2 Thessalonians 1:8
In flaming fire taking vengeance on them that know not God, and that obey not the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ:
Original Language Analysis
διδόντος
taking
G1325
διδόντος
taking
Strong's:
G1325
Word #:
4 of 20
to give (used in a very wide application, properly, or by implication, literally or figuratively; greatly modified by the connection)
τοῖς
G3588
τοῖς
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
6 of 20
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
μὴ
not
G3361
μὴ
not
Strong's:
G3361
Word #:
7 of 20
(adverb) not, (conjunction) lest; also (as an interrogative implying a negative answer (whereas g3756 expects an affirmative one)) whether
εἰδόσιν
on them that know
G1492
εἰδόσιν
on them that know
Strong's:
G1492
Word #:
8 of 20
used only in certain past tenses, the others being borrowed from the equivalent g3700 and g3708; properly, to see (literally or figuratively); by impl
θεὸν
God
G2316
θεὸν
God
Strong's:
G2316
Word #:
9 of 20
a deity, especially (with g3588) the supreme divinity; figuratively, a magistrate; exceedingly (by hebraism)
καὶ
and
G2532
καὶ
and
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
10 of 20
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
τοῖς
G3588
τοῖς
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
11 of 20
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
μὴ
not
G3361
μὴ
not
Strong's:
G3361
Word #:
12 of 20
(adverb) not, (conjunction) lest; also (as an interrogative implying a negative answer (whereas g3756 expects an affirmative one)) whether
ὑπακούουσιν
that obey
G5219
ὑπακούουσιν
that obey
Strong's:
G5219
Word #:
13 of 20
to hear under (as a subordinate), i.e., to listen attentively; by implication, to heed or conform to a command or authority
τῷ
G3588
τῷ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
14 of 20
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
τοῦ
G3588
τοῦ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
16 of 20
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
κυρίου
Lord
G2962
κυρίου
Lord
Strong's:
G2962
Word #:
17 of 20
supreme in authority, i.e., (as noun) controller; by implication, master (as a respectful title)
Cross References
1 Peter 4:17For the time is come that judgment must begin at the house of God: and if it first begin at us, what shall the end be of them that obey not the gospel of God?2 Peter 3:7But the heavens and the earth, which are now, by the same word are kept in store, reserved unto fire against the day of judgment and perdition of ungodly men.Hebrews 10:27But a certain fearful looking for of judgment and fiery indignation, which shall devour the adversaries.Psalms 79:6Pour out thy wrath upon the heathen that have not known thee, and upon the kingdoms that have not called upon thy name.Hebrews 10:30For we know him that hath said, Vengeance belongeth unto me, I will recompense, saith the Lord. And again, The Lord shall judge his people.Hebrews 2:3How shall we escape, if we neglect so great salvation; which at the first began to be spoken by the Lord, and was confirmed unto us by them that heard him;Romans 6:16Know ye not, that to whom ye yield yourselves servants to obey, his servants ye are to whom ye obey; whether of sin unto death, or of obedience unto righteousness?Matthew 25:41Then shall he say also unto them on the left hand, Depart from me, ye cursed, into everlasting fire, prepared for the devil and his angels:Galatians 4:8Howbeit then, when ye knew not God, ye did service unto them which by nature are no gods.Revelation 20:10And the devil that deceived them was cast into the lake of fire and brimstone, where the beast and the false prophet are, and shall be tormented day and night for ever and ever.
Historical Context
In Jewish apocalyptic literature, the Messiah would come with fire to judge Israel's enemies. Paul universalizes this—all who reject God, whether pagan or religious, face the same fiery judgment. The gospel demands obedience (response of faith), not optional consideration.
Questions for Reflection
- How does 'obeying the gospel' differ from merely believing facts about Jesus?
- What does Christ's return in flaming fire teach about God's holy nature?
- Are there people in your life who 'know not God' despite religious activity?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
In flaming fire taking vengeance on them that know not God, and that obey not the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ—Christ appears in flaming fire (en pyri phlogos, ἐν πυρὶ φλογός), echoing God's Sinai theophany (Ex. 19:18). Taking vengeance (didontos ekdikēsin, διδόντος ἐκδίκησιν, literally 'giving justice/vindication') shows Christ as righteous judge, not merely loving Savior.
Two groups face judgment: them that know not God (pagan idolaters) and those who obey not the gospel (those who heard but rejected). Obeying (hypakouousin, ὑπακούουσιν) the gospel means submitting to its claims, not mere intellectual assent. Paul identifies the persecutors—they've spurned divine revelation. Fire represents both God's holiness and His consuming wrath against sin.