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2 Thessalonians 1

BSB·12 verses ·New Testament
✦ Tap any verse to open Scripture Explorer — original Hebrew/Greek, commentary, notes & highlights
1PaulΠαῦλοςPaulos — small; humbleG3972 — Full Word Study →, SilvanusΣιλουανὸςSilouanos — Silvanus, Paul's companionG4610 — Full Word Study →, andκαὶkai — and; also; even; bothG2532 — Full Word Study → TimothyΤιμόθεοςTimotheos — Honoring GodG5095 — Full Word Study →, To theΤῇTē — Definite article: the, this, thatG3588 — Full Word Study → churchἐκκλησίᾳekklēsia — Assembly of called-out believers; the churchG1577 — Full Word Study → of the Thessalonians inἐνen — in, on, among, at, by means ofG1722 — Full Word Study → GodΘεῷTheō — God, the Divine BeingG2316 — Full Word Study → ourἡμῶνhēmōn — I, me; the first-person singular pronounG1473 — Full Word Study → FatherΠατρὶPatri — father; male parent; ancestorG3962 — Full Word Study → andκαὶkai — and; also; even; bothG2532 — Full Word Study → the LordΚυρίῳKyriō — Lord; master; one who has authority or ownershipG2962 — Full Word Study → JesusἸησοῦIēsou — The Lord SavesG2424 — Full Word Study → ChristΧριστῷChristō — The Anointed OneG5547 — Full Word Study →: 2GraceΧάριςCharis — God's unmerited favor and kindnessG5485 — Full Word Study → andκαὶkai — and; also; even; bothG2532 — Full Word Study → peaceεἰρήνηeirēnē — Peace; absence of conflict; inner tranquilityG1515 — Full Word Study → to youὑμῖνhymin — You (singular or plural pronoun)G4771 — Full Word Study → fromἀπὸapo — from, away from, out ofG575 — Full Word Study → GodΘεοῦTheou — God, the Divine BeingG2316 — Full Word Study → our[ἡμῶν]hēmōn — I, me; the first-person singular pronounG1473 — Full Word Study → FatherΠατρὸςPatros — father; male parent; ancestorG3962 — Full Word Study → andκαὶkai — and; also; even; bothG2532 — Full Word Study → the LordΚυρίουKyriou — Lord; master; one who has authority or ownershipG2962 — Full Word Study → JesusἸησοῦIēsou — The Lord SavesG2424 — Full Word Study → ChristΧριστοῦChristou — The Anointed OneG5547 — Full Word Study →. 3We are obligatedὀφείλομενopheilomen — to owe; to be obligated or indebtedG3784 — Full Word Study → to thankΕὐχαριστεῖνEucharistein — To give thanks; to be gratefulG2168 — Full Word Study → GodΘεῷTheō — God, the Divine BeingG2316 — Full Word Study → forπερὶperi — about, concerning, around, on behalf ofG4012 — Full Word Study → youὑμῶνhymōn — You (singular or plural pronoun)G4771 — Full Word Study → all the timeπάντοτεpantote — at all times, always, continuallyG3842 — Full Word Study →, brothersἀδελφοίadelphoi — brother; male sibling or fellow believerG80 — Full Word Study →, asκαθὼςkathōs — just as; in the manner that; according toG2531 — Full Word Study → isἐστινestin — to exist, to be, am/is/areG1510 — Full Word Study → fittingἄξιόνaxion — worthy, deserving, fittingG514 — Full Word Study →, becauseὅτιhoti — that; because; since; introducing clauses of reason or contentG3754 — Full Word Study → yourὑμῶνhymōn — You (singular or plural pronoun)G4771 — Full Word Study → faithπίστιςpistis — Trust, belief, confidence in GodG4102 — Full Word Study → is growing more and moreὑπεραυξάνειhyperauxanei — to grow exceedingly or increase abundantlyG5232 — Full Word Study →, andκαὶkai — and; also; even; bothG2532 — Full Word Study → yourὑμῶνhymōn — You (singular or plural pronoun)G4771 — Full Word Study → loveἀγάπηagapē — Self-giving love; covenant affectionG26 — Full Word Study → forεἰςeis — into, toward, untoG1519 — Full Word Study → one anotherἀλλήλουςallēlous — one another; mutual relationshipG240 — Full Word Study → is increasingπλεονάζειpleonazei — to increase, abound, or multiply abundantlyG4121 — Full Word Study →. 