1:7 1:7

2 Thessalonians 1:8

1:9 1:9

Bible Versions

In flaming fire taking vengeance on them that know not God, and that obey not the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ:
In {G1722} flaming {G5395} fire {G4442} taking {G1325} vengeance {G1557} on them that know {G1492} not {G3361} God {G2316}, and {G2532} that obey {G5219} not {G3361} the gospel {G2098} of our {G2257} Lord {G2962} Jesus {G2424} Christ {G5547}:
in a fiery flame. Then he will punish those who don’t know God, that is, those who don’t listen to the Good News of our Lord Yeshua and obey it.
in blazing fire, inflicting vengeance on those who do not know God and do not obey the gospel of our Lord Jesus.
rendering vengeance to them that know not God, and to them that obey not the gospel of our Lord Jesus:

2 Thessalonians 1:8 (KJV) speaks powerfully about the nature of divine judgment that will accompany the Lord Jesus Christ's return. This verse is part of Paul's comforting message to the Thessalonian believers, who were enduring significant persecution for their faith.

Context

This verse is found within the opening chapter of Paul's second letter to the church in Thessalonica. The believers there were facing intense suffering and tribulation (2 Thessalonians 1:4). Paul assures them that their suffering is proof of God's righteous judgment, which will ultimately result in justice for their persecutors and rest for the believers (2 Thessalonians 1:7). Verse 8 then describes the terrifying aspect of this coming judgment, specifically focusing on those who have rejected God and His saving message.

Key Themes

  • Divine Justice and Vengeance: The verse highlights God's ultimate and righteous judgment against those who oppose Him. This "vengeance" is not a human emotion of spite, but a holy and just recompense for rebellion against His truth and authority. It is God's prerogative to judge, as seen in Romans 12:19.
  • The Second Coming of Christ: This judgment is inextricably linked to the glorious and terrifying return of the Lord Jesus Christ "from heaven with his mighty angels" (2 Thessalonians 1:7). His coming will bring both salvation to believers and condemnation to the ungodly.
  • Consequences of Disbelief and Disobedience: The verse clearly identifies two groups who will face this judgment: "them that know not God" and "that obey not the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ." This emphasizes that rejection of God occurs both through willful ignorance of His existence and refusal to submit to His revealed truth in the gospel.
  • The Nature of Judgment: "In flaming fire" vividly portrays the intensity, purity, and inescapable nature of this divine judgment. Fire in biblical imagery often symbolizes purification, testing, and destructive wrath.

Linguistic Insights

  • "Flaming fire" (Greek: en phlogi pyros): This imagery is potent, signifying a consuming, purifying, and destructive force. It's a common biblical motif for divine judgment and the presence of God's glory, as seen at Mount Sinai or in prophetic visions.
  • "Know not God" (Greek: tous mē eidotas theon): This isn't merely a lack of intellectual information, but a deeper, willful ignorance or refusal to acknowledge and relate to God. It speaks to a moral and spiritual blindness, a deliberate turning away from the Creator.
  • "Obey not the gospel" (Greek: tous mē hypakouontas tō euangeliō): The term "obey" highlights that the gospel demands more than just intellectual assent; it requires a response of submission and faith that transforms one's life. Disobedience to the gospel implies a rejection of God's gracious offer of salvation through Christ. The gospel is a command to be believed and followed, as underscored in Romans 10:16.

Practical Application

2 Thessalonians 1:8 offers several profound applications for believers today:

  • Comfort for the Persecuted: For those suffering for their faith, this verse provides assurance that God sees their tribulation and will ultimately administer perfect justice. Believers do not need to seek personal revenge, as God Himself will execute vengeance (Romans 12:19).
  • Urgency of the Gospel: The severe consequence for those who "know not God" and "obey not the gospel" underscores the critical importance of hearing, understanding, and responding to the saving message of Christ. It motivates believers to share the good news with urgency and compassion.
  • Sovereignty of God: This verse reinforces God's ultimate authority and control over all things, including the final judgment. It reminds us that His justice is perfectly righteous and inescapable for those who willfully reject Him.
  • Self-Examination: It prompts believers to examine their own lives: Do I truly "know God" in a living, relational way? Am I consistently "obeying the gospel" not just in belief, but in my daily walk and submission to Christ?
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.

  • 1 Peter 4:17

    For the time [is come] that judgment must begin at the house of God: and if [it] first [begin] at us, what shall the end [be] of them that obey not the gospel of God?

  • 2 Peter 3:7

    But the heavens and the earth, which are now, by the same word are kept in store, reserved unto fire against the day of judgment and perdition of ungodly men.

  • Hebrews 10:27

    But a certain fearful looking for of judgment and fiery indignation, which shall devour the adversaries.

  • Psalms 79:6

    ¶ Pour out thy wrath upon the heathen that have not known thee, and upon the kingdoms that have not called upon thy name.

  • 2 Peter 3:10

    But the day of the Lord will come as a thief in the night; in the which the heavens shall pass away with a great noise, and the elements shall melt with fervent heat, the earth also and the works that are therein shall be burned up.

  • 2 Peter 3:12

    Looking for and hasting unto the coming of the day of God, wherein the heavens being on fire shall be dissolved, and the elements shall melt with fervent heat?

  • Revelation 20:14

    And death and hell were cast into the lake of fire. This is the second death.
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