Wherefore also we pray always for you, that our God would count you worthy of this calling, and fulfil all the good pleasure of his goodness, and the work of faith with power:

2 THESSALONIANS 1:11KJV
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2 Thessalonians 1:11 (KJV)

What does 2 Thessalonians 1:11 mean?

2 Thessalonians 1:11 means that Paul and his companions are constantly praying for the Thessalonian believers, asking God to consider them worthy of their calling and to bring about every good desire and act of faith in their lives with His power. The verse highlights the hope that God will actively help the believers live out their faith in a way that pleases Him.

Paul is writing to the church in Thessalonica, encouraging them as they face challenges and persecution. He assures them that he is praying for God to work in their lives, not just so they can endure, but so they can fulfill the purpose God has for them. The focus is on God's role in making their faith effective and fruitful.

The Greek behind 2 Thessalonians 1:11

  • "Worthy" (ἀξιόω, axioō): This word means to be considered fit or deserving. Paul is not saying the believers earn their calling, but that God would see them as living up to what He has called them to be.
  • "Calling" (κλῆσις, klēsis): This refers to God's invitation or summons to a new life in Christ. Paul wants them to be seen as living in a way that matches this high calling.
  • "Fulfil" (πληρόω, plēroō): The sense here is to bring to completion or to make full. Paul is praying that God would bring to completion every good intention and act of faith among the believers.
  • "Goodness" (ἀγαθωσύνη, agathōsynē): This word points to moral goodness or uprightness, emphasizing that the good things Paul prays for are rooted in God's own character.

Why 2 Thessalonians 1:11 matters

  • This verse clarifies that living a life worthy of God's calling is not about human effort alone, but about God's ongoing work and power in a believer's life.
  • It shows that Paul’s prayers for the Thessalonians are not just for their comfort, but for their spiritual growth and effectiveness in faith.
  • The verse connects to the wider passage by showing that the hope of being counted worthy and fruitful is grounded in God's action, not just in the believers' own strength.

Where else these words appear

“goodness” Greek G19 · used in 4 verses

  • Romans 15:14 And I myself also am persuaded of you, my brethren, that ye also are full of goodness, filled with all knowledge, able also to admonish one another.
  • Galatians 5:22 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith,
  • Ephesians 5:9 (For the fruit of the Spirit is in all goodness and righteousness and truth;)

“count” Greek G515 · used in 7 verses

  • Luke 7:7 Wherefore neither thought I myself worthy to come unto thee: but say in a word, and my servant shall be healed.
  • Acts 28:22 But we desire to hear of thee what thou thinkest: for as concerning this sect, we know that every where it is spoken against.
  • Hebrews 3:3 For this man was counted worthy of more glory than Moses, inasmuch as he who hath builded the house hath more honour than the house.

“pleasure” Greek G2107 · used in 9 verses

  • Matthew 11:26 Even so, Father: for so it seemed good in thy sight.
  • Luke 10:21 In that hour Jesus rejoiced in spirit, and said, I thank thee, O Father, Lord of heaven and earth, that thou hast hid these things from the wise and prudent, and hast revealed them unto babes: even so, Father; for so it seemed good in thy sight.
  • Ephesians 1:9 Having made known unto us the mystery of his will, according to his good pleasure which he hath purposed in himself:

“calling” Greek G2821 · used in 11 verses

  • Romans 11:29 For the gifts and calling of God are without repentance.
  • Ephesians 1:18 The eyes of your understanding being enlightened; that ye may know what is the hope of his calling, and what the riches of the glory of his inheritance in the saints,
  • Philippians 3:14 I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus.