King James Version

What Does 2 Thessalonians 3:3 Mean?

“But the Lord is faithful, who shall stablish you, and keep you from evil.”

Context

Finally, brethren, pray for us, that the word of the Lord may have free course, and be glorified, even as it is with you: have: Gr. run

And that we may be delivered from unreasonable and wicked men: for all men have not faith. unreasonable: Gr. absurd

But the Lord is faithful, who shall stablish you, and keep you from evil.

And we have confidence in the Lord touching you, that ye both do and will do the things which we command you.

And the Lord direct your hearts into the love of God, and into the patient waiting for Christ. patient: or, patience of Christ

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Commentary

Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers

(3) **But the Lord is faithful.**—It must not be thought from this that the word “faith” in the previous verse meant “fidelity.” St. Paul, after his favourite manner, is playing upon two meanings of the word: “But whether men have faith or not, the Lord is faithful.” There is the same play of words in Romans 3:3. “The Lord” seems here to be used, as was said on 1Thessalonians 3:12, without distinct reference to one Person of the Holy Trinity rather than another. This characteristic of God is named because God stands pledged to all who believe in Him. **Who shall stablish you.**—How soon St. Paul reverts from his own needs to theirs! He does not continue, as we should expect, with “who will preserve *us”* **Keep you from evil.**—Rather (probably), *from the Evil One, *as in the Lord’s Prayer. Possibly, the word is used not without a reference to the word rendered “wicked” in 2Thessalonians 3:2, with which in the Greek it is identical.

Charles John Ellicott (1819–1905). Public Domain.

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 3:3 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.