2 Thessalonians
2 Thessalonians front
Introduction to 2 Thessalonians
Part 1: General Introduction
Outline of the book of 2 Thessalonians
- Greetings and thanksgiving (1:1-2)
- Believers suffer from persecution (1:3-12)
- God uses persecution to increase faith, love, and endurance in believers (1:3-4)
- God is just: (1:5-12)
- God will make believers worthy of his kingdom
- God will give relief to believers
- God will punish those who persecute believers
- Some believers misunderstand about the second coming of Christ (2:1-12)
- Christ’s return has not yet happened (2:1-2)
- Instruction about the events that will precede the return of Christ (2:3-12)
- Paul’s confidence that God will save the Thessalonian believers (2:13-17)
- Paul calls the Thessalonian believers to “stand firm” (2:13-15)
- Paul prays that God will comfort them (2:16-17)
- Paul requests that the Thessalonian believers pray for him (3:1-5)
- Paul give commands about idle believers (3:6-15)
- Closing (3:16-17)
Who wrote 2 Thessalonians?
Paul wrote 2 Thessalonians. He was from the city of Tarsus. He had been known as Saul in his early life. Before becoming a Christian, Paul was a Pharisee. He persecuted believers. After he became a believer, he traveled several times throughout the Roman Empire telling people about Jesus.
Paul is the author of this letter, but he includes Silvanus and Timothy as senders of the letter. Paul wrote this letter while he, Silvanus, and Timothy were staying in the city of Corinth.
What is the book of 2 Thessalonians about?
Paul wrote this letter to the believers in the city of Thessalonica. He encouraged the believers because they were being persecuted. He told them to continue living in a way that pleased God. He also wanted to teach them again about Christ’s return. He also warned them that they should not be idle but should work as they wait for Christ to return.
How should the title of this book be translated?
Translators may choose to call this book by its traditional title, “2 Thessalonians” or “Second Thessalonians.” Or they may choose a clearer title, such as “Paul’s Second Letter to the Church in Thessalonica,” or “The Second Letter to the Christians/believers in Thessalonica.” (See: How to Translate Names)
Part 2: Important Religious and Cultural Concepts
What is the “second coming” of Jesus?
Paul wrote much in this letter about Jesus’ eventual return to Earth. When Jesus returns, he will judge all mankind. He will also rule over creation. And he will cause there to be peace everywhere. Paul also explained that a “man of lawlessness” will come before Christ’s return. This person will obey Satan and cause many people to oppose God. But Jesus will destroy this person when he returns.
Part 3: Important Translation Issues
What did Paul mean by the expression “in Christ,” “in the Lord,” etc.?
Paul meant to express the idea of a very close union between Christ and the believers. Please see the introduction to the book of Romans for more details about this kind of expression.
How are pronouns used in this letter?
In this letter, the words “we” and “us” refer to Paul, Silvanus, and Timothy, unless otherwise noted. If your language differentiates between inclusive and exclusive pronouns, use an exclusive pronoun for these. (See: Exclusive and Inclusive ‘We’)
In this letter, the words “you” and “your” are plural and refer to the Thessalonian believers. (See: Forms of ‘You’ — Singular)
What are the major issues in the text of the book of 2 Thessalonians?
For the following verses, some ancient manuscripts have a different reading than others. The ULT follows the reading that scholars consider to be the most accurate and puts the other reading in a footnote. If a translation of the Bible exists in your area that your people are familiar with, consider using the reading that it follows. If not, translators are advised to follow the reading in the ULT. * “and the man of lawlessness is revealed” (2:3). The ULT, UST, and most modern versions read this way. Other versions follow the reading, “and the man of sin is revealed.” * “For God chose you as the firstfruits for salvation” (2:13) The ULT, UST, and some other versions read this way. The other reading is, “For God chose you from the first/beginning for salvation.”
(See: Textual Variants)
2 Thessalonians 1
2 Thessalonians 1 General Notes
Structure and Formatting
Verses 1-2 formally introduce this letter. Letters in the ancient Near East commonly had introductions of this type in which the sender identified himself, then the recipient, then gave a greeting.
Other possible translation difficulties in this chapter
Paradox
A paradox is a true statement that appears to describe something impossible.
A paradox occurs in verses 4-5 where Paul talks about the Thessalonian believers’ faithfulness through persecution as “evidence of the righteous judgment of God.” People would not normally think that believing in God while being persecuted is a sign of God’s righteous judgment. But the fact that God gave them the ability to persevere in their faith is evidence that God claims them as his own and will judge them as worthy of his kingdom. In verses 5-10, Paul goes on to explain more of God’s righteous judgment, that God will reward those who believe in him and that he will punish those who afflict his people. (2 Thessalonians 1:4-5)
Another paradox occurs in verse 9 where Paul describes the penalty for rejecting God as “eternal destruction.” Normally when something is destroyed it ceases to exist. But in this case, the people who reject God will experience eternal separation from God, as the verse goes on to explain. Being separated from God destroys all that was enjoyable about their lives, and this continuous destruction is what they experience through eternity. (2 Thessalonians 1:9)
2 Thessalonians 1:1
Σιλουανὸς
Silvanus is the Latin form of “Silas.” Silvanus is the name of a man, the same person listed in the book of Acts as Paul’s fellow traveler. If your readers may not know that these two are the same person, you can use the name “Silas” in the text and “Silvanus” in the footnote. (See: How to Translate Names)
Παῦλος, καὶ Σιλουανὸς, καὶ Τιμόθεος; τῇ ἐκκλησίᾳ
You may want to fill in the words necessary to make this a complete sentence. Alternate translation: “Paul, Silvanus, and Timothy send this letter to the church” (See: https://git.door43.org/Door43-Catalog/en_ta/src/branch/master/translate/figs-ellipsis/01.md)
Παῦλος, καὶ Σιλουανὸς, καὶ Τιμόθεος
Although Paul wrote this letter, he identifies Silvanus and Timothy as also sending it. This means that they were with him and were in agreement with it. If it would be helpful to your readers, you could make that clear, as in the UST. (See: https://git.door43.org/Door43-Catalog/en_ta/src/branch/master/translate/figs-explicit/01.md)
ἐν Θεῷ Πατρὶ ἡμῶν καὶ Κυρίῳ Ἰησοῦ Χριστῷ
Here Paul speaks figuratively of the believers as though they were occupying space inside of God and Jesus. This metaphor expresses the idea that believers are spiritually united to God and Jesus. If this might be misunderstood in your language, you can express the meaning in a non-figurative way. Alternative translation: “united to God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ” or “sharing life with God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ” (See: https://git.door43.org/Door43-Catalog/en_ta/src/branch/master/translate/figs-metaphor/01.md)
2 Thessalonians 1:2
χάρις ὑμῖν καὶ εἰρήνη ἀπὸ Θεοῦ Πατρὸς καὶ Κυρίου Ἰησοῦ Χριστοῦ
Many languages have different ways to offer good wishes as they greet. Paul greeted his letter recipients with a blessing. Use a form that would be a good wish or blessing in your language. Alternate translation: “We pray that God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ give you grace and peace” or “I wish you grace and peace from God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ” or “May the grace and peace of God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ be your portion” or “May God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ show grace and give peace to your hearts” (See: Blessings)
χάρις ὑμῖν καὶ εἰρήνη ἀπὸ Θεοῦ Πατρὸς καὶ Κυρίου Ἰησοῦ Χριστοῦ
If your language does not use abstract nouns for the ideas behind grace and peace, you could express these ideas as verbs or in another way. Alternate translation: “May God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ be gracious to you and give rest to your inner being” or “...be favorable to you and make you at ease” or “...be kind to you and set your heart at rest” (See: Abstract Nouns)
2 Thessalonians 1:3
In verses 3-12, Paul gives thanks for the believers in Thessalonica and prays for them. A heading for this section might be, “Thanks and Prayers.” (See: Section Headings)
