1Finally, brothers, pray for us, that the word of the Lord may spread quickly and be honored, just as it is with you, [3:2] and that we may be rescued from perverse and evil men — for not all have faith. [3:3] But the Lord is faithful; he will strengthen and guard you from the evil one. [3:4] We have been persuaded in the Lord concerning you, that you are doing and will continue to do what we command. [3:5] May the Lord direct your hearts to the love of God and to the steadfastness of Christ.
2TH 3:1-5
Request for Prayer
In the world it was spoken into
In the Greco-Roman world, prayer was often seen as a communal act, binding individuals together in shared purpose and divine favor. For the Thessalonian believers, Paul’s request for prayer would have resonated with their understanding of mutual support within the ekklēsia (assembly). The phrase 'that the word of the Lord may spread quickly' evokes the image of a runner in a race, a familiar metaphor in Hellenistic culture, emphasizing urgency and unimpeded progress. The mention of 'perverse and evil men' reflects the societal reality of opposition faced by early Christians, particularly from those who disrupted communal harmony or actively opposed the faith. Paul’s assurance of the Lord’s faithfulness and protection from evil would have provided comfort, as trust in divine patronage was a cornerstone of both Jewish and Greco-Roman piety. The exhortation to steadfastness aligns with Stoic ideals of endurance, while the focus on God’s love and Christ’s example roots the community in their distinctively Christian identity.
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How other translations render this
2TH 3:1
- KJV
- Finally, brethren, pray for us, that the word of the Lord may have free course, and be glorified, even as it is with you:
- BSB
- Finally, brothers, pray for us, that the word of the Lord may spread quickly and be held in honor, just as it was with you.
- Koinōnos
- Finally, brothers, pray for us, that the word of the Lord may spread quickly and be honored, just as it is with you,
2TH 3:2
- KJV
- And that we may be delivered from unreasonable and wicked men: for all men have not faith.
- BSB
- And pray that we may be delivered from wicked and evil men; for not everyone holds to the faith.
- Koinōnos
- and that we may be rescued from perverse and evil men — for not all have faith.
2TH 3:3
- KJV
- But the Lord is faithful, who shall stablish you, and keep you from evil.
- BSB
- But the Lord is faithful, and He will strengthen you and guard you from the evil one.
- Koinōnos
- But the Lord is faithful; he will strengthen and guard you from the evil one.
2TH 3:4
- KJV
- And we have confidence in the Lord touching you, that ye both do and will do the things which we command you.
- BSB
- And we have confidence in the Lord that you are doing and will continue to do what we command.
- Koinōnos
- We have been persuaded in the Lord concerning you, that you are doing and will continue to do what we command.
2TH 3:5
- KJV
- And the Lord direct your hearts into the love of God, and into the patient waiting for Christ.
- BSB
- May the Lord direct your hearts into Godʼs love and Christʼs perseverance.
- Koinōnos
- May the Lord direct your hearts to the love of God and to the steadfastness of Christ.
Only verses where the wording diverges meaningfully are shown. Identical phrasings are suppressed.
Translator's notes
2TH 3:1
- may spread quickly:The word translated 'may spread quickly' literally means 'to run' and was often used for a runner in a race. It conveys the idea of rapid, unimpeded progress, like a message or a person moving swiftly.
2TH 3:2
- perverse:The term translated 'perverse' literally means 'out of place' or 'unfitting.' It describes something that is abnormal, improper, or contrary to what is expected or right, rather than simply 'evil' in a moral sense.
- evil:The word translated 'evil' here often describes something that is actively harmful, malicious, or burdensome, causing toil and pain to others. It's not just morally bad, but actively destructive.
2TH 3:4
- We have been persuaded:The phrase 'We have been persuaded' indicates a state of firm conviction or trust that has been brought about by an external influence. It implies a settled belief or confidence, not just a momentary agreement.