2 Thessalonians 2:6

KJV

And now ye know what withholdeth that he might be revealed in his time.

KJV (with Strong's)

And {G2532} now {G3568} ye know {G1492} what withholdeth {G2722} that {G1519} he {G846} might be revealed {G601} in {G1722} his {G1438} time {G2540}.

Complete Jewish Bible

And now you know what is restraining, so that he may be revealed in his own time.

Berean Standard Bible

And you know what is now restraining him, so that he may be revealed at the proper time.

American Standard Version

And now ye know that which restraineth, to the end that he may be revealed in his own season.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Second Thessalonians 2:6 is a crucial verse within Paul's eschatological discourse, revealing that a specific entity or force is currently restraining the full manifestation of the "man of lawlessness" (Antichrist). Paul reminds the Thessalonian believers of this truth, which he had previously taught them, emphasizing that this powerful individual cannot be revealed until God's appointed time and until the restraining influence is removed or steps aside. This verse underscores God's sovereign control over the timing of prophetic events, even in the face of impending evil.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Paul's second letter to the Thessalonians primarily addresses their distress concerning the "Day of the Lord." Some believers had been shaken by false teachings, perhaps even forged letters, suggesting that this Day had already arrived, leading to confusion and anxiety. In [2 Thessalonians 2:1-2](/2_thessalonians/2-1-2 "2 Thessalonians 2:1-2 - The Coming of Christ and the Day of the Lord"), Paul reassures them, stating that two major events must precede the Day of the Lord: first, a great "falling away" or apostasy, and second, the revelation of "the man of lawlessness" ([2 Thessalonians 2:3](/2_thessalonians/2-3 "2 Thessalonians 2:3 - The Man of Lawlessness")). This "man of lawlessness" will oppose God, exalt himself, and perform deceptive signs and wonders ([2 Thessalonians 2:4-9](/2_thessalonians/2-4-9 "2 Thessalonians 2:4-9 - The Lawless One and His Destruction")). Verse 6 then introduces the critical concept of a "restrainer," an entity or force that is actively preventing the full manifestation of this wicked individual. It sets the stage for the subsequent verse, [2 Thessalonians 2:7](/2_thessalonians/2-7 "2 Thessalonians 2:7 - The Mystery of Lawlessness and the Restrainer"), which further clarifies the nature of this restraint by shifting from a neuter "what withholdeth" to a masculine "he who now letteth," implying both a principle and a person.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The Thessalonian church was relatively young, founded by Paul during his second missionary journey. They had faced persecution from both Jewish and Gentile opposition ([1 Thessalonians 2:14-16](/1_thessalonians/2-14-16 "1 Thessalonians 2:14-16 - Persecution of the Thessalonians")). Their strong faith was commendable, but their eschatological understanding was a point of vulnerability. The Roman Empire, in Paul's time, provided a degree of law and order (the Pax Romana), which could be seen as a restraining force against chaos. Early Christians lived under the authority of Roman law, which, despite its imperfections and occasional persecution, maintained civil society. The concept of a prevailing order, whether divine or human, that holds back ultimate chaos would have resonated in a world where imperial power was a tangible presence. Furthermore, the Thessalonians' distress suggests a genuine concern for the timing of Christ's return and the unfolding of prophetic events, making Paul's clarification concerning the restrainer and the man of lawlessness highly relevant to their immediate context and anxieties.
* **Key Themes:** This verse contributes significantly to several major theological and narrative themes within 2 Thessalonians and broader biblical eschatology. One prominent theme is **Divine Sovereignty and Timing**, emphasizing that even the revelation of ultimate evil is not random or uncontrolled, but occurs precisely "in his time," according to God's predetermined plan. This provides comfort and assurance that God remains in control, even amidst the rise of wickedness, as seen in [Psalm 103:19](/psalm/103-19 "Psalm 103:19 - God's Sovereign Rule"). Another crucial theme is the **Nature of Evil and Antichrist**, underscoring that while the "mystery of lawlessness" is already at work ([2 Thessalonians 2:7](/2_thessalonians/2-7 "2 Thessalonians 2:7 - The Mystery of Lawlessness")), its full, unrestrained manifestation is being held back by a powerful, divinely appointed force. This highlights the progressive nature of evil's revelation. Finally, the **Identity of the Restrainer** itself becomes a key theme, though left ambiguous by Paul. This ambiguity has led to much theological discussion, with common interpretations including the Holy Spirit, the Church, human government, or a divine decree, all of which point to God's active involvement in restraining evil until the appointed hour. This theme reinforces the idea that God's grace and patience are at work, preventing the full unleashing of chaos until His purposes are fulfilled.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **know (Greek, _eídō'_):** From G1492, a primary verb meaning "to see (literally or figuratively); by implication, (in the perfect tense only) to know." In this context, it implies a deep, experiential knowledge that the Thessalonians possessed, likely from Paul's oral teaching. They "knew" what the restrainer was, indicating a specific, shared understanding between Paul and the church, which is now lost to us through the brevity of the text.
* **withholdeth (Greek, _katéchō'_):** From G2722, meaning "to hold down (fast), in various applications (literally or figuratively):--have, hold (fast), keep (in memory), let, X make toward, possess, retain, seize on, stay, take, withhold." The neuter participle "what withholdeth" (τὸ κατέχον, _to katechon_) signifies an active, ongoing process of restraint or hindrance. It implies a powerful and effective force that is currently preventing something from happening.
* **revealed (Greek, _apokalýptō'_):** From G601, meaning "to take off the cover, i.e. disclose:--reveal." This word emphasizes the public, unmistakable manifestation of the "man of lawlessness." The restrainer's purpose is to prevent this full disclosure until the divinely appointed moment. It speaks to a dramatic unveiling, not a gradual emergence.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And now ye know":** This opening phrase establishes a shared understanding between Paul and the Thessalonians. It indicates that Paul is not introducing a new concept but reminding them of something he had previously taught them in person. The knowledge is specific and foundational to their understanding of eschatological events.
* **"what withholdeth":** This refers to an active, ongoing restraining force or entity. The Greek word is neuter (τὸ κατέχον, _to katechon_), suggesting it could be an impersonal force (like law, order, or divine decree) or a collective entity. This restraint is crucial, as it prevents the immediate manifestation of the man of lawlessness.
* **"that he might be revealed in his time":** This clause clarifies the purpose of the restraint: to prevent the premature revelation of the "man of lawlessness" until God's appointed moment. The phrase "in his time" (ἐν τῷ καιρῷ αὐτοῦ, _en tō kairō autou_) underscores divine sovereignty over the timing of prophetic events. The Antichrist cannot appear until the restrainer is removed and God's sovereign timetable permits.