εὐχαριστεῖν ὀφείλομεν…πάντοτε
Paul is expressing here that he has a moral obligation to God to give thanks for the believers in Thessalonica. Use a natural expression for this in your language. Alternate translation: “We are bound always to thank” or “We can do no other than to thank” or “We must give thanks continually to”
εὐχαριστεῖν ὀφείλομεν τῷ Θεῷ πάντοτε
Paul uses always as a generalization meaning “often” or “regularly.” Alternate translation: “We should often give thanks to God” (See: Hyperbole)
εὐχαριστεῖν ὀφείλομεν τῷ Θεῷ πάντοτε περὶ ὑμῶν, ἀδελφοί
If your readers might misunderstand his meaning and think that Paul is expressing an obligation only and that he does not actually pray for the Thessalonians, you can express the reality explicitly. Alternate translation: “We always thank God for you, brothers, as we ought” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)
ἀδελφοί
Here, brothers means fellow Christians, including both men and women. If your readers understand that it is addressed only to men, you may need to use both the masculine and the feminine forms of that word in your language. If you use a nonfigurative word such as “believers”, see that both the genders are addressed. Alternate translation: “brothers and sisters” (See: When Masculine Words Include Women)
καθὼς ἄξιόν ἐστιν
If it is difficult to express just as it is fitting in your language or if it is unclear what it refers to, consider starting a new sentence here to state it clearly. Alternate translation: “When we give thanks for you we are doing the right thing” or “Giving thanks for you is right for us to be doing” or “…is the right thing to do” (See: Pronouns — When to Use Them)
ὑπεραυξάνει ἡ πίστις ὑμῶν
If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea behind faith, you could express this idea as a verb. Alternate translation: “you believe in Christ more and more” or “you increasingly trust in Christ” or “you rely on Christ more each day” (See: Abstract Nouns)
πλεονάζει ἡ ἀγάπη ἑνὸς ἑκάστου, πάντων ὑμῶν, εἰς ἀλλήλους
If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea behind love, you could express this idea as a verb. Alternate translation: “each of you sincerely loves one another more and more” (See: Abstract Nouns)
ἀλλήλους
Here, one another means fellow believers. Alternate translation: “each other” or “each believer” (See: Reflexive Pronouns)
2 Thessalonians 1:4
αὐτοὺς ἡμᾶς
Here, ourselves is added to we to emphasize that even the apostle Paul and his associates are boasting about the Thessalonian believers. Alternate translation: “even we” or “we are the ones who” (See: https://git.door43.org/Door43-Catalog/en_ta/src/branch/master/translate/figs-rpronouns/01.md)
τῆς ὑπομονῆς ὑμῶν, καὶ πίστεως
If your language does not use abstract nouns for the ideas of endurance and faith or if it is unclear how these two terms relate, you could express these same ideas in another way. Alternate translation: “how you patiently continue to trust in Jesus” or “how you persevere in believing in the Lord” (See: Abstract Nouns)
ἐν πᾶσιν τοῖς διωγμοῖς ὑμῶν, καὶ ταῖς θλίψεσιν
The two words persecutions and afflictions are saying very similar things. The repetition is used to emphasize how difficult life has been for the Thessalonian believers. If two words are difficult to find in your language or if your language does not use repetition in this way, you could use one word with this meaning and make the emphasis in another way. Alternate translation: “as you have been going through all these very difficult times” or “as people make you suffer in all the ways” (See: Doublet)
πίστεως ἐν πᾶσιν τοῖς διωγμοῖς ὑμῶν
Here faith in all your persecutions does not mean to believe in or trust in persecutions. If your readers might be confused by that, you can express it more clearly. Alternate translation: “faith in Jesus Christ during all the times you are persecuted” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)
2 Thessalonians 1:5
ἔνδειγμα τῆς δικαίας κρίσεως τοῦ Θεοῦ, εἰς τὸ καταξιωθῆναι ὑμᾶς
The evidence that Paul is referring to here is the faithful endurance of the Thessalonian believers while suffering persecution, which he mentioned in verse 4. If it would be helpful to your readers, you could say that explicitly. It may also be helpful to start a new sentence here. Alternate translation: “Your endurance while suffering is a clear indication of God’s righteous judgment, that he considers you worthy” or “Your faithfulness through persecution shows that God is just and right to consider you worthy” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)
εἰς τὸ καταξιωθῆναι ὑμᾶς τῆς Βασιλείας τοῦ Θεοῦ
You can state this in active form. Alternate translation: “that God will consider you worthy to be part of his kingdom” (See: Active or Passive)
ὑπὲρ ἧς καὶ πάσχετε
Here, also could mean: (1) the Thessalonian believers are suffering for the kingdom of God as well as being counted worthy of it. Alternate translation: “being a part of which is also the reason that you are suffering” (2) the Thessalonian believers are suffering along with other believers. Alternate translation: “which is why you are going through sufferings along with many others” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)
2 Thessalonians 1:6
εἴπερ δίκαιον παρὰ Θεῷ
Paul is speaking as if this were a hypothetical possibility, but he means that it is actually true. If your language does not state something as a condition if it is certain or true, and if your readers might misunderstand and think that what Paul is saying is not certain, then you can translate his words as an affirmative statement. Alternate translation: “Since you know that God is just” or “for God is certainly right” (See: Connect — Factual Conditions)
παρὰ Θεῷ, ἀνταποδοῦναι τοῖς θλίβουσιν ὑμᾶς θλῖψιν
Here, to return means to cause someone to experience the same thing that they did to someone else as though the same action were bouncing back onto the people who did that action. Use a natural expression for this kind of reciprocal action. Alternate translation: “for God to afflict those who are afflicting you” or “for God to pay back those who are afflicting you” “for God to do the same to those who are afflicting you” (See: Metaphor)
ἀνταποδοῦναι τοῖς θλίβουσιν ὑμᾶς θλῖψιν
If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea of affliction, you could express the same idea in another way. Alternate translation: “to afflict those who are afflicting you” or “to trouble those who are troubling you” (See: Abstract Nouns)
2 Thessalonians 1:7
καὶ ὑμῖν…ἄνεσιν
The words and relief to you continue the description of what God is right “to return” to people (verse 6). If this would not be understood in your language, you could supply these words from the context. Alternate translation: “and it is righteous for God to give relief to you” (See: Ellipsis)
καὶ ὑμῖν τοῖς θλιβομένοις, ἄνεσιν μεθ’ ἡμῶν
Here, you who are being afflicted refers to the Thessalonian believers, and us refers to Paul and his associates. Other people are afflicting both groups because of their faith in Jesus. Alternate translation: “and relief to you who are being afflicted just as we are being afflicted” (See: Pronouns — When to Use Them)
ὑμῖν…ἄνεσιν
If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea behind relief, you could express this idea with a verb or in another way. Alternate translation: “to relieve you” or “to rescue you” (See: Abstract Nouns)
τοῖς θλιβομένοις
If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “whom other people are afflicting” or “from the affliction that others are causing you” (See: Active or Passive)
ἐν τῇ ἀποκαλύψει τοῦ Κυρίου Ἰησοῦ
Here, at the revealing is an indication of the time when the suffering believers will have relief from their suffering. Alternate translation: “at the time when the Lord Jesus is revealed” or “when everyone sees the Lord Jesus coming” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)
2 Thessalonians 1:8
διδόντος ἐκδίκησιν τοῖς
If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea behind vengeance, you could express this idea in another way. Since this is part of God’s justice, do not use a word that implies that God is doing something illegal or inappropriate. Alternate translation: “punishing the people” or “judging the ones” (See: Abstract Nouns)
τοῖς μὴ εἰδόσι Θεὸν
Here, those who have not known God refers to those who have refused the relationship with God that he had offered to them. Alternate translation: “on those who did not want to know God” or “on those who have rejected God” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)
καὶ τοῖς μὴ ὑπακούουσιν τῷ εὐαγγελίῳ
