2 Thessalonians 2:7

KJV

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

KJV (with Strong's)

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}.

Complete Jewish Bible

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.

Berean Standard Bible

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.

American Standard Version

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

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Second Thessalonians 2:7 is a critical verse within Paul's eschatological discourse, revealing that the pervasive and insidious force of lawlessness, though already active in the world, is currently being restrained. This verse posits that the full manifestation of "the man of lawlessness" (the Antichrist) is being held back by a powerful, divinely appointed entity or principle, which must eventually be "taken out of the way" before the final, unrestrained surge of evil can occur, culminating in the Lord's return.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is situated within Paul's detailed explanation to the Thessalonian believers, who were experiencing confusion and anxiety regarding the timing of the Lord's return and the "day of Christ." In [2 Thessalonians 2:1-2](/2_thessalonians/2-1-2 "2 Thessalonians 2:1-2 - Paul's Plea for Calmness"), Paul urges them not to be easily shaken by false teachings suggesting the Day of the Lord had already come. He then clarifies in [2 Thessalonians 2:3](/2_thessalonians/2-3 "2 Thessalonians 2:3 - The Apostasy and the Man of Lawlessness") that two major events must precede Christ's second coming: a great "falling away" (apostasy) and the revelation of "the man of lawlessness," who will oppose and exalt himself above God. Verse 7 directly follows Paul's description of this wicked one, explaining *why* he has not yet been fully revealed, thus providing a crucial piece of the eschatological puzzle by introducing the concept of a restraining force.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The Thessalonian church, founded during Paul's second missionary journey, faced significant persecution and misunderstanding, particularly concerning eschatology. Paul had previously taught them about the Lord's return (as seen in [1 Thessalonians 4:13-18](/1_thessalonians/4-13-18 "1 Thessalonians 4:13-18 - The Coming of the Lord")), leading to some anxiety and confusion, possibly fueled by forged letters or misinterpretations. In the broader Roman world, the concept of a powerful, restraining force was not alien; the Roman Empire itself was seen by some as a force of order preventing chaos. This cultural backdrop, coupled with the nascent Christian understanding of spiritual warfare and the ultimate triumph of good over evil, would have shaped the Thessalonians' reception of Paul's complex prophetic teaching.

* **Key Themes:** The verse significantly contributes to several key themes within 2 Thessalonians and broader biblical eschatology. Firstly, the "mystery of iniquity" highlights the pervasive, yet often hidden, working of **lawlessness** or rebellion against God, a theme echoed in [1 John 3:4](/1_john/3-4 "1 John 3:4 - Sin is Lawlessness"). Secondly, the introduction of "he who now letteth" (restrains) underscores the concept of a **restraining force** that actively hinders the full manifestation of evil, demonstrating God's sovereign control even amidst escalating wickedness. This restraint is temporary, leading to the third theme: **divine sovereignty and timing**. Despite the active presence of evil, God is ultimately in control, orchestrating events according to His perfect timetable, allowing evil to reach its peak only when the restrainer is removed, as part of His ultimate plan for judgment and redemption.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **mystery (Greek, _mystḗrion'_):** From a root meaning "to shut the mouth," this term refers to a secret or something revealed only to initiates. In a biblical context, it signifies a truth previously hidden but now disclosed by divine revelation, often pertaining to God's plan. Here, it describes the hidden, insidious, and pervasive working of lawlessness, which is not yet fully manifest but is actively preparing the way for its ultimate revelation.
* **iniquity (Greek, _anomía'_):** Derived from "without law," this word denotes illegality, lawlessness, or violation of divine law. It encompasses not merely individual acts of sin but a deeper principle of rebellion against God's authority and moral order. The "mystery of iniquity" therefore refers to the underlying spirit of rebellion that is already at work in the world, subtly undermining divine and human order.
* **letteth (Greek, _katéchō'_):** This verb means "to hold down," "hold fast," "keep," or "restrain." In the KJV, "letteth" is an archaic usage meaning "hinders" or "restrains," not "permits." This word is crucial, indicating an active, powerful force that is currently suppressing or delaying the full emergence of the man of lawlessness and the ultimate expression of his wickedness.
* **way (Greek, _mésos'_):** Meaning "middle" or "midst," when used with "out of," it implies removal from the midst, or getting out of the way. This signifies the complete removal or cessation of the restraining force, allowing the full manifestation of lawlessness to proceed unimpeded.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"For the mystery of iniquity doth already work:"** This clause explains the reason for the preceding statements about the man of lawlessness. It reveals that the spirit of rebellion and lawlessness, though not yet fully embodied in the Antichrist, is already an active, hidden, and pervasive force in the world. It is a "mystery" because its full scope and ultimate manifestation are not yet openly revealed, but its influence is subtly at play.
* **"only he who now letteth [will let],"** This introduces the crucial concept of the restrainer. There is a specific "he" (or "that which," depending on interpretation) who is actively "letting" (hindering or restraining) the full revelation of the mystery of iniquity and the man of lawlessness. This restraint is ongoing and effective in the present time.
* **"until he be taken out of the way."** This final clause indicates the temporary nature of the restraint. The restrainer's activity will continue only "until" a specific point in time, when this "he" (or "that which") is removed or ceases to be an impediment. This removal will then clear the path for the unrestrained operation and full revelation of the man of lawlessness.

