1 Thessalonians 2:17

But since we were taken away from you, believers, for a little while—in person, but not in heart—we endeavored, with great longing to see you face to face.

1 Corinthians 5:3

For I, though absent [from you] in body but present in spirit, have already passed judgment on him who has committed this [act], as if I were present.

Colossians 2:5

For even though I am absent [from you] in body, nevertheless I am with you in spirit, delighted to see your good discipline [as you stand shoulder to shoulder and form a solid front] and to see the stability of your faith in Christ [your steadfast reliance on Him and your unwavering confidence in His power, wisdom, and goodness].

Genesis 31:30

Now [I suppose] you felt you must go because you were homesick for your father’s house and family; but why did you steal my [household] gods?”

Genesis 45:28

And Israel (Jacob) said, “It is enough! Joseph my son is still alive. I will go and see him before I die.”

Genesis 48:11

Israel said to Joseph, “I never expected to see your face, but see, God has shown me your children as well.”

2 Samuel 13:39

And the heart of King David longed to go to Absalom; for he was comforted regarding Amnon, since he was dead.

2 Kings 5:26

Elisha said to him, “Did my heart not go with you, when the man turned from his chariot to meet you? Is it a [proper] time to accept money and clothing and olive orchards and vineyards and sheep and oxen and male and female servants?

Psalm 63:1

O God, You are my God; with deepest longing I will seek You;
My soul [my life, my very self] thirsts for You, my flesh longs and sighs for You,
In a dry and weary land where there is no water.

Luke 22:15

He said to them, “I have earnestly wanted to eat this Passover with you before I suffer;

Acts 17:10

The brothers immediately sent Paul and Silas away by night to Berea; and when they arrived, they entered the Jewish synagogue.

Romans 1:13

I do not want you to be unaware, brothers and sisters, that many times I have planned to come to you, (and have been prevented so far) so that I may have some fruit [of my labors] among you, even as I have among the rest of the Gentiles.

Romans 15:23

But now, with no further place for work in these regions, and since I have longed for many years to come to you—

Philippians 1:22-26

If, however, it is to be life here and I am to go on living, this will mean useful and productive service for me; so I do not know which to choose [if I am given that choice].

1 Thessalonians 3:6

But now that Timothy has come back to us from [his visit with] you, and has brought us good news of your [steadfast] faith and [the warmth of your] love, and [reported] that you always think kindly of us and treasure your memories of us, longing to see us just as we long to see you,

1 Thessalonians 3:10-11

We continue to pray night and day most earnestly that we may see you face to face, and may complete whatever may be imperfect and lacking in your faith.

Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Summary

But we, brethren, being taken from you for a short time in presence, not in heart, endeavoured the more abundantly to see your face with great desire.

Bible References

In presence

2 Kings 5:26
Elisha said to him, “Did my heart not go with you, when the man turned from his chariot to meet you? Is it a [proper] time to accept money and clothing and olive orchards and vineyards and sheep and oxen and male and female servants?
Acts 17:10
The brothers immediately sent Paul and Silas away by night to Berea; and when they arrived, they entered the Jewish synagogue.
1 Corinthians 5:3
For I, though absent [from you] in body but present in spirit, have already passed judgment on him who has committed this [act], as if I were present.
Colossians 2:5
For even though I am absent [from you] in body, nevertheless I am with you in spirit, delighted to see your good discipline [as you stand shoulder to shoulder and form a solid front] and to see the stability of your faith in Christ [your steadfast reliance on Him and your unwavering confidence in His power, wisdom, and goodness].

Endeavoured

1 Thessalonians 3:6
But now that Timothy has come back to us from [his visit with] you, and has brought us good news of your [steadfast] faith and [the warmth of your] love, and [reported] that you always think kindly of us and treasure your memories of us, longing to see us just as we long to see you,
Genesis 31:30
Now [I suppose] you felt you must go because you were homesick for your father’s house and family; but why did you steal my [household] gods?”
Genesis 45:28
And Israel (Jacob) said, “It is enough! Joseph my son is still alive. I will go and see him before I die.”
Genesis 48:11
Israel said to Joseph, “I never expected to see your face, but see, God has shown me your children as well.”
2 Samuel 13:39
And the heart of King David longed to go to Absalom; for he was comforted regarding Amnon, since he was dead.
Psalm 63:1
O God, You are my God; with deepest longing I will seek You;
My soul [my life, my very self] thirsts for You, my flesh longs and sighs for You,
In a dry and weary land where there is no water.
Luke 22:15
He said to them, “I have earnestly wanted to eat this Passover with you before I suffer;
Romans 1:13
I do not want you to be unaware, brothers and sisters, that many times I have planned to come to you, (and have been prevented so far) so that I may have some fruit [of my labors] among you, even as I have among the rest of the Gentiles.
Romans 15:23
But now, with no further place for work in these regions, and since I have longed for many years to come to you—
Philippians 1:22
If, however, it is to be life here and I am to go on living, this will mean useful and productive service for me; so I do not know which to choose [if I am given that choice].