The phrase, not obeying the gospel could refer to: (1) the same people as those not having known God. Alternate translation: “and who are not obeying the gospel” (2) a separate group. Alternate translation: “and also on those who are not obeying the gospel” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)
ὑπακούουσιν τῷ εὐαγγελίῳ
The phrase, obeying the gospel is an idiom that means to live according to everything that God tells us in the gospel message. Alternate translation: “living according to the message of the gospel” or “heeding the admonitions that are part of the gospel message” (See: Idiom)
τῷ εὐαγγελίῳ τοῦ Κυρίου ἡμῶν, Ἰησοῦ
Here, Paul is using the general possessive form of our Lord Jesus to describe the gospel. The specific meaning here is that the gospel is about Jesus. Alternate translation: “the gospel that is about our Lord Jesus” or “the gospel message that tells us about our Lord Jesus” (See: Possession)
2 Thessalonians 1:9
οἵτινες δίκην τίσουσιν
Here, who refers to the people who are not obeying the gospel, not to the Lord Jesus. You may prefer to start a new sentence here. Alternate translation: “Those people will pay the penalty” (See: Pronouns — When to Use Them)
οἵτινες δίκην τίσουσιν
If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea of the word penalty, you could express the same idea in another way. Alternate translation: “who will be punished by God” or “whom God will punish” (See: Abstract Nouns)
δίκην τίσουσιν
Here, the phrase pay the penalty is an idiom meaning to suffer the consequences of doing something bad. If your readers would not understand this, you could use an equivalent idiom or use plain language. Alternate translation: “will suffer the consequences” or “will undergo the retribution” (See: Idiom)
ὄλεθρον αἰώνιον
Here, eternal destruction further describes the penalty that people will experience if they refuse to “obey the gospel.” The destruction that these people will experience is eternal, that is, it never ends. Therefore, do not translate with the meaning that these people will cease to exist. They will continue to exist, but continually experience the ruin of their lives. If necessary, put this information in a footnote. Alternate translation: “God will punish them eternally” (See: Abstract Nouns)
ἀπὸ προσώπου τοῦ Κυρίου
Here, the face of the Lord is an idiom meaning the presence of the Lord. Alternate translation: “away from our Lord Jesus” or “separated from the presence of the Lord Jesus” (See: Idiom)
τῆς δόξης τῆς ἰσχύος αὐτοῦ
Here, the possessive form is describing power that has glory. If this is not clear in your language, you could use the adjective “glorious” to describe the power. Alternate translation: “his glorious power” (See: Possession)
τῆς δόξης τῆς ἰσχύος αὐτοῦ
If your language does not use an abstract noun for the ideas of glory and power, you could express the same ideas in another way. Alternate translation: “experiencing how magnificent and powerful he is” (See: Abstract Nouns)
2 Thessalonians 1:10
ὅταν ἔλθῃ…ἐν τῇ ἡμέρᾳ ἐκείνῃ
Here, that day is the day when Jesus will return to the world. If it would be helpful to your readers, you could express that explicitly. Alternate translation: “on the day when Jesus returns to the world” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)
ἐνδοξασθῆναι ἐν τοῖς ἁγίοις αὐτοῦ, καὶ θαυμασθῆναι ἐν πᾶσιν τοῖς πιστεύσασιν
If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “as his saints glorify him and all those who have believed marvel at him” (See: Active or Passive)
ἐνδοξασθῆναι ἐν τοῖς ἁγίοις αὐτοῦ, καὶ θαυμασθῆναι
Here, the two verbs to be glorifiedand to be marveled at indicate the result of Jesus’ coming, not the purpose. Use a connector here that indicates result. Alternate translation: “as his saints glorify him and all those who have believed marvel at him” or “with the result that his saints will glorify him and all those who have believed will marvel at him” (See: Connect — Reason-and-Result Relationship)
ἐνδοξασθῆναι ἐν τοῖς ἁγίοις αὐτοῦ, καὶ θαυμασθῆναι ἐν πᾶσιν τοῖς πιστεύσασιν
The saints and those who have believed are one group of people, not two. If your readers might be confused by this, you can combine these into one phrase. Alternate translation: “with the result that all of his saints, that is, the believers, will glorify him and marvel at him” or “as all of his people glorify him and marvel at him”
ἐπιστεύθη τὸ μαρτύριον ἡμῶν ἐφ’ ὑμᾶς
If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “you have believed our witness when we shared it with you” or “when we testified about the saving power of Jesus Christ, you believed what we said” (See: https://git.door43.org/Door43-Catalog/en_ta/src/branch/master/translate/figs-activepassive/01.md)
2 Thessalonians 1:11
εἰς ὃ
Here, for this connects verse 11 to verse 10, so that verse 11 gives the means or method (prayer for the Thessalonian believers) for reaching the purpose that verse 10 has just described (for Jesus to “be glorified…and marveled at”). Use a natural way in your language for introducing this relationship. Alternate translation: “This is why” or “To this end” (See: Connect — Goal (Purpose) Relationship)
καὶ προσευχόμεθα πάντοτε περὶ ὑμῶν
Paul is using always as an exaggeration in order to emphasize how often he prays for them. If your readers would misunderstand this, you could use an equivalent expression from your language. Alternate translation: “we also pray regularly for you” or “we continue to pray for you” (See: Hyperbole)
τῆς κλήσεως
Here, calling refers to God appointing or choosing people to belong to him and to proclaim his message of salvation through Jesus. Alternate translation: “to appoint you to belong to him” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)
πληρώσῃ πᾶσαν εὐδοκίαν ἀγαθωσύνης, καὶ ἔργον πίστεως ἐν δυνάμει
If your language does not use abstract nouns for the ideas behind desire, goodness, faith, and power, you could express these ideas in another way. Alternate translation: “he may make you able to do all of the good things that you want to do because you trust in Jesus and because God is powerful” or “he may empower you to act on what you believe in order to do good things in every way that you desire, because God is powerful” (See: Abstract Nouns)
καὶ πληρώσῃ
Here, and he may fulfill adds another reason why Paul and his associates pray always for the Thessalonian believers. This part of the sentence assumes some of the words from earlier in the sentence. If this would be misunderstood in your language, you could supply these words from the earlier part of the sentence. Alternate translation: “and we also pray so that he may fulfill” (See: Ellipsis)
2 Thessalonians 1:12
ὅπως
Here, so that introduces the purpose for which Paul and his associates pray all of the things mentioned in verse 11. It is a repetition of the same purpose that was given in verse 10, using similar words. Alternate translation: “and we also pray so that” (See: Connect — Goal (Purpose) Relationship)
τὸ ὄνομα τοῦ Κυρίου ἡμῶν, Ἰησοῦ
Here, the name of our Lord Jesus figuratively stands for the person of the Lord Jesus. If your readers would not understand this, you could use an equivalent expression or plain language. Alternate translation: “the reputation of our Lord Jesus” or “our Lord Jesus” (See: Metonymy)
ὅπως ἐνδοξασθῇ τὸ ὄνομα τοῦ Κυρίου ἡμῶν, Ἰησοῦ, ἐν ὑμῖν
If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. This could mean: (1) the Thessalonian believers will glorify Jesus. Alternate translation: “so that you would glorify the name of our Lord Jesus” (2) others will glorify Jesus because of what he has done for the Thessalonian believers. Alternate translation: “so that people would glorify the name of our Lord Jesus because of you” (See: Active or Passive)
καὶ ὑμεῖς ἐν αὐτῷ
If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “and Jesus might glorify you” (See: Active or Passive)
καὶ ὑμεῖς ἐν αὐτῷ
The phrase and you in him leaves out some of the words that a sentence would need in many languages to be complete. If this would be misunderstood in your language, you can make a complete sentence by supplying these words from earlier in the sentence. Alternate translation: “and so that you might be glorified in him” or “and so that he might glorify you” (See: https://git.door43.org/Door43-Catalog/en_ta/src/branch/master/translate/figs-ellipsis/01.md)
κατὰ τὴν χάριν τοῦ Θεοῦ ἡμῶν
If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea of grace, you could express the same idea in another way. Alternate translation: “according to how exceedingly kind our God and the Lord Jesus Christ are to you” or “as our God and the Lord Jesus Christ continue to abundantly bless you” (See: Abstract Nouns)
τοῦ Θεοῦ ἡμῶν καὶ Κυρίου Ἰησοῦ Χριστοῦ
The phrase translated as our God and the Lord Jesus Christ could refer to: (1) two persons of the Trinity, God the Father and Jesus the Son. (2) one person, Jesus, who is both God and Lord. Alternate translation: “our God and Lord, Jesus Christ”
