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<!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Transitional//EN" "//www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-transitional.dtd"><html xmlns="//www.w3.org/1999/xhtml"><head><meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=utf-8" /><meta name="viewport" content="width=device-width, initial-scale=1" /><title>2 Thessalonians 2:7 For the mystery of lawlessness is already at work, but the one who now restrains it will continue until he is taken out of the way.</title><link rel="canonical" href="https://biblehub.com/2_thessalonians/2-7.htm" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/new9.css" type="text/css" media="Screen" /><meta property="og:image" content="https://biblehub.com/visuals/6/53_2Th_02_07.jpg" /><meta property="og:title" content="2 Thessalonians 2:7 - The Man of Lawlessness" /><meta property="og:site_name" content="Bible Hub" /><meta property="og:description" content="For the mystery of lawlessness is already at work, but the one who now restrains it will continue until he is taken out of the way." /><script type="application/javascript" src="https://scripts.webcontentassessor.com/scripts/8a2459b64f9cac8122fc7f2eac4409c8555fac9383016db59c4c26e3d5b8b157"></script><script src='https://qd.admetricspro.com/js/biblehub/biblehub-layout-loader-revcatch.js'></script><script id='HyDgbd_1s' src='https://prebidads.revcatch.com/ads.js' type='text/javascript' async></script><script>(function(w,d,b,s,i){var cts=d.createElement(s);cts.async=true;cts.id='catchscript'; cts.dataset.appid=i;cts.src='https://app.protectsubrev.com/catch_rp.js?cb='+Math.random(); document.head.appendChild(cts); }) (window,document,'head','script','rc-anksrH');</script></head><body><div id="fx"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" id="fx2"><tr><td><iframe width="100%" height="30" scrolling="no" src="/vmenus/2_thessalonians/2-7.htm" align="left" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div><div id="blnk"></div><div align="center"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" class="maintable"><tr><td><div id="fx5"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" id="fx6"><tr><td><iframe width="100%" height="245" scrolling="no" src="/bmc/2_thessalonians/2-7.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></td></tr></table></div><div align="center"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" class="maintable3"><tr><td><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center" id="announce"><tr><td><div id="l1"><div id="breadcrumbs"><a href="/">Bible</a> > <a href="/2_thessalonians/">2 Thessalonians</a> > <a href="/2_thessalonians/2.htm">Chapter 2</a> > Verse 7</div><div id="anc"><iframe src="/anc.htm" width="100%" height="27" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></div><div id="anc2"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><iframe src="/anc2.htm" width="100%" height="27" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></div><div id="ad1"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><iframe src="/ad7.htm" width="100%" height="48" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></td></tr></table><div id="movebox2"><table border="0" align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0"><tr><td><div id="topheading"><a href="/2_thessalonians/2-6.htm" title="2 Thessalonians 2:6">◄</a> 2 Thessalonians 2:7 <a href="/2_thessalonians/2-8.htm" title="2 Thessalonians 2:8">►</a></div></tr></table></div><div align="center" class="maintable2"><table border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><div id="topverse"> <a href="#audio" class="clickchap2" title="Context and Audio Bible"> Audio </a> <a href="#crossref" class="clickchap2" title="Cross References"> Cross </a> <a href="#study" class="clickchap2" title="Study Bible"> Study </a> <a href="#commentary" class="clickchap2" title="Commentary"> Comm </a> <a href="#lexicon" class="clickchap2" title="Lexicon"> Greek </a> </div><div id="leftbox"><div class="padleft"><div class="vheadingv">Verse<a href="/bsb/2_thessalonians/2.htm" class="clickchap" style="color:#001320" title="Click any translation name for full chapter">  (Click for Chapter)</a></div><div id="par"><a href="/niv/2_thessalonians/2.htm">New International Version</a> For the secret power of lawlessness is already at work; but the one who now holds it back will continue to do so till he is taken out of the way. <a href="/nlt/2_thessalonians/2.htm">New Living Translation</a> For this lawlessness is already at work secretly, and it will remain secret until the one who is holding it back steps out of the way. <a href="/esv/2_thessalonians/2.htm">English Standard Version</a> For the mystery of lawlessness is already at work. Only he who now restrains it will do so until he is out of the way. <a href="/bsb/2_thessalonians/2.