2 Thessalonians 2:10

KJV

And with all deceivableness of unrighteousness in them that perish; because they received not the love of the truth, that they might be saved.

KJV (with Strong's)

And {G2532} with {G1722} all {G3956} deceivableness {G539} of unrighteousness {G93} in {G1722} them that perish {G622}; because {G473}{G3739} they received {G1209} not {G3756} the love {G26} of the truth {G225}, that {G1519} they {G846} might be saved {G4982}.

Complete Jewish Bible

He will enable him to deceive, in all kinds of wicked ways, those who are headed for destruction because they would not receive the love of the truth that could have saved them.

Berean Standard Bible

and with every wicked deception directed against those who are perishing, because they refused the love of the truth that would have saved them.

American Standard Version

and with all deceit of unrighteousness for them that perish; because they received not the love of the truth, that they might be saved.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Second Thessalonians 2:10 delivers a sobering indictment on those who succumb to the eschatological deception, clarifying that their demise is not merely a consequence of external trickery but an internal rejection of divine truth. It reveals that the powerful, unrighteous deception of the end times finds fertile ground in those who actively refuse to embrace and cherish the truth, thereby forfeiting the path to salvation. This verse underscores the critical importance of a loving relationship with truth as a safeguard against spiritual ruin.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is an integral part of Paul's extended discussion in [2 Thessalonians 2](/2_thessalonians/2 "2 Thessalonians 2 - The Man of Lawlessness and the Day of the Lord"), where he addresses the Thessalonians' misunderstanding and anxiety regarding the "day of the Lord" and Christ's return. Paul clarifies that certain events must precede the Lord's coming, most notably "the rebellion" (apostasy) and the revelation of "the man of lawlessness" (the Antichrist figure), who will oppose and exalt himself above all that is called God ([2 Thessalonians 2:3-4](/2_thessalonians/2-3-4 "2 Thessalonians 2:3-4 - The Man of Lawlessness Revealed")). Verse 10 specifically describes the nature of the "lawless one's" deceptive power, stating it operates "with all deceivableness of unrighteousness," and critically identifies its victims as "them that perish" because they "received not the love of the truth, that they might be saved." This sets the stage for the subsequent verse, [2 Thessalonians 2:11](/2_thessalonians/2-11 "2 Thessalonians 2:11 - God Sends a Strong Delusion"), which explains God's role in allowing a "strong delusion" to come upon those who have already rejected the truth.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Paul wrote 2 Thessalonians to a church facing persecution and confusion, particularly concerning eschatological events. Some believers were being misled by false teachings, believing that the "day of the Lord" had already arrived ([2 Thessalonians 2:2](/2_thessalonians/2-2 "2 Thessalonians 2:2 - Do Not Be Easily Shaken")). The Roman Empire, while not explicitly mentioned, was the dominant world power, and the concept of a powerful, deceptive ruler would have resonated with their experiences of imperial cults and the pervasive unrighteousness of the age. The "deceivableness of unrighteousness" would have been understood against a backdrop of widespread idolatry, moral decay, and philosophical systems that often contradicted the simplicity and purity of the Gospel. The emphasis on "truth" (alētheia) was crucial in a Hellenistic world where various philosophies claimed to offer wisdom, but only the Gospel presented the ultimate, salvific truth embodied in Christ.

* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully contributes to several overarching themes in 2 Thessalonians and Pauline theology. It highlights the theme of **Spiritual Deception**, emphasizing its comprehensive and insidious nature, designed to ensnare those without a firm anchor in truth. It profoundly addresses the theme of **Human Responsibility and Rejection**, positing that the ultimate reason for perishing is not merely being deceived, but the active refusal to "receive the love of the truth." This rejection is a moral and spiritual failure, making individuals susceptible to the "deceivableness of unrighteousness." Furthermore, it underscores the theme of **Divine Justice and Judgment**, as the perishing of these individuals is presented as a just consequence of their willful rejection of God's salvific truth, a theme further developed in [2 Thessalonians 2:11-12](/2_thessalonians/2-11-12 "2 Thessalonians 2:11-12 - The Strong Delusion and Condemnation"). Finally, it implicitly champions the **Sovereignty of God** even amidst widespread apostasy and deception, as His ultimate plan of salvation for those who love the truth remains secure.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **deceivableness (Greek, _apátē'_):** From G539, meaning "delusion." This word emphasizes the cunning, fraudulent, and misleading nature of the unrighteousness at work. It's not just a simple error but a sophisticated, active process of deception that aims to lead one astray from the truth. The "all" (G3956, _pâs_) before it indicates a comprehensive, pervasive quality of this delusion.
* **received (Greek, _déchomai'_):** From G1209, a middle voice verb meaning "to receive (in various applications, literally or figuratively):--accept, receive, take." This is a crucial term, indicating an active, volitional act of acceptance or welcome. It implies more than just hearing or being exposed to the truth; it signifies a personal, internal appropriation and embrace of it. The negative "not" (G3756, _ou_) preceding it highlights their active refusal.
* **love (Greek, _agápē'_):** From G26, meaning "affection or benevolence; specially (plural) a love-feast:--(feast of) charity(-ably), dear, love." This is the highest form of love, a self-sacrificial, unconditional affection. The phrase "love of the truth" suggests that merely assenting to facts about God or the Gospel is insufficient; one must genuinely cherish, desire, and be devoted to the truth. This deep affection for truth acts as a spiritual safeguard.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And with all deceivableness of unrighteousness":** This phrase describes the method and character of the deception. It is not merely intellectual error but a comprehensive system of lies ("all deceivableness") rooted in and promoting moral corruption ("of unrighteousness"). This suggests that the deception is inherently evil in its source and its aims.
* **"in them that perish":** This identifies the target and consequence of the deception. The deception operates "in" or among those who are already on a path to destruction, or whose spiritual condition makes them susceptible to perishing. It highlights that the deception is not random but preys on those already spiritually vulnerable or inclined away from God.
* **"because they received not the love of the truth":** This is the fundamental reason for their perishing and susceptibility to deception. Their downfall is attributed to an active, volitional rejection of the truth, specifically the "love of the truth." It implies that they were exposed to the truth but refused to embrace it with affection and devotion, indicating a hardened heart.
* **"that they might be saved":** This clause reveals the divine purpose behind the truth's availability. The truth was presented to them with the intention that it would lead to their salvation. Their rejection of the truth's saving power is therefore a direct cause of their condemnation, underscoring the gracious provision of God and the tragic choice of humanity.

#### Literary Devices
Paul employs **Antithesis** as a primary literary device in this verse, starkly contrasting "deceivableness of unrighteousness" with "the love of the truth." This opposition highlights the two paths available to humanity: one leading to perdition through falsehood and moral decay, and the other to salvation through an affectionate embrace of divine reality. The phrase "love of the truth" also uses **Personification**, subtly attributing an object of affection to an abstract concept, thereby elevating "truth" to something worthy of profound devotion and personal commitment, rather than mere intellectual assent. This personification underscores the relational aspect of faith—it's not just about knowing facts, but loving the source and substance of those facts. Furthermore, the verse functions as a **Cause and Effect** statement, clearly articulating that the *cause* of perishing is the rejection of truth, and the *effect* is susceptibility to unrighteous deception and ultimate destruction.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Second Thessalonians 2:10 profoundly connects the rejection of truth with spiritual perishing, revealing a critical theological principle: salvation is not merely intellectual assent to facts, but a heartfelt embrace and love for God's revealed truth. This verse underscores the active role of human will in spiritual destiny, emphasizing that those who perish do so because they "received not the love of the truth," not simply because they were overwhelmed by external deception. This refusal to cherish truth opens the door to the "deceivableness of unrighteousness," culminating in divine judgment for those who willfully harden their hearts against the light. It highlights that God's justice is always intertwined with human responsibility and choice.

* [John 3:19](/john/3-19 "John 3:19 - Men Loved Darkness Rather Than Light")
* [Romans 1:28](/romans/1-28 "Romans 1:28 - God Gives Them Over to a Reprobate Mind")
* [Proverbs 1:7](/proverbs/1-7 "Proverbs 1:7 - The Fear of the Lord is the Beginning of Knowledge")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
In an age saturated with information, misinformation, and competing narratives, 2 Thessalonians 2:10 serves as a crucial spiritual compass. It challenges us to move beyond mere intellectual acknowledgment of biblical facts to a profound, affectionate love for the truth as revealed in Jesus Christ. This love for truth is not passive; it requires active engagement with Scripture, diligent discernment, and a willingness to submit our lives to its authority. When we genuinely love the truth, our hearts are guarded against the subtle and overt deceptions of unrighteousness that permeate our world, whether from secular ideologies, false religious teachings, or even our own sinful desires. This verse calls us to cultivate a spiritual appetite that craves and cherishes God's truth above all else, recognizing that our eternal destiny hinges on this foundational commitment. It compels us to ask ourselves: Do I truly love the truth, or do I merely tolerate it? Am I actively pursuing and embracing God's Word, or am I allowing the deceivableness of the world to subtly erode my conviction?

