Bible Strands
2 Thessalonians 1:8
in blazing fire, inflicting vengeance on those who do not know God and do not obey the gospel of our Lord Jesus.
Berean Standard Bible
Follow its threads on the canvas →
Study note
Setting — Paul writes to Thessalonian believers who are being oppressed, contrasting their coming relief (v. 7) with the judgment that will fall on their persecutors (v. 9).
The words — ἐκδίκησιν (ekdikēsin) is a legal term for judicial vindication, not mere retribution; it frames the fire as a court verdict, not a spontaneous act of wrath.
The thread — Hebrews 10:27 speaks of "raging fire that will consume all adversaries," and 2 Peter 3:7 reserves fire for the day of judgment, both reinforcing the eschatological fire motif here.
Why it lands — The excluded are defined by two negatives: they do not know God and do not obey the gospel. The line is drawn at knowledge and response, not at any other category, and the reader is left to see which side of that line they stand on.
Drafted by a language model from the text, its original words and its cross-references, then checked against them. It can still be wrong: open the verse in the app to report it.
The Greek words
King James Version
In flaming fire taking vengeance on them that know not God, and that obey not the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ:
Cross-references
- 1 Peter 4:17 For it is time for judgment to begin with the family of God; and if it begins with us, what will the outcome be for those who disobey the gospel of God?
- Hebrews 10:27 but only a fearful expectation of judgment and of raging fire that will consume all adversaries.
- 2 Peter 3:7 And by that same word, the present heavens and earth are reserved for fire, being kept for the day of judgment and destruction of ungodly men.
- Psalms 79:6 Pour out Your wrath on the nations that do not acknowledge You, on the kingdoms that refuse to call on Your name,
- Hebrews 10:30 For we know Him who said, “Vengeance is Mine; I will repay,” and again, “The Lord will judge His people.”
- 2 Peter 3:10 But the Day of the Lord will come like a thief. The heavens will disappear with a roar, the elements will be destroyed by fire, and the earth and its works will be laid bare.
- Matthew 25:41 Then He will say to those on His left, ‘Depart from Me, you who are cursed, into the eternal fire prepared for the devil and his angels.
- Romans 2:7 To those who by perseverance in doing good seek glory, honor, and immortality, He will give eternal life.
- Romans 6:16 Do you not know that when you offer yourselves as obedient slaves, you are slaves to the one you obey, whether you are slaves to sin leading to death, or to obedience leading to righteousness?
- Galatians 4:8 Formerly, when you did not know God, you were slaves to those who by nature are not gods.