SIL Translator’s Notes on 2 Thessalonians 2002 – Page 3

SIL Translator's Notes on 2 Thessalonians 2:2

2:2a

easily: The Greek word tacheōs, which the Berean Standard Bible translates as easily, literally means “quickly” (as Revised Standard Version, God’s Word, Revised English Bible, King James Version, New American Standard Bible, SSA). However it can also mean “hastily, rashly, easily” (Berean Standard Bible, New International Version (2011 Revision), Good News Translation, NET Bible, Contemporary English Version, New Century Version, New Living Translation (2004 Revision), New Jerusalem Bible). The commentators and English versions are evenly divided about which is correct in this context. The Display follows the Berean Standard Bible.

2:2b

by any spirit: The Greek text here is literally “by [a] spirit.” However, many commentators agree that it refers to “prophecy,” that is, a message that the Holy Spirit might give.

message: This probably refers to a spoken message rather than a written message (see the next note).

letter: This refers to a written message.

seeming to be from us: There are two problems with this part of the verse.

The first problem is to decide how 2:2c is connected to 2:2b. There are three possibilities:

(1) It is connected to each of the three terms in 2:2b: “spirit,” “message,” and “letter.”

(2) It is connected only to the last two in the list: “message” and “letter.”

(3) It is only connected to the final item, “letter.”

Each of these has support among the commentators and versions, but the first option has the best support and so it is recommended that you follow it.

The Greek here is literally “as through us.” The second problem therefore with this part of the verse is to decide what this means. There are two ways to understand this expression:

(1) It means that someone had claimed that Paul and his companions had actually said this (in a “spirit,” “message,” or “letter”), even though they had not.

(Berean Standard Bible, New International Version (2011 Revision), Revised Standard Version, NET Bible, Contemporary English Version, New Century Version, God’s Word, Revised English Bible, New Jerusalem Bible, New Living Translation (2004 Revision))

(2) It means that some message from Paul had been misunderstood. For example:

Perhaps it is thought that we said this (Good News Translation)

(Good News Translation)

The majority of commentators and versions support the first option. So it is recommended that you follow the first option (1).

2:2c

alleging that the Day of the Lord has already come: In the New Testament, the phrase the Day of the Lord always refers to the day when the Lord Jesus will return. See the note on 1 Thessalonians 5:2b. If it is not possible in your language to say that a day comes (as if it were moving), then you could simply say:

that our Lord Jesus has already returned

General Comment on 2:2

In some languages it may be easier to understand the logic of 2:2 if it is reordered. One way you could do this is:

We ask you, brothers not to become easily unsettled or alarmed by people who claim that the Lord has already come. They may say that they heard this in a prophecy, report, or letter that was supposed to have come from us.

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All Scripture quotations in this publication, unless otherwise indicated, are from The Holy Bible, Berean Standard Bible. BSB is produced in cooperation with Bible Hub, Discovery Bible, OpenBible.com, and the Berean Bible Translation Committee.

SIL Translator's Notes on 2 Thessalonians 1:9

1:9

In this verse Paul described how those in 1:8 will be punished.

1:9a

the penalty of eternal destruction: As most commentators agree, this does not mean that those in 1:8 will be completely destroyed and cease to exist. It means that the act of destroying will never end.

1:9b

separated from the presence of the Lord: The word separated is not in the Greek. The Berean Standard Bible has added this word to make the meaning clearer in English. However, the fact that there is no verb in Greek indicates that Paul was not speaking of two separate punishments, destruction and separation, but that this part of the verse describes more specifically the everlasting destruction of 1:9a.

the Lord: This probably refers to Jesus here.

the glory of His might: The Greek says: “the glory of his strength.” This probably means “the majesty/glory that is shown by his power.”

glory: In this context, the Greek word used here contains the meanings “greatness,” “honor,” and “great light.”

His might: The phrase His might refers to Christ’s power.

1:10a

on the day He comes: That is, the day when the Lord Jesus will return to earth. Those who do not know God will be punished on that day.

to be glorified in His saints: This phrase indicates one purpose for the Lord Jesus’ return.

to be glorified: This means that people will honor/praise the Lord Jesus. As this is a passive verb, there is no subject given. If you can use a passive verb, you should do so. Otherwise you could make “His saints” the subject of the verb, as in the second Meaning Line in the Display.

in His saints: Scholars do not agree about how this phrase is connected to the phrase “to be glorified” and therefore what the Greek word en (in) means here. The literal translation of the Berean Standard Bible is ambiguous. There are three possibilities:

(1) It gives the reason why Jesus will be glorified, that is, he will be glorified because of what he has done for believers (for example, saving them). Most commentators support this option.

(New Century Version, SSA)

(2) It gives the agent of the action, that is, he will be glorified by his people.

(Good News Translation, New Revised Standard Version, Contemporary English Version, New Living Translation (2004 Revision))

(3) It gives a location, that is, Jesus will be glorified among his people. (Revised English Bible, God’s Word, New Jerusalem Bible)

It is recommended that you follow the first option (1), which has the best support in the commentaries.

His saints: The phrase His saints is translated from the Greek word hagioi, which literally means “holy ones.” It often is translated “saints” but it is important to recognize that in the New Testament, this refers to all believers in Christ, not just to people who are very good. One way to translate it is “those who belong to God.”

1:10b

and regarded with wonder by all who have believed: This part of the verse is parallel to 1:10a. Obviously, all who have believed refers to the same people as “his saints” in 1:10a. It is less clear whether the verb thaumazō, which the Berean Standard Bible translates regarded with wonder, should be considered to mean the same as “glorify” in 1:10a. The two verbs in Greek are quite distinct, so it is better to follow the majority of English versions and use two verbs.

regarded with wonder: That is, “to be wondered at, to cause people to be amazed.” Once more the verb is passive, so no subject has been supplied. If you need to use an active verb in your language, you should use the same subject as you did in 1:10a.

1:10c

including you: Although the Greek text does not say this, it is helpful for showing how 1:10b and the rest of 1:10c connect together. Paul’s message was believed by many people in Thessalonica, and so they will be among Jesus’ “saints” and “those who have believed.”

our testimony: Paul used the Greek word marturion here, which the Berean Standard Bible translates as testimony to make it clear that Paul and his companions preached about what they had actually seen God do.

Paragraph 1:11–12

Paul concluded this chapter by praying for the Thessalonian believers. He prayed that when the Lord Jesus returned he would find them worthy to enter his kingdom and that, in the meantime, God would enable them to behave in a righteous way.

1:11a

To this end: Most commentators and English versions agree that the word this in this phrase refers backward to some previous verses, but they do not agree about which precise verses are being referred to. There are three main possibilities:

(1) It refers to 1:10b–c.

(2) It refers to 1:5–10.

(3) It refers to 1:5.

If you need to be specific in your translation, it is recommended that you follow the first option (1). The second meaning line in the Display shows one way to do this.

1:11b

our God: See the note on 1 Thessalonians 2:2c.

will count you worthy: The Greek word that the Berean Standard Bible translates as count…worthy here is the verb axioō. It is related to the word that the Berean Standard Bible translates as worthy in 1:5b. Here the scholars do not agree about how the verb should be translated. There are two possibilities:

(1) It means “regard/consider as worthy” The word then has the same meaning as the related word kataxioō in 1:5b. This is the view of the majority of the commentators.

(Berean Standard Bible, New International Version (2011 Revision), King James Version, Revised English Bible, New American Standard Bible, SSA)

(2) It means “make worthy.”

(Revised Standard Version, Good News Translation, New Jerusalem Bible, NET Bible, Contemporary English Version, New Century Version, New Living Translation (2004 Revision), God’s Word)

It is recommended that you follow the first meaning (1), which has wide support in the commentaries.

of His calling: God has called the Thessalonian believers to be “his holy people,” “those who belong to him.” He has also called them to behave morally so that he will be pleased to call them his people.

1:11c

your every good desire: Most commentators and English versions agree that this means “every good thing you want/desire to do.”

1:11d

work of faith: That is, “everything you do because you believe in Jesus.” This is parallel to 1:11c. If it is more natural in your language, you could combine 1:11c and 1:11d as follows:

We also always pray to God for you that he will powerfully enable you to do the good deeds that you want to do because you believe/trust in the Lord Jesus.

1:12a

so that: There are two ways to connect this to 1:11:

(1) It is the purpose of Paul’s prayer. So Paul was saying “we pray all this so that…” This is the view of almost every commentary.

(New International Version (2011 Revision), Revised Standard Version, NET Bible, New American Standard Bible, New Century Version, Revised English Bible, New Jerusalem Bible, SSA)

(2) It is the expected result of Paul’s prayer. So Paul was saying: “We pray all this. Then, [when the prayer is answered]….”

