixteen miles away, and sailed to Athens. Some even think that Paul gave the Jews the slip and went all the way by land when they expected him to go by sea. At any rate we know that Paul was grieved to cut short his work in Macedonia, probably not over six months in all, which had been so fruitful in Philippi, Thessalonica, and Beroea. Silas and Timothy (note his presence) remained behind in Beroea and they would keep the work going. Paul no doubt hoped to return soon. Silas and Timothy in Beroea would also serve to screen his flight for the Jews wanted his blood, not theirs. The work in Macedonia spread widely (1 Thessalonians 1:7.). [source]
Romans 5:14 A figure [τυπος]
See note on Acts 7:43; note on 1 Thessalonians 1:7; note on 2 Thessalonians 3:9; and note on 1 Corinthians 10:6 for this word. Adam is a type of Christ in holding a relation to those affected by the headship in each case, but the parallel is not precise as Paul shows. [source]
1 Corinthians 10:6 Were our examples [τυποι ημων εγενητησαν]
More exactly, examples for us (objective genitive ημων — hēmōn not subjective genitive, of us). The word τυποι — tupoi (our types) comes from τυπτω — tuptō to strike, and meant originally the mark of a blow as the print of the nails (John 20:25), then a figure formed by a blow like images of the gods (Acts 7:43), then an example to be imitated (1 Peter 5:3; 1 Timothy 4:12; 1 Thessalonians 1:7; 2 Thessalonians 3:9), or to be avoided as here, and finally a type in a doctrinal sense (Romans 5:14; Hebrews 9:24). [source]
Philippians 3:17 Mark [σκοπειτε]
Old verb from σκοπος — skopos (Phlippians 3:14). “Keep your eyes on me as goal.” Mark and follow, not avoid as in Romans 16:17. An ensample (τυπον — tupon). Originally the impression left by a stroke (John 20:25), then a pattern (mould) as here (cf. 1 Thessalonians 1:7; 1 Corinthians 10:6, 1 Corinthians 10:11; Romans 5:14; Romans 6:17). [source]
Philippians 3:17 An ensample [τυπον]
Originally the impression left by a stroke (John 20:25), then a pattern (mould) as here (cf. 1 Thessalonians 1:7; 1 Corinthians 10:6, 1 Corinthians 10:11; Romans 5:14; Romans 6:17). [source]
1 Thessalonians 1:8 But in every place [εχερχομαι]
In contrast to Macedonia and Achaia. The sentence would naturally stop here, but Paul is dictating rapidly and earnestly and goes on. Your faith to God-ward (εχηχηται — hē pistis humōn hē pros ton theon). Literally, the faith of you that toward the God. The repeated article makes clear that their faith is now directed toward the true God and not toward the idols from which they had turned (1 Thessalonians 1:10). Is gone forth Second perfect active indicative of old verb ωστε — exerchomai to go out, state of completion like λαλειν — exēchētai above. So that we need not to speak anything (λεγειν — hōste mē chreian echein hēmās lalein ti). Hōste with the infinitive for actual result as in 1 Thessalonians 1:7. No vital distinction between lalein (originally to chatter as of birds) and legein both being used in the Koiné{[28928]}š for speaking and preaching (in the N.T.). [source]
1 Thessalonians 1:8 Is gone forth [ωστε μη χρειαν εχειν ημας λαλειν τι]
Second perfect active indicative of old verb ωστε — exerchomai to go out, state of completion like λαλειν — exēchētai above. So that we need not to speak anything (λεγειν — hōste mē chreian echein hēmās lalein ti). Hōste with the infinitive for actual result as in 1 Thessalonians 1:7. No vital distinction between lalein (originally to chatter as of birds) and legein both being used in the Koiné{[28928]}š for speaking and preaching (in the N.T.). [source]
1 Thessalonians 1:8 So that we need not to speak anything [λεγειν]
Hōste with the infinitive for actual result as in 1 Thessalonians 1:7. No vital distinction between lalein (originally to chatter as of birds) and legein both being used in the Koiné{[28928]}š for speaking and preaching (in the N.T.). [source]
2 Thessalonians 1:4 So that [ωστε]
Another example of ωστε — hōste and the infinitive (ενκαυχασται — enkauchāsthai) for result as in 1 Thessalonians 1:7 which see. [source]
2 Thessalonians 3:9 But to make ourselves an ensample unto you [αλλ ινα εαυτους τυπον δωμεν υμιν]
Literally, but that we might give ourselves a type to you. Purpose with ινα — hina and second aorist active subjunctive of διδωμι — didōmi On τυπον — tupon see note on 1 Thessalonians 1:7. [source]
2 Thessalonians 3:9 but that we might give ourselves a type to you []
. Purpose with ινα — hina and second aorist active subjunctive of διδωμι — didōmi On τυπον — tupon see note on 1 Thessalonians 1:7. [source]
1 Timothy 4:12 An ensample [τυπος]
Old word from τυπτω — tuptō a type. Pauline use of the word (1 Thessalonians 1:7; 2 Thessalonians 3:9; Philemon 3:17; Titus 2:7). To them that believe (των πιστων — tōn pistōn). Objective genitive. In word In conversation as well as in public speech. In manner of life (εν αναστροπηι — en anastrophēi). “In bearing” (Galatians 1:13; Ephesians 4:22). In purity Old word from αγνευω — hagneuō Sinlessness of life. Used of a Nazirite (Numbers 6:2, Numbers 6:21). Only here and 1 Timothy 5:2 in N.T. [source]
1 Timothy 4:12 Thy youth [σου της νεοτητος]
Genitive case of old word (from νεος — neos) as in Mark 10:20. Be thou (γινου — ginou). Present middle imperative of γινομαι — ginomai “Keep on becoming thou.” An ensample Old word from τυπτω — tuptō a type. Pauline use of the word (1 Thessalonians 1:7; 2 Thessalonians 3:9; Philemon 3:17; Titus 2:7). To them that believe (των πιστων — tōn pistōn). Objective genitive. In word In conversation as well as in public speech. In manner of life (εν αναστροπηι — en anastrophēi). “In bearing” (Galatians 1:13; Ephesians 4:22). In purity Old word from αγνευω — hagneuō Sinlessness of life. Used of a Nazirite (Numbers 6:2, Numbers 6:21). Only here and 1 Timothy 5:2 in N.T. [source]
Hebrews 12:25 From him that speaketh from heaven [τὸν ἀπ ' οὐρανῶν]
Lit. from him from the heavens. Supply as A.V. that speaketh Ὁ ἀπ ' οὐρανοῦ or οὐρανῶν does not occur in N.T. elsewhere. Wherever ἀπ ' οὐρ . appears, some act or thing is always named which proceeds from heaven. See Matthew 24:29; Mark 8:11; Luke 9:54; Luke 17:29; Luke 21:11; Luke 22:43; John 6:38; 1 Thessalonians 1:7. The speaker from heaven is still God, but speaking through his Son. The thought connects itself with that of Christ carrying his blood into the heavenly sanctuary, from which he exerts his power on behalf of men. See Hebrews 9:12, Hebrews 9:24. This will be the clearer if we throw out the idea of Christ presenting his blood to an angry God as a propitiation, and interceding with him to pardon sin. See note on Hebrews 7:26. [source]
1 Peter 5:3 The charge allotted to you [κληρικος]
“The charges,” “the lots” or “the allotments.” See it in Acts 1:17, Acts 1:25 in this sense. The old word meant a die (Matthew 27:25), a portion (Colossians 1:12; 1 Peter 1:4), here the charges assigned (cf. Acts 17:4). From the adjective τυποι γινομενοι — klērikos come our cleric, clerical, clerk. Wycliff translated it here “neither as having lordship in the clergie.”Making yourselves ensamples (γινομαι — tupoi ginomenoi). Present active participle of τυποι — ginomai and predicate nominative υπογραμμος — tupoi (types, models) for which phrase see 1 Thessalonians 1:7. Continually becoming. See 1 Peter 2:21 for του ποιμνιου — hupogrammos (writing-copy).To the flock Objective genitive. [source]
