1 Thessalonians 2:12
That ye would walk worthy of God, who hath called you unto his kingdom and glory.
Original Language Analysis
εἰς
That
G1519
εἰς
That
Strong's:
G1519
Word #:
1 of 16
to or into (indicating the point reached or entered), of place, time, or (figuratively) purpose (result, etc.); also in adverbial phrases
τὸ
G3588
τὸ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
2 of 16
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
περιπατῆσαι
would walk
G4043
περιπατῆσαι
would walk
Strong's:
G4043
Word #:
3 of 16
to tread all around, i.e., walk at large (especially as proof of ability); figuratively, to live, deport oneself, follow (as a companion or votary)
τοῦ
G3588
τοῦ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
6 of 16
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
θεοῦ
of God
G2316
θεοῦ
of God
Strong's:
G2316
Word #:
7 of 16
a deity, especially (with g3588) the supreme divinity; figuratively, a magistrate; exceedingly (by hebraism)
τοῦ
G3588
τοῦ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
8 of 16
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
καλοῦντος
who hath called
G2564
καλοῦντος
who hath called
Strong's:
G2564
Word #:
9 of 16
to "call" (properly, aloud, but used in a variety of applications, directly or otherwise)
εἰς
That
G1519
εἰς
That
Strong's:
G1519
Word #:
11 of 16
to or into (indicating the point reached or entered), of place, time, or (figuratively) purpose (result, etc.); also in adverbial phrases
τὴν
G3588
τὴν
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
12 of 16
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
ἑαυτοῦ
his
G1438
ἑαυτοῦ
his
Strong's:
G1438
Word #:
13 of 16
(him- her-, it-, them-, my-, thy-, our-, your-)self (selves), etc
βασιλείαν
kingdom
G932
βασιλείαν
kingdom
Strong's:
G932
Word #:
14 of 16
properly, royalty, i.e., (abstractly) rule, or (concretely) a realm (literally or figuratively)
Cross References
Ephesians 4:1I therefore, the prisoner of the Lord, beseech you that ye walk worthy of the vocation wherewith ye are called,1 John 2:6He that saith he abideth in him ought himself also so to walk, even as he walked.1 Thessalonians 4:12That ye may walk honestly toward them that are without, and that ye may have lack of nothing.1 Peter 5:10But the God of all grace, who hath called us unto his eternal glory by Christ Jesus, after that ye have suffered a while, make you perfect, stablish, strengthen, settle you.Colossians 1:10That ye might walk worthy of the Lord unto all pleasing, being fruitful in every good work, and increasing in the knowledge of God;Ephesians 5:8For ye were sometimes darkness, but now are ye light in the Lord: walk as children of light:1 Thessalonians 5:24Faithful is he that calleth you, who also will do it.Colossians 2:6As ye have therefore received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk ye in him:Ephesians 5:2And walk in love, as Christ also hath loved us, and hath given himself for us an offering and a sacrifice to God for a sweetsmelling savour.1 Corinthians 1:9God is faithful, by whom ye were called unto the fellowship of his Son Jesus Christ our Lord.
Historical Context
The language of 'kingdom' was politically charged in Thessalonica, where imperial cult was strong. The mob's accusation against Paul—'These all do contrary to the decrees of Caesar, saying that there is another king, one Jesus' (Acts 17:7)—revealed the political implications of gospel proclamation. Calling Jesus 'Lord' (Kyrios) competed with Caesar's claim to universal sovereignty. Paul's exhortation to 'walk worthy' of God's kingdom implicitly rejected Caesar's ultimate authority, teaching believers their primary citizenship was heavenly (Phil 3:20), making them resident aliens in Thessalonica.
Questions for Reflection
- How does 'walking worthy' differ from both lawless license and legalistic works-righteousness as responses to God's grace?
- In what specific ways does your daily conduct demonstrate citizenship in God's kingdom rather than conformity to worldly values?
- How does remembering your calling 'unto his kingdom and glory' motivate perseverance through present suffering or persecution?
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Analysis & Commentary
That ye would walk worthy of God, who hath called you unto his kingdom and glory—peripatein axiōs tou Theou (περιπατεῖν ἀξίως τοῦ Θεοῦ, 'to walk worthily of God') summarizes Christian ethics: conduct corresponding to identity. Peripatein (walk) indicates lifestyle, not isolated acts; axiōs (worthily) means 'in a manner weighing equally,' like balancing scales—behavior matching belief. Believers are called to reflect God's character through observable conduct. This isn't legalistic works-righteousness but grateful response: called by grace, we walk in holiness; justified freely, we live righteously; adopted as children, we honor our Father.
Who hath called you unto his kingdom and glory (tou kalountos hymas eis tēn heautou basileian kai doxan, τοῦ καλοῦντος ὑμᾶς εἰς τὴν ἑαυτοῦ βασιλείαν καὶ δόξαν)—the present participle 'calling' indicates continuous divine summons, not merely past conversion. God calls eis (into) His kingdom (present reign) and glory (future consummation). Walking worthy means living as kingdom citizens now, preparing for glory then. The Thessalonians faced persecution for rejecting Caesar's kingdom; Paul reminds them they belong to God's superior, eternal kingdom, making present suffering light compared to future glory (Rom 8:18).