This greeting is in my own hand—Paul. This is my mark in every letter; it is the way I write.
Parallel translations
- WEB The greeting of me, Paul, with my own hand, which is the sign in every letter: this is how I write.
- KJV The salutation of Paul with mine own hand, which is the token in every epistle: so I write.
- NKJV The salutation of Paul with my own hand, which is a sign in every epistle; so I write.
- NASB I, Paul, write this greeting with my own hand, and this is a distinguishing mark in every letter; this is the way I write.
- NLT Here is my greeting in my own handwriting—Paul. I do this in all my letters to prove they are from me.
Scripture taken from the New King James Version®. Copyright © 1982 by Thomas Nelson. Used by permission. All rights reserved.
Scripture quotations taken from the (NASB®) New American Standard Bible®, Copyright © 1960, 1971, 1977, 1995, 2020 by The Lockman Foundation. Used by permission. All rights reserved. lockman.org
Scripture quotations are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright © 1996, 2004, 2015 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.
Quick answer
Paul adds a greeting in his own handwriting as the authenticating mark in all his letters. This guards the church against the forged letters that had troubled them.
Overview
Having dictated the letter, Paul signs off personally, his handwriting serving as a seal of genuineness. This directly counters the false letter "as from us" mentioned in 2:2, helping the church distinguish true apostolic teaching from counterfeit. It underscores the care taken to preserve a trustworthy, authoritative message for the church.
Cross-references & the web
Cross-references · 5
- 1 Cor 16:21This greeting is in my own hand—Paul.
- Col 4:18This greeting is in my own hand—Paul. Remember my chains. Grace be with you.
- 2 Th 1:5All this is clear evidence of God’s righteous judgment. And so you will be counted worthy of the kingdom of God, for which you are suffering.
- Josh 2:12Now therefore, please swear to me by the LORD that you will indeed show kindness to my family, because I showed kindness to you. Give me a sure sign
- 1 Sam 17:18Take also these ten portions of cheese to the commander of their unit. Check on the welfare of your brothers and bring back an assurance from them.
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Christ at the center
Christ will be revealed from heaven in flaming fire, glorified in his saints, overthrowing the lawless one — the certain hope that steadies the suffering church.
How 2 Thessalonians 3:17 points to him is part of the one story that runs through all Scripture — meet Jesus at the heart of the web, or follow a trail that traces him from Genesis to Revelation.
Original language
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