#### Literary Devices
The verse employs several significant literary devices. **Enigma** or **Mystery** is perhaps the most prominent, as Paul refers to the restrainer with a vague "what withholdeth" (and later "he who now letteth" in [2 Thessalonians 2:7](/2_thessalonians/2-7 "2 Thessalonians 2:7 - The Mystery of Lawlessness and the Restrainer")), implying a knowledge shared with his audience but not explicitly stated in the letter. This creates a sense of intrigue and has fueled centuries of theological debate. The use of **Eschatological Language** is central, placing the verse firmly within the discourse of end-time events and the unfolding of God's prophetic plan. There is also an element of **Foreshadowing**, as the verse points forward to the eventual revelation of the man of lawlessness, even while emphasizing the present restraint. This builds anticipation for future events while simultaneously offering comfort through the assurance of divine control.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
The concept of a divine restraint on evil is a profound theological truth woven throughout Scripture. It speaks to God's active involvement in human history, not merely as an observer but as a sovereign orchestrator who limits the full expression of sin and chaos until His purposes are complete. This restraint is an act of divine patience and grace, allowing time for repentance and the spread of the Gospel. It assures believers that even in the face of escalating wickedness, God remains in ultimate control, preventing the premature unleashing of ultimate evil. The "mystery of lawlessness" is indeed at work, but it is not yet fully revealed because God, through His chosen means, is holding it back, demonstrating His power and sovereignty over all things, including the forces of darkness.

* [Daniel 11:36](/daniel/11-36 "Daniel 11:36 - The King Who Exalts Himself")
* [Romans 13:1-7](/romans/13-1-7 "Romans 13:1-7 - Submission to Governing Authorities")
* [1 John 4:1-3](/1_john/4-1-3 "1 John 4:1-3 - Testing the Spirits")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
In a world that often feels increasingly chaotic and morally adrift, 2 Thessalonians 2:6 offers profound comfort and a call to steadfastness. It reminds us that no matter how pervasive evil seems, God remains sovereignly in control, actively restraining the full manifestation of lawlessness until His appointed time. This truth should alleviate anxiety and foster a deep sense of peace, knowing that there is no panic in heaven and that God's plan is unfolding precisely as He intends. For believers, this means we are called to live with both vigilance and hope. We are to be discerning, recognizing the "mystery of lawlessness" at work in various forms around us, yet we are also to be filled with hope, knowing that God's purposes for redemption and ultimate triumph will prevail. Our mission to proclaim the Gospel and live righteously continues, empowered by the Spirit, even as the world moves towards its appointed end. We are not to be paralyzed by fear of the future but motivated by the certainty of God's unwavering control and the ultimate victory of Christ.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the concept of a "restrainer" impact your understanding of God's sovereignty in the face of global evil and increasing lawlessness?**
* **Given the ambiguity of the restrainer's identity, what practical implications does the *existence* of a restrainer have for your daily life and witness?**
* **How does the phrase "in his time" encourage you to trust God's perfect timing, even when you desire immediate resolution to world problems?**
* **What specific actions can you take to live discerningly and steadfastly in light of the "mystery of lawlessness" at work in the world today?**

