2 Thessalonians 1 KJV
1 Paul, and Silvanus, and Timotheus, unto the church of the Thessalonians in God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ:
2 Grace unto you, and peace, from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.
3 We are bound to thank God always for you, brethren, as it is meet, because that your faith groweth exceedingly, and the charity of every one of you all toward each other aboundeth;
4 So that we ourselves glory in you in the churches of God for your patience and faith in all your persecutions and tribulations that ye endure:
5 Which is a manifest token of the righteous judgment of God, that ye may be counted worthy of the kingdom of God, for which ye also suffer:
6 Seeing it is a righteous thing with God to recompense tribulation to them that trouble you;
2 Thessalonians1 (New Testament)
7 And to you who are troubled rest with us, when the Lord Jesus shall be revealed from heaven with his mighty angels,
8 In flaming fire taking vengeance on them that know not God, and that obey not the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ:
9 Who shall be punished with everlasting destruction from the presence of the Lord, and from the glory of his power;
10 When he shall come to be glorified in his saints, and to be admired in all them that believe (because our testimony among you was believed) in that day.
11 Wherefore also we pray always for you, that our God would count you worthy of this calling, and fulfil all the good pleasure of his goodness, and the work of faith with power:
12 That the name of our Lord Jesus Christ may be glorified in you, and ye in him, according to the grace of our God and the Lord Jesus Christ.
| Greek Word + Transliteration + Meaning | Verse + Snippet | Scholarly Notes |
|---|---|---|
| διωγμός — diōgmos — persecution | Verse 4 — “your patience and faith in all your persecutions…” | Paul highlights the heavy opposition the Thessalonians endured, and diōgmos emphasizes hostility against believers. Their steadfastness becomes evidence of genuine faith. The term underscores the proving nature of suffering. — Joseph Henry Thayer, Greek-English Lexicon of the New Testament (1889) |
| ἀνάπαυσις — anapausis — rest, relief | Verse 7 — “to you who are troubled rest with us…” | Paul uses anapausis to signify divine relief granted at Christ’s revelation. It represents eschatological comfort for the faithful. The term connects endurance with future reward. — Richard C. Trench, Synonyms of the New Testament (1896) |
| ἀποκάλυψις — apokalypsis — unveiling, revelation | Verse 7 — “…when the Lord Jesus shall be revealed…” | Apokalypsis stresses the visible disclosure of Christ’s glory. Paul contrasts present suffering with future unveiling. The term frames the second coming as decisive revelation. — Franz Delitzsch, Biblical Commentary on the New Testament (1884) |
| ἐκδίκησις — ekdikēsis — retribution, justice | Verse 8 — “in flaming fire taking vengeance…” | Ekdikēsis denotes righteous repayment, not human revenge. Paul asserts God’s moral government over evil. The term emphasizes divine justice. — Philip Schaff, Commentary on the New Testament (1882) |
| τίμωρησις — timōrēsis — punishment | Verse 9 — “who shall be punished…” | Timōrēsis expresses punitive consequence for rejecting the gospel. Paul highlights the severity of separation from the Lord. The term points to judicial holiness. — James Hastings, Dictionary of the Bible (1898) |
| δόξα — doxa — glory, majesty | Verse 10 — “…to be glorified in his saints…” | Doxa signifies radiant divine majesty shared with believers. Paul ties Christ’s glorification to His people’s transformation. The term highlights eschatological honor. — Joseph Henry Thayer, Lexicon (1889) |
| θαυμάζω — thaumazō — marvel | Verse 10 — “…to be admired in all them that believe.” | Thaumazō conveys awe at Christ’s appearing. The redeemed will respond with reverent wonder. The term stresses experiential worship. — Richard Trench, Synonyms (1896) |
| πληρόω — plēroō — fulfill, complete | Verse 11 — “…fulfill all the good pleasure of his goodness…” | Plēroō suggests God’s active completion of moral purpose in believers. Paul views sanctification as divine fulfillment. The term reinforces God’s enabling grace. — Franz Delitzsch, Commentary (1884) |
| δύναμις — dynamis — power | Verse 11 — “…and the work of faith with power…” | Dynamis highlights supernatural empowerment energizing faith. Paul connects divine strength with practical obedience. The term affirms Spirit-enabled endurance. — B. F. Westcott, Revelation of the Risen Lord (1898) |
| ὄνομα — onoma — name, authority | Verse 12 — “…that the name of our Lord Jesus Christ may be glorified…” | Onoma conveys representation and authority. Paul stresses that believers manifest Christ’s character. The term links identity with holiness. — Joseph Henry Thayer, Lexicon (1889) |
Chapter 1
Verse: "We ought always to give thanks to God for you, brothers, as is right, because your faith is growing abundantly, and the love of every one of you for one another is increasing." (2 Thessalonians 1:3)
Lesson: Paul begins this chapter by encouraging the Thessalonians to remain steadfast in their faith amidst persecution and trials. He also affirms the hope they have in the Lord's return and reminds them that God will bring justice to those who oppress them. The verse above highlights the importance of gratitude and love within the Christian community.
What's Next? Read Our Bible Verses About Life With Purpose and Encouragement
Conclusion: As Christians, we must remember to give thanks for the growth and love we experience in our faith, especially when we face difficult times. We should also strive to cultivate a culture of love and support within our communities.
Prayer points: Dear God, help us to remain steadfast in our faith, even when we face persecution and trials. Help us to grow in love and gratitude towards one another and to always give thanks for the blessings you have bestowed upon us.
What's Next? See our Inspirational Motivational Bible Quotes Today
