King James Version

What Does 2 Thessalonians 1:11 Mean?

2 Thessalonians 1:11 in the King James Version says “Wherefore also we pray always for you, that our God would count you worthy of this calling, and fulfil all the good plea... — study this verse from 2 Thessalonians chapter 1 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

Wherefore also we pray always for you, that our God would count you worthy of this calling, and fulfil all the good pleasure of his goodness, and the work of faith with power: count: or, vouchsafe

2 Thessalonians 1:11 · KJV


Context

9

Who shall be punished with everlasting destruction from the presence of the Lord, and from the glory of his power;

10

When he shall come to be glorified in his saints, and to be admired in all them that believe (because our testimony among you was believed) in that day.

11

Wherefore also we pray always for you, that our God would count you worthy of this calling, and fulfil all the good pleasure of his goodness, and the work of faith with power: count: or, vouchsafe

12

That the name of our Lord Jesus Christ may be glorified in you, and ye in him, according to the grace of our God and the Lord Jesus Christ.


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Wherefore also we pray always for you, that our God would count you worthy of this calling, and fulfil all the good pleasure of his goodness, and the work of faith with powerWherefore connects prayer to eschatological hope. Paul prays God would count you worthy (axiōsē, ἀξιώσῃ, deem worthy) of this calling (klēseōs, κλήσεως)—not earning worthiness but living consistently with divine election.

Fulfil all the good pleasure of his goodness (eudokian agathōsynēs, εὐδοκίαν ἀγαθωσύνης)—God's sovereign delight in doing good to His people. The work of faith with power (ergon pisteōs en dynamei, ἔργον πίστεως ἐν δυνάμει) shows faith produces works through divine power. God both initiates the calling and completes the transformation. Prayer acknowledges human dependence on divine enablement.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

Ancient patronage systems required clients to live worthy of their benefactor's name. Paul uses this cultural framework: God has chosen believers as His clients; they must honor His reputation. Unlike human patrons, God supplies the power to fulfill expectations He sets.

Reflection Questions

  1. What specific 'good pleasure' is God working to fulfill in your life right now?
  2. How does God both demand worthy living and supply the power to achieve it?
  3. What 'work of faith' are you attempting in your own strength rather than God's power?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 25 words
εἰς1 of 25

Wherefore

G1519

to or into (indicating the point reached or entered), of place, time, or (figuratively) purpose (result, etc.); also in adverbial phrases

2 of 25
G3739

the relatively (sometimes demonstrative) pronoun, who, which, what, that

καὶ3 of 25

also

G2532

and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words

προσευχόμεθα4 of 25

we pray

G4336

to pray to god, i.e., supplicate, worship

πάντοτε5 of 25

always

G3842

every when, i.e., at all times

περὶ6 of 25

for

G4012

properly, through (all over), i.e., around; figuratively with respect to; used in various applications, of place, cause or time (with the genitive cas

ὑμῶν7 of 25

you

G5216

of (from or concerning) you

ἵνα8 of 25

that

G2443

in order that (denoting the purpose or the result)

ὑμᾶς9 of 25

you

G5209

you (as the objective of a verb or preposition)

ἀξιώσῃ10 of 25

worthy

G515

to deem entitled or fit

τῆς11 of 25
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

κλήσεως12 of 25

of this calling

G2821

an invitation (figuratively)

13 of 25
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

θεὸς14 of 25

God

G2316

a deity, especially (with g3588) the supreme divinity; figuratively, a magistrate; exceedingly (by hebraism)

ἡμῶν15 of 25

our

G2257

of (or from) us

καὶ16 of 25

also

G2532

and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words

πληρώσῃ17 of 25

fulfil

G4137

to make replete, i.e., (literally) to cram (a net), level up (a hollow), or (figuratively) to furnish (or imbue, diffuse, influence), satisfy, execute

πᾶσαν18 of 25

all

G3956

all, any, every, the whole

εὐδοκίαν19 of 25

the good pleasure

G2107

satisfaction, i.e., (subjectively) delight, or (objectively) kindness, wish, purpose

ἀγαθωσύνης20 of 25

of his goodness

G19

goodness, i.e., virtue or beneficence

καὶ21 of 25

also

G2532

and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words

ἔργον22 of 25

the work

G2041

toil (as an effort or occupation); by implication, an act

πίστεως23 of 25

of faith

G4102

persuasion, i.e., credence; moral conviction (of religious truth, or the truthfulness of god or a religious teacher), especially reliance upon christ

ἐν24 of 25

with

G1722

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

δυνάμει25 of 25

power

G1411

force (literally or figuratively); specially, miraculous power (usually by implication, a miracle itself)


Study Guide

Historical Context

This verse is found in the book of 2 Thessalonians. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.

Theological Significance

2 Thessalonians 1:11 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 2 Thessalonians 1:11 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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