2 Thessalonians 2:16
“Now our Lord Jesus Christ himself, and God, even our Father, which hath loved us, and hath given us everlasting consolation and good hope through grace,”
King James Version (KJV)
Read this verse in context with translation switching:
Read Full Chapter →Context
Paul writes to the Thessalonian church, which had been shaken by claims that the day of Christ had already come. Having corrected that error, he closes the chapter with a prayer that God Himself would steady and comfort them.
What Does 2 Thessalonians 2:16 Mean?
After warning the Thessalonians about deception and trials in the last days, Paul turns from instruction to prayer, and he begins by naming the source of all true comfort: "our Lord Jesus Christ himself, and God, even our Father." Paul places the Son and the Father side by side as the joint givers of the gifts he is about to describe, a striking expression of how closely their saving work is bound together. The verse is the opening half of a single sentence -- a prayer-wish that carries into verse 17.
Paul grounds the comfort he prays for in what God has already done: "which hath loved us, and hath given us everlasting consolation and good hope through grace." The love came first; the gifts flow from it. "Everlasting consolation" is comfort that does not run out when circumstances turn dark, and "good hope" is a confident expectation rooted not in human optimism but in God's character. The phrase "through grace" makes clear that none of this is earned -- it is freely given. For a congregation rattled by false reports about the day of Christ, Paul anchors them not in their feelings or their certainty about timing, but in the unchanging love and generosity of the Father and the Son.
In the Original Language
The Greek "paraklesis" (consolation) means a calling alongside to encourage or comfort. "Aionios" (everlasting) describes that which belongs to the age to come and does not pass away. "Charis" (grace) is unmerited favor freely bestowed.
Cross References
“Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid.”
- John 14:27
“Now the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, that ye may abound in hope, through the power of the Holy Ghost.”
- Romans 15:13
“Blessed be God, even the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies, and the God of all comfort;”
- 2 Corinthians 1:3
Application
When fear or confusion unsettles you, return to what God has already given -- His love, lasting comfort, and a hope that cannot fail. These gifts rest on His grace, not on your performance.