2 Thessalonians 2:7
in 2 Thessalonians 2For the mystery of lawlessness is already at work, but the one who now restrains it will continue until he is taken out of the way.
BSB
The same verse in ASV and KJV ▾
ASV
For the mystery of lawlessness doth already work: only there is one that restraineth now, until he be taken out of the way.
KJV
For the mystery of iniquity doth already work: only he who now letteth will let, until he be taken out of the way.
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This verse in 2 Thessalonians 2
Commentary
20 notes on this verseA commentator
Lucius Caecilius Firmianus LactantiusThe Divine Institutes, Book 7, Chapter XV · Written before 325.
Therefore, as the end of this world approaches, the condition of human affairs must undergo a change, and through the prevalence of wickedness become worse; so that now these times of ours, in which iniquity and impiety have increased even to the highest degree, may be judged happy and almost golden in comparison of that incurable evil.
This site's exposition
And you know what is now restraining him
on 2 Thessalonians 2:6-7
The restraint is named first in the neuter, what is now restraining him, then in the masculine, the one who now restrains it. The Thessalonians knew its identity from Paul’s teaching in their city, and the letter leaves it unwritten.
This site's exposition
the mystery of lawlessness is already at work
In Paul's letters a mystery is something hidden until God makes it known. Albert Barnes reads this as an evil working quietly that had not yet taken its full shape. Bengel, cited by Jamieson, Fausset and Brown, calls it one impurity spreading itself over many ages.
The record, by era
The Church Fathers5 voices
Now, if good order with its attendant harmony is characteristic of those who look to one source of authority and are subject to one king, then universal disorder and disharmony are a sign that leadership is lacking. By the same token, if we discover in our midst such discord as I have mentioned, both with regard to one another and with respect to the Lord's commands, it would either be an indictment or our rejection of the true king.
For the mystery of iniquity is already at work, only that he who now holds back may hold back until he is taken out of the way. The mystery of iniquity began with Nero, who, encouraged by his father the devil, killed the apostles with …
But others think that the words, "Ye know what withholdeth," and "The mystery of iniquity worketh," refer only to the wicked and the hypocrites who are in the Church, until they reach a number so great as to furnish Antichrist with a great people, and that this is the mystery of iniquity, because it seems hidden; also that the apostle is exhorting the faithful tenaciously to hold the faith they hold when he says, "Only he who now holdeth, let him hold until he be taken out of the way," that is, until the mystery of iniquity which now is hidden departs from the Church. For they suppose that it is to this same mystery John alludes when in his epistle he says, "Little 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. They went out from us, but they were not of us; for if they had been of us, they would no doubt have continued with us." As therefore there went out from the Church many heretics, whom John calls "many antichrists," at that time prior to the end, and which John calls "the last time," so in the end they shall go out who do not belong to Christ, but to that last Antichrist, and then he shall be revealed.
A commentator
Victorinus of PettauVictorinus Commentary on the Apocalypse of the Blessed John · Written before 304.
proposed
"And the beast which ascendeth from the abyss." After many plagues completed in the world, in the end he says that a beast ascended from the abyss. Bat that he shall ascend from the abyss is proved by many testimonies; for he says in the thirty-first chapter of Ezekiel: "Behold, Assur was a cypress in Mount Lebanon." Assur, deeply rooted, was a lofty and branching cypress-that is, a numerous people-in Mount Lebanon, in the kingdom of kingdoms, that is, of the Romans. Moreover, that he says he was beautiful in offshoots, he says he was strong in armies. The water, he says, shall nourish him, that is, the many thousands of men which were subjected to him; and the abyss increased him, that is, belched him forth. For even Isaiah speaks almost in the same words; moreover, that he was in the kingdom of the Romans, and that he was among the Caesars. The Apostle Paul also bears witness, for he says to the Thessalonians: "Let him who now restraineth restrain, until he be taken out of the way; and then shall appear that Wicked One, even he whose coining is after the working of Satan, with signs and lying wonders." And that they might know that he should come who then was the prince, he added: "He already endeavours after the secret of mischief" -that is, the mischief which he is about to do he strives to do secretly; but he is not raised up by his own power, nor by that of his father, but by command of God, of which thing Paul says in the same passage: "For this cause, because they have not received the love of God, He will send upon them a spirit of error, that they all may be persuaded of a lie, who have not been persuaded of the truth." And Isaiah saith: "While they waited for the light, darkness arose upon them." Therefore the Apocalypse sets forth that these prophets are killed by the same, and on the fourth day rise again, that none might be found equal to God.
