That the name of our Lord Jesus Christ may be glorified in you, and ye in him, according to the grace of our God and the Lord Jesus Christ.

2 THESSALONIANS 1:12KJV
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2 Thessalonians 1:12 (KJV)

What does 2 Thessalonians 1:12 mean?

2 Thessalonians 1:12 says that Paul’s hope is for Jesus Christ to be honored through the lives of the believers, and for the believers themselves to share in that honor because of God’s kindness and Jesus Christ’s grace. The verse points to a mutual glorifying: Jesus is glorified in his followers, and they are lifted up in him, all made possible by God’s grace.

Paul is writing to the church in Thessalonica, encouraging them as they face hardships. He reminds them that their lives can reflect the greatness of Jesus, not by their own strength, but because God and Jesus Christ freely give them grace. This verse wraps up Paul’s prayerful wish that everything about their lives would bring honor to Jesus and, in turn, that they would experience honor through their connection to him.

The Greek behind 2 Thessalonians 1:12

  • "Glorified" (ἐνδοξασθῇ, endoxasthē): This word means to be honored, made glorious, or shown to be splendid. Here, it’s about Jesus being seen as glorious through the believers’ lives, and the believers themselves being honored in him.
  • "Grace" (χάρις, charis): This word refers to undeserved favor or kindness. Paul emphasizes that this mutual glorifying is not earned, but is a gift from God and Jesus Christ.
  • "Name" (ὄνομα, onoma): In Greek thought, a “name” often stands for the whole person and their reputation. Paul’s focus is that the reputation and character of Jesus would be made great through the believers.

Why 2 Thessalonians 1:12 matters

  • This verse clarifies that any honor believers receive is not separate from Jesus, but is always tied to their relationship with him and is a result of God’s grace, not personal achievement.
  • Paul’s language shows that the ultimate goal of Christian living is not self-promotion, but that Jesus would be recognized as glorious through the way believers live.
  • The verse connects back to Paul’s earlier encouragements in the letter, showing that enduring hardship faithfully is itself a way that Jesus is honored and believers are lifted up.

Where else these words appear

“glorified” Greek G1740 · used in 2 verses

  • 2 Thessalonians 1:10 When he shall come to be glorified in his saints, and to be admired in all them that believe(because our testimony among you was believed) in that day.

“That” Greek G3704 · used in 55 verses

  • Matthew 2:8 And he sent them to Bethlehem, and said, Go and search diligently for the young child; and when ye have found him, bring me word again, that I may come and worship him also.
  • Mark 3:6 And the Pharisees went forth, and straightway took counsel with the Herodians against him, how they might destroy him.
  • Acts 20:16 For Paul had determined to sail by Ephesus, because he would not spend the time in Asia: for he hasted, if it were possible for him, to be at Jerusalem the day of Pentecost.

“grace” Greek G5485 · used in 147 verses

  • Luke 1:30 And the angel said unto her, Fear not, Mary: for thou hast found favour with God.
  • 1 Corinthians 1:3 Grace be unto you, and peace, from God our Father, and from the Lord Jesus Christ.
  • Colossians 1:6 Which is come unto you, as it is in all the world; and bringeth forth fruit, as it doth also in you, since the day ye heard of it, and knew the grace of God in truth: