2 Thessalonians 2:10
What does 2 Thessalonians 2:10 mean?
A plain-English look at 2 Thessalonians 2:10 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.
What 2 Thessalonians 2:10 means
The lawless one operates “with all deceit of unrighteousness for them that perish,” and Paul explains why they perish: “because they received not the love of the truth, that they might be saved.” The problem is not merely ignorance but refusal of affection for the truth. Salvation involves not only knowing the gospel but loving it—welcoming it with faith and obedience. Deception finds a home where truth is unloved. This verse assigns moral responsibility: those perishing do so because they spurn the saving truth offered to them. It urges readers to cherish the truth of Christ, for love of truth is the God-given safeguard against alluring lies.
Parallel translations
WEB
World English Bible · 2000and with all deceit of unrighteousness for them that perish; because they received not the love of the truth, that they might be saved.
KJV
King James Version · 1611And with all deceivableness of unrighteousness in them that perish; because they received not the love of the truth, that they might be saved.
ASV
American Standard Version · 1901and with all deceit of unrighteousness for them that perish; because they received not the love of the truth, that they might be saved.
BBE
Bible in Basic English · 1949And with every deceit of wrongdoing among those whose fate is destruction; because they were quite without that love of the true faith by which they might have salvation.
YLT
Young's Literal Translation · 1862and in all deceitfulness of the unrighteousness in those perishing, because the love of the truth they did not receive for their being saved,
DRA
Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752And in all seduction of iniquity to them that perish: because they receive not the love of the truth, that they might be saved. Therefore God shall send them the operation of error, to believe lying:
DBY
Darby Bible · 1890and in all deceit of unrighteousness to them that perish, because they have not received the love of the truth that they might be saved.
Context
Verses 9–10 move from satanic deception to human accountability. The Thessalonians are to understand that perishing comes through a willful failure to embrace the truth. Next, Paul will unfold a further dimension: because people refuse truth, God gives them over to a “working of error” (v11), resulting in belief in falsehood and final judgment (v12). This sequence contrasts sharply with God’s gracious choosing and calling of believers in vv13–14.
Cross references
Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.
- John 5:34
But the witness which I receive is not from man: howbeit I say these things, that ye may be saved.
- 2 Corinthians 4:2
but we have renounced the hidden things of shame, not walking in craftiness, nor handling the word of God deceitfully; but by the manifestation of the truth commending ourselves to every man’s conscience in the sight of God.
- 2 Corinthians 11:15
It is no great thing therefore if his ministers also fashion themselves as ministers of righteousness; whose end shall be according to their works.
- 1 Corinthians 1:18
For the word of the cross is to them that perish foolishness; but unto us who are saved it is the power of God.
- Proverbs 2:1
My son, if thou wilt receive my words, And lay up my commandments with thee;
- Romans 10:1
Brethren, my heart’s desire and my supplication to God is for them, that they may be saved.
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