There is also another, even greater, obligation for us to pray for the emperors; yes, even for the continuance of the empire in general and for Roman interests. We realize that the tremendous force which is hanging over the whole world, and the very end of the world with its threat of dreadful afflictions, is arrested for a time by the continued existence of the Roman Empire. This event we have no desire to experience and, in praying that it may be deferred, we favor the continuance of Rome. APOLOGY 32.Chrysostom: One may naturally inquire what is that which restrains the man of lawlessness, and in addition, why Paul expresses it so obscurely. What then is it that holds back, that is, that hinders the revealing of, the Antichrist? Some indeed say, the grace of the Spirit, but others the Roman Empire. I agree with the latter position. Why? Because if Paul meant to say the Spirit, he would not have spoken obscurely but plainly, that even now the grace of the Spirit, that is the gifts, hold back the Antichrist. If not, he should have come by now, if his coming was to occur with the cessation of the gifts of the Spirit; for they have long since ceased. But because Paul said this of the Roman Empire, he merely touched the topic, understandably speaking covertly and darkly. For he had no need to create unnecessary enemies and useless dangers.… "For the mystery of lawlessness does already work." He speaks here of Nero, as if he were the type of the Antichrist.
12 more voices on this verse
The Church Fathers4 voices
A commentator
Theodoret of CyrusINTERPRETATION OF THE SECOND LETTER TO THE THESSALONIANS · Written before 458.
proposed
Indeed, the God of the universe has decreed that this figure shall himself appear during the time of consummation, and thus it is God's own decree that actually detains him until that appearance. What this means is as follows. When the divine apostle taught that …
"And now ye know that which restraineth, to the end that he may be revealed in his own season. For the mystery of lawlessness doth already work: only there is one that restraineth now, until he be taken out of the way." One may naturally enquire, what is that which withholdeth, and after that would know, why Paul expresses it so obscurely. What then is it that withholdeth, that is, hindereth him from being revealed? Some indeed say, the grace of the Spirit, but others the Roman empire, to whom I most of all accede. Wherefore? Because if he meant to say the Spirit, he would not have spoken obscurely, but plainly, that even now the grace of the Spirit, that is the gifts, withhold him. And otherwise he ought now to have come, if he was about to come when the gifts ceased; for they have long since ceased. But because he said this of the Roman empire, he naturally glanced at it, and speaks covertly and darkly. For he did not wish to bring upon himself superfluous enmities, and useless dangers. For if he had said that after a little while the Roman empire would be dissolved, they would have warred against him. And he did not say that it will be quickly, although he is always saying it-but what? "that he may be revealed in his own season," he says, "For the mystery of lawlessness doth already work." He speaks here of Nero, as if he were the type of Antichrist. For he too wished to be thought a god. And he has well said, "the mystery"; that is, it worketh not openly, as the other, nor without shame. For if there was found a man before that time, he means, who was not much behind Antichrist in wickedness, what wonder, if there shall now be one? But he did not also wish to point him out plainly: and this not from cowardice, but instructing us not to bring upon ourselves unnecessary enmities, when there is nothing to call for it. So indeed he also says here. […]
A commentator
Apostolic ConstitutionsApostolic Constitutions (Book VII), Section 2, XXXII · Written before 380.
proposed
For in the last days false prophets shall be multiplied, and such as corrupt the word; and the sheep shall be changed into wolves, and love into hatred: for through the abounding of iniquity the love of many shall wax cold. For men shall hate, and persecute, and betray one another. And then shall appear the deceiver of the world, the enemy of the truth, the prince of lies, [2 Thessalonians 2:3-12] whom the Lord Jesus "shall destroy with the spirit of His mouth, who takes away the wicked with His lips; and many shall be offended at Him. But they that endure to the end, the same shall be saved. And then shall appear the sign of the Son of man in heaven;" [Isaiah 11:4; Matthew 24:1-51] and afterwards shall be the voice of a trumpet by the archangel; and in that interval shall be the revival of those that were asleep. And then shall the Lord come, and all His saints with Him, with a great concussion above the clouds, with the angels of His power, [Matthew 16:27] in the throne of His kingdom, to condemn the devil, the deceiver of the world, and to render to every one according to his deeds. "Then shall the wicked go away into everlasting punishment, but the righteous shall go into life eternal," [Matthew 25:46] to inherit those things "which eye has not seen, nor ear heard, nor have entered into the heart of man, such things as God has prepared for them that love Him;" [1 Corinthians 2:9] and they shall rejoice in the kingdom of God, which is in Christ Jesus.
