Bible Strands
2 Thessalonians 2:9
The coming of the lawless one will be accompanied by the working of Satan, with every kind of power, sign, and false wonder,
Berean Standard Bible
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Study note
Setting — Paul writes to the Thessalonian church to clarify the sequence of end-times events preceding Christ's return. He addresses their concerns about the timing of the Lord's arrival and the necessary preceding revelation of the lawless one.
The words — παρουσία (parousia) literally means arrival or presence, while ἐνέργειαν (energeian) denotes active operation or working. The Greek syntax directly links the lawless one's arrival to Satan's active working.
The thread — The pattern of deceptive miracles appears in Matthew 24:24 where false prophets perform great signs, Revelation 19:20 where the false prophet performs signs on behalf of the beast, and Ephesians 2:2 which identifies Satan as the ruler of the power of the air.
Why it lands — The text demands clear-eyed discernment between supernatural deception and divine truth, warning readers to anchor their faith in the gospel rather than spectacular signs. It calls believers to remain steadfast in the truth that saves them from perishing.
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
Even him, whose coming is after the working of Satan with all power and signs and lying wonders,
Cross-references
- Matthew 24:24 For false Christs and false prophets will appear and perform great signs and wonders to deceive even the elect, if that were possible.
- Revelation 19:20 But the beast was captured along with the false prophet, who on its behalf had performed signs deceiving those who had the mark of the beast and worshiped its image. Both the beast and the false prophet were thrown alive into the fiery lake of burning sulfur.
- Ephesians 2:2 in which you used to walk when you conformed to the ways of this world and of the ruler of the power of the air, the spirit who is now at work in the sons of disobedience.
- 2 Corinthians 11:3 I am afraid, however, that just as Eve was deceived by the serpent’s cunning, your minds may be led astray from your simple and pure devotion to Christ.
- John 4:48 Jesus said to him, “Unless you people see signs and wonders, you will never believe.”
- Mark 13:22 For false Christs and false prophets will appear and perform signs and wonders to deceive even the elect, if that were possible.
- Deuteronomy 13:1 If a prophet or dreamer of dreams arises among you and proclaims a sign or wonder to you,
- John 8:44 You belong to your father, the devil, and you want to carry out his desires. He was a murderer from the beginning, refusing to uphold the truth, because there is no truth in him. When he lies, he speaks his native language, because he is a liar and the father of lies.
- Acts 13:10 and said, “O child of the devil and enemy of all righteousness, you are full of all kinds of deceit and trickery! Will you never stop perverting the straight ways of the Lord?
- John 8:41 You are doing the works of your father.” “We are not illegitimate children,” they declared. “Our only Father is God Himself.”