Bible Strands
2 Thessalonians 3:2
And pray that we may be delivered from wicked and evil men; for not everyone holds to the faith.
Berean Standard Bible
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Study note
Setting — Paul writes to the Thessalonian church immediately after requesting prayer for the rapid spread of the gospel. He shifts focus to the practical dangers his ministry faces from opposing individuals.
The words — The Greek ῥυσθῶμεν (rhusthōmen) literally means "we may be delivered," paired with ἀτόπων (atopōn), translated as "perverse" or "wicked." These terms specify the nature of the threat requiring intercessory prayer.
The thread — This plea for deliverance from hostile unbelievers parallels Romans 15:31, while the characterization of opposition as a "perverse generation" echoes Deuteronomy 32:20. The contrast between human opposition and divine protection continues in 2 Thessalonians 3:3.
Why it lands — The text commands readers to pray for protection from active opposition, noting that commitment to the faith is not universal. It directs attention to reliance on prayer rather than human certainty.
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 that we may be delivered from unreasonable and wicked men: for all men have not faith.
Cross-references
- 2 Corinthians 4:3 And even if our gospel is veiled, it is veiled to those who are perishing.
- Romans 15:31 Pray that I may be delivered from the unbelievers in Judea, and that my service in Jerusalem may be acceptable to the saints there,
- Deuteronomy 32:20 He said: “I will hide My face from them; I will see what will be their end. For they are a perverse generation—children of unfaithfulness.
- Luke 18:8 I tell you, He will promptly carry out justice on their behalf. Nevertheless, when the Son of Man comes, will He find faith on earth?”
- Romans 10:16 But not all of them welcomed the good news. For Isaiah says, “Lord, who has believed our message?”
- 2 Corinthians 1:8 We do not want you to be unaware, brothers, of the hardships we encountered in the province of Asia. We were under a burden far beyond our ability to endure, so that we despaired even of life.
- Matthew 23:23 Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, you hypocrites! You pay tithes of mint, dill, and cumin. But you have disregarded the weightier matters of the law: justice, mercy, and faithfulness. You should have practiced the latter, without neglecting the former.
- Acts 13:45 But when the Jews saw the crowds, they were filled with jealousy, and they blasphemously contradicted what Paul was saying.
- Acts 28:24 Some of them were convinced by what he said, but others refused to believe.
- Matthew 17:17 “O unbelieving and perverse generation!” Jesus replied. “How long must I remain with you? How long must I put up with you? Bring the boy here to Me.”