2 Thessalonians 1:4
What does 2 Thessalonians 1:4 mean?
A plain-English look at 2 Thessalonians 1:4 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.
What 2 Thessalonians 1:4 means
Paul says he boasts about the Thessalonians among other churches of God because of their patience and faith in all their persecutions and afflictions. His boasting is not pride in human ability but praise of God’s work made visible in them. “Patience and faith” describe a steadfast, trusting endurance—not resigning to fate, but clinging to God under pressure. Their trials are neither hidden nor minimized; the apostle openly acknowledges the cost of following Christ in Thessalonica. By commending them publicly, Paul both honors their witness and strengthens other congregations who face similar opposition, showing that suffering for Christ can be met with Spirit-given perseverance.
Parallel translations
WEB
World English Bible · 2000so that we ourselves glory in you in the churches of God for your patience and faith in all your persecutions and in the afflictions which ye endure;
KJV
King James Version · 1611So 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:
ASV
American Standard Version · 1901so that we ourselves glory in you in the churches of God for your patience and faith in all your persecutions and in the afflictions which ye endure;
BBE
Bible in Basic English · 1949So that we ourselves take pride in you in the churches of God for your untroubled mind and your faith in all the troubles and sorrows which you are going through;
YLT
Young's Literal Translation · 1862so that we ourselves do glory in you in the assemblies of God, for your endurance and faith in all your persecutions and tribulations that ye bear;
DRA
Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752So that we ourselves also glory in you in the churches of God, for your patience and faith, and in all your persecutions and tribulations: which you endure
DBY
Darby Bible · 1890so that we ourselves make our boast in you in the assemblies ofGod for your endurance and faith in all your persecutions and tribulations, which ye are sustaining;
Context
This verse follows the thanksgiving of verse 3 and gives its practical proof: their growing faith and love have been forged in real hardship. It anticipates verse 5, where Paul interprets their endurance as a sign of God’s righteous judgment. From there, the chapter will turn to God’s future action—repaying afflictors and granting rest to the afflicted when Jesus is revealed (verses 6–7). Thus, verse 4 serves as the hinge between present endurance and the coming explanation of divine justice.
v.3We are bound to give thanks to God always for you, brethren, even as it is meet, for that your faith groweth exceedingly, and the love of each one of you all toward one another aboundeth;
v.4This passage
v.5which is a manifest token of the righteous judgment of God; to the end that ye may be counted worthy of the kingdom of God, for which ye also suffer:
Cross references
Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.
- Romans 8:25
But if we hope for that which we see not, then do we with patience wait for it.
- 2 Corinthians 9:2
for I know your readiness, of which I glory on your behalf to them of Macedonia, that Achaia hath been prepared for a year past; and your zeal hath stirred up very many of them.
- 1 Thessalonians 3:2
and sent Timothy, our brother and God’s minister in the gospel of Christ, to establish you, and to comfort you concerning your faith;
- 1 Corinthians 7:17
Only, as the Lord hath distributed to each man, as God hath called each, so let him walk. And so ordain I in all the churches.
- Hebrews 10:36
For ye have need of patience, that, having done the will of God, ye may receive the promise.
- 1 Thessalonians 2:19
For what is our hope, or joy, or crown of glorying? Are not even ye, before our Lord Jesus at his coming?
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