2 Thessalonians 3:2
What does 2 Thessalonians 3:2 mean?
A plain-English look at 2 Thessalonians 3:2 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.
What 2 Thessalonians 3:2 means
Paul asks prayer for deliverance from “unreasonable and evil men,” recognizing that fierce opposition often rises against gospel work. Not everyone possesses faith; some resist the message and those who carry it. This is not bitterness but realism. Paul sees such people as obstacles God can remove or overrule. His request honors God’s sovereignty and the believers’ partnership: protection for messengers helps the message spread. He trusts that when the church prays, God guards his servants, restrains harm, and keeps ministry moving forward. The contrast is striking—some lack faith, but God’s people can act in faith by praying for safety and boldness for those on the front lines.
Parallel translations
WEB
World English Bible · 2000and that we may be delivered from unreasonable and evil men; for all have not faith.
KJV
King James Version · 1611And that we may be delivered from unreasonable and wicked men: for all men have not faith.
ASV
American Standard Version · 1901and that we may be delivered from unreasonable and evil men; for all have not faith.
BBE
Bible in Basic English · 1949And that we may be made free from foolish and evil men; for not all have faith.
YLT
Young's Literal Translation · 1862and that we may be delivered from the unreasonable and evil men, for the faith <FI>is<Fi> not of all;
DRA
Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752And that we may be delivered from importunate and evil men: for all men have not faith.
DBY
Darby Bible · 1890and that we may be delivered from bad and evil men, for faith [is] not [the portion] of all.
Context
Flowing from the missionary focus of verse 1, Paul now names a practical need: protection from hostile people. This keeps the gospel’s progress from being choked by persecution or malice. The realism of opposition prepares for verse 3’s anchor in the Lord’s faithfulness, so the Thessalonians will not be disheartened by resistance. The shift from prayer request to theological assurance is deliberate, moving the readers from their role in prayer to God’s role in preserving both the messengers and the church to which Paul will soon issue weighty commands.
Cross references
Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.
- Acts 17:5
But the Jews, being moved with jealousy, took unto them certain vile fellows of the rabble, and gathering a crowd, set the city on an uproar; and assaulting the house of Jason, they sought to bring them forth to the people.
- 2 Corinthians 4:3
And even if our gospel is veiled, it is veiled in them that perish:
- John 2:23
Now when he was in Jerusalem at the passover, during the feast, many believed on his name, beholding his signs which he did.
- Acts 28:24
And some believed the things which were spoken, and some disbelieved.
- 2 Corinthians 1:8
For we would not have you ignorant, brethren, concerning our affliction which befell us in Asia, that we were weighed down exceedingly, beyond our power, insomuch that we despaired even of life:
- Romans 15:31
that I may be delivered from them that are disobedient in Judæa, and that my ministration which I have for Jerusalem may be acceptable to the saints;
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