2 Thessalonians 2
2 Thessalonians 2 General Notes
Special Concepts in this Chapter
Man of lawlessness
This person is also called “the son of destruction” and “the lawless one” in this chapter. He is not Satan, but he is empowered by Satan and is the leader of those who do Satan’s evil work in the world in the last days. He is certainly one of the “antichrists” mentioned by John (1 John 2:18) and may be the final one, described as a beast in Revelation 13. (See: antichrist)
Sits in the temple of God
Paul could be referring to the Jerusalem temple that the Romans destroyed several years after he wrote this letter. Or he could be referring to a future physical temple, or to the church as the spiritual temple of God. (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)
2 Thessalonians 2:1
In verses 1-12, Paul exhorts believers not to be deceived about the day Jesus will come back and warns them about the coming man of lawlessness. A heading for this section might be, “The Man of Lawlessness” or “The Deception before Jesus Returns.” (See: Section Headings)
δὲ
The word translated Now marks a change in topic. You can use a natural way in your language to show that this is a new section with a different topic than the previous section. (See: Connecting Words and Phrases)
ὑπὲρ τῆς παρουσίας τοῦ Κυρίου ἡμῶν, Ἰησοῦ Χριστοῦ, καὶ ἡμῶν ἐπισυναγωγῆς ἐπ’ αὐτόν
The coming of our Lord Jesus Christ and our gathering to him are two actions that happen at the same time. You can make this clear in your translation with an appropriate connecting word or phrase. Alternate translation: “regarding the time of our Lord Jesus coming when we will be gathered together unto him” (See: Connect — Simultaneous Time Relationship)
ὑπὲρ τῆς παρουσίας τοῦ Κυρίου ἡμῶν, Ἰησοῦ Χριστοῦ, καὶ ἡμῶν ἐπισυναγωγῆς ἐπ’ αὐτόν
If it is more natural in your language, you can use active verbs for the events of coming and gathering. Alternate translation: “about the time when our Lord Jesus will come and gather us to himself” (See: Active or Passive)
ἀδελφοί
Here, brothers means fellow Christians, including both men and women. Alternate translation: “brothers and sisters” (See: When Masculine Words Include Women)
2 Thessalonians 2:2
εἰς τὸ μὴ ταχέως σαλευθῆναι ὑμᾶς ἀπὸ τοῦ νοὸς
The phrase shaken in {your} mind refers to a person’s thoughts being unsettled. You could also express this positively. Alternate translation: “for you to remain firm in your thinking” (See: Double Negatives)
μηδὲ θροεῖσθαι
The phrase to be troubled refers to a person’s emotions being unsettled. You could also express this positively. Alternate translation: “and remain peaceful when a message comes” or “and keep calm when you hear something” (See: Double Negatives)
μήτε διὰ πνεύματος, μήτε διὰ λόγου, μήτε δι’ ἐπιστολῆς, ὡς δι’ ἡμῶν
Paul is leaving out some words here that might be necessary in your language. If it is helpful, you could supply these words. Alternate translation: “when you receive a message either by means of a spirit or by means of a spoken word or by means of a written letter that pretends to be coming from us” (See: Ellipsis)
ὡς δι’ ἡμῶν
Paul is leaving out some words here that might be necessary in your language. If it is helpful, you could supply these words. Alternate translation: “that claims to have come from us” or “trying to deceive you that it is from us” (See: Ellipsis)
ὡς ὅτι
Paul is leaving out some words here that might be necessary in your language. If it is helpful, you could supply these words. Alternate translation: “that talks as if” or “that falsely claims that” (See: Ellipsis)
ἡ ἡμέρα τοῦ Κυρίου
Here, the day of the Lord refers to the time when Jesus will come back to the earth for all believers.
2 Thessalonians 2:3
μή τις ὑμᾶς ἐξαπατήσῃ κατὰ μηδένα τρόπον
Alternate translation: “Do not permit anyone to fool you” or “Do not believe at all the wrong words that people are telling you about this”
ὅτι ἐὰν μὴ ἔλθῃ ἡ ἀποστασία πρῶτον
Here, Paul is leaving out some of the words that a sentence would need in many languages to be complete. If your readers might misunderstand this, you could supply these words from the previous verse. Alternate translation: “for the day of the Lord will not come unless the apostacy comes first” (See: Ellipsis)
ἡ ἀποστασία
Here, the apostacy refers to a future time when many people will turn away from God. If your language does not use an abstract noun for this idea, you could express it in another way. Alternate translation: “the time when many people will rebel against God” (See: Abstract Nouns)
ἀποκαλυφθῇ ὁ ἄνθρωπος τῆς ἀνομίας
If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you could express the idea in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “the man of lawlessness arrives” or “the man of lawlessness makes himself known” (See: Active or Passive)
ὁ ἄνθρωπος τῆς ἀνομίας
Paul is using the possessive form to describe a man who is characterized by lawlessness. By this Paul means that this man will oppose all of God’s commandments and instructions. If this is not clear in your language, you could express this another way. Alternate translation: “the lawless man” or “the man who opposes God’s rule” (See: Possession)
ὁ υἱὸς τῆς ἀπωλείας
Here, son of destruction is an idiom meaning a person who is destined for destruction. Alternate translation: “the one who will be destroyed” or “the one whom God will destroy” (See: Idiom)
ὁ υἱὸς τῆς ἀπωλείας
God will destroy this person some time after the events of verse 4. If it would be clearer in your language, consider moving this phrase to the end of verse 4. (See: Order of Events)
2 Thessalonians 2:4
πάντα λεγόμενον θεὸν ἢ σέβασμα
You can state this in active form. Alternate translation: “everything that people call God or whatever they worship” (See: Active or Passive)
αὐτὸν…καθίσαι
Here, he sits is part of a description of the kinds of things that this person does. If it is confusing in your language to use the present tense for this, you could use the future tense, since this will happen in the future. Alternate translation: “he will sit” (See: Predictive Past)
ἀποδεικνύντα ἑαυτὸν ὅτι ἔστιν Θεός
Here, showing that he himself is God does not mean that this man is God, but only that he is displaying himself to the world as though he were God. Alternate translation: “showing himself as God” or “attempting to demonstrate to people that he is God”
2 Thessalonians 2:5
οὐ μνημονεύετε ὅτι, ἔτι ὢν πρὸς ὑμᾶς, ταῦτα ἔλεγον ὑμῖν
Paul is not asking for information here, but is using the question form to remind the Thessalonians of what he taught when he was with them previously. If you would not use a rhetorical question for this purpose in your language, you could translate his words as a statement. See the UST. (See: Rhetorical Question)
ταῦτα
Here, these things refers to the topics that Paul mentioned in verses 3 and 4, including the rebellion against God, the man of lawlessness, and the return of Jesus on the day of the Lord. (See: Pronouns — When to Use Them)
2 Thessalonians 2:6
καὶ νῦν τὸ κατέχον οἴδατε
There are two possibilities for understanding the function of the word now here. (1) It goes with what is restraining him. Alternate translation: “And you know what is restraining him now” or (2) it goes with you know. Alternate translation: “And now you know what is restraining him”
τὸ ἀποκαλυφθῆναι αὐτὸν ἐν τῷ αὐτοῦ καιρῷ
If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you could express the idea in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “the proper time, when God will allow him to reveal himself” (See: Active or Passive)
2 Thessalonians 2:7
γὰρ
Here, the word translated For serves to connect this sentence as a contrast to what Paul has said about lawlessness, starting in verse 3. Until here, Paul was talking about lawlessness in the future, but now he wants to clarify that people are already being lawless.Use a natural way in your language for introducing this contrast. Alternate translation: “Now” or “Actually,” (See: Connect — Contrast Relationship)
τὸ…μυστήριον ἤδη ἐνεργεῖται τῆς ἀνομίας
Here, lawlessness is characterized as a mystery because we cannot understand why people rebel against God’s wise instructions unless we understand the spiritual forces at work, which Paul explains here. If your language does not use abstract nouns for these ideas, you could express them in another way. Alternate translation: “people are already mysteriously rebelling against God” or “Satan is already secretly leading people to reject God’s laws, as this man will do” (See: Abstract Nouns)
ὁ κατέχων
To restrain someone is to hold him back or to keep him from doing what he wants to do. Alternate translation: “the one who has been holding him back”
γένηται
