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A labour of love

1 Thessalonians 1:3
Remembering without ceasing your work of faith, and labour of love, and patience of hope in our Lord Jesus Christ.
Read in Context

Modern Meaning

What Does “A labour of love” Mean?

Work done out of devotion rather than obligation.

Biblical Origin

Where Does This Phrase Come From?

Paul praised the Thessalonian church for their work motivated by love rather than duty. The KJV's phrasing "labour of love" entered English as a way to describe any effort undertaken for passion rather than pay.

The phrase appears in 1 Thessalonians 1:3 in the King James Version of the Bible, first published in 1611.

Usage Today

How Is It Used Today?

Describes a project done out of passion. "Restoring the old house was a real labour of love."

The KJV Verse

1 Thessalonians 1:3

Remembering without ceasing your work of faith, and labour of love, and patience of hope in our Lord Jesus Christ.

Read 1 Thessalonians 1:3 with commentary →

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