2TH front intro krd6 0 # Introduction to 2 Thessalonians<br>## Part 1: General Introduction<br><br>### Outline of the Book of 2 Thessalonians<br><br>1. Greetings and thanksgiving (1:1-3)<br>1. Christians suffering from persecution<br>- They are worthy of the kingdom of God and of his promise of relief from trials (1:4-7)<br>- God will judge those who persecute Christians (1:8-12)<br>1. Some believers’ misunderstanding about the second coming of Christ<br>- Christ’s return has not yet happened (2:1-2)<br>- Instruction about the events that will precede the return of Christ (2:3-12)<br>1. Paul’s confidence that God will save the Thessalonian Christians<br>- His call to “stand firm” (2:13-15)<br>- His prayer that God will comfort them (2:16-17)<br>1. Paul requests that the Thessalonian believers pray for him (3:1-5)<br>1. Paul give commands about idle believers (3:6-15)<br>1. Closing (3:16-17)<br><br>### Who wrote 2 Thessalonians?<br><br>Paul wrote 2 Thessalonians. He was from the city of Tarsus. He had been known as Saul in his early life. Before becoming a Christian, Paul was a Pharisee. He persecuted Christians. After he became a Christian, he traveled several times throughout the Roman Empire telling people about Jesus.<br><br>Paul wrote this letter while staying in the city of Corinth.<br><br>### What is the Book of 2 Thessalonians about?<br><br>Paul wrote this letter to the believers in the city of Thessalonica. He encouraged the believers because they were being persecuted. He told them to continue living in a way that pleased God. And he wanted to teach them again about Christ’s return.<br><br>### How should the title of this book be translated?<br><br>Translators may choose to call this book by its traditional title, “2 Thessalonians” or “Second Thessalonians.” Or they may choose a clearer title, such as “Paul’s Second Letter to the Church in Thessalonica,” or “The Second Letter to the Christians in Thessalonica.” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names]])<br><br>## Part 2: Important Religious and Cultural Concepts<br><br>### What is the “second coming” of Jesus?<br><br>Paul wrote much in this letter about Jesus’ eventual return to Earth. When Jesus returns, he will judge all mankind. He will also rule over creation. And he will cause there to be peace everywhere. Paul also explained that a “man of lawlessness” will come before Christ’s return. This person will obey Satan and cause many people to oppose God. But Jesus will destroy this person when he returns.<br><br>## Part 3: Important Translation Issues<br><br>### What did Paul mean by the expression “in Christ,” “in the Lord,” etc.?<br><br>Paul meant to express the idea of a very close union with Christ and the believers. Please see the introduction to the Book of Romans for more details about this kind of expression.<br><br>### What are the major issues in the text of the Book of 2 Thessalonians?<br><br>For the following verses, modern versions of the Bible differ from older versions. The ULT text has the modern reading and puts the older reading in a footnote. If a translation of the Bible exists in the general region, translators should consider using the reading found in those versions. If not, translators are advised to follow the modern reading.<br><br>* “and the man of lawlessness is revealed” (2:3). The ULT, UST, and most modern versions read this way. Older versions have, “and the man of sin is revealed.”<br>* “For God chose you as the firstfruits for salvation” (2:13) The ULT, UST, and some other versions read this way. Other versions have, “For God chose you from the first for salvation.”<br><br>(See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-textvariants]])
2TH 1 intro m987 0 # 2 Thessalonians 01 General Notes<br>## Structure and formatting<br><br>Verses 1-2 formally introduce this letter. Letters in the ancient Near East commonly had introductions of this type.<br><br>## Other possible translation difficulties in this chapter<br><br>### Paradox<br><br>A paradox is a true statement that appears to describe something impossible. A paradox occurs in verses 4-5: “We talk about your patience and faith in all your persecutions. We talk about the afflictions that you endure. This is a sign of God’s righteous judgment.” People would not normally think that believing in God while being persecuted is a sign of God’s righteous judgment. But in verses 5-10, Paul explains how God will reward those who believe in him and how he will judge those who afflict them. ([2 Thessalonians 1:4-5](./04.md))
2TH 1 1 b6vf figs-exclusive 0 General Information: Paul is the author of this letter, but he includes Silvanus and Timothy as senders of the letter. He begins by greeting the church at Thessalonica. The words “we” and “us” refer to Paul, Silvanus, and Timothy, unless otherwise noted. Also, the word “you” is plural and refers to the believers at the church of Thessalonica. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-exclusive]] and [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-you]])
2TH 1 1 hm3e Σιλουανὸς 1 Silvanus This is the Latin form of “Silas.” He is the same person listed in the book of Acts as Paul’s fellow traveler.
