2 Thessalonians 2:6

Authorized King James Version

And now ye know what withholdeth that he might be revealed in his time.

Word-by-Word Analysis

καὶ

G2532

And

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

νῦν

G3568

now

"now" (as adverb of date, a transition or emphasis); also as noun or adjective present or immediate

τὸ

G3588

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

κατέχον

G2722

what withholdeth

to hold down (fast), in various applications (literally or figuratively)

οἴδατε

G1492

ye know

used only in certain past tenses, the others being borrowed from the equivalent g3700 and g3708; properly, to see (literally or figuratively); by impl

εἰς

G1519

that

to or into (indicating the point reached or entered), of place, time, or (figuratively) purpose (result, etc.); also in adverbial phrases

τὸ

G3588

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

ἀποκαλυφθῆναι

G601

might be revealed

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

αὐτὸν

G846

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

#10

ἐν

G1722

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

#11

τῷ

G3588

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

#12

ἑαυτοῦ

G1438

his

(him- her-, it-, them-, my-, thy-, our-, your-)self (selves), etc

#13

καιρῷ

G2540

time

an occasion, i.e., set or proper time

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

This passage must be understood within the political and social structures of the biblical period. The author writes to address believers seeking to understand God's will and purposes, making the emphasis on salvation particularly relevant. Historical documents from this period show cultural practices and social structures that would have been familiar to the original readers, illuminating the verse's original impact.

Questions for Reflection

What practical applications emerge from understanding salvation as presented in this verse, particularly in light of addressing questions of religious pluralism and the exclusivity of Christ?
In what ways does this verse's emphasis on divine revelation address religious pluralism and questions about the necessity of Christ, and how should the church respond?
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?