2 Thessalonians

2 Thessalonians front

Introduction to 2 Thessalonians

Part 1: General Introduction

Outline of the Book of 2 Thessalonians

1. Greetings and thanksgiving (1:1-3)
2. Christians suffering from persecution
   • They are worthy of the kingdom of God and of his promise of relief from trials (1:4-7)
   • God will judge those who persecute Christians (1:8-12)
3. Some believers’ misunderstanding about the second coming of Christ
   • Christ’s return has not yet happened (2:1-2)
   • Instruction about the events that will precede the return of Christ (2:3-12)
4. Paul’s confidence that God will save the Thessalonian Christians
   • His call to “stand firm” (2:13-15)
   • His prayer that God will comfort them (2:16-17)
5. Paul requests that the Thessalonian believers pray for him (3:1-5)
6. Paul give commands about idle believers (3:6-15)
7. 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 Christians. After he became a Christian, he traveled several times throughout the Roman Empire telling people about Jesus.

Paul wrote this letter while 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. And he 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 with Christ and the believers. Please see the introduction to the Book of Romans for more details about this kind of expression.

What are the major issues in the text of the Book of 2 Thessalonians?

For the following verses, modern versions of the Bible differ from older versions. The ULT text has the modern reading and puts the older reading in a footnote. If a translation of the Bible exists in the general region, translators should consider using the reading found in those versions. If not, translators are advised to follow the modern reading. * “and the man of lawlessness is revealed” (2:3). The ULT, UST, and most modern versions read this way. Older versions have, “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. Other versions have, “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.

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: “We talk about your patience and faith in all your persecutions. We talk about the afflictions that you endure. This is a sign of God’s righteous judgment.” People would not normally think that believing in God while being persecuted is a sign of God’s righteous judgment. But in verses 5-10, Paul explains how God will reward those who believe in him and how he will judge those who afflict them. (2 Thessalonians 1:4-5)

2 Thessalonians 1:1

Paul is the author of this letter, but he includes Silvanus and Timothy as senders of the letter. He begins by greeting the church at Thessalonica.

The words “we” and “us” refer to Paul, Silvanus, and Timothy, unless otherwise noted. If your language differentiates between inclusive and exclusive pronoun, use an exclusive pronoun here. (See: Exclusive and Inclusive ‘We’)

The word “you” is plural and refers to the believers at the church of Thessalonica. (See: Forms of You)

Σιλουανὸς

Silvanus is the Latin form of “Silas.” He is 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)

2 Thessalonians 1:2

χάρις ὑμῖν

Paul commonly uses this kind of greeting in his letters. This is more of a request to God to bless them and so this can be represented as a prayer.

2 Thessalonians 1:3

Paul gives thanks for the believers in Thessalonica.

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)

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 non-figurative 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

This gives the reason for thanking God for the Thessalonian believers. Alternate translation: “for it is the right thing for us to do” OR “we are doing what is proper” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

ὅτι ὑπεραυξάνει ἡ πίστις ὑμῶν

πλεονάζει ἡ ἀγάπη ἑνὸς ἑκάστου, πάντων ὑμῶν, εἰς ἀλλήλους

Alternate translation: “you sincerely love one another more and more” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

ἀλλήλους

Here, one another means fellow Christians.

2 Thessalonians 1:4

αὐτοὺς ἡμᾶς

Here, ourselves is used to emphasize Paul’s boasting. (See: Reflexive Pronouns)

2 Thessalonians 1:5

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)

2 Thessalonians 1:6

As Paul continues, he talks about God being just.

