2TH front intro krd6 0 # Introduction to 2 Thessalonians<br><br>## Part 1: General Introduction<br><br>### Outline of the Book of 2 Thessalonians<br><br>1. Greetings and thanksgiving (1:1-3)<br>1. Christians suffering from persecution<br> * They are worthy of the kingdom of God and of his promise of relief from trials (1:4-7)<br> * God will judge those who persecute Christians (1:8-12)<br>1. Some believers’ misunderstanding about the second coming of Christ<br> * Christ’s return has not yet happened (2:1-2)<br> * Instruction about the events that will precede the return of Christ (2:3-12)<br>1. Paul’s confidence that God will save the Thessalonian Christians<br> * His call to “stand firm” (2:13-15)<br> * His prayer that God will comfort them (2:16-17)<br>1. Paul requests that the Thessalonian believers pray for him (3:1-5)<br>1. Paul give commands about idle believers (3:6-15)<br>1. Closing (3:16-17)<br><br>### Who wrote 2 Thessalonians?<br><br>Paul wrote 2 Thessalonians. He was from the city of Tarsus. He had been known as Saul in his early life. Before becoming a Christian, Paul was a Pharisee. He persecuted Christians. After he became a Christian, he traveled several times throughout the Roman Empire telling people about Jesus.<br><br>Paul wrote this letter while staying in the city of Corinth.<br><br>### What is the Book of 2 Thessalonians about?<br><br>Paul wrote this letter to the believers in the city of Thessalonica. He encouraged the believers because they were being persecuted. He told them to continue living in a way that pleased God. And he wanted to teach them again about Christ’s return.<br><br>### How should the title of this book be translated?<br><br>Translators may choose to call this book by its traditional title, “2 Thessalonians” or “Second Thessalonians.” Or they may choose a clearer title, such as “Paul’s Second Letter to the Church in Thessalonica,” or “The Second Letter to the Christians in Thessalonica.” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names]])<br><br>## Part 2: Important Religious and Cultural Concepts<br><br>### What is the “second coming” of Jesus?<br><br>Paul wrote much in this letter about Jesus’ eventual return to Earth. When Jesus returns, he will judge all mankind. He will also rule over creation. And he will cause there to be peace everywhere. Paul also explained that a “man of lawlessness” will come before Christ’s return. This person will obey Satan and cause many people to oppose God. But Jesus will destroy this person when he returns.<br><br>## Part 3: Important Translation Issues<br><br>### What did Paul mean by the expression “in Christ,” “in the Lord,” etc.?<br><br>Paul meant to express the idea of a very close union with Christ and the believers. Please see the introduction to the Book of Romans for more details about this kind of expression.<br><br>### What are the major issues in the text of the Book of 2 Thessalonians?<br><br>For the following verses, modern versions of the Bible differ from older versions. The ULT text has the modern reading and puts the older reading in a footnote. If a translation of the Bible exists in the general region, translators should consider using the reading found in those versions. If not, translators are advised to follow the modern reading.<br>* “and the man of lawlessness is revealed” (2:3). The ULT, UST, and most modern versions read this way. Older versions have, “and the man of sin is revealed.”<br>* “For God chose you as the firstfruits for salvation” (2:13) The ULT, UST, and some other versions read this way. Other versions have, “For God chose you from the first for salvation.”<br><br>(See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-textvariants]])
2TH 1 intro m987 0 # 2 Thessalonians 1 General Notes<br><br>## Structure and formatting<br><br>Verses 1-2 formally introduce this letter. Letters in the ancient Near East commonly had introductions of this type.<br><br>## Other possible translation difficulties in this chapter<br><br>### Paradox<br><br>A paradox is a true statement that appears to describe something impossible. A paradox occurs in verses 4-5: “We talk about your patience and faith in all your persecutions. We talk about the afflictions that you endure. This is a sign of God’s righteous judgment.” People would not normally think that believing in God while being persecuted is a sign of God’s righteous judgment. But in verses 5-10, Paul explains how God will reward those who believe in him and how he will judge those who afflict them. ([2 Thessalonians 1:4-5](./04.md))
2TH 1 1 b6vf 0 General Information: Paul is the author of this letter, but he includes Silvanus and Timothy as senders of the letter. He begins by greeting the church at Thessalonica.