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a> For the mystery of lawlessness is already at work, but the one who now restrains it will continue until he is taken out of the way. <a href="/blb/2_thessalonians/2.htm">Berean Literal Bible</a> For the mystery of lawlessness is working already; there is only the one at present restraining it, until he might be gone out of the midst. <a href="/kjv/2_thessalonians/2.htm">King James Bible</a> For the mystery of iniquity doth already work: only he who now letteth will let, until he be taken out of the way. <a href="/nkjv/2_thessalonians/2.htm">New King James Version</a> For the mystery of lawlessness is already at work; only He who now restrains will do so until He is taken out of the way. <a href="/nasb_/2_thessalonians/2.htm">New American Standard Bible</a> For the mystery of lawlessness is already at work; only He who now restrains will do so until He is removed. <a href="/nasb/2_thessalonians/2.htm">NASB 1995</a> For the mystery of lawlessness is already at work; only he who now restrains will do so until he is taken out of the way. <a href="/nasb77/2_thessalonians/2.htm">NASB 1977 </a> For the mystery of lawlessness is already at work; only he who now restrains will do so until he is taken out of the way. <a href="/lsb/2_thessalonians/2.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a> For the mystery of lawlessness is already at work; only he who now restrains will do so until he is taken out of the way. <a href="/amp/2_thessalonians/2.htm">Amplified Bible</a> For the mystery of lawlessness [rebellion against divine authority and the coming reign of lawlessness] is already at work; [but it is restrained] only until he who now restrains it is taken out of the way. <a href="/csb/2_thessalonians/2.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a> For the mystery of lawlessness is already at work, but the one now restraining will do so until he is out of the way, <a href="/hcsb/2_thessalonians/2.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a> For the mystery of lawlessness is already at work, but the one now restraining will do so until he is out of the way, <a href="/asv/2_thessalonians/2.htm">American Standard Version</a> For the mystery of lawlessness doth already work: only there is one that restraineth now, until he be taken out of the way. <a href="/cev/2_thessalonians/2.htm">Contemporary English Version</a> His mysterious power is already at work, but someone is holding him back. And the wicked one won't appear until this someone is out of the way. <a href="/erv/2_thessalonians/2.htm">English Revised Version</a> For the mystery of lawlessness doth already work: only there is one that restraineth now, until he be taken out of the way. <a href="/gwt/2_thessalonians/2.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a> The mystery of this sin is already at work. But it cannot work effectively until the person now holding it back gets out of the way. <a href="/gnt/2_thessalonians/2.htm">Good News Translation</a> The Mysterious Wickedness is already at work, but what is going to happen will not happen until the one who holds it back is taken out of the way. <a href="/isv/2_thessalonians/2.htm">International Standard Version</a> For the secret of this lawlessness is already at work, but only until the person now holding it back gets out of the way. <a href="/msb/2_thessalonians/2.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a> For the mystery of lawlessness is already at work, but the one who now restrains it will continue until he is taken out of the way. <a href="/net/2_thessalonians/2.htm">NET Bible</a> For the hidden power of lawlessness is already at work. However, the one who holds him back will do so until he is taken out of the way, <a href="/nheb/2_thessalonians/2.htm">New Heart English Bible</a> For the mystery of lawlessness already works. Only there is one who restrains now, until he is taken out of the way. <a href="/wbt/2_thessalonians/2.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a> For the mystery of iniquity doth already work: only he who now restraineth will restrain, until he be taken out of the way. <a href="/wey/2_thessalonians/2.htm">Weymouth New Testament</a> For lawlessness is already at work in secret; but only until the man who is now exercising a restraining influence is removed, <a href="/web/2_thessalonians/2.htm">World English Bible</a> For the mystery of lawlessness already works. Only there is one who restrains now, until he is taken out of the way. <div class="vheading2">Literal Translations</div><a href="/lsv/2_thessalonians/2.htm">Literal Standard Version</a> for the secret of lawlessness already works, only the [One] now restraining [will do so] until He may come out of [the] midst, <a href="/blb/2_thessalonians/2.htm">Berean Literal Bible</a> For the mystery of lawlessness is working already; there is only the one at present restraining it, until he might be gone out of the midst. <a href="/ylt/2_thessalonians/2.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a> for the secret of the lawlessness doth already work, only he who is keeping down now will hinder -- till he may be out of the way, <a href="/slt/2_thessalonians/2.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a> For the mystery of iniquity is already energetic: only he withholding, even till he be out of the midst.<div class="vheading2">Catholic Translations</div><a href="/drb/2_thessalonians/2.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a> For the mystery of iniquity already worketh; only that he who now holdeth, do hold, until he be taken out of the way. <a href="/cpdv/2_thessalonians/2.