### FAQ
**What is the most widely accepted identity of "what withholdeth" (the restrainer) in 2 Thessalonians 2:6?**

Answer: The identity of the "restrainer" (τὸ κατέχον, _to katechon_, in verse 6, and ὁ κατέχων, _ho katechon_, in verse 7) is one of the most debated topics in New Testament eschatology, and there is no single widely accepted answer. Paul intentionally leaves the identity ambiguous, likely because the Thessalonians already knew from his oral teaching. However, the primary interpretations fall into a few categories:

1. **The Holy Spirit:** This view suggests the Holy Spirit, who indwells believers and works in the world to convict of sin and restrain evil, is the restrainer. When the Church (indwelt by the Spirit) is removed (e.g., in a pre-tribulation rapture), the Spirit's restraining influence would be lessened, allowing the man of lawlessness to be revealed. The shift from neuter ("what") to masculine ("he") could refer to the Spirit's work through the Church (neuter) and then the Spirit Himself (masculine).
2. **Human Government/Law and Order:** This interpretation posits that the restrainer is the principle of civil law and government, particularly the Roman Empire in Paul's day, which maintained order and prevented complete chaos. When this governmental authority collapses or is removed, the lawless one can emerge. This aligns with [Romans 13:1-7](/romans/13-1-7 "Romans 13:1-7 - Submission to Governing Authorities"), which speaks of governing authorities as God's ministers for good.
3. **The Church:** Some believe the Church itself, as the salt and light of the world ([Matthew 5:13-16](/matthew/5-13-16 "Matthew 5:13-16 - Salt and Light")), acts as a moral and spiritual restraint against evil. The removal of the Church (e.g., via the rapture) would then allow the man of lawlessness to be revealed.
4. **A Divine Decree or Angelic Being:** Less common, but some suggest it's a specific divine decree or an angelic being appointed by God to hold back evil until the appointed time.

Ultimately, while the specific identity remains a mystery to us, the critical takeaway is that a powerful, divinely ordained force is actively preventing the full manifestation of evil, underscoring God's absolute sovereignty over all end-time events.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Second Thessalonians 2:6, while focusing on the restraint of evil, ultimately points to the supreme sovereignty of Christ over all things, including the timing and revelation of lawlessness. It is through Christ that God exercises His ultimate control, ensuring that the "man of lawlessness" cannot be revealed until "his time," which is ultimately God's time. Christ, in His first coming, already triumphed over the powers of darkness, disarming them on the cross ([Colossians 2:15](/colossians/2-15 "Colossians 2:15 - Christ's Triumph Over Principalities")), and He continues to restrain evil through His Spirit, His Church, and His providential rule in the world. The "mystery of lawlessness" is indeed at work, but it is held in check by the one who has "all authority in heaven and on earth" ([Matthew 28:18](/matthew/28-18 "Matthew 28:18 - The Great Commission")). The ultimate fulfillment of this verse lies in Christ's second coming, when He will definitively "consume with the spirit of his mouth, and shall destroy with the brightness of his coming" the lawless one ([2 Thessalonians 2:8](/2_thessalonians/2-8 "2 Thessalonians 2:8 - The Destruction of the Lawless One")). Thus, the temporary restraint described in verse 6 serves to highlight the glorious, final revelation of Christ, who will utterly vanquish all evil and establish His eternal kingdom, fulfilling the promise that Jesus "appeared to destroy the works of the devil" ([1 John 3:8](/1_john/3-8 "1 John 3:8 - Jesus Appeared to Destroy the Works of the Devil")).

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

2 Thessalonians 2:3

¶ Let no man deceive you by any means: for [that day shall not come], except there come a falling away first, and that man of sin be revealed, the son of perdition;

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: