2 Thessalonians 2:6
What does 2 Thessalonians 2:6 mean?
A plain-English look at 2 Thessalonians 2:6 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.
What 2 Thessalonians 2:6 means
“And now ye know that which restraineth, to the end that he may be revealed in his own season.” Paul affirms their knowledge of a present restraining influence that prevents the lawless one’s unveiling before the appointed time. The emphasis falls on divine timing—“his own season”—rather than on satisfying curiosity about the restrainer’s identity. Evil does not set its own calendar; God does. The restraint is purposeful, limiting lawlessness so that history unfolds according to God’s design. For believers this is stabilizing: apparent delays are not failures but appointments. The coming crisis will not surprise God or overwhelm His people; it will arrive only when He permits, and not a moment sooner.
Parallel translations
WEB
World English Bible · 2000And now ye know that which restraineth, to the end that he may be revealed in his own season.
KJV
King James Version · 1611And now ye know what withholdeth that he might be revealed in his time.
ASV
American Standard Version · 1901And now ye know that which restraineth, to the end that he may be revealed in his own season.
BBE
Bible in Basic English · 1949And now it is clear to you what is keeping back his revelation till the time comes for him to be seen.
YLT
Young's Literal Translation · 1862and now, what is keeping down ye have known, for his being revealed in his own time,
DRA
Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752And now you know what withholdeth, that he may be revealed in his time.
DBY
Darby Bible · 1890And now ye know that which restrains, that he should be revealed in his own time.
Context
Following the reminder of previous instruction (v5), Paul now brings to mind a crucial piece of that teaching: something is restraining the lawless one. This begins a brief section on the “already/not yet” of lawlessness—already at work but not yet unleashed. Verse 7 will complement v6 by speaking of the restrainer in personal terms and the temporary nature of this restraint. Then v8 will reveal the ultimate outcome: the Lord Jesus’ decisive victory.
Cross references
Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.
- 2 Thessalonians 2:8
And then shall be revealed the lawless one, whom the Lord Jesus shall slay with the breath of his mouth, and bring to nought by the manifestation of his coming;
- 2 Thessalonians 2:3
let no man beguile you in any wise: for it will not be, except the falling away come first, and the man of sin be revealed, the son of perdition,
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