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a> For the mystery of iniquity is already at work. And only one now holds back, and will continue to hold back, until he is taken from our midst. <a href="/nabre/2_thessalonians/2.htm">New American Bible</a> For the mystery of lawlessness is already at work. But the one who restrains is to do so only for the present, until he is removed from the scene. <a href="/nrsvce/2_thessalonians/2.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a> For the mystery of lawlessness is already at work, but only until the one who now restrains it is removed.<div class="vheading2">Translations from Aramaic</div><a href="/lamsa/2_thessalonians/2.htm">Lamsa Bible</a> For the mystery of iniquity is already at work: until he who now is the obstacle be taken out of the way. <a href="/aramaic-plain-english/2_thessalonians/2.htm">Aramaic Bible in Plain English</a> The mystery of evil has even now begun to work within, only if that which now controls will be taken from the midst;<div class="vheading2">NT Translations</div><a href="/anderson/2_thessalonians/2.htm">Anderson New Testament</a> For the mystery of iniquity is already at work; only he that now restrains will restrain, till he be taken out of the way: <a href="/godbey/2_thessalonians/2.htm">Godbey New Testament</a> For already the mystery of lawlessness is working: only there is one now hindering, until he may be taken out of the midst; <a href="/haweis/2_thessalonians/2.htm">Haweis New Testament</a> For the mystery of iniquity is already powerfully working; only he that withholdeth hitherto, will do so till he is removed. <a href="/mace/2_thessalonians/2.htm">Mace New Testament</a> for the secret spirit of misrule is ready to break out as soon as the obstacle is taken away: <a href="/wey/2_thessalonians/2.htm">Weymouth New Testament</a> For lawlessness is already at work in secret; but only until the man who is now exercising a restraining influence is removed, <a href="/worrell/2_thessalonians/2.htm">Worrell New Testament</a> for the mystery of lawlessness is already working: only He Who hindereth will hinder, until He is taken out of the midst. <a href="/worsley/2_thessalonians/2.htm">Worsley New Testament</a> For the mystery of iniquity is already working, only there is one that hindreth till he be taken out of the way. <a href="/parallel/2_thessalonians/2-7.htm">Additional Translations ...</a></div></div></div><div id="centbox"><div class="padcent"><a name="audio" id="audio"></a><div class="vheadingv">Audio Bible</div><iframe width="100%" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/p0L2MQrlSxc?start=183" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe> <div class="vheadingv">Context</div><a href="/bsb/2_thessalonians/2.htm">The Man of Lawlessness</a> …6And you know what is now restraining him, so that he may be revealed at the proper time. 7<a href="/greek/1063.htm" title="1063: gar (Conj) -- For. A primary particle; properly, assigning a reason.">For</a> <a href="/greek/3588.htm" title="3588: to (Art-NNS) -- The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.">the</a> <a href="/greek/3466.htm" title="3466: mystērion (N-NNS) -- From a derivative of muo; a secret or mystery.">mystery</a> <a href="/greek/3588.htm" title="3588: tēs (Art-GFS) -- The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the."></a> <a href="/greek/458.htm" title="458: anomias (N-GFS) -- Lawlessness, iniquity, disobedience, sin. From anomos; illegality, i.e. Violation of law or wickedness.">of lawlessness</a> <a href="/greek/2235.htm" title="2235: ēdē (Adv) -- Already; now at length, now after all this waiting. Apparently from e and de; even now.">is already</a> <a href="/greek/1754.htm" title="1754: energeitai (V-PIM-3S) -- From energes; to be active, efficient.">at work,</a> <a href="/greek/3440.htm" title="3440: monon (Adv) -- Alone, but, only. Neuter of monos as adverb; merely.">but</a> <a href="/greek/3588.htm" title="3588: ho (Art-NMS) -- The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.">the one who</a> <a href="/greek/737.htm" title="737: arti (Adv) -- Now, just now, at this moment. Adverb from a derivative of airo through the idea of suspension; just now.">now</a> <a href="/greek/2722.htm" title="2722: katechōn (V-PPA-NMS) -- From kata and echo; to hold down, in various applications.">restrains it</a> <a href="/greek/2193.htm" title="2193: heōs (Conj) -- A conjunction, preposition and adverb of continuance, until.">will continue until</a> <a href="/greek/1096.htm" title="1096: genētai (V-ASM-3S) -- A prolongation and middle voice form of a primary verb; to cause to be, i.e. to become, used with great latitude.">he is taken</a> <a href="/greek/1537.htm" title="1537: ek (Prep) -- From out, out from among, from, suggesting from the interior outwards. A primary preposition denoting origin, from, out.">out of</a> <a href="/greek/3319.htm" title="3319: mesou (Adj-GNS) -- Middle, in the middle, between, in the midst of. From meta; middle (neuter) noun).">the way.</a> 8And 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.