2TH 1 1 nrxt figs-exclusive 0 General Information: The words “we” and “us” refer to Paul, Silvanus, and Timothy, unless otherwise noted. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-exclusive]])
2TH 1 1 x4lj figs-you 0 General Information: The word “you” is plural and refers to the believers at the church of Thessalonica. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-you]])
2TH 1 1 hm3e Σιλουανὸς 1 Silvanus **Silvanus** is the Latin form of “Silas.” He is the same person listed in the book of Acts as Paul’s fellow traveler.
2TH 1 3 ea59 figs-hyperbole εὐχαριστεῖν ὀφείλομεν τῷ Θεῷ πάντοτε 1 We ought always to give thanks to God Paul uses **always** as a generalization meaning “often” or “regularly.” The sentence emphasizes the greatness of what God is doing in the lives of the Thessalonian believers. Alternate translation: “We should often give thanks to God” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-hyperbole]])
2TH 1 3 h6t9 figs-gendernotations ἀδελφοί 1 brothers Here, **brothers** means fellow Christians, including both men and women. Alternate translation: “brothers and sisters” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-gendernotations]])
2TH 1 3 xy7k πλεονάζει ἡ ἀγάπη ἑνὸς ἑκάστου, πάντων ὑμῶν, εἰς ἀλλήλους 1 the love of each one of you all for one another is increasing “you sincerely love one another more and more”
2TH 1 3 bmn6 ἀλλήλους 1 one another Here, **one another** means fellow Christians.
2TH 1 4 kx1n figs-rpronouns αὐτοὺς ἡμᾶς 1 we ourselves Here, **ourselves** is used to emphasize Paul’s boasting. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-rpronouns]])
2TH 1 5 dad9 figs-activepassive εἰς τὸ καταξιωθῆναι ὑμᾶς τῆς Βασιλείας τοῦ Θεοῦ 1 for you to be considered worthy of the kingdom of God You can state this in active form. Alternate translation: “that God will consider you worthy to be part of his kingdom” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])
2TH 1 6 id3i figs-metaphor παρὰ Θεῷ, ἀνταποδοῦναι τοῖς θλίβουσιν ὑμᾶς θλῖψιν 1 for God to return affliction to those who are afflicting you Here, **to return** is a metaphor that means to cause someone to experience the same thing they did to someone else. Alternate translation: “for God to afflict those who are afflicting you” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
2TH 1 7 hxy2 figs-metaphor καὶ ὑμῖν…ἄνεσιν 1 and relief to you These words continue the description of what God is right “to return” to people (verse 6). This is a metaphor that means to cause someone to experience the same thing they did to someone else. Alternate translation: “and to relieve you” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
2TH 1 7 lu43 figs-ellipsis ὑμῖν…ἄνεσιν 1 relief to you You can make it explicit that God is the one who provides relief. Alternate translation: “for God to provide relief to you” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-ellipsis]])
2TH 1 8 y3uv ἐν πυρὶ φλογός διδόντος ἐκδίκησιν τοῖς μὴ εἰδόσι Θεὸν 1 in flaming fire taking vengeance on those who have not known God “he will punish with blazing fire those who do not know God” or “then with blazing fire he will punish those who do not know God”
2TH 1 9 plw5 figs-activepassive οἵτινες δίκην τίσουσιν ὄλεθρον αἰώνιον 1 who will pay the penalty—eternal destruction Here, **who** refers to the people who do not obey the gospel. You can state this in active form. Alternate translation: “the Lord will punish them with eternal destruction” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])
2TH 1 10 bi2u figs-activepassive ἐνδοξασθῆναι ἐν τοῖς ἁγίοις αὐτοῦ, καὶ θαυμασθῆναι ἐν πᾶσιν τοῖς πιστεύσασιν 1 to be glorified by his saints and to be marveled at by all those who have believed You can state this in active form. Alternate translation: “when his people will glorify him and all those who believed will stand in awe of him” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])
2TH 1 11 ik19 figs-hyperbole καὶ προσευχόμεθα πάντοτε περὶ ὑμῶν 1 we also pray always for you Paul is using **always** as an exaggeration in order to emphasize how often he prays for them. Alternate translation: “we also pray regularly for you” or “we continue to pray for you” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-hyperbole]])
2TH 1 11 hiv9 τῆς κλήσεως 1 of your calling Here, **calling** refers to God appointing or choosing people to be his children and servants, and to proclaim his message of salvation through Jesus.
