1 Thessalonians 3:9

“For what thanks can we render to God again or you, etc.] They had given thanks to God for them before, for their faith, love, and patience; (see <520102>1 Thessalonians 1:2,3) and now having received a further account of them, they looked upon themselves bound to give fresh thanks to God for them, for the increase of their faith and love, and for their perseverance, as they did; (see <530103>2 Thessalonians 1:3 2:13) since these are gifts of God's grace; but they knew not where to begin, what to render, and when to end: the phrase is much like that in (<19B612>Psalm 116:12) “what shall I render unto the Lord”, etc. for all the joy wherewith we joy for your sakes before our God: the joy they…”

“For what thanks--what sufficient thanks? render . . . again--in return for His goodness (Psa 116:12). for you--"concerning you." for all the joy--on account of all the joy. It was "comfort," Th1 3:7, now it is more, namely, joy. for your sakes--on your account. before our God--It is a joy which will bear God's searching eye: a joy as in the presence of God, not self-seeking, but disinterested, sincere, and spiritual (compare Th1 2:20; Joh 15:11).”

“For what thanks can we render to God again - That is, what expression of thanksgiving can we render to God that shall be an equivalent for the joy which your holy walk has furnished, or which will suitably express our gratitude for it. return to 'Top of Page'”

“what: Th1 1:2, Th1 1:3; Sa2 7:18-20; Neh 9:5; Psa 71:14, Psa 71:15; Co2 2:14, Co2 9:15 for: Th1 3:7, Th1 3:8, Th1 2:19 before: Deu 12:2, Deu 12:18, Deu 16:11; Sa2 6:21; Psa 68:3, Psa 96:12, Psa 96:13, Psa 98:8, Psa 98:9 1 Thessalonians 3:10”