…<div class="cred"><a href="//berean.bible">Berean Standard Bible</a> · <a href="//berean.bible/downloads.htm">Download</a></div> <a name="crossref" id="crossref"></a><div class="vheading">Cross References</div><div id="crf"><a href="/1_john/4-3.htm">1 John 4:3</a> and every spirit that does not confess Jesus is not from God. This is the spirit of the antichrist, which you have heard is coming and which is already in the world at this time. <a href="/1_john/2-18.htm">1 John 2:18</a> Children, it is the last hour; and just as you have heard that the antichrist is coming, so now many antichrists have appeared. This is how we know it is the last hour. <a href="/revelation/17-5.htm">Revelation 17:5-7</a> And on her forehead a mysterious name was written: BABYLON THE GREAT, THE MOTHER OF PROSTITUTES AND OF THE ABOMINATIONS OF THE EARTH. / I could see that the woman was drunk with the blood of the saints and witnesses for Jesus. And I was utterly amazed at the sight of her. / “Why are you so amazed?” said the angel. “I will tell you the mystery of the woman and of the beast that carries her, which has the seven heads and ten horns. <a href="/daniel/8-23.htm">Daniel 8:23-25</a> In the latter part of their reign, when the rebellion has reached its full measure, an insolent king, skilled in intrigue, will come to the throne. / His power will be great, but it will not be his own. He will cause terrible destruction and succeed in whatever he does. He will destroy the mighty men along with the holy people. / Through his craft and by his hand, he will cause deceit to prosper, and in his own mind he will make himself great. In a time of peace he will destroy many, and he will even stand against the Prince of princes. Yet he will be broken off, but not by human hands. <a href="/daniel/11-36.htm">Daniel 11:36-39</a> Then the king will do as he pleases and will exalt and magnify himself above every god, and he will speak monstrous things against the God of gods. He will be successful until the time of wrath is completed, for what has been decreed must be accomplished. / He will show no regard for the gods of his fathers, nor for the one desired by women, nor for any other god, because he will magnify himself above them all. / And in their place, he will honor a god of fortresses—a god his fathers did not know—with gold, silver, precious stones, and riches. ... <a href="/matthew/24-12.htm">Matthew 24:12</a> Because of the multiplication of wickedness, the love of most will grow cold. <a href="/1_timothy/4-1.htm">1 Timothy 4:1</a> Now the Spirit expressly states that in later times some will abandon the faith to follow deceitful spirits and the teachings of demons, <a href="/2_timothy/3-1.htm">2 Timothy 3:1-5</a> But understand this: In the last days terrible times will come. / For men will be lovers of themselves, lovers of money, boastful, arrogant, abusive, disobedient to their parents, ungrateful, unholy, / unloving, unforgiving, slanderous, without self-control, brutal, without love of good, ... <a href="/revelation/13-11.htm">Revelation 13:11-14</a> Then I saw another beast rising out of the earth. This beast had two horns like a lamb, but spoke like a dragon. / And this beast exercised all the authority of the first beast and caused the earth and those who dwell in it to worship the first beast, whose mortal wound had been healed. / And the second beast performed great signs, even causing fire from heaven to come down to earth in the presence of the people. ... <a href="/revelation/13-5.htm">Revelation 13:5-7</a> The beast was given a mouth to speak arrogant and blasphemous words, and authority to act for 42 months. / And the beast opened its mouth to speak blasphemies against God and to slander His name and His tabernacle—those who dwell in heaven. / Then the beast was permitted to wage war against the saints and to conquer them, and it was given authority over every tribe and people and tongue and nation. <a href="/daniel/7-25.htm">Daniel 7:25</a> He will speak out against the Most High and oppress the saints of the Most High, intending to change the appointed times and laws; and the saints will be given into his hand for a time, and times, and half a time. <a href="/revelation/12-7.htm">Revelation 12:7-9</a> Then a war broke out in heaven: Michael and his angels fought against the dragon, and the dragon and his angels fought back. / But the dragon was not strong enough, and no longer was any place found in heaven for him and his angels. / And the great dragon was hurled down—that ancient serpent called the devil and Satan, the deceiver of the whole world. He was hurled to the earth, and his angels with him. <a href="/1_john/2-22.htm">1 John 2:22</a> Who is the liar, if it is not the one who denies that Jesus is the Christ? This is the antichrist, who denies the Father and the Son. <a href="/matthew/13-41.htm">Matthew 13:41</a> The Son of Man will send out His angels, and they will weed out of His kingdom every cause of sin and all who practice lawlessness. <a href="/2_peter/2-1.htm">2 Peter 2:1-3</a> Now there were also false prophets among the people, just as there will be false teachers among you. They will secretly introduce destructive heresies, even denying the Master who bought them—bringing swift destruction on themselves. / Many will follow in their depravity, and because of them the way of truth will be defamed. / In their greed, these false teachers will exploit you with deceptive words. The longstanding verdict against them remains in force, and their destruction does not sleep.