King James Version

What Does 2 Thessalonians 2:16 Mean?

2 Thessalonians 2:16 in the King James Version says “Now our Lord Jesus Christ himself, and God, even our Father, which hath loved us, and hath given us everlasting consolat...” — study this verse from 2 Thessalonians chapter 2 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

“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,”

2 Thessalonians 2:16 · KJV

LoveEternal LifeHopeGrace

Context

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
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—Paul shifts from command to prayer. Our Lord Jesus Christ himself, and God, even our Father (single subject with compound description) emphasizes the unity of Father and Son as source of blessing.

Which hath loved us (agapēsas hēmas, ἀγαπήσας ἡμᾶς, aorist tense—decisive past love, Calvary) results in everlasting consolation (paraklēsin aiōnion, παράκλησιν αἰώνιον, eternal comfort) and good hope (elpida agathēn, ἐλπίδα ἀγαθήν). Through grace (en chariti, ἐν χάριτι)—unmerited favor, not earned comfort. Past love guarantees eternal encouragement and confident expectation.

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Historical & Cultural Context

Persecuted Thessalonians needed supernatural comfort human sympathy couldn't provide. Paul directs them to God's unfailing love demonstrated at the cross. Eternal consolation doesn't depend on circumstances changing but on God's unchanging character.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does 'everlasting consolation' differ from temporary emotional relief?
  2. What 'good hope' do you cling to when circumstances seem hopeless?
  3. How does remembering God's past love (Calvary) sustain you through present trials?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 25 words
Αὐτὸς1 of 25

“himself”

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

δὲ2 of 25

“Now”

G1161

but, and, etc

ὁ3 of 25

“which”

G3588

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

κύριος4 of 25

“Lord”

G2962

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

ἡμῶν5 of 25

“our”

G2257

of (or from) us

Ἰησοῦς6 of 25

“Jesus”

G2424

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

Χριστὸς7 of 25

“Christ”

G5547

anointed, i.e., the messiah, an epithet of jesus

καὶ8 of 25

“and”

G2532

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

ὁ9 of 25

“which”

G3588

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

θεὸς10 of 25

“God”

G2316

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

καὶ11 of 25

“and”

G2532

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

πατὴρ12 of 25

“Father”

G3962

a "father" (literally or figuratively, near or more remote)

ἡμῶν13 of 25

“our”

G2257

of (or from) us

ὁ14 of 25

“which”

G3588

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

ἀγαπήσας15 of 25

“hath loved”

G25

to love (in a social or moral sense)

ἡμᾶς16 of 25

“us”

G2248

us

καὶ17 of 25

“and”

G2532

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

δοὺς18 of 25

“hath given”

G1325

to give (used in a very wide application, properly, or by implication, literally or figuratively; greatly modified by the connection)

παράκλησιν19 of 25

“consolation”

G3874

imploration, hortation, solace

αἰωνίαν20 of 25

“us everlasting”

G166

perpetual (also used of past time, or past and future as well)

καὶ21 of 25

“and”

G2532

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

ἐλπίδα22 of 25

“hope”

G1680

expectation (abstractly or concretely) or confidence

ἀγαθὴν23 of 25

“good”

G18

"good" (in any sense, often as noun)

ἐν24 of 25

“through”

G1722

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

χάριτι25 of 25

“grace”

G5485

graciousness (as gratifying), of manner or act (abstract or concrete; literal, figurative or spiritual; especially the divine influence upon the heart

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 2:16 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 2:16 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

John 3:16Romans 5:2-51 Peter 1:3-8Titus 3:4-7Romans 8:24-25Titus 1:2

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