2 Thessalonians 2:15
WEB
So then, brothers, stand firm and hold the traditions which you were taught by us, whether by word or by letter.
BSB
Therefore, brothers, stand firm and cling to the traditions we taught you, whether by speech or by letter.
KJV
Therefore, brethren, stand fast, and hold the traditions which ye have been taught, whether by word, or our epistle.
Matthew Henry
Greek interlinear
G686
haply, (what) manner (of man), no doubt, perhaps, so be, then, therefore, truly, wherefore
Derivation: probably from G142 (through the idea of drawing a conclusion);
a particle denoting an inference more or less decisive (as follows)
KJV: haply, (what) manner (of man), no doubt, perhaps, so be, then, therefore, truly, wherefore.
Often used in connection with other particles, especially G1065 or G3767 (after) or G1487 (before). Compare also G687.
See also: G142, G1065, G3767, G1487, G687.
G3767
and (so, truly), but, now (then), so (likewise then), then, therefore, verily, wherefore
Derivation: apparently a primary word;
(adverbially) certainly, or (conjunctionally) accordingly
KJV: and (so, truly), but, now (then), so (likewise then), then, therefore, verily, wherefore.
G80
brother
Derivation: from G1 (as a connective particle) and δελφύς (the womb);
a brother (literally or figuratively) near or remote (much like G1)
KJV: brother.
See also: G1.
G4739
stand (fast)
Derivation: from the perfect tense of G2476;
to be stationary, i.e. (figuratively) to persevere
KJV: stand (fast).
See also: G2476.
G2532
and, also, both, but, even, for, if, or, so, that, then, therefore, when, yet
Derivation: apparently, a primary particle, having a copulative and sometimes also a cumulative force;
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
KJV: and, also, both, but, even, for, if, or, so, that, then, therefore, when, yet.
G2902
hold (by, fast), keep, lay hand (hold) on, obtain, retain, take (by)
Derivation: from G2904;
to use strength, i.e. seize or retain (literally or figuratively)
KJV: hold (by, fast), keep, lay hand (hold) on, obtain, retain, take (by).
See also: G2904.
G3588
the, this, that, one, he, she, it, etc
, including the feminine ἡ , and the neuter τό in all their inflections;
Derivation: the definite article;
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in English idiom)
KJV: the, this, that, one, he, she, it, etc.
G3862
ordinance, tradition
Derivation: from G3860;
transmission, i.e. (concretely) a precept; specially, the Jewish traditionary law
KJV: ordinance, tradition.
See also: G3860.
G3739
one, (an-, the) other, some, that, what, which, who(-m, -se), etc
, including feminine ἥ , and neuter ὅ
Derivation: probably a primary word (or perhaps a form of the article G3588);
the relatively (sometimes demonstrative) pronoun, who, which, what, that
KJV: one, (an-, the) other, some, that, what, which, who(-m, -se), etc.
See also G3757.
See also: G3588, G3757.
G1321
teach
Derivation: a prolonged (causative) form of a primary verb δάω (to learn);
to teach (in the same broad application)
KJV: teach.
G1535
if, or, whether
Derivation: from G1487 and G5037;
if too
KJV: if, or, whether.
See also: G1487, G5037.
G1223
after, always, among, at, to avoid, because of (that), briefly, by, for (cause) … fore, from, in, by occasion of, of, by reason of, for sake, that, thereby, therefore, X though, through(-out), to, wherefore, with (-in)
Derivation: a primary preposition denoting the channel of an act;
through (in very wide applications, local, causal, or occasional)
KJV: after, always, among, at, to avoid, because of (that), briefly, by, for (cause) … fore, from, in, by occasion of, of, by reason of, for sake, that, thereby, therefore, X though, through(-out), to, wherefore, with (-in).
In composition it retains the same general importance.
G3056
account, cause, communication, X concerning, doctrine, fame, X have to do, intent, matter, mouth, preaching, question, reason, + reckon, remove, say(-ing), shew, X speaker, speech, talk, thing, + none of these things move me, tidings, treatise, utterance, word, work
Derivation: from G3004;
something said (including the thought); by implication, a topic (subject of discourse), also reasoning (the mental faculty) or motive; by extension, a computation; specially, (with the article in John) the Divine Expression (i.e. Christ)
KJV: account, cause, communication, X concerning, doctrine, fame, X have to do, intent, matter, mouth, preaching, question, reason, + reckon, remove, say(-ing), shew, X speaker, speech, talk, thing, + none of these things move me, tidings, treatise, utterance, word, work.
See also: G3004.
G1992
"epistle," letter
Derivation: from G1989;
a written message
KJV: "epistle," letter.