εἴπερ δίκαιον παρὰ Θεῷ

Alternate translation: “for God is certainly right” or “because God is just”

παρὰ Θεῷ, ἀνταποδοῦναι τοῖς θλίβουσιν ὑμᾶς θλῖψιν

Here, to return is a metaphor that means to cause someone to experience the same thing they did to someone else. Alternate translation: “for God to afflict those who are afflicting you” (See: Metaphor)

2 Thessalonians 1:7

καὶ ὑμῖν…ἄνεσιν

These words continue the description of what God is right “to return” to people (verse 6). This is a metaphor that means to cause someone to experience the same thing they did to someone else. Alternate translation: “and to relieve you” (See: Metaphor)

ὑμῖν…ἄνεσιν

You can make it explicit that God is the one who provides relief. Alternate translation: “for God to provide relief to you” (See: Ellipsis)

ἀγγέλων δυνάμεως αὐτοῦ

Alternate translation: “his powerful angels”

2 Thessalonians 1:8

ἐν πυρὶ φλογός διδόντος ἐκδίκησιν τοῖς μὴ εἰδόσι Θεὸν

Alternate translation: “he will punish with blazing fire those who do not know God” or “then with blazing fire he will punish those who do not know God”

2 Thessalonians 1:9

οἵτινες δίκην τίσουσιν ὄλεθρον αἰώνιον

Here, who refers to the people who do not obey the gospel. You can state this in active form. Alternate translation: “the Lord will punish them with eternal destruction” (See: Active or Passive)

2 Thessalonians 1:10

ὅταν ἔλθῃ…ἐν τῇ ἡμέρᾳ ἐκείνῃ

Here, that day is the day when Jesus will return to the world.

ἐνδοξασθῆναι ἐν τοῖς ἁγίοις αὐτοῦ, καὶ θαυμασθῆναι ἐν πᾶσιν τοῖς πιστεύσασιν

You can state this in active form. Alternate translation: “when his people will glorify him and all those who believed will stand in awe of him” (See: Active or Passive)

2 Thessalonians 1:11

καὶ προσευχόμεθα πάντοτε περὶ ὑμῶν

Paul is using always as an exaggeration in order to emphasize how often he prays for them. 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 be his children and servants, and to proclaim his message of salvation through Jesus.

πληρώσῃ πᾶσαν εὐδοκίαν ἀγαθωσύνης

Alternate translation: “he would make you able to do good in every way that you desire”

2 Thessalonians 1:12

ὅπως ἐνδοξασθῇ τὸ ὄνομα τοῦ Κυρίου ἡμῶν, Ἰησοῦ, ἐν ὑμῖν

You can state this in active form. Alternate translation: “so that you would glorify the name of our Lord Jesus” (See: Active or Passive)

καὶ ὑμεῖς ἐν αὐτῷ

You can state this in active form. Alternate translation: “and Jesus will glorify you” (See: Active or Passive)

κατὰ τὴν χάριν τοῦ Θεοῦ ἡμῶν

Alternate translation: “because of God’s grace”

2 Thessalonians 2

2 Thessalonians 2 General Notes

Special concepts in this chapter

“Being gathered together to be with him”

This passage refers to a time when Jesus calls to himself those who have believed in him. Scholars differ on whether or not this refers to Christ’s final glorious return. (See: believe, believer, belief, unbeliever, unbelief)

Man of lawlessness

This is the same as “son of destruction” and “lawless one” in this chapter. Paul associates him with Satan actively working in the world. (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

Paul exhorts believers not to be deceived about the day Jesus will come back.

δὲ

The word Now marks a change of topic in Paul’s instructions.

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, μηδὲ θροεῖσθαι

Alternate translation: “so that you do not easily let yourselves be disturbed in your thinking”

διὰ πνεύματος, μήτε διὰ λόγου, μήτε δι’ ἐπιστολῆς, ὡς δι’ ἡμῶν

Alternate translation: “by a spirit or a spoken word or by written letter that pretends to be coming from us”

ὡς ὅτι

Alternate translation: “saying that”

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

Paul teaches about the man of lawlessness.

μὴ ἔλθῃ

Alternate translation: “the day of the Lord will not come”

ἡ ἀποστασία

Here, the apostacy refers to a future time when many people will turn away from God.

