2 Thessalonians 1:6

KJV

Seeing [it is] a righteous thing with God to recompense tribulation to them that trouble you;

KJV (with Strong's)

Seeing {G1512} it is a righteous thing {G1342} with {G3844} God {G2316} to recompense {G467} tribulation {G2347} to them that trouble {G2346} you {G5209};

Complete Jewish Bible

For it is justice for God to pay back trouble to those who are troubling you,

Berean Standard Bible

After all, it is only right for God to repay with affliction those who afflict you,

American Standard Version

if so be that it is a righteous thing with God to recompense affliction to them that afflict you,

Commentary

### SUMMARY
2 Thessalonians 1:6 offers profound reassurance to persecuted believers, affirming that God, in His inherent righteousness, will justly recompense those who inflict suffering upon His people. This verse underscores the divine certainty of ultimate justice, providing comfort and hope to those enduring tribulation while serving as a sober warning to oppressors that their actions will not go unaddressed by a perfectly just God.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is strategically placed within Paul’s opening thanksgiving and encouragement to the church in Thessalonica. Paul has just commended their remarkable steadfastness, patience, and faith amidst severe persecution, noting how their endurance serves as a clear indication of God's righteous judgment (`/2_thessalonians/1-3-5 "2 Thessalonians 1:3-5 - Paul's Commendation of the Thessalonians"`). Verse 6 then immediately follows, providing the theological foundation for that commendation: God's justice guarantees that their suffering is not in vain and their oppressors will face divine retribution. This declaration sets the stage for the vivid description of the Lord's glorious return and the subsequent judgment upon those who do not know God or obey the gospel (`/2_thessalonians/1-7-10 "2 Thessalonians 1:7-10 - The Lord's Return and Judgment"`). Thus, 2 Thessalonians 1:6 acts as a pivotal bridge, connecting the Thessalonians' present suffering to God's future, decisive intervention.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The early Christian communities, including the Thessalonians, frequently faced intense opposition and persecution. This tribulation likely came from various sources: zealous Jews who rejected Christ, pagan neighbors who saw Christianity as a threat to their traditional ways, and potentially Roman authorities who viewed the nascent faith with suspicion. Such persecution was not merely social ostracism but could involve physical violence, economic hardship, and even martyrdom. In this environment, believers desperately needed assurance that their suffering was seen by God and that justice would prevail. The concept of divine justice and retribution was not alien to the ancient world, but Paul's emphasis on God's *righteousness* (`/romans/3-21-26 "Romans 3:21-26 - God's Righteousness Revealed"`) in administering this justice would have resonated deeply, providing a unique and powerful source of comfort and stability in a chaotic and often hostile world.
* **Key Themes:** 2 Thessalonians 1:6 contributes significantly to several overarching themes within the epistle and broader Pauline theology. Foremost is the theme of **Divine Justice and Retribution**, asserting God's active involvement in the affairs of humanity to ensure moral order and accountability. It highlights **God's Righteous Character**, emphasizing that His actions are always consistent with His perfect nature, making His judgment entirely trustworthy. Furthermore, the verse offers profound **Reassurance for the Persecuted**, validating their suffering in the eyes of God and promising ultimate vindication. This ties into the theme of **Eschatological Hope**, as the recompense spoken of anticipates the Lord's return and the final judgment, where all wrongs will be made right (`/2_thessalonians/1-7 "2 Thessalonians 1:7 - Rest for the Afflicted"`). The Thessalonians' enduring **Faith and Patience in Suffering** (`/2_thessalonians/1-4 "2 Thessalonians 1:4 - Their Patience and Faith"`) are presented as evidence that God's righteous judgment is indeed at work, culminating in this divine recompense.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **righteous (Greek, _díkaios'_):** From G1342, this term signifies that which is equitable in character or act, implying innocence, holiness, and justness. When applied to God, it underscores His inherent moral perfection and the absolute fairness of His judgments. It's not merely that God *does* what is right, but that He *is* righteous, and therefore His actions, including recompense, are always consistent with His flawless nature.
* **recompense (Greek, _antapodídōmi'_):** From G467, this verb means "to give back," "to repay," or "to requite," whether good or evil. In this context, it carries the strong connotation of a just and equitable return for actions. It implies a divinely administered reciprocity, where the measure of suffering inflicted by oppressors will be returned to them by God's hand.
* **tribulation (Greek, _thlîpsis'_):** From G2347, this noun denotes "pressure," "affliction," "anguish," or "trouble." It describes the intense suffering and persecution endured by the Thessalonian believers. What is striking is its connection to the verb "trouble" (G2346, _thlíbō_), which means "to crowd," "afflict," or "suffer tribulation." This lexical link emphasizes the principle of *lex talionis* (law of retaliation) in a divine context: those who inflict *thlîpsis* (tribulation) will themselves receive *thlîpsis* as recompense from God.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Seeing [it is] a righteous thing with God":** This opening clause establishes the unshakeable foundation for the subsequent declaration. It asserts that God's very nature is righteous and just. His actions are not arbitrary or capricious but flow from His perfect character. Therefore, whatever He does, including judgment, is inherently right and fair. The phrase "with God" emphasizes that this righteousness is an attribute *of* God, a part of His divine essence.
* **"to recompense tribulation":** This specifies the nature of God's righteous action. "Recompense" implies a repayment or requital, a giving back in kind. The object of this recompense is "tribulation," the very suffering that the oppressors inflicted upon the believers. This is not a random act of punishment but a precise, just return for their hostile actions. It highlights the principle that those who cause suffering will themselves experience a form of it, divinely administered.
* **"to them that trouble you;":** This identifies the recipients of God's righteous recompense: those who actively persecute and oppress the believers. The verb "trouble" (from _thlíbō_) is directly related to "tribulation" (_thlîpsis_), creating a powerful wordplay that underscores the direct correlation between the oppressors' actions and their destined recompense. It assures the Thessalonians that their specific tormentors will face divine accountability.