See also: G1989.
G1473
I, me
Derivation: a primary pronoun of the first person I (only expressed when emphatic)
KJV: I, me.
For the other cases and the plural see G1691, G1698, G1700, G2248, G2249, G2254, G2257, etc.
See also: G1691, G1698, G1700, G2248, G2249, G2254, G2257.
Bible49 app
Get translation compare, commentary, and interlinear study — offline, on iPhone and Mac.
See Bible49
Verses 13–15
2 Thessalonians 2:13–15
Here observe, I. The consolation the Thessalonians might take against the terrors of this apostasy, Th2 2:13, Th2 2:14. For they were chosen to salvation, and called to the obtaining of glory. Note, When we hear of the apostasy of many, it is matter of great comfort and joy that there is a remnant according to the election of grace which does and shall persevere; and especially we should rejoice if we have reason to hope that we are of that number. The apostle reckoned himself bound in duty to be thankful to God on this account: We are bound to give thanks to God always for you. He had often given thanks on their behalf, and he is still abounding in thanksgiving for them; and there was good reason, because they were beloved by the Lord, as appeared in this matter - their security from apostatizing. This preservation of the saints is owing,
1. To the stability of the election of grace, Th2 2:13. Therefore were they beloved of the Lord, because God had chosen them from the beginning. He had loved them with an everlasting love. Concerning this election of God we may observe, (1.) The eternal date of it - it is from the beginning; not the beginning of the gospel, but the beginning of the world, before the foundation of the world, Eph 1:4. Then, (2.) The end to which they were chosen - salvation, complete and eternal salvation from sin and misery, and the full fruition of all good. (3.) The means in order to obtaining this end - sanctification of the spirit and belief of the truth. The decree of election therefore connects the end and the means, and these must not be separated. We are not the elected of God because we were holy, but that we might be holy. Being chosen of God, we must not live as we list; but, if we are chosen to salvation as the end, we must be prepared for it by sanctification as the necessary means to obtain that end, which sanctification is by the operation of the Holy Spirit as the author and by faith on our part. There must be the belief of the truth, without which there can be by true sanctification, nor perseverance in grace, nor obtaining of salvation. Faith and holiness must be joined together, as well as holiness and happiness; therefore our Saviour prayed for Peter that his faith might not fail (Luk 22:32), and for his disciples (Joh 17:17), Sanctify them by thy truth; thy word is truth.
2. To the efficacy of the gospel call, Th2 2:14. As they were chosen to salvation, so they were called thereunto by the gospel. Whom he did predestinate those he also called, Rom 8:30. The outward call of God is by the gospel; and this is rendered effectual by the inward operation of the Spirit. Note, Wherever the gospel comes it calls and invites men to the obtaining of glory; it is a call to honour and happiness, even the glory of our Lord Jesus Christ, the glory he has purchased, and the glory he is possessed of, to be communicated unto those who believe in him and obey his gospel; such shall be with Christ, to behold his glory, and they shall be glorified with Christ and partake of his glory. Hereupon there follows,
II. An exhortation to stedfastness and perseverance: Therefore, brethren, stand fast, Th2 2:15. Observe, He does not say, "You are chosen to salvation, and therefore you may be careless and secure;" but therefore stand fast. God's grace in our election and vocation is so far from superseding our diligent care and endeavour that it should quicken and engage us to the greatest resolution and diligence. So the apostle John having told those to whom he wrote that they had received the anointing which should abide in them, and that they should abide in him (in Christ), subjoins this exhortation, Now abide in him, Jo1 2:27, Jo1 2:28. The Thessalonians are exhorted to stedfastness in their Christian profession, to hold fast the traditions which they had been taught, or the doctrine of the gospel, which had been delivered by the apostle, by word or epistle. As yet the canon of scripture was not complete, and therefore some things were delivered by the apostles in their preaching, under the guidance of the infallible Spirit, which Christians were bound to observe as coming from God; other things were afterwards by them committed to writing, as the apostle had written a former epistle to these Thessalonians; and these epistles were written as the writers were moved by the Holy Ghost. Note, There is no argument hence for regarding oral traditions in our days, now that the canon of scripture is complete, as of equal authority with the sacred writings. Such doctrines and duties as were taught by the inspired apostles we must stedfastly adhere to; but we have no certain evidence of any thing delivered by them more than what we find contained in the holy scriptures.
Cross-references: 2Thess 2:13 · 2Thess 2:14 · Eph 1:4 · Luke 22:32 · John 17:17 · Rom 8:30 · 2Thess 2:15 · 1John 2:27 · 1John 2:28