And with all deceivableness of unrighteousness in them that perish; because they received not the love of the truth, that they might be saved.

2 THESSALONIANS 2:10KJV
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2 Thessalonians 2:10 (KJV)

What does 2 Thessalonians 2:10 mean?

2 Thessalonians 2:10 says that those who are perishing are deceived because they did not accept or welcome a love for the truth that could have saved them. The verse explains that their downfall is tied to their refusal to embrace the truth, not just to being tricked.

Paul is writing to believers in Thessalonica, warning them about people who are led astray by evil and deception. He points out that the root problem is not just outside trickery, but an inner rejection of the truth. This verse is part of a larger explanation about the coming of lawlessness and why some people are vulnerable to it.

The Greek behind 2 Thessalonians 2:10

  • The word "deceivableness" (ἀπάτη, apátē) refers to trickery or deceit, emphasizing that the deception is active and misleading, not just a passive misunderstanding.
  • "Unrighteousness" (ἀδικία, adikia) means wrongdoing or injustice, showing that the deception is connected to moral failure, not just intellectual error.
  • "Perish" (ἀπόλλυμι, apollymi) means to be destroyed or lost, underlining the seriousness of the outcome for those who reject the truth.
  • "Love" (ἀγάπη, agapē) is a deep, self-giving love, not just an interest or liking, which highlights that what is missing is a heartfelt embrace of the truth, not just agreement with facts.

Why 2 Thessalonians 2:10 matters

  • This verse clarifies that being deceived is not just about being fooled by others; it is also about a personal choice to reject the truth.
  • Paul’s wording shows that salvation is closely tied to loving the truth, not just knowing it or hearing it.
  • The verse connects to the larger warning in this chapter about the dangers of lawlessness and spiritual deception, helping readers see the importance of their own response to the truth.

Where else these words appear

“deceivableness” Greek G539 · used in 7 verses

  • Matthew 13:22 He also that received seed among the thorns is he that heareth the word; and the care of this world, and the deceitfulness of riches, choke the word, and he becometh unfruitful.
  • Ephesians 4:22 That ye put off concerning the former conversation the old man, which is corrupt according to the deceitful lusts;
  • Hebrews 3:13 But exhort one another daily, while it is called To day; lest any of you be hardened through the deceitfulness of sin.

“because” Greek G473 · used in 20 verses

  • Matthew 2:22 But when he heard that Archelaus did reign in Judaea in the room of his father Herod, he was afraid to go thither: notwithstanding, being warned of God in a dream, he turned aside into the parts of Galilee:
  • Luke 11:11 If a son shall ask bread of any of you that is a father, will he give him a stone? or if he ask a fish, will he for a fish give him a serpent?
  • 1 Corinthians 11:15 But if a woman have long hair, it is a glory to her: for her hair is given her for a covering.

“unrighteousness” Greek G93 · used in 24 verses

  • Luke 13:27 But he shall say, I tell you, I know you not whence ye are; depart from me, all ye workers of iniquity.
  • Romans 1:18 For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men, who hold the truth in unrighteousness;
  • 2 Thessalonians 2:12 That they all might be damned who believed not the truth, but had pleasure in unrighteousness.

“received” Greek G1209 · used in 48 verses

  • Matthew 10:14 And whosoever shall not receive you, nor hear your words, when ye depart out of that house or city, shake off the dust of your feet.
  • Luke 10:10 But into whatsoever city ye enter, and they receive you not, go your ways out into the streets of the same, and say,
  • Acts 28:21 And they said unto him, We neither received letters out of Judaea concerning thee, neither any of the brethren that came shewed or spake any harm of thee.