2 Thessalonians 3:16

What does 2 Thessalonians 3:16 mean?

A plain-English look at 2 Thessalonians 3:16 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.

What 2 Thessalonians 3:16 means

Paul prays that the Lord of peace himself would grant them peace at all times and in every way, and that the Lord would be with them all. True peace is not merely the absence of conflict; it is the presence of the Lord who reconciles, orders, and blesses. In a church facing pressure from outside and disorder within, only Christ, the Lord of peace, can supply constant, comprehensive peace. His presence unites and steadies believers as they obey difficult commands. This benediction lifts their eyes from problems to a Person—Christ—whose nearness brings wholeness to minds, relationships, and the community’s witness.

Parallel translations

WEB

World English Bible · 2000

Now the Lord of peace himself give you peace at all times in all ways. The Lord be with you all.

KJV

King James Version · 1611

Now the Lord of peace himself give you peace always by all means. The Lord be with you all.

ASV

American Standard Version · 1901

Now the Lord of peace himself give you peace at all times in all ways. The Lord be with you all.

BBE

Bible in Basic English · 1949

Now the Lord of peace himself give you peace at all times and in every way. May the Lord be with you all.

YLT

Young's Literal Translation · 1862

and may the Lord of the peace Himself give to you the peace always in every way; the Lord <FI>is<Fi> with you all!

DRA

Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752

Now the Lord of peace himself give you everlasting peace in every place. The Lord be with you all.

DBY

Darby Bible · 1890

But the Lord of peace himself give you peace continually in every way. The Lord [be] with you all.

Context

After firm instructions about discipline, Paul ends with intercession for peace and the Lord’s presence. This benediction provides the spiritual atmosphere needed to carry out the previous commands without strife. It bridges into Paul’s personal sign-off in verse 17, where he authenticates the letter, and then to the final word of grace in verse 18. The flow underscores that order, correction, and peace all come from the Lord’s active involvement with his church.

v.15And yet count him not as an enemy, but admonish him as a brother.

v.16This passage

v.17The salutation of me Paul with mine own hand, which is the token in every epistle: so I write.

Cross references

Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.

  • John 16:33

    These things have I spoken unto you, that in me ye may have peace. In the world ye have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world.

  • Isaiah 26:12

    Jehovah, thou wilt ordain peace for us; for thou hast also wrought all our works for us.

  • Psalms 72:3

    The mountains shall bring peace to the people, And the hills, in righteousness.

  • Psalms 85:8

    I will hear what God Jehovah will speak; For he will speak peace unto his people, and to his saints: But let them not turn again to folly.

  • Romans 15:33

    Now the God of peace be with you all. Amen.

  • Philemon 1:25

    The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit. Amen.

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