2TH 1 11 r8gk πληρώσῃ πᾶσαν εὐδοκίαν ἀγαθωσύνης 1 he may fulfill every desire of goodness “he would make you able to do good in every way that you desire”
2TH 1 12 q994 figs-activepassive ὅπως ἐνδοξασθῇ τὸ ὄνομα τοῦ Κυρίου ἡμῶν, Ἰησοῦ, ἐν ὑμῖν 1 so that the name of our Lord Jesus might be glorified in you You can state this in active form. Alternate translation: “so that you would glorify the name of our Lord Jesus” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])
2TH 1 12 pg2i figs-activepassive καὶ ὑμεῖς ἐν αὐτῷ 1 and you in him You can state this in active form. Alternate translation: “and Jesus will glorify you” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])
2TH 2 intro jq9r 0 # 2 Thessalonians 2 General Notes<br><br>## Special concepts in this chapter<br><br>### “Being gathered together to be with him”<br><br>This passage refers to a time when Jesus calls to himself those who have believed in him. Scholars differ on whether or not this refers to Christ’s final glorious return. (See: [[rc://en/tw/dict/bible/kt/believe]])<br><br>### Man of lawlessness<br><br>This is the same as “son of destruction” and “lawless one” in this chapter. Paul associates him with Satan actively working in the world. (See: [[rc://en/tw/dict/bible/kt/antichrist]])<br><br>### Sits in the temple of God<br><br>Paul could be referring to the Jerusalem temple that the Romans destroyed several years after he wrote this letter. Or he could be referring to a future physical temple, or to the church as the spiritual temple of God. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])
2TH 2 1 cvg5 figs-gendernotations ἀδελφοί 1 brothers Here, **brothers** means fellow Christians, including both men and women. Alternate translation: “brothers and sisters” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-gendernotations]])
2TH 2 2 b8b2 εἰς τὸ μὴ ταχέως σαλευθῆναι ὑμᾶς ἀπὸ τοῦ νοὸς, μηδὲ θροεῖσθαι 1 for you not to be quickly shaken in your mind nor to be troubled “so that you do not easily let yourselves be disturbed in your thinking”
2TH 2 2 d334 διὰ πνεύματος, μήτε διὰ λόγου, μήτε δι’ ἐπιστολῆς, ὡς δι’ ἡμῶν 1 by a spirit, nor by a word, nor by a letter as if from us “by a spirit or a spoken word or by written letter that pretends to be coming from us”
2TH 2 2 ib6m ἡ ἡμέρα τοῦ Κυρίου 1 the day of the Lord Here, **the day of the Lord** refers to the time when Jesus will come back to the earth for all believers.
2TH 2 3 e86v figs-activepassive ἀποκαλυφθῇ ὁ ἄνθρωπος τῆς ἀνομίας 1 the man of lawlessness may be revealed You can state this in active form. Alternate translation: “God reveals the man of lawlessness” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])
2TH 2 3 tkg9 figs-metaphor ὁ υἱὸς τῆς ἀπωλείας 1 the son of destruction Paul speaks of **destruction** as a person who bore a **son** whose goal is to totally destroy everything. Alternate translation: “the one who destroys everything he can” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
2TH 2 4 t485 figs-activepassive πάντα λεγόμενον θεὸν ἢ σέβασμα 1 everything being called god or an object of worship You can state this in active form. Alternate translation: “everything that people consider to be God or everything that people worship” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])
2TH 2 4 wj33 ἀποδεικνύντα ἑαυτὸν ὅτι ἔστιν Θεός 1 showing that he himself is God “showing himself as God”
2TH 2 5 rsz1 figs-rquestion οὐ μνημονεύετε…ταῦτα 1 Do you not remember … these things? Paul uses a rhetorical question to remind them of his teaching when he was with them previously. This can be expressed as a statement. Alternate translation: “I am sure you remember … these things.” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion]])
2TH 2 6 ask4 figs-activepassive τὸ ἀποκαλυφθῆναι αὐτὸν ἐν τῷ αὐτοῦ καιρῷ 1 he is revealed in his time You can state this in active form. Alternate translation: “God will reveal the man of lawlessness when the time is right” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])
2TH 2 8 hn67 figs-activepassive καὶ τότε ἀποκαλυφθήσεται ὁ ἄνομος 1 and then the lawless one will be revealed You can state this in active form. Alternate translation: “and then God will allow the lawless one to show himself” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])
2TH 2 8 vay9 figs-metonymy τῷ πνεύματι τοῦ στόματος αὐτοῦ 1 with the breath of his mouth Here, **breath** represents the power of God. Alternate translation: “by the power of his spoken word” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])
2TH 2 8 hy3y καὶ καταργήσει τῇ ἐπιφανείᾳ τῆς παρουσίας αὐτοῦ 1 and will bring to nothing by the appearance of his coming When Jesus returns to earth and shows himself, he will defeat the **lawless one**.
