2 Thessalonians 2:15
Therefore, brethren, stand fast, and hold the traditions which ye have been taught, whether by word, or our epistle.
Original Language Analysis
ἄρα
Therefore
G686
ἄρα
Therefore
Strong's:
G686
Word #:
1 of 17
a particle denoting an inference more or less decisive (as follows)
οὖν
G3767
ἀδελφοί
brethren
G80
ἀδελφοί
brethren
Strong's:
G80
Word #:
3 of 17
a brother (literally or figuratively) near or remote (much like g0001)
στήκετε
stand fast
G4739
στήκετε
stand fast
Strong's:
G4739
Word #:
4 of 17
to be stationary, i.e., (figuratively) to persevere
καὶ
and
G2532
καὶ
and
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
5 of 17
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
κρατεῖτε
hold
G2902
κρατεῖτε
hold
Strong's:
G2902
Word #:
6 of 17
to use strength, i.e., seize or retain (literally or figuratively)
τὰς
G3588
τὰς
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
7 of 17
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
παραδόσεις
the traditions
G3862
παραδόσεις
the traditions
Strong's:
G3862
Word #:
8 of 17
transmission, i.e., (concretely) a precept; specially, the jewish traditionary law
ἃς
which
G3739
ἃς
which
Strong's:
G3739
Word #:
9 of 17
the relatively (sometimes demonstrative) pronoun, who, which, what, that
ἐδιδάχθητε
ye have been taught
G1321
ἐδιδάχθητε
ye have been taught
Strong's:
G1321
Word #:
10 of 17
to teach (in the same broad application)
δι'
by
G1223
δι'
by
Strong's:
G1223
Word #:
12 of 17
through (in very wide applications, local, causal, or occasional)
λόγου
word
G3056
λόγου
word
Strong's:
G3056
Word #:
13 of 17
something said (including the thought); by implication, a topic (subject of discourse), also reasoning (the mental faculty) or motive; by extension, a
Cross References
1 Corinthians 11:2Now I praise you, brethren, that ye remember me in all things, and keep the ordinances, as I delivered them to you.2 Thessalonians 3:6Now we command you, brethren, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that ye withdraw yourselves from every brother that walketh disorderly, and not after the tradition which he received of us.1 Corinthians 16:13Watch ye, stand fast in the faith, quit you like men, be strong.2 Thessalonians 2:2That ye be not soon shaken in mind, or be troubled, neither by spirit, nor by word, nor by letter as from us, as that the day of Christ is at hand.Philippians 4:1Therefore, my brethren dearly beloved and longed for, my joy and crown, so stand fast in the Lord, my dearly beloved.1 Corinthians 15:58Therefore, my beloved brethren, be ye stedfast, unmoveable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, forasmuch as ye know that your labour is not in vain in the Lord.Romans 16:17Now I beseech you, brethren, mark them which cause divisions and offences contrary to the doctrine which ye have learned; and avoid them.
Historical Context
Before the New Testament canon was complete, oral apostolic tradition carried equal authority with written letters. Paul validates both forms of revelation. Later, written Scripture became the sole infallible authority, testing all tradition. But the principle remains: stand on apostolic truth, not contemporary speculation.
Questions for Reflection
- What 'traditions' (core doctrines) have you been tempted to abandon under cultural pressure?
- How do you distinguish authoritative apostolic tradition from mere human customs?
- Why does standing firm in truth require active effort ('hold fast') rather than passive agreement?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
Therefore, brethren, stand fast, and hold the traditions which ye have been taught, whether by word, or our epistle—Therefore draws application from election and calling. Two commands: stand fast (stēkete, στήκετε, maintain position, don't retreat) and hold the traditions (krateite tas paradoseis, κρατεῖτε τὰς παραδόσεις, grip firmly the teachings handed down).
Paradosis (παράδοσις, tradition) means authoritative teaching transmitted from apostles, both oral (by word) and written (our epistle). This isn't human tradition but apostolic deposit. Stability amid eschatological deception requires anchoring in revealed truth, not novelty. The elect persevere by clutching apostolic doctrine.