1 Thessalonians 5:3-5

New English Translation

Footnotes

1. 1 Thessalonians 5:3 tc ‡ δέ (de, “now”) is found in א² B D 0226 6 1505 1739 1881 2464 al, but lacking in א* A F G 33 it. γάρ (gar, “for”) is the reading of the Byzantine text and a few other witnesses (Ψ 0278 1175 1241 M al). Although normally the shorter reading is to be preferred, the external evidence is superior for δέ (being found in the somewhat better Alexandrian and Western witnesses). What, then, is to explain the γάρ? Scribes were prone to replace δέ with γάρ, especially in sentences suggesting a causal or explanatory idea, thus making the point more explicit. Internally, the omission of δέ looks unintentional, a case of homoioarcton (otandelegwsin). Although a decision is difficult, in this instance δέ has the best credentials for authenticity.
2. 1 Thessalonians 5:3 tn Grk “peace and security,” with “there is” understood in the Greek construction.
3. 1 Thessalonians 5:3 tn Grk a singular “birth pain.”
4. 1 Thessalonians 5:4 tn Grk “brothers.” See note on the phrase “brothers and sisters” in 1:4.