2 Thessalonians 1:4
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:
Original Language Analysis
ὥστε
So
G5620
ὥστε
So
Strong's:
G5620
Word #:
1 of 27
so too, i.e., thus therefore (in various relations of consecution, as follow)
αὐτοὺς
ourselves
G846
αὐτοὺς
ourselves
Strong's:
G846
Word #:
3 of 27
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
ταῖς
G3588
ταῖς
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
8 of 27
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
ἐκκλησίαις
the churches
G1577
ἐκκλησίαις
the churches
Strong's:
G1577
Word #:
9 of 27
a calling out, i.e., (concretely) a popular meeting, especially a religious congregation (jewish synagogue, or christian community of members on earth
τοῦ
G3588
τοῦ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
10 of 27
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
θεοῦ
of God
G2316
θεοῦ
of God
Strong's:
G2316
Word #:
11 of 27
a deity, especially (with g3588) the supreme divinity; figuratively, a magistrate; exceedingly (by hebraism)
ὑπὲρ
for
G5228
ὑπὲρ
for
Strong's:
G5228
Word #:
12 of 27
"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
τῆς
G3588
τῆς
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
13 of 27
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
καὶ
and
G2532
καὶ
and
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
16 of 27
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
πίστεως
faith
G4102
πίστεως
faith
Strong's:
G4102
Word #:
17 of 27
persuasion, i.e., credence; moral conviction (of religious truth, or the truthfulness of god or a religious teacher), especially reliance upon christ
τοῖς
G3588
τοῖς
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
20 of 27
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
καὶ
and
G2532
καὶ
and
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
23 of 27
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
ταῖς
G3588
ταῖς
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
24 of 27
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
Cross References
Hebrews 10:36For ye have need of patience, that, after ye have done the will of God, ye might receive the promise.1 Thessalonians 2:14For ye, brethren, became followers of the churches of God which in Judaea are in Christ Jesus: for ye also have suffered like things of your own countrymen, even as they have of the Jews:1 Thessalonians 2:19For what is our hope, or joy, or crown of rejoicing? Are not even ye in the presence of our Lord Jesus Christ at his coming?2 Corinthians 7:14For if I have boasted any thing to him of you, I am not ashamed; but as we spake all things to you in truth, even so our boasting, which I made before Titus, is found a truth.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;Revelation 14:12Here is the patience of the saints: here are they that keep the commandments of God, and the faith of Jesus.1 Corinthians 7:17But as God hath distributed to every man, as the Lord hath called every one, so let him walk. And so ordain I in all churches.
Historical Context
The Roman Empire tolerated many religions but demanded ultimate allegiance to Caesar. Christians' refusal to participate in emperor worship, civic festivals, and trade guild ceremonies marked them as subversive. Economic boycotts, social ostracism, and mob violence were common consequences.
Questions for Reflection
- How does your faith hold up under pressure compared to when circumstances are comfortable?
- What would Paul boast about regarding your church if he visited today?
- Are you willing to endure social and economic loss for Christ, or only mild inconvenience?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
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—Paul boasts (enkauchaometha, ἐγκαυχώμεθα) about them to other congregations. Their hypomonē (ὑπομονή, endurance/patience) and pistis (πίστις, faith) shine through all your persecutions (diōgmois, διωγμοῖς, active pursuit by enemies) and tribulations (thlipsesin, θλίψεσιν, crushing pressures).
The present tense ye endure (anechesthe, ἀνέχεσθε) indicates ongoing suffering, not past trials. Faith isn't theoretical belief but active trust in God amid real danger. Paul elevates their example to encourage other churches—suffering believers are the church's crown jewels, not its failures.