The Meaning of 2 Thessalonians 1:11 Explained

2 Thessalonians 1:11

KJV: 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:

YLT: for which also we do pray always for you, that our God may count you worthy of the calling, and may fulfil all the good pleasure of goodness, and the work of the faith in power,

Darby: To which end we also pray always for you, that our God may count you worthy of the calling, and fulfil all the good pleasure of his goodness and the work of faith with power,

ASV: To which end we also pray always for you, that our God may count you worthy of your calling, and fulfil every desire of goodness and every work of faith, with power;

KJV Reverse Interlinear

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: 

What does 2 Thessalonians 1:11 Mean?

Context Summary

2 Thessalonians 1:1-12 - Faithful Through Faith In A Righteous God
Notice the remarkable couplets of this chapter. Grace and peace, 2 Thessalonians 1:2; faith and love, 2 Thessalonians 1:3; faith and patience, 2 Thessalonians 1:4; tribulation for those who trouble, and rest for those who are troubled, 2 Thessalonians 1:6-7; know not, obey not, 2 Thessalonians 1:8; the presence of the Lord, the glory of His power, 2 Thessalonians 1:9; glorified and admired, 2 Thessalonians 1:10; the good pleasure of His goodness and the work of faith, 2 Thessalonians 1:11. Like mirrors that face each other, these words flash back and forth their depths of sacred significance.
What marvelous scenes the future conceals for believers!-such as rest for the weary, palms of victory for the defeated, glory for the name and cause of Christ, and, above all, the revelation of that dear Presence with which we have been so constantly in touch. But how inexpressibly awful and terrible, on the other hand, the fate of the willful rejecters of the love of God!
The final prayer has always been highly prized by God's people. If they shall ever be worthy of their high calling, it is for Him to make them so. His being glorified and admired in His saints is not a far-off event, but one within the possibilities of the present hour; and the name of Jesus may be magnified here and now in us, as it will be finally and more perfectly. Compare II Thessalon ians 1:10, 12. [source]

Chapter Summary: 2 Thessalonians 1

1  Paul certifies the Thessalonians of the good opinion which he had of their faith, love, and patience;
11  and therewithal uses various reasons for the comforting of them in persecution