(This seems to be the view of the Good News Translation, Contemporary English Version, God’s Word, New Living Translation (2004 Revision))

It is recommended that you follow the first option, as scholars agree that the word hopōs usually indicates purpose.

the name of our Lord Jesus: In the Bible, when someone refers to the name of a person, they usually mean his reputation, character, and habits. By extending this definition, then, the name can mean the person himself. So if it is not possible in your language to use the expression “the name of,” you could just say “so that our Lord Jesus may be glorified in you.”

will be glorified in you: This part of the verse has the same meaning as it had in 1:10a, that is, that the name of Jesus will be glorified because of what he has done for the Thessalonian believers. See the note on 1:10a. Paul did not specify who would glorify Jesus, but he probably meant people in general.

1:12b

and you in Him: There are two main ways to understand this part of the verse and how it compares with 1:12a.

(1) The relationship indicated by “in” has a different meaning here than in 1:12a. This part of the verse then means that the Thessalonians will be praised by Jesus.

(2) This is the reverse of 1:12a. So it means that people will praise the Thessalonians because of Jesus, just as they will praise Jesus.

It is recommended that you follow the first option (1).

1:12c

according to the grace: Paul knew that God would answer his prayer according to grace, that is, he would act in a way that showed that he is merciful to the people who follow him.

grace: See the note on 1:2.

of our God and of the Lord Jesus Christ: Most commentators and versions agree that the text refers to God and the Lord Jesus Christ as two separate persons here.

our God: See the note on 1 Thessalonians 2:2c.

Paragraph 2:1–4

Some of the Christians at Thessalonica were upset because they thought that Paul had said that the Lord Jesus had already returned. Here Paul sought to correct this misunderstanding. He reminded them that before the Lord Jesus returns, many people will reject God. Then a wicked leader called “the man of lawlessness” will appear.

2:1a

the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ: This refers to the Lord Jesus Christ’s return, not his birth in Bethlehem.

2:1b

our being gathered together to Him: Literally, “our gathering to him.” Many English versions translate the Greek noun episunagōgē, “gathering, assembly,” using a passive form, as the Berean Standard Bible has done. Paul did not make clear who will gather the believers, but as the note on 1 Thessalonians 4:17a says, Paul probably meant that God would gather the believers together, both those who were still alive and those who had already died. Then he would bring them to meet the Lord Jesus in the air as he returned. So if you need to use an active verb, you should use God as the subject.

to Him: That is, “to meet him [Jesus].”

2:1c

we ask you: In the Greek text, this part of the verse actually occurs at the beginning of 2:1. The Berean Standard Bible and most other English versions have placed this expression at the end of the verse to make it clear that this phrase is directly connected with 2:2, that is, that 2:2 contains what Paul was asking the Thessalonians.

brothers: See the note on 1 Thessalonians 1:4. If such an expression only occurs in your language at the beginning of a sentence, you may need to place this at the beginning of the verse.

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SIL Translator's Notes on 2 Thessalonians 1:8

1:8a

in blazing fire: Commentators mostly agree that the Lord Jesus will appear surrounded by fire. In some Greek manuscripts, this phrase occurs at the beginning of 1:8. That is the verse division that the Berean Standard Bible follows, along with versions such as the Contemporary English Version, English Standard Version, and NET Bible. In other Greek manuscripts, this phrase comes at the end of 1:7. That is where versions such as the God’s Word, New Century Version, New International Version (2011 Revision), and Revised Standard Version have it. Most commentators agree that it belongs grammatically with 1:7, and so it is recommended that you include it in 1:7.

those who do not know God: The use of the verb know here can be confusing. It refers to acknowledging God. Those who persecuted the believers had proved, by the way they behaved, that they did not know/acknowledge God. But Paul did not only mean the persecutors in Thessalonica; he was referring to all people who refuse to acknowledge God and obey him. Here are some other ways to translate this:

those who refuse to acknowledge God (God’s Word)
-or-
those who reject God (Good News Translation)

1:8b

and do not obey the gospel of our Lord Jesus: Paul was referring to the same group of people here as in 1:8a.

obey the gospel of our Lord Jesus: This means “to do what the message of the gospel tells them to do.”

the gospel of our Lord Jesus: That is, the gospel about our Lord Jesus.

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SIL Translator's Notes on 2 Thessalonians 1:7

1:7a

and to grant relief to you who are oppressed: The second way God will show that he is just is by bringing relief to those who are suffering. In this context it means that God will cause the persecution to cease. The verb translated as oppressed is the same verb that was used in 1:6b.

and to us as well: Paul and his companions had also often suffered persecution because they followed Christ, so they too needed relief from persecution.