#### Literary Devices
The verse effectively employs several literary devices to convey its powerful message. **Antithesis** is central, contrasting the suffering endured by the righteous with the tribulation that will be justly meted out to their oppressors. This stark opposition highlights the divine reversal of fortunes. **Lexical Repetition** and **Paronomasia** are evident in the use of the cognate Greek words _thlîpsis_ ("tribulation") and _thlíbō_ ("to trouble"). This deliberate wordplay emphasizes the poetic justice of God's recompense, where the very nature of the suffering inflicted is returned to the inflictor. Furthermore, the phrase "it is a righteous thing" implies a **Divine Passive** or **Divine Agency**, where God is the implicit, yet undeniable, actor behind the "recompense." This underscores His sovereignty and active involvement in upholding justice.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
2 Thessalonians 1:6 stands as a powerful testament to the biblical truth that God is a God of justice, who neither overlooks nor ignores the suffering of His people. This divine attribute is foundational to the entire biblical narrative, from the covenant promises to the prophetic warnings and the ultimate eschatological consummation. It assures believers that their present trials are seen and accounted for, and that the scales of justice, though seemingly imbalanced in the present, will ultimately be righted by God's sovereign hand. This truth provides immense comfort, enabling believers to persevere in faith without resorting to personal vengeance, knowing that ultimate vindication belongs to the Lord. It also serves as a solemn warning to those who oppose God's people, reminding them of the inescapable reality of divine accountability.
* [Deuteronomy 32:35](/deuteronomy/32-35 "Deuteronomy 32:35 - Vengeance is Mine")
* [Romans 12:19](/romans/12-19 "Romans 12:19 - Do Not Avenge Yourselves")
* [Revelation 6:9-11](/revelation/6-9-11 "Revelation 6:9-11 - The Cry of the Martyrs for Justice")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
For believers today, 2 Thessalonians 1:6 offers a profound anchor in a world often marked by injustice and suffering. It calls us to a deeper trust in God's sovereign character, reminding us that He is perfectly righteous and will ensure that all wrongs are ultimately made right. When we face opposition, unfairness, or persecution for our faith, this verse encourages us not to despair or seek personal revenge, but to rest in the assurance that our God sees, knows, and will act. It cultivates patience and perseverance, knowing that our present light and momentary troubles are working for us an eternal weight of glory. Simultaneously, it serves as a powerful reminder for all, including believers, of the seriousness of causing harm or trouble to others, for God's justice is impartial and applies to all. Our response to injustice should therefore be marked by faith, prayer, and a commitment to living righteously, leaving the final judgment in God's capable hands.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the truth of God's righteous recompense shape your response when you experience injustice or suffering?**
* **In what ways does this verse encourage you to trust God's timing and sovereignty, rather than seeking personal vengeance?**
* **What does 2 Thessalonians 1:6 teach you about the character of God, and how does that understanding impact your faith?**

