2 Thessalonians 2:17 (KJV)

What does 2 Thessalonians 2:17 mean?

2 Thessalonians 2:17 is a prayer asking that God would encourage the hearts of the believers and give them strength to keep doing and saying what is good. The verse expresses a hope that God will support them in every good word and action.

Paul is writing to the church in Thessalonica, encouraging them as they face confusion and hardship. He wants them to be comforted and firmly established, not just in what they believe, but also in how they live and speak. This verse comes at the end of a section where Paul reassures the believers about God’s faithfulness and urges them to stand strong.

The Greek behind 2 Thessalonians 2:17

• The word translated "comfort" is παρακαλέσαι (parakalesai), which often means to encourage, console, or come alongside to help. Here, it suggests a deep, personal encouragement that lifts the heart.
• The word "stablish" is στηρίξαι (stērixai), meaning to make firm or set solidly in place. Paul is asking that God would give the believers a steady foundation in their lives and actions.
• The word "hearts" is καρδίας (kardias), which in Greek thinking refers not just to feelings, but to the center of a person’s thoughts, will, and emotions. Paul’s prayer is for their whole inner life to be strengthened.
• The phrase "every good word and work" uses λόγος (logos, "word") and ἔργον (ergon, "work"), showing that Paul is thinking about both what believers say and what they do—he wants both to be shaped by goodness.

Why 2 Thessalonians 2:17 matters

• This verse clarifies that encouragement and strength for doing good come from God, not just from personal effort or positive thinking.
• Paul’s prayer covers both speech and action, showing that faith is meant to shape every part of life, not just beliefs or private feelings.
• In the wider passage, this verse is a turning point from warning and correction to reassurance, reminding the Thessalonian church that God’s support is ongoing, especially when facing uncertainty or trouble.