King James Version

What Does 2 Thessalonians 1:4 Mean?

2 Thessalonians 1:4 in the King James Version says “So that we ourselves glory in you in the churches of God for your patience and faith in all your persecutions and tribul... — study this verse from 2 Thessalonians chapter 1 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

So that we ourselves glory in you in the churches of God for your patience and faith in all your persecutions and tribulations that ye endure:

2 Thessalonians 1:4 · KJV


Context

2

Grace unto you, and peace, from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.

3

We are bound to thank God always for you, brethren, as it is meet, because that your faith groweth exceedingly, and the charity of every one of you all toward each other aboundeth;

4

So that we ourselves glory in you in the churches of God for your patience and faith in all your persecutions and tribulations that ye endure:

5

Which is a manifest token of the righteous judgment of God, that ye may be counted worthy of the kingdom of God, for which ye also suffer:

6

Seeing it is a righteous thing with God to recompense tribulation to them that trouble you;


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
So that we ourselves glory in you in the churches of God for your patience and faith in all your persecutions and tribulations that ye endure—Paul boasts (enkauchaometha, ἐγκαυχώμεθα) about them to other congregations. Their hypomonē (ὑπομονή, endurance/patience) and pistis (πίστις, faith) shine through all your persecutions (diōgmois, διωγμοῖς, active pursuit by enemies) and tribulations (thlipsesin, θλίψεσιν, crushing pressures).

The present tense ye endure (anechesthe, ἀνέχεσθε) indicates ongoing suffering, not past trials. Faith isn't theoretical belief but active trust in God amid real danger. Paul elevates their example to encourage other churches—suffering believers are the church's crown jewels, not its failures.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

The Roman Empire tolerated many religions but demanded ultimate allegiance to Caesar. Christians' refusal to participate in emperor worship, civic festivals, and trade guild ceremonies marked them as subversive. Economic boycotts, social ostracism, and mob violence were common consequences.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does your faith hold up under pressure compared to when circumstances are comfortable?
  2. What would Paul boast about regarding your church if he visited today?
  3. Are you willing to endure social and economic loss for Christ, or only mild inconvenience?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 27 words
ὥστε1 of 27

So

G5620

so too, i.e., thus therefore (in various relations of consecution, as follow)

ἡμᾶς2 of 27

that we

G2248

us

αὐτοὺς3 of 27

ourselves

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

ἐν4 of 27

in

G1722

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

ὑμῖν5 of 27

you

G5213

to (with or by) you

καυχᾶσθαι6 of 27

glory

G2744

to vaunt (in a good or a bad sense)

ἐν7 of 27

in

G1722

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

ταῖς8 of 27
G3588

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

ἐκκλησίαις9 of 27

the churches

G1577

a calling out, i.e., (concretely) a popular meeting, especially a religious congregation (jewish synagogue, or christian community of members on earth

τοῦ10 of 27
G3588

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

θεοῦ11 of 27

of God

G2316

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

ὑπὲρ12 of 27

for

G5228

"over", i.e., (with the genitive case) of place, above, beyond, across, or causal, for the sake of, instead, regarding; with the accusative case super

τῆς13 of 27
G3588

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

ὑπομονῆς14 of 27

patience

G5281

cheerful (or hopeful) endurance, constancy

ὑμῶν15 of 27

your

G5216

of (from or concerning) you

καὶ16 of 27

and

G2532

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

πίστεως17 of 27

faith

G4102

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

ἐν18 of 27

in

G1722

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

πᾶσιν19 of 27

all

G3956

all, any, every, the whole

τοῖς20 of 27
G3588

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

διωγμοῖς21 of 27

persecutions

G1375

persecution

ὑμῶν22 of 27

your

G5216

of (from or concerning) you

καὶ23 of 27

and

G2532

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

ταῖς24 of 27
G3588

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

θλίψεσιν25 of 27

tribulations

G2347

pressure (literally or figuratively)

αἷς26 of 27

that

G3739

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

ἀνέχεσθε27 of 27

ye endure

G430

to hold oneself up against, i.e., (figuratively) put up with


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 1:4 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 1:4 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Test Your Knowledge

Continue Your Study