1 Thessalonians 5:12

KJV

And we beseech you, brethren, to know them which labour among you, and are over you in the Lord, and admonish you;

KJV (with Strong's)

And {G1161} we beseech {G2065} you {G5209}, brethren {G80}, to know {G1492} them which {G3588} labour {G2872} among {G1722} you {G5213}, and {G2532} are over {G4291} you {G5216} in {G1722} the Lord {G2962}, and {G2532} admonish {G3560} you {G5209};

Complete Jewish Bible

We ask you, brothers, to respect those who are working hard among you, those who are guiding you in the Lord and confronting you in order to help you change.

Berean Standard Bible

But we ask you, brothers, to acknowledge those who work diligently among you, who preside over you in the Lord and give you instruction.

American Standard Version

But we beseech you, brethren, to know them that labor among you, and are over you in the Lord, and admonish you;

Commentary

### SUMMARY
In 1 Thessalonians 5:12, the Apostle Paul issues a profound exhortation to the believers in Thessalonica, urging them to deeply acknowledge, respect, and appreciate those within their community who diligently labor, exercise spiritual oversight, and provide pastoral instruction. This verse highlights the essential reciprocal relationship between the congregation and its God-appointed leaders, emphasizing the demanding nature of spiritual service and the proper posture of the flock towards those entrusted with their care.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is strategically placed within the concluding practical exhortations of Paul's first epistle to the Thessalonians, specifically in a rapid-fire succession of commands found in [1 Thessalonians 5:12-22](/1_thessalonians/5-12-22 "1 Thessalonians 5:12-22 - Practical Exhortations"). Following extensive teaching on eschatology, particularly the [return of Christ](/1_thessalonians/4-13-18 "1 Thessalonians 4:13-18 - The Return of Christ"), and the call to live a life of holiness, Paul pivots to the practical outworking of faith within the community. These verses provide concise, actionable instructions for fostering a healthy and harmonious church environment. The command to "know" and respect leaders precedes other vital admonitions such as living in peace, supporting the weak, and being patient with all, establishing a foundational principle for internal church dynamics.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The church in Thessalonica was relatively young, likely founded during Paul's second missionary journey (Acts 17). As a nascent community, it would have been navigating the challenges of establishing internal order, leadership structures, and communal practices amidst pagan influences and Jewish opposition. The concept of formal, recognized leadership within Christian communities was still developing. Paul's instruction here would have been crucial for defining the roles of those who "labour," "are over," and "admonish" within the local assembly, providing divine sanction and clarity for their authority and the congregation's response. The term "in the Lord" was particularly significant, differentiating Christian leadership from secular or pagan forms of authority, grounding it firmly in Christ's authority and purpose.
* **Key Themes:** [1 Thessalonians 5:12](/1_thessalonians/5-12 "1 Thessalonians 5:12 - Respect for Leaders") contributes significantly to several overarching themes in the epistle and broader Pauline theology. Firstly, it underscores the theme of **church order and spiritual authority**, emphasizing the divine institution of leadership for the edification and guidance of the body of Christ. Secondly, it highlights the **nature of godly leadership**, portraying it not as a position of privilege but as one of arduous labor, oversight, and pastoral care, often involving challenging yet loving admonition. This aligns with Paul's own example of tireless service and his instructions for elders in other epistles, such as [Titus 1:7-9](/titus/1-7-9 "Titus 1:7-9 - Qualifications for Elders"). Finally, the verse implicitly promotes **mutual respect and healthy community dynamics**, where both leaders and congregants understand their roles and responsibilities, fostering an environment conducive to spiritual growth and unity, as encouraged throughout [1 Thessalonians](/1_thessalonians/1 "1 Thessalonians - Overview").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **beseech (Greek, _erōtáō'_):** This word, G2065, means "to interrogate; by implication, to request." While it can mean "ask" or "pray," in this context, it carries the nuance of an earnest appeal or strong request, indicating the importance Paul places on this instruction. It's not a mere suggestion but a heartfelt plea from the apostle.
* **know (Greek, _eídō'_):** G1492, derived from a primary verb meaning "to see (literally or figuratively)," implies "to know" in the perfect tense. Here, it signifies more than mere acquaintance. It encompasses a deep recognition, appreciation, and acknowledgment of their identity, function, and worth. It means to perceive and understand their role and value.
* **labour (Greek, _kopiáō'_):** G2872, from a derivative of κόπος (kopos, meaning "toil" or "trouble"), means "to feel fatigue; by implication, to work hard." This word vividly portrays the intense, diligent, and often exhausting effort involved in spiritual leadership. It underscores the self-sacrificial and physically demanding nature of pastoral work.
* **admonish (Greek, _nouthetéō'_):** G3560, from the same root as νουθεσία (nouthesia, "admonition"), means "to put in mind, i.e. (by implication) to caution or reprove gently." This highlights the pastoral duty of providing spiritual guidance, instruction, warning, and correction, always aimed at the spiritual formation and well-being of the believers.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And we beseech you, brethren,"**: Paul opens with an earnest appeal, using the term "brethren" (G80, _adelphós_) to address the community affectionately, underscoring the familial bond within the church. The use of "beseech" (G2065, _erōtáō_) signifies the gravity and importance of the command that follows, indicating a strong, heartfelt request rather than a mere suggestion.
* **"to know them which labour among you,"**: This is the core of the exhortation. "To know" (G1492, _eídō_) implies a deep, appreciative recognition and acknowledgment of these individuals. The phrase "which labour among you" (G2872, _kopiáō_) describes the first characteristic of these leaders: they are those who exert strenuous, often exhausting effort on behalf of the congregation. This "labor" is not just physical but spiritual and mental, involving teaching, counseling, and caring for the flock.
* **"and are over you in the Lord,"**: The second characteristic describes their role of oversight. "Are over you" (G4291, _proḯstēmi_) means to stand before, preside, lead, or have charge, indicating a position of spiritual authority and guidance. The crucial qualifier "in the Lord" (G1722, _en_ G2962, _kýrios_) signifies that their authority is not self-appointed or worldly, but derived from Christ Himself and exercised according to His will and for His purposes. This divine grounding legitimizes their leadership.
* **"and admonish you;"**: The third characteristic describes a key function of their leadership: "admonish" (G3560, _nouthetéō_). This involves providing instruction, warning, counsel, and gentle correction. It speaks to the pastoral duty of guiding believers towards righteousness, away from error, and towards spiritual maturity, always with love and a desire for their growth.

