2 Thessalonians 3:17

The salutation of Paul with mine own hand, which is the token in every epistle: so I write.

2 Thessalonians 3:17, King James Version

2 Thessalonians 3:17 in other translations

BSB	This greeting is in my own hand—Paul. This is my mark in every letter; it is the way I write.
WEB	I, Paul, write this greeting with my own hand, which is the sign in every letter. This is how I write.
ASV	The salutation of me Paul with mine own hand, which is the token in every epistle: so I write.
YLT	The salutation by the hand of me, Paul, which is a sign in every letter; thus I write;
DARBY	The salutation by the hand of me, Paul, which is the mark in every letter; so I write.
BBE	These words of love to you at the end are in my writing, Paul's writing, and this is the mark of every letter from me.
Webster	The salutation of Paul with my own hand, which is the token in every epistle: so I write.

What does 2 Thessalonians 3:17 mean?

Jamieson-Fausset-Brown

17. The Epistle was written by an amanuensis (perhaps Silas or Timothy), and only the closing salutation written by Paul's "own hand" (compare Ro 16:22; 1Co 16:21; Col 4:18). Wherever Paul does not subjoin this autograph salutation, we may presume he wrote the whole Epistle himself (Ga 6:11). which--which autograph salutation. the token--to distinguish genuine Epistles from spurious ones put forth in my name (2Th 2:2). in every epistle--Some think he signed his name to every Epistle with his own hand; but as there is no trace of this in any manuscripts of all the Epistles, it is more likely that he alludes to his writing with his own hand in closing every Epistle, even in those Epistles (Romans, Second Corinthians, Ephesians, Philippians, First Thessalonians) wherein he does not specify his having done so. so I write--so I sign my name: this is a specimen of my handwriting, by which to distinguish my geniune letters from forgeries.

Robert Jamieson, A. R. Fausset & David Brown, 1871 · public domain

Barnes' Notes

Verse 17. The salutation of Paul with mine own hand. 1Cor 16:21.

Which is the token in every epistle. Gr., sign. This signature is a sign or proof of the genuineness of the Comp. Gal 6:11.

So I write. Referring to some mark or method which Paul had of signing his name which was well known, and which would easily be recognised by them.

(f) "salutation" 1Cor 16:21

Albert Barnes, 1834 · public domain

Adam Clarke's Commentary

Verse 17 The salutation of Paul with mine own hand - It is very likely that Paul employed an amanuensis generally, either to write what he dictated, or to make a fair copy of what he wrote. In either case the apostle always subscribed it, and wrote the salutation and benediction with his own hand; and this was what authenticated all his epistles. A measure of this kind would be very necessary if forged epistles were carried about in those times. See the note on 1Cor 16:21, and see Col 4:18 (note).

Adam Clarke, 1831 · public domain

Matthew Henry's Concise Commentary on 2 Thessalonians 3:16-18

The apostle prays for the Thessalonians. And let us desire the same blessings for ourselves and our friends. Peace with God. This peace is desired for them always, or in every thing. Peace by all means; in every way; that, as they enjoyed the means of grace, they might use all methods to secure peace. We need nothing more to make us safe and happy, nor can we desire any thing better for ourselves and our friends…

Read the full comment on 2 Thessalonians 3:16-18 →

2 Thessalonians 3:17 in the original Greek

Word-by-word with transliteration, English gloss and Strong's number. Tap a number for the full definition and every place the word is used.

ὉHoTheG3588

ἀσπασμὸςaspasmosgreetingG783

τῇtēa<the>G3588

ἐμῇemēain my ownG1473

χειρὶcheirihand —G5495

Παύλου,Paulouby Paul,G3972

ὅhowhichG3739

ἐστινestinisG1510

σημεῖονsēmeion[my] signG4592

ἐνeninG1722

πάσῃpasēeveryG3956

ἐπιστολῇ·epistolēaletter;G1992

οὕτωςhoutōsIn this mannerG3779

γράφω.¶graphōI write.G1125

Source: STEPBible TAHOT/TAGNT (Tyndale House, CC BY 4.0).

Cross references for 2 Thessalonians 3:17

1 Corinthians 16:21
The salutation of me Paul with mine own hand.
Colossians 4:18
The salutation by the hand of me Paul. Remember my bonds. Grace be with you. Amen. Written from Rome to the Colossians by Tychicus and Onesimus.
2 Thessalonians 1:5
Which is a manifest token of the righteous judgment of God, that ye may be counted worthy of the kingdom of God, for which ye also suffer:
Joshua 2:12
Now therefore, I pray you, swear unto me by the Lord, since I have shewed you kindness, that ye will also shew kindness unto my father’s house, and give me a true token:
1 Samuel 17:18
And carry these ten cheeses unto the captain of their thousand, and look how thy brethren fare, