2 Thessalonians 1:5
What does 2 Thessalonians 1:5 mean?
A plain-English look at 2 Thessalonians 1:5 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.
What 2 Thessalonians 1:5 means
Their steadfastness under trial, Paul says, is a clear indication of God’s righteous judgment at work. It shows that God is not indifferent but is using affliction to fit them for His reign, so that they may be counted worthy of the kingdom of God—for which they are presently suffering. “Counted worthy” does not mean they earn the kingdom by pain; rather, their perseverance demonstrates and refines the reality of God’s call in them. Suffering for the kingdom aligns them with the pattern of Christ and His people. Seen this way, trials become meaningful: they point to God’s verdict that will one day be openly declared.
Parallel translations
WEB
World English Bible · 2000which 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:
KJV
King James Version · 1611Which 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:
ASV
American Standard Version · 1901which 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:
BBE
Bible in Basic English · 1949Which is a clear sign of the decision which God in his righteousness has made; to give you a part in his kingdom, for which you have undergone this pain;
YLT
Young's Literal Translation · 1862a token of the righteous judgment of God, for your being counted worthy of the reign of God, for which also ye suffer,
DRA
Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752For an example of the just judgment of God, that you may be counted worthy of the kingdom of God, for which also you suffer.
DBY
Darby Bible · 1890a manifest token of the righteous judgment ofGod, to the end that ye should be counted worthy of the kingdom ofGod, for the sake of which ye also suffer;
Context
After praising their endurance (verse 4), Paul now interprets it theologically. This sets up the explicit description of God’s retributive justice in verses 6–8 and the final outcome in verses 9–10. The reader needs this frame to avoid despair: present suffering is not random but related to the kingdom they belong to. What follows will detail how God will repay those who afflict and how He will grant rest to the afflicted at the revelation of the Lord Jesus.
Cross references
Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.
- Acts 14:22
confirming the souls of the disciples, exhorting them to continue in the faith, and that through many tribulations we must enter into the kingdom of God.
- Luke 21:36
But watch ye at every season, making supplication, that ye may prevail to escape all these things that shall come to pass, and to stand before the Son of man.
- Psalms 72:2
He will judge thy people with righteousness, And thy poor with justice.
- Revelation 3:4
But thou hast a few names in Sardis that did not defile their garments: and they shall walk with me in white; for they are worthy.
- Revelation 16:7
And I heard the altar saying, Yea, O Lord God, the Almighty, true and righteous are thy judgments.
- Colossians 1:12
giving thanks unto the Father, who made us meet to be partakers of the inheritance of the saints in light;
Related questions readers ask
Keep reading
Want to dig deeper? Explore 2 Thessalonians 1
Hand-picked devotionals, topical studies, and pastoral answers that draw on 2 Thessalonians 1.
Topics that quote it
Topic
Bible Verses About Hell
The Bible consistently teaches that hell is a real place of eternal conscious punishment for those who reject God.
Topic
Bible Verses About Burnout
Scripture offers solace and guidance for those experiencing burnout, encouraging rest, renewed hope, and reliance on God.
Topic
Bible Verses About Election
The Bible teaches that God, according to His sovereign will and grace, chooses individuals for salvation and service.
What the Bible says about…