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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)
  1. Some believers misunderstanding about the second coming of Christ
  • Christs return has not yet happened (2:1-2)
  • Instruction about the events that will precede the return of Christ (2:3-12)
  1. Pauls 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)
  1. Paul requests that the Thessalonian believers pray for him (3:1-5)
  2. Paul give commands about idle believers (3:6-15)
  3. 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 Christs 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 “Pauls Second Letter to the Church in Thessalonica,” or “The Second Letter to the Christians in Thessalonica.” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/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 Christs 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 for salvation.”

(See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-textvariants]])

32TH1introm9870

2 Thessalonians 01 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 Gods righteous judgment.” People would not normally think that believing in God while being persecuted is a sign of Gods 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)

42TH11b6vffigs-exclusive0General Information:

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. Also, the word “you” is plural and refers to the believers at the church of Thessalonica. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-exclusive]] and [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-you]])

52TH11hm3eΣιλουανὸς1Silvanus

This is the Latin form of “Silas.” He is the same person listed in the book of Acts as Pauls fellow traveler.

62TH12g6rbχάρις ὑμῖν1Grace to you

Paul commonly uses this greeting in his letters.

72TH13m6z50General Information:

Paul gives thanks for the believers in Thessalonica.

82TH13ea59figs-hyperboleεὐχαριστεῖν ὀφείλομεν τῷ Θεῷ πάντοτε1We should always give thanks to God

Paul uses “always” as a generalization meaning “often” or “regularly. The sentence emphasizes the greatness of what God is doing in the lives of the Thessalonian believers. Alternate translation: “We should often give thanks to God” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-hyperbole]])

92TH13h6t9figs-gendernotationsἀδελφοί1brothers

Here “brothers” means fellow Christians, including both men and women. Alternate translation: “brothers and sisters” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-gendernotations]])

102TH13u3m8καθὼς ἄξιόν ἐστιν1This is appropriate

“It is the right thing to do” or “It is good”

112TH13xy7kπλεονάζει ἡ ἀγάπη ἑνὸς ἑκάστου, πάντων ὑμῶν, εἰς ἀλλήλου1the love each of you has for one another increases

“you sincerely love one another”

122TH13bmn6ἀλλήλους1one another

Here “one another” means fellow Christians.

132TH14kx1nfigs-rpronounsαὐτοὺς ἡμᾶς1we ourselves

Here “ourselves” is used to emphasize Pauls boasting. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-rpronouns]])

142TH15dad9figs-activepassiveκαταξιωθῆναι ὑμᾶς τῆς Βασιλείας τοῦ Θεοῦ1You will be considered worthy of the kingdom of God

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “that God will consider you worthy to be part of his kingdom” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])

152TH16wrg20Connecting Statement:

As Paul continues, he talks about God being just.

162TH16cxx1εἴπερ δίκαιον παρὰ Θεῷ1it is righteous for God

“God is right” or “God is just”

172TH16id3ifigs-metaphorπαρὰ Θεῷ, ἀνταποδοῦναι τοῖς θλίβουσιν ὑμᾶς θλῖψιν1for God to return affliction to those who afflict you

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 afflict you” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])

182TH17hxy2figs-metaphorκαὶ ὑμῖν…ἄνεσιν1and relief to you

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: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])

192TH17lu43figs-ellipsisὑμῖν…ἄνεσιν1relief to you

You can make it explicit that God is the one who provides relief. Alternate translation: “for God to provide relief to you” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-ellipsis]])

202TH17yix7ἀγγέλων δυνάμεως αὐτοῦ1the angels of his power

“his powerful angels”

212TH18y3uvἐν πυρὶ φλογός διδόντος ἐκδίκησιν τοῖς μὴ εἰδόσι Θεὸν, καὶ τοῖς1In flaming fire he will take vengeance on those who do not know God and on those who

“He will punish with blazing fire those who do not know God and those who” or “Then with blazing fire he will punish those who do not know God and those who”

222TH19plw5figs-activepassiveοἵτινες δίκην τίσουσιν1They will be punished

Here “They” refers to the people who do not obey the gospel. This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “The Lord will punish them” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])

