And for this cause God shall send them strong delusion, that they should believe a lie:

2 THESSALONIANS 2:11KJV
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2 Thessalonians 2:11 (KJV)

What does 2 Thessalonians 2:11 mean?

2 Thessalonians 2:11 says that, because of a certain reason, God allows people to experience a powerful deception so that they end up believing something false. The verse describes a situation where God permits this strong delusion as a consequence for those who have already rejected the truth.

Paul is writing to the Christians in Thessalonica, warning them about future events connected to the coming of the "man of sin" and a widespread rebellion against God. In this context, Paul explains that those who refuse to love the truth and be saved will face a divinely allowed deception, leading them to accept lies instead of the truth.

The Greek behind 2 Thessalonians 2:11

  • "Strong" (ἐνέργεια, energeia): This word means "active power" or "energetic working." Here, it emphasizes that the delusion is not weak or passive, but forceful and convincing.
  • "Delusion" (πλάνη, planē): This Greek word refers to a wandering or deception, especially being led astray from the truth. It highlights the idea that people are not just mistaken, but are actively misled.
  • "Lie" (ψεῦδος, pseudos): This word means "falsehood" or "something untrue." The verse points to a specific, significant falsehood that people end up believing as a result of the delusion.

Why 2 Thessalonians 2:11 matters

  • 2 Thessalonians 2:11 clarifies that the deception is not random but is a response to people's prior rejection of the truth, showing a cause-and-effect relationship.
  • The verse emphasizes the seriousness of turning away from the truth, suggesting that persistent refusal can lead to a point where falsehood becomes convincing.
  • Understanding this verse helps make sense of the broader passage, where Paul is describing not just individual choices, but a larger spiritual conflict and the consequences of rejecting God's message.

Where else these words appear

“strong” Greek G1753 · used in 8 verses

  • Ephesians 1:19 And what is the exceeding greatness of his power to us-ward who believe, according to the working of his mighty power,
  • Ephesians 4:16 From whom the whole body fitly joined together and compacted by that which every joint supplieth, according to the effectual working in the measure of every part, maketh increase of the body unto the edifying of itself in love.
  • Colossians 1:29 Whereunto I also labour, striving according to his working, which worketh in me mightily.

“lie” Greek G5579 · used in 9 verses

  • John 8:44 Ye are of your father the devil, and the lusts of your father ye will do. He was a murderer from the beginning, and abode not in the truth, because there is no truth in him. When he speaketh a lie, he speaketh of his own: for he is a liar, and the father of it.
  • Ephesians 4:25 Wherefore putting away lying, speak every man truth with his neighbour: for we are members one of another.
  • 1 John 2:27 But the anointing which ye have received of him abideth in you, and ye need not that any man teach you: but as the same anointing teacheth you of all things, and is truth, and is no lie, and even as it hath taught you, ye shall abide in him.

“delusion” Greek G4106 · used in 10 verses

  • Matthew 27:64 Command therefore that the sepulchre be made sure until the third day, lest his disciples come by night, and steal him away, and say unto the people, He is risen from the dead: so the last error shall be worse than the first.
  • 1 Thessalonians 2:3 For our exhortation was not of deceit, nor of uncleanness, nor in guile:
  • 2 Peter 3:17 Ye therefore, beloved, seeing ye know these things before, beware lest ye also, being led away with the error of the wicked, fall from your own stedfastness.

“send” Greek G3992 · used in 80 verses

  • Matthew 2:8 And he sent them to Bethlehem, and said, Go and search diligently for the young child; and when ye have found him, bring me word again, that I may come and worship him also.
  • John 7:16 Jesus answered them, and said, My doctrine is not mine, but his that sent me.
  • Acts 15:25 It seemed good unto us, being assembled with one accord, to send chosen men unto you with our beloved Barnabas and Paul,