Bible Strands
2 Thessalonians 2:6
And you know what is now restraining him, so that he may be revealed at the proper time.
Berean Standard Bible
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Study note
Setting — Paul addresses the Thessalonian believers to correct a current misunderstanding about end-times timing. He speaks at a moment when false claims about the immediate appearance of the lawless one were circulating in their community.
The words — κατέχον (katechon) literally means "that which restrains" or "holds back." οἴδατε (oidate) translates as "you know," pointing to prior apostolic instruction on this specific mechanism.
The thread — The restraining action is directly linked to 2 Thessalonians 2:7, which identifies the ongoing restraint of the mystery of lawlessness. The eventual removal of this restraint and the subsequent revelation of the lawless one are detailed in 2 Thessalonians 2:8.
Why it lands — The text states that the lawless one's appearance is delayed by a current restraining force and will occur only at a divinely appointed time. It requires the reader to anchor their expectation in prior teaching rather than speculative timing.
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
And now ye know what withholdeth that he might be revealed in his time.
Cross-references
- 2 Thessalonians 2:3 Let no one deceive you in any way, for it will not come until the rebellion occurs and the man of lawlessness—the son of destruction—is revealed.
- 2 Thessalonians 2:8 And then the lawless one will be revealed, whom the Lord Jesus will slay with the breath of His mouth and annihilate by the majesty of His arrival.