2 Thessalonians 2:4

Authorized King James Version

Who opposeth and exalteth himself above all that is called God, or that is worshipped; so that he as God sitteth in the temple of God, shewing himself that he is God.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
τοῦ
G3588
Who
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#2
ἀντικείμενος
G480
opposeth
to lie opposite, i.e., be adverse (figuratively, repugnant) to
#3
καὶ
G2532
and
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
#4
ὑπεραιρόμενος
G5229
exalteth
to raise oneself over, i.e., (figuratively) to become haughty
#5
ἐπὶ
G1909
himself above
properly, meaning superimposition (of time, place, order, etc.), as a relation of distribution (with the genitive case), i.e., over, upon, etc.; of re
#6
πάντα
G3956
all
all, any, every, the whole
#7
λεγόμενον
G3004
that is called
properly, to "lay" forth, i.e., (figuratively) relate (in words (usually of systematic or set discourse; whereas g2036 and g5346 generally refer to an
#8
θεός
G2316
God
a deity, especially (with g3588) the supreme divinity; figuratively, a magistrate; exceedingly (by hebraism)
#9
ἢ
G2228
or
disjunctive, or; comparative, than
#10
σέβασμα
G4574
that is worshipped
something adored, i.e., an object of worship (god, altar, etc)
#11
ὥστε
G5620
so
so too, i.e., thus therefore (in various relations of consecution, as follow)
#12
αὐτὸν
G846
that he
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
#13
εἰς
G1519
in
to or into (indicating the point reached or entered), of place, time, or (figuratively) purpose (result, etc.); also in adverbial phrases
#14
τοῦ
G3588
Who
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#15
ναὸν
G3485
the temple
a fane, shrine, temple
#16
τοῦ
G3588
Who
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#17
θεός
G2316
God
a deity, especially (with g3588) the supreme divinity; figuratively, a magistrate; exceedingly (by hebraism)
#18
ὡς
G5613
as
which how, i.e., in that manner (very variously used, as follows)
#19
θεός
G2316
God
a deity, especially (with g3588) the supreme divinity; figuratively, a magistrate; exceedingly (by hebraism)
#20
καθίσαι
G2523
sitteth
to seat down, i.e., set (figuratively, appoint); intransitively, to sit (down); figuratively, to settle (hover, dwell)
#21
ἀποδεικνύντα
G584
shewing
to show off, i.e., exhibit; figuratively, to demonstrate, i.e., accredit
#22
ἑαυτὸν
G1438
himself
(him- her-, it-, them-, my-, thy-, our-, your-)self (selves), etc
#23
ὅτι
G3754
that
demonstrative, that (sometimes redundant); causative, because
#24
ἔστιν
G2076
he is
he (she or it) is; also (with neuter plural) they are
#25
θεός
G2316
God
a deity, especially (with g3588) the supreme divinity; figuratively, a magistrate; exceedingly (by hebraism)

Analysis

This verse develops the salvation theme central to 2 Thessalonians. The concept of divine sovereignty reflects the development of salvation within biblical theology. The divine name or title here functions within biblical literature contributing to the canon's theological witness to establish theological authority and covenantal relationship. The original language emphasizes careful word choice that would have carried specific theological weight for the original audience, providing deeper understanding of the author's theological intention.

Historical Context

The historical context of the biblical period relevant to this book's composition provides crucial background for understanding this verse. The historical and cultural milieu of the biblical world informed the author's theological expression and the audience's understanding. The the cultural context of the biblical world would have shaped how the original audience understood divine sovereignty. Archaeological and historical evidence reveals Archaeological discoveries continue to illuminate the historical context of biblical texts.

Questions for Reflection