2 Thessalonians 2:10
And with all deceivableness of unrighteousness in them that perish; because they received not the love of the truth, that they might be saved.
Original Language Analysis
καὶ
And
G2532
καὶ
And
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
1 of 21
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
τῆς
G3588
τῆς
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
5 of 21
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
ἀδικίας
of unrighteousness
G93
ἀδικίας
of unrighteousness
Strong's:
G93
Word #:
6 of 21
(legal) injustice (properly, the quality, by implication, the act); morally, wrongfulness (of character, life or act)
τοῖς
G3588
τοῖς
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
8 of 21
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
ἀπολλυμένοις
them that perish
G622
ἀπολλυμένοις
them that perish
Strong's:
G622
Word #:
9 of 21
to destroy fully (reflexively, to perish, or lose), literally or figuratively
ἀνθ
because
G473
ἀνθ
because
Strong's:
G473
Word #:
10 of 21
opposite, i.e., instead or because of (rarely in addition to)
ὧν
G3739
ὧν
Strong's:
G3739
Word #:
11 of 21
the relatively (sometimes demonstrative) pronoun, who, which, what, that
τὴν
G3588
τὴν
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
12 of 21
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
ἀγάπην
the love
G26
ἀγάπην
the love
Strong's:
G26
Word #:
13 of 21
love, i.e., affection or benevolence; specially (plural) a love-feast
τῆς
G3588
τῆς
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
14 of 21
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
ἐδέξαντο
they received
G1209
ἐδέξαντο
they received
Strong's:
G1209
Word #:
17 of 21
to receive (in various applications, literally or figuratively)
εἰς
that
G1519
εἰς
that
Strong's:
G1519
Word #:
18 of 21
to or into (indicating the point reached or entered), of place, time, or (figuratively) purpose (result, etc.); also in adverbial phrases
τὸ
G3588
τὸ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
19 of 21
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
Cross References
1 Corinthians 1:18For the preaching of the cross is to them that perish foolishness; but unto us which are saved it is the power of God.Proverbs 1:7The fear of the LORD is the beginning of knowledge: but fools despise wisdom and instruction.2 Peter 2:12But these, as natural brute beasts, made to be taken and destroyed, speak evil of the things that they understand not; and shall utterly perish in their own corruption;Romans 16:18For they that are such serve not our Lord Jesus Christ, but their own belly; and by good words and fair speeches deceive the hearts of the simple.1 Corinthians 16:22If any man love not the Lord Jesus Christ, let him be Anathema Maranatha.Proverbs 8:17I love them that love me; and those that seek me early shall find me.Romans 10:1Brethren, my heart's desire and prayer to God for Israel is, that they might be saved.2 Corinthians 2:15For we are unto God a sweet savour of Christ, in them that are saved, and in them that perish:2 Corinthians 11:15Therefore it is no great thing if his ministers also be transformed as the ministers of righteousness; whose end shall be according to their works.Ephesians 4:14That we henceforth be no more children, tossed to and fro, and carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the sleight of men, and cunning craftiness, whereby they lie in wait to deceive;
Historical Context
Greco-Roman culture valued rhetoric, entertainment, and novelty over truth. Sophists taught persuasion without concern for reality. Similarly, the postmodern era prioritizes personal authenticity over objective truth. Paul insists: truth-love is non-negotiable for salvation; its rejection ensures damnation.
Questions for Reflection
- Do you love truth itself, or only truth that benefits you?
- What truths have you refused because they challenged your comfort or lifestyle?
- How does cultivating love for truth protect against deception?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
And with all deceivableness of unrighteousness in them that perish; because they received not the love of the truth, that they might be saved—all deceivableness (apatē tēs adikias, ἀπάτῃ τῆς ἀδικίας, 'all unrighteous deception') accompanies the signs. The target: them that perish (apollymenois, ἀπολλυμένοις, those in process of destruction).
Their fatal flaw: they received not the love of the truth (tēn agapēn tēs alētheias ouk edexanto, τὴν ἀγάπην τῆς ἀληθείας οὐκ ἐδέξαντο). Not mere ignorance—they rejected love for truth. Intellectual assent without heart-affection leaves one vulnerable to deception. That they might be saved shows truth's purpose: salvation. Refusing truth guarantees destruction.