232TH110ugk9ὅταν ἔλθῃ…ἐν τῇ ἡμέρᾳ ἐκείνῃ1when he comes on that day

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

242TH110bi2ufigs-activepassiveἐνδοξασθῆναι ἐν τοῖς ἁγίοις αὐτοῦ, καὶ θαυμασθῆναι ἐν πᾶσιν τοῖς πιστεύσασιν1to be glorified by his people and to be marveled at by all those who believed

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “when his people will glorify him and all those who believed will stand in awe of him” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])

252TH111ik19καὶ προσευχόμεθα πάντοτε περὶ ὑμῶν1we also pray continually for you

Paul is emphasizing how often he prays for them. Alternate translation: we also pray regularly for you” or “we continue to pray for you”

262TH111hiv9τῆς κλήσεως1calling

Here “calling” refers to God appointing or choosing people to be his children and servants, and to proclaim his message of salvation through Jesus.

272TH111r8gkπληρώσῃ πᾶσαν εὐδοκίαν ἀγαθωσύνης1fulfill every desire of goodness

“make you able to do good in every way that you desire”

282TH112q994figs-activepassiveὅπως ἐνδοξασθῇ τὸ ὄνομα τοῦ Κυρίου ἡμῶν, Ἰησοῦ, ἐν ὑμῖν1that the name of our Lord Jesus may be glorified by you

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “that you may glorify the name of our Lord Jesus” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])

292TH112pg2ifigs-activepassiveκαὶ ὑμεῖς ἐν αὐτῷ1you will be glorified by him

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “Jesus will glorify you” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])

302TH112z8k9κατὰ τὴν χάριν τοῦ Θεοῦ ἡμῶν1because of the grace of our God

“because of Gods grace”

312TH2introjq9r0

2 Thessalonians 02 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 Christs final glorious return. (See: [[rc://en/tw/dict/bible/kt/believe]])

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: [[rc://en/tw/dict/bible/kt/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: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])

322TH21r36t0General Information:

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

332TH21q1uqδὲ1Now

The word “Now” marks a change of topic in Pauls instructions.

342TH21cvg5figs-gendernotationsἀδελφοί1brothers

Here “brothers” means fellow Christians, including both men and women. Alternate translation: “brothers and sisters” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-gendernotations]])

352TH22b8b2εἰς τὸ μὴ ταχέως σαλευθῆναι ὑμᾶς…μηδὲ θροεῖσθαι1that you not be easily disturbed or troubled

“that you do not easily let yourselves be disturbed”

362TH22d334διὰ πνεύματος, μήτε διὰ λόγου, μήτε δι’ ἐπιστολῆς, ὡς δι’ ἡμῶν1by a message, or by a letter that seems to be coming from us

“by spoken word or by written letter that pretends to be coming from us”

372TH22k4dkὡς ὅτι1to the effect that

“saying that”

382TH22ib6mἡ ἡμέρα τοῦ Κυρίου1the day of the Lord

This refers to the time when Jesus will come back to the earth for all believers.

392TH23l9c50General Information:

Paul teaches about the man of lawlessness.

402TH23ej66μὴ ἔλθῃ1it will not come

“the day of the Lord will not come”

412TH23y7chἡ ἀποστασία1the falling away

This refers to a future time when many people will turn away from God.

422TH23e86vfigs-activepassiveἀποκαλυφθῇ ὁ ἄνθρωπος τῆς ἀνομίας1the man of lawlessness is revealed

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “God reveals the man of lawlessness” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])

432TH23tkg9figs-metaphorὁ υἱὸς τῆς ἀπωλείας1the son of destruction

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: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])

442TH24t485figs-activepassiveπάντα λεγόμενον θεὸν ἢ σέβασμα1all that is called God or that is worshiped

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “everything that people consider to be God or everything that people worship” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])

452TH24wj33ἀποδεικνύντα ἑαυτὸν ὅτι ἔστιν Θεός1exhibits himself as God

“shows himself as God”

462TH25rsz1figs-rquestionοὐ μνημονεύετε…ταῦτα1Do you not remember…these things?

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: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion]])

472TH25lkk7ταῦτα1these things

This refers to the return of Jesus, the day of the Lord, and the man of lawlessness.

482TH26ask4figs-activepassiveτὸ ἀποκαλυφθῆναι αὐτὸν ἐν τῷ αὐτοῦ καιρῷ1he will be revealed only at the right time

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “God will reveal the man of lawlessness when the time is right” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])

492TH27si9iμυστήριον…τῆς ἀνομίας1mystery of lawlessness

This refers to a sacred secret that only God knows.

