King James Version

What Does 2 Thessalonians 2:10 Mean?

2 Thessalonians 2:10 in the King James Version says “And with all deceivableness of unrighteousness in them that perish; because they received not the love of the truth, tha... — study this verse from 2 Thessalonians chapter 2 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

And with all deceivableness of unrighteousness in them that perish; because they received not the love of the truth, that they might be saved.

2 Thessalonians 2:10 · KJV


Context

8

And then shall that Wicked be revealed, whom the Lord shall consume with the spirit of his mouth, and shall destroy with the brightness of his coming:

9

Even him, whose coming is after the working of Satan with all power and signs and lying wonders,

10

And with all deceivableness of unrighteousness in them that perish; because they received not the love of the truth, that they might be saved.

11

And for this cause God shall send them strong delusion, that they should believe a lie:

12

That they all might be damned who believed not the truth, but had pleasure in unrighteousness.


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
And with all deceivableness of unrighteousness in them that perish; because they received not the love of the truth, that they might be savedall deceivableness (apatē tēs adikias, ἀπάτῃ τῆς ἀδικίας, 'all unrighteous deception') accompanies the signs. The target: them that perish (apollymenois, ἀπολλυμένοις, those in process of destruction).

Their fatal flaw: they received not the love of the truth (tēn agapēn tēs alētheias ouk edexanto, τὴν ἀγάπην τῆς ἀληθείας οὐκ ἐδέξαντο). Not mere ignorance—they rejected love for truth. Intellectual assent without heart-affection leaves one vulnerable to deception. That they might be saved shows truth's purpose: salvation. Refusing truth guarantees destruction.

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Historical & Cultural Context

Greco-Roman culture valued rhetoric, entertainment, and novelty over truth. Sophists taught persuasion without concern for reality. Similarly, the postmodern era prioritizes personal authenticity over objective truth. Paul insists: truth-love is non-negotiable for salvation; its rejection ensures damnation.

Reflection Questions

  1. Do you love truth itself, or only truth that benefits you?
  2. What truths have you refused because they challenged your comfort or lifestyle?
  3. How does cultivating love for truth protect against deception?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 21 words
καὶ1 of 21

And

G2532

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

ἐν2 of 21

in

G1722

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

πάσῃ3 of 21

all

G3956

all, any, every, the whole

ἀπάτῃ4 of 21

deceivableness

G539

delusion

τῆς5 of 21
G3588

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

ἀδικίας6 of 21

of unrighteousness

G93

(legal) injustice (properly, the quality, by implication, the act); morally, wrongfulness (of character, life or act)

ἐν7 of 21

in

G1722

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

τοῖς8 of 21
G3588

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

ἀπολλυμένοις9 of 21

them that perish

G622

to destroy fully (reflexively, to perish, or lose), literally or figuratively

ἀνθ10 of 21

because

G473

opposite, i.e., instead or because of (rarely in addition to)

ὧν11 of 21
G3739

the relatively (sometimes demonstrative) pronoun, who, which, what, that

τὴν12 of 21
G3588

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

ἀγάπην13 of 21

the love

G26

love, i.e., affection or benevolence; specially (plural) a love-feast

τῆς14 of 21
G3588

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

ἀληθείας15 of 21

of the truth

G225

truth

οὐκ16 of 21

not

G3756

the absolute negative (compare g3361) adverb; no or not

ἐδέξαντο17 of 21

they received

G1209

to receive (in various applications, literally or figuratively)

εἰς18 of 21

that

G1519

to or into (indicating the point reached or entered), of place, time, or (figuratively) purpose (result, etc.); also in adverbial phrases

τὸ19 of 21
G3588

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

σωθῆναι20 of 21

might be saved

G4982

to save, i.e., deliver or protect (literally or figuratively)

αὐτούς21 of 21

they

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 2:10 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 2:10 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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