2 Thessalonians 3:2
And that we may be delivered from unreasonable and wicked men: for all men have not faith.
Original Language Analysis
καὶ
And
G2532
καὶ
And
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
1 of 14
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
ῥυσθῶμεν
we may be delivered
G4506
ῥυσθῶμεν
we may be delivered
Strong's:
G4506
Word #:
3 of 14
compare g4511); to rush or draw (for oneself), i.e., rescue
ἀπὸ
from
G575
ἀπὸ
from
Strong's:
G575
Word #:
4 of 14
"off," i.e., away (from something near), in various senses (of place, time, or relation; literal or figurative)
τῶν
G3588
τῶν
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
5 of 14
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
ἀτόπων
unreasonable
G824
ἀτόπων
unreasonable
Strong's:
G824
Word #:
6 of 14
out of place, i.e., (figuratively) improper, injurious, wicked
καὶ
And
G2532
καὶ
And
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
7 of 14
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
πονηρῶν
wicked
G4190
πονηρῶν
wicked
Strong's:
G4190
Word #:
8 of 14
hurtful, i.e., evil (properly, in effect or influence, and thus differing from g2556, which refers rather to essential character, as well as from g455
οὐ
men have not
G3756
οὐ
men have not
Strong's:
G3756
Word #:
10 of 14
the absolute negative (compare g3361) adverb; no or not
γὰρ
for
G1063
γὰρ
for
Strong's:
G1063
Word #:
11 of 14
properly, assigning a reason (used in argument, explanation or intensification; often with other particles)
Cross References
Romans 15:31That I may be delivered from them that do not believe in Judaea; and that my service which I have for Jerusalem may be accepted of the saints;Deuteronomy 32:20And he said, I will hide my face from them, I will see what their end shall be: for they are a very froward generation, children in whom is no faith.Acts 28:24And some believed the things which were spoken, and some believed not.Romans 10:16But they have not all obeyed the gospel. For Esaias saith, Lord, who hath believed our report?
Historical Context
Acts 17:5-9 records the Thessalonian Jews' violent opposition to Paul—forming a mob, dragging converts before authorities, accusing treason. Paul faced similar hostility in every city. Prayer for deliverance wasn't theoretical but urgent—his life was constantly threatened.
Questions for Reflection
- How do you pray for persecuted Christians facing 'unreasonable and wicked' opponents today?
- Why does lack of faith so often produce active hostility rather than mere indifference?
- What 'unreasonable' opposition have you faced for sharing the gospel, and how did you respond?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
And that we may be delivered from unreasonable and wicked men: for all men have not faith—the second prayer request: delivered from (rhysthōmen apo, ῥυσθῶμεν ἀπό, rescued from) unreasonable and wicked men (atopōn kai ponērōn anthrōpōn, ἀτόπων καὶ πονηρῶν ἀνθρώπων). Atopos (ἄτοπος) means 'out of place, absurd, perverse,' and ponēros (πονηρός) means 'evil, malicious.'
For all men have not faith (ou gar pantōn hē pistis, οὐ γὰρ πάντων ἡ πίστις)—explains their opposition. Without faith, men become unreasonable and wicked toward God's word. Universal gospel offer doesn't guarantee universal reception. Some actively resist, requiring divine deliverance for gospel workers.