A commentator
Severian of GabalaPAULINE COMMENTARY FROM THE GREEK CHURCH · Written before 425.
proposed
That which restrains and prevents the coming of the lawless one is the Holy Spirit. Paul says this to show that the mystery of iniquity is already beginning in the heresies that have arisen since apostolic times. The Manichaeans say that the devil is the …
The Medieval Church2 voices
So the apostle calls Nero, who was a prototype of the antichrist. He was also a lawless man and wanted to be called god. He well said: "mystery." For, he says, Nero did not so openly and shamelessly rise up against every god as that …
Then when he says, "for the mystery", he sets out the reason for the delay. And this text has been explained in many ways, because the word "mystery" can be either in the nominative case or in the accusative case. If it is nominative, the …
The Puritans and the Awakening3 voices
(2.) This mystery of iniquity was gradually to arrive at its height; and so it was in effect that the universal corruption of doctrine and worship in the Romish church came in by degrees, and the usurpation of the bishops of Rome was gradual, not all at once; and thus the mystery of iniquity did the more easily, and almost insensibly, prevail.
Mere outside performances put in the room of faith and love. Other mediators besides the man Christ Jesus. The two last branches, together with idolatry and bloodshed, are the direct consequences of the former; namely, the adding to the word of God.
For the mystery of iniquity doth already work,....
The Nineteenth Century3 voices
A commentator
Albert Barnes1798–1870
Notes, Explanatory and Practical, on the Old and New Testaments (1832-1869)
For the mystery of iniquity - On the meaning of the word mystery, see the notes on Rom 11:25; compare 1Co 2:7; Eph 1:9; Eph 3:3; Col 1:26. It means properly what is hidden or concealed; not necessarily that which is unintelligible. The “mystery of iniquity” seems here to refer to some hidden or concealed depravity - some form of sin which was working secretly and silently, and which had not yet developed itself.
A commentator
Jamieson, Fausset & Brown1802–1910
Commentary Critical and Explanatory on the Whole Bible (1871)
"Judaism infecting Christianity is the fuel; the mystery of iniquity is the spark." "It is one and the same impurity diffusing itself over many ages" [BENGEL]. only he who now letteth will let--The italicized words are not in the Greek.
For the mystery of iniquity doth already work - There is a system of corrupt doctrine, which will lead to the general apostasy, already in existence, but it is a mystery; it is as yet hidden; it dare not show itself, because of that which hindereth or withholdeth. But when that which now restraineth shall be taken out of the way, then shall that wicked one be revealed-it will then be manifest who he is, and what he is. See the observations at the end of this chapter (note).
The words behind it
15 Greek wordsEvery Greek word of this verse in the order it stands, with what it means and the door to its own study. The last column counts the times a word stands in the whole Bible: the rarer the word, the more the places it appears belong together.
| Greek | Sound | Meaning | Word study | In the Bible |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| τὸ | to | The | G3588 → | 19766 times |
| γὰρ | gar | for | G1063 → | 1039 times |
| μυστήριον | musterion | mystery | G3466 → | |
| ἤδη | ede | already | G2235 → | |
| ἐνεργεῖται | energeitai | is working | G1754 → | |
| τῆς | tes | <the> | G3588 → | 19766 times |
| ἀνομίας, | anomias | of lawlessness, | G458 → | |
| μόνον | monon | only [there is] | G3441 → | |
| ὁ | ho | the [one] | G3588 → | 19766 times |
| κατέχων | katechon | restraining [it] | G2722 → | |
| ἄρτι | arti | at present | G737 → | |
| ἕως | he'os | until | G2193 → | |
| ἐκ | ek | out of | G1537 → | |
| μέσου | mesou | [the] midst | G3319 → | |
| γένηται· | genetai | he may be [gone]; | G1096 → |
τὸThe
toG3588 →19766 times
γὰρfor
garG1063 →1039 times
μυστήριονmystery
musterionG3466 →
ἤδηalready
edeG2235 →
ἐνεργεῖταιis working
energeitaiG1754 →
τῆς<the>
tesG3588 →19766 times
ἀνομίας,of lawlessness,
anomiasG458 →
μόνονonly [there is]
mononG3441 →
ὁthe [one]
hoG3588 →19766 times
κατέχωνrestraining [it]
katechonG2722 →
ἄρτιat present
artiG737 →
ἕωςuntil
he'osG2193 →
ἐκout of
ekG1537 →
μέσου[the] midst
mesouG3319 →
γένηται·he may be [gone];
genetaiG1096 →
A shaded row is a word that stands 400 times or fewer in the Bible.