ἀποκαλυφθῇ ὁ ἄνθρωπος τῆς ἀνομίας

You can state this in active form. Alternate translation: “God reveals the man of lawlessness” (See: Active or Passive)

ὁ υἱὸς τῆς ἀπωλείας

Paul speaks of destruction as a person who bore a son whose goal is to totally destroy everything. Alternate translation: “the one who destroys everything he can” (See: Metaphor)

2 Thessalonians 2:4

πάντα λεγόμενον θεὸν ἢ σέβασμα

You can state this in active form. Alternate translation: “everything that people consider to be God or everything that people worship” (See: Active or Passive)

ἀποδεικνύντα ἑαυτὸν ὅτι ἔστιν Θεός

Alternate translation: “showing himself as God”

2 Thessalonians 2:5

οὐ μνημονεύετε…ταῦτα

Paul uses a rhetorical question to remind them of his teaching when he was with them previously. This can be expressed as a statement. Alternate translation: “I am sure you remember … these things.” (See: Rhetorical Question)

ταῦτα

Here, these things refers to the return of Jesus, the day of the Lord, and the man of lawlessness.

2 Thessalonians 2:6

τὸ ἀποκαλυφθῆναι αὐτὸν ἐν τῷ αὐτοῦ καιρῷ

You can state this in active form. Alternate translation: “God will reveal the man of lawlessness when the time is right” (See: Active or Passive)

2 Thessalonians 2:7

μυστήριον…τῆς ἀνομίας

Here, the mystery of lawlessness refers to a sacred secret that only God knows.

ὁ κατέχων

To restrain someone is to hold them back or to keep them from doing what they want to do.

2 Thessalonians 2:8

καὶ τότε ἀποκαλυφθήσεται ὁ ἄνομος

You can state this in active form. Alternate translation: “and then God will allow the lawless one to show himself” (See: Active or Passive)

τῷ πνεύματι τοῦ στόματος αὐτοῦ

Here, breath represents the power of God. Alternate translation: “by the power of his spoken word” (See: Metonymy)

καὶ καταργήσει τῇ ἐπιφανείᾳ τῆς παρουσίας αὐτοῦ

When Jesus returns to earth and shows himself, he will defeat the lawless one.

2 Thessalonians 2:9

ἐν πάσῃ δυνάμει, καὶ σημείοις, καὶ τέρασιν ψεύδους

Alternate translation: “with all kinds of power, and signs, and false wonders”

2 Thessalonians 2:10

ἐν πάσῃ ἀπάτῃ ἀδικίας

This person will use every sort of evil to deceive people to believe in him instead of God.

τοῖς ἀπολλυμένοις

This man who is given power by Satan will deceive everyone who did not believe in Jesus.

ἀπολλυμένοις

Here, perishing has the concept of everlasting or eternal destruction.

2 Thessalonians 2:11

διὰ τοῦτο

Alternate translation: “because the people do not love the truth”

πέμπει αὐτοῖς ὁ Θεὸς ἐνέργειαν πλάνης, εἰς τὸ πιστεῦσαι αὐτοὺς τῷ ψεύδει

Paul is speaking of God allowing something to happen to people as if he is sending them something. Alternate translation: “God is allowing the man of lawlessness to deceive them” (See: Metaphor)

2 Thessalonians 2:12

κριθῶσιν πάντες

You can state this in active form. Alternate translation: “God will judge all of them” (See: Active or Passive)

οἱ μὴ πιστεύσαντες τῇ ἀληθείᾳ, ἀλλὰ εὐδοκήσαντες τῇ ἀδικίᾳ

Alternate translation: “those who took pleasure in unrighteousness because they did not believe the truth”

2 Thessalonians 2:13

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)

Paul now changes topics.

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 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 non-figurative 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 are 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. Alternate translation: “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 indicate/show that this is a new section with a different topic than the previous section.

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)

ὁ Κύριος ἡμῶν…ὁ ἀγαπήσας ἡμᾶς καὶ δοὺς

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, this should be an inclusive pronoun. (See: INVALID translate/figs-inclusive)

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 in 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

Paul asks the believers to pray for him and his companions.

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 non-figurative 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

Paul here uses the word Now to mark a change in topic. (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 non-figurative 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

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 are a merism and they mean “all the time.” If your readers would misunderstand this to mean that they worked without taking any rest, then you can make it clear. Alternate translation: “working throughout that time” or “we worked 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 non-figurative 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.

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 Now marks a change in topic. Use a natural way to do this in your language. (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 am writing myself” (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

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)