King James Version

What Does 2 Thessalonians 1:12 Mean?

2 Thessalonians 1:12 in the King James Version says “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...” — study this verse from 2 Thessalonians chapter 1 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

“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.”

2 Thessalonians 1:12 · KJV

Grace

Context

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.

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Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
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—the purpose of worthy living: mutual glorification. The name (representing Christ's character) is glorified in you when believers reflect His nature. Simultaneously, ye in him are glorified—caught up into His splendor.

This reciprocal glory comes according to the grace (kata tēn charin, κατὰ τὴν χάριν)—unmerited favor is both source and standard. The single article governs our God and the Lord Jesus Christ (tou Theou hēmōn kai Kyriou Iēsou Christou, τοῦ Θεοῦ ἡμῶν καὶ Κυρίου Ἰησοῦ Χριστοῦ), a grammatical construction (Granville Sharp rule) indicating shared deity. Grace flows from the one divine essence.

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Historical & Cultural Context

Names in the ancient world carried weight—bearing someone's name meant representing their authority. Christians were called 'the name' (Acts 5:41), identifying them completely with Christ. To glorify Christ's name meant vindicating His reputation through holy living in hostile environments.

Reflection Questions

  1. How specifically does your life bring glory or shame to Christ's name?
  2. What does it mean for believers to be glorified 'in Christ' rather than independently?
  3. How does recognizing grace as the source of transformation prevent legalism?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 25 words
ὅπως1 of 25

“That”

G3704

what(-ever) how, i.e., in the manner that (as adverb or conjunction of coincidence, intentional or actual)

ἐνδοξασθῇ2 of 25

“may be glorified”

G1740

to glorify

τὸ3 of 25
G3588

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

ὄνομα4 of 25

“the name”

G3686

a "name" (literally or figuratively) (authority, character)

τοῦ5 of 25
G3588

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

κυρίου6 of 25

“Lord”

G2962

supreme in authority, i.e., (as noun) controller; by implication, master (as a respectful title)

ἡμῶν7 of 25

“of our”

G2257

of (or from) us

Ἰησοῦ8 of 25

“Jesus”

G2424

jesus (i.e., jehoshua), the name of our lord and two (three) other israelites

Χριστοῦ9 of 25

“Christ”

G5547

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

ἐν10 of 25

“in”

G1722

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

ὑμῖν11 of 25

“you”

G5213

to (with or by) you

καὶ12 of 25

“and”

G2532

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

ὑμεῖς13 of 25

“ye”

G5210

you (as subjective of verb)

ἐν14 of 25

“in”

G1722

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

αὐτῷ15 of 25

“him”

G846

the reflexive pronoun self, used (alone or in the comparative g1438) of the third person, and (with the proper personal pronoun) of the other persons

κατὰ16 of 25

“according to”

G2596

(prepositionally) down (in place or time), in varied relations (according to the case (genitive, dative or accusative) with which it is joined)

τὴν17 of 25
G3588

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

χάριν18 of 25

“the grace”

G5485

graciousness (as gratifying), of manner or act (abstract or concrete; literal, figurative or spiritual; especially the divine influence upon the heart

τοῦ19 of 25
G3588

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

θεοῦ20 of 25

“God”

G2316

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

ἡμῶν21 of 25

“of our”

G2257

of (or from) us

καὶ22 of 25

“and”

G2532

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

κυρίου23 of 25

“Lord”

G2962

supreme in authority, i.e., (as noun) controller; by implication, master (as a respectful title)

Ἰησοῦ24 of 25

“Jesus”

G2424

jesus (i.e., jehoshua), the name of our lord and two (three) other israelites

Χριστοῦ25 of 25

“Christ”

G5547

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

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 1:12 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 1:12 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

2 Thessalonians 1:101 Peter 4:14John 17:102 Corinthians 13:42 Corinthians 8:9Revelation 1:4

Test Your Knowledge

2 Thessalonians 1 QuizTest your knowledge of this chapter2 Thessalonians Book QuizComprehensive quiz for the entire book

Continue Your Study

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