2 Thessalonians 2:3
Let no man deceive you by any means: for that day shall not come, except there come a falling away first, and that man of sin be revealed, the son of perdition;
Original Language Analysis
μὴ
no
G3361
μὴ
no
Strong's:
G3361
Word #:
1 of 24
(adverb) not, (conjunction) lest; also (as an interrogative implying a negative answer (whereas g3756 expects an affirmative one)) whether
κατὰ
by
G2596
κατὰ
by
Strong's:
G2596
Word #:
5 of 24
(prepositionally) down (in place or time), in varied relations (according to the case (genitive, dative or accusative) with which it is joined)
τρόπον
means
G5158
τρόπον
means
Strong's:
G5158
Word #:
7 of 24
a turn, i.e., (by implication) mode or style (especially with preposition or relative prefix as adverb, like); figuratively, deportment or character
ὅτι
for
G3754
ὅτι
for
Strong's:
G3754
Word #:
8 of 24
demonstrative, that (sometimes redundant); causative, because
ἐὰν
G1437
ἐὰν
Strong's:
G1437
Word #:
9 of 24
a conditional particle; in case that, provided, etc.; often used in connection with other particles to denote indefiniteness or uncertainty
μὴ
no
G3361
μὴ
no
Strong's:
G3361
Word #:
10 of 24
(adverb) not, (conjunction) lest; also (as an interrogative implying a negative answer (whereas g3756 expects an affirmative one)) whether
ἔλθῃ
there come
G2064
ἔλθῃ
there come
Strong's:
G2064
Word #:
11 of 24
to come or go (in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively)
ἡ
G3588
ἡ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
12 of 24
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
ἀποστασία
a falling away
G646
ἀποστασία
a falling away
Strong's:
G646
Word #:
13 of 24
defection from truth (properly, the state) ("apostasy")
καὶ
and
G2532
καὶ
and
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
15 of 24
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
ὁ
G3588
ὁ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
17 of 24
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
τῆς
G3588
τῆς
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
19 of 24
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
ὁ
G3588
ὁ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
21 of 24
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
υἱὸς
the son
G5207
υἱὸς
the son
Strong's:
G5207
Word #:
22 of 24
a "son" (sometimes of animals), used very widely of immediate, remote or figuratively, kinship
Cross References
Ephesians 5:6Let no man deceive you with vain words: for because of these things cometh the wrath of God upon the children of disobedience.1 John 2:18Little children, it is the last time: and as ye have heard that antichrist shall come, even now are there many antichrists; whereby we know that it is the last time.Daniel 7:25And he shall speak great words against the most High, and shall wear out the saints of the most High, and think to change times and laws: and they shall be given into his hand until a time and times and the dividing of time.Daniel 8:25And through his policy also he shall cause craft to prosper in his hand; and he shall magnify himself in his heart, and by peace shall destroy many: he shall also stand up against the Prince of princes; but he shall be broken without hand.John 17:12While I was with them in the world, I kept them in thy name: those that thou gavest me I have kept, and none of them is lost, but the son of perdition; that the scripture might be fulfilled.Revelation 17:8The beast that thou sawest was, and is not; and shall ascend out of the bottomless pit, and go into perdition: and they that dwell on the earth shall wonder, whose names were not written in the book of life from the foundation of the world, when they behold the beast that was, and is not, and yet is.Revelation 17:11And the beast that was, and is not, even he is the eighth, and is of the seven, and goeth into perdition.1 Corinthians 6:9Know ye not that the unrighteous shall not inherit the kingdom of God? Be not deceived: neither fornicators, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor effeminate, nor abusers of themselves with mankind,Daniel 11:36And the king shall do according to his will; and he shall exalt himself, and magnify himself above every god, and shall speak marvellous things against the God of gods, and shall prosper till the indignation be accomplished: for that that is determined shall be done.
Historical Context
Jewish apocalyptic expected a final opponent of God before Messiah's kingdom. Daniel's 'little horn' (Dan. 7:8), the 'abomination of desolation' (Dan. 9:27), and various pseudepigraphal texts described this figure. Paul places him in church-age eschatology as a real, future individual.
Questions for Reflection
- How does the apostasy (falling away) differ from normal unbelief—what makes it unique?
- What historical figures have been wrongly identified as 'the man of sin,' and why?
- How should certainty about unfulfilled prophecy affect your preparedness for Christ's return?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
Let no man deceive you by any means: for that day shall not come, except there come a falling away first, and that man of sin be revealed, the son of perdition—Let no man deceive you (exapatēsē, ἐξαπατήσῃ, thoroughly deceive) warns against any teacher, whatever the method. The day will NOT come except (ean mē, ἐὰν μή) two events occur first.
First: a falling away (apostasia, ἀποστασία)—rebellion, apostasy, departure from faith. Second: that man of sin be revealed (ho anthrōpos tēs anomias, ὁ ἄνθρωπος τῆς ἀνομίας, 'the man of lawlessness'). The son of perdition (ho huios tēs apōleias, ὁ υἱὸς τῆς ἀπωλείας) titles Judas (John 17:12)—this figure is similarly devoted to destruction. Paul identifies the Antichrist without using that term.