2TH 2 9 bd5m ἐν πάσῃ δυνάμει, καὶ σημείοις, καὶ τέρασιν ψεύδους 1 with all power, and signs, and false wonders “with all kinds of power, and signs, and false wonders”
2TH 2 10 tf75 ἐν πάσῃ ἀπάτῃ ἀδικίας 1 in all deceit of unrighteousness This person will use every sort of evil to deceive people to believe in him instead of God.
2TH 2 11 sj1v διὰ τοῦτο 1 because of this “because the people do not love the truth”
2TH 2 11 en8e figs-metaphor πέμπει αὐτοῖς ὁ Θεὸς ἐνέργειαν πλάνης, εἰς τὸ πιστεῦσαι αὐτοὺς τῷ ψεύδει 1 God is sending them a working of error for them to believe the lie Paul is speaking of **God** allowing something to happen to people as if he is **sending them** something. Alternate translation: “God is allowing the man of lawlessness to deceive them” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
2TH 2 12 d63e figs-activepassive κριθῶσιν πάντες 1 they might all be judged You can state this in active form. Alternate translation: “God will judge all of them” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])
2TH 2 12 pkw8 οἱ μὴ πιστεύσαντες τῇ ἀληθείᾳ, ἀλλὰ εὐδοκήσαντες τῇ ἀδικίᾳ 1 those who have not believed the truth, but have taken pleasure in unrighteousness “those who took pleasure in unrighteousness because they did not believe the truth”
2TH 2 13 w83a 0 General Information: If you are using section headings, you could put one here before verse 13. Suggested heading: “Paul gives thanks to God for the believers and encourages them."(See: [[rc://en/ta/man/checking/headings]])
2TH 2 13 b3hh δὲ 1 Now Paul here uses the word **Now** to mark a change in topic. You can use a natural way in your language to indicate/show that this is a new section.
2TH 2 13 dze5 figs-hyperbole ἡμεῖς…ὀφείλομεν εὐχαριστεῖν…πάντοτε 1 we ought always to give thanks The word **always** is a generalization. This is used to emphasize or to exaggerate the action. If this is not natural in your language, you can use the alternative renderings given. Alternate translation: “we should continually give thanks” OR "we must thank God at all times" (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-hyperbole]])
2TH 2 13 m418 ἡμεῖς…ὀφείλομεν 1 we ought Here, **we** refers to Paul, Silvanus, and Timothy. If you have exclusive and inclusive first person pronouns in your language, this should be an exclusive pronoun.(See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-exclusive]]
2TH 2 13 ia4x figs-activepassive ἀδελφοὶ ἠγαπημένοι ὑπὸ Κυρίου 1 brothers having been loved by the Lord If your language does not use this passive form, you could say this with an active form.Alternate translation: “for the Lord loves you, brothers” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])
2TH 2 13 v15j figs-gendernotations ἀδελφοὶ 1 brothers Here, **brothers** means fellow Christians, including both men and women.If your readers understand that it is addressed only to men, you may need to use both the masculine and the feminine forms of that word in your language. If you use anon-figurative word such as “believers”, see that both the genders are addressed.Alternate translation: “brothers and sisters” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-gendernotations]])
2TH 2 13 l7a8 figs-metaphor ἀπαρχὴν εἰς σωτηρίαν ἐν ἁγιασμῷ Πνεύματος καὶ πίστει ἀληθείας 1 as firstfruits for salvation in sanctification of the Spirit and belief in the truth Being among the first people to be saved is spoken of as if the Thessalonian believers are **firstfruits**. Alternate Translation: "to be among the first people who believe" or "among the first people whom God was saving" (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]]
2TH 2 13 bpqn figs-abstractnouns ἀπαρχὴν εἰς σωτηρίαν ἐν ἁγιασμῷ Πνεύματος καὶ πίστει ἀληθείας 1 as firstfruits for salvation in sanctification of the Spirit and belief in the truth You can change the abstract nouns **salvation**, **sanctification**, **belief**, and **truth** into verbal forms. Alternate translation: “to be among the first people who believe what is true, and whom God has saved and set apart for himself by his Spirit” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns]])
