2 Thessalonians 1:9

Who shall be punished with everlasting destruction from the presence of the Lord, and from the glory of his power;

Who {G3748} shall be punished {G1349}{G5099} with everlasting {G166} destruction {G3639} from {G575} the presence {G4383} of the Lord {G2962}, and {G2532} from {G575} the glory {G1391} of his {G846} power {G2479};

They will suffer the just penalty of eternal destruction, far away from the face of the Lord and the glory of his might.

They will suffer the penalty of eternal destruction, separated from the presence of the Lord and the glory of His might,

who shall suffer punishment, even eternal destruction from the face of the Lord and from the glory of his might,

2 Thessalonians 1:9 KJV describes the severe and ultimate consequence for those who reject God and disobey the gospel of Jesus Christ. This verse is part of Paul's broader message of comfort and assurance to the Thessalonian believers, who were enduring persecution.

Context

This verse follows Paul's declaration in 2 Thessalonians 1:7 that the Lord Jesus will be revealed from heaven with His mighty angels. The "who" in verse 9 refers directly to "them that know not God, and that obey not the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ" as stated in 2 Thessalonians 1:8. Paul assures the persecuted believers that God's justice will prevail; while they receive rest, their oppressors and those who reject the truth will face divine retribution. This passage emphasizes God's righteous judgment at the end of the age, a significant theme in eschatology.

Key Themes

  • Divine Justice and Retribution: The verse underscores God's absolute justice. He is not indifferent to sin or the suffering of His people. The punishment is a just consequence for willful ignorance of God and disobedience to His revealed truth.
  • Everlasting Destruction: The phrase "everlasting destruction" (Greek: aiōnios olethros) signifies a permanent state of ruin and loss, not necessarily annihilation or ceasing to exist. It points to an unending, irreversible condition of spiritual desolation and separation from God's life-giving presence. This concept aligns with other biblical descriptions of everlasting punishment.
  • Separation from God's Presence: The core of this destruction is being "from the presence of the Lord, and from the glory of his power." This emphasizes the ultimate spiritual tragedy: exclusion from the source of all life, light, and blessing. It is a state of utter alienation from God's glorious majesty and sustaining power, a terrifying prospect for those who reject His grace.

Linguistic Insights

The Greek word for "everlasting" is aiōnios, which denotes a quality pertaining to an age or eternity, implying perpetuity and an unending duration in this context. "Destruction" is olethros, meaning ruin, loss, or undoing. It describes a state of being undone or ruined, rather than complete non-existence. This "destruction" is therefore a state of eternal ruin and separation from God, not annihilation.

Practical Application

This verse serves as a solemn warning and a profound comfort. For those who have not yet submitted to the gospel, it highlights the immense urgency of repentance and faith in Jesus Christ, as the alternative is a terrifying separation from God's love and light. For believers facing adversity or persecution, it offers assurance that God sees their suffering and will ultimately bring perfect justice. His power will not only save His people but also justly judge those who oppose Him. It calls all to reverence God's holiness and respond to His gracious invitation while there is still time, avoiding the fate of being hidden from His glorious presence.

Note: Commentary was generated by an advanced AI, utilizing a prompt that emphasized Biblical fidelity over bias. We've found these insights to be consistently reliable, yet we always encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

  • Matthew 25:41

    Then shall he say also unto them on the left hand, Depart from me, ye cursed, into everlasting fire, prepared for the devil and his angels:

  • 2 Thessalonians 2:8

    And then shall that Wicked be revealed, whom the Lord shall consume with the spirit of his mouth, and shall destroy with the brightness of his coming:

  • Revelation 14:10

    The same shall drink of the wine of the wrath of God, which is poured out without mixture into the cup of his indignation; and he shall be tormented with fire and brimstone in the presence of the holy angels, and in the presence of the Lamb:

  • Revelation 14:11

    And the smoke of their torment ascendeth up for ever and ever: and they have no rest day nor night, who worship the beast and his image, and whosoever receiveth the mark of his name.

  • Matthew 25:46

    And these shall go away into everlasting punishment: but the righteous into life eternal.

  • Isaiah 2:21

    To go into the clefts of the rocks, and into the tops of the ragged rocks, for fear of the LORD, and for the glory of his majesty, when he ariseth to shake terribly the earth.

  • Revelation 21:8

    But the fearful, and unbelieving, and the abominable, and murderers, and whoremongers, and sorcerers, and idolaters, and all liars, shall have their part in the lake which burneth with fire and brimstone: which is the second death.

Add TrulyRandomVerse to your Home Screen for quick access!

← Back