2 Thessalonians 1:11
εἰς ὃ καὶ προσευχόμεθα πάντοτε περὶ ὑμῶν, ἵνα ὑμᾶς ἀξιώσῃ τῆς κλήσεως ὁ Θεὸς ἡμῶν καὶ πληρώσῃ πᾶσαν εὐδοκίαν ἀγαθωσύνης καὶ ἔργον πίστεως ἐν δυνάμει,
Literal English Translation
To this end we also pray always concerning you, that our God may count you worthy of the calling, and fulfill every desire of goodness and work of faith in power,
Purpose and Perpetual Prayer
The phrase εἰς ὃ (“unto which”) refers to the hope and glory mentioned in the previous verse. The present middle verb προσευχόμεθα (“we pray”) with πάντοτε (“always”) expresses continuous, habitual intercession. In Classical and Koine usage alike, προσεύχομαι marks formal prayer language, often with a deep tone of reverence and urgency.
The Divine Wish for Worthiness
ἵνα ὑμᾶς ἀξιώσῃ τῆς κλήσεως ὁ Θεὸς ἡμῶν – The conjunction ἵνα introduces a purpose clause, followed by the aorist subjunctive ἀξιώσῃ from ἀξιόω (“to deem worthy, consider worthy”). τῆς κλήσεως (“of the calling”) refers to the divine summons to salvation and holy living. In Classical Greek, κλῆσις might refer to appointment or invitation, but in Paul it is the effectual call of God. The prayer is not that they earn it, but that they live up to it in God’s grace.
Completion of Good and Faithful Works
- καὶ πληρώσῃ πᾶσαν εὐδοκίαν ἀγαθωσύνης – “and (that He may) fulfill every good pleasure of goodness.” πληρώσῃ is the second aorist subjunctive of πληρόω (“to fulfill, complete”). εὐδοκία (“good pleasure, favorable desire”) often reflects God’s delight or will, while ἀγαθωσύνη (“goodness”) is a quality attributed to the Spirit (cf. Gal 5:22). The phrase likely means every godly inclination or desire rooted in goodness.
- καὶ ἔργον πίστεως ἐν δυνάμει – “and work of faith in power.” A compact phrase. ἔργον (“work”) refers to action produced by faith, not legalistic labor. ἐν δυνάμει (“in power”) emphasizes that these works are not humanly manufactured but Spirit-enabled. This echoes Classical moral philosophy (e.g., Aristotle’s *energeia*) but is radically recast in Pauline theology.
Summary Table
| Greek Phrase | Grammar | Meaning | Function |
|---|---|---|---|
| προσευχόμεθα πάντοτε | Present middle indicative | We always pray | Continuous intercession |
| ἀξιώσῃ τῆς κλήσεως | Aorist subjunctive | May count worthy of the calling | Spiritual alignment with calling |
| πληρώσῃ πᾶσαν εὐδοκίαν | Aorist subjunctive | May fulfill every desire of goodness | Realization of godly intent |
| ἔργον πίστεως ἐν δυνάμει | Accusative phrase | Work of faith in power | Spirit-empowered action |
Closing Insight
The Greek of this verse blends deep theology with precise syntax. The structure is intercessory, yet full of power—the subjunctives reach forward with expectation. It is Paul praying for the church to be what God has called it to be: worthy, fruitful, empowered. This is no cold formality—it is a warm and mighty wish, shaped in grammar and steeped in grace.