#### Literary Devices
Paul employs several literary devices to convey his message with clarity and emphasis. The overarching tone is one of **Exhortation**, as he uses the verb "beseech" (erōtáō), indicating a strong appeal for a specific action. The description of leaders uses **Parallelism** by listing three distinct but complementary functions: "labour," "are over," and "admonish." This tripartite structure provides a comprehensive picture of their multifaceted role. The phrase "in the Lord" functions as a crucial **Qualifier**, grounding the authority of these leaders not in human hierarchy but in divine appointment, thereby elevating their position and the congregation's responsibility to them. Furthermore, the use of **Active Verbs** ("labour," "are over," "admonish") vividly portrays the dynamic and demanding nature of spiritual leadership, emphasizing the effort and commitment required.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
This verse is foundational for understanding the New Testament's teaching on church leadership and the congregation's responsibility towards it. It establishes that spiritual leadership is a divinely appointed and arduous calling, characterized by diligent labor, authoritative oversight, and loving admonition. The command to "know" these leaders goes beyond mere recognition; it implies a deep appreciation, respect, and submission to their God-given authority for the sake of the church's health and spiritual growth. This principle is vital for maintaining order, fostering unity, and enabling the effective shepherding of God's flock, ensuring that the church functions as a harmonious body under Christ, its head.