2TH 1 3 ea59 figs-hyperbole εὐχαριστεῖν ὀφείλομεν τῷ Θεῷ πάντοτε 1 We should always give thanks to God Paul uses “always” as a generalization meaning “often” or “regularly. The sentence emphasizes the greatness of what God is doing in the lives of the Thessalonian believers. Alternate translation: “We should often give thanks to God” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-hyperbole]])
2TH 1 3 h6t9 figs-gendernotations ἀδελφοί 1 brothers Here “brothers” means fellow Christians, including both men and women. Alternate translation: “brothers and sisters” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-gendernotations]])
2TH 1 3 u3m8 καθὼς ἄξιόν ἐστιν 1 This is appropriate “It is the right thing to do” or “It is good”
2TH 1 3 xy7k πλεονάζει ἡ ἀγάπη ἑνὸς ἑκάστου, πάντων ὑμῶν, εἰς ἀλλήλους 1 the love each of you has for one another increases “you sincerely love one another”
2TH 1 3 bmn6 ἀλλήλους 1 one another Here “one another” means fellow Christians.
2TH 1 4 kx1n figs-rpronouns αὐτοὺς ἡμᾶς 1 we ourselves Here “ourselves” is used to emphasize Paul’s boasting. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-rpronouns]])
2TH 1 5 dad9 figs-activepassive καταξιωθῆναι ὑμᾶς τῆς Βασιλείας τοῦ Θεοῦ 1 You will be considered worthy of the kingdom of God This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “that God will consider you worthy to be part of his kingdom” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])
2TH 1 6 cxx1 εἴπερ δίκαιον παρὰ Θεῷ 1 it is righteous for God “God is right” or “God is just”
2TH 1 6 id3i figs-metaphor παρὰ Θεῷ, ἀνταποδοῦναι τοῖς θλίβουσιν ὑμᾶς θλῖψιν 1 for God to return affliction to those who afflict you Here “to return” is a metaphor that means to cause someone to experience the same thing they did to someone else. Alternate translation: “for God to afflict those who afflict you” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
2TH 1 7 hxy2 figs-metaphor καὶ ὑμῖν…ἄνεσιν 1 and relief to you These words continue the description of what God is right “to return” to people (verse 6). This is a metaphor that means to cause someone to experience the same thing they did to someone else. Alternate translation: “and to relieve you” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
2TH 1 7 lu43 figs-ellipsis ὑμῖν…ἄνεσιν 1 relief to you You can make it explicit that God is the one who provides relief. Alternate translation: “for God to provide relief to you” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-ellipsis]])
2TH 1 7 yix7 ἀγγέλων δυνάμεως αὐτοῦ 1 the angels of his power “his powerful angels”
2TH 1 8 y3uv ἐν πυρὶ φλογός διδόντος ἐκδίκησιν τοῖς μὴ εἰδόσι Θεὸν, καὶ τοῖς 1 In flaming fire he will take vengeance on those who do not know God and on those who “He will punish with blazing fire those who do not know God and those who” or “Then with blazing fire he will punish those who do not know God and those who”
2TH 1 9 plw5 figs-activepassive οἵτινες δίκην τίσουσιν 1 They will be punished Here “They” refers to the people who do not obey the gospel. This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “The Lord will punish them” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])
2TH 1 10 bi2u figs-activepassive ἐνδοξασθῆναι ἐν τοῖς ἁγίοις αὐτοῦ, καὶ θαυμασθῆναι ἐν πᾶσιν τοῖς πιστεύσασιν 1 to be glorified by his people and to be marveled at by all those who believed This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “when his people will glorify him and all those who believed will stand in awe of him” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])
2TH 1 11 ik19 καὶ προσευχόμεθα πάντοτε περὶ ὑμῶν 1 we also pray continually for you Paul is emphasizing how often he prays for them. Alternate translation: we also pray regularly for you” or “we continue to pray for you”
2TH 1 11 hiv9 τῆς κλήσεως 1 calling Here “calling” refers to God appointing or choosing people to be his children and servants, and to proclaim his message of salvation through Jesus.