</div> <a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div>For the mystery of iniquity does already work: only he who now lets will let, until he be taken out of the way.the mystery.<a href="/1_timothy/3-16.htm">1 Timothy 3:16</a> And without controversy great is the mystery of godliness: God was manifest in the flesh, justified in the Spirit, seen of angels, preached unto the Gentiles, believed on in the world, received up into glory.<a href="/revelation/17-5.htm">Revelation 17:5,7</a> And upon her forehead was a name written, MYSTERY, BABYLON THE GREAT, THE MOTHER OF HARLOTS AND ABOMINATIONS OF THE EARTH… doth.<a href="/acts/20-29.htm">Acts 20:29</a> For I know this, that after my departing shall grievous wolves enter in among you, not sparing the flock.<a href="/colossians/2-18.htm">Colossians 2:18-23</a> Let no man beguile you of your reward in a voluntary humility and worshipping of angels, intruding into those things which he hath not seen, vainly puffed up by his fleshly mind, … <a href="/2_timothy/2-17.htm">2 Timothy 2:17,18</a> And their word will eat as doth a canker: of whom is Hymenaeus and Philetus; … he who.<a href="/2_thessalonians/2-6.htm">2 Thessalonians 2:6</a> And now ye know what withholdeth that he might be revealed in his time.<div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/2_thessalonians/2-2.htm">Already</a> <a href="/1_thessalonians/4-15.htm">Continue</a> <a href="/1_thessalonians/5-22.htm">Evil</a> <a href="/luke/22-25.htm">Exercising</a> <a href="/2_corinthians/10-4.htm">Holds</a> <a href="/2_corinthians/10-15.htm">Influence</a> <a href="/2_corinthians/6-14.htm">Iniquity</a> <a href="/2_thessalonians/2-6.htm">Keeping</a> <a href="/matthew/7-23.htm">Lawlessness</a> <a href="/colossians/4-3.htm">Mystery</a> <a href="/2_thessalonians/1-11.htm">Power</a> <a href="/galatians/5-11.htm">Removed</a> <a href="/acts/14-18.htm">Restrain</a> <a href="/2_thessalonians/2-6.htm">Restraineth</a> <a href="/2_thessalonians/2-6.htm">Restraining</a> <a href="/2_thessalonians/2-6.htm">Restrains</a> <a href="/colossians/3-3.htm">Secret</a> <a href="/2_thessalonians/2-3.htm">Way</a> <a href="/2_thessalonians/1-11.htm">Work</a> <a href="/1_thessalonians/2-13.htm">Works</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/1_timothy/3-13.htm">Already</a> <a href="/2_thessalonians/3-4.htm">Continue</a> <a href="/2_thessalonians/2-8.htm">Evil</a> <a href="/1_peter/5-2.htm">Exercising</a> <a href="/1_timothy/4-8.htm">Holds</a> <a href="/2_thessalonians/2-11.htm">Influence</a> <a href="/2_timothy/2-19.htm">Iniquity</a> <a href="/1_timothy/1-18.htm">Keeping</a> <a href="/hebrews/10-17.htm">Lawlessness</a> <a href="/1_timothy/3-9.htm">Mystery</a> <a href="/2_thessalonians/2-9.htm">Power</a> <a href="/hebrews/7-26.htm">Removed</a> <a href="/1_peter/3-10.htm">Restrain</a> <a href="/job/37-4.htm">Restraineth</a> <a href="/genesis/20-18.htm">Restraining</a> <a href="/job/12-15.htm">Restrains</a> <a href="/1_timothy/3-9.htm">Secret</a> <a href="/2_thessalonians/2-10.htm">Way</a> <a href="/2_thessalonians/2-9.htm">Work</a> <a href="/2_thessalonians/2-9.htm">Works</a><div class="vheading2">2 Thessalonians 2</div>1. <a href="/2_thessalonians/2-1.htm">Paul urges them to continue stedfast in the truth received;</a> 3. <a href="/2_thessalonians/2-3.htm">shows that there shall be a departure from the faith,</a> 9. <a href="/2_thessalonians/2-9.htm">and a discovery of Antichrist, before the day of the Lord comes;</a> 15. <a href="/2_thessalonians/2-15.htm">repeats his exhortation to stand firm, and prays for them.</a> </div></div><div id="mdd"><div align="center"><div class="bot2"><table align="center" width="100%"><tr><td><div align="center"> <script id="3d27ed63fc4348d5b062c4527ae09445"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=51ce25d5-1a8c-424a-8695-4bd48c750f35&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; 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Here, it pertains to the pervasive influence of lawlessness, which is a rebellion against God's order. This concept of lawlessness can be traced back to the fall of man in <a href="/genesis/3.htm">Genesis 3</a> and is evident throughout Scripture, such as in the days of Noah (<a href="/genesis/6-5.htm">Genesis 6:5</a>) and the lawlessness of Israel (<a href="/judges/21-25.htm">Judges 21:25</a>). The Apostle Paul indicates that this spirit of rebellion is not a future event but is already active in the world, aligning with Jesus' teachings on the increase of lawlessness in the end times (<a href="/matthew/24-12.htm">Matthew 24:12</a>).but the one who now restrains it This phrase suggests the presence of a restraining force or person that holds back the full manifestation of lawlessness. The identity of this restrainer has been widely debated, with interpretations ranging from the Holy Spirit, the church, or a governing authority. The restrainer's role is crucial in God's sovereign plan, preventing the complete revelation of the "man of lawlessness" until the appointed time. This aligns with the biblical theme of God's control over the unfolding of prophetic events, as