1 Peter 5:3 Making yourselves ensamples [γινομαι]
Present active participle of τυποι — ginomai and predicate nominative υπογραμμος — tupoi (types, models) for which phrase see 1 Thessalonians 1:7. Continually becoming. See 1 Peter 2:21 for του ποιμνιου — hupogrammos (writing-copy). [source]
1 John 2:9 His brother [τὸν ἀδελφόν]
His fellow-Christian. The singular, brother, is characteristic of this Epistle. See 1 John 2:10, 1 John 2:11; 1 John 3:10, 1 John 3:15, 1 John 3:17; 1 John 4:20, 1 John 4:21; 1 John 5:16. Christians are called in the New Testament, Christians (Acts 11:26; Acts 26:28; 1 Peter 4:16), mainly by those outside of the Christian circle. Disciples, applied to all followers of Christ (John 2:11; John 6:61) and strictly to the twelve (John 13:5sqq.). In Acts 19:1, to those who had received only John's baptism. Not found in John's Epistles nor in Revelation. Brethren. The first title given to the body of believers after the Ascension (Acts 1:15, where the true reading is ἀδελφῶν brethrenfor μαθητῶν disciples). See Acts 9:30; Acts 10:23; Acts 11:29; 1 Thessalonians 4:10; 1 Thessalonians 5:26; 1 John 3:14; 3 John 1:5, 3 John 1:10; John 21:23. Peter has ἡ ἀδελφότης thebrotherhood (1 Peter 2:17; 1 Peter 5:9). The believers. Under three forms: The believers ( οἱ πιστοί ; Acts 10:45; 1 Timothy 4:12); they that believe ( οἱ πιστεύοντες ; 1 Peter 2:7; 1 Thessalonians 1:7; Ephesians 1:19); they that believed ( οἱ πιστεύσαντες ; Acts 2:44; Acts 4:32; Hebrews 4:3). The saints ( οἱ ἅγιοι ); characteristic of Paul and Revelation. Four times in the Acts (Acts 9:13, Acts 9:32, Acts 9:41; Acts 26:10), and once in Jude (Judges 1:3). Also Hebrews 6:10; Hebrews 13:24. In Paul, 1 Corinthians 6:1; 1 Corinthians 14:33; Ephesians 1:1, Ephesians 1:15, etc. In Revelation 5:8; Revelation 8:3, Revelation 8:4; Revelation 11:18, etc.|Until now ( ἕως ἄρτι )|Though the light has been increasing, and though he may claim that he has been in the light from the first. The phrase occurs in John 2:10; John 5:17; John 16:24; and is used by Paul, 1 Corinthians 4:13; 1 Corinthians 8:7; 1 Corinthians 15:6.| [source]

What do the individual words in 1 Thessalonians 1:7 mean?

so as for to became you an example to all the believing [ones] in - Macedonia and Achaia
ὥστε γενέσθαι ὑμᾶς τύπον πᾶσιν τοῖς πιστεύουσιν ἐν τῇ Μακεδονίᾳ καὶ Ἀχαΐᾳ

ὥστε  so  as  for 
Parse: Conjunction
Root: ὥστε  
Sense: so that, insomuch that.
γενέσθαι  to  became 
Parse: Verb, Aorist Infinitive Middle
Root: γίνομαι  
Sense: to become, i.
τύπον  an  example 
Parse: Noun, Accusative Masculine Singular
Root: τυπικῶς 
Sense: the mark of a stroke or blow, print.
πᾶσιν  to  all 
Parse: Adjective, Dative Masculine Plural
Root: πᾶς  
Sense: individually.
πιστεύουσιν  believing  [ones] 
Parse: Verb, Present Participle Active, Dative Masculine Plural
Root: πιστεύω  
Sense: to think to be true, to be persuaded of, to credit, place confidence in.
τῇ  - 
Parse: Article, Dative Feminine Singular
Root:  
Sense: this, that, these, etc.
Μακεδονίᾳ  Macedonia 
Parse: Noun, Dative Feminine Singular
Root: Μακεδονία  
Sense: a country bounded on the south by Thessaly and Epirus, on the east by Thrace and the Aegean Sea, on the west by Illyria, and on the North by Dardania and Moesia.
Ἀχαΐᾳ  Achaia 
Parse: Noun, Dative Feminine Singular
Root: Ἀχαί̈α  
Sense: in a restricted sense, the maritime region of northern Peloponnesus.