2 Thessalonians 2:6
And now ye know what withholdeth that he might be revealed in his time.
Original Language Analysis
καὶ
And
G2532
καὶ
And
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
1 of 13
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
νῦν
now
G3568
νῦν
now
Strong's:
G3568
Word #:
2 of 13
"now" (as adverb of date, a transition or emphasis); also as noun or adjective present or immediate
τὸ
G3588
τὸ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
3 of 13
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
κατέχον
what withholdeth
G2722
κατέχον
what withholdeth
Strong's:
G2722
Word #:
4 of 13
to hold down (fast), in various applications (literally or figuratively)
οἴδατε
ye know
G1492
οἴδατε
ye know
Strong's:
G1492
Word #:
5 of 13
used only in certain past tenses, the others being borrowed from the equivalent g3700 and g3708; properly, to see (literally or figuratively); by impl
εἰς
that
G1519
εἰς
that
Strong's:
G1519
Word #:
6 of 13
to or into (indicating the point reached or entered), of place, time, or (figuratively) purpose (result, etc.); also in adverbial phrases
τὸ
G3588
τὸ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
7 of 13
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
ἀποκαλυφθῆναι
might be revealed
G601
ἀποκαλυφθῆναι
might be revealed
Strong's:
G601
Word #:
8 of 13
to take off the cover, i.e., disclose
αὐτὸν
he
G846
αὐτὸν
he
Strong's:
G846
Word #:
9 of 13
the reflexive pronoun self, used (alone or in the comparative g1438) of the third person, and (with the proper personal pronoun) of the other persons
τῷ
G3588
τῷ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
11 of 13
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
Historical Context
Roman law and order (Pax Romana) did restrain anarchy and lawlessness in Paul's day. Many early interpreters saw Rome as the restrainer. When Rome fell, some expected immediate Antichrist appearance. This shows the danger of over-specific identifications of prophetic symbols.
Questions for Reflection
- What restraining influences on evil do you observe in current world events?
- How does God's sovereignty over evil's timing comfort you amid increasing lawlessness?
- Why might God intentionally leave some prophetic details unclear to original audiences?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
And now ye know what withholdeth that he might be revealed in his time—what withholdeth (to katechon, τὸ κατέχον, the restraining thing/force) is neuter gender, referring to an impersonal force or principle. This restrainer prevents the man of sin's premature appearance—that he might be revealed in his time (kairō, καιρῷ, appointed season).
Interpretations include:
The Thessalonians knew Paul's meaning from oral teaching (v. 5), but it remains partially mysterious to us. What's clear: evil is restrained until God's appointed time releases it.