2 Thessalonians 1:6
Seeing it is a righteous thing with God to recompense tribulation to them that trouble you;
Original Language Analysis
δίκαιον
it is a righteous thing
G1342
δίκαιον
it is a righteous thing
Strong's:
G1342
Word #:
2 of 9
equitable (in character or act); by implication, innocent, holy (absolutely or relatively)
παρὰ
with
G3844
παρὰ
with
Strong's:
G3844
Word #:
3 of 9
properly, near; i.e., (with genitive case) from beside (literally or figuratively), (with dative case) at (or in) the vicinity of (objectively or subj
θεῷ
God
G2316
θεῷ
God
Strong's:
G2316
Word #:
4 of 9
a deity, especially (with g3588) the supreme divinity; figuratively, a magistrate; exceedingly (by hebraism)
τοῖς
G3588
τοῖς
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
6 of 9
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
Cross References
Colossians 3:25But he that doeth wrong shall receive for the wrong which he hath done: and there is no respect of persons.Zechariah 2:8For thus saith the LORD of hosts; After the glory hath he sent me unto the nations which spoiled you: for he that toucheth you toucheth the apple of his eye.Revelation 6:10And they cried with a loud voice, saying, How long, O Lord, holy and true, dost thou not judge and avenge our blood on them that dwell on the earth?Revelation 19:2For true and righteous are his judgments: for he hath judged the great whore, which did corrupt the earth with her fornication, and hath avenged the blood of his servants at her hand.Isaiah 49:26And I will feed them that oppress thee with their own flesh; and they shall be drunken with their own blood, as with sweet wine: and all flesh shall know that I the LORD am thy Saviour and thy Redeemer, the mighty One of Jacob.Revelation 11:18And the nations were angry, and thy wrath is come, and the time of the dead, that they should be judged, and that thou shouldest give reward unto thy servants the prophets, and to the saints, and them that fear thy name, small and great; and shouldest destroy them which destroy the earth.Revelation 15:4Who shall not fear thee, O Lord, and glorify thy name? for thou only art holy: for all nations shall come and worship before thee; for thy judgments are made manifest.Revelation 18:20Rejoice over her, thou heaven, and ye holy apostles and prophets; for God hath avenged you on her.Exodus 23:22But if thou shalt indeed obey his voice, and do all that I speak; then I will be an enemy unto thine enemies, and an adversary unto thine adversaries.
Historical Context
In the Greco-Roman world, justice was often purchasable—the wealthy and powerful escaped consequences. Early Christians, predominantly lower class and powerless, had no legal recourse against aristocratic persecutors. Paul's promise of divine retribution provided hope that God sees and will act.
Questions for Reflection
- How does knowing God will repay your persecutors free you from personal vengeance?
- What injustices have you witnessed that only God can ultimately rectify?
- How should the certainty of divine judgment affect how you treat those who wrong you?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
Seeing it is a righteous thing with God to recompense tribulation to them that trouble you—dikaion para Theō (δίκαιον παρὰ Θεῷ, 'righteous with God') asserts divine justice. Recompense (antapodounai, ἀνταποδοῦναι) means 'repay in kind'—those giving tribulation (thlipsin, θλῖψιν, crushing pressure) will receive tribulation from God.
This isn't vindictive revenge but cosmic justice. God Himself will settle accounts, relieving believers of vengeance (Rom. 12:19). The principle of lex talionis (measure for measure) operates at the divine level. Persecutors may escape earthly courts, but not God's final tribunal. This doctrine comforts the afflicted and warns the comfortable.