1 Thessalonians 5:12 Meaning: How to 'Know' Your Church Leaders
But we beg you, brothers, to know those who labor among you, and are over you in the Lord and admonish you,
And we beseech you, brethren, to know them which labour among you, and are over you in the Lord, and admonish you;
But we beseech you, brethren, to know them that labor among you, and are over you in the Lord, and admonish you;
And we ask you, brethren, to know those labouring among you, and leading you in the Lord, and admonishing you,
But we beg you, brethren, to know those who labour among you, and take the lead among you in [the] Lord, and admonish you,
Meaning in one sentence
Paul urges believers to 'know' their leaders, not just recognize their office, but honor their labor and care for them personally.
Context
Paul is finishing his first letter to the young church in Thessalonica. He has just told them to encourage one another and build each other up. Now he turns to their relationship with those who lead them. The church was recently planted and had already appointed leaders, men who preached, guided, and gently corrected the believers. Paul describes them by what they do: they labor, they preside in the Lord, and they admonish. He does not simply give a command about respecting an office. He asks the whole congregation to know these people deeply, for the sake of the work itself.
Key Words
Three Greek words give this verse its shape. The first is eidenai, 'to know.' It goes beyond knowing a name or a title. It means to recognize someone’s worth, to take them into account, to treat them as important. In the ancient church this word was used for the way a congregation should regard its bishop. It is a knowing that leads to honoring.
The second word is kopiōntas, translated 'labor' or 'toil.' It comes from a root meaning 'to grow weary.' These leaders are not merely busy, they are spent for the church. Paul pictures people who pour themselves out until they are tired. Their work leaves marks. That is the kind of labor worth knowing.
The third is nouthetountas, 'admonish.' It means to put something into someone’s mind, to speak with care so they will remember. It is not harsh scolding but gentle, faithful warning. These leaders do not just preach sermons; they come alongside and speak truth into a person’s life. Knowing them means understanding the weight of that calling.
How Christians Read This Verse
Christians have read this verse in different ways. Calvin (Reformed) saw it as a necessary warning against the contempt that often falls on teachers, when the church despises its leaders, God may take them away. Wesley (Methodist) lamented anyone who undertakes the work without gifts or grace, calling such a person a wretch. The Cambridge Bible (Anglican) saw here a clear testimony to a ministerial order from the earliest days. Modern Catholics and Orthodox would find support for ordained clergy, while many Protestant traditions emphasize the function more than the office. What unites them is the call to hold these workers in highest regard, not because of who they are, but because of whose work they do.
A common misunderstanding
Some read 'know' as simply knowing that a leader exists, being aware of their name or position. In fact, the Greek word eidenai means to acknowledge someone’s worth and treat them accordingly. Paul is not asking for a mental note. He is calling for active respect, personal appreciation, and generous support. Knowing them means learning their needs and honoring their labor.
Living This Out
This week, pick one person who leads or serves in your church. It might be a pastor, a small group leader, or someone who quietly handles behind-the-scenes work. Ask yourself: do I truly know them? Not their name only, but what they carry? Write a short note of thanks. Ask how you can pray for them. If they offer counsel or even correction, receive it as the gift it is meant to be. Paul’s request is simple: pay attention to those who spend themselves for you. Let them be known.
Main takeaway: Knowing our church leaders means seeing their labor, honoring their authority in the Lord, and receiving their admonishment with love.
For Families
For ages 5, 8
Your pastor works hard to teach you about Jesus. This week, draw a picture for them or tell them thank you. That is how you 'know' them, by being kind and showing you care.
For ages 9, 12
Paul says we should 'know' the people who lead us in church. That does not just mean knowing their name. It means paying attention to what they do, teaching, praying, helping, and letting them know they matter. Maybe you can ask your pastor or youth leader, 'How can I pray for you this week?' That is one way to really know someone.
Questions People Ask
What does 'know' mean in 1 Thessalonians 5:12?
The Greek word is eidenai, which means to recognize someone’s worth and treat them accordingly. It is not just knowing their name; it is about honoring their work and caring for them personally.
Who are the leaders Paul is talking about?
Paul does not give a specific title, but the description fits the elders or overseers of the local church. They were the ones who preached, led, and gently corrected the believers.
Why does Paul say 'we beg you' instead of 'we command you'?
The Greek verb erōtōmen means to entreat or implore. Paul is speaking with warmth and humility, treating this request as a personal favor rather than a harsh order.
How can I honor my church leaders if I disagree with them?
Honoring them does not mean agreeing with everything. It means giving them respect for their position and work. You can speak with kindness, pray for them, and if needed, share your concern humbly.
What does 'admonish' mean in this verse?
The Greek word nouthetountas means to put something into someone’s mind. It is a gentle, faithful warning or instruction meant to help, not to shame.
For pastors & researchers
Greek interlinear, 8 commentaries & word study