2 Thessalonians 2:5
What does 2 Thessalonians 2:5 mean?
A plain-English look at 2 Thessalonians 2:5 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.
What 2 Thessalonians 2:5 means
Paul asks, “Remember ye not... I told you these things?” He reminds them that eschatology was part of his original teaching among them. The aim is not to shame but to steady: the truth was already given; they need only recall and hold it. Memory functions as a safeguard against panic and novelty. In trials and in the face of persuasive error, Christians are to lean on the faithful, previously delivered apostolic instruction. Paul’s question also implies pastoral closeness—he had walked with them through these topics—and directs them away from sensational claims back to what they already received as from the Lord.
Parallel translations
WEB
World English Bible · 2000Remember ye not, that, when I was yet with you, I told you these things?
KJV
King James Version · 1611Remember ye not, that, when I was yet with you, I told you these things?
ASV
American Standard Version · 1901Remember ye not, that, when I was yet with you, I told you these things?
BBE
Bible in Basic English · 1949Have you no memory of what I said when I was with you, giving you word of these things?
YLT
Young's Literal Translation · 1862Do ye not remember that, being yet with you, these things I said to you?
DRA
Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752Remember you not that, when I was yet with you, I told you these things?
DBY
Darby Bible · 1890Do ye not remember that, being yet with you, I said these things to you?
Context
After outlining the apostasy and the self-exalting “man of sin” (vv3–4), Paul re-anchors his readers in prior catechesis. This prepares them to grasp what comes next: an explanation of why the feared events have not yet occurred. Verses 6–7 will introduce “that which restraineth” and “one that restraineth,” underscoring that God’s providence governs the timing. The reminder in v5 thus bridges from description to explanation and encourages teachable recollection.
Cross references
Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.
- 2 Thessalonians 3:10
For even when we were with you, this we commanded you, If any will not work, neither let him eat.
- Mark 8:18
Having eyes, see ye not? and having ears, hear ye not? and do ye not remember?
- Acts 20:31
Wherefore watch ye, remembering that by the space of three years I ceased not to admonish every one night and day with tears.
- Galatians 5:21
envyings, drunkenness, revellings, and such like; of which I forewarn you, even as I did forewarn you, that they who practise such things shall not inherit the kingdom of God.
- 2 Peter 1:15
Yea, I will give diligence that at every time ye may be able after my decease to call these things to remembrance.
- John 16:4
But these things have I spoken unto you, that when their hour is come, ye may remember them, how that I told you. And these things I said not unto you from the beginning, because I was with you.
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