2 Thessalonians 2:4
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.
Original Language Analysis
τοῦ
Who
G3588
τοῦ
Who
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
1 of 25
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
ἀντικείμενος
opposeth
G480
ἀντικείμενος
opposeth
Strong's:
G480
Word #:
2 of 25
to lie opposite, i.e., be adverse (figuratively, repugnant) to
καὶ
and
G2532
καὶ
and
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
3 of 25
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
ὑπεραιρόμενος
exalteth
G5229
ὑπεραιρόμενος
exalteth
Strong's:
G5229
Word #:
4 of 25
to raise oneself over, i.e., (figuratively) to become haughty
ἐπὶ
himself above
G1909
ἐπὶ
himself above
Strong's:
G1909
Word #:
5 of 25
properly, meaning superimposition (of time, place, order, etc.), as a relation of distribution (with the genitive case), i.e., over, upon, etc.; of re
λεγόμενον
that is called
G3004
λεγόμενον
that is called
Strong's:
G3004
Word #:
7 of 25
properly, to "lay" forth, i.e., (figuratively) relate (in words (usually of systematic or set discourse; whereas g2036 and g5346 generally refer to an
θεός
God
G2316
θεός
God
Strong's:
G2316
Word #:
8 of 25
a deity, especially (with g3588) the supreme divinity; figuratively, a magistrate; exceedingly (by hebraism)
σέβασμα
that is worshipped
G4574
σέβασμα
that is worshipped
Strong's:
G4574
Word #:
10 of 25
something adored, i.e., an object of worship (god, altar, etc)
ὥστε
so
G5620
ὥστε
so
Strong's:
G5620
Word #:
11 of 25
so too, i.e., thus therefore (in various relations of consecution, as follow)
αὐτὸν
that he
G846
αὐτὸν
that he
Strong's:
G846
Word #:
12 of 25
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
εἰς
in
G1519
εἰς
in
Strong's:
G1519
Word #:
13 of 25
to or into (indicating the point reached or entered), of place, time, or (figuratively) purpose (result, etc.); also in adverbial phrases
τοῦ
Who
G3588
τοῦ
Who
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
14 of 25
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
τοῦ
Who
G3588
τοῦ
Who
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
16 of 25
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
θεός
God
G2316
θεός
God
Strong's:
G2316
Word #:
17 of 25
a deity, especially (with g3588) the supreme divinity; figuratively, a magistrate; exceedingly (by hebraism)
ὡς
as
G5613
ὡς
as
Strong's:
G5613
Word #:
18 of 25
which how, i.e., in that manner (very variously used, as follows)
θεός
God
G2316
θεός
God
Strong's:
G2316
Word #:
19 of 25
a deity, especially (with g3588) the supreme divinity; figuratively, a magistrate; exceedingly (by hebraism)
καθίσαι
sitteth
G2523
καθίσαι
sitteth
Strong's:
G2523
Word #:
20 of 25
to seat down, i.e., set (figuratively, appoint); intransitively, to sit (down); figuratively, to settle (hover, dwell)
ἀποδεικνύντα
shewing
G584
ἀποδεικνύντα
shewing
Strong's:
G584
Word #:
21 of 25
to show off, i.e., exhibit; figuratively, to demonstrate, i.e., accredit
ἑαυτὸν
himself
G1438
ἑαυτὸν
himself
Strong's:
G1438
Word #:
22 of 25
(him- her-, it-, them-, my-, thy-, our-, your-)self (selves), etc
ὅτι
that
G3754
ὅτι
that
Strong's:
G3754
Word #:
23 of 25
demonstrative, that (sometimes redundant); causative, because
Cross References
Ezekiel 28:2Son of man, say unto the prince of Tyrus, Thus saith the Lord GOD; Because thine heart is lifted up, and thou hast said, I am a God, I sit in the seat of God, in the midst of the seas; yet thou art a man, and not God, though thou set thine heart as the heart of God:Daniel 7:25And he shall speak great words against the most High, and shall wear out the saints of the most High, and think to change times and laws: and they shall be given into his hand until a time and times and the dividing of time.1 Corinthians 8:5For though there be that are called gods, whether in heaven or in earth, (as there be gods many, and lords many,)Ezekiel 28:6Therefore thus saith the Lord GOD; Because thou hast set thine heart as the heart of God;Daniel 11:45And he shall plant the tabernacles of his palace between the seas in the glorious holy mountain; yet he shall come to his end, and none shall help him.Daniel 7:8I considered the horns, and, behold, there came up among them another little horn, before whom there were three of the first horns plucked up by the roots: and, behold, in this horn were eyes like the eyes of man, and a mouth speaking great things.Daniel 11:36And the king shall do according to his will; and he shall exalt himself, and magnify himself above every god, and shall speak marvellous things against the God of gods, and shall prosper till the indignation be accomplished: for that that is determined shall be done.Ezekiel 28:9Wilt thou yet say before him that slayeth thee, I am God? but thou shalt be a man, and no God, in the hand of him that slayeth thee.
Historical Context
Antiochus Epiphanes desecrated the Jerusalem temple (167 BC), offering swine on the altar and erecting Zeus's image—prefiguring this final abomination. Roman emperors demanded worship; Caligula attempted to place his statue in the temple (AD 40). Paul envisions an even greater defilement yet future.
Questions for Reflection
- How do you recognize the 'spirit of antichrist' (pride, self-worship) in contemporary culture?
- What does Satan's counterfeiting of God's temple worship reveal about his strategy?
- Why must the man of sin be 'revealed' before Christ returns—what purpose does this serve?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
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—opposeth (antikeimenos, ἀντικείμενος, adversary) and exalteth himself above (hyperairōmenos, ὑπεραιρόμενος, lifting himself over) describe total rebellion against deity. All that is called God, or that is worshipped (sebasma, σέβασμα, object of worship)—he claims supremacy over every religious system.
Sitteth in the temple of God (naon tou Theou, ναὸν τοῦ Θεοῦ)—whether literal rebuilt Jerusalem temple or metaphorical (the church), he enthrones himself in God's sanctuary. Shewing himself that he is God (apodeiknynta... theos, ἀποδεικνύντα... θεός) parallels Satan's original rebellion (Isa. 14:13-14). This is ultimate blasphemy—creature claiming Creator's throne.