seen in <a href="/daniel/2-21.htm">Daniel 2:21</a>, where God changes times and seasons and removes kings.will continue until he is taken out of the way The continuation of the restraining force is temporary, indicating a future point when it will be removed. This removal is a significant eschatological event, paving the way for the revelation of the "man of lawlessness" mentioned earlier in <a href="/2_thessalonians/2-3.htm">2 Thessalonians 2:3-4</a>. The phrase suggests a divine timetable, where God allows the progression of events according to His purpose. This concept is echoed in <a href="/revelation/17-17.htm">Revelation 17:17</a>, where God puts it into the hearts of rulers to accomplish His will. The removal of the restrainer marks a pivotal moment in the prophetic timeline, leading to the culmination of end-time events and the eventual return of Jesus Christ.<div class="vheading2">Persons / Places / Events</div>1. <a href="/topical/p/paul_the_apostle.htm">Paul the Apostle</a> The author of the letter, addressing the church in Thessalonica to clarify misunderstandings about the end times. 2. <a href="/topical/t/thessalonica.htm">Thessalonica</a> A city in Macedonia where the early Christian church was established. The believers there were facing persecution and confusion about the return of Christ. 3. <a href="/topical/t/the_restrainer.htm">The Restrainer</a> A figure or force that holds back the full manifestation of lawlessness until a designated time. 4. <a href="/topical/t/the_mystery_of_lawlessness.htm">The Mystery of Lawlessness</a> A concept referring to the hidden or partially revealed nature of sin and rebellion against God, which is already active in the world. 5. <a href="/topical/t/the_end_times.htm">The End Times</a> The period leading up to the return of Christ, characterized by increased lawlessness and the revelation of the "man of lawlessness."<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><a href="/topical/u/understanding_the_mystery_of_lawlessness.htm">Understanding the Mystery of Lawlessness</a> Recognize that sin and rebellion against God are not new but have been at work since the fall of man. This awareness helps believers remain vigilant and discerning. <a href="/topical/t/the_role_of_the_restrainer.htm">The Role of the Restrainer</a> The restrainer's presence is a reminder of God's sovereignty and control over the unfolding of end-time events. Believers can find comfort in knowing that God is in control. <a href="/topical/l/living_in_anticipation.htm">Living in Anticipation</a> While the mystery of lawlessness is at work, Christians are called to live holy and blameless lives, anticipating Christ's return and resisting the influence of lawlessness. <a href="/topical/t/the_importance_of_discernment.htm">The Importance of Discernment</a> In a world where lawlessness is increasing, believers must cultivate discernment through prayer, study of the Scriptures, and reliance on the Holy Spirit. <a href="/topical/e/encouragement_in_persecution.htm">Encouragement in Persecution</a> Just as the Thessalonians faced persecution, modern believers can find encouragement in knowing that trials are temporary and that God’s ultimate plan will prevail.<div class="vheading2">Lists and Questions</div><a href="/top10/lessons_from_2_thessalonians_2.htm">Top 10 Lessons from 2 Thessalonians 2</a> <a href="/q/what_is_the_mystery_of_iniquity.htm">What does the mystery of iniquity truly mean?</a> <a href="/q/who_is_the_restrainer_in_2_thess._2.htm">Who is the restrainer mentioned in 2 Thessalonians 2?</a> <a href="/q/what_does_increased_lawlessness_imply.htm">What does increased lawlessness imply?</a> <a href="/q/why_hasn't_the_'man_of_lawlessness'_appeared.htm">“2 Thessalonians 2:3 speaks of a ‘man of lawlessness’—why hasn’t this figure conclusively appeared in over 2,000 years?” </a><a name="commentary" id="commentary"></a><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/ellicott/2_thessalonians/2.htm">Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers</a></div>(7) For.--Logically, the "for" belongs to the clause "he that letteth;" thus:" For, although the mystery is already at work, the wicked one will not be revealed until he that now withholds shall disappear."The mystery of iniquity doth already work.--Both "mystery" and "iniquity" have the article in the Greek, perhaps (as in <a href="/2_thessalonians/2-3.htm" title="Let no man deceive you by any means: for that day shall not come, except there come a falling away first, and that man of sin be revealed, the son of perdition;">2Thessalonians 2:3</a>) because the phrase was well known to the Thessalonians. Lawlessness is a more literal rendering than "iniquity"; the same word in <a href="/1_john/3-4.htm" title="Whoever commits sin transgresses also the law: for sin is the transgression of the law.">1John 3:4</a> is rendered "the transgression of the law." The word "mystery" in Greek does not necessarily involve any notion of mysteriousness in our modern sense. It means a secret (which may be, in its own nature, quite simple) known to the initiated, but incapable of being known until it is divulged. Here the whole emphasis is thrown, by a very peculiar order of the Greek words, upon the word "mystery." It may be