2 Thessalonians 3:17
What does 2 Thessalonians 3:17 mean?
A plain-English look at 2 Thessalonians 3:17 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.
What 2 Thessalonians 3:17 means
Paul adds a personal touch: he writes the salutation with his own hand, marking it as the sign in every letter—“so I write.” This autograph authenticates the epistle and fosters trust. It also reveals pastoral nearness; the apostle is not a distant authority but a shepherd mindful of deception and confusion. By establishing a recognizable mark, he protects the church from forged messages and roots their confidence in his genuine teaching. The personal signature reminds them that their guidance comes from a real man who loves them, labors for them, and stands accountable before the Lord for what he writes.
Parallel translations
WEB
World English Bible · 2000The salutation of me Paul with mine own hand, which is the token in every epistle: so I write.
KJV
King James Version · 1611The salutation of Paul with mine own hand, which is the token in every epistle: so I write.
ASV
American Standard Version · 1901The salutation of me Paul with mine own hand, which is the token in every epistle: so I write.
BBE
Bible in Basic English · 1949These words of love to you at the end are in my writing, Paul's writing, and this is the mark of every letter from me.
YLT
Young's Literal Translation · 1862The salutation by the hand of me, Paul, which is a sign in every letter; thus I write;
DRA
Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752The salutation of Paul with my own hand: which is the sign in every epistle. So I write.
DBY
Darby Bible · 1890The salutation by the hand of me, Paul, which is [the] mark in every letter; so I write.
Context
Following the benediction of peace (verse 16), Paul turns to verify the letter’s authenticity. This likely answers prior confusion and ensures the Thessalonians know they are receiving true apostolic instruction. With the letter securely identified, Paul can end on the gracious note that characterizes all his correspondence (verse 18), reinforcing that even corrective words are carried on the current of Christ’s grace.
Cross references
Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.
- 1 Corinthians 16:21
The salutation of me Paul with mine own hand.
- Joshua 2:12
Now therefore, I pray you, swear unto me by Jehovah, since I have dealt kindly with you, that ye also will deal kindly with my father’s house, and give me a true token;
- 2 Thessalonians 1:5
which is a manifest token of the righteous judgment of God; to the end that ye may be counted worthy of the kingdom of God, for which ye also suffer:
- Colossians 4:18
The salutation of me Paul with mine own hand. Remember my bonds. Grace be with you.
- 1 Samuel 17:18
and bring these ten cheeses unto the captain of their thousand, and look how thy brethren fare, and take their pledge.
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