502TH27fcu7ὁ κατέχων1who restrains him

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

512TH28hn67figs-activepassiveκαὶ τότε ἀποκαλυφθήσεται ὁ ἄνομος1Then the lawless one will be revealed

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “Then God will allow the lawless one to show himself” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])

522TH28vay9figs-metonymyτῷ πνεύματι τοῦ στόματος αὐτοῦ1with the breath of his mouth

Here “breath” represents the power of God. Alternate translation: “by the power of his spoken word” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])

532TH28hy3yκαὶ καταργήσει τῇ ἐπιφανείᾳ τῆς παρουσίας αὐτοῦ1bring him to nothing by the revelation of his coming

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

542TH29bd5mἐν πάσῃ δυνάμει, καὶ σημείοις, καὶ τέρασιν ψεύδους1with all power, signs, and false wonders

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

552TH210tf75ἐν πάσῃ ἀπάτῃ ἀδικίας1with all deceit of unrighteousness

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

562TH210v366τοῖς ἀπολλυμένοις1These things will be for those who are perishing

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

572TH210pf48ἀπολλυμένοις1who are perishing

Here “perishing” has the concept of everlasting or eternal destruction.

582TH211sj1vδιὰ τοῦτο1For this reason

“Because the people do not love the truth”

592TH211en8efigs-metaphorπέμπει αὐτοῖς ὁ Θεὸς ἐνέργειαν πλάνης, εἰς τὸ πιστεῦσαι αὐτοὺς τῷ ψεύδει1God is sending them a work of error so that they would believe a lie

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: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])

602TH212d63efigs-activepassiveκριθῶσιν πάντες1they will all be judged

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “God will judge all of them” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])

612TH212pkw8οἱ μὴ πιστεύσαντες τῇ ἀληθείᾳ, ἀλλὰ εὐδοκήσαντες τῇ ἀδικίᾳ1those who did not believe the truth but instead took pleasure in unrighteousness

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

622TH213w83a0General Information:

Paul gives thanks to God for the believers and encourages them.

632TH213bcd50Connecting Statement:

Paul now changes topics.

642TH213b3hhδὲ1But

Paul uses this word here to mark a change in topic.

652TH213dze5figs-hyperboleἡμεῖς…ὀφείλομεν εὐχαριστεῖν…πάντοτε1we should always give thanks

The word “always” is a generalization. Alternate translation: “we should continually give thanks” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-hyperbole]])

662TH213m418ἡμεῖς…ὀφείλομεν1we should

Here “we” refers to Paul, Silvanus, and Timothy.

672TH213ia4xfigs-activepassiveἀδελφοὶ ἠγαπημένοι ὑπὸ Κυρίου1brothers loved by the Lord

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “for the Lord loves you, brothers” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])

682TH213v15jfigs-gendernotationsἀδελφοὶ1brothers

Here “brothers” means fellow Christians, including both men and women. Alternate translation: “brothers and sisters” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-gendernotations]])

692TH213l7a8figs-metaphorἀπαρχὴν εἰς σωτηρίαν ἐν ἁγιασμῷ Πνεύματος καὶ πίστει ἀληθείας1as the firstfruits for salvation in sanctification of the Spirit and belief in the truth

Being among the first people to be saved is spoken of as if the Thessalonian believers are “firstfruits.” This can also be stated to remove the abstract nouns “salvation,” “sanctification,” “belief,” and “truth.” 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: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]] and [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns]])

702TH215u9ssἄρα οὖν, ἀδελφοί, στήκετε1So then, brothers, stand firm

Paul exhorts the believers to hold fast to their faith in Jesus.

712TH215l4vrfigs-metaphorκρατεῖτε τὰς παραδόσεις1hold tightly to the traditions

Here “traditions” refers to the truths of Christ that Paul and the other apostles taught. Paul speaks of them as if his readers could hold on to them with their hands. Alternate translation: “remember the traditions” or “believe the truths” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])

722TH215whp8figs-activepassiveἐδιδάχθητε1you were taught

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “we have taught you” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])

732TH215z2vsfigs-explicitεἴτε διὰ λόγου, εἴτε δι’ ἐπιστολῆς ἡμῶν1whether by word or by our letter

“By word” here is a synecdoche for “by instructions” or “by teachings.” You can make clear the implicit information. Alternate translation: “whether by what we taught you in person or by what we wrote to you in a letter” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]] and [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche]])

742TH216njk10Connecting Statement:

Paul ends with a blessing from God.

