That they all might be damned who believed not the truth, but had pleasure in unrighteousness.
That {G2443} they all {G3956} might be damned {G2919} who {G3588} believed {G4100} not {G3361} the truth {G225}, but {G235} had pleasure {G2106} in {G1722} unrighteousness {G93}.
The result will be that all who have not believed the truth, but have taken their pleasure in wickedness, will be condemned.
in order that judgment may come upon all who have disbelieved the truth and delighted in wickedness.
that they all might be judged who believed not the truth, but had pleasure in unrighteousness.
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Romans 1:32
Who knowing the judgment of God, that they which commit such things are worthy of death, not only do the same, but have pleasure in them that do them. -
Romans 8:7
Because the carnal mind [is] enmity against God: for it is not subject to the law of God, neither indeed can be. -
Romans 8:8
So then they that are in the flesh cannot please God. -
Mark 16:16
He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved; but he that believeth not shall be damned. -
Romans 2:8
But unto them that are contentious, and do not obey the truth, but obey unrighteousness, indignation and wrath, -
Hosea 7:3
They make the king glad with their wickedness, and the princes with their lies. -
Romans 12:9
[Let] love be without dissimulation. Abhor that which is evil; cleave to that which is good.
This verse concludes a passage describing the fate of those who reject the truth of the gospel and embrace deception, particularly in the context of the "man of sin" and the "strong delusion." It starkly states the consequence for those who actively disbelieve God's truth and find satisfaction in sin.
Context
Second Thessalonians chapter 2 deals with the coming of the Lord and the events preceding it, including the appearance of the "man of sin" (the Antichrist). Verses 10 and 11 describe how those who perish do so because they "received not the love of the truth," leading God to send them a strong delusion, that they should believe a lie. Verse 12 explains the purpose and outcome of this delusion: their condemnation.
Key Themes
Linguistic Insights
The word translated "damned" in the KJV is the Greek word krithōsin (κριθῶσιν), which means "they might be judged" or "they might be condemned." It carries the sense of a judicial decision resulting in an adverse outcome. The phrase "had pleasure in unrighteousness" comes from eudokēsantes en adikia (εὐδοκήσαντες ἐν ἀδικίᾳ). Eudokēsantes implies taking delight in, approving of, or being well-pleased with. Adikia means unrighteousness, injustice, or wickedness. So, it's not merely committing sin, but a deliberate approval or enjoyment of it, contrasting sharply with receiving "the love of the truth" mentioned earlier in the chapter.
Reflection
This verse serves as a sobering warning about the eternal consequences of rejecting God's truth and actively choosing to live in and approve of sin. It underscores the importance of not only hearing the truth but receiving the love of the truth, which leads to salvation. The delight one takes reveals the heart's true orientation. Finding "pleasure in unrighteousness" is presented as fundamentally opposed to believing and loving God's truth, leading ultimately to condemnation. It calls believers to examine their own hearts and ensure their delight is in God and His righteousness, not in the ways of the world.