Bible Strands
1 Thessalonians 5:12
But we ask you, brothers, to acknowledge those who work diligently among you, who care for you in the Lord and who admonish you.
Berean Standard Bible
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Study note
Setting — Paul writes to the Thessalonian church near the close of his letter, shifting from eschatological teaching to practical community life. He addresses the whole assembly as "brothers."
The words — Ἐρωτῶμεν (Erōtōmen, "we implore") is a firm, repeated request (cf. 5:13, 17, 24), not a casual suggestion. Κοπιῶντας (kopiōntas, "toiling") is the same word Paul uses of his own labor in 1 Thessalonians 2:9, identifying the leaders by the quality of their work rather than their title.
The thread — Hebrews 13:7 calls readers to remember and imitate their leaders; Hebrews 13:17 adds the obligation to obey and submit. 1 Timothy 5:17 ties effective leadership to double honor.
Why it lands — The reader is asked to do something specific: acknowledge, hold in high regard, and value the labor of those who serve — a deliberate act of recognition, not a vague feeling of gratitude.
Drafted by a language model from the text, its original words and its cross-references, then checked against them. It can still be wrong: open the verse in the app to report it.
The Greek words
King James Version
And we beseech you, brethren, to know them which labour among you, and are over you in the Lord, and admonish you;
Cross-references
- Hebrews 13:17 Obey your leaders and submit to them, for they watch over your souls as those who must give an account. To this end, allow them to lead with joy and not with grief, for that would be of no advantage to you.
- Hebrews 13:7 Remember your leaders who spoke the word of God to you. Consider the outcome of their way of life and imitate their faith.
- 1 Timothy 5:17 Elders who lead effectively are worthy of double honor, especially those who work hard at preaching and teaching.
- 1 Corinthians 16:18 For they refreshed my spirit and yours as well. Show your appreciation, therefore, to such men.
- 1 Corinthians 16:16 to submit to such as these, and to every fellow worker and laborer.
- 1 Corinthians 15:10 But by the grace of God I am what I am, and His grace to me was not in vain. No, I worked harder than all of them—yet not I, but the grace of God that was with me.
- Titus 1:3 In His own time He has made His word evident in the proclamation entrusted to me by the command of God our Savior.
- Acts 20:28 Keep watch over yourselves and the entire flock of which the Holy Spirit has made you overseers. Be shepherds of the church of God, which He purchased with His own blood.
- 1 Corinthians 3:9 For we are God’s fellow workers; you are God’s field, God’s building.
- 1 Thessalonians 5:14 And we urge you, brothers, to admonish the unruly, encourage the fainthearted, help the weak, and be patient with everyone.