Greek Commentary for 2 Thessalonians 1:11

To which end [εις ο]
So Colossians 1:29. Probably purpose with reference to the contents of 2 Thessalonians 1:5-10. We have had the Thanksgiving (2 Thessalonians 1:3-10) in a long, complicated, but rich period or sentence. Now he makes a brief Prayer (2 Thessalonians 1:11-12) that God will fulfil all their hopes and endeavours. Paul and his colleagues can still pray for them though no longer with them (Moffatt). [source]
That [ινα]
Common after προσευχομαι — proseuchomai (Colossians 4:3; Ephesians 1:17; Philemon 1:9) when the content of the prayer blends with the purpose (purport and purpose). Count you worthy (υμας αχιωσηι — humas axiōsēi). Causative verb (aorist active subjunctive) like καταχιοω — kataxioō in 2 Thessalonians 1:5 with genitive. Of your calling Κλησις — Klēsis can apply to the beginning as in 1 Corinthians 1:26; Romans 11:29, but it can also apply to the final issue as in Philemon 3:14; Hebrews 3:1. Both ideas may be here. It is God‘s calling of the Thessalonians. And fulfil every desire of goodness (και πληρωσηι πασαν ευδοκιαν αγατωσυνης — kai plērōsēi pasan eudokian agathōsunēs). “Whom he counts worthy he first makes worthy” (Lillie). Yes, in purpose, but the wonder and the glory of it all is that God begins to count us worthy in Christ before the process is completed in Christ (Romans 8:29.). But God will see it through and so Paul prays to God. Ευδοκια — Eudokia (cf. Luke 2:14) is more than mere desire, rather good pleasure, God‘s purpose of goodness, not in ancient Greek, only in lxx and N.T. Αγατωσυνη — Agathōsunē like a dozen other words in συνη — ̇sunē occurs only in late Greek. This word occurs only in lxx, N.T., writings based on them. It is made from αγατος — agathos good, akin to αγαμαι — agamai to admire. May the Thessalonians find delight in goodness, a worthy and pertinent prayer. Work of faith The same phrase in 1 Thessalonians 1:3. Paul prays for rich fruition of what he had seen in the beginning. Work marked by faith, springs from faith, sustained by faith. With power (εν δυναμει — en dunamei). In power. Connect with πληρωσηι — plērōsēi (fulfil), God‘s power (Romans 1:29; Colossians 1:4) in Christ (1 Corinthians 1:24) through the Holy Spirit (1 Thessalonians 1:5). [source]
Count you worthy [υμας αχιωσηι]
Causative verb (aorist active subjunctive) like καταχιοω — kataxioō in 2 Thessalonians 1:5 with genitive. [source]
Of your calling [της κλησεως]
Κλησις — Klēsis can apply to the beginning as in 1 Corinthians 1:26; Romans 11:29, but it can also apply to the final issue as in Philemon 3:14; Hebrews 3:1. Both ideas may be here. It is God‘s calling of the Thessalonians. And fulfil every desire of goodness (και πληρωσηι πασαν ευδοκιαν αγατωσυνης — kai plērōsēi pasan eudokian agathōsunēs). “Whom he counts worthy he first makes worthy” (Lillie). Yes, in purpose, but the wonder and the glory of it all is that God begins to count us worthy in Christ before the process is completed in Christ (Romans 8:29.). But God will see it through and so Paul prays to God. Ευδοκια — Eudokia (cf. Luke 2:14) is more than mere desire, rather good pleasure, God‘s purpose of goodness, not in ancient Greek, only in lxx and N.T. Αγατωσυνη — Agathōsunē like a dozen other words in συνη — ̇sunē occurs only in late Greek. This word occurs only in lxx, N.T., writings based on them. It is made from αγατος — agathos good, akin to αγαμαι — agamai to admire. May the Thessalonians find delight in goodness, a worthy and pertinent prayer. Work of faith The same phrase in 1 Thessalonians 1:3. Paul prays for rich fruition of what he had seen in the beginning. Work marked by faith, springs from faith, sustained by faith. With power (εν δυναμει — en dunamei). In power. Connect with πληρωσηι — plērōsēi (fulfil), God‘s power (Romans 1:29; Colossians 1:4) in Christ (1 Corinthians 1:24) through the Holy Spirit (1 Thessalonians 1:5). [source]
And fulfil every desire of goodness [και πληρωσηι πασαν ευδοκιαν αγατωσυνης]
“Whom he counts worthy he first makes worthy” (Lillie). Yes, in purpose, but the wonder and the glory of it all is that God begins to count us worthy in Christ before the process is completed in Christ (Romans 8:29.). But God will see it through and so Paul prays to God. Ευδοκια — Eudokia (cf. Luke 2:14) is more than mere desire, rather good pleasure, God‘s purpose of goodness, not in ancient Greek, only in lxx and N.T. Αγατωσυνη — Agathōsunē like a dozen other words in συνη — ̇sunē occurs only in late Greek. This word occurs only in lxx, N.T., writings based on them. It is made from αγατος — agathos good, akin to αγαμαι — agamai to admire. May the Thessalonians find delight in goodness, a worthy and pertinent prayer. [source]
Work of faith [εργον πιστεως]
The same phrase in 1 Thessalonians 1:3. Paul prays for rich fruition of what he had seen in the beginning. Work marked by faith, springs from faith, sustained by faith. With power (εν δυναμει — en dunamei). In power. Connect with πληρωσηι — plērōsēi (fulfil), God‘s power (Romans 1:29; Colossians 1:4) in Christ (1 Corinthians 1:24) through the Holy Spirit (1 Thessalonians 1:5). [source]
With power [εν δυναμει]
In power. Connect with πληρωσηι — plērōsēi (fulfil), God‘s power (Romans 1:29; Colossians 1:4) in Christ (1 Corinthians 1:24) through the Holy Spirit (1 Thessalonians 1:5). [source]
Wherefore [εἰς ὃ]
Better, to which end. Comp. Colossians 1:29. The end is, “that ye may be counted worthy of the kingdom of God,” 2 Thessalonians 1:5. The same thought is continued in 2 Thessalonians 1:11. [source]
Count - worthy [ἀξιώσῃ]
Comp. 1 Timothy 5:17; Hebrews 3:3; Hebrews 10:29. [source]
Your calling [τῆς κλήσεως]
Including both the act and the end of the Christian calling. Comp. Philemon 3:14; 1 Thessalonians 2:12; Ephesians 4:1. [source]
All the good pleasure of his goodness [πᾶσαν εὐδοκίαν ἀγαθωσύνης]
Wrong. Paul does not mean all the goodness which God is pleased to bestow, but the delight of the Thessalonians in goodness. He prays that God may perfect their pleasure in goodness. So Weizsäcker, die Freude an allem Guten. The Rev. desire for εὐδοκίαν is infelicitous, and lacks support. Ἁγαθωσύνη goodness(P. see on Romans 3:19) is never predicated of God in N.T. In lxx, see Nehemiah 9:25, Nehemiah 9:35. Ἑυδοκία goodpleasure, delight, is a purely Biblical word. As related to one's self, it means contentment, satisfaction: see Song of Solomon 3:4; 16:12. As related to others, good will, benevolence. Luke href="/desk/?q=lu+10:21&sr=1">Luke 10:21, Ephesians 1:5, Ephesians 1:9; Philemon 1:15; Philemon 2:13; Ps. of Song of Solomon 8:39. [source]

Reverse Greek Commentary Search for 2 Thessalonians 1:11

Romans 10:1 My heart's desire [ἡ εὐδοκία τῆς ἐμῆς καρδίας]
More literally, the good will of my heart. See on Luke 2:14. Compare Philemon 1:15; Philemon 2:13; Ephesians 1:5, Ephesians 1:9; 2 Thessalonians 1:11. [source]
Romans 10:1 Desire [ευδοκια]
No papyri examples of this word, though ευδοκησις — eudokēsis occurs, only in lxx and N.T., but no example for “desire” unless this is one, though the verb ευδοκεω — eudokeō is common in Polybius, Diodorus, Dion, Hal. It means will, pleasure, satisfaction (Matthew 11:26; 2 Thessalonians 1:11; Philemon 1:15; Philemon 2:13; Ephesians 1:5, Ephesians 1:9). [source]
Romans 15:14 Full of goodness [μεστοι αγατοσυνης]
See note on 2 Thessalonians 1:11; Galatians 5:22 for this lxx and Pauline word (in ecclesiastical writers also) made from the adjective αγατος — agathos good, by adding -συνη — sunē (common ending for words like δικαιοσυνη — dikaiosunē). See Romans 1:29 for μεστος — mestos with genitive and πεπληρωμενοι — peplērōmenoi (perfect passive participle of πληροω — plēroō as here), but there with instrumental case after it instead of the genitive. Paul gives the Roman Christians (chiefly Gentiles) high praise. The “all knowledge” is not to be pressed too literally, “our Christian knowledge in its entirety” (Sanday and Headlam). To admonish (νουτετειν — nouthetein). To put in mind (from νουτετης — nouthetēs and this from νους — nous and τιτημι — tithēmi). See note on 1 Thessalonians 5:12, 1 Thessalonians 5:14. “Is it laying too much stress on the language of compliment to suggest that these words give a hint of St. Paul‘s aim in this Epistle?” (Sanday and Headlam). The strategic position of the church in Rome made it a great centre for radiating and echoing the gospel over the world as Thessalonica did for Macedonia (1 Thessalonians 1:8). [source]
Galatians 1:15 It pleased [εὐδόκησεν]
See on εὐδοκία goodpleasure, 2 Thessalonians 1:11. [source]
Galatians 5:22 Love [αγαπη]
Late, almost Biblical word. First as in 1 Corinthians 13:1-13, which see for discussion as superior to πιλια — philia and ερως — erōs Joy (χαρα — chara). Old word. See note on 1 Thessalonians 1:6. Peace See note on 1 Thessalonians 1:1. Long-suffering (makrothumia). See 2 Corinthians 6:6. Kindness See 2 Corinthians 6:6. Goodness (μακροτυμια — agathōsunē). See note on 2 Thessalonians 1:11. Faithfulness Same word as “faith.” See Matthew 23:23; 1 Corinthians 13:7, 1 Corinthians 13:13. Meekness (prautēs). See 1 Corinthians 4:21; note on 2 Corinthians 10:1.Temperance See Acts 24:25. Old word from egkratēs one holding control or holding in. In N.T. only in these passages and 2 Peter 1:6. Paul has a better list than the four cardinal virtues of the Stoics (temperance, prudence, fortitude, justice), though they are included with better notes struck. Temperance is alike, but kindness is better than justice, long-suffering than fortitude, love than prudence. [source]
Galatians 5:22 Peace [eirēnē)]
See note on 1 Thessalonians 1:1. Long-suffering (makrothumia). See 2 Corinthians 6:6. Kindness See 2 Corinthians 6:6. Goodness (μακροτυμια — agathōsunē). See note on 2 Thessalonians 1:11. Faithfulness Same word as “faith.” See Matthew 23:23; 1 Corinthians 13:7, 1 Corinthians 13:13. Meekness (prautēs). See 1 Corinthians 4:21; note on 2 Corinthians 10:1.Temperance See Acts 24:25. Old word from egkratēs one holding control or holding in. In N.T. only in these passages and 2 Peter 1:6. Paul has a better list than the four cardinal virtues of the Stoics (temperance, prudence, fortitude, justice), though they are included with better notes struck. Temperance is alike, but kindness is better than justice, long-suffering than fortitude, love than prudence. [source]