1:7b

This will take place when the Lord Jesus is revealed from heaven: When the Lord Jesus returns, he will suddenly become visible coming from heaven. The Greek text literally says “at the revelation of the Lord Jesus,” but the Berean Standard Bible has used the passive verb is revealed here. If you need to use an active verb here, you can supply the implied subject and say something such as:

God reveals the Lord Jesus

You can also use a different verb, for example:

the Lord Jesus appears suddenly

with His mighty angels: The Greek literally says “with angels of power of him.” This can be translated in two ways:

• “his powerful/mighty angels.” In this case, the expression “of him” modifies the whole phrase “angels of power.” A minority of commentators take this view, but it is supported by nearly all the English versions.

(Berean Standard Bible, New International Version (2011 Revision), Good News Translation, King James Version, Revised Standard Version, Revised English Bible, NET Bible, New American Standard Bible, Contemporary English Version, God’s Word, New Century Version, New Living Translation (2004 Revision), SSA)

• “the angels of his power.” In this case, the expression “of him” only modifies the noun “power.” This means “the angels to whom Jesus has given his power.” Most commentators take this view.

(New Jerusalem Bible)

It is recommended that you follow the first option (1).

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SIL Translator's Notes on 2 Thessalonians 1:6

1:6a

After all: In Greek, this verse begins with eiper, which means “since.” The Berean Standard Bible translates this term as After all. As the majority of commentators agree, this word connects the first clause in 1:6, “it is only right for God,” to the end of 1:5. It provides the basis for what Paul said in 1:5b–c. Some translations have left this connection implicit.

it is only right for God: The rest of the sentence (1:6–7a), as all versions express or imply, states how God would show that he was just, that is, he would pay back trouble to those who troubled the Thessalonians and he would relieve those who were being troubled.

1:6b

to repay with affliction those who afflict you: The first way God would show that he was just was by causing those who troubled the Thessalonians to suffer the same troubles/trials as they had caused the Thessalonians. Paul made this clear by using two related words (both translated as forms of the word affliction in the Berean Standard Bible). The Greek word that the Berean Standard Bible translates affliction in the expression repay with affliction is the same word as was translated “affliction” in 1:4b.

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SIL Translator's Notes on 2 Thessalonians 1:5

Paragraph 1:5–10

It is a good idea to start a new paragraph here, because Paul was teaching about a different theme: God’s judgment. Throughout 1:5–10, Paul talked repeatedly about two related ideas:

(a) that the Thessalonian believers were suffering because non-Christians were persecuting them;

(b) that God would do what was right and just.

1:5a

All this is clear evidence of God’s righteous judgment: In other places in Scripture, God says that, at the end of the world, he will judge everyone. Those who are evil will be punished and those who are righteous will be rewarded. The fact that people such as the Thessalonians endured persecution yet remained faithful to God clearly shows that God’s future judgment will be just/right. It is just/fair that God will judge and reward believers who have been persecuted and yet have remained faithful. It is also just/fair that God will judge and punish those who have persecuted them.

All this is clear evidence: The words All this is are not in the Greek text. However, the Berean Standard Bible has added them to make it clear that 1:5 is connected to 1:4.

evidence: This refers to how the Thessalonian believers had trusted in Christ and persevered even though people were persecuting them. Here are some other ways to translate this:

All of this proves (Good News Translation)
-or-
It all shows (New Jerusalem Bible)

God’s righteous judgment: Paul was saying that God will judge everyone fairly and justly and in the way they deserve to be judged.

1:5b

And so you will be counted worthy of the kingdom of God: The Greek word eis, which the Berean Standard Bible translates And so, can have two different interpretations:

(1) It indicates the result of what Paul had just said. (Berean Standard Bible, New International Version (2011 Revision), Good News Translation)

(2) It indicates the purpose of what Paul had just said. (Revised Standard Version, NET Bible, New American Standard Bible, New Jerusalem Bible, King James Version)

Either of these options is possible, and it is not always easy to tell which option English versions follow. The Display follows the first option (1), and this is assumed in the note that follows.

There is a second problem with this part of the verse. Commentators do not agree about whether 1:5b connects back to 1:5a or 1:4b. So there are two possibilities:

(1) It connects to 1:4b. Paul was saying that their enduring persecution patiently would result in God declaring that they were worthy to enter his kingdom.

(2) It connects to 1:5a. Paul was saying that God’s righteous judgment would result in him declaring that they were worthy to enter his kingdom.

