2 Thessalonians 3:3
But the Lord is faithful, who shall stablish you, and keep you from evil.
Original Language Analysis
ὁ
G3588
ὁ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
4 of 13
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
κύριος
the Lord
G2962
κύριος
the Lord
Strong's:
G2962
Word #:
5 of 13
supreme in authority, i.e., (as noun) controller; by implication, master (as a respectful title)
ὃς
who
G3739
ὃς
who
Strong's:
G3739
Word #:
6 of 13
the relatively (sometimes demonstrative) pronoun, who, which, what, that
στηρίξει
shall stablish
G4741
στηρίξει
shall stablish
Strong's:
G4741
Word #:
7 of 13
to set fast, i.e., (literally) to turn resolutely in a certain direction, or (figuratively) to confirm
καὶ
and
G2532
καὶ
and
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
9 of 13
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
φυλάξει
keep
G5442
φυλάξει
keep
Strong's:
G5442
Word #:
10 of 13
to watch, i.e., be on guard (literally of figuratively); by implication, to preserve, obey, avoid
ἀπὸ
you from
G575
ἀπὸ
you from
Strong's:
G575
Word #:
11 of 13
"off," i.e., away (from something near), in various senses (of place, time, or relation; literal or figurative)
Cross References
2 Timothy 4:18And the Lord shall deliver me from every evil work, and will preserve me unto his heavenly kingdom: to whom be glory for ever and ever. Amen.1 Thessalonians 5:24Faithful is he that calleth you, who also will do it.1 Corinthians 10:13There hath no temptation taken you but such as is common to man: but God is faithful, who will not suffer you to be tempted above that ye are able; but will with the temptation also make a way to escape, that ye may be able to bear it.1 Corinthians 1:9God is faithful, by whom ye were called unto the fellowship of his Son Jesus Christ our Lord.Psalms 121:7The LORD shall preserve thee from all evil: he shall preserve thy soul.John 17:15I pray not that thou shouldest take them out of the world, but that thou shouldest keep them from the evil.Jude 1:24Now unto him that is able to keep you from falling, and to present you faultless before the presence of his glory with exceeding joy,Matthew 6:13And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil: For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, for ever. Amen.Psalms 19:13Keep back thy servant also from presumptuous sins; let them not have dominion over me: then shall I be upright, and I shall be innocent from the great transgression.2 Peter 2:9The Lord knoweth how to deliver the godly out of temptations, and to reserve the unjust unto the day of judgment to be punished:
Historical Context
The Thessalonians, young in faith and under persecution, needed assurance their faith would endure. Paul grounds confidence in God's immutable nature, not their fluctuating feelings. This doctrine of preservation combated despair among suffering believers.
Questions for Reflection
- How does God's faithfulness comfort you when your own faith feels weak?
- In what areas of temptation do you need God to 'keep you from evil'?
- How does knowing God will 'stablish' you free you from anxious self-effort?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
But the Lord is faithful, who shall stablish you, and keep you from evil—But contrasts unfaithful humans (v. 2) with the Lord is faithful (pistos de estin ho Kyrios, πιστὸς δέ ἐστιν ὁ Κύριος). God's pistis (πίστις, faithfulness/reliability) guarantees two actions: stablish you (stērixei hymas, στηρίξει ὑμᾶς, fix firmly) and keep you from evil (phylaxei apo tou ponērou, φυλάξει ἀπὸ τοῦ πονηροῦ).
Tou ponērou (τοῦ πονηροῦ) can mean 'the evil one' (Satan) or 'evil' generally—probably both. God's faithfulness counters human faithlessness; His stability answers human instability. While Paul needs prayer (vv. 1-2), ultimate security rests on God's character, not circumstances or human effort. This is Reformed assurance: perseverance is certain because God is faithful.