2 Thessalonians 2:3

Authorized King James Version

Let no man deceive you by any means: for that day shall not come, except there come a falling away first, and that man of sin be revealed, the son of perdition;

Word-by-Word Analysis

μὴ

G3361

(adverb) not, (conjunction) lest; also (as an interrogative implying a negative answer (whereas g3756 expects an affirmative one)) whether

τις

G5100

man

some or any person or object

ὑμᾶς

G5209

you

you (as the objective of a verb or preposition)

ἐξαπατήσῃ

G1818

Let

to seduce wholly

κατὰ

G2596

(prepositionally) down (in place or time), in varied relations (according to the case (genitive, dative or accusative) with which it is joined)

μηδένα

G3367

any

not even one (man, woman, thing)

τρόπον

G5158

means

a turn, i.e., (by implication) mode or style (especially with preposition or relative prefix as adverb, like); figuratively, deportment or character

ὅτι

G3754

for

demonstrative, that (sometimes redundant); causative, because

ἐὰν

G1437

a conditional particle; in case that, provided, etc.; often used in connection with other particles to denote indefiniteness or uncertainty

#10

μὴ

G3361

(adverb) not, (conjunction) lest; also (as an interrogative implying a negative answer (whereas g3756 expects an affirmative one)) whether

#11

ἔλθῃ

G2064

there come

to come or go (in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively)

#12

ἡ

G3588

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

#13

ἀποστασία

G646

a falling away

defection from truth (properly, the state) ("apostasy")

#14

πρῶτον

G4412

first

firstly (in time, place, order, or importance)

#15

καὶ

G2532

and

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

#16

ἀποκαλυφθῇ

G601

be revealed

to take off the cover, i.e., disclose

#17

ὁ

G3588

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

#18

ἄνθρωπος

G444

that man

man-faced, i.e., a human being

#19

τῆς

G3588

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

#20

ἁμαρτίας,

G266

of sin

a sin (properly abstract)

#21

ὁ

G3588

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

#22

υἱὸς

G5207

the son

a "son" (sometimes of animals), used very widely of immediate, remote or figuratively, kinship

#23

τῆς

G3588

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

#24

ἀπωλείας

G684

of perdition

ruin or loss (physical, spiritual or eternal)

Cross References

Related verses that illuminate this passage (hover to preview):

¹ 1 Timothy 4:1 1 Timothy 4:1
Now the Spirit speaketh expressly, that in the latter times some shall depart from the faith, giving heed to seducing spirits, and doctrines of devils;
— Depart from the faith
² 2 Timothy 3:1 2 Timothy 3:1
This know also, that in the last days perilous times shall come.
— Perilous times shall come

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 divine revelation contributes to our systematic understanding of Christian doctrine 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 divine revelation in this particular way.

Questions for Reflection

In what ways does understanding divine revelation 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?
How does the salvation theme in this verse connect to the overarching narrative of Scripture, and what does this reveal about God's character and purposes?