1 Thessalonians 3

we were pleased
The translation here is “pleased” rather than “well-pleased” in order to preserve consistency in rendering the Greek verb εὐδοκέω (eudokeō) in various contexts. In contexts where it refers to God, it is usually rendered as “well-pleased,” and in contexts where it refers to people, as here, it is often rendered something like “pleased.” Thus, Paul is reflecting how he was pleased to remain away from the Thessalonians for their spiritual well-being considering the persecution due to his presence in Thessalonica (2:14–20), even though he longed to be with them, and therefore decided to send Timothy to minister to them (v.2).

shaken
“Shaken” translates the Greek verb σαίνω (sainō), which at its root meaning refers to wagging a tail (with reference to dogs). But used in the passive voice (as it is here), it refers to being “upset” or “shaken.” Thus, Paul explains here that Timothy was sent to the Thessalonians so that they would not be shaken by afflictions, but rather encouraged in the midst of their afflictions by a faithful brother.

just as it happened and as you know
The Greek phrase καθὼς καὶ ἐγένετο καὶ οἴδατε (kathōs kai egeneto kai oidate) is most literally captured in the rendering “just as it happened and as you know.” This rendering gives the most precise window into the Greek text by maintaining the word order and representing the και (kai) which is seen in “and.” Paul is here grounding the certainty of what happened merely in that it happened, but also in their own knowledge and understanding. This shows the accuracy by which Paul spoke, and thus validating his apostleship and concern for this church, and viz., every church.

to know
While some translations read “to find out” for the verb γινώσκω ( ginōskō), this translation renders it as “to know.” The term γινώσκω (ginōskō) is fundamentally “to know,” and therefore, such a translation most literally reflects the Greek text. Had Paul wanted to communicate the idea of “finding out,” he could have used a term like εὑρίσκω (heuriskō), which means “to find” or “to search” (See BDAG on εὑρίσκω). Paul was not merely wanting to “find out” about their faith during affliction, but rather he wanted, indeed needed, “to know” that they were still walking in the faith.

because of you
The phrase “because of you” is a clearer and more literal rendering of the Greek construction διʼ ὑμᾶς (di’ hymas) than something like “on your account.” Paul is stating the reason or cause of his rejoicing. He is rejoicing because of them, encouraged by their faith and steadfastness in the Lord.

strengthen
Rather than rendering the Greek verb στηρίζω (stērizō) as something like “establish” or “enlarge,” this translation renders it as “strengthen.” This helps readers see this verb when it appears in both letters to the Thessalonians (1 Thess 3:2; here; 2 Thess 2:17; 3:3), and even in the rest of the New Testament wherever contextually possible. Though the verb can denote the idea of “establishing,” it also speaks to causing someone to be “inwardly firm” or “committed” (see BDAG on στηρίζω). This latter sense is certainly what Paul has in mind for the Thessalonian believers, and thus “strengthen” clearly carries this idea. This level of consistency helps the reader clearly track Paul’s argument and theology through both letters to the Thessalonians.

blameless
This translation opts for “blameless” rather than “without blame” in order to render the single Greek word with a single English word, thus refraining from adding words that do not appear in the original whenever possible. Likewise, “blameless” maintains a clear and faithful representation of Paul’s intention here with as few English words as possible in order to precisely represent the Greek.