1:6 1:6

2 Thessalonians 1:7

1:8 1:8

Bible Versions

And to you who are troubled rest with us, when the Lord Jesus shall be revealed from heaven with his mighty angels,
And {G2532} to you {G5213} who are troubled {G2346} rest {G425} with {G3326} us {G2257}, when {G1722} the Lord {G2962} Jesus {G2424} shall be revealed {G602} from {G575} heaven {G3772} with {G3326} his {G846} mighty {G1411} angels {G32},
and to give rest along with us to you who are being troubled, when the Lord Yeshua is revealed from heaven with his mighty angels
and to grant relief to you who are oppressed and to us as well. This will take place when the Lord Jesus is revealed from heaven with His mighty angels
and to you that are afflicted rest with us, at the revelation of the Lord Jesus from heaven with the angels of his power in flaming fire,

2 Thessalonians 1:7 offers profound comfort and assurance to believers undergoing persecution and tribulation. This verse is part of Paul’s broader message to the church in Thessalonica, who were facing significant suffering for their faith.

Context

The Thessalonian church was a young community, established by Paul during his second missionary journey. From the outset, they experienced intense opposition and affliction (as evident in 1 Thessalonians 1:6). In this second letter, Paul addresses their continued distress, but also clarifies misunderstandings about the timing of the Lord's return. Here, he assures them that their present suffering is not in vain, and that God's righteous judgment will ultimately bring relief to the afflicted and retribution to their oppressors. This verse directly follows Paul's declaration that God will justly repay trouble to those who trouble them (2 Thessalonians 1:6).

Key Themes

  • Divine Justice and Vindication: The verse promises that God will execute perfect justice. While the wicked face righteous wrath, the suffering faithful will receive relief. This highlights God’s unwavering commitment to His people and His ultimate control over all circumstances.
  • The Second Coming of Christ: The core promise is the "revelation from heaven" of the Lord Jesus. This refers to Christ’s glorious and visible return, often called the Parousia or Second Coming. It will be a definitive event, marking the end of earthly suffering for believers and the beginning of their eternal rest.
  • Rest for the Troubled: For those "troubled" or afflicted, the promise is "rest with us." This is not merely a cessation of physical suffering, but a deep spiritual and eternal peace that comes with the Lord's presence. It signifies ultimate relief from all distress and opposition.
  • Majesty and Power: The phrase "with his mighty angels" underscores the immense power and authority accompanying Christ's return. It emphasizes the Kingly nature of His advent, a display of divine glory and irresistible force.

Linguistic Insights

  • The Greek word for "revealed" is apokalyptō (ἀποκαλύπτω), meaning "to uncover," "unveil," or "make manifest." It implies a clear, undeniable showing forth, often associated with divine disclosure. This is the root of the English word "apocalypse," signifying a profound unveiling of truth or events.
  • "Troubled" comes from thlibō (θλίβω), which conveys the idea of being pressed, afflicted, or put under pressure, reflecting the intense persecution the Thessalonians faced.
  • "Rest" is translated from anesis (ἄνεσις), meaning "relaxation," "relief," or "alleviation." It speaks to a profound and lasting cessation of the pressure and affliction experienced by believers.

Practical Application

For believers today, 2 Thessalonians 1:7 offers immense hope and a clear perspective on present difficulties. It reminds us that:

  • Suffering is Temporary: Any tribulation we face is finite. The ultimate "rest" awaits us at Christ's return.
  • God is Just: We can trust in God's perfect justice. He sees our struggles and will ultimately vindicate His faithful ones. This truth encourages perseverance.
  • Hope in Christ's Return: Our ultimate hope is not in earthly solutions but in the glorious return of the Lord Jesus. This future event provides profound comfort and motivates us to live faithfully in the present, knowing our reward is secure. This expectation of the Lord's coming should shape our perspective on all of life, just as it did for the early church (Titus 2:13).
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.

  • Revelation 14:13

    ¶ And I heard a voice from heaven saying unto me, Write, Blessed [are] the dead which die in the Lord from henceforth: Yea, saith the Spirit, that they may rest from their labours; and their works do follow them.

  • Matthew 16:27

    For the Son of man shall come in the glory of his Father with his angels; and then he shall reward every man according to his works.

  • Jude 1:14

    And Enoch also, the seventh from Adam, prophesied of these, saying, Behold, the Lord cometh with ten thousands of his saints,

  • Jude 1:15

    ¶ To execute judgment upon all, and to convince all that are ungodly among them of all their ungodly deeds which they have ungodly committed, and of all their hard [speeches] which ungodly sinners have spoken against him.

  • Revelation 22:16

    I Jesus have sent mine angel to testify unto you these things in the churches. I am the root and the offspring of David, [and] the bright and morning star.

  • 2 Corinthians 4:17

    For our light affliction, which is but for a moment, worketh for us a far more exceeding [and] eternal weight of glory;

  • Matthew 25:31

    When the Son of man shall come in his glory, and all the holy angels with him, then shall he sit upon the throne of his glory:
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