paraphrased thus:--"For as a secret, into which the world is not yet initiated, that lawlessness is already at work." Thus the word "mystery" stands in sharp contrast with the word "revealed" in <a href="/2_thessalonians/2-6.htm" title="And now you know what withholds that he might be revealed in his time.">2Thessalonians 2:6</a>; <a href="/2_thessalonians/2-8.htm" title="And then shall that Wicked be revealed, whom the Lord shall consume with the spirit of his mouth, and shall destroy with the brightness of his coming:">2Thessalonians 2:8</a> : the time for publishing, openly avowing, the secret is not yet come. To whom, then, is the mystery of that lawlessness now known? Not to all those who are contributing to its ultimate manifestation, for most of them are deceived by it (<a href="/2_thessalonians/2-10.htm" title="And with all delusion of unrighteousness in them that perish; because they received not the love of the truth, that they might be saved.">2Thessalonians 2:10</a>), and, while sharers in the Apostasy, still believe themselves members of the Church. The mystery is known to God, and (1) to enlightened Christians like St. Paul; (2) to Satan and a few Satanic men who avow to themselves their real object in joining the movement. Though the mystery is said to work (the verb expresses an inward activity, e.g., <a href="/1_thessalonians/2-13.htm" title="For this cause also thank we God without ceasing, because, when you received the word of God which you heard of us, you received it not as the word of men, but as it is in truth, the word of God, which effectually works also in you that believe.">1Thessalonians 2:13</a>, <a href="/romans/7-5.htm" title="For when we were in the flesh, the motions of sins, which were by the law, did work in our members to bring forth fruit to death.">Romans 7:5</a>, like that of leaven on the lump), it is not a personal thing, not (like "Man of Sin," "that which withholdeth,") a covert description of any person or set of persons; it is solely the unavowed design which is gradually gaining influence over men's hearts: it is the same movement as the "falling away" of <a href="/2_thessalonians/2-3.htm" title="Let no man deceive you by any means: for that day shall not come, except there come a falling away first, and that man of sin be revealed, the son of perdition;">2Thessalonians 2:3</a>. In several places (e.g., <a href="/2_peter/2-1.htm" title="But there were false prophets also among the people, even as there shall be false teachers among you, who privately shall bring in damnable heresies, even denying the Lord that bought them, and bring on themselves swift destruction.">2Peter 2:1</a> et seq.; <a href="/jude/1-18.htm" title="How that they told you there should be mockers in the last time, who should walk after their own ungodly lusts.">Jude 1:18</a> et seq.) the coarser side of the "falling away" is spoken of, but here the "lawlessness" seems not so much to mean ordinary antinomianism as insubordination to God--rebellion. . . . <div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/2_thessalonians/2.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div>Verse 7. - For the mystery. "Mystery" here denotes something which was unknown or secret before it was revealed (comp. <a href="/ephesians/3-3.htm">Ephesians 3:3-5</a>). So also one of the names of Babylon, the seat of the antichristian power, is Mystery (<a href="/revelation/17-3.htm">Revelation 17:3</a>). Of iniquity; rather, of lawlessness; namely, this apostasy which shall precede the coming of the man of sin. The genitive here is that of apposition - "that mystery which is lawlessness," whose essence and sphere of operation is lawlessness. Doth already work; or, is already working. The mystery of iniquity even now works in secret; but the man of sin himself will not appear until the restraining power be removed. Even at the time the apostle wrote the seeds of apostasy were already sown; the leaven of lawlessness was fermenting inside Christianity; the foundations of a false Christianity were being laid. Thus the apostle warned the Ephesians that false teachers would arise from among themselves; to Timothy he writes of those perilous times which were then present; and, in his Epistles, mention is made of false practices and doctrines, such as the worship of angels, abstinence from meats, bodily mortifications, and the honour conferred on celibacy. So also John, in his First Epistle, refers to this working of this antichristian power when he says, "Little children, it is the last time: and as ye have heard that antichrist shall come, even now are there many antichrists .... Every spirit that confesseth not that Jesus Christ is come in the flesh is not of God: and this is that spirit of antichrist, whereof ye have heard that it should come; and even now already is it in the world" (<a href="/1_john/2-18.htm">1 John 2:18</a>; <a href="/1_john/4-3.htm">1 John 4:3</a>). "Antichrist does not step on the scene suddenly without any preparations; on the contrary, a stream of anti-christian sentiment and conduct pervades the whole history of the world" (Olshausen). Only he that now letteth; or, restraineth, the old meaning of the word "let." Will let. These words are not in the original, and ought to be omitted. Until he be taken out of the way. The whole clause ought to be rendered, "The mystery of lawlessness is already working, only until he who restraineth is removed;" when that takes place, when the restraining influence is removed, the mystery of lawlessness will no longer work secretly, but will be openly manifested. <a href="/commentaries/2_thessalonians/2-7.htm">Parallel Commentaries ...