1 Thessalonians 2:6
New International Version
We were not looking for praise from people, not from you or anyone else, even though as apostles of Christ we could have asserted our authority.

New Living Translation
As for human praise, we have never sought it from you or anyone else.

English Standard Version
Nor did we seek glory from people, whether from you or from others, though we could have made demands as apostles of Christ.

Berean Standard Bible
Nor did we seek praise from you or from anyone else, although as apostles of Christ we had authority to demand it.

Berean Literal Bible
nor seeking glory from men, nor from you, nor from others, though having authority with weight to be, as apostles of Christ.

King James Bible
Nor of men sought we glory, neither of you, nor yet of others, when we might have been burdensome, as the apostles of Christ.

New King James Version
Nor did we seek glory from men, either from you or from others, when we might have made demands as apostles of Christ.

New American Standard Bible
nor did we seek honor from people, either from you or from others, though we could have asserted our authority as apostles of Christ.

NASB 1995
nor did we seek glory from men, either from you or from others, even though as apostles of Christ we might have asserted our authority.

NASB 1977
nor did we seek glory from men, either from you or from others, even though as apostles of Christ we might have asserted our authority.

Legacy Standard Bible
nor seeking glory from men, either from you or from others, even though as apostles of Christ we could have been a burden to you.

Amplified Bible
nor did we seek glory and honor from people, neither from you nor from anyone else, though as apostles of Christ we had the power to assert our authority.

Christian Standard Bible
and we didn’t seek glory from people, either from you or from others.

Holman Christian Standard Bible
and we didn’t seek glory from people, either from you or from others.

American Standard Version
nor seeking glory of men, neither from you nor from others, when we might have claimed authority as apostles of Christ.

Contemporary English Version
We were not trying to get you or anyone else to praise us.

English Revised Version
nor seeking glory of men, neither from you, nor from others, when we might have been burdensome, as apostles of Christ.

GOD'S WORD® Translation
We didn't seek praise from people, from you or from anyone else,

Good News Translation
We did not try to get praise from anyone, either from you or from others,

International Standard Version
We did not seek praise from people—from you or from anyone else—

Majority Standard Bible
Nor did we seek praise from you or from anyone else, although as apostles of Christ we had authority to demand it.

NET Bible
nor to seek glory from people, either from you or from others,

New Heart English Bible
nor seeking glory from people (neither from you nor from others), when we might have claimed authority as apostles of Christ.

Webster's Bible Translation
Nor from men sought we glory, neither from you, nor yet from others, when we might have been burdensome, as the apostles of Christ.

Weymouth New Testament
nor did we seek glory either from you or from any other mere men, although we might have stood on our dignity as Christ's Apostles.

World English Bible
nor seeking glory from men (neither from you nor from others), when we might have claimed authority as apostles of Christ.
Literal Translations
Literal Standard Version
nor seeking glory from men, neither from you nor from others, being able to be burdensome, as Christ’s apostles.

Berean Literal Bible
nor seeking glory from men, nor from you, nor from others, though having authority with weight to be, as apostles of Christ.

Young's Literal Translation
nor seeking of men glory, neither from you nor from others, being able to be burdensome, as Christ's apostles.

Smith's Literal Translation
Neither seeking glory of men, nor of you, nor of others, being able to be in weight, as the sent of Christ.
Catholic Translations
Douay-Rheims Bible
Nor sought we glory of men, neither of you, nor of others.

Catholic Public Domain Version
Nor did we seek the glory of men, neither from you, nor from others.

New American Bible
nor did we seek praise from human beings, either from you or from others,

New Revised Standard Version
nor did we seek praise from mortals, whether from you or from others,
Translations from Aramaic
Lamsa Bible
And we have not sought support from men, neither from you, nor from others, when we could have been burdensome on you for our maintenance, as the apostles of Christ should be.

Aramaic Bible in Plain English
Neither do we seek glory from the children of men; not from you, neither from others, when we could have been honored as Apostles of The Messiah.
NT Translations
Anderson New Testament
nor did we seek glory from men, neither from you nor from others; though we could have been burdensome as the apostles of Christ.

Godbey New Testament
nor seeking glory from men, nor from you, nor from others, being able to be burdensome, as the apostles of Christ;

Haweis New Testament
not seeking glory from men, neither from you, nor from others, though we might have been burdensome, as apostles of Christ.

Mace New Testament
we never courted you nor any others, from an affectation of human applause, instead of making our apostolical character any ways expensive to you, as we might;

Weymouth New Testament
nor did we seek glory either from you or from any other mere men, although we might have stood on our dignity as Christ's Apostles.

Worrell New Testament
nor seeking glory of men, neither from you, nor from others; though able to be in authority, as apostles of Christ.

Worsley New Testament
nor sought we glory of men, neither of you, nor of others: though we might have expected maintenance, as the apostles of Christ.