Galatians 5:22 Kindness [ειρηνη]
See 2 Corinthians 6:6. Goodness (μακροτυμια — agathōsunē). See note on 2 Thessalonians 1:11. Faithfulness Same word as “faith.” See Matthew 23:23; 1 Corinthians 13:7, 1 Corinthians 13:13. Meekness (prautēs). See 1 Corinthians 4:21; note on 2 Corinthians 10:1.Temperance See Acts 24:25. Old word from egkratēs one holding control or holding in. In N.T. only in these passages and 2 Peter 1:6. Paul has a better list than the four cardinal virtues of the Stoics (temperance, prudence, fortitude, justice), though they are included with better notes struck. Temperance is alike, but kindness is better than justice, long-suffering than fortitude, love than prudence. [source]
Galatians 5:22 Goodness [μακροτυμια]
See note on 2 Thessalonians 1:11. [source]
Ephesians 5:9 Goodness [αγατοσυνηι]
Late and rare word from αγατος — agathos See note on 2 Thessalonians 1:11; Galatians 5:22. [source]
2 Thessalonians 1:11 Wherefore [εἰς ὃ]
Better, to which end. Comp. Colossians 1:29. The end is, “that ye may be counted worthy of the kingdom of God,” 2 Thessalonians 1:5. The same thought is continued in 2 Thessalonians 1:11. [source]
2 Thessalonians 1:11 To which end [εις ο]
So Colossians 1:29. Probably purpose with reference to the contents of 2 Thessalonians 1:5-10. We have had the Thanksgiving (2 Thessalonians 1:3-10) in a long, complicated, but rich period or sentence. Now he makes a brief Prayer (2 Thessalonians 1:11-12) that God will fulfil all their hopes and endeavours. Paul and his colleagues can still pray for them though no longer with them (Moffatt). [source]
2 Thessalonians 1:12 That [οπως]
Rare with Paul compared with ινα — hina (1 Corinthians 1:29; 2 Corinthians 8:14). Perhaps here for variety (dependent on ινα — hina clause in 2 Thessalonians 1:11). [source]
1 Timothy 5:17 Let be counted worthy [αχιουστωσαν]
Present passive imperative of αχιοω — axioō to deem worthy (2 Thessalonians 1:11). With genitive case here. Of double honour (διπλης τιμης — diplēs timēs). Old and common contract adjective (διπλοος — diploos two-fold, in opposition to απλοος — haploos single fold). But why “of double honour”? See note on 1 Timothy 6:1 for “of all honour.” White suggests “remuneration” rather than “honour” for τιμης — timēs (a common use for price or pay). Liddon proposes “honorarium” (both honour and pay and so “double”). Wetstein gives numerous examples of soldiers receiving double pay for unusual services. Some suggest twice the pay given the enrolled widows. Especially those who labour in word and teaching Either those who work hard or toil (usual meaning of κοπιαω — kopiaō 2 Timothy 2:6) in preaching and teaching (most probable meaning. See 1 Timothy 5:18) or those who teach and preach and not merely preside (a doubtful distinction in “elders” at this time). See Titus 1:8. See both κοπιαω — kopiaō and προισταμαι — proistamai used for same men (elders) in 1 Thessalonians 5:12 and the use of κοπιαω — kopiaō in 1 Corinthians 15:10; 1 Corinthians 16:16. [source]

