2 Thessalonians 2:7

Translations

Modern

For the mystery of lawlessness is already at work, but the one who now restrains it will continue until he is taken out of the way.

Traditional

For the mystery of iniquity doth already work: only he who now letteth will let, until he be taken out of the way.

Literal

For the mystery of lawlessness is working already, only the one at present is restraining it until he might be out of the midst.

Latin

Nam mysterium jam operatur iniquitatis: tantum ut qui tenet nunc, teneat, donec de medio fiat.

Original

Greek

English

For the mystery of lawlessness is already at work, but the one who now restrains it will continue until he is taken out of the way.

Notes

2 Thessalonians 2:7

The power of the coming man of lawlessness is already at work in secret, similar to the antichrists in 1 John 2:18 (see 2 Thessalonians 2:3–6).
the mystery (Greek mustērion): This term is often used for ceremonies in mystery religions (see 2 Thessalonians 2:6).
at work: This suggests a spiritual intervention, whether divine or evil (1 Thessalonians 2:13; 2 Thessalonians 2:9; Ephesians 2:2).
the one who now restrains: This might be someone opposing the man of lawlessness, someone possessed by a demon (evil angel), or Satan, the one who possesses (2 Thessalonians 2:9; see study note on 2:6).

2 Thessalonians 2:1–12

False teachings about the Day of the Lord had upset the Thessalonian church (2:1–2). Paul reminds them that two events will happen before that day: a great rebellion and the revealing of the man of lawlessness (2:3–12). Christ will destroy this man when he returns (2:3, 8). Those deceived by him will also encounter judgment (2:9–12).

Theme notes and profiles

Paul (Saul) Satan “He Will Come” The Antichrist The Day Is Coming The Last Things and the Thessalonians The Little Horn The Seventy Sets of Seven

Related verses

1 John 4:3
…and every spirit that does not confess Jesus is not from God. This is the spirit of the antichrist, which you have heard is coming and which is already in the world at this time.
Revelation 17:7
“Why are you so amazed?” said the angel. “I will tell you the mystery of the woman and of the beast that carries her, which has the seven heads and ten horns.
2 Timothy 2:17–18
…and the talk of such men will spread like gangrene. Among them are Hymenaeus and Philetus,
Acts 20:29
I know that after my departure, savage wolves will come in among you and will not spare the flock.
1 John 2:18
Children, it is the last hour; and just as you have heard that the antichrist is coming, so now many antichrists have appeared. This is how we know it is the last hour.
Revelation 17:5
And on her forehead a mysterious name was written: BABYLON THE GREAT, THE MOTHER OF PROSTITUTES AND OF THE ABOMINATIONS OF THE EARTH.
Colossians 2:18–23
Do not let anyone who delights in false humility and the worship of angels disqualify you with speculation about what he has seen. Such a person is puffed up without basis by his unspiritual mind.

Glossary

Antichrist Apostasy Mystery Mystery of Lawlessness Parousia Paul the Apostle Second Letter to the Thessalonians Suffering

Topics

Antichrist: General Scriptures Concerning Mysteries of Redemption Reprobacy: General Scriptures Concerning

2 Thessalonians 2:7

Translations?

Original?

Notes?

Related verses?

Glossary?

Topics?

Translations

Original

Notes

Related verses

Glossary

Topics