Additional Translations ...
Audio Bible



Context
Paul's Ministry
5As you know, we never used words of flattery or any pretext for greed. God is our witness! 6Nor did we seek praise from you or from anyone else, although as apostles of Christ we had authority to demand it. 7On the contrary, we were gentle among you, like a nursing mother caring for her children.…

Cross References
Galatians 1:10
Am I now seeking the approval of men, or of God? Or am I striving to please men? If I were still trying to please men, I would not be a servant of Christ.

1 Corinthians 9:18
What then is my reward? That in preaching the gospel I may offer it free of charge, and so not use up my rights in preaching it.

2 Corinthians 4:5
For we do not proclaim ourselves, but Jesus Christ as Lord, and ourselves as your servants for Jesus’ sake.

John 5:41
I do not accept glory from men,

1 Corinthians 9:12
If others have this right to your support, shouldn’t we have it all the more? But we did not exercise this right. Instead, we put up with anything rather than hinder the gospel of Christ.

2 Corinthians 11:9
And when I was with you and in need, I was not a burden to anyone; for the brothers who came from Macedonia supplied my needs. I have refrained from being a burden to you in any way, and I will continue to do so.

Philippians 2:3
Do nothing out of selfish ambition or empty pride, but in humility consider others more important than yourselves.

1 Peter 5:2-3
Be shepherds of God’s flock that is among you, watching over them not out of compulsion, but willingly, as God would have you; not out of greed, but out of eagerness; / not lording it over those entrusted to you, but being examples to the flock.

Matthew 23:5-7
All their deeds are done for men to see. They broaden their phylacteries and lengthen their tassels. / They love the places of honor at banquets, the chief seats in the synagogues, / the greetings in the marketplaces, and the title of ‘Rabbi’ by which they are addressed.

John 12:43
For they loved praise from men more than praise from God.

2 Corinthians 12:14
See, I am ready to come to you a third time, and I will not be a burden, because I am not seeking your possessions, but you. For children should not have to save up for their parents, but parents for their children.

Acts 20:33
I have not coveted anyone’s silver or gold or clothing.

1 Corinthians 10:33
as I also try to please everyone in all I do. For I am not seeking my own good, but the good of many, that they may be saved.

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.

Romans 15:18
I will not presume to speak of anything except what Christ has accomplished through me in leading the Gentiles to obedience by word and deed,


Treasury of Scripture

Nor of men sought we glory, neither of you, nor yet of others, when we might have been burdensome, as the apostles of Christ.

of men.

Esther 1:4
When he shewed the riches of his glorious kingdom and the honour of his excellent majesty many days, even an hundred and fourscore days.

Esther 5:11
And Haman told them of the glory of his riches, and the multitude of his children, and all the things wherein the king had promoted him, and how he had advanced him above the princes and servants of the king.

Proverbs 25:27
It is not good to eat much honey: so for men to search their own glory is not glory.

when.

1 Thessalonians 2:9
For ye remember, brethren, our labour and travail: for labouring night and day, because we would not be chargeable unto any of you, we preached unto you the gospel of God.

1 Corinthians 9:4,6,12-18
Have we not power to eat and to drink? …

2 Corinthians 10:1,2,10,11
Now I Paul myself beseech you by the meekness and gentleness of Christ, who in presence am base among you, but being absent am bold toward you: …

been burdensome.

1 Corinthians 11:9
Neither was the man created for the woman; but the woman for the man.

1 Corinthians 12:13-15
For by one Spirit are we all baptized into one body, whether we be Jews or Gentiles, whether we be bond or free; and have been all made to drink into one Spirit…

1 Thessalonians 3:8,9
For now we live, if ye stand fast in the Lord…

as the.

1 Corinthians 9:1,2,4-6
Am I not an apostle? am I not free? have I not seen Jesus Christ our Lord? are not ye my work in the Lord? …

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Able Although Apostles Asserted Authority Burden Burdensome Care Charge Christ Christ's Claimed Demands Dignity Either Glory Mere Others Ourselves Praise Seek Seeking Sought Stood Whether
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Able Although Apostles Asserted Authority Burden Burdensome Care Charge Christ Christ's Claimed Demands Dignity Either Glory Mere Others Ourselves Praise Seek Seeking Sought Stood Whether
1 Thessalonians 2
1. In what manner the gospel was brought and preached to the Thessalonians.
18. A reason is rendered both why Paul was so long absent from them, and also so desirous to see them.














Nor did we seek praise
The phrase "Nor did we seek praise" reflects the apostolic humility and integrity that Paul and his companions maintained. The Greek word for "praise" here is "δόξα" (doxa), which can also mean glory or honor. In the Greco-Roman world, public recognition and honor were highly valued, yet Paul emphasizes that their mission was not driven by a desire for human accolades. This sets a standard for Christian leaders to prioritize God's approval over human recognition, aligning with Jesus' teaching in Matthew 6:1 about practicing righteousness for God's eyes, not for human applause.

from you or from anyone else
This phrase underscores the universality of their approach. Paul and his team were consistent in their conduct, whether among the Thessalonians or any other group. The Greek preposition "ἀπό" (apo) indicates separation, suggesting that their motivation was distinctly separate from seeking human approval. Historically, this reflects the early Christian commitment to authenticity and divine mission, contrasting with the itinerant philosophers and teachers of the time who often sought patronage and honor from their audiences.

