2 Thessalonians 2:9 kjv

Even him, whose coming is after the working of Satan with all power and signs and lying wonders,

2 Thessalonians 2:9 nkjv

The coming of the lawless one is according to the working of Satan, with all power, signs, and lying wonders,

2 Thessalonians 2:9 niv

The coming of the lawless one will be in accordance with how Satan works. He will use all sorts of displays of power through signs and wonders that serve the lie,

2 Thessalonians 2:9 esv

The coming of the lawless one is by the activity of Satan with all power and false signs and wonders,

2 Thessalonians 2:9 nlt

This man will come to do the work of Satan with counterfeit power and signs and miracles.

2 Thessalonians 2 verses

2 Thessalonians 2 9 Meaning

The verse describes the character and operation of the Man of Lawlessness (often identified as the Antichrist) during his appearance. His "coming" (or manifestation) will not be by divine authority but "after the working of Satan." This means his arrival and activities will be empowered, orchestrated, and sourced by Satan himself. The manifestation of this Satanic working will involve "all power and signs and lying wonders," indicating a comprehensive display of supernatural abilities. However, these are fundamentally deceptive; they are "lying" (ψεύδους - pseudous), meaning they are rooted in falsehood, aim to deceive, and do not attest to divine truth. His operations are designed to mislead and ensnare those who reject the love of the truth.

2 Thessalonians 2 9 Context

Second Thessalonians Chapter 2 addresses the Thessalonians' anxiety and confusion regarding the Day of the Lord. Some believed it had already come, possibly due to false teachings or misinterpretations. Paul writes to correct this misunderstanding, reassuring them that certain events must occur before the Day of the Lord arrives. These include "the apostasy" (the rebellion or falling away) and the revelation of "the man of lawlessness" (the son of destruction), who will oppose and exalt himself above everything that is called God. This verse (2:9) immediately follows the description of this Man of Lawlessness, explaining how he will operate and deceive people. Historically, the early church grappled with false teachers and spiritual deceptions, making Paul's instructions highly relevant for discernment. The concept of "signs and wonders" was commonly understood in both Christian and pagan contexts of the time; thus, distinguishing between divine and deceptive acts was crucial. Paul’s warning serves as a direct polemic against any notion that supernatural manifestations inherently validate a source, especially if it contradicts biblical truth.

2 Thessalonians 2 9 Word analysis

• Even him: Refers back to "the man of lawlessness, the son of destruction" introduced in 2 Thess 2:3, underscoring his identity as the specific subject of this demonic power.
• whose coming: Greek: παρουσία (parousia). While commonly used for Christ's "coming" or Second Advent (e.g., Matt 24:3, 1 Thess 4:15), its use here for the Man of Lawlessness suggests a deliberate, counterfeit "appearing" or "presence" designed to mimic the true Christ. It denotes a visible, active presence.
• is after: Greek: κατά (kata). In this context, it signifies "according to," "in conformity with," or "by the working of." It indicates the source and nature of his empowerment. His coming aligns entirely with Satan's purposes.
• the working: Greek: ἐνέργεια (energeia). This word denotes an active, effective, and powerful operation or energizing. It's not passive influence but potent spiritual force. This term is also used in Scripture for God's divine power (e.g., Eph 1:19, 3:7).
• of Satan: Greek: σατανᾶς (Satanas). The ultimate adversary of God, the deceiver, and the father of lies (Jn 8:44). His power is behind this "working," making the Man of Lawlessness a satanic puppet.
• with all: Implies comprehensive, universal application, signifying the extent and completeness of the deceptive powers at his disposal.
• power: Greek: δύναμις (dynamis). Refers to inherent might, capability, or miraculous power. It points to the capacity to perform mighty acts.
• and signs: Greek: σημεῖον (semeion). Miraculous acts or occurrences that serve to authenticate or point to something or someone. In this context, they are misleading authentications.
• and lying wonders: Greek: τέρας ψεύδους (teras pseudous).
  • wonders: (τέρας - teras) Extraordinary events that evoke awe, astonishment, or amazement. They are designed to captivate and impress.
  • lying: (ψεύδους - pseudous) A genitive modifier meaning "of falsehood" or "deceptive." This single adjective qualifies all three preceding nouns: power, signs, and wonders. Their entire nature is rooted in deceit and untruth. They are not true because they do not emanate from truth (God) and they lead to falsehood.

Words-group analysis:

• "after the working of Satan": This phrase pinpoints the origin of the Man of Lawlessness's capabilities. It’s not just Satan’s inspiration but his active, powerful operation fueling this individual, highlighting a direct demonic empowerment. This clarifies that the supernatural displays are not from God or human ability, but directly from the archenemy.
• "all power and signs and lying wonders": This tripartite expression details the methods of deception. It indicates a full array of deceptive miraculous manifestations. These are counterfeits of God's genuine acts (such as those of Christ or the Apostles, e.g., Acts 2:22, Heb 2:4). The key descriptor "lying" underscores that despite their spectacular nature, their source, purpose, and ultimate outcome are falsehood, leading astray those who are susceptible. The goal is to present a false messiah, a false display of divine power, and ultimately to ensnare souls.

2 Thessalonians 2 9 Bonus section

• The parallel use of "parousia" for both Christ's coming and the Man of Lawlessness's appearing signifies a profound spiritual mimicry. The adversary attempts to copy God's plan and attributes, presenting a false Christ with counterfeit power.
• The fact that Satan has the capacity to bestow "power and signs and wonders" emphasizes the significant spiritual power he commands within his sphere. However, this power is always ultimately limited by God's sovereign will and permission. Satan can only operate within the bounds set by the Almighty (e.g., Job 1-2).
• This verse underpins the need for continuous biblical literacy and discernment for believers. If one relies solely on external displays of power rather than the consistent witness of Scripture and the Holy Spirit's truth, they become vulnerable to the most convincing deceptions.
• The contrast here is profound: God performs "signs and wonders" to attest to truth and confirm His word, while Satan empowers "lying wonders" to promote falsehood and deceive humanity. The difference lies not in the display of supernatural acts, but in their source, purpose, and fruit.

2 Thessalonians 2 9 Commentary

Second Thessalonians 2:9 provides crucial insight into the strategy of evil in the last days. It depicts the Man of Lawlessness not merely as a charismatic political figure, but as one wielding genuine supernatural power directly from Satan. This power manifests through spectacular displays of "signs and wonders," designed to astound and deceive. The pivotal word is "lying"; these wonders, however impressive, are inherently false because they are divorced from truth, originate from the father of lies, and aim to mislead rather than glorify God. This deception is powerful because it appeals to what people see and experience, overriding discernment for those who lack a foundational love for biblical truth (as indicated in the following verse, 2 Thess 2:10). This verse warns believers not to be swayed solely by outward demonstrations of power or apparent miracles, but to test all spiritual manifestations against the truth of God's Word and the testimony of Jesus Christ (1 Jn 4:1-3). The battle against this end-time deception will not be merely ideological but spiritual, requiring deep faith and discernment to withstand these Satanically energized false displays.