4That is whyὥστεhōste — so that, with the result that, thereforeG5620 — Full Word Study → weἡμᾶςhēmas — I, me; the first-person singular pronounG1473 — Full Word Study → boastἐνκαυχᾶσθαιenkauchasthai — to boast, glory, or take pride in somethingG2744 — Full Word Study → amongἐνen — in, on, among, at, by means ofG1722 — Full Word Study → God’sΘεοῦTheou — God, the Divine BeingG2316 — Full Word Study → churchesἐκκλησίαιςekklēsiais — Assembly of called-out believers; the churchG1577 — Full Word Study → aboutὑπὲρhyper — on behalf of, for the sake of, above, beyondG5228 — Full Word Study → yourὑμῶνhymōn — You (singular or plural pronoun)G4771 — Full Word Study → perseveranceὑπομονῆςhypomonēs — Steadfast endurance; patient perseverance through trialsG5281 — Full Word Study → andκαὶkai — and; also; even; bothG2532 — Full Word Study → faithπίστεωςpisteōs — Trust, belief, confidence in GodG4102 — Full Word Study → in the face ofἐνen — in, on, among, at, by means ofG1722 — Full Word Study → allπᾶσινpasin — all, every, the whole ofG3956 — Full Word Study → the persecutionδιωγμοῖςdiōgmois — Persecution, hostile pursuit, or oppressive pressureG1375 — Full Word Study → andκαὶkai — and; also; even; bothG2532 — Full Word Study → afflictionθλίψεσινthlipsesin — Pressure, affliction, tribulationG2347 — Full Word Study → you are enduringἀνέχεσθεanechesthe — To bear with, endure, or tolerate patientlyG430 — Full Word Study →. 5All this is clear evidence of God’sΘεοῦTheou — God, the Divine BeingG2316 — Full Word Study → righteousδικαίαςdikaias — righteous, just, morally uprightG1342 — Full Word Study → judgmentκρίσεωςkriseōs — judgment, decision, or verdictG2920 — Full Word Study →. And soεἰςeis — into, toward, untoG1519 — Full Word Study → youὑμᾶςhymas — You (singular or plural pronoun)G4771 — Full Word Study → will be counted worthyκαταξιωθῆναιkataxiōthēnai — to deem or account worthyG2661 — Full Word Study → of theτῆςtēs — Definite article: the, this, thatG3588 — Full Word Study → kingdomβασιλείαςbasileias — The reign or domain of a king; God's sovereign ruleG932 — Full Word Study → of GodΘεοῦTheou — God, the Divine BeingG2316 — Full Word Study →, forὑπὲρhyper — on behalf of, for the sake of, above, beyondG5228 — Full Word Study → whichἧςhēs — who, which, thatG3739 — Full Word Study → you are sufferingπάσχετεpaschete — to suffer or endure hardshipG3958 — Full Word Study →. 6After allεἴπερeiper — if indeed, since, seeing thatG1512 — Full Word Study →, it is only right forπαρὰpara — from, beside, with, nearG3844 — Full Word Study → GodΘεῷTheō — God, the Divine BeingG2316 — Full Word Study → to repayἀνταποδοῦναιantapodounai — to repay or render in returnG467 — Full Word Study → with afflictionθλῖψινthlipsin — Pressure, affliction, tribulationG2347 — Full Word Study → those whoτοῖςtois — Definite article: the, this, thatG3588 — Full Word Study → afflictθλίβουσινthlibousin — To press upon; to afflict or oppressG2346 — Full Word Study → youὑμᾶςhymas — You (singular or plural pronoun)G4771 — Full Word Study →, 7andκαὶkai — and; also; even; bothG2532 — Full Word Study → to grant reliefἄνεσινanesin — relief, rest, relaxation from burdenG425 — Full Word Study → to youὑμῖνhymin — You (singular or plural pronoun)G4771 — Full Word Study → whoτοῖςtois — Definite article: the, this, thatG3588 — Full Word Study → are oppressedθλιβομένοιςthlibomenois — To press upon; to afflict or oppressG2346 — Full Word Study → andμεθ’meth’ — with, after, among, followingG3326 — Full Word Study → to us as well. This will take place when theτοῦtou — Definite article: the, this, thatG3588 — Full Word Study → LordΚυρίουKyriou — Lord; master; one who has authority or ownershipG2962 — Full Word Study → JesusἸησοῦIēsou — The Lord SavesG2424 — Full Word Study → is revealedἀποκαλύψειapokalypsei — Unveiling or disclosure of hidden truthG602 — Full Word Study → fromἀπ’ap’ — from, away from, out ofG575 — Full Word Study → heavenοὐρανοῦouranou — Heaven; the sky; God's dwelling placeG3772 — Full Word Study → withμετ’met’ — with, after, among, followingG3326 — Full Word Study → Hisαὐτοῦautou — he, she, it, self; third-person pronounG846 — Full Word Study → mightyδυνάμεωςdynameōs — Power, strength, ability, or mighty workG1411 — Full Word Study → angelsἀγγέλωνangelōn — Messenger; divine or heavenly envoyG32 — Full Word Study → 8inἐνen — in, on, among, at, by means ofG1722 — Full Word Study → blazingφλογόςphlogos — A bright, burning flame or fireG5395 — Full Word Study → fireπυρὶpyri — Fire; flame; burningG4442 — Full Word Study →, inflictingδιδόντοςdidontos — to give, grant, or bestowG1325 — Full Word Study → vengeanceἐκδίκησινekdikēsin — Divine retribution; righteous vengeance or punishmentG1557 — Full Word Study → on those whoτοῖςtois — Definite article: the, this, thatG3588 — Full Word Study → do not knowεἰδόσινeidosin — to see, perceive, understand, knowG1492 — Full Word Study → GodΘεὸνTheon — God, the Divine BeingG2316 — Full Word Study → andκαὶkai — and; also; even; bothG2532 — Full Word Study → do not obeyὑπακούουσινhypakouousin — to obey, to listen and complyG5219 — Full Word Study → theτῷtō — Definite article: the, this, thatG3588 — Full Word Study → gospelεὐαγγελίῳeuangeliō — Good news; the Gospel messageG2098 — Full Word Study → of ourἡμῶνhēmōn — I, me; the first-person singular pronounG1473 — Full Word Study → LordΚυρίουKyriou — Lord; master; one who has authority or ownershipG2962 — Full Word Study → JesusἸησοῦIēsou — The Lord SavesG2424 — Full Word Study →. 9They will sufferτίσουσινtisousin — to pay a penalty; to suffer consequencesG5099 — Full Word Study → the penalty of eternalαἰώνιονaiōnion — eternal, everlasting, foreverG166 — Full Word Study → destructionὄλεθρονolethron — destruction, ruin, perditionG3639 — Full Word Study →, separated fromἀπὸapo — from, away from, out ofG575 — Full Word Study → the presence of theτοῦtou — Definite article: the, this, thatG3588 — Full Word Study → LordΚυρίουKyriou — Lord; master; one who has authority or ownershipG2962 — Full Word Study → andκαὶkai — and; also; even; bothG2532 — Full Word Study → theτῆςtēs — Definite article: the, this, thatG3588 — Full Word Study → gloryδόξηςdoxēs — Radiant honor, splendor, or divine brightnessG1391 — Full Word Study → ofτῆςtēs — Definite article: the, this, thatG3588 — Full Word Study → Hisαὐτοῦautou — he, she, it, self; third-person pronounG846 — Full Word Study → mightἰσχύοςischyos — Physical or spiritual power; ability to accomplishG2479 — Full Word Study →, 10onἐνen — in, on, among, at, by means ofG1722 — Full Word Study → the dayἡμέρᾳhēmera — A 24-hour period; time; eraG2250 — Full Word Study → He comesἔλθῃelthē — to come, go, arrive, or appearG2064 — Full Word Study → to be glorifiedἐνδοξασθῆναιendoxasthēnai — to be glorified, honored, or magnifiedG1740 — Full Word Study → inἐνen — in, on, among, at, by means ofG1722 — Full Word Study → Hisαὐτοῦautou — he, she, it, self; third-person pronounG846 — Full Word Study → saintsἁγίοιςhagiois — Set apart for God; morally pure and sacredG40 — Full Word Study → andκαὶkai — and; also; even; bothG2532 — Full Word Study → regarded with wonderθαυμασθῆναιthaumasthēnai — To marvel, wonder, or be amazedG2296 — Full Word Study → byἐνen — in, on, among, at, by means ofG1722 — Full Word Study → allπᾶσινpasin — all, every, the whole ofG3956 — Full Word Study → whoτοῖςtois — Definite article: the, this, thatG3588 — Full Word Study → have believedπιστεύσασινpisteusasin — to believe, trust, have faith inG4100 — Full Word Study →, includingὅτιhoti — that; because; since; introducing clauses of reason or contentG3754 — Full Word Study → youὑμᾶςhymas — You (singular or plural pronoun)G4771 — Full Word Study → who have believedἐπιστεύθηepisteuthē — to believe, trust, have faith inG4100 — Full Word Study → ourἡμῶνhēmōn — I, me; the first-person singular pronounG1473 — Full Word Study → testimonyμαρτύριονmartyrion — testimony, witness, evidence of truthG3142 — Full Word Study →. 11To this endΕἰςEis — into, toward, untoG1519 — Full Word Study →, we always prayπροσευχόμεθαproseuchometha — to pray, to make petition to GodG4336 — Full Word Study → forπερὶperi — about, concerning, around, on behalf ofG4012 — Full Word Study → youὑμῶνhymōn — You (singular or plural pronoun)G4771 — Full Word Study →, thatἵναhina — in order that; so that; to the intent thatG2443 — Full Word Study → ourἡμῶνhēmōn — I, me; the first-person singular pronounG1473 — Full Word Study → GodΘεὸςTheos — God, the Divine BeingG2316 — Full Word Study → will count you worthyἀξιώσῃaxiōsē — to deem worthy, to judge worthy, to consider deservingG515 — Full Word Study → of His callingκλήσεωςklēseōs — divine calling or vocation; the condition of being calledG2821 — Full Word Study →, and that He will powerfully fulfillπληρώσῃplērōsē — to fill up, complete, or bring to fulfillmentG4137 — Full Word Study → your every goodἀγαθωσύνηςagathōsynēs — Goodness; moral excellence and virtueG19 — Full Word Study → desireεὐδοκίανeudokian — Good pleasure, favorable will, or benevolent desireG2107 — Full Word Study → andκαὶkai — and; also; even; bothG2532 — Full Word Study → workἔργονergon — Work, deed, or action; labor or taskG2041 — Full Word Study → of faithπίστεωςpisteōs — Trust, belief, confidence in GodG4102 — Full Word Study →, 12so thatὅπωςhopōs — in order that, so that, that (purpose or result)G3704 — Full Word Study → theτὸto — Definite article: the, this, thatG3588 — Full Word Study → nameὄνομαonoma — name, reputation, or authorityG3686 — Full Word Study → of ourἡμῶνhēmōn — I, me; the first-person singular pronounG1473 — Full Word Study → LordΚυρίουKyriou — Lord; master; one who has authority or ownershipG2962 — Full Word Study → JesusἸησοῦIēsou — The Lord SavesG2424 — Full Word Study → will be glorifiedἐνδοξασθῇendoxasthē — to be glorified, honored, or magnifiedG1740 — Full Word Study → inἐνen — in, on, among, at, by means ofG1722 — Full Word Study → youὑμῖνhymin — You (singular or plural pronoun)G4771 — Full Word Study →, andκαὶkai — and; also; even; bothG2532 — Full Word Study → youὑμεῖςhymeis — You (singular or plural pronoun)G4771 — Full Word Study → inἐνen — in, on, among, at, by means ofG1722 — Full Word Study → Himαὐτῷautō — he, she, it, self; third-person pronounG846 — Full Word Study →, according toκατὰkata — according to, down along, againstG2596 — Full Word Study → theτὴνtēn — Definite article: the, this, thatG3588 — Full Word Study → graceχάρινcharin — God's unmerited favor and kindnessG5485 — Full Word Study → of ourἡμῶνhēmōn — I, me; the first-person singular pronounG1473 — Full Word Study → GodΘεοῦTheou — God, the Divine BeingG2316 — Full Word Study → andκαὶkai — and; also; even; bothG2532 — Full Word Study → of the Lord JesusἸησοῦIēsou — The Lord SavesG2424 — Full Word Study → ChristΧριστοῦChristou — The Anointed OneG5547 — Full Word Study →.
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Chapter Commentary — 2 Thessalonians 1
Chapter Overview

