2 Thessalonians 2:7
For the mystery of iniquity doth already work: only he who now letteth will let, until he be taken out of the way.
Original Language Analysis
τὸ
G3588
τὸ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
1 of 15
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
γὰρ
For
G1063
γὰρ
For
Strong's:
G1063
Word #:
2 of 15
properly, assigning a reason (used in argument, explanation or intensification; often with other particles)
μυστήριον
the mystery
G3466
μυστήριον
the mystery
Strong's:
G3466
Word #:
3 of 15
a secret or "mystery" (through the idea of silence imposed by initiation into religious rites)
τῆς
G3588
τῆς
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
6 of 15
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
ἀνομίας·
of iniquity
G458
ἀνομίας·
of iniquity
Strong's:
G458
Word #:
7 of 15
illegality, i.e., violation of law or (genitive case) wickedness
ὁ
G3588
ὁ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
9 of 15
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
κατέχων
letteth
G2722
κατέχων
letteth
Strong's:
G2722
Word #:
10 of 15
to hold down (fast), in various applications (literally or figuratively)
ἕως
will let until
G2193
ἕως
will let until
Strong's:
G2193
Word #:
12 of 15
a conjunction, preposition and adverb of continuance, until (of time and place)
ἐκ
out of
G1537
ἐκ
out of
Strong's:
G1537
Word #:
13 of 15
a primary preposition denoting origin (the point whence action or motion proceeds), from, out (of place, time, or cause literal or figurative; direct
Cross References
Historical Context
First-century Christians witnessed increasing moral decay, emperor worship, persecution, and false teaching. Paul assures them this isn't chaos but controlled progression toward God's appointed climax. Evil only advances as far as God's sovereign restraint permits.
Questions for Reflection
- How do you see the 'mystery of lawlessness' operating covertly in society today?
- What does it reveal about God's character that He currently restrains evil rather than immediately judging it?
- How should Christians respond to increasing cultural lawlessness—panic or confident trust?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
For the mystery of iniquity doth already work: only he who now letteth will let, until he be taken out of the way—the mystery of iniquity (to mystērion tēs anomias, τὸ μυστήριον τῆς ἀνομίας, secret of lawlessness) is already operative, though restrained. Mystērion means 'hidden reality now revealed.' Lawlessness works secretly, preparing for open rebellion.
He who now letteth (ho katechōn, ὁ κατέχων, the restrainer) is now masculine (personal agent), possibly the Holy Spirit or an angel. Will let, until he be taken out of the way (ek mesou genētai, ἐκ μέσου γένηται, removed from the midst)—when restraint is removed, the man of sin appears. Evil advances incrementally until God permits its full unveiling.