King James Version

What Does 2 Thessalonians 1:7 Mean?

2 Thessalonians 1:7 in the King James Version says “And to you who are troubled rest with us, when the Lord Jesus shall be revealed from heaven with his mighty angels, his:... — study this verse from 2 Thessalonians chapter 1 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

And to you who are troubled rest with us, when the Lord Jesus shall be revealed from heaven with his mighty angels, his: Gr. the angels of his power

2 Thessalonians 1:7 · KJV


Context

5

Which is a manifest token of the righteous judgment of God, that ye may be counted worthy of the kingdom of God, for which ye also suffer:

6

Seeing it is a righteous thing with God to recompense tribulation to them that trouble you;

7

And to you who are troubled rest with us, when the Lord Jesus shall be revealed from heaven with his mighty angels, his: Gr. the angels of his power

8

In flaming fire taking vengeance on them that know not God, and that obey not the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ: taking: or, yielding

9

Who shall be punished with everlasting destruction from the presence of the Lord, and from the glory of his power;


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
And to you who are troubled rest with us, when the Lord Jesus shall be revealed from heaven with his mighty angels—the flip side of verse 6: persecuted believers receive anesin (ἄνεσιν, relief/rest), literally 'loosening' of pressure. This rest comes when (en, ἐν, at the time of) Christ's apokalypsei (ἀποκαλύψει, revelation/unveiling)—His visible, unmistakable return.

From heaven (ap' ouranou, ἀπ' οὐρανοῦ) indicates heaven as His origin-point. With his mighty angels (literally 'angels of His power') shows Christ commanding angelic armies. This is no secret rapture but public, glorious manifestation. The same Jesus who ascended will descend with divine entourage to execute judgment.

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Historical & Cultural Context

The Roman emperor's parousia (arrival) involved massive military escort and public ceremony. Paul deliberately uses imperial imagery to describe Christ's return—the true King arrives with heavenly armies, eclipsing all earthly potentates. Caesar's arrival brought terror to rebels; Christ's coming brings rest to the faithful.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does the certainty of Christ's visible return affect your daily choices?
  2. What 'rest' do you long for that only Christ's return can fully provide?
  3. Why does Christ need angelic armies at His return—what does this reveal about His mission?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 19 words
καὶ1 of 19

And

G2532

and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words

ὑμῖν2 of 19

to you

G5213

to (with or by) you

τοῖς3 of 19
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

θλιβομένοις4 of 19

who are troubled

G2346

to crowd (literally or figuratively)

ἄνεσιν5 of 19

rest

G425

relaxation or (figuratively) relief

μετ'6 of 19

with

G3326

properly, denoting accompaniment; "amid" (local or causal); modified variously according to the case (genitive association, or accusative succession)

ἡμῶν7 of 19

us

G2257

of (or from) us

ἐν8 of 19

when

G1722

"in," at, (up-)on, by, etc

τῇ9 of 19
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

ἀποκαλύψει10 of 19

shall be revealed

G602

disclosure

τοῦ11 of 19
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

κυρίου12 of 19

the Lord

G2962

supreme in authority, i.e., (as noun) controller; by implication, master (as a respectful title)

Ἰησοῦ13 of 19

Jesus

G2424

jesus (i.e., jehoshua), the name of our lord and two (three) other israelites

ἀπ'14 of 19

from

G575

"off," i.e., away (from something near), in various senses (of place, time, or relation; literal or figurative)

οὐρανοῦ15 of 19

heaven

G3772

the sky; by extension, heaven (as the abode of god); by implication, happiness, power, eternity; specially, the gospel (christianity)

μετ'16 of 19

with

G3326

properly, denoting accompaniment; "amid" (local or causal); modified variously according to the case (genitive association, or accusative succession)

ἀγγέλων17 of 19

angels

G32

compare g0034) (to bring tidings); a messenger; especially an "angel"; by implication, a pastor

δυνάμεως18 of 19

mighty

G1411

force (literally or figuratively); specially, miraculous power (usually by implication, a miracle itself)

αὐτοῦ19 of 19
G846

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


Study Guide

Historical Context

This verse is found in the book of 2 Thessalonians. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.

Theological Significance

2 Thessalonians 1:7 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

Cross-References

Verses related to 2 Thessalonians 1:7 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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