752TH216g8m1δὲ1Now

Paul uses this word here to mark a change in topic.

762TH216yge9figs-inclusiveδὲ ὁ Κύριος ἡμῶν…ὁ ἀγαπήσας ἡμᾶς καὶ δοὺς1may our Lord…who loved us and gave us

The words “our” and “us” refer to all believers. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-inclusive]])

772TH216cm54figs-rpronounsαὐτὸς…ὁ Κύριος…Ἰησοῦς Χριστὸς1Lord Jesus Christ himself

Here “himself” gives additional emphasis to the phrase “Lord Jesus Christ.” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-rpronouns]])

782TH217x3rrfigs-metonymyπαρακαλέσαι ὑμῶν τὰς καρδίας, καὶ στηρίξαι ἐν1comfort and establish your hearts in

Here “hearts” represents the seat of emotions. Alternate translation: “comfort you and strengthen you for” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])

792TH217yw5fπαντὶ ἔργῳ καὶ λόγῳ ἀγαθῷ1every good work and word

“every good thing you do and say”

802TH3introb8hk0

2 Thessalonians 03 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: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])

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: [[rc://en/tw/dict/bible/kt/repent]] and [[rc://en/tw/dict/bible/kt/sin]])

812TH31k33i0General Information:

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

822TH31jy75τὸ λοιπὸν1Now

Paul uses the word “now” to mark a change in topic.

832TH31m1s5figs-gendernotationsἀδελφοί1brothers

Here “brothers” means fellow Christians, including both men and women. Alternate translation: “brothers and sisters” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-gendernotations]])

842TH31r54vfigs-metaphorἵνα ὁ λόγος τοῦ Κυρίου τρέχῃ καὶ δοξάζηται, καθὼς καὶ πρὸς ὑμᾶς1that the word of the Lord may rush and be glorified, as it also is with you

Paul speaks of Gods word spreading as if it were running from place to place. This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “that more and more people will soon hear our message about our Lord Jesus and honor it, as happened with you” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]] and [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])

852TH32xg2hfigs-activepassiveῥυσθῶμεν1that we may be delivered

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “that God may save us” or “that God may rescue us” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])

862TH32p1ctοὐ γὰρ πάντων ἡ πίστις1for not all have faith

“for many people do not believe in Jesus”

872TH33yx9gὃς στηρίξει ὑμᾶς1who will establish you

“who will strengthen you”

882TH33p91kτοῦ πονηροῦ1the evil one

“Satan”

892TH34xk85πεποίθαμεν1We have confidence

“We have faith” or “We trust”

902TH35giz4figs-metonymyκατευθύναι ὑμῶν τὰς καρδίας1direct your hearts

Here “heart” is a metonym for a persons thoughts or mind. Alternate translation: “cause you to understand” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])

912TH35wre3figs-metaphorεἰς τὴν ἀγάπην τοῦ Θεοῦ, καὶ εἰς τὴν ὑπομονὴν τοῦ Χριστοῦ1to the love of God and to the endurance of Christ

Paul speaks of Gods love and Christs endurance as if they were destinations on a path. Alternate translation: “how much God loves you and how much Christ has endured for you” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])

922TH36mst30General Information:

Paul gives the believers some final instructions about working and not being idle.

932TH36v33vδὲ1Now

Paul uses this word to mark a change in topic.