Here, he refers to the one who is restraining the man of lawlessness. If this is not clear to your readers, you could say this explicitly. Alternate translation: “the one who restrains the man of lawlessness moves” (See: Pronouns — When to Use Them)
ἐκ μέσου γένηται
Here Paul speaks figuratively of the person who is restraining the man of lawlessness as though he were standing in front of him and blocking his path. If this does not make sense in your language, you could use an equivalent metaphor or you could express the meaning in a nonfigurative way. Alternative translation: “he stops restraining him” (See: Metaphor)
2 Thessalonians 2:8
καὶ τότε ἀποκαλυφθήσεται ὁ ἄνομος
If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “and then God will allow the lawless one to show himself” (See: Active or Passive)
τῷ πνεύματι τοῦ στόματος αὐτοῦ
In this figure of speech, breath represents the power of God and mouth represents the spoken word of Jesus. If your readers would not understand this, you could use an equivalent expression or plain language. Alternate translation: “by the power of his spoken word” (See: Metonymy)
ἀνελεῖ τῷ πνεύματι τοῦ στόματος αὐτοῦ, καὶ καταργήσει τῇ ἐπιφανείᾳ τῆς παρουσίας αὐτοῦ
These two phrases describe the same event. Paul says the same thing twice, in slightly different ways, to emphasize how much more powerful Jesus is than the man of lawlessness. If it is confusing for your readers to talk about killing someone and then bringing him to nothing, you can reverse the order of the phrases, as in the UST, or you can combine the phrases into one. Alternate translation: “will destroy by his glorious appearance and with the breath of his mouth” (See: Parallelism)
2 Thessalonians 2:9
οὗ ἐστιν ἡ παρουσία, κατ’ ἐνέργειαν τοῦ Σατανᾶ
Here, Paul is using the possessive form to describe work that Satan does. If this is not clear in your language, you could say this explicitly. Alternate translation: “Satan will bring this man and will work through him” (See: Possession)
οὗ
Here, whom refers back to the man of lawlessness. Alternate translation: “of the man of lawlessness”
ἐν πάσῃ δυνάμει, καὶ σημείοις, καὶ τέρασιν ψεύδους
Here, all is hyperbole. It can apply to: (1) only power, with the meaning “much” or “great.” Alternate translation: “with great power to do signs and false wonders” or (2) power, signs, and wonders, with the meaning “many kinds of.” Alternate translation: “with many kinds of power, signs, and false wonders” or (3) a combination of the two. Alternate translation: “with much power to do all kinds of signs and false wonders” (See: Hyperbole)
ἐν πάσῃ δυνάμει, καὶ σημείοις, καὶ τέρασιν ψεύδους
If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea of power, you could express the same idea in another way. Alternate translation: “with very powerful signs and false wonders” or “who made him very powerful to do signs and false wonders” (See: Abstract Nouns)
καὶ σημείοις, καὶ τέρασιν ψεύδους
The words signs and wonders often occur together and mean basically the same thing. The repetition is used to emphasize how amazing they are. If your language does not have two words for this or does not use repetition to do this, you could use one word and provide emphasis in another way. Alternate translation: “and amazing false miracles” (See: Doublet)
2 Thessalonians 2:10
πάσῃ
Here, all is hyperbole and could mean: (1) “a high degree of” or (2) “many kinds of” (See: Hyperbole)
ἐν πάσῃ ἀπάτῃ ἀδικίας
Here Paul uses the possessive form to describe deceit that results from unrighteousness. If the relationship of the words is not clear in your language, you could express it more explicitly. Alternate translation: “because he is so unrighteous, he will be very deceptive” (See: Possession)
ἐν πάσῃ ἀπάτῃ ἀδικίας, τοῖς ἀπολλυμένοις
If your language does not use abstract nouns for the ideas of deceit and unrighteousness, you could express the same ideas in another way. Alternate translation: “because he is so unrighteous, he will completely deceive those who are perishing” (See: Abstract Nouns)
ἀνθ’ ὧν
What follows this phrase is the reason that the people are perishing. Use a natural way in your language for introducing a reason. You may want to start a new sentence here and end what came before it with a period. Alternate translation: “They are perishing because” (See: Connect — Reason-and-Result Relationship)
τὴν ἀγάπην τῆς ἀληθείας οὐκ ἐδέξαντο
If your language does not use abstract nouns for the ideas of love and truth, you could express the same ideas in another way. Also, your language might prefer an expression other than love for something as impersonal as truth. Alternate translation: “they did not want to consider the true message about Jesus to be important” (See: Abstract Nouns)
εἰς τὸ σωθῆναι αὐτούς
This phrase could express: (1) the result of receiving the love of the truth. Alternate translation: “and thus be saved” or (2) the purpose of loving the truth. Alternate translation: “so that they could be saved” (See: Connect — Reason-and-Result Relationship)
εἰς τὸ σωθῆναι αὐτούς
If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you could express the idea in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. If you must state who does the action, that would be God. Alternate translation: “for God to save them” or “so that God would save them” (See: Active or Passive)
2 Thessalonians 2:11
διὰ τοῦτο
What follows this connector is the result of the action of the people who “did not receive the love of the truth” in verse 10. Use a connector that shows that what the people did in verse 10 is the reason for what follows in this verse. Alternate translation: “for this reason” or “because the people did not receive the love of the truth” (See: Connect — Reason-and-Result Relationship)
πέμπει αὐτοῖς ὁ Θεὸς ἐνέργειαν πλάνης, εἰς τὸ πιστεῦσαι αὐτοὺς τῷ ψεύδει
Paul is speaking figuratively of God allowing something to happen to people as if he is sending something to them. Alternate translation: “God is allowing them to think wrongly so that they believe the lies of the man of lawlessness” (See: Metaphor)
ἐνέργειαν πλάνης
Paul is using the possessive form to describe a working that is characterized by error. This means something that works to produce error in them. Alternate translation: “the ability to think in a wrong way” (See: Possession)
εἰς τὸ πιστεῦσαι αὐτοὺς
Here, for introduces a purpose clause. Paul is stating the purpose for which God sends the working of error. Use a natural way in your language for introducing a purpose clause. Alternate translation: “so that they may believe” (See: Connect — Goal (Purpose) Relationship)
εἰς τὸ πιστεῦσαι αὐτοὺς
Here, them refers to the people who “did not receive the love of the truth” in verse 10. If this might confuse your readers, you could express the meaning explicitly. Alternate translation: “so that these people may believe” or “in order that the people who did not receive the love of the truth may believe” (See: Pronouns — When to Use Them)
2 Thessalonians 2:12
ἵνα
This phrase introduces a purpose clause. This follows the purpose clause of verse 11, so you may want to link them together. Alternate translation: “and furthermore, so that” or “and therefore” (See: Connect — Goal (Purpose) Relationship)
κριθῶσιν πάντες
If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you could express the idea in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. If you must state who did the action, that would be God. Alternate translation: “God may judge all of them” (See: Active or Passive)
οἱ
Here, those refers back to the people that Paul has described with similar terms in verse 10. These are the same people who “did not receive the love of the truth” and instead accepted the “deceit of unrighteousness.” You may want to start a new sentence here and end what came before with a period. Alternate translation: “Those are the people” (See: Pronouns — When to Use Them)
οἱ μὴ πιστεύσαντες τῇ ἀληθείᾳ, ἀλλὰ εὐδοκήσαντες τῇ ἀδικίᾳ
If your language does not use abstract nouns for the ideas of truth and unrighteousness, you could express the same ideas in another way. Alternate translation: “those who have not believed the true message but have enjoyed doing sinful things” or “those people who have rejected the true message about the Lord and instead have chosen to do what is wrong” (See: Abstract Nouns)
2 Thessalonians 2:13
Paul now changes topics. If you are using section headings, you could put one here before verse 13. Suggested heading: “Paul gives thanks to God for the believers and encourages them.” (See: Section Headings)
δὲ
The word translated Now marks a change in topic. You can use a natural way in your language to indicate/show that this is a new section with a different topic than the previous section.