What do the individual words in 2 Thessalonians 1:11 mean?

for which also we pray always for you that you He may count worthy of the calling of the God of us and He may fulfill every good pleasure of goodness work of faith with power
Εἰς καὶ προσευχόμεθα πάντοτε περὶ ὑμῶν ἵνα ὑμᾶς ἀξιώσῃ τῆς κλήσεως Θεὸς ἡμῶν καὶ πληρώσῃ πᾶσαν εὐδοκίαν ἀγαθωσύνης ἔργον πίστεως ἐν δυνάμει

καὶ  also 
Parse: Conjunction
Root: καί  
Sense: and, also, even, indeed, but.
προσευχόμεθα  we  pray 
Parse: Verb, Present Indicative Middle or Passive, 1st Person Plural
Root: προσεύχομαι  
Sense: to offer prayers, to pray.
πάντοτε  always 
Parse: Adverb
Root: πάντοτε  
Sense: at all times, always, ever.
ἵνα  that 
Parse: Conjunction
Root: ἵνα  
Sense: that, in order that, so that.
ἀξιώσῃ  He  may  count  worthy 
Parse: Verb, Aorist Subjunctive Active, 3rd Person Singular
Root: ἀξιόω  
Sense: to think meet, fit, right.
τῆς  of  the 
Parse: Article, Genitive Feminine Singular
Root:  
Sense: this, that, these, etc.
κλήσεως  calling 
Parse: Noun, Genitive Feminine Singular
Root: κλῆσις  
Sense: a calling, calling to.
  of  the 
Parse: Article, Nominative Masculine Singular
Root:  
Sense: this, that, these, etc.
Θεὸς  God 
Parse: Noun, Nominative Masculine Singular
Root: θεός  
Sense: a god or goddess, a general name of deities or divinities.
ἡμῶν  of  us 
Parse: Personal / Possessive Pronoun, Genitive 1st Person Plural
Root: ἐγώ  
Sense: I, me, my.
πληρώσῃ  He  may  fulfill 
Parse: Verb, Aorist Subjunctive Active, 3rd Person Singular
Root: πληρόω  
Sense: to make full, to fill up, i.e. to fill to the full.
πᾶσαν  every 
Parse: Adjective, Accusative Feminine Singular
Root: πᾶς  
Sense: individually.
εὐδοκίαν  good  pleasure 
Parse: Noun, Accusative Feminine Singular
Root: εὐδοκία  
Sense: will, choice.
ἀγαθωσύνης  of  goodness 
Parse: Noun, Genitive Feminine Singular
Root: ἀγαθωσύνη  
Sense: uprightness of heart and life, goodness, kindness.
ἔργον  work 
Parse: Noun, Accusative Neuter Singular
Root: ἔργον  
Sense: business, employment, that which any one is occupied.
πίστεως  of  faith 
Parse: Noun, Genitive Feminine Singular
Root: πίστις  
Sense: conviction of the truth of anything, belief; in the NT of a conviction or belief respecting man’s relationship to God and divine things, generally with the included idea of trust and holy fervour born of faith and joined with it.
δυνάμει  power 
Parse: Noun, Dative Feminine Singular
Root: δύναμις  
Sense: strength power, ability.