2TH 1 11 r8gk πληρώσῃ πᾶσαν εὐδοκίαν ἀγαθωσύνης 1 fulfill every desire of goodness “make you able to do good in every way that you desire”
2TH 1 12 q994 figs-activepassive ὅπως ἐνδοξασθῇ τὸ ὄνομα τοῦ Κυρίου ἡμῶν, Ἰησοῦ, ἐν ὑμῖν 1 that the name of our Lord Jesus may be glorified by you This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “that you may glorify the name of our Lord Jesus” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])
2TH 1 12 pg2i figs-activepassive καὶ ὑμεῖς ἐν αὐτῷ 1 you will be glorified by him This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “Jesus will glorify you” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])
2TH 1 12 z8k9 κατὰ τὴν χάριν τοῦ Θεοῦ ἡμῶν 1 because of the grace of our God “because of God’s grace”
2TH 2 intro jq9r 0 # 2 Thessalonians 02 General Notes<br>## Special concepts in this chapter<br><br>### “Being gathered together to be with him”<br><br>This passage refers to a time when Jesus calls to himself those who have believed in him. Scholars differ on whether or not this refers to Christ’s final glorious return. (See: [[rc://en/tw/dict/bible/kt/believe]])<br><br>### Man of lawlessness<br>This is the same as “son of destruction” and “lawless one” in this chapter. Paul associates him with Satan actively working in the world. (See: [[rc://en/tw/dict/bible/kt/antichrist]])<br><br>### Sits in the temple of God<br>Paul could be referring to the Jerusalem temple that the Romans destroyed several years after he wrote this letter. Or he could be referring to a future physical temple, or to the church as the spiritual temple of God. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])
2TH 2 1 q1uq δὲ 1 Now The word “Now” marks a change of topic in Paul’s instructions.
2TH 2 1 cvg5 figs-gendernotations ἀδελφοί 1 brothers Here “brothers” means fellow Christians, including both men and women. Alternate translation: “brothers and sisters” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-gendernotations]])
2TH 2 2 b8b2 εἰς τὸ μὴ ταχέως σαλευθῆναι ὑμᾶς…μηδὲ θροεῖσθαι 1 that you not be easily disturbed or troubled “that you do not easily let yourselves be disturbed”
2TH 2 2 d334 διὰ πνεύματος, μήτε διὰ λόγου, μήτε δι’ ἐπιστολῆς, ὡς δι’ ἡμῶν 1 by a message, or by a letter that seems to be coming from us “by spoken word or by written letter that pretends to be coming from us”
2TH 2 2 k4dk ὡς ὅτι 1 to the effect that “saying that”
2TH 2 3 e86v figs-activepassive ἀποκαλυφθῇ ὁ ἄνθρωπος τῆς ἀνομίας 1 the man of lawlessness is revealed This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “God reveals the man of lawlessness” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])
2TH 2 3 tkg9 figs-metaphor ὁ υἱὸς τῆς ἀπωλείας 1 the son of destruction Paul speaks of destruction as a person who bore a son whose goal is to totally destroy everything. Alternate translation: “the one who destroys everything he can” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
2TH 2 4 t485 figs-activepassive πάντα λεγόμενον θεὸν ἢ σέβασμα 1 all that is called God or that is worshiped This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “everything that people consider to be God or everything that people worship” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])
2TH 2 4 wj33 ἀποδεικνύντα ἑαυτὸν ὅτι ἔστιν Θεός 1 exhibits himself as God “shows himself as God”
2TH 2 5 rsz1 figs-rquestion οὐ μνημονεύετε…ταῦτα 1 Do you not remember…these things? Paul uses a rhetorical question to remind them of his teaching when he was with them previously. This can be expressed as a statement. Alternate translation: “I am sure you remember…these things.” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion]])
2TH 2 6 ask4 figs-activepassive τὸ ἀποκαλυφθῆναι αὐτὸν ἐν τῷ αὐτοῦ καιρῷ 1 he will be revealed only at the right time This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “God will reveal the man of lawlessness when the time is right” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])
2TH 2 8 hn67 figs-activepassive καὶ τότε ἀποκαλυφθήσεται ὁ ἄνομος 1 Then the lawless one will be revealed This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “Then God will allow the lawless one to show himself” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])
2TH 2 8 vay9 figs-metonymy τῷ πνεύματι τοῦ στόματος αὐτοῦ 1 with the breath of his mouth Here “breath” represents the power of God. Alternate translation: “by the power of his spoken word” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])
2TH 2 8 hy3y καὶ καταργήσει τῇ ἐπιφανείᾳ τῆς παρουσίας αὐτοῦ 1 bring him to nothing by the revelation of his coming When Jesus returns to earth and shows himself, he will defeat the lawless one.
