King James Version

What Does 2 Thessalonians 2:12 Mean?

2 Thessalonians 2:12 in the King James Version says “That they all might be damned who believed not the truth, but had pleasure in unrighteousness.” — study this verse from 2 Thessalonians chapter 2 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

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

2 Thessalonians 2:12 · KJV

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Context

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.

13

But we are bound to give thanks alway to God for you, brethren beloved of the Lord, because God hath from the beginning chosen you to salvation through sanctification of the Spirit and belief of the truth:

14

Whereunto he called you by our gospel, to the obtaining of the glory of our Lord Jesus Christ.

Read 2 Thessalonians 2 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
That they all might be damned who believed not the truth, but had pleasure in unrighteousness—that they all might be damned (hina krithōsin pantes, ἵνα κριθῶσιν πάντες, 'that all might be judged/condemned') states the ultimate purpose. Universal judgment falls on those characterized by two negatives: believed not the truth (pisteuō, πιστεύω, entrust oneself to) and had pleasure in unrighteousness (eudokēsantes tē adikia, εὐδοκήσαντες τῇ ἀδικίᾳ, delighted in injustice).

Damnation isn't arbitrary—it judges persistent unbelief and delighting in evil. These aren't ignorant pagans but willing rebels who prefer lies and enjoy wickedness. God's judgment vindicates His justice by condemning what they freely chose. Hell is getting what you want forever: autonomy from God.

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Historical & Cultural Context

Roman culture celebrated various forms of unrighteousness—sexual immorality, gladiatorial bloodshed, exploitation of slaves. Participants didn't reluctantly sin; they reveled in it. Paul's description fits any culture where people don't just tolerate evil but applaud and celebrate it.

Reflection Questions

  1. What unrighteous behaviors does contemporary culture celebrate rather than merely tolerate?
  2. How does 'taking pleasure in unrighteousness' differ from occasionally sinning?
  3. Why is enjoying evil a more serious condition than merely committing it?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 13 words
ἵνα1 of 13

“That”

G2443

in order that (denoting the purpose or the result)

κριθῶσιν2 of 13

“might be damned”

G2919

by implication, to try, condemn, punish

πάντες3 of 13

“they all”

G3956

all, any, every, the whole

τῇ4 of 13

“who”

G3588

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

μὴ5 of 13

“not”

G3361

(adverb) not, (conjunction) lest; also (as an interrogative implying a negative answer (whereas g3756 expects an affirmative one)) whether

πιστεύσαντες6 of 13

“believed”

G4100

to have faith (in, upon, or with respect to, a person or thing), i.e., credit; by implication, to entrust (especially one's spiritual well-being to ch

τῇ7 of 13

“who”

G3588

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

ἀληθείᾳ8 of 13

“the truth”

G225

truth

ἀλλ'9 of 13

“but”

G235

properly, other things, i.e., (adverbially) contrariwise (in many relations)

εὐδοκήσαντες10 of 13

“had pleasure”

G2106

to think well of, i.e., approve (an act); specially, to approbate (a person or thing)

ἐν11 of 13

“in”

G1722

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

τῇ12 of 13

“who”

G3588

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

ἀδικίᾳ13 of 13

“unrighteousness”

G93

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

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 2:12 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 2:12 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Romans 1:32Romans 8:7-8Mark 16:16Romans 2:8Psalms 11:5Hosea 7:3

Test Your Knowledge

2 Thessalonians 2 QuizTest your knowledge of this chapter2 Thessalonians Book QuizComprehensive quiz for the entire book

Continue Your Study

Read 2 Thessalonians 2 with CommentaryAll 2 Thessalonians ChaptersComplete 2 Thessalonians QuizBible CharactersNave's Topical BibleAll Bible Quizzes