1 Thessalonians 2:20
What does 1 Thessalonians 2:20 mean?
A plain-English look at 1 Thessalonians 2:20 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.
What 1 Thessalonians 2:20 means
Paul concludes, “For ye are our glory and our joy.” In the present, not only in the future, the Thessalonians are his boasting in the Lord and his delight. Their faith, love, and perseverance reflect the grace of God at work, and that sight fills him with gladness. This closes the defense of his motives and methods with a simple, heartfelt affirmation: he cherishes them. Whatever others say, his relationship to them is not transactional but familial and celebratory. The chapter thus ends with love’s testimony, pointing ahead to the day when that joy will be complete in the presence of the Lord Jesus at His coming.
Parallel translations
WEB
World English Bible · 2000For ye are our glory and our joy.
KJV
King James Version · 1611For ye are our glory and joy.
ASV
American Standard Version · 1901For ye are our glory and our joy.
BBE
Bible in Basic English · 1949For you are our glory and our joy.
YLT
Young's Literal Translation · 1862for ye are our glory and joy.
DRA
Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752For you are our glory and joy.
DBY
Darby Bible · 1890for ye are our glory and joy.
Context
Flowing from the hope of verse 19, verse 20 seals Paul’s affection with present-tense joy and honor in the Thessalonians. It concludes the chapter’s defense of authentic ministry by highlighting its fruit in loving relationships and enduring hope. The next chapter will continue with concern for their faith under trial and the sending of a helper, but chapter 2 closes with the note of deep personal joy rooted in Christ’s promised return.
v.19For what is our hope, or joy, or crown of glorying? Are not even ye, before our Lord Jesus at his coming?
v.20This passage
Cross references
Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.
- 2 Corinthians 1:14
as also ye did acknowledge us in part, that we are your glorying, even as ye also are ours, in the day of our Lord Jesus.
- 1 Corinthians 11:7
For a man indeed ought not to have his head veiled, forasmuch as he is the image and glory of God: but the woman is the glory of the man.
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