2 Thessalonians 2:4
What does 2 Thessalonians 2:4 mean?
A plain-English look at 2 Thessalonians 2:4 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.
What 2 Thessalonians 2:4 means
He describes this adversary as one who opposes and exalts himself “against all that is called God or that is worshipped.” His arrogance culminates in sitting “in the temple of God,” presenting himself as God. The language shows brazen usurpation—total hostility to divine honor and a counterfeit claim to divinity. Whether the setting is symbolic of God’s domain or refers to a specific sacred place, the point is unmistakable: he intrudes where only God belongs. This portrait echoes the ultimate antichrist pattern: self-deification, blasphemy, and deception. Believers are forewarned that the most dangerous evil will not merely deny God but will claim God’s throne, demanding worship that rightly belongs to the Lord alone.
Parallel translations
WEB
World English Bible · 2000he that opposeth and exalteth himself against all that is called God or that is worshipped; so that he sitteth in the temple of God, setting himself forth as God.
KJV
King James Version · 1611Who 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.
ASV
American Standard Version · 1901he that opposeth and exalteth himself against all that is called God or that is worshipped; so that he sitteth in the temple of God, setting himself forth as God.
BBE
Bible in Basic English · 1949Who puts himself against all authority, lifting himself up over all which is named God or is given worship; so that he takes his seat in the Temple of God, putting himself forward as God.
YLT
Young's Literal Translation · 1862who is opposing and is raising himself up above all called God or worshipped, so that he in the sanctuary of God as God hath sat down, shewing himself off that he is God--<FI> the day doth not come<Fi> .
DRA
Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752Who opposeth and is lifted up above all that is called God or that is worshipped, so that he sitteth in the temple of God, shewing himself as if he were God.
DBY
Darby Bible · 1890who opposes and exalts himself on high against all calledGod, or object of veneration; so that he himself sits down in the temple ofGod, shewing himself that he isGod.
Context
This verse expands the identity introduced in v3, moving from titles to actions and aims. It explains why the “man of sin” is so perilous: he sets himself in God’s place. Immediately afterward Paul pauses to appeal to their memory (v5), reinforcing that this is not new teaching sprung on them in crisis. Then he will discuss the present restraint that holds this lawlessness in check until God’s appointed time (vv6–7).
Cross references
Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.
- Ezekiel 28:6
therefore thus saith the Lord Jehovah: Because thou hast set thy heart as the heart of God,
- Isaiah 14:13
And thou saidst in thy heart, I will ascend into heaven, I will exalt my throne above the stars of God; and I will sit upon the mount of congregation, in the uttermost parts of the north;
- Revelation 13:6
And he opened his mouth for blasphemies against God, to blaspheme his name, and his tabernacle, even them that dwell in the heaven.
- Ezekiel 28:9
Wilt thou yet say before him that slayeth thee, I am God? but thou art man, and not God, in the hand of him that woundeth thee.
- Daniel 11:45
And he shall plant the tents of his palace between the sea and the glorious holy mountain; yet he shall come to his end, and none shall help him.
- Daniel 8:9
And out of one of them came forth a little horn, which waxed exceeding great, toward the south, and toward the east, and toward the glorious land.
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