King James Version

What Does 2 Thessalonians 2:6 Mean?

2 Thessalonians 2:6 in the King James Version says “And now ye know what withholdeth that he might be revealed in his time. withholdeth: or, holdeth” — study this verse from 2 Thessalonians chapter 2 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

“And now ye know what withholdeth that he might be revealed in his time. withholdeth: or, holdeth”

2 Thessalonians 2:6 · KJV

Context

4

Who opposeth and exalteth himself above all that is called God, or that is worshipped; so that he as God sitteth in the temple of God, shewing himself that he is God.

5

Remember ye not, that, when I was yet with you, I told you these things?

6

And now ye know what withholdeth that he might be revealed in his time. withholdeth: or, holdeth

7

For the mystery of iniquity doth already work: only he who now letteth will let, until he be taken out of the way.

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:

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Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
And now ye know what withholdeth that he might be revealed in his time—what withholdeth (to katechon, τὸ κατέχον, the restraining thing/force) is neuter gender, referring to an impersonal force or principle. This restrainer prevents the man of sin's premature appearance—that he might be revealed in his time (kairō, καιρῷ, appointed season).

Interpretations include: (1) Roman government maintaining order; (2) the Holy Spirit; (3) the church's presence; (4) angelic forces; (5) God's sovereign decree. The Thessalonians knew Paul's meaning from oral teaching (v. 5), but it remains partially mysterious to us. What's clear: evil is restrained until God's appointed time releases it.

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Historical & Cultural Context

Roman law and order (Pax Romana) did restrain anarchy and lawlessness in Paul's day. Many early interpreters saw Rome as the restrainer. When Rome fell, some expected immediate Antichrist appearance. This shows the danger of over-specific identifications of prophetic symbols.

Reflection Questions

  1. What restraining influences on evil do you observe in current world events?
  2. How does God's sovereignty over evil's timing comfort you amid increasing lawlessness?
  3. Why might God intentionally leave some prophetic details unclear to original audiences?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 13 words
καὶ1 of 13

“And”

G2532

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

νῦν2 of 13

“now”

G3568

"now" (as adverb of date, a transition or emphasis); also as noun or adjective present or immediate

τὸ3 of 13
G3588

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

κατέχον4 of 13

“what withholdeth”

G2722

to hold down (fast), in various applications (literally or figuratively)

οἴδατε5 of 13

“ye know”

G1492

used only in certain past tenses, the others being borrowed from the equivalent g3700 and g3708; properly, to see (literally or figuratively); by impl

εἰς6 of 13

“that”

G1519

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

τὸ7 of 13
G3588

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

ἀποκαλυφθῆναι8 of 13

“might be revealed”

G601

to take off the cover, i.e., disclose

αὐτὸν9 of 13

“he”

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

ἐν10 of 13

“in”

G1722

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

τῷ11 of 13
G3588

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

ἑαυτοῦ12 of 13

“his”

G1438

(him- her-, it-, them-, my-, thy-, our-, your-)self (selves), etc

καιρῷ13 of 13

“time”

G2540

an occasion, i.e., set or proper time

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 2:6 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 2:6 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

2 Thessalonians 2:32 Thessalonians 2:8

Test Your Knowledge

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

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