* [Hebrews 13:17](/hebrews/13-17 "Hebrews 13:17 - Obey Your Leaders")
* [1 Timothy 5:17](/1_timothy/5-17 "1 Timothy 5:17 - Honoring Elders")
* [Galatians 6:6](/galatians/6-6 "Galatians 6:6 - Support for Teachers")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
For believers today, 1 Thessalonians 5:12 serves as a timeless and potent reminder of the importance of valuing and supporting those God has called to lead within the church. It challenges us to move beyond passive attendance to active engagement in recognizing and affirming the spiritual authority and tireless efforts of our pastors, elders, and other spiritual guides. This involves not only acknowledging their roles but also actively praying for them, respecting their guidance—especially when it involves admonition—and providing practical support as they carry the weighty responsibility of caring for God's flock. A healthy church thrives when there is mutual respect and understanding between leaders and congregants, fostering an environment where spiritual nourishment and growth can flourish, and where the work of ministry is shared and appreciated.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How do I actively "know" and appreciate the spiritual leaders in my church, beyond just knowing their names?**
* **In what specific ways can I support and encourage those who "labour among" me and "are over" me "in the Lord"?**
* **Am I open to receiving "admonition" or correction from my spiritual leaders, recognizing it as a means for my spiritual growth?**
* **How does my attitude towards church leadership reflect my understanding of Christ's authority within His church?**

### FAQ
**What does Paul mean by "know them" in this verse?**

Answer: The Greek word for "know" (G1492, _eídō_) here implies much more than a casual acquaintance. It means to deeply recognize, acknowledge, appreciate, and hold in high regard. It suggests a profound understanding of their identity, function, and the value of their work. It calls for an active, respectful recognition of their God-given role and authority within the church, essential for the health and order of the Christian community.

**What is the significance of "in the Lord" concerning leadership authority?**

Answer: The phrase "in the Lord" (G1722, _en_ G2962, _kýrios_) is crucial. It signifies that the authority of these leaders is not self-appointed, worldly, or based on human merit alone, but is derived from and exercised under the supreme authority of Jesus Christ. Their leadership is a divine appointment, intended to serve Christ's purposes and build up His body, the church. This divine grounding implies that respecting these leaders is, in essence, respecting the Lord who appointed them, as seen in passages like [Ephesians 4:11-12](/ephesians/4-11-12 "Ephesians 4:11-12 - Gifts for the Church").

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
While 1 Thessalonians 5:12 directly addresses the church's relationship with its human leaders, its deepest fulfillment is found in Christ Himself, who perfectly embodies the qualities of the ideal spiritual leader. Jesus is the ultimate one who "labors among us," tirelessly working for our salvation and sanctification, as evidenced by His earthly ministry and culminating in His sacrifice on the cross ([John 17:4](/john/17-4 "John 17:4 - Jesus Glorifies the Father")). He is truly "over us in the Lord," being the Head of the Church and the Supreme Shepherd ([Ephesians 1:22-23](/ephesians/1-22-23 "Ephesians 1:22-23 - Christ as Head of the Church"); [1 Peter 5:4](/1_peter/5-4 "1 Peter 5:4 - The Chief Shepherd")). Moreover, Christ continually "admonishes" us through His Word and Spirit, guiding us into all truth, correcting our paths, and nurturing us in righteousness ([John 16:13](/john/16-13 "John 16:13 - The Spirit of Truth"); [2 Timothy 3:16](/2_timothy/3-16 "2 Timothy 3:16 - All Scripture is God-breathed")). Therefore, our call to "know" and respect human leaders is a reflection of our ultimate submission to and adoration of Christ, the perfect model of servant-leadership, whose example empowers and defines all godly authority within His church.

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Hebrews 13:17

Obey them that have the rule over you, and submit yourselves: for they watch for your souls, as they that must give account, that they may do it with joy, and not with grief: for that [is] unprofitable for you.

Hebrews 13:7

Remember them which have the rule over you, who have spoken unto you the word of God: whose faith follow, considering the end of [their] conversation.

1 Timothy 5:17

¶ Let the elders that rule well be counted worthy of double honour, especially they who labour in the word and doctrine.

1 Timothy 5:18

For the scripture saith, Thou shalt not muzzle the ox that treadeth out the corn. And, The labourer [is] worthy of his reward.

1 Corinthians 16:18

For they have refreshed my spirit and yours: therefore acknowledge ye them that are such.

1 Corinthians 16:16

That ye submit yourselves unto such, and to every one that helpeth with [us], and laboureth.

1 Corinthians 15:10

But by the grace of God I am what I am: and his grace which [was bestowed] upon me was not in vain; but I laboured more abundantly than they all: yet not I, but the grace of God which was with me.