### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek term kléos (`{{G2811}}`) denotes "renown," "fame," or "report." It is etymologically derived from a shorter form of kaléō (`{{G2564}}`), meaning "to call" or "to summon." This etymological link is crucial, as kléos fundamentally refers to that which is "called out," "spoken of," or "heard about." It signifies a reputation, whether good or bad, but predominantly carries the connotation of a positive report or public acclaim. Unlike other terms for glory that might emphasize an inherent luminosity or majesty, kléos focuses on the *verbal report* or *reputation* that accrues to an individual based on their actions. It is the "good name" or "credit" one gains.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The term kléos (`{{G2811}}`) appears only once in the New Testament, specifically in [[1 Peter 2:20]]. In this passage, Peter is addressing Christian slaves and their conduct, particularly in the face of unjust suffering. He writes, "For what kléos is it if, when you are beaten for your faults, you endure it patiently? But if when you do good and suffer for it, you endure it patiently, this is acceptable with God."
In this context, kléos is translated as "glory" or "credit." Peter uses a rhetorical question to highlight the nature of true commendation. If one suffers justly for their own wrongdoing, there is no "credit" or "renown" to be gained; such suffering is merely the natural consequence of sin. However, if one suffers unjustly while doing good and endures it patiently, this is charis para theou (grace/favor with God), often rendered "acceptable with God." The kléos here is not human praise or public acclaim, but rather the "credit" or "honor" that is recognized and approved by God. It shifts the locus of renown from human perception to divine judgment, emphasizing that true "glory" for the believer lies in God's approval of their righteous suffering.
### Related Words & Concepts
While kléos (`{{G2811}}`) specifically points to "renown" or "report," its semantic field overlaps with other significant Greek terms related to honor, praise, and glory.
* Dóxa (`{{G1391}}`): This is the most common word for "glory" in the New Testament, encompassing concepts of splendor, majesty, honor, and reputation. While kléos focuses on the verbal report or reputation, dóxa can refer to an inherent quality of brilliance or the honor bestowed upon someone. In [[1 Peter 2:20]], the "glory" of kléos is contrasted with the dóxa that might be sought from human sources.
* Ainos (`{{G136}}`): Denotes "praise" or "laudation," often in the context of praising God. It shares with kléos the idea of vocal commendation, but ainos is typically directed *towards* someone, whereas kléos is the *reputation* that results.
* Eulogia (`{{G2129}}`): Means "blessing" or "praise." Similar to ainos, it involves speaking well of someone, but can also refer to the act of blessing or a good word.
* Kaléō (`{{G2564}}`): The root word for kléos, meaning "to call." This connection underscores that kléos is about being "called out" or "spoken of," highlighting the communicative aspect of reputation.
The singular use of kléos in the New Testament, in contrast to the frequent use of dóxa, suggests a specific nuance. Kléos in [[1 Peter 2:20]] is not about the visible splendor of God or the inherent honor of Christ, but about the *credit* or *good report* that accrues to a believer in the eyes of God through righteous endurance.
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of kléos (`{{G2811}}`) in [[1 Peter 2:20]] is profound, particularly within the Petrine theology of suffering. Peter redefines "glory" for the Christian. In a world that often values recognition and avoidance of pain, Peter asserts that true "credit" or "glory" is not found in escaping suffering or in receiving human acclaim for enduring self-inflicted consequences. Instead, it is found in patiently enduring suffering *for doing good*.
This concept challenges conventional notions of honor and success. The kléos that matters is not the fleeting renown of human society, but the enduring approval of God. It highlights divine commendation as the ultimate reward for faithful obedience, even in the face of injustice. This aligns with the broader New Testament theme that true honor and reward come from God, often in ways contrary to worldly expectations (e.g., [[Matthew 5:10-12]], [[Luke 6:22-23]]). The passage encourages believers to fix their gaze on God's perspective, understanding that their quiet endurance of unmerited suffering is not unnoticed but brings them a unique kléos in the divine economy. It underscores the value of integrity and righteous conduct as the basis for a reputation that truly matters to the Almighty.
### Summary
Kléos (`{{G2811}}`) signifies "renown," "fame," or "good report," deriving from the idea of being "called out" or "spoken of." Its singular New Testament occurrence in [[1 Peter 2:20]] is highly significant. Here, it refers to the "credit" or "acceptable glory" that believers gain with God when they patiently endure suffering for doing good, as opposed to suffering justly for their own faults. This use distinguishes kléos from the broader concept of dóxa (`{{G1391}}`), focusing specifically on the divine approval and commendation earned through righteous endurance. The theological import lies in its redefinition of true "glory" as that which is recognized and valued by God, challenging worldly perspectives on honor and success and encouraging steadfastness in the face of unjust suffering.
TRV