Chapter Overview

In 2 Thessalonians 1, Paul opens his second letter to the Thessalonian church with profound thanksgiving and encouragement. The believers were enduring real persecution for their faith, and Paul wants them to understand that their suffering is not meaningless—it is evidence of God's righteous judgment and a sign of their worthiness for the kingdom. Paul also introduces the theme of Christ's future return in judgment, assuring persecuted believers that God will ultimately vindicate them and bring justice. This chapter balances comfort with seriousness: comfort for suffering saints, and a solemn warning for those who reject the gospel.

Verses 1–2: Greeting and Benediction

Paul, Silvanus (Silas), and Timothy send greetings to the church at Thessalonica. Notice that Paul identifies the church not merely as a local gathering, but as existing "in God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ" (v. 1). This language emphasizes the church's spiritual identity and union with God through Christ. The greeting "grace and peace" (v. 2) was Paul's standard opening, combining the Greek word for grace (charis) with the Hebrew concept of peace (shalom). This is far more than a polite hello; it is a prayer that God's unmerited favor and the wholeness that comes from reconciliation with God would fill their lives. Paul consistently attributes grace and peace to both God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ, affirming Christ's deity.

Verses 3–5: Thanksgiving for Growing Faith

Paul says it is both proper and necessary to give God thanks for these believers (v. 3). Their faith is growing abundantly, and their love for one another is overflowing. In verse 4, Paul boasts about them in other churches—not with pride, but with joy in their spiritual growth. Most significantly, he praises their patience and faith during persecutions and tribulations (v. 4). This is the context for understanding verse 5: their endurance under suffering is a "manifest token of the righteous judgment of God." In other words, their faithfulness proves that God is at work in them, counting them worthy of His kingdom. Their suffering is not random cruelty; it is the path God ordains for those called to His kingdom. This does not mean they earned their salvation through suffering, but rather that their perseverance demonstrates the reality of their faith and God's vindication of them.

Verses 6–10: The Promise of Divine Justice

Here Paul shifts to Christ's return and final judgment. God is righteous in His judgment (v. 6): He will repay tribulation to those who trouble believers. But those who are troubled will receive rest when Christ is revealed (v. 7). The imagery is vivid: Christ will return "in flaming fire" (v. 8) to execute vengeance on those "that know not God, and that obey not the gospel" (v. 8). These are not two separate groups—they are one: those who reject God and refuse the gospel. Their punishment is described as "everlasting destruction from the presence of the Lord" (v. 9)—separation from God's presence and glory forever. This is a sobering truth. Yet in verse 10, Paul reminds us that Christ will be glorified "in his saints" and admired by all who believe. The same return that brings judgment to the wicked brings vindication and glory to the faithful.

Verses 11–12: Prayer and Purpose

Paul closes by stating that he prays constantly for the Thessalonians, asking that God would count them worthy of their calling and fulfill His goodness in them, empowering their faith (vv. 11–12). All of this culminates in one goal: "that the name of our Lord Jesus Christ may be glorified in you" (v. 12). The ultimate purpose of the Christian life is the glory of Christ.

Application for Today

Believers today may not face violent persecution, but we all face trials that test our faith. Paul's message is clear: your steadfastness matters to God, and He will vindicate you. More importantly, live with the awareness that Christ will return to judge and to save. Let this hope strengthen you to endure, and let the desire to glorify Christ shape how you live now.

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