


2 Thessalonians 3:16
Bible Versions
¶ Now the Lord of peace himself give you peace always by all means. The Lord [be] with you all.
Now may the Lord of shalom himself give you shalom always in all ways. The Lord be with all of you.
Now may the Lord of peace Himself give you peace at all times and in every way. The Lord be with all of you.
Now the Lord of peace himself give you peace at all times in all ways. The Lord be with you all.
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Psalms 29:11
The LORD will give strength unto his people; the LORD will bless his people with peace. -
John 16:33
These things I have spoken unto you, that in me ye might have peace. In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world. -
Matthew 1:23
Behold, a virgin shall be with child, and shall bring forth a son, and they shall call his name Emmanuel, which being interpreted is, God with us. -
John 14:27
Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid. -
Romans 15:33
Now the God of peace [be] with you all. Amen. -
Romans 16:20
And the God of peace shall bruise Satan under your feet shortly. The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ [be] with you. Amen. -
Judges 6:24
Then Gideon built an altar there unto the LORD, and called it Jehovahshalom: unto this day it [is] yet in Ophrah of the Abiezrites.
Second Thessalonians 3:16 is a beautiful and powerful benediction, or blessing, from the Apostle Paul to the believers in Thessalonica. It serves as a comforting assurance of God's character and His desire to impart His divine peace.
Context
This verse appears near the conclusion of Paul's second letter to the Thessalonians. Throughout this epistle, Paul addresses concerns about false teachings, idleness among some believers, and the persecution they were enduring. Leading up to this benediction, Paul has encouraged them to stand firm, pray for him and his companions, and to carry out their duties diligently. This final blessing for peace and God's presence is a fitting close, offering comfort and strength amidst their challenges and uncertainties.
Key Themes
Linguistic Insights
The phrase "Lord of peace" (`Kyrios tēs eirēnēs`) powerfully highlights God's role as the originator and sustainer of true peace. This isn't merely the absence of conflict, but a profound sense of spiritual well-being and harmony with God, a concept often associated with the Hebrew term `shalom`. The inclusion of "himself" (`autos`) further emphasizes that this peace comes directly from God's own being, not through an intermediary.
Practical Application
For believers today, 2 Thessalonians 3:16 offers immense comfort and a profound truth: genuine peace originates from God. In a world filled with anxiety and turmoil, we are reminded that we can access a peace that transcends understanding, not by our own efforts, but as a gift from the "Lord of peace." This verse encourages us to:
This benediction serves as a constant reminder that God is actively involved in sustaining His people with His presence and His perfect peace.