The expression for a short time
is a combination of two phrases—for a time
and for an hour
—each of which indicate a short time. By combining these phrases, Paul emphasized the limited duration of the separation.1 His basis for saying that the separation was short may be the fact that Timothy had already been able to visit the Thessalonians;2 more probably (since he speaks in such personal terms in this passage) he was indicating that he expected to be able to return to them before long.3
17 But since we were torn away from you, brothers, for a short time, in person not in heart, we endeavored the more eagerly and with great desire to see you face to face,