</a> <a name="lexicon" id="lexicon"></a><div class="vheading">Greek</div>For γὰρ (gar) Conjunction <a href="/greek/strongs_1063.htm">Strong's 1063: </a> For. A primary particle; properly, assigning a reason. the τὸ (to) Article - Nominative Neuter Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_3588.htm">Strong's 3588: </a> The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the. mystery μυστήριον (mystērion) Noun - Nominative Neuter Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_3466.htm">Strong's 3466: </a> From a derivative of muo; a secret or 'mystery'. of lawlessness ἀνομίας (anomias) Noun - Genitive Feminine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_458.htm">Strong's 458: </a> Lawlessness, iniquity, disobedience, sin. From anomos; illegality, i.e. Violation of law or wickedness. {is} already ἤδη (ēdē) Adverb <a href="/greek/strongs_2235.htm">Strong's 2235: </a> Already; now at length, now after all this waiting. Apparently from e and de; even now. at work, ἐνεργεῖται (energeitai) Verb - Present Indicative Middle - 3rd Person Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_1754.htm">Strong's 1754: </a> From energes; to be active, efficient. but μόνον (monon) Adverb <a href="/greek/strongs_3440.htm">Strong's 3440: </a> Alone, but, only. Neuter of monos as adverb; merely. the [one who] ὁ (ho) Article - Nominative Masculine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_3588.htm">Strong's 3588: </a> The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the. now ἄρτι (arti) Adverb <a href="/greek/strongs_737.htm">Strong's 737: </a> Now, just now, at this moment. Adverb from a derivative of airo through the idea of suspension; just now. restrains [it] κατέχων (katechōn) Verb - Present Participle Active - Nominative Masculine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_2722.htm">Strong's 2722: </a> From kata and echo; to hold down, in various applications. [will continue] until ἕως (heōs) Conjunction <a href="/greek/strongs_2193.htm">Strong's 2193: </a> A conjunction, preposition and adverb of continuance, until. he is taken γένηται (genētai) Verb - Aorist Subjunctive Middle - 3rd Person Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_1096.htm">Strong's 1096: </a> A prolongation and middle voice form of a primary verb; to cause to be, i.e. to become, used with great latitude. out of ἐκ (ek) Preposition <a href="/greek/strongs_1537.htm">Strong's 1537: </a> From out, out from among, from, suggesting from the interior outwards. A primary preposition denoting origin, from, out. [the] way. μέσου (mesou) Adjective - Genitive Neuter Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_3319.htm">Strong's 3319: </a> Middle, in the middle, between, in the midst of. From meta; middle (neuter) noun). <div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/2_thessalonians/2-7.htm">2 Thessalonians 2:7 NIV</a> <a href="/nlt/2_thessalonians/2-7.htm">2 Thessalonians 2:7 NLT</a> <a href="/esv/2_thessalonians/2-7.htm">2 Thessalonians 2:7 ESV</a> <a href="/nasb/2_thessalonians/2-7.htm">2 Thessalonians 2:7 NASB</a> <a href="/kjv/2_thessalonians/2-7.htm">2 Thessalonians 2:7 KJV</a> <a href="//bibleapps.com/2_thessalonians/2-7.htm">2 Thessalonians 2:7 BibleApps.com</a> <a href="//bibliaparalela.com/2_thessalonians/2-7.htm">2 Thessalonians 2:7 Biblia Paralela</a> <a href="//holybible.com.cn/2_thessalonians/2-7.htm">2 Thessalonians 2:7 Chinese Bible</a> <a href="//saintebible.com/2_thessalonians/2-7.htm">2 Thessalonians 2:7 French Bible</a> <a href="/catholic/2_thessalonians/2-7.htm">2 Thessalonians 2:7 Catholic Bible</a> <a href="/2_thessalonians/2-7.htm">NT Letters: 2 Thessalonians 2:7 For the mystery of lawlessness already works (2 Thess. 2 Thes. 2Th iiTh ii th)</a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/2_thessalonians/2-6.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="2 Thessalonians 2:6"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="2 Thessalonians 2:6" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/2_thessalonians/2-8.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="2 Thessalonians 2:8"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="2 Thessalonians 2:8" /></a></div><div id="botleft"><a href="#" onmouseover='botleft.src="/botleftgif.png"' onmouseout='botleft.src="/botleft.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botleft.png" name="botleft" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="botright"><a href="#" onmouseover='botright.src="/botrightgif.png"' onmouseout='botright.src="/botright.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botright.png" name="botright" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="bot"><iframe width="100%" height="1500" scrolling="no" src="/botmenubhnew2.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></div></td></tr></table></div></body></html>