2 Thessalonians 1:9
Who shall be punished with everlasting destruction from the presence of the Lord, and from the glory of his power;
Original Language Analysis
δίκην
shall be punished
G1349
δίκην
shall be punished
Strong's:
G1349
Word #:
2 of 16
right (as self-evident), i.e., justice (the principle, a decision, or its execution)
αἰώνιον
with everlasting
G166
αἰώνιον
with everlasting
Strong's:
G166
Word #:
5 of 16
perpetual (also used of past time, or past and future as well)
ἀπὸ
from
G575
ἀπὸ
from
Strong's:
G575
Word #:
6 of 16
"off," i.e., away (from something near), in various senses (of place, time, or relation; literal or figurative)
προσώπου
the presence
G4383
προσώπου
the presence
Strong's:
G4383
Word #:
7 of 16
the front (as being towards view), i.e., the countenance, aspect, appearance, surface; by implication, presence, person
τοῦ
G3588
τοῦ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
8 of 16
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
κυρίου
of the Lord
G2962
κυρίου
of the Lord
Strong's:
G2962
Word #:
9 of 16
supreme in authority, i.e., (as noun) controller; by implication, master (as a respectful title)
καὶ
and
G2532
καὶ
and
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
10 of 16
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
ἀπὸ
from
G575
ἀπὸ
from
Strong's:
G575
Word #:
11 of 16
"off," i.e., away (from something near), in various senses (of place, time, or relation; literal or figurative)
τῆς
G3588
τῆς
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
12 of 16
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
δόξης
the glory
G1391
δόξης
the glory
Strong's:
G1391
Word #:
13 of 16
glory (as very apparent), in a wide application (literal or figurative, objective or subjective)
τῆς
G3588
τῆς
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
14 of 16
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
Cross References
Matthew 25:41Then shall he say also unto them on the left hand, Depart from me, ye cursed, into everlasting fire, prepared for the devil and his angels:Revelation 21:8But the fearful, and unbelieving, and the abominable, and murderers, and whoremongers, and sorcerers, and idolaters, and all liars, shall have their part in the lake which burneth with fire and brimstone: which is the second death.Isaiah 2:21To go into the clefts of the rocks, and into the tops of the ragged rocks, for fear of the LORD, and for the glory of his majesty, when he ariseth to shake terribly the earth.2 Thessalonians 2:8And then shall that Wicked be revealed, whom the Lord shall consume with the spirit of his mouth, and shall destroy with the brightness of his coming:Matthew 25:46And these shall go away into everlasting punishment: but the righteous into life eternal.Philippians 3:19Whose end is destruction, whose God is their belly, and whose glory is in their shame, who mind earthly things.)Revelation 20:14And death and hell were cast into the lake of fire. This is the second death.Isaiah 2:19And they shall go into the holes of the rocks, and into the caves of the earth, for fear of the LORD, and for the glory of his majesty, when he ariseth to shake terribly the earth.Isaiah 2:10Enter into the rock, and hide thee in the dust, for fear of the LORD, and for the glory of his majesty.2 Peter 3:7But the heavens and the earth, which are now, by the same word are kept in store, reserved unto fire against the day of judgment and perdition of ungodly men.
Historical Context
Greek philosophy debated the soul's fate—Platonists believed in immortality, Epicureans in annihilation. Paul affirms conscious, eternal punishment, contradicting both pagan theories and modern annihilationism. The Hebrew olam and Greek aiōnios consistently denote unending duration in Scripture.
Questions for Reflection
- How does the reality of eternal destruction affect your urgency in evangelism?
- What does it mean that hell is primarily separation from God rather than merely physical torment?
- How do you reconcile God's love with His infliction of everlasting punishment?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
Who shall be punished with everlasting destruction from the presence of the Lord, and from the glory of his power—everlasting destruction (olethron aiōnion, ὄλεθρον αἰώνιον) is not annihilation but eternal ruin, conscious separation from God. The punishment is from the presence (apo prosōpou, ἀπὸ προσώπου, 'away from the face') of the Lord—ultimate exile from God's favor.
And from the glory of his power doubly emphasizes separation—excluded from God's radiant presence and His mighty strength. This is hell's essence: eternal banishment from all that is good, true, beautiful, and life-giving. The same presence that brings joy to believers brings terror to the condemned. Jesus's glory will be unbearable to those who spurned Him.