2 Thessalonians 1:11
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:
Original Language Analysis
εἰς
Wherefore
G1519
εἰς
Wherefore
Strong's:
G1519
Word #:
1 of 25
to or into (indicating the point reached or entered), of place, time, or (figuratively) purpose (result, etc.); also in adverbial phrases
ὃ
G3739
ὃ
Strong's:
G3739
Word #:
2 of 25
the relatively (sometimes demonstrative) pronoun, who, which, what, that
καὶ
also
G2532
καὶ
also
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
3 of 25
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
περὶ
for
G4012
περὶ
for
Strong's:
G4012
Word #:
6 of 25
properly, through (all over), i.e., around; figuratively with respect to; used in various applications, of place, cause or time (with the genitive cas
τῆς
G3588
τῆς
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
11 of 25
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
ὁ
G3588
ὁ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
13 of 25
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
θεὸς
God
G2316
θεὸς
God
Strong's:
G2316
Word #:
14 of 25
a deity, especially (with g3588) the supreme divinity; figuratively, a magistrate; exceedingly (by hebraism)
καὶ
also
G2532
καὶ
also
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
16 of 25
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
πληρώσῃ
fulfil
G4137
πληρώσῃ
fulfil
Strong's:
G4137
Word #:
17 of 25
to make replete, i.e., (literally) to cram (a net), level up (a hollow), or (figuratively) to furnish (or imbue, diffuse, influence), satisfy, execute
εὐδοκίαν
the good pleasure
G2107
εὐδοκίαν
the good pleasure
Strong's:
G2107
Word #:
19 of 25
satisfaction, i.e., (subjectively) delight, or (objectively) kindness, wish, purpose
καὶ
also
G2532
καὶ
also
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
21 of 25
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
ἔργον
the work
G2041
ἔργον
the work
Strong's:
G2041
Word #:
22 of 25
toil (as an effort or occupation); by implication, an act
Cross References
Philippians 2:13For it is God which worketh in you both to will and to do of his good pleasure.1 Thessalonians 1:3Remembering without ceasing your work of faith, and labour of love, and patience of hope in our Lord Jesus Christ, in the sight of God and our Father;2 Thessalonians 1:5Which 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:Hebrews 12:2Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith; who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God.2 Thessalonians 2:14Whereunto he called you by our gospel, to the obtaining of the glory of our Lord Jesus Christ.Psalms 51:18Do good in thy good pleasure unto Zion: build thou the walls of Jerusalem.Psalms 138:8The LORD will perfect that which concerneth me: thy mercy, O LORD, endureth for ever: forsake not the works of thine own hands.Ephesians 1:5Having predestinated us unto the adoption of children by Jesus Christ to himself, according to the good pleasure of his will,Romans 8:30Moreover whom he did predestinate, them he also called: and whom he called, them he also justified: and whom he justified, them he also glorified.Luke 12:32Fear not, little flock; for it is your Father's good pleasure to give you the kingdom.
Historical Context
Ancient patronage systems required clients to live worthy of their benefactor's name. Paul uses this cultural framework: God has chosen believers as His clients; they must honor His reputation. Unlike human patrons, God supplies the power to fulfill expectations He sets.
Questions for Reflection
- What specific 'good pleasure' is God working to fulfill in your life right now?
- How does God both demand worthy living and supply the power to achieve it?
- What 'work of faith' are you attempting in your own strength rather than God's power?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
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—Wherefore connects prayer to eschatological hope. Paul prays God would count you worthy (axiōsē, ἀξιώσῃ, deem worthy) of this calling (klēseōs, κλήσεως)—not earning worthiness but living consistently with divine election.
Fulfil all the good pleasure of his goodness (eudokian agathōsynēs, εὐδοκίαν ἀγαθωσύνης)—God's sovereign delight in doing good to His people. The work of faith with power (ergon pisteōs en dynamei, ἔργον πίστεως ἐν δυνάμει) shows faith produces works through divine power. God both initiates the calling and completes the transformation. Prayer acknowledges human dependence on divine enablement.