Keraia
2 Thessalonians 2

2 Thessalonians 2:6

The Man of Lawlessness · 2 Thessalonians 2:1–12
Read 2 Thessalonians 2

Translations

Modern
And you know what is now restraining him, so that he may be revealed at the proper time.
Traditional
And now ye know what withholdeth that he might be revealed in his time.
Literal
And now you know what is restraining for him to be revealed in his own time.
Latin
…et nunc quid detineat scitis, ut reveletur in suo tempore.

Original

Greek
English
And you know what is now restraining him, so that he may be revealed at the proper time.

Notes

2 Thessalonians 2:6

what is now restraining him: People have many ideas about who this person is, including:

  • God,

  • the Holy Spirit,

  • the church,

  • the good news about Jesus (the gospel),

  • Paul,

  • the emperor,

  • the Roman Empire, or

  • the government.

Alternatively, the term may refer to something or someone who comes before the man of lawlessness, an agent of lawlessness active at that time (2:7–8).

In Greek literature, this expression could describe being possessed by a demon (evil angel). This figure would prepare the way for the man of lawlessness when his time comes (2:3, 8).

2 Thessalonians 2:1–12

False teachings about the Day of the Lord had upset the Thessalonian church (2:1–2). Paul reminds them that two events will happen before that day: a great rebellion and the revealing of the man of lawlessness (2:3–12). Christ will destroy this man when he returns (2:3, 8). Those deceived by him will also encounter judgment (2:9–12).

Glossary

Antichrist Apostasy Mystery of Lawlessness Parousia Paul the Apostle Second Letter to the Thessalonians

Topics

Antichrist: General Scriptures Concerning