A New Translation of Paul’s Second Letter to the Church of The
Thessalonians
Based on the Westcott and Hort Text of 1881 with references to the Papyrus fragments of the Chester Beatty collections, c. 3rd Century A.D. and the Sinaitic Manuscript of the 4th Century.
Some notes on this translation:
Thou vs. YOU: Many people today have a hard time understanding the Elizabethan usage of thou, thee, thy, etc. For this reason, we have chosen to avoid this archaic language. At the same time, we need to be able to fulfill the purpose of those words, which was to distinguish between a singular YOU and a plural YOU. Following the example of other translations, we have used all capital letters to indicate plural (more than one person addressed), and small letters to indicate singular (one person addressed).
Words in italics: Following the example of other translations, we have used italics for words that are not in the original text, but which are essential to the sense of the original when translated into English. Unlike other translations, however, we have NOT added words which alter the meaning of the original.
Words in (parentheses): These are not part of the biblical text, but are notes of explanation from the translator.
2 Thessalonians 1
1 Paul and Silvanus and Timothy, to the church of the Thessalonians in God our Father and Lord Jesus Christ;
2 Grace to YOU and peace from God the Father and Lord Jesus Christ.
3 We are bound to give thanks to God always for YOU, brethren, as it is deserved, because YOUR faith is growing exceedingly, and the love of each one of YOU all to one another is increasing;
4 so that we ourselves boast about YOU in the churches of God for YOUR endurance and faith in all YOUR persecutions and in the tribulations which YOU bear;
5 an indication of the righteous judgment of God, in order that YOU may be counted worthy of the kingdom of God, for which YOU also suffer:
6 seeing that it is a righteous thing with God to pay back tribulation to them that make tribulation for YOU,
7 and to YOU that are under tribulation, relief with us, at the revelation of the Lord Jesus from heaven with the angels of his power in flaming fire,
8 bringing vengeance to them that have not known God, and to them that do not obey the gospel of our Lord Jesus:
9 who shall pay justice: eternal destruction from the face of the Lord and from the glory of his strength,
10 when he shall come to be glorified in his saints, and to be marveled at by all who believed --because our testimony to YOU was believed-- in that day.
11 For which we also pray always for YOU, that our God might count YOU worthy of the calling, and fulfill every desire of goodness and work of faith, with power;
12 so that the name of our Lord Jesus might be glorified in YOU, and YOU in him, according to the grace of our God and Lord Jesus Christ.
2 Thessalonians 2
1 Now we ask of YOU, brethren, about the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ, and our being gathered together to him;
2 that YOU be not quickly shaken in mind, nor frightened, either by spirit, or by word, or by a letter as though from us, that the day of the Lord is here;
3 Do not let anyone deceive YOU by any means: for it will not come unless the apostasy comes first, and the man of iniquity will be revealed, the son of destruction,
4 he that opposes and exalts himself above all that is called God or that is worshipped; so that he sits down in the temple of God, showing himself off as if he is God.
5 Don’t YOU remember that when I was still near YOU, I told YOU these things?
6 And now YOU know the one restraining, so that he will be revealed in his appointed time.
7 For the mystery of iniquity is already working: only the one is restraining now, until he is taken out of the way.
8 And then will the wicked one be revealed, whom the Lord Jesus will consume with the breath (or possibly “spirit”) of his mouth, and make the manifestation of his coming ineffective,
9 whose coming is according to the working of Satan with all power and signs and false wonders,
10 and with every deceit of unrighteousness for those who are destroying themselves, in that they did not receive the love of the truth, that they might be saved.
11 And because of this, God is sending to them a working of error, so they will believe the lie:
12 that they all might be judged who have not believed the truth, but took pleasure in unrighteousness.
13 But we are bound to give thanks to God always for YOU, brethren, beloved of the Lord, because God selected YOU from the beginning for salvation in sanctification of the spirit and faith in the truth:
14 into which he called YOU through our gospel, to the obtaining of the glory of our Lord Jesus Christ.
15 So then, brethren, stand, and hold fast the precepts which YOU were taught, whether by word, or by our letter.
16 Now our Lord Jesus Christ himself, and God our Father who loved us and gave us eternal comfort and good hope through grace,
17 may he comfort YOUR hearts and establish them in every good work and word.
2 Thessalonians 3
1 Finally, brethren, pray for us, that the word of the Lord may run and be glorified, just as it also is with YOU;
2 and that we may be delivered from harmful and evil men; for all do not have the faith.
3 But the Lord is faithful, who will establish YOU, and guard YOU from the evil one.
4 And we have been persuaded by the Lord about YOU, that YOU are doing, and will do, the things which we are charging.
5 And may the Lord direct YOUR hearts into the love of God, and into the endurance of Christ.
6 Now we charge YOU, brethren, in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ, that YOU withdraw from every brother who walks disorderly, and not according to the precept which YOU received from us.
7 For YOU YOURSELVES know how YOU ought to imitate us: because we did not behave disorderly among YOU;
8 neither did we eat free bread from anyone, but in labor and toil, working night and day, that we might not burden any of YOU:
9 not that we don’t have authority, but in order to give ourselves as an example to YOU, so that YOU would imitate us.
10 For even when we were near YOU, this we charged YOU, If any is not willing to work, neither let him eat.
11 For we hear that some are walking among YOU disorderly, not working at all, but are meddling busybodies.
12 Now to them that are such we charge and encourage in the Lord Jesus Christ, that with quietness they work, that they may eat their own bread.
13 But YOU, brethren, do not tire of well-doing.
14 But if anyone does not obey our word by this letter, take note of that one, not to associate with him, so that he might be turned.
15 And do not consider him as an enemy, but admonish him as a brother.
16 May the Lord of peace himself give YOU peace at all times in every way. The Lord be with all of YOU.
17 The greeting of Paul with my own hand, which is a sign in every letter: in this way I am writing.
18 The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with all of YOU.