#### Literary Devices
Paul employs several significant literary devices in [2 Thessalonians 2:7](/2_thessalonians/2-7 "2 Thessalonians 2:7 - The Restrainer of Lawlessness"). The phrase "**mystery of iniquity**" is a powerful example of **paradox** and **personification**. It is a paradox because a "mystery" is something hidden, yet "works," implying an active, discernible influence. It personifies "iniquity" as an active, almost sentient force. The concept of "he who now letteth" introduces a profound sense of **tension** and **suspense**, as the identity of this restrainer is left ambiguous, yet its role is presented as absolutely critical to the unfolding of end-time events. This ambiguity creates an **enigma**, inviting theological speculation while emphasizing God's sovereign control over the timing of these events. Furthermore, the entire verse functions as a form of **apocalyptic revelation**, providing a glimpse into the spiritual forces at play behind the scenes of human history, a common feature of eschatological literature.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
The theological implications of [2 Thessalonians 2:7](/2_ssalonians/2-7 "2 Thessalonians 2:7 - The Restrainer of Lawlessness") are profound, underscoring the ongoing spiritual battle between good and evil, and God's ultimate sovereignty over all things. It teaches us that evil is not merely a future threat but an active "mystery" already at work in the world, subtly preparing for its full manifestation. Yet, it simultaneously assures believers that God has appointed a powerful restraining force, preventing evil from reaching its crescendo prematurely. This demonstrates God's patient long-suffering and His meticulous control over the timeline of human history and redemption. The temporary nature of this restraint highlights that there is an appointed time for all things, including the escalation of evil and its final defeat, all within the framework of God's redemptive plan.

* [1 John 2:18](/1_john/2-18 "1 John 2:18 - Antichrist is Coming")
* [Romans 13:1-7](/romans/13-1-7 "Romans 13:1-7 - Submission to Governing Authorities")
* [Daniel 7:23-26](/daniel/7-23-26 "Daniel 7:23-26 - The Fourth Beast and the Little Horn")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
For believers today, [2 Thessalonians 2:7](/2_thessalonians/2-7 "2 Thessalonians 2:7 - The Restrainer of Lawlessness") offers both a sober warning and a profound source of comfort. It calls us to a heightened sense of spiritual vigilance, recognizing that the "mystery of iniquity" is not a distant future phenomenon but an active, pervasive force in our present world. This awareness should motivate us to discern the times, stand firm in truth, and actively resist the subtle influences of lawlessness in our own lives and in society. Simultaneously, the verse provides immense comfort, reminding us that God is sovereignly in control. Even as evil progresses, it is held in check by a divine restrainer, operating according to God's perfect timing. This truth should inspire unwavering trust in God's plan, enabling us to live with hope and purpose, knowing that Christ's ultimate victory is assured, and all things are unfolding according to His wise and righteous will.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does understanding the "mystery of iniquity" as an active, present force impact your view of current societal trends and spiritual challenges?**
* **In what ways might you be called to be a "restrainer" of lawlessness in your own sphere of influence, through prayer, righteous living, or advocating for justice?**
* **How does the assurance of God's sovereign control over the timing of end-time events bring you comfort or challenge your perspective on future anxieties?**