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What does it mean to "receive the love of the truth" in my daily life?**
* **How can I cultivate a deeper affection for God's truth, especially when it challenges my comfort or preconceived notions?**
* **What "deceivableness of unrighteousness" might be subtly at work in my culture or even within my own heart, and how can a love for truth protect me from it?**
* **In what ways might my lack of love for truth make me susceptible to spiritual deception?**

### FAQ

**What is the "deceivableness of unrighteousness" mentioned in this verse?**

Answer: The "deceivableness of unrighteousness" refers to the comprehensive and insidious nature of the deception employed by the "man of lawlessness" and the forces of evil. It's not just intellectual error but a cunning, fraudulent system of lies that is inherently rooted in and promotes unrighteousness (moral corruption, injustice, lawlessness). This deception is designed to mislead and destroy, appealing to the unrighteous inclinations of those who are susceptible. It suggests that evil's methods are not only powerful but also morally perverse, using falsehood to justify and perpetuate sin.

**Why does Paul say people perish because they "received not the love of the truth"?**

Answer: Paul emphasizes that perishing is not merely a passive outcome of being deceived, but an active consequence of a volitional choice. To "receive the love of the truth" implies an affectionate embrace, a cherishing, and a willing acceptance of God's revealed truth, particularly the Gospel message. Those who perish do so because they actively refused this deep, personal commitment to truth. They may have heard the truth, but they did not welcome it into their hearts with love, preferring instead to cling to unrighteousness or their own desires. This rejection hardens their hearts, making them vulnerable to deception and ultimately leading to their spiritual ruin, as seen in the broader context of [2 Thessalonians 2:11-12](/2_thermonians/2-11-12 "2 Thessalonians 2:11-12 - God's Judgment on Those Who Reject Truth").

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Second Thessalonians 2:10 finds its ultimate Christ-centered fulfillment in the person of Jesus Himself, who is the embodiment and source of "the truth." While the verse describes those who perish because they reject the love of the truth, Jesus declares, "I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me" ([John 14:6](/john/14-6 "John 14:6 - Jesus is the Way, the Truth, and the Life")). Therefore, to "receive the love of the truth" is fundamentally to receive and love Jesus Christ. He is the divine revelation, the Word made flesh ([John 1:14](/john/1-14 "John 1:14 - The Word Became Flesh")), and the one who sets us free through His truth ([John 8:32](/john/8-32 "John 8:32 - The Truth Will Set You Free")). The "deceivableness of unrighteousness" stands in stark contrast to Christ's perfect righteousness and His unwavering commitment to truth. Those who embrace Christ with love are saved from perishing, not merely by intellectual assent, but by a transformative relationship with the One who is Truth itself. Their salvation is secured by their allegiance to Him, who has overcome the power of deception and offers eternal life to all who believe ([John 3:16](/john/3-16 "John 3:16 - God So Loved the World")).

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

1 Corinthians 1:18

For the preaching of the cross is to them that perish foolishness; but unto us which are saved it is the power of God.

Proverbs 1:7

¶ The fear of the LORD [is] the beginning of knowledge: [but] fools despise wisdom and instruction.

2 Corinthians 4:2

But have renounced the hidden things of dishonesty, not walking in craftiness, nor handling the word of God deceitfully; but by manifestation of the truth commending ourselves to every man's conscience in the sight of God.

2 Corinthians 4:3

But if our gospel be hid, it is hid to them that are lost:

John 8:45

And because I tell [you] the truth, ye believe me not.

John 8:47

He that is of God heareth God's words: ye therefore hear [them] not, because ye are not of God.

2 Peter 2:12

But these, as natural brute beasts, made to be taken and destroyed, speak evil of the things that they understand not; and shall utterly perish in their own corruption;