942TH36x9l8figs-gendernotationsἀδελφοί1brothers

Here “brothers” means fellow Christians, including both men and women. Alternate translation: “brothers and sisters” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-gendernotations]])

952TH36y4a9figs-metonymyἐν ὀνόματι τοῦ Κυρίου ἡμῶν, Ἰησοῦ Χριστοῦ1in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ

“Name” here is a metonym for the person of Jesus Christ. Alternate translation: “as if our Lord Jesus Christ himself were speaking” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])

962TH36jvw1figs-inclusiveτοῦ Κυρίου ἡμῶν1our Lord

Here “our” refers to all believers. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-inclusive]])

972TH37h222μιμεῖσθαι ἡμᾶς1to imitate us

“to act the way that my fellow workers and I act”

982TH37b1i1figs-doublenegativesοὐκ ἠτακτήσαμεν ἐν ὑμῖν1We did not live among you as those who had no discipline

Paul uses a double negative to emphasize the positive. This can be stated as a positive. Alternate translation: “We lived among you as those who had much discipline” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-doublenegatives]])

992TH38d9h1figs-merismνυκτὸς καὶ ἡμέρας ἐργαζόμενοι1we worked night and day

“we worked during the night and during the day.” Here “night” and “day” are a merism and they mean “all the time.” Alternate translation: “we worked all the time” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-merism]])

1002TH38w8fqfigs-doubletἐν κόπῳ καὶ μόχθῳ1in difficult labor and hardship

Paul emphasizes how hard his circumstances were. Difficult labor implies work that requires great effort. Hardship implies they endured pain and suffering. Alternate translation: “in very difficult circumstances” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-doublet]])

1012TH39sn3kfigs-doublenegativesοὐχ ὅτι οὐκ ἔχομεν ἐξουσίαν, ἀλλ’1We did this not because we have no authority. Instead, we did

Paul uses a double negative to emphasize the positive. This can be stated as a positive. Alternate translation: “We certainly have the right to receive food from you, but instead we worked for our food” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-doublenegatives]])

1022TH310c652figs-doublenegativesτις οὐ θέλει ἐργάζεσθαι, μηδὲ ἐσθιέτω1The one who is unwilling to work must not eat

This can be stated in positive form. Alternate translation: “If a person wants to eat, he must work” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-doublenegatives]])

1032TH311ey6cfigs-metaphorτινας περιπατοῦντας…ἀτάκτως1some walk idly

Here “walk” stands for behavior in life. Alternate translation: “some live idle lives” or “some are lazy” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])

1042TH311iv1zἀλλὰ περιεργαζομένους1but are instead meddlers

Meddlers are people who interfere in the affairs of others without being asked to help.

1052TH312bm6zμετὰ ἡσυχίας1with quietness

“in a quiet, peaceful, and mild manner.” Paul exhorts the meddlers to stop getting involved in other peoples affairs.

1062TH313jx8tδέ1But

Paul uses this word to contrast the lazy believers with the hardworking believers.

1072TH313e59vfigs-youὑμεῖς…ἀδελφοί1you, brothers

The word “you” refers to all the Thessalonian believers. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-you]])

1082TH313usu9figs-gendernotationsἀδελφοί1brothers

Here “brothers” means fellow Christians, including both men and women. Alternate translation: “brothers and sisters” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-gendernotations]])

1092TH314mzs4εἰ…τις οὐχ ὑπακούει τῷ λόγῳ ἡμῶν1if anyone does not obey our word

“if anyone does not obey our instructions”

1102TH314nv3vfigs-idiomτοῦτον σημειοῦσθε1take note of him

Notice who he is. Alternate translation: “publicly identify that person” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]])

1112TH314y552ἵνα ἐντραπῇ1so that he may be ashamed

Paul instructs believers to shun lazy believers as a disciplinary action.

1122TH316nef40General Information:

Paul makes closing remarks to the believers at Thessalonica.

1132TH316whb9figs-explicitαὐτὸς…ὁ Κύριος τῆς εἰρήνης, δῴη ὑμῖν1may the Lord of peace himself give you

You can make explicit that this is Pauls prayer for the Thessalonians. Alternate translation: “I pray that the Lord of peace himself gives you” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])

1142TH316zl1sfigs-rpronounsαὐτὸς…ὁ Κύριος τῆς εἰρήνης1the Lord of peace himself

Here “himself” emphasizes that the Lord will personally give peace to believers. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-rpronouns]])

1152TH317c2cbὁ ἀσπασμὸς τῇ ἐμῇ χειρὶ, Παύλου, ὅ ἐστιν σημεῖον ἐν πάσῃ ἐπιστολῇ, οὕτως γράφ1This is my greeting, Paul, with my own hand, which is the sign in every letter

“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”

1162TH317wg3fοὕτως γράφω1This is how I write

Paul makes it clear that this letter is from him and is not a forgery.