2TH 2:13-17

Stand Firm

13We ourselves, however, ought to give thanks to God always concerning you, brothers beloved by the Lord, because God chose you as firstfruits for salvation in sanctification of the Spirit and faith of the truth, [2:14] to which He also called you through our gospel, for the obtaining of the glory of our Lord Jesus Christ. [2:15] So then, brothers, stand firm and hold fast to the traditions that you were taught, whether through word or through our letter. [2:16] Now our Lord Jesus Christ Himself, and God our Father — who loved us and gave eternal comfort and good hope by grace — [2:17] may He encourage your hearts and make firm in every good work and word.

In the world it was spoken into

In this passage, the author addresses the Thessalonian community, emphasizing their election by God for salvation through sanctification by the Spirit and belief in the truth. The term (firstfruits) would evoke the Jewish practice of offering the first portion of the harvest to God, symbolizing consecration and divine favor. For the Thessalonians, this metaphor underscores their unique status as a community set apart. The call to stand firm and hold fast to the traditions reflects the Greco-Roman and Jewish emphasis on authoritative teaching, whether oral or written, as a stabilizing force in communal life. The mention of (comfort or encouragement) aligns with the Stoic ideal of inner strength and resilience, but here it is rooted in divine love and the gospel message. The author frames their identity and perseverance within the narrative of God’s calling through the gospel, anchoring their hope in the glory of Christ.

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How other translations render this

2TH 2:13

KJV: But we are bound to give thanks alway to God for you, brethren beloved of the Lord, because God hath from the beginning chosen you to salvation through sanctification of the Spirit and belief of the truth:
BSB: But we should always thank God for you, brothers who are loved by the Lord, because God has chosen you from the beginning to be saved by the sanctification of the Spirit and by faith in the truth.
Koinōnos: We ourselves, however, ought to give thanks to God always concerning you, brothers beloved by the Lord, because God chose you as firstfruits for salvation in sanctification of the Spirit and faith of the truth,

2TH 2:14

KJV: Whereunto he called you by our gospel, to the obtaining of the glory of our Lord Jesus Christ.
BSB: To this He called you through our gospel, so that you may share in the glory of our Lord Jesus Christ.
Koinōnos: to which He also called you through our gospel, for the obtaining of the glory of our Lord Jesus Christ.

2TH 2:15

KJV: Therefore, brethren, stand fast, and hold the traditions which ye have been taught, whether by word, or our epistle.
BSB: Therefore, brothers, stand firm and cling to the traditions we taught you, whether by speech or by letter.
Koinōnos: So then, brothers, stand firm and hold fast to the traditions that you were taught, whether through word or through our letter.

2TH 2:16

KJV: Now our Lord Jesus Christ himself, and God, even our Father, which hath loved us, and hath given us everlasting consolation and good hope through grace,
BSB: Now may our Lord Jesus Christ Himself and God our Father, who by grace has loved us and given us eternal comfort and good hope,
Koinōnos: Now our Lord Jesus Christ Himself, and God our Father — who loved us and gave eternal comfort and good hope by grace —

2TH 2:17

KJV: Comfort your hearts, and stablish you in every good word and work.
BSB: encourage your hearts and strengthen you in every good word and deed.
Koinōnos: may He encourage your hearts and make firm in every good work and word.

Only verses where the wording diverges meaningfully are shown. Identical phrasings are suppressed.

Translator's notes

2TH 2:13

from [the] beginning:The phrase translated 'from the beginning' here carries the sense of 'firstfruits' or 'first offering,' implying that the Thessalonians were among the very first to be chosen or set apart.

2TH 2:15

traditions:The word translated 'traditions' refers to teachings or practices that have been 'handed down' or transmitted, whether orally or in writing, from one generation to the next.

2TH 2:16

having given [us]:The term translated 'having given us' is related to 'encouragement' or 'comfort,' suggesting a divine act of providing strength and solace, not just a simple bestowal.

2TH 2:17

would He strengthen:The word translated 'would He strengthen' implies making something firm, stable, or established, suggesting a deep and lasting reinforcement rather than just a temporary boost.