2TH 2 9 bd5m ἐν πάσῃ δυνάμει, καὶ σημείοις, καὶ τέρασιν ψεύδους 1 with all power, signs, and false wonders “with all kinds of power, signs, and false wonders”
2TH 2 10 tf75 ἐν πάσῃ ἀπάτῃ ἀδικίας 1 with all deceit of unrighteousness This person will use every sort of evil to deceive people to believe in him instead of God.
2TH 2 10 v366 τοῖς ἀπολλυμένοις 1 These things will be for those who are perishing This man who is given power by Satan will deceive everyone who did not believe in Jesus.
2TH 2 10 pf48 ἀπολλυμένοις 1 who are perishing Here “perishing” has the concept of everlasting or eternal destruction.
2TH 2 11 sj1v διὰ τοῦτο 1 For this reason “Because the people do not love the truth”
2TH 2 11 en8e figs-metaphor πέμπει αὐτοῖς ὁ Θεὸς ἐνέργειαν πλάνης, εἰς τὸ πιστεῦσαι αὐτοὺς τῷ ψεύδει 1 God is sending them a work of error so that they would believe a lie Paul is speaking of God allowing something to happen to people as if he is sending them something. Alternate translation: “God is allowing the man of lawlessness to deceive them” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
2TH 2 12 d63e figs-activepassive κριθῶσιν πάντες 1 they will all be judged This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “God will judge all of them” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])
2TH 2 12 pkw8 οἱ μὴ πιστεύσαντες τῇ ἀληθείᾳ, ἀλλὰ εὐδοκήσαντες τῇ ἀδικίᾳ 1 those who did not believe the truth but instead took pleasure in unrighteousness “those who took pleasure in unrighteousness because they did not believe the truth”
2TH 2 13 dze5 figs-hyperbole ἡμεῖς…ὀφείλομεν εὐχαριστεῖν…πάντοτε 1 we should always give thanks The word “always” is a generalization. Alternate translation: “we should continually give thanks” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-hyperbole]])
2TH 2 13 m418 ἡμεῖς…ὀφείλομεν 1 we should Here “we” refers to Paul, Silvanus, and Timothy.
2TH 2 13 ia4x figs-activepassive ἀδελφοὶ ἠγαπημένοι ὑπὸ Κυρίου 1 brothers loved by the Lord This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “for the Lord loves you, brothers” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])
2TH 2 13 v15j figs-gendernotations ἀδελφοὶ 1 brothers Here “brothers” means fellow Christians, including both men and women. Alternate translation: “brothers and sisters” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-gendernotations]])
2TH 2 13 l7a8 figs-metaphor ἀπαρχὴν εἰς σωτηρίαν ἐν ἁγιασμῷ Πνεύματος καὶ πίστει ἀληθείας 1 as the firstfruits for salvation in sanctification of the Spirit and belief in the truth Being among the first people to be saved is spoken of as if the Thessalonian believers are “firstfruits.” This can also be stated to remove the abstract nouns “salvation,” “sanctification,” “belief,” and “truth.” Alternate translation: “to be among the first people who believe what is true, and whom God has saved and set apart for himself by his Spirit” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]] and [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns]])
2TH 2 15 l4vr figs-metaphor κρατεῖτε τὰς παραδόσεις 1 hold tightly to the traditions Here “traditions” refers to the truths of Christ that Paul and the other apostles taught. Paul speaks of them as if his readers could hold on to them with their hands. Alternate translation: “remember the traditions” or “believe the truths” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
2TH 2 15 whp8 figs-activepassive ἐδιδάχθητε 1 you were taught This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “we have taught you” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])
2TH 2 15 z2vs figs-explicit εἴτε διὰ λόγου, εἴτε δι’ ἐπιστολῆς ἡμῶν 1 whether by word or by our letter “By word” here is a synecdoche for “by instructions” or “by teachings.” You can make clear the implicit information. Alternate translation: “whether by what we taught you in person or by what we wrote to you in a letter” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]] and [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche]])
