2 Thessalonians 2:7

For the mystery of iniquity doth already work: only he who now letteth [will let], until he be taken out of the way.

For {G1063} the mystery {G3466} of iniquity {G458} doth {G1754} already {G2235} work {G1754}: only {G3440} he who now {G737} letteth {G2722} will let, until {G2193} he be taken {G1096} out of {G1537} the way {G3319}.

For already this separating from Torah is at work secretly, but it will be secretly only until he who is restraining is out of the way.

For the mystery of lawlessness is already at work, but the one who now restrains it will continue until he is taken out of the way.

For the mystery of lawlessness doth already work: only there is one that restraineth now, until he be taken out of the way.

Commentary

Second Thessalonians 2:7 is a pivotal verse within Paul's prophetic discourse concerning the end times, particularly the events preceding the return of Christ. It speaks to the active, yet currently restrained, work of evil in the world.

Context

This verse is part of Paul's explanation to the Thessalonian believers, who were concerned and possibly confused about the timing of the Lord's return and the "day of Christ." Paul clarifies that certain events must occur before Christ's second coming, specifically a great "falling away" (apostasy) and the revelation of the "man of sin" (Antichrist), as mentioned in 2 Thessalonians 2:3. Verse 7 explains why this man of lawlessness has not yet been fully revealed: there is a restraining force at work.

Key Themes

  • The Mystery of Iniquity: This phrase, mysterion tēs anomias in Greek, refers to the hidden, pervasive, and insidious working of lawlessness or rebellion against God. It signifies that the spirit of rebellion is already active in the world, subtly preparing the way for its ultimate manifestation in the figure of the Antichrist.
  • The Restraining Force: The verse introduces a powerful concept: something or someone is actively hindering or delaying the full revelation of this lawlessness. This "restrainer" (ho katechōn or to katechon in Greek, meaning "the one who holds back" or "that which holds back") is crucial for understanding the timing of end-time events.
  • Divine Sovereignty and Timing: Despite the active presence of evil, God is ultimately in control. The removal of the restrainer is part of His sovereign plan, allowing events to unfold according to His divine timetable.

Linguistic Insights

The key word in this verse is "letteth." In the KJV, "letteth" (from Old English) means "hinders" or "restrains," not "allows." This is crucial for proper interpretation. The Greek word is katékhō, which carries the meaning of "holding back," "restraining," or "suppressing." The ambiguity of whether the restrainer is a person (ho katechōn, "he who restrains") or an entity/principle (to katechon, "that which restrains") has led to various interpretations over the centuries.

Interpretation of the Restrainer

While the Bible does not explicitly name the restrainer, common interpretations include:

  • The Holy Spirit: Many believe the Holy Spirit, indwelling believers and working through the Church, is the primary restrainer of evil in the world. His removal would involve the rapture of the Church, after which evil would be unleashed.
  • Human Government/Law and Order: Another view is that the restrainer is the principle of civil government and law, which maintains order and suppresses lawlessness, as described in Romans 13:1-7.
  • The Roman Empire: Historically, some early church fathers believed it was the Roman Empire, which at the time held back chaos.

The verse implies that this powerful restraining force will eventually be "taken out of the way," allowing the "man of sin" to be fully revealed and operate without hindrance.

Practical Application

For believers today, 2 Thessalonians 2:7 offers several insights:

  • Awareness of Present Evil: It reminds us that spiritual forces of wickedness are already at work, even if not fully revealed. This calls for spiritual vigilance and discerning the times (Ephesians 6:12).
  • Comfort in God's Control: Even as evil progresses, this verse assures us that God is sovereign. Nothing happens outside of His divine plan and timing. The ultimate manifestation of evil is held in check until God's appointed time.
  • Living with Hope: While the future holds challenging times, believers are called to stand firm in the truth and live righteously, knowing that Christ's return is certain and will bring ultimate victory over all lawlessness.
Note: If the commentary doesn’t appear instantly, please allow 2–5 seconds for it to load. It is generated by Gemini 2.5 Flash using a prompt focused on Biblical fidelity over bias. While the insights have been consistently reliable, we encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit.

Please note that only the commentary section is AI-generated — the main Scripture and cross-references are stored on the site and are from trusted and verified sources.

Cross-References

  • 1 John 2:18

    ¶ Little children, it is the last time: and as ye have heard that antichrist shall come, even now are there many antichrists; whereby we know that it is the last time.

  • 2 Timothy 2:17

    And their word will eat as doth a canker: of whom is Hymenaeus and Philetus;

  • 2 Timothy 2:18

    Who concerning the truth have erred, saying that the resurrection is past already; and overthrow the faith of some.

  • Acts 20:29

    For I know this, that after my departing shall grievous wolves enter in among you, not sparing the flock.

  • Revelation 17:7

    ¶ And the angel said unto me, Wherefore didst thou marvel? I will tell thee the mystery of the woman, and of the beast that carrieth her, which hath the seven heads and ten horns.

  • 1 John 4:3

    And every spirit that confesseth not that Jesus Christ is come in the flesh is not of God: and this is that [spirit] of antichrist, whereof ye have heard that it should come; and even now already is it in the world.

  • Revelation 17:5

    And upon her forehead [was] a name written, MYSTERY, BABYLON THE GREAT, THE MOTHER OF HARLOTS AND ABOMINATIONS OF THE EARTH.
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