### FAQ

**Does this verse encourage believers to seek revenge against those who trouble them?**

Answer: Absolutely not. While 2 Thessalonians 1:6 speaks of God's righteous recompense, it is a declaration of divine justice, not a mandate for human vengeance. The Bible consistently teaches believers to refrain from personal retaliation, instead entrusting justice to God. As [Romans 12:19](/romans/12-19 "Romans 12:19 - Vengeance Belongs to God") clearly states, "Vengeance is Mine; I will repay, says the Lord." This verse provides comfort and assurance to the persecuted that God sees their suffering and will act on their behalf, freeing them from the burden of seeking retribution themselves. It encourages patience, faith, and a focus on living righteously, leaving the final judgment in God's capable hands.

**What kind of "tribulation" will God recompense to those who trouble believers?**

Answer: The "tribulation" that God will recompense is a divinely administered form of suffering that is proportionate to the trouble inflicted upon His people. The Greek words for "tribulation" (_thlîpsis_) and "trouble" (_thlíbō_) are closely related, suggesting a "like-for-like" principle, though from God's hand. This recompense is not merely human suffering but a just divine judgment, culminating in the ultimate punishment described in [2 Thessalonians 1:7-9](/2_thessalonians/1-7-9 "2 Thessalonians 1:7-9 - The Lord's Vengeance and Eternal Destruction"). This includes "flaming fire" and "eternal destruction from the presence of the Lord and from the glory of His power." It is a manifestation of God's perfect justice, ensuring that those who reject Him and oppress His people will face the consequences of their actions.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
2 Thessalonians 1:6 finds its ultimate Christ-centered fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus, who is both the righteous Judge and the suffering Savior. The "righteous thing with God" to recompense tribulation is perfectly embodied in Christ's dual role. On one hand, Jesus himself endured immense tribulation and persecution, identifying with the very suffering of His people (`/isaiah/53-3 "Isaiah 53:3 - He Was Despised and Rejected"`). His crucifixion was the ultimate act of injustice, yet through it, He became the means by which God's perfect justice and mercy were simultaneously satisfied (`/romans/3-25-26 "Romans 3:25-26 - God's Righteousness Displayed in Christ"`). On the other hand, Christ is the appointed Judge through whom all recompense will be administered (`/john/5-22 "John 5:22 - The Father Has Committed All Judgment to the Son"`). The future "tribulation" recompensed to oppressors will occur at His glorious return, when He comes "with his mighty angels in flaming fire, inflicting vengeance" (`/2_thessalonians/1-7-8 "2 Thessalonians 1:7-8 - The Revelation of the Lord Jesus"`). Thus, the assurance of divine justice in 2 Thessalonians 1:6 is not a detached theological concept but is intrinsically tied to the person of Jesus Christ, who will bring both "rest" to the afflicted and righteous judgment upon those who trouble them, ultimately establishing His eternal kingdom where righteousness dwells (`/2_peter/3-13 "2 Peter 3:13 - New Heavens and a New Earth, Where Righteousness Dwells"`).

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Colossians 3:25

But he that doeth wrong shall receive for the wrong which he hath done: and there is no respect of persons.

Zechariah 2:8

For thus saith the LORD of hosts; After the glory hath he sent me unto the nations which spoiled you: for he that toucheth you toucheth the apple of his eye.

Psalms 94:20

Shall the throne of iniquity have fellowship with thee, which frameth mischief by a law?

Psalms 94:23

And he shall bring upon them their own iniquity, and shall cut them off in their own wickedness; [yea], the LORD our God shall cut them off.

Deuteronomy 32:41

If I whet my glittering sword, and mine hand take hold on judgment; I will render vengeance to mine enemies, and will reward them that hate me.

Deuteronomy 32:43

Rejoice, O ye nations, [with] his people: for he will avenge the blood of his servants, and will render vengeance to his adversaries, and will be merciful unto his land, [and] to his people.

Psalms 74:22

Arise, O God, plead thine own cause: remember how the foolish man reproacheth thee daily.