2TH 2 15 l4vr figs-metaphor κρατεῖτε τὰς παραδόσεις 1 hold tight to the traditions Here, **traditions** refers to the truths of Christ that Paul and the other apostles taught. Paul speaks of them as if his readers could hold on to them with their hands. Alternate translation: “remember the traditions” or “believe the truths” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
2TH 2 15 whp8 figs-activepassive ἐδιδάχθητε 1 you were taught You can state this in active form. Alternate translation: “we have taught you” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])
2TH 2 15 z2vs figs-synecdoche εἴτε διὰ λόγου, εἴτε δι’ ἐπιστολῆς ἡμῶν 1 whether by word or by our letter Here, **by word** is a synecdoche for “by instructions” or “by teachings.” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche]])
2TH 2 15 jrg4 figs-explicit εἴτε διὰ λόγου, εἴτε δι’ ἐπιστολῆς ἡμῶν 1 whether by word or by our letter You can make clear the implicit information that **by word** means to speak to them personally. Alternate translation: “whether by what we taught you in person or by what we wrote to you in a letter” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])
2TH 2 16 yge9 figs-exclusive ὁ Κύριος ἡμῶν…ὁ ἀγαπήσας ἡμᾶς καὶ δοὺς 1 our Lord … who loved us and gave us The words **our** and **us** refer to all believers. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-exclusive]])
2TH 2 16 cm54 figs-rpronouns αὐτὸς…Κύριος ἡμῶν, Ἰησοῦς Χριστὸς 1 our Lord Jesus Christ himself Here, **himself** gives additional emphasis to the phrase **Lord Jesus Christ.** (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-rpronouns]])
2TH 2 17 x3rr figs-metonymy παρακαλέσαι ὑμῶν τὰς καρδίας, καὶ στηρίξαι 1 may he comfort and strengthen your hearts Here, **hearts** represents the seat of emotions. Alternate translation: “may he comfort you and strengthen you” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])
2TH 3 intro b8hk 0 # 2 Thessalonians 3 General Notes<br><br>## Special concepts in this chapter<br><br>### Idle and lazy persons<br><br>In Thessalonica, there apparently was a problem with people in the church who were able to work but refused to do so. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])<br><br>### What should you do if your brother sins?<br><br>In this chapter, Paul teaches that Christians need to live in a way that honors God. Christians should also encourage one another and hold each other accountable for what they do. The church is also responsible for encouraging believers to repent if they sin. (See: [[rc://en/tw/dict/bible/kt/repent]] and [[rc://en/tw/dict/bible/kt/sin]])
2TH 3 1 m1s5 figs-gendernotations ἀδελφοί 1 brothers Here, **brothers** means fellow Christians, including both men and women. Alternate translation: “brothers and sisters” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-gendernotations]])
2TH 3 1 r54v figs-metaphor ἵνα ὁ λόγος τοῦ Κυρίου τρέχῃ καὶ δοξάζηται, καθὼς καὶ πρὸς ὑμᾶς 1 so that the word of the Lord might run and might be glorified, just as also with you Paul speaks of God’s **word** spreading as if it were running from place to place. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
2TH 3 1 yvkm figs-activepassive ἵνα ὁ λόγος τοῦ Κυρίου τρέχῃ καὶ δοξάζηται, καθὼς καὶ πρὸς ὑμᾶς 1 so that the word of the Lord might run and might be glorified, just as also with you You can state this in active form. Alternate translation: “that more and more people will soon hear our message about our Lord Jesus and honor it, as happened with you” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])
2TH 3 2 xg2h figs-activepassive ῥυσθῶμεν 1 we might be rescued You can state this in active form. Alternate translation: “God may save us” or “God may rescue us” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])
2TH 3 2 p1ct οὐ γὰρ πάντων ἡ πίστις 1 for not everyone has faith “for many people do not believe in Jesus”
2TH 3 5 giz4 figs-metonymy ὁ…Κύριος κατευθύναι ὑμῶν τὰς καρδίας 1 may the Lord direct your hearts Here, **hearts** is a metonym for a person’s thoughts or mind. Alternate translation: “may the Lord cause you to understand” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])
2TH 3 5 wre3 figs-metaphor εἰς τὴν ἀγάπην τοῦ Θεοῦ, καὶ εἰς τὴν ὑπομονὴν τοῦ Χριστοῦ 1 to the love of God and to the endurance of Christ Paul speaks of God’s **love** and Christ’s **endurance** as if they were destinations on a path. Alternate translation: “to know how much God loves you and how much Christ has endured for you” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
