2 Thessalonians 2:17
Comfort your hearts, and stablish you in every good word and work.
Original Language Analysis
παρακαλέσαι
Comfort
G3870
παρακαλέσαι
Comfort
Strong's:
G3870
Word #:
1 of 13
to call near, i.e., invite, invoke (by imploration, hortation or consolation)
τὰς
G3588
τὰς
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
3 of 13
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
καρδίας
hearts
G2588
καρδίας
hearts
Strong's:
G2588
Word #:
4 of 13
the heart, i.e., (figuratively) the thoughts or feelings (mind); also (by analogy) the middle
καὶ
and
G2532
καὶ
and
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
5 of 13
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
στηρίξαι
stablish
G4741
στηρίξαι
stablish
Strong's:
G4741
Word #:
6 of 13
to set fast, i.e., (literally) to turn resolutely in a certain direction, or (figuratively) to confirm
λόγῳ
word
G3056
λόγῳ
word
Strong's:
G3056
Word #:
10 of 13
something said (including the thought); by implication, a topic (subject of discourse), also reasoning (the mental faculty) or motive; by extension, a
καὶ
and
G2532
καὶ
and
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
11 of 13
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
Cross References
2 Thessalonians 3:3But the Lord is faithful, who shall stablish you, and keep you from evil.1 Thessalonians 3:13To the end he may stablish your hearts unblameable in holiness before God, even our Father, at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ with all his saints.1 Thessalonians 3:2And sent Timotheus, our brother, and minister of God, and our fellowlabourer in the gospel of Christ, to establish you, and to comfort you concerning your faith:Colossians 2:7Rooted and built up in him, and stablished in the faith, as ye have been taught, abounding therein with thanksgiving.Romans 15:13Now the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, that ye may abound in hope, through the power of the Holy Ghost.1 Corinthians 1:8Who shall also confirm you unto the end, that ye may be blameless in the day of our Lord Jesus Christ.Jude 1:24Now unto him that is able to keep you from falling, and to present you faultless before the presence of his glory with exceeding joy,Hebrews 13:9Be not carried about with divers and strange doctrines. For it is a good thing that the heart be established with grace; not with meats, which have not profited them that have been occupied therein.Isaiah 66:13As one whom his mother comforteth, so will I comfort you; and ye shall be comforted in Jerusalem.Isaiah 57:15For thus saith the high and lofty One that inhabiteth eternity, whose name is Holy; I dwell in the high and holy place, with him also that is of a contrite and humble spirit, to revive the spirit of the humble, and to revive the heart of the contrite ones.
Historical Context
Some Thessalonians stopped working, claiming Christ's return was imminent (3:6-12). Paul counters: hope in Christ's coming should stabilize you in productive labor, not excuse idleness. True eschatological faith produces present faithfulness.
Questions for Reflection
- How has God comforted your heart recently, and did it lead to increased obedience?
- What 'good work' has doubt or fear prevented you from attempting?
- How does confidence in future glory free you for present sacrifice?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
Comfort your hearts, and stablish you in every good word and work—Paul prays for two results: comfort your hearts (parakalesai hymas tas kardias, παρακαλέσαι ὑμᾶς τὰς καρδίας, encourage your inner person) and stablish you (stērixai, στηρίξαι, fix firmly, establish). The sphere: every good word and work (panti ergō kai logō agathō, παντὶ ἔργῳ καὶ λόγῳ ἀγαθῷ).
Stability isn't passive but manifests in active righteousness—both speech (word) and conduct (work). God's comfort energizes obedience rather than producing passivity. Eschatological hope doesn't lead to escapism but ethical transformation. Those confident of glorification work most diligently now.