King James Version

What Does 1 Thessalonians 2:6 Mean?

1 Thessalonians 2:6 in the King James Version says “Nor of men sought we glory, neither of you, nor yet of others, when we might have been burdensome , as the apostles of C...” — study this verse from 1 Thessalonians chapter 2 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

“Nor of men sought we glory, neither of you, nor yet of others, when we might have been burdensome , as the apostles of Christ. been: or, used authority”

1 Thessalonians 2:6 · KJV

Context

4

But as we were allowed of God to be put in trust with the gospel, even so we speak; not as pleasing men, but God, which trieth our hearts.

5

For neither at any time used we flattering words , as ye know, nor a cloke of covetousness; God is witness:

6

Nor of men sought we glory, neither of you, nor yet of others, when we might have been burdensome , as the apostles of Christ. been: or, used authority

7

But we were gentle among you, even as a nurse cherisheth her children:

8

So being affectionately desirous of you, we were willing to have imparted unto you, not the gospel of God only, but also our own souls, because ye were dear unto us.

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Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Nor of men sought we glory, neither of you, nor yet of others—zētountes ex anthrōpōn doxan (ζητοῦντες ἐξ ἀνθρώπων δόξαν, 'seeking glory from people') describes the fundamental temptation in ministry: using service for self-promotion. Paul didn't seek doxa (glory/honor/reputation) from the Thessalonians ('neither of you') or other churches ('nor yet of others'). This comprehensive denial covers all potential human glory sources. Ministry performed for human recognition corrupts motives, distorts methods, and produces pride rather than Christ-exalting service.

When we might have been burdensome, as the apostles of Christ—en barei einai (ἐν βάρει εἶναι, 'to be in weight/burden') means asserting authority or demanding financial support. As apostoloi Christou (ἀπόστολοι Χριστοῦ, 'apostles of Christ'), Paul, Silvanus, and Timothy had legitimate authority to expect support (1 Cor 9:4-14). Yet they voluntarily relinquished this right to remove any obstacle to the gospel (1 Cor 9:12). True spiritual authority serves rather than demands, gives rather than takes, and seeks God's glory, not human applause.

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Historical & Cultural Context

Ancient convention expected communities to support resident teachers. Philosophers received stipends; religious leaders lived from temple revenues. Paul had apostolic authority to demand support yet chose voluntary poverty to eliminate any suggestion of mercenary motives. This self-denial contrasted sharply with traveling sophists who demanded high fees and arrogantly asserted authority. Paul's humility validated his apostolic claims more powerfully than asserting rights would have. The Thessalonians witnessed authority exercised through servant-leadership, not domineering control.

Reflection Questions

  1. What evidence reveals whether you seek glory from people or from God alone in your Christian service?
  2. How does voluntarily relinquishing legitimate rights for gospel advancement differ from either demanding rights or resenting restrictions?
  3. In what ways does contemporary church leadership demonstrate (or fail to demonstrate) Paul's pattern of servant-authority?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 18 words
οὔτε1 of 18

“Nor”

G3777

not too, i.e., neither or nor; by analogy, not even

ζητοῦντες2 of 18

“sought”

G2212

to seek (literally or figuratively); specially, (by hebraism) to worship (god), or (in a bad sense) to plot (against life)

ἐξ3 of 18

“of”

G1537

a primary preposition denoting origin (the point whence action or motion proceeds), from, out (of place, time, or cause literal or figurative; direct

ἀνθρώπων4 of 18

“men”

G444

man-faced, i.e., a human being

δόξαν5 of 18

“we glory”

G1391

glory (as very apparent), in a wide application (literal or figurative, objective or subjective)

οὔτε6 of 18

“Nor”

G3777

not too, i.e., neither or nor; by analogy, not even

ἀπ'7 of 18

“of”

G575

"off," i.e., away (from something near), in various senses (of place, time, or relation; literal or figurative)

ὑμῶν8 of 18

“you”

G5216

of (from or concerning) you

οὔτε9 of 18

“Nor”

G3777

not too, i.e., neither or nor; by analogy, not even

ἀπ'10 of 18

“of”

G575

"off," i.e., away (from something near), in various senses (of place, time, or relation; literal or figurative)

ἄλλων11 of 18

“others”

G243

"else," i.e., different (in many applications)

δυνάμενοι12 of 18

“when we might”

G1410

to be able or possible

ἐν13 of 18

“burdensome”

G1722

"in," at, (up-)on, by, etc

βάρει14 of 18
G922

weight; in the new testament only, figuratively, a load, abundance, authority

εἶναι15 of 18

“have been”

G1511

to exist

ὥς16 of 18

“as”

G5613

which how, i.e., in that manner (very variously used, as follows)

Χριστοῦ17 of 18

“of Christ”

G5547

anointed, i.e., the messiah, an epithet of jesus

ἀπόστολοι18 of 18

“the apostles”

G652

a delegate; specially, an ambassador of the gospel; officially a commissioner of christ ("apostle") (with miraculous powers)

Study Guide

Historical Context

This verse is found in the book of 1 Thessalonians. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.

Theological Significance

1 Thessalonians 2:6 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

Cross-References

Verses related to 1 Thessalonians 2:6 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Galatians 1:101 Thessalonians 2:9John 5:44Philemon 1:8-9John 5:412 Corinthians 10:1-2

Test Your Knowledge

1 Thessalonians 2 QuizTest your knowledge of this chapter1 Thessalonians Book QuizComprehensive quiz for the entire book

Continue Your Study

Read 1 Thessalonians 2 with CommentaryAll 1 Thessalonians ChaptersComplete 1 Thessalonians QuizBible CharactersNave's Topical BibleAll Bible Quizzes