2TH 2 16 yge9 figs-inclusive δὲ ὁ Κύριος ἡμῶν…ὁ ἀγαπήσας ἡμᾶς καὶ δοὺς 1 may our Lord…who loved us and gave us The words “our” and “us” refer to all believers. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-inclusive]])
2TH 2 16 cm54 figs-rpronouns αὐτὸς…ὁ Κύριος…Ἰησοῦς Χριστὸς 1 Lord Jesus Christ himself Here “himself” gives additional emphasis to the phrase “Lord Jesus Christ.” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-rpronouns]])
2TH 2 17 x3rr figs-metonymy παρακαλέσαι ὑμῶν τὰς καρδίας, καὶ στηρίξαι ἐν 1 comfort and establish your hearts in Here “hearts” represents the seat of emotions. Alternate translation: “comfort you and strengthen you for” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])
2TH 2 17 yw5f παντὶ ἔργῳ καὶ λόγῳ ἀγαθῷ 1 every good work and word “every good thing you do and say”
2TH 3 intro b8hk 0 # 2 Thessalonians 03 General Notes<br>## Special concepts in this chapter<br><br>### Idle and lazy persons<br>In Thessalonica, there apparently was a problem with people in the church who were able to work but refused to do so. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])<br><br>### What should you do if your brother sins?<br><br>In this chapter, Paul teaches that Christians need to live in a way that honors God. Christians should also encourage one another and hold each other accountable for what they do. The church is also responsible for encouraging believers to repent if they sin. (See: [[rc://en/tw/dict/bible/kt/repent]] and [[rc://en/tw/dict/bible/kt/sin]])
2TH 3 1 jy75 τὸ λοιπὸν 1 Now Paul uses the word “now” to mark a change in topic.
2TH 3 1 m1s5 figs-gendernotations ἀδελφοί 1 brothers Here “brothers” means fellow Christians, including both men and women. Alternate translation: “brothers and sisters” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-gendernotations]])
2TH 3 1 r54v figs-metaphor ἵνα ὁ λόγος τοῦ Κυρίου τρέχῃ καὶ δοξάζηται, καθὼς καὶ πρὸς ὑμᾶς 1 that the word of the Lord may rush and be glorified, as it also is with you Paul speaks of God’s word spreading as if it were running from place to place. This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “that more and more people will soon hear our message about our Lord Jesus and honor it, as happened with you” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]] and [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])
2TH 3 2 xg2h figs-activepassive ῥυσθῶμεν 1 that we may be delivered This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “that God may save us” or “that God may rescue us” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])
2TH 3 2 p1ct οὐ γὰρ πάντων ἡ πίστις 1 for not all have faith “for many people do not believe in Jesus”
2TH 3 3 yx9g ὃς στηρίξει ὑμᾶς 1 who will establish you “who will strengthen you”
2TH 3 3 p91k τοῦ πονηροῦ 1 the evil one “Satan”
2TH 3 4 xk85 πεποίθαμεν 1 We have confidence “We have faith” or “We trust”
2TH 3 5 giz4 figs-metonymy κατευθύναι ὑμῶν τὰς καρδίας 1 direct your hearts Here “heart” is a metonym for a person’s thoughts or mind. Alternate translation: “cause you to understand” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])
2TH 3 5 wre3 figs-metaphor εἰς τὴν ἀγάπην τοῦ Θεοῦ, καὶ εἰς τὴν ὑπομονὴν τοῦ Χριστοῦ 1 to the love of God and to the endurance of Christ Paul speaks of God’s love and Christ’s endurance as if they were destinations on a path. Alternate translation: “how much God loves you and how much Christ has endured for you” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
2TH 3 6 x9l8 figs-gendernotations ἀδελφοί 1 brothers Here “brothers” means fellow Christians, including both men and women. Alternate translation: “brothers and sisters” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-gendernotations]])
2TH 3 6 y4a9 figs-metonymy ἐν ὀνόματι τοῦ Κυρίου ἡμῶν, Ἰησοῦ Χριστοῦ 1 in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ “Name” here is a metonym for the person of Jesus Christ. Alternate translation: “as if our Lord Jesus Christ himself were speaking” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])
