2 Thessalonians 2:12
That they all might be damned who believed not the truth, but had pleasure in unrighteousness.
Original Language Analysis
τῇ
who
G3588
τῇ
who
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
4 of 13
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
μὴ
not
G3361
μὴ
not
Strong's:
G3361
Word #:
5 of 13
(adverb) not, (conjunction) lest; also (as an interrogative implying a negative answer (whereas g3756 expects an affirmative one)) whether
πιστεύσαντες
believed
G4100
πιστεύσαντες
believed
Strong's:
G4100
Word #:
6 of 13
to have faith (in, upon, or with respect to, a person or thing), i.e., credit; by implication, to entrust (especially one's spiritual well-being to ch
τῇ
who
G3588
τῇ
who
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
7 of 13
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
ἀλλ'
but
G235
ἀλλ'
but
Strong's:
G235
Word #:
9 of 13
properly, other things, i.e., (adverbially) contrariwise (in many relations)
εὐδοκήσαντες
had pleasure
G2106
εὐδοκήσαντες
had pleasure
Strong's:
G2106
Word #:
10 of 13
to think well of, i.e., approve (an act); specially, to approbate (a person or thing)
Cross References
Romans 1:32Who knowing the judgment of God, that they which commit such things are worthy of death, not only do the same, but have pleasure in them that do them.Mark 16:16He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved; but he that believeth not shall be damned.Romans 2:8But unto them that are contentious, and do not obey the truth, but obey unrighteousness, indignation and wrath,Romans 12:9Let love be without dissimulation. Abhor that which is evil; cleave to that which is good.Psalms 11:5The LORD trieth the righteous: but the wicked and him that loveth violence his soul hateth.John 3:36He that believeth on the Son hath everlasting life: and he that believeth not the Son shall not see life; but the wrath of God abideth on him.1 Thessalonians 5:9For God hath not appointed us to wrath, but to obtain salvation by our Lord Jesus Christ,Hosea 7:3They make the king glad with their wickedness, and the princes with their lies.
Historical Context
Roman culture celebrated various forms of unrighteousness—sexual immorality, gladiatorial bloodshed, exploitation of slaves. Participants didn't reluctantly sin; they reveled in it. Paul's description fits any culture where people don't just tolerate evil but applaud and celebrate it.
Questions for Reflection
- What unrighteous behaviors does contemporary culture celebrate rather than merely tolerate?
- How does 'taking pleasure in unrighteousness' differ from occasionally sinning?
- Why is enjoying evil a more serious condition than merely committing it?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
That they all might be damned who believed not the truth, but had pleasure in unrighteousness—that they all might be damned (hina krithōsin pantes, ἵνα κριθῶσιν πάντες, 'that all might be judged/condemned') states the ultimate purpose. Universal judgment falls on those characterized by two negatives: believed not the truth (pisteuō, πιστεύω, entrust oneself to) and had pleasure in unrighteousness (eudokēsantes tē adikia, εὐδοκήσαντες τῇ ἀδικίᾳ, delighted in injustice).
Damnation isn't arbitrary—it judges persistent unbelief and delighting in evil. These aren't ignorant pagans but willing rebels who prefer lies and enjoy wickedness. God's judgment vindicates His justice by condemning what they freely chose. Hell is getting what you want forever: autonomy from God.