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;

2 THESSALONIANS 2:3KJV
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2 Thessalonians 2:3 (KJV)

What does 2 Thessalonians 2:3 mean?

2 Thessalonians 2:3 warns believers not to be misled by anyone about the timing of "that day"—often understood as the return of Jesus—because it will not happen until there is first a significant rebellion or falling away, and the "man of sin" (a figure of great opposition to God) is revealed. The verse calls this figure the "son of perdition," meaning someone destined for destruction.

Paul is writing to the church in Thessalonica, addressing confusion and anxiety among believers who feared they had missed the return of Christ. He reassures them that certain events must take place first, specifically a widespread turning away from faith and the revealing of a notorious opponent of God. This sets a clear sequence and encourages the church to remain alert but not alarmed by rumors.

The Greek behind 2 Thessalonians 2:3

  • ἀποστασία (apostasia, G646): Translated as "falling away," this word often refers to a rebellion or a departure, especially in a religious sense. Paul is pointing to a significant turning away from faith or truth that must happen before the end.
  • ἄνθρωπος τῆς ἁμαρτίας (anthrōpos tēs hamartias, G444 + G266): "Man of sin" describes a specific person characterized by opposition to God and lawlessness, not just a general sense of evil.
  • υἱὸς τῆς ἀπωλείας (huios tēs apōleias, G5207 + G684): "Son of perdition" means someone destined for destruction. This phrase highlights the ultimate fate of this figure and echoes language used elsewhere for notorious traitors or enemies of God.

Why 2 Thessalonians 2:3 matters

  • This verse clarifies that believers should not be unsettled by claims that the end has already come, providing a concrete sequence of events to watch for.
  • Paul’s warning helps the church avoid panic and deception, emphasizing discernment and patience rather than fear.
  • The mention of a "falling away" and a specific adversary connects this teaching to broader biblical themes about endurance, faithfulness, and the reality of opposition before final redemption.

Where else these words appear

“away” Greek G646 · used in 2 verses

  • Acts 21:21 And they are informed of thee, that thou teachest all the Jews which are among the Gentiles to forsake Moses, saying that they ought not to circumcise their children, neither to walk after the customs.

“Let” Greek G1818 · used in 5 verses

  • Romans 7:11 For sin, taking occasion by the commandment, deceived me, and by it slew me.
  • Romans 16:18 For they that are such serve not our Lord Jesus Christ, but their own belly; and by good words and fair speeches deceive the hearts of the simple.
  • 1 Corinthians 3:18 Let no man deceive himself. If any man among you seemeth to be wise in this world, let him become a fool, that he may be wise.

“means” Greek G5158 · used in 13 verses

  • Matthew 23:37 O Jerusalem, Jerusalem, thou that killest the prophets, and stonest them which are sent unto thee, how often would I have gathered thy children together, even as a hen gathereth her chickens under her wings, and ye would not!
  • Acts 15:11 But we believe that through the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ we shall be saved, even as they.
  • 2 Thessalonians 3:16 Now the Lord of peace himself give you peace always by all means. The Lord be with you all.

“perdition” Greek G684 · used in 19 verses

  • Matthew 7:13 Enter ye in at the strait gate: for wide is the gate, and broad is the way, that leadeth to destruction, and many there be which go in thereat:
  • Romans 9:22 What if God, willing to shew his wrath, and to make his power known, endured with much longsuffering the vessels of wrath fitted to destruction:
  • 2 Peter 2:2 And many shall follow their pernicious ways; by reason of whom the way of truth shall be evil spoken of.