2 Thessalonians 2:16

Authorized King James Version

Now our Lord Jesus Christ himself, and God, even our Father, which hath loved us, and hath given us everlasting consolation and good hope through grace,

Word-by-Word Analysis

Αὐτὸς

G846

himself

the reflexive pronoun self, used (alone or in the comparative g1438) of the third person, and (with the proper personal pronoun) of the other persons

δὲ

G1161

Now

but, and, etc

ὁ

G3588

which

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

κύριος

G2962

Lord

supreme in authority, i.e., (as noun) controller; by implication, master (as a respectful title)

ἡμῶν

G2257

our

of (or from) us

Ἰησοῦς

G2424

Jesus

jesus (i.e., jehoshua), the name of our lord and two (three) other israelites

Χριστὸς

G5547

Christ

anointed, i.e., the messiah, an epithet of jesus

καὶ

G2532

and

and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words

ὁ

G3588

which

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

#10

θεὸς

G2316

God

a deity, especially (with g3588) the supreme divinity; figuratively, a magistrate; exceedingly (by hebraism)

#11

καὶ

G2532

and

and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words

#12

πατὴρ

G3962

Father

a "father" (literally or figuratively, near or more remote)

#13

ἡμῶν

G2257

our

of (or from) us

#14

ὁ

G3588

which

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

#15

ἀγαπήσας

G25

hath loved

to love (in a social or moral sense)

#16

ἡμᾶς

G2248

#17

καὶ

G2532

and

and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words

#18

δοὺς

G1325

hath given

to give (used in a very wide application, properly, or by implication, literally or figuratively; greatly modified by the connection)

#19

παράκλησιν

G3874

consolation

imploration, hortation, solace

#20

αἰωνίαν

G166

us everlasting

perpetual (also used of past time, or past and future as well)

#21

καὶ

G2532

and

and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words

#22

ἐλπίδα

G1680

hope

expectation (abstractly or concretely) or confidence

#23

ἀγαθὴν

G18

good

"good" (in any sense, often as noun)

#24

ἐν

G1722

through

"in," at, (up-)on, by, etc

#25

χάριτι

G5485

grace

graciousness (as gratifying), of manner or act (abstract or concrete; literal, figurative or spiritual; especially the divine influence upon the heart

Analysis

The salvation theme here intersects with the metanarrative of redemption running from Genesis to Revelation. Biblical theology recognizes this as part of a unified storyline from the promise in Genesis 3:15 to its fulfillment in Christ. The phrase emphasizing grace relates to the doctrine of soteriology and God's unmerited favor in salvation and connects to the broader scriptural witness about God's saving work from the Exodus to the cross.

Historical Context

The literary and historical milieu of the literary conventions and historical circumstances of biblical literature shapes this text's meaning. The historical development of salvation within the theological tradition of 2 Thessalonians Understanding the ancient worldview that shaped the author's theological expression helps modern readers appreciate why the author emphasizes grace in this particular way.

Questions for Reflection

In what ways does understanding grace in its original context challenge or deepen contemporary Christian thinking about salvation?
How does this passage contribute to our understanding of from physical deliverance in the Old Testament to spiritual redemption in the New, and what implications does this have for Christian discipleship?
What systematic theological implications arise from this verse's treatment of salvation, and how does it contribute to a biblical theology of soteriology and the doctrine of salvation?