The walk
8 stopsEach card is a verse this one points to, and under it the verses that one points to in turn. Where several paths arrive at the same place, that place is listed first: the text keeps returning to it.
Through
1 John 2:18Children, it is the last hour; and just as you have heard that the antichrist is coming, so now many antichrists have appeared. This is how we know it is the last hour.
it leads to
- 2 John 1:7
For many deceivers have gone out into the world, refusing to confess the coming of Jesus Christ in the flesh. Any such person is the deceiver and the antichrist.
Reached by 2 separate paths from here.
- 1 John 2:22
Who is the liar, if it is not the one who denies that Jesus is the Christ? This is the antichrist, who denies the Father and the Son.
Reached by 2 separate paths from here.
- 1 John 4:3
and every spirit that does not confess Jesus is not from God. This is the spirit of the antichrist, which you have heard is coming and which is already in the world at this…
- Matthew 24:24
For false Christs and false prophets will appear and perform great signs and wonders that would deceive even the elect, if that were possible.
- Matthew 24:5
For many will come in My name, claiming, ‘I am the Christ,’ and will deceive many.
- 2 John 1:7
Through
1 John 4:3and every spirit that does not confess Jesus is not from God. This is the spirit of the antichrist, which you have heard is coming and which is already in the world at this…
it leads to
- 1 John 2:18
Children, it is the last hour; and just as you have heard that the antichrist is coming, so now many antichrists have appeared. This is how we know it is the last hour.
- 1 John 2:18
Through
Revelation 17:5And on her forehead a mysterious name was written: BABYLON THE GREAT, THE MOTHER OF PROSTITUTES AND OF THE ABOMINATIONS OF THE EARTH.
it leads to
- Revelation 18:2
And he cried out in a mighty voice: “Fallen, fallen is Babylon the great! She has become a lair for demons and a haunt for every unclean spirit, every unclean bird, and every detestable…
- Revelation 14:8
Then a second angel followed, saying, “Fallen, fallen is Babylon the great, who has made all the nations drink the wine of the passion of her immorality.”
- Revelation 18:2
Where this verse is studied
About 2 Thessalonians
This page draws on 20 works. Open the list of works
This page draws on Adam Clarke, Commentary on the Bible; Albert Barnes, Notes, Explanatory and Practical, on the Old and New Testaments (1832-1869); Ambrosiaster, Commentary on 2 Thessalonians; Apostolic Constitutions, Apostolic Constitutions (Book VII), Section 2, XXXII; Augustine of Hippo, The City of God, Book 20; Basil of Caesarea, PREFACE ON THE JUDGMENT OF GOD; Jamieson, Fausset & Brown, Commentary Critical and Explanatory on the Whole Bible; John Chrysostom, Homilies on 2 Thessalonians; John Chrysostom, Homily on 2 Thessalonians 4; John Gill, Exposition of the New Testament; John Gill, Exposition of the New Testament (1746-1748); John Wesley, Explanatory Notes upon the New Testament; Lucius Caecilius Firmianus Lactantius, The Divine Institutes, Book 7, Chapter XV; Matthew Henry, Commentary on the Whole Bible; Severian of Gabala, PAULINE COMMENTARY FROM THE GREEK CHURCH; Tertullian, The Apology, Chapter XXXII; Theodoret of Cyrus, INTERPRETATION OF THE SECOND LETTER TO THE THESSALONIANS; Theophylact of Ohrid, Commentary on 2 Thessalonians; Thomas Aquinas, Commentary on 2 Thessalonians and Victorinus of Pettau, Victorinus Commentary on the Apocalypse of the Blessed John.