### FAQ

**What is the "mystery of iniquity" mentioned in 2 Thessalonians 2:7?**

Answer: The "mystery of iniquity" (or "mystery of lawlessness") refers to the hidden, insidious, and pervasive working of rebellion against God's law and authority. It is not merely individual acts of sin but a spiritual principle of ungodliness that is already active in the world, subtly preparing the way for its ultimate manifestation in the "man of lawlessness" (Antichrist) described in [2 Thessalonians 2:3](/2_thessalonians/2-3 "2 Thessalonians 2:3 - The Apostasy and the Man of Lawlessness"). It signifies that the spirit of the Antichrist is already present, even if his full revelation is yet to come.

**Who or what is "he who now letteth" (the restrainer)?**

Answer: The identity of the restrainer is one of the most debated topics in eschatology, as the Bible does not explicitly name it. Common interpretations include:
1. **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 be associated with the rapture of the Church, after which evil would be unleashed.
2. **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](/romans/13-1-7 "Romans 13:1-7 - Governing Authorities").
3. **The Roman Empire:** Historically, some early church fathers believed it was the Roman Empire, which at the time held back chaos.
While the specific identity remains a "mystery," the text clearly indicates a powerful, active force preventing the full revelation of lawlessness until God's appointed time.

**What does it mean for the restrainer to be "taken out of the way"?**

Answer: "Taken out of the way" signifies the removal or cessation of the restraining force. This implies that at a divinely appointed time, the entity or principle that is currently holding back the full manifestation of the "man of lawlessness" will no longer be an impediment. This removal will then allow the "mystery of iniquity" to culminate in the open revelation and unrestrained operation of the Antichrist, leading to the events described in [2 Thessalonians 2:8-10](/2_thessalonians/2-8-10 "2 Thessalonians 2:8-10 - The Lawless One's Destruction").

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
While [2 Thessalonians 2:7](/2_thessalonians/2-7 "2 Thessalonians 2:7 - The Restrainer of Lawlessness") describes the active work of lawlessness and its temporary restraint, its ultimate fulfillment points to the absolute sovereignty and final triumph of Jesus Christ. The "mystery of iniquity" represents the antithesis of Christ's kingdom, a rebellion against His rightful rule. Yet, Christ is the ultimate Restrainer and Conqueror. He is the one who has already "disarmed the rulers and authorities and put them to open shame, by triumphing over them in him" ([Colossians 2:15](/colossians/2-15 "Colossians 2:15 - Triumph Over Principalities")). Though lawlessness works, Christ's death and resurrection have broken the power of sin and death ([Hebrews 2:14-15](/hebrews/2-14-15 "Hebrews 2:14-15 - Jesus Destroys the Devil's Power")), and He presently upholds all things by the word of His power ([Hebrews 1:3](/hebrews/1-3 "Hebrews 1:3 - Christ Upholds All Things")). The removal of the restrainer will indeed allow evil to reach its zenith, but only to set the stage for Christ's glorious return, when He will "consume with the spirit of his mouth, and shall destroy with the brightness of his coming" the man of lawlessness ([2 Thessalonians 2:8](/2_thessalonians/2-8 "2 Thessalonians 2:8 - The Lawless One's Destruction")). Thus, the temporary restraint and eventual unleashing of evil serve to magnify Christ's ultimate and decisive victory, culminating in His righteous judgment and the establishment of His eternal kingdom, as powerfully depicted in [Revelation 19](/revelation/19 "Revelation 19 - The Rider on the White Horse").

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 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.