King James Version

What Does 2 Thessalonians 3:17 Mean?

2 Thessalonians 3:17 in the King James Version says “The salutation of Paul with mine own hand, which is the token in every epistle: so I write.” — study this verse from 2 Thessalonians chapter 3 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

“The salutation of Paul with mine own hand, which is the token in every epistle: so I write.”

2 Thessalonians 3:17 · KJV

Context

15

Yet count him not as an enemy, but admonish him as a brother.

16

Now the Lord of peace himself give you peace always by all means. The Lord be with you all.

17

The salutation of Paul with mine own hand, which is the token in every epistle: so I write.

18

The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you all. Amen. The second epistle to the Thessalonians was written from Athens.

Read 2 Thessalonians 3 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
The salutation of Paul with mine own hand, which is the token in every epistle: so I write—The salutation of Paul with mine own hand (ho aspasmos tē emē cheiri Paulou, ὁ ἀσπασμὸς τῇ ἐμῇ χειρὶ Παύλου)—Paul personally pens the closing greeting. Typically, he dictated to a scribe (Rom. 16:22) but added personal signature. Which is the token in every epistle (sēmeion en pasē epistolē, σημεῖον ἐν πάσῃ ἐπιστολῇ)—authenticating mark against forgery (cf. 2:2).

So I write (houtōs graphō, οὕτως γράφω)—Paul's distinctive handwriting (perhaps large letters, Gal. 6:11) verified genuineness. This protected against false letters claiming apostolic authority. Truth requires authentication; claims need verification. Apostolic succession required written, verifiable transmission.

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Historical & Cultural Context

Without modern authentication methods, personal handwriting signatures were primary verification. Paul's emphasis shows early forgery attempts. The church needed safeguards to distinguish apostolic teaching from counterfeits. This principle undergirds later canon formation—apostolic authorship authenticated Scripture.

Reflection Questions

  1. How do you authenticate spiritual teaching to ensure it's genuinely from God?
  2. What modern 'forged letters' (false teachings) claim divine or apostolic authority?
  3. Why is verifiable, written revelation necessary rather than relying solely on oral tradition?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 14 words
Ὁ1 of 14
G3588

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

ἀσπασμὸς2 of 14

“The salutation”

G783

a greeting (in person or by letter)

τῇ3 of 14
G3588

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

ἐμῇ4 of 14

“with mine own”

G1699

my

χειρὶ5 of 14

“hand”

G5495

the hand (literally or figuratively (power); especially (by hebraism) a means or instrument)

Παύλου6 of 14

“of Paul”

G3972

(little; but remotely from a derivative of g3973, meaning the same); paulus, the name of a roman and of an apostle

ὅ7 of 14

“which”

G3739

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

ἐστιν8 of 14

“is”

G2076

he (she or it) is; also (with neuter plural) they are

σημεῖον9 of 14

“the token”

G4592

an indication, especially ceremonially or supernaturally

ἐν10 of 14

“in”

G1722

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

πάσῃ11 of 14

“every”

G3956

all, any, every, the whole

ἐπιστολῇ·12 of 14

“epistle”

G1992

a written message

οὕτως13 of 14

“so”

G3779

in this way (referring to what precedes or follows)

γράφω14 of 14

“I write”

G1125

to "grave", especially to write; figuratively, to describe

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 3:17 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 3:17 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

1 Corinthians 16:21Colossians 4:182 Thessalonians 1:51 Samuel 17:18Joshua 2:12

Test Your Knowledge

2 Thessalonians 3 QuizTest your knowledge of this chapter2 Thessalonians Book QuizComprehensive quiz for the entire book

Continue Your Study

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