2 Thessalonians 3:17
The salutation of Paul with mine own hand, which is the token in every epistle: so I write.
Original Language Analysis
Ὁ
G3588
Ὁ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
1 of 14
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
τῇ
G3588
τῇ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
3 of 14
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
χειρὶ
hand
G5495
χειρὶ
hand
Strong's:
G5495
Word #:
5 of 14
the hand (literally or figuratively (power); especially (by hebraism) a means or instrument)
Παύλου
of Paul
G3972
Παύλου
of Paul
Strong's:
G3972
Word #:
6 of 14
(little; but remotely from a derivative of g3973, meaning the same); paulus, the name of a roman and of an apostle
ὅ
which
G3739
ὅ
which
Strong's:
G3739
Word #:
7 of 14
the relatively (sometimes demonstrative) pronoun, who, which, what, that
σημεῖον
the token
G4592
σημεῖον
the token
Strong's:
G4592
Word #:
9 of 14
an indication, especially ceremonially or supernaturally
Cross References
Historical Context
Without modern authentication methods, personal handwriting signatures were primary verification. Paul's emphasis shows early forgery attempts. The church needed safeguards to distinguish apostolic teaching from counterfeits. This principle undergirds later canon formation—apostolic authorship authenticated Scripture.
Questions for Reflection
- How do you authenticate spiritual teaching to ensure it's genuinely from God?
- What modern 'forged letters' (false teachings) claim divine or apostolic authority?
- Why is verifiable, written revelation necessary rather than relying solely on oral tradition?
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Analysis & Commentary
The salutation of Paul with mine own hand, which is the token in every epistle: so I write—The salutation of Paul with mine own hand (ho aspasmos tē emē cheiri Paulou, ὁ ἀσπασμὸς τῇ ἐμῇ χειρὶ Παύλου)—Paul personally pens the closing greeting. Typically, he dictated to a scribe (Rom. 16:22) but added personal signature. Which is the token in every epistle (sēmeion en pasē epistolē, σημεῖον ἐν πάσῃ ἐπιστολῇ)—authenticating mark against forgery (cf. 2:2).
So I write (houtōs graphō, οὕτως γράφω)—Paul's distinctive handwriting (perhaps large letters, Gal. 6:11) verified genuineness. This protected against false letters claiming apostolic authority. Truth requires authentication; claims need verification. Apostolic succession required written, verifiable transmission.