although as apostles of Christ
The term "apostles" comes from the Greek "ἀπόστολοι" (apostoloi), meaning "sent ones." This title carries significant authority, as apostles were directly commissioned by Christ to spread the Gospel. The historical context reveals that apostles were foundational to the early Church, entrusted with teaching, leadership, and establishing Christian communities. Despite this high calling and authority, Paul emphasizes their choice to forgo demanding respect, highlighting a model of servant leadership that mirrors Christ's own humility (Philippians 2:5-8).

we had authority to demand it
The word "authority" is translated from the Greek "ἐξουσία" (exousia), which denotes power or the right to act. In the context of the early Church, apostles had the legitimate right to expect respect and support from the communities they served. However, Paul and his companions chose not to exercise this right, demonstrating a selfless commitment to the Gospel. This decision reflects a deeper theological principle that true authority in the Kingdom of God is exercised through service and love, as Jesus taught in Mark 10:42-45.

(6) Glory--i.e., recognition of our splendid position, as in the phrase "giving glory to God," i.e., "recognising Him for what He is," John 5:44. (Comp. John 12:43; Romans 2:29; 1Corinthians 4:5.)

Been burdensome.--The marginal reading is on the whole preferable. The original is, might have been in weight--i.e., "have dealt heavily with you," in all the pomp of apostolic dignity, making people acknowledge our "glory." Although, no doubt, one means of asserting their authority would have been to claim their maintenance from the Church (comp. 1Corinthians 9:1-6), more is meant than the mere obtaining of money. . . .

Verse 6. - Nor of (or, from) men sought we glory, neither of you, nor yet of others, when we might have been burdensome. These words admit of two meanings. The apostle may refer to his refusal to seek maintenance from the Thessalonians, and in this sense become a burden to them. But such a meaning does not suit the context; and besides: this refusal of maintenance is afterwards alluded to by the apostle. The reference here is not to maintenance, but to glory: we did not seek glory from you, when we might have been burdensome, when we might have done so. Hence the word is to be taken in the sense of honor, importance; when we might have claimed honor. As - in virtue of our character as - the apostles of Christ. Paul does not speak of himself alone, but he includes Silas and Timothy, and therefore the word "apostles" is to be taken, not in its restricted, but in its wider meaning.

Parallel Commentaries ...


Greek
Nor
οὔτε (oute)
Conjunction
Strong's 3777: And not, neither, nor. From ou and te; not too, i.e. Neither or nor; by analogy, not even.

did we seek
ζητοῦντες (zētountes)
Verb - Present Participle Active - Nominative Masculine Plural
Strong's 2212: To seek, search for, desire, require, demand. Of uncertain affinity; to seek; specially, to worship, or to plot.

praise
δόξαν (doxan)
Noun - Accusative Feminine Singular
Strong's 1391: From the base of dokeo; glory, in a wide application.

from
ἀφ’ (aph’)
Preposition
Strong's 575: From, away from. A primary particle; 'off, ' i.e. Away, in various senses.

you
ὑμῶν (hymōn)
Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Genitive 2nd Person Plural
Strong's 4771: You. The person pronoun of the second person singular; thou.

[or]
οὔτε (oute)
Conjunction
Strong's 3777: And not, neither, nor. From ou and te; not too, i.e. Neither or nor; by analogy, not even.

from
ἀπ’ (ap’)
Preposition
Strong's 575: From, away from. A primary particle; 'off, ' i.e. Away, in various senses.

anyone else,
ἄλλων (allōn)
Adjective - Genitive Masculine Plural
Strong's 243: Other, another (of more than two), different. A primary word; 'else, ' i.e. Different.

[although] as
ὡς (hōs)
Adverb
Strong's 5613: Probably adverb of comparative from hos; which how, i.e. In that manner.

apostles
ἀπόστολοι (apostoloi)
Noun - Nominative Masculine Plural
Strong's 652: From apostello; a delegate; specially, an ambassador of the Gospel; officially a commissioner of Christ.

of Christ
Χριστοῦ (Christou)
Noun - Genitive Masculine Singular
Strong's 5547: Anointed One; the Messiah, the Christ. From chrio; Anointed One, i.e. The Messiah, an epithet of Jesus.

we had authority
δυνάμενοι (dynamenoi)
Verb - Present Participle Middle or Passive - Nominative Masculine Plural
Strong's 1410: (a) I am powerful, have (the) power, (b) I am able, I can. Of uncertain affinity; to be able or possible.

to demand
βάρει (barei)
Noun - Dative Neuter Singular
Strong's 922: Probably from the same as basis; weight; in the New Testament only, figuratively, a load, abundance, authority.

[it].
ἐν (en)
Preposition
Strong's 1722: In, on, among. A primary preposition denoting position, and instrumentality, i.e. A relation of rest; 'in, ' at, on, by, etc.


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NT Letters: 1 Thessalonians 2:6 Nor seeking glory from men neither (1 Thess. 1 Thes. 1Th iTh i Th)
1 Thessalonians 2:5
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