2 Thessalonians 2:17
“Comfort your hearts, and stablish you in every good word and work.”
King James Version (KJV)
Read this verse in context with translation switching:
Read Full Chapter →Paul prays that God would comfort the believers' hearts and strengthen them in every good word and deed.
What Does 2 Thessalonians 2:17 Mean?
This verse completes the prayer begun in the previous one. Paul asks that God would "comfort your hearts" and "stablish you," that is, make them firm and steady, "in every good word and work." The two requests fit the church's need exactly: inward comfort for hearts shaken by fear, and outward stability so their lives bear good fruit.
Notice the order: comfort first, then strength for good works. A heart settled in God's love is the soil from which faithful living grows. Paul does not merely tell the Thessalonians to do better; he prays that God would so steady them that good words and good deeds flow naturally. This is a pattern for the believing life. We are comforted by grace so that we may be established in obedience. The same God who consoles us is the one who strengthens us to live well, and both are gifts to be sought in prayer.