1 Thessalonians 3:9

For what thanks can we render to God again for you "Again" belongs to the verb "render;" and "thanks" is strictly "thanksgiving." So we may translate, more freely: what due return of thanksgiving can we make to God? The Apostle puts this question in proof of the strong declaration he has made in 1 Thessalonians 3:8. He says: "The news that Timothy brings from you is new life to me, so much so that I can find no words sufficient to express my gratitude to God for the abounding joy which now fills my heart in thinking of you."

The same verb, to render due return(one word in Greek), is employed in a very different connection in 2 Thessalonians 1:6.

for all the joy wherewith we joy for your sakes More exactly, because of you, or on your account. Observe the emphasis of delight with which the Apostle dwells on "you;" he repeats the pronoun eight times in the last four verses.

before our God comp. 1 Thessalonians 3:13, and ch. 1 Thessalonians 1:3. Godwas the witness of this exceeding joy, which strove in vain to find expression in fit words of praise.

The condition of alarm and depression which St Paul had previously experienced made this rebound of joy the more vivid. Only those who have suffered much know joy in its full capacity, "as dying, and behold we live! as sorrowing, but ever rejoicing" (2 Corinthians 6:9-10).