2TH 3 6 jvw1 figs-inclusive τοῦ Κυρίου ἡμῶν 1 our Lord Here “our” refers to all believers. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-inclusive]])
2TH 3 7 h222 μιμεῖσθαι ἡμᾶς 1 to imitate us “to act the way that my fellow workers and I act”
2TH 3 7 b1i1 figs-doublenegatives οὐκ ἠτακτήσαμεν ἐν ὑμῖν 1 We did not live among you as those who had no discipline Paul uses a double negative to emphasize the positive. This can be stated as a positive. Alternate translation: “We lived among you as those who had much discipline” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-doublenegatives]])
2TH 3 8 d9h1 figs-merism νυκτὸς καὶ ἡμέρας ἐργαζόμενοι 1 we worked night and day “we worked during the night and during the day.” Here “night” and “day” are a merism and they mean “all the time.” Alternate translation: “we worked all the time” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-merism]])
2TH 3 8 w8fq figs-doublet ἐν κόπῳ καὶ μόχθῳ 1 in difficult labor and hardship Paul emphasizes how hard his circumstances were. Difficult labor implies work that requires great effort. Hardship implies they endured pain and suffering. Alternate translation: “in very difficult circumstances” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-doublet]])
2TH 3 9 sn3k figs-doublenegatives οὐχ ὅτι οὐκ ἔχομεν ἐξουσίαν, ἀλλ’ 1 We did this not because we have no authority. Instead, we did Paul uses a double negative to emphasize the positive. This can be stated as a positive. Alternate translation: “We certainly have the right to receive food from you, but instead we worked for our food” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-doublenegatives]])
2TH 3 10 c652 figs-doublenegatives τις οὐ θέλει ἐργάζεσθαι, μηδὲ ἐσθιέτω 1 The one who is unwilling to work must not eat This can be stated in positive form. Alternate translation: “If a person wants to eat, he must work” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-doublenegatives]])
2TH 3 11 ey6c figs-metaphor τινας περιπατοῦντας…ἀτάκτως 1 some walk idly Here “walk” stands for behavior in life. Alternate translation: “some live idle lives” or “some are lazy” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
2TH 3 12 bm6z μετὰ ἡσυχίας 1 with quietness “in a quiet, peaceful, and mild manner.” Paul exhorts the meddlers to stop getting involved in other people’s affairs.
2TH 3 13 e59v figs-you ὑμεῖς…ἀδελφοί 1 you, brothers The word “you” refers to all the Thessalonian believers. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-you]])
2TH 3 13 usu9 figs-gendernotations ἀδελφοί 1 brothers Here “brothers” means fellow Christians, including both men and women. Alternate translation: “brothers and sisters” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-gendernotations]])
2TH 3 14 nv3v figs-idiom τοῦτον σημειοῦσθε 1 take note of him Notice who he is. Alternate translation: “publicly identify that person” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]])
2TH 3 16 whb9 figs-explicit αὐτὸς…ὁ Κύριος τῆς εἰρήνης, δῴη ὑμῖν 1 may the Lord of peace himself give you You can make explicit that this is Paul’s prayer for the Thessalonians. Alternate translation: “I pray that the Lord of peace himself gives you” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])
2TH 3 16 zl1s figs-rpronouns αὐτὸς…ὁ Κύριος τῆς εἰρήνης 1 the Lord of peace himself Here “himself” emphasizes that the Lord will personally give peace to believers. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-rpronouns]])
2TH 3 17 c2cb ὁ ἀσπασμὸς τῇ ἐμῇ χειρὶ, Παύλου, ὅ ἐστιν σημεῖον ἐν πάσῃ ἐπιστολῇ, οὕτως γράφω 1 This is my greeting, Paul, with my own hand, which is the sign in every letter “I, Paul, write this greeting with my own hand, which I do in every letter, as a sign that this letter is truly from me”
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