ἡμεῖς…ὀφείλομεν εὐχαριστεῖν…πάντοτε
The word always is a generalization. This is used to emphasize the importance of the action. If this is not natural in your language, you can use the alternative renderings given. Alternate translation: “we should continually give thanks” or “we must thank God at all times” (See: Hyperbole)
ἡμεῖς…ὀφείλομεν
Here, we refers to three men, Paul, Silvanus, and Timothy. If you have exclusive and inclusive first-person pronouns in your language, this should be an exclusive pronoun. (See: Exclusive and Inclusive ‘We’)
ἀδελφοὶ ἠγαπημένοι ὑπὸ Κυρίου
If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you could say this with an active form. Alternate translation: “for the Lord loves you, brothers” (See: Active or Passive)
ἀδελφοὶ
Here, brothers means fellow Christians, including both men and women. If your readers understand that it is addressed only to men, you may need to use both the masculine and the feminine forms of that word in your language. If you use a nonfigurative word such as “believers”, see that both the genders are addressed. Alternate translation: “brothers and sisters” (See: When Masculine Words Include Women)
ἀπαρχὴν εἰς σωτηρίαν
Being among the first people to be saved is spoken of as if the Thessalonian believers were firstfruits. Alternate translation: “to be among the first people who believe” or “to be some of the first people whom God was saving” (See: Metaphor)
ἀπαρχὴν εἰς σωτηρίαν ἐν ἁγιασμῷ Πνεύματος καὶ πίστει ἀληθείας
If it would be clearer in your language, you can change the abstract nouns salvation, sanctification, belief, and truth into verbal forms. Alternate translation: “to be among the first people who believe what is true, and whom God has saved and set apart for himself by his Spirit” (See: Abstract Nouns)
2 Thessalonians 2:14
διὰ τοῦ εὐαγγελίου ἡμῶν
Here, the phrase through our gospel does not mean that the gospel belongs to Paul and his companions. It refers to the gospel about Jesus that Paul and his companions preached. Alternate translation: “through the gospel that we preached to you” (See: Ellipsis)
εἰς περιποίησιν δόξης τοῦ Κυρίου ἡμῶν, Ἰησοῦ Χριστοῦ
The phrase to the acquiring of the glory of our Lord Jesus Christ does not mean that we will take over or divide up the glory of Jesus Christ. It means that the believers will share in Christ’s glory. Alternate translation: “so that you might share in the glory of our Lord Jesus Christ” or “in order that you might receive glory like our Lord Jesus Christ” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)
εἰς περιποίησιν δόξης τοῦ Κυρίου ἡμῶν
If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea of glory, you could express the same idea with a different form. Alternate translation: “so that you might become glorious like our Lord” (See: Abstract Nouns)
2 Thessalonians 2:15
ἄρα οὖν
The words So then connect this verse with verses 13 and 14 as their logical conclusion. Because God did the wonderful things in those verses, the Thessalonians should do what verse 15 says. Use a natural way to introduce a conclusion in your language. Alternate translation: “Therefore” or “Because God did all of that for you” (See: Connect — Reason-and-Result Relationship)
ἀδελφοί
Here, brothers means fellow believers in Jesus, including both men and women. Alternate translation: “brothers and sisters” (See: When Masculine Words Include Women)
στήκετε
Here, the phrase stand firm is used figuratively to mean to not change one’s beliefs but, rather, to remain steadfast in what one believes. If this would be unclear in your language, consider using an equivalent expression, or use plain language. Alternate translation: “continue to believe the truth” or “do not give up your faith” (See: Metaphor)
κρατεῖτε τὰς παραδόσεις
Here, traditions refers to the truths about Christ that Paul and the other apostles taught. Paul speaks of them figuratively as if his readers could hold on to them with their hands. Alternate translation: “do not give up believing those truths” or “continue to believe the true teachings” (See: Metaphor)
στήκετε καὶ κρατεῖτε
These two phrases mean basically the same thing. The repetition is used to emphasize the importance of doing this. If your language does not use repetition to do this, you could use one phrase and provide emphasis in another way. Alternate translation: “keep on firmly believing” or “do not allow anyone to change your mind in any way about” (See: Doublet)
ἐδιδάχθητε
If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you could say this with an active form. Alternate translation: “we have taught you” (See: Active or Passive)
διὰ λόγου
Here, by word is an expression that means that Paul had been present with them and taught them personally. Alternate translation: “by what we said to you in person” or “when we were talking to you.” (See: Synecdoche)
δι’ ἐπιστολῆς ἡμῶν
You can make clear the implicit information that by our letter refers to what Paul taught to the Thessalonians in an earlier letter (probably 1 Thessalonians). Alternate translation: “by what we wrote to you in a letter” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)
2 Thessalonians 2:16
δὲ
The word translated Now marks a change in topic. You can use a natural way in your language to show that this is a new section with a different topic than the previous section. (See: Connecting Words and Phrases)
αὐτὸς δὲ ὁ Κύριος ἡμῶν, Ἰησοῦς Χριστὸς, καὶ ὁ Θεὸς ὁ Πατὴρ ἡμῶν
Paul ends this section with a blessing. Use a form that people would recognize as a blessing in your language. Alternate translation: “Now may our Lord Jesus Christ himself, and God our Father” or “We pray that our Lord Jesus Christ himself, and God our Father” (See: Blessings)
ἡμῶν…ἡμῶν…ἡμᾶς
The words our and us refer to all believers including the writers. If you have exclusive and inclusive first-person plural pronouns in your language, these should be inclusive pronouns. (See: Exclusive and Inclusive ‘We’)
αὐτὸς…Κύριος ἡμῶν, Ἰησοῦς Χριστὸς
Here, himself gives additional emphasis to the phrase Lord Jesus Christ. Use a way that is natural in your language to indicate this emphasis. Alternate translation: “our Lord Jesus Christ, the very one” (See: Reflexive Pronouns)
δοὺς παράκλησιν αἰωνίαν, καὶ ἐλπίδα ἀγαθὴν
If your language does not use abstract nouns for the ideas of comfort and hope, you could express the same ideas in another way. Alternate translation: “always comforts us and has given us good things to hope for” (See: Abstract Nouns)
ἐν χάριτι
If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea of grace, you could express the same idea in another way. Alternate translation: “because of how gracious he is to us” (See: Abstract Nouns)
2 Thessalonians 2:17
παρακαλέσαι ὑμῶν τὰς καρδίας, καὶ στηρίξαι
Here, the word hearts represents both the emotion and will of a person. If hearts does not mean this in your language, you could use an equivalent expression or plain language. Alternate translation: “may he give comfort and strength to your livers” or “may he comfort you and strengthen you” (See: Metonymy)
ἐν παντὶ ἔργῳ καὶ λόγῳ ἀγαθῷ
If it would be clearer in your language, you can express the phrase work and word with verbs. Alternative translation: “in every good thing that you do and say” or “so that you can do and say everything that is good.” (See: Synecdoche)
2 Thessalonians 3
2 Thessalonians 3 General Notes
Special Concepts in this Chapter
Idle and lazy persons
In Thessalonica, there apparently was a problem with people in the church who were able to work but refused to do so. (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)
What should you do if your brother sins?
