Now our Lord Jesus Christ himself, and God, even our Father, which hath loved us, and hath given us everlasting consolation and good hope through grace,

2 THESSALONIANS 2:16KJV
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2 Thessalonians 2:16 (KJV)

What does 2 Thessalonians 2:16 mean?

2 Thessalonians 2:16 is a prayerful statement where Paul calls on both Jesus Christ and God the Father, recognizing them together as the source of love, comfort, and hope that lasts forever, all given freely by grace. Paul is reminding the believers that their encouragement and hope are not earned, but are gifts from God’s kindness.

Paul is writing to the church in Thessalonica, encouraging them in a time of confusion and distress about the future and Christ’s return. By mentioning both Jesus and the Father together as givers of “everlasting consolation” and “good hope,” Paul emphasizes the unity and generosity of God toward believers, especially when they are anxious or uncertain.

The Greek behind 2 Thessalonians 2:16

  • παράκλησις (paraklēsis, G3874): This word is translated as “consolation” and often means comfort, encouragement, or support. Paul is highlighting that the comfort God gives is not temporary, but “everlasting” (αἰώνιος, aiōnios, G166), pointing to its unending nature.
  • χάρις (charis, G5485): Translated as “grace,” this word means favor or kindness that is not earned. Paul stresses that the hope and comfort believers have come purely from God’s generosity, not from anything they have done.
  • ἐλπίς (elpis, G1680): The word for “hope” here refers to a confident expectation of good, not just a wishful thought. Paul calls it “good hope,” showing that what God gives is trustworthy and positive.

Why 2 Thessalonians 2:16 matters

  • This verse clarifies that both Jesus Christ and God the Father are equally involved in loving and sustaining believers, which is a strong statement about their unity and care.
  • Paul’s focus on “everlasting consolation” and “good hope” helps the Thessalonians (and readers today) see that God’s encouragement is not just for the present moment but stretches into eternity.
  • By grounding hope and comfort in grace, Paul reminds believers that their relationship with God is based on His kindness, not their performance or circumstances.

Where else these words appear

“consolation” Greek G3874 · used in 28 verses

  • Luke 2:25 And, behold, there was a man in Jerusalem, whose name was Simeon; and the same man was just and devout, waiting for the consolation of Israel: and the Holy Ghost was upon him.
  • 1 Corinthians 14:3 But he that prophesieth speaketh unto men to edification, and exhortation, and comfort.
  • 2 Corinthians 8:4 Praying us with much intreaty that we would receive the gift, and take upon us the fellowship of the ministering to the saints.

“hope” Greek G1680 · used in 48 verses

  • Acts 2:26 Therefore did my heart rejoice, and my tongue was glad; moreover also my flesh shall rest in hope:
  • Romans 15:4 For whatsoever things were written aforetime were written for our learning, that we through patience and comfort of the scriptures might have hope.
  • 1 Thessalonians 2:19 For what is our hope, or joy, or crown of rejoicing? Are not even ye in the presence of our Lord Jesus Christ at his coming?

“everlasting” Greek G166 · used in 69 verses

  • Matthew 18:8 Wherefore if thy hand or thy foot offend thee, cut them off, and cast them from thee: it is better for thee to enter into life halt or maimed, rather than having two hands or two feet to be cast into everlasting fire.
  • John 6:54 Whoso eateth my flesh, and drinketh my blood, hath eternal life; and I will raise him up at the last day.
  • 1 Timothy 6:19 Laying up in store for themselves a good foundation against the time to come, that they may lay hold on eternal life.

“good” Greek G18 · used in 90 verses

  • Matthew 5:45 That ye may be the children of your Father which is in heaven: for he maketh his sun to rise on the evil and on the good, and sendeth rain on the just and on the unjust.
  • John 7:12 And there was much murmuring among the people concerning him: for some said, He is a good man: others said, Nay; but he deceiveth the people.
  • Ephesians 6:8 Knowing that whatsoever good thing any man doeth, the same shall he receive of the Lord, whether he be bond or free.