2 Thessalonians 1:4

Authorized King James Version

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:

Word-by-Word Analysis

ὥστε

G5620

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

ἡμᾶς

G2248

that we

αὐτοὺς

G846

ourselves

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

ἐν

G1722

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

ὑμῖν

G5213

you

to (with or by) you

καυχᾶσθαι

G2744

glory

to vaunt (in a good or a bad sense)

ἐν

G1722

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

ταῖς

G3588

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

ἐκκλησίαις

G1577

the churches

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

#10

τοῦ

G3588

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

#11

θεοῦ

G2316

of God

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

#12

ὑπὲρ

G5228

for

"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

#13

τῆς

G3588

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

#14

ὑπομονῆς

G5281

patience

cheerful (or hopeful) endurance, constancy

#15

ὑμῶν

G5216

your

of (from or concerning) you

#16

καὶ

G2532

and

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

#17

πίστεως

G4102

faith

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

#18

ἐν

G1722

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

#19

πᾶσιν

G3956

all

all, any, every, the whole

#20

τοῖς

G3588

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

#21

διωγμοῖς

G1375

persecutions

persecution

#22

ὑμῶν

G5216

your

of (from or concerning) you

#23

καὶ

G2532

and

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

#24

ταῖς

G3588

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

#25

θλίψεσιν

G2347

tribulations

pressure (literally or figuratively)

#26

αἷς

G3739

that

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

#27

ἀνέχεσθε

G430

ye endure

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

Analysis

This verse develops the salvation theme central to 2 Thessalonians. The concept of faith reflects the development of salvation within biblical theology. The divine name or title here functions within biblical literature contributing to the canon's theological witness to establish theological authority and covenantal relationship. The original language emphasizes pistis in Greek, encompassing both belief and faithfulness, providing deeper understanding of the author's theological intention.

Historical Context

This passage must be understood within the political and social structures of the biblical period. The author writes to address believers seeking to understand God's will and purposes, making the emphasis on salvation particularly relevant. Historical documents from this period show cultural practices and social structures that would have been familiar to the original readers, illuminating the verse's original impact.

Questions for Reflection

How does this passage contribute to our understanding of from physical deliverance in the Old Testament to spiritual redemption in the New, and what implications does this have for Christian discipleship?
In what ways does understanding faith in its original context challenge or deepen contemporary Christian thinking about salvation?
In what ways does this verse's emphasis on faith address religious pluralism and questions about the necessity of Christ, and how should the church respond?