In this chapter, Paul teaches that Christians need to live in a way that honors God. Christians should also encourage one another and hold each other accountable for what they do. The church is also responsible for encouraging believers to repent if they sin. (See: repent, repentance and sin, sinful, sinner, sinning)
2 Thessalonians 3:1
In verses 1-5, Paul asks the believers to pray for him and his companions and encourages them. A heading for this section might be, “Pray for Us.” (See: Section Headings)
τὸ λοιπὸν
Here, the word Finally marks a change in topic. To pray is not the final instruction that Paul gives but it is how Paul opens the last section of his letter where he will discuss a few remaining matters. Alternate translation: “One more thing” or “So, continuing on” (See: Connecting Words and Phrases)
ἀδελφοί
Here, brothers means fellow Christians, including both men and women. Alternate translation: “brothers and sisters” (See: When Masculine Words Include Women)
ἡμῶν
The pronoun us refers to Paul and his companions. If you have exclusive and inclusive first person pronouns in your language, this should be an exclusive pronoun. (See: Exclusive and Inclusive ‘We’)
τρέχῃ
Paul speaks of God’s word spreading as if it were running from place to place. He is comparing the rapid spread of God’s word to a person who takes good news to others. Alternate translation: “might spread rapidly” or “might be heard by many people” (See: Metaphor)
καὶ δοξάζηται
You can state this in active form, if the passive construction is not natural in your language. Alternate translation: “and that many people would honor it” (See: Active or Passive)
καθὼς καὶ πρὸς ὑμᾶς
This phrase leaves out some words that many languages might need to be complete. If your readers might misunderstand this, you could supply these words from the context. Alternate translation: “just as also happened with you” or “which is exactly what you did” (See: Ellipsis)
2 Thessalonians 3:2
ῥυσθῶμεν
You can state this in active form. Alternate translation: “God may save us” or “God may rescue us” (See: Active or Passive)
ἀτόπων καὶ πονηρῶν
These two terms mean basically the same thing and are used together to emphasize the amount of evil. If your language does not use repetition to do this or if you do not have two words for these attributes, you could use one phrase and provide emphasis in another way. Alternate translation: “very wicked men” or “many wicked men” (See: Doublet)
οὐ γὰρ πάντων ἡ πίστις
The phrase not everyone is a negative understatement that emphasizes how rare faith is. If this is confusing in your language, you can express the meaning positively. Alternate translation: “for only some people believe in the Lord” or “for people who believe in Jesus are few” (See: Litotes)
ἡ πίστις
If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea of faith, you could express the same idea in another way. Alternate translation: “believes in Jesus” (See: Abstract Nouns)
2 Thessalonians 3:3
ὃς στηρίξει
The word strengthen here refers to spiritual strength, not physical strength. If your readers might misunderstand this, it can be made clear in your translation. Alternate translation: “who will strengthen you spiritually” or “who will make you inwardly strong” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)
τοῦ πονηροῦ
This could mean: (1) the evil being Satan. Alternate translation: “Satan” or (2) evil in general. Alternate translation: “evil”
2 Thessalonians 3:4
πεποίθαμεν δὲ
The phrase We are also confident may be confusing in some languages. If that is the case in your language, you could translate this as a noun phrase. Alternate translation: “We also have faith” or “We also trust” (See: Nominal Adjectives)
πεποίθαμεν δὲ ἐν Κυρίῳ ἐφ’ ὑμᾶς
This could mean: (1) Paul has confidence in the Thessalonian believers because of the close relationship that they have with the Lord Jesus. In this case, Paul is speaking figuratively of this relationship as if they were inside the Lord Jesus. Alternative translation: “Because you are united to the Lord, we are also confident” (See: Metaphor) (2) Paul has confidence in the Lord Jesus, that he will cause them to do what is right. Alternative translation: “Because we trust in the Lord Jesus to enable you, we are also confident”
2 Thessalonians 3:5
ὁ…Κύριος κατευθύναι ὑμῶν τὰς καρδίας εἰς τὴν ἀγάπην τοῦ Θεοῦ, καὶ εἰς τὴν ὑπομονὴν τοῦ Χριστοῦ
Here, hearts stands for a person’s thoughts or mind. If your readers would not understand this, you could use an equivalent expression or plain language. Alternate translation: “may the Lord cause you to understand the love of God and the endurance of Christ” or “may the Lord help you to know the love of God and the endurance of Christ” (See: Metonymy)
εἰς τὴν ἀγάπην τοῦ Θεοῦ, καὶ εἰς τὴν ὑπομονὴν τοῦ Χριστοῦ
Paul speaks of God’s love and Christ’s endurance as if they were destinations on a path. If your readers would not understand this figure of speech, you could express the meaning in a nonfigurative way. Alternate translation: “to know how much God loves you and the endurance that Christ supplies you” (See: Metaphor)
εἰς τὴν ἀγάπην τοῦ Θεοῦ, καὶ εἰς τὴν ὑπομονὴν τοῦ Χριστοῦ
Here, love of God can mean (1) the love that comes from God. Alternate translation: “to know how much God loves you” or (2) the love that people give to God. Alternate translation: “to love God more” (See: Possession)
εἰς τὴν ὑπομονὴν τοῦ Χριστοῦ
Here, endurance of Christ can mean (1) the endurance that Christ gives to his people. Alternate translation: “to experience the endurance that Christ gives you” or (2) the endurance that Christ had through his suffering. Alternate translation: “to know how much Christ has endured for you” (See: Possession)
2 Thessalonians 3:6
In verses 6-15, Paul gives the believers some final instructions about working and not being idle. A heading for this section might be, “Believers Must Work.” (See: Section Headings)
δὲ
The word translated Now marks a change in topic. You can use a natural way in your language to show that this is a new section with a different topic than the previous section. (See: Connecting Words and Phrases)
ἀδελφοί…ἀδελφοῦ
Here, the words brothers and brother refer to fellow Christians, including both men and women. Alternate translation: “brothers and sisters … brother or sister” (See: When Masculine Words Include Women)
ἐν ὀνόματι τοῦ Κυρίου ἡμῶν, Ἰησοῦ Χριστοῦ
Here, name figuratively stands for the person of Jesus Christ. It can also mean “with the authority of.” If using this term figuratively is not clear in your language, you can express it directly. Alternate translation: “as if our Lord Jesus Christ himself were speaking” or “with the authority that our Lord Jesus Christ has given us” (See: Metonymy)
ἡμῶν
Here, our refers to all believers. If you have exclusive and inclusive first-person plural pronouns in your language, this should be an inclusive pronoun. (See: Exclusive and Inclusive ‘We’)
ἀτάκτως περιπατοῦντος
Here Paul speaks figuratively of people who are not living well as if they walk in a haphazard manner. If your readers would not understand this metaphor, you could use an equivalent metaphor from your culture. Alternatively, you could express the meaning in a nonfigurative way. Alternative translation: “who is living in a bad way” or “who is not living correctly” (See: Metaphor)
