King James Version

What Does 2 Thessalonians 2:13 Mean?

2 Thessalonians 2:13 in the King James Version says “But we are bound to give thanks alway to God for you, brethren beloved of the Lord, because God hath from the beginning ... — study this verse from 2 Thessalonians chapter 2 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

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:

2 Thessalonians 2:13 · KJV


Context

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.

15

Therefore , brethren, stand fast, and hold the traditions which ye have been taught, whether by word, or our epistle.


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
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 truthBut contrasts the damned (v. 12) with the saved. Opheilomen (ὀφείλομεν, 'we owe') thanksgiving for brethren beloved of the Lord (adelphoi ēgapēmenoi hypo Kyriou, ἀδελφοὶ ἠγαπημένοι ὑπὸ Κυρίου)—divine love secures them.

God hath from the beginning chosen you (heilato hymas ap' archēs, εἵλατο ὑμᾶς ἀπ' ἀρχῆς)—election before time. To salvation specifies the goal. The means: sanctification of the Spirit (Holy Spirit's setting apart) and belief of the truth (faith response). Divine sovereignty (election) and human responsibility (belief) cooperate. Those who love truth (v. 10) are those God chose.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

Thessalonian believers, once pagan idolaters, were now in Christ—evidence of gracious election, not human merit. Paul's doctrine of predestination comforted persecuted Christians: their salvation didn't depend on circumstances or perseverance but on God's eternal purpose.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does God's electing love comfort you in trials where you feel spiritually weak?
  2. How do divine election and human belief of truth both operate in salvation without contradiction?
  3. Why does Paul immediately move from warning the damned to thanking God for the elect?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 28 words
Ἡμεῖς1 of 28

we

G2249

we (only used when emphatic)

δὲ2 of 28

But

G1161

but, and, etc

ὀφείλομεν3 of 28

are bound

G3784

to owe (pecuniarily); figuratively, to be under obligation (ought, must, should); morally, to fail in duty

εὐχαριστεῖν4 of 28

to give thanks

G2168

to be grateful, i.e., (actively) to express gratitude (towards); specially, to say grace at a meal

τῷ5 of 28
G3588

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

θεὸς6 of 28

God

G2316

a deity, especially (with g3588) the supreme divinity; figuratively, a magistrate; exceedingly (by hebraism)

πάντοτε7 of 28

alway

G3842

every when, i.e., at all times

περὶ8 of 28

for

G4012

properly, through (all over), i.e., around; figuratively with respect to; used in various applications, of place, cause or time (with the genitive cas

ὑμῶν9 of 28

you

G5216

of (from or concerning) you

ἀδελφοὶ10 of 28

brethren

G80

a brother (literally or figuratively) near or remote (much like g0001)

ἠγαπημένοι11 of 28

beloved

G25

to love (in a social or moral sense)

ὑπὸ12 of 28

of

G5259

under, i.e., (with the genitive case) of place (beneath), or with verbs (the agency or means, through); (with the accusative case) of place (whither (

κυρίου13 of 28

the Lord

G2962

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

ὅτι14 of 28

because

G3754

demonstrative, that (sometimes redundant); causative, because

εἵλετο15 of 28

chosen

G138

to take for oneself, i.e., to prefer

ὑμᾶς16 of 28

you

G5209

you (as the objective of a verb or preposition)

17 of 28
G3588

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

θεὸς18 of 28

God

G2316

a deity, especially (with g3588) the supreme divinity; figuratively, a magistrate; exceedingly (by hebraism)

ἀπ'19 of 28

from

G575

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

αρχῆς20 of 28

the beginning

G746

(properly abstract) a commencement, or (concretely) chief (in various applications of order, time, place, or rank)

εἰς21 of 28

to

G1519

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

σωτηρίαν22 of 28

salvation

G4991

rescue or safety (physically or morally)

ἐν23 of 28

through

G1722

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

ἁγιασμῷ24 of 28

sanctification

G38

properly, purification, i.e., (the state) purity; concretely (by hebraism) a purifier

πνεύματος25 of 28

of the Spirit

G4151

a current of air, i.e., breath (blast) or a breeze; by analogy or figuratively, a spirit, i.e., (human) the rational soul, (by implication) vital prin

καὶ26 of 28

and

G2532

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

πίστει27 of 28

belief

G4102

persuasion, i.e., credence; moral conviction (of religious truth, or the truthfulness of god or a religious teacher), especially reliance upon christ

ἀληθείας28 of 28

of the truth

G225

truth


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 2:13 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 2:13 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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