2TH 3 6 x9l8 figs-gendernotations ἀδελφοί 1 brothers Here, **brothers** means fellow Christians, including both men and women. Alternate translation: “brothers and sisters” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-gendernotations]])
2TH 3 6 y4a9 figs-metonymy ἐν ὀνόματι τοῦ Κυρίου ἡμῶν, Ἰησοῦ Χριστοῦ 1 in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ Here, **name** is a metonym for the person of Jesus Christ. Alternate translation: “as if our Lord Jesus Christ himself were speaking” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])
2TH 3 7 b1i1 figs-doublenegatives οὐκ ἠτακτήσαμεν ἐν ὑμῖν 1 we did not behave disorderly among you Paul uses a double negative to emphasize the positive. You can state this as a positive. Alternate translation: “we lived among you as those who had much discipline” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-doublenegatives]])
2TH 3 8 d9h1 figs-merism νυκτὸς καὶ ἡμέρας ἐργαζόμενοι 1 working night and day Here, **night and day** are a merism and they mean “all the time.” Alternate translation: “working during the night and during the day” or “working all the time” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-merism]])
2TH 3 8 w8fq figs-doublet ἐν κόπῳ καὶ μόχθῳ 1 in toil and hardship Paul emphasizes how hard his circumstances were. The word **toil** implies work that requires great effort. The word **hardship** implies they endured pain and suffering. Alternate translation: “in very difficult circumstances” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-doublet]])
2TH 3 9 sn3k figs-doublenegatives οὐχ ὅτι οὐκ ἔχομεν ἐξουσίαν, ἀλλ’ 1 not because we do not have authority, but Paul uses a double negative to emphasize the positive. You can state this as a positive. Alternate translation: “and we certainly have the right to receive food from you, but instead we worked for our food” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-doublenegatives]])
2TH 3 10 c652 figs-doublenegatives εἴ τις οὐ θέλει ἐργάζεσθαι, μηδὲ ἐσθιέτω 1 If anyone is not willing to work, do not even let him eat You can state this in positive form. Alternate translation: “If a person wants to eat, he must work” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-doublenegatives]])
2TH 3 11 ey6c figs-metaphor τινας περιπατοῦντας…ἀτάκτως 1 some who are walking idly Here, **walking** stands for behavior in life. Alternate translation: “some who are living idle lives” or “some who are being lazy” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
2TH 3 12 bm6z μετὰ ἡσυχίας 1 with quietness Paul exhorts the meddlers to stop getting involved in other people’s affairs. Alternate translation: “in a quiet, peaceful, and mild manner”
2TH 3 13 jx8t δέ 1 But Paul here uses the word **But** to contrast the lazy believers with the hardworking believers.
2TH 3 13 usu9 figs-gendernotations ἀδελφοί 1 brothers Here, **brothers** means fellow Christians, including both men and women. Alternate translation: “brothers and sisters” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-gendernotations]])
2TH 3 14 nv3v figs-idiom τοῦτον σημειοῦσθε 1 note this one Paul wants the Thessalonians to notice who this person is. Alternate translation: “publicly identify that person” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]])
2TH 3 16 whb9 figs-explicit αὐτὸς…ὁ Κύριος τῆς εἰρήνης, δῴη ὑμῖν 1 may the Lord of peace himself give you You can make explicit that this is Paul’s prayer for the Thessalonians. Alternate translation: “I pray that the Lord of peace himself gives you” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])
2TH 3 16 zl1s figs-rpronouns αὐτὸς…ὁ Κύριος τῆς εἰρήνης 1 the Lord of peace himself Here, **himself** emphasizes that the Lord will personally give peace to believers. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-rpronouns]])
2TH 3 17 c2cb ὁ ἀσπασμὸς τῇ ἐμῇ χειρὶ, Παύλου, ὅ ἐστιν σημεῖον ἐν πάσῃ ἐπιστολῇ, οὕτως γράφω 1 This greeting is in my own hand—Paul—which is a sign in every letter. In this manner I write “I, Paul, write this greeting with my own hand, which I do in every letter, as a sign that this letter is truly from me”
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