King James Version

What Does 2 Thessalonians 1:5 Mean?

2 Thessalonians 1:5 in the King James Version says “Which is a manifest token of the righteous judgment of God, that ye may be counted worthy of the kingdom of God, for whi... — study this verse from 2 Thessalonians chapter 1 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

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:

2 Thessalonians 1:5 · KJV


Context

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;

7

And to you who are troubled rest with us, when the Lord Jesus shall be revealed from heaven with his mighty angels, his: Gr. the angels of his power


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
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—their perseverance is endeigma (ἔνδειγμα, evidence/proof) of God's righteous judgment (dikaias kriseōs, δικαίας κρίσεως). God deems them worthy (kataxiōthēnai, καταξιωθῆναι, counted worthy) of His kingdom precisely because they suffer for which (hyper, ὑπέρ, on behalf of) that kingdom.

This isn't works-righteousness but evidence of genuine faith. Those who inherit the kingdom prove themselves through costly discipleship. God's judgment is righteous because He vindicates sufferers and punishes persecutors (vv. 6-9). Present suffering guarantees future glory for believers.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

Jewish theology taught that tribulation preceded Messiah's kingdom (the 'birth pangs of the Messiah'). Paul reframes this: Christians' current suffering is the pathway to kingdom inheritance, not evidence of God's disfavor. Persecution authenticates rather than disqualifies believers.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does suffering for righteousness prove the genuineness of your faith?
  2. What kingdom-oriented goal would you endure persecution to see accomplished?
  3. How does the promise of being 'counted worthy' differ from earning salvation by works?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 18 words
ἔνδειγμα1 of 18

Which is a manifest token

G1730

an indication (concretely)

τῆς2 of 18
G3588

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

δικαίας3 of 18

of the righteous

G1342

equitable (in character or act); by implication, innocent, holy (absolutely or relatively)

κρίσεως4 of 18

judgment

G2920

decision (subjectively or objectively, for or against); by extension, a tribunal; by implication, justice (especially, divine law)

τοῦ5 of 18
G3588

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

θεοῦ6 of 18

of God

G2316

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

εἰς7 of 18

that

G1519

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

τὸ8 of 18
G3588

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

καταξιωθῆναι9 of 18

may be counted worthy

G2661

to deem entirely deserving

ὑμᾶς10 of 18

ye

G5209

you (as the objective of a verb or preposition)

τῆς11 of 18
G3588

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

βασιλείας12 of 18

of the kingdom

G932

properly, royalty, i.e., (abstractly) rule, or (concretely) a realm (literally or figuratively)

τοῦ13 of 18
G3588

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

θεοῦ14 of 18

of God

G2316

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

ὑπὲρ15 of 18

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

ἧς16 of 18

which

G3739

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

καὶ17 of 18

also

G2532

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

πάσχετε18 of 18

suffer

G3958

to experience a sensation or impression (usually painful)


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 1:5 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 1:5 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Test Your Knowledge

Continue Your Study