Most English versions are ambiguous, so if possible, you should not express the connection explicitly. If it is necessary in your language to be explicit, it is recommended that you follow the first option (1). You could say:

The result of this suffering will be that God will declare that you are worthy of his kingdom.

the kingdom of God: In this context, this does not refer to a geographical region, but to God’s rule over his people. To be worthy of the kingdom of God therefore means “to be worthy to be part of the people over whom God rules.”

1:5c

for which you are suffering: The Thessalonians were committed to God, and he ruled their lives. It was because of this that they were being persecuted.

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SIL Translator's Notes on 2 Thessalonians 1:4

1:4a

That is why: 1:4 refers back to the contents of 1:3c–d and is the result of it, that is, Paul and his companions could boast about the Thessalonians because their faith and love were increasing.

we: Here we is emphatic in the Greek. The commentators do not agree about why Paul used an emphatic pronoun here, but it was probably to emphasize that this was something unusual, that is, that Paul and his companions did not usually boast, but in this case they did.

boast: Boasting in English is usually considered something negative, but here Paul was speaking of the legitimate pride he had in the Thessalonians, as a father would be proud of his children. The verb boast here does not mean “to be proud” but “to speak proudly about.”

among God’s churches: See the notes on 1:1b above and on 1 Thessalonians 2:14a. This could include the believers in Berea, Athens, Corinth (where Paul preached after leaving Thessalonica), and other places that Paul had visited.

1:4b

about: This word introduces the things about which Paul was boasting.

your perseverance: This means that the Thessalonians remained steadfast and did not give up when they were persecuted.

in the face of all the persecution: People were persecuting the Thessalonians because they were following Christ.

and affliction: The commentators do not agree about the meaning of the Greek noun thlipsis, which the Berean Standard Bible translates as affliction. There are two main possibilities:

(1) It means almost the same as “persecutions.” Then affliction is a more general term for the sort of sufferings that people were causing for the Thessalonians.

(2) It refers to suffering in a general way and includes problems such as hunger and poverty, which are not necessarily caused by people opposed to Christ.

It is recommended that you follow the first option (1).

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SIL Translator's Notes on 2 Thessalonians 1:3

Section 1:3–12

Jesus Christ will return and will reward his people as they deserve

This section begins the main part of Paul’s second letter to the Thessalonians. Paul thanked God that the Thessalonian believers were still believing firmly in Jesus even though people were persecuting them. He also prayed that everyone would see that the Thessalonian believers were behaving in a manner that would please Jesus Christ when he returns.

Paragraph 1:3–4

Paul thanked God because the faith and love of the Thessalonians was increasing.

1:3a

We are obligated to thank God: It is possible that a literal translation of this part of the verse may sound as if Paul were saying that he and his companions did not yet thank God, but they ought to. If your translation could be misunderstood in this way, you could translate it:

We thank God constantly for you because we are obligated to do this.

brothers: This term was frequently used in the New Testament to refer to fellow Christians, showing that Christians are like brothers and sisters in the family of God. It is better to use a general term that includes both elder and younger siblings, male and female, if you can, rather than a more specific term. In some languages, when the word brothers is used, as in the case of the word “father” (see the note on 1:1c), it is necessary to say whose brother is being spoken of. If this is true in your language you should use “our^(excl) .”

1:3b

as is fitting: This further emphasizes 1:3a. Paul was emphasizing that thanking God for the Thessalonians was the fitting thing for him and his companions to do.

1:3c

your faith: It may be more natural in your language to change the noun faith into a verb such as “to believe in” or “to trust in.” The Lord Jesus was the one in whom they believed or trusted. It was not just that they believed that he existed, but that he was also their Lord.

is growing more and more: It is God who caused them to believe more and more.

1:3d

is increasing: Probably there is little difference in meaning between the verbs translated as “is growing more and more” and is increasing. Paul was probably using this repetition to show that what he was saying was important. If using two different verbs in your language is not possible or would cause your readers to misunderstand, you could use the same verb in both parts of the verse.

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Source: SIL Translator's Notes on 2 Thessalonians 2002

SIL Translator's Notes on 2 Thessalonians 2:2

SIL Translator's Notes on 2 Thessalonians 1:9

SIL Translator's Notes on 2 Thessalonians 1:8

SIL Translator's Notes on 2 Thessalonians 1:7

SIL Translator's Notes on 2 Thessalonians 1:6

SIL Translator's Notes on 2 Thessalonians 1:5

SIL Translator's Notes on 2 Thessalonians 1:4

SIL Translator's Notes on 2 Thessalonians 1:3

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