τὴν παράδοσιν
Here, the traditions refers to the teachings that the apostles received from Jesus and are passing along to all believers. Alternate translation: “the teachings” or “the instructions”
2 Thessalonians 3:7
μιμεῖσθαι ἡμᾶς
The phrase to imitate may be a difficult word to translate in your language. In that case, you can make this explicit. Alternate translation: “to act the way that my fellow workers and I act” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)
οὐκ ἠτακτήσαμεν ἐν ὑμῖν
Paul uses a double negative to emphasize the positive. If this double negative would be misunderstood in your language, you could translate it as a positive statement. Alternate translation: “we lived among you as those who had much discipline” or “we worked diligently when we were with you” (See: Double Negatives)
2 Thessalonians 3:8
ἄρτον
Paul refers to bread here because it was the most common and basic food for them. If your readers would not be familiar with bread or if that is a kind of food that would be considered unusual or extravagant, you could use a general expression for ordinary food. Alternate translation: “food” or “anything” (See: Translate Unknowns)
νυκτὸς καὶ ἡμέρας ἐργαζόμενοι
Here, night and day form a merism, which means “all the time.” If your readers would misunderstand this to mean that they worked without taking any rest whatsoever, then you can make the meaning clear. Alternate translation: “working throughout that time with little rest” or “we worked almost continuously” (See: Merism)
ἐν κόπῳ καὶ μόχθῳ
Here, toil and hardship have very similar meanings. Paul used this repetition to emphasize that they worked very hard. If you do not have two similar words that you can use here or if it would be unnatural for you to use such repetition, you can emphasize this in another way. Alternate translation: “with great effort” or “in very difficult circumstances” (See: Doublet)
2 Thessalonians 3:9
οὐχ ὅτι οὐκ ἔχομεν ἐξουσίαν, ἀλλ’
Paul uses a double negative to emphasize the positive. If this double negative would be misunderstood in your language, you could translate it as a positive statement. Alternate translation: “and we certainly have the right to receive food from you, but instead we worked for our food” (See: Double Negatives)
ἑαυτοὺς τύπον δῶμεν ὑμῖν
If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea of example, you could express the same idea in another way. Alternate translation: “we might show you the right way in order for you” or “we might demonstrate the way to live for you” (See: Abstract Nouns)
μιμεῖσθαι
See how you translated imitate in verse 7.
2 Thessalonians 3:10
εἴ τις οὐ θέλει ἐργάζεσθαι, μηδὲ ἐσθιέτω
You can state this in positive form, if this form is difficult to understand in your language. Alternate translation: “If a person wants to eat, he must work” (See: Double Negatives)
2 Thessalonians 3:11
τινας περιπατοῦντας…ἀτάκτως
Here, walking stands for behavior in life. you can use an equivalent metaphor from your culture, if it is available. Otherwise, you can express the meaning in a nonfigurative way. Alternate translation: “some who are living idle lives” or “some who are being lazy” (See: Metaphor)
ἀλλὰ περιεργαζομένους
Meddlers are people who interfere in the affairs of others without being asked to help. (See: Translate Unknowns)
2 Thessalonians 3:12
μετὰ ἡσυχίας
Here, with quietness is the opposite of meddling. Paul exhorts the meddlers to stop getting involved in other people’s affairs. If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea of quietness, you could express the same idea in another way. Alternate translation: “in a quiet and peaceful manner” (See: Abstract Nouns)
2 Thessalonians 3:13
δέ
Paul here uses the word But to contrast the lazy believers with the hardworking believers. Use a natural way in your language for introducing a contrast. Alternate translation: “Concerning” (See: Connect — Contrast Relationship)
ὑμεῖς
The word you refers to all the Thessalonian believers, so it should be in plural form. (See: Forms of You)
ἀδελφοί
Here, brothers means fellow Christians, including both men and women. Alternate translation: “brothers and sisters” (See: When Masculine Words Include Women)
2 Thessalonians 3:14
τῷ λόγῳ ἡμῶν
Paul is figuratively referring to his command to the Thessalonian believers as a word. If your readers would not understand this, you could use an equivalent expression or plain language. Alternate translation: “our instructions” (See: Metonymy)
τοῦτον σημειοῦσθε
Paul wants the Thessalonians to notice who this person is. Alternate translation: “point out that person” or “make sure everyone knows who he is” (See: Idiom)
ἵνα ἐντραπῇ
Paul instructs believers to avoid lazy believers as a disciplinary action. If necessary, you can make this explicit to make the meaning clear. Alternate translation: “in order that he will know that his laziness is wrong” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)
2 Thessalonians 3:15
ἀδελφόν
Although the term brother is masculine, Paul is using the word here in a generic sense that includes both men and women. Alternate translation: “a fellow believer” (See: When Masculine Words Include Women)
2 Thessalonians 3:16
In verses 16-18, Paul makes closing remarks to the believers at Thessalonica. A heading for this section might be, “Closing Remarks.” (See: Section Headings)
δὲ
The word translated Now marks a change in topic. You can use a natural way in your language to show that this is a new section with a different topic than the previous section. (See: Connecting Words and Phrases)
αὐτὸς…ὁ Κύριος τῆς εἰρήνης, δῴη ὑμῖν
Paul ends the letter with blessings that are also prayers. Use a form that people would recognize as a blessing or prayer in your language. Alternate translation: “I pray that the Lord of peace himself may give you” (See: Blessings)
αὐτὸς…ὁ Κύριος τῆς εἰρήνης
Here, himself emphasizes that the Lord is the source of peace and that he will personally give peace to believers. (See: Reflexive Pronouns)
2 Thessalonians 3:17
ὁ ἀσπασμὸς τῇ ἐμῇ χειρὶ, Παύλου, ὅ ἐστιν σημεῖον ἐν πάσῃ ἐπιστολῇ, οὕτως γράφω
Alternate translation: “I, Paul, write this greeting with my own hand, which I do in every letter, as a sign that this letter is truly from me because this is how I write”
τῇ ἐμῇ χειρὶ
Here, the phrase in my own hand is an idiom meaning “in my own handwriting.” If your readers would not understand this, you could use an equivalent idiom or use plain language. Alternate translation: “I myself am writing” (See: Idiom)
οὕτως γράφω
Paul makes it clear that this letter is from him and is not a forgery. If it would be helpful to your readers, you could express that explicitly. Alternate translation: “You can know that the letter is from me because this is how I write” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)
2 Thessalonians 3:18
ἡ χάρις τοῦ Κυρίου ἡμῶν, Ἰησοῦ Χριστοῦ, μετὰ πάντων ὑμῶν
Paul ends the letter with one more blessing. Use a form that people would recognize as a blessing in your language. Alternate translation: “I pray that the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ will be with you all” (See: Blessings)