King James Version

What Does 2 Thessalonians 2:15 Mean?

2 Thessalonians 2:15 in the King James Version says “Therefore , brethren, stand fast, and hold the traditions which ye have been taught, whether by word, or our epistle.” — study this verse from 2 Thessalonians chapter 2 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

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

2 Thessalonians 2:15 · KJV

Context

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.

16

Now our Lord Jesus Christ himself, and God, even our Father, which hath loved us, and hath given us everlasting consolation and good hope through grace,

17

Comfort your hearts, and stablish you in every good word and work.

Read 2 Thessalonians 2 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Therefore, brethren, stand fast, and hold the traditions which ye have been taught, whether by word, or our epistle—Therefore draws application from election and calling. Two commands: stand fast (stēkete, στήκετε, maintain position, don't retreat) and hold the traditions (krateite tas paradoseis, κρατεῖτε τὰς παραδόσεις, grip firmly the teachings handed down).

Paradosis (παράδοσις, tradition) means authoritative teaching transmitted from apostles, both oral (by word) and written (our epistle). This isn't human tradition but apostolic deposit. Stability amid eschatological deception requires anchoring in revealed truth, not novelty. The elect persevere by clutching apostolic doctrine.

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Historical & Cultural Context

Before the New Testament canon was complete, oral apostolic tradition carried equal authority with written letters. Paul validates both forms of revelation. Later, written Scripture became the sole infallible authority, testing all tradition. But the principle remains: stand on apostolic truth, not contemporary speculation.

Reflection Questions

  1. What 'traditions' (core doctrines) have you been tempted to abandon under cultural pressure?
  2. How do you distinguish authoritative apostolic tradition from mere human customs?
  3. Why does standing firm in truth require active effort ('hold fast') rather than passive agreement?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 17 words
ἄρα1 of 17

“Therefore”

G686

a particle denoting an inference more or less decisive (as follows)

οὖν2 of 17
G3767

(adverbially) certainly, or (conjunctionally) accordingly

ἀδελφοί3 of 17

“brethren”

G80

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

στήκετε4 of 17

“stand fast”

G4739

to be stationary, i.e., (figuratively) to persevere

καὶ5 of 17

“and”

G2532

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

κρατεῖτε6 of 17

“hold”

G2902

to use strength, i.e., seize or retain (literally or figuratively)

τὰς7 of 17
G3588

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

παραδόσεις8 of 17

“the traditions”

G3862

transmission, i.e., (concretely) a precept; specially, the jewish traditionary law

ἃς9 of 17

“which”

G3739

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

ἐδιδάχθητε10 of 17

“ye have been taught”

G1321

to teach (in the same broad application)

εἴτε11 of 17

“or”

G1535

if too

δι'12 of 17

“by”

G1223

through (in very wide applications, local, causal, or occasional)

λόγου13 of 17

“word”

G3056

something said (including the thought); by implication, a topic (subject of discourse), also reasoning (the mental faculty) or motive; by extension, a

εἴτε14 of 17

“or”

G1535

if too

δι'15 of 17

“by”

G1223

through (in very wide applications, local, causal, or occasional)

ἐπιστολῆς16 of 17

“epistle”

G1992

a written message

ἡμῶν17 of 17

“our”

G2257

of (or from) us

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 2:15 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 2:15 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

1 Corinthians 11:22 Thessalonians 3:62 Thessalonians 2:21 Corinthians 16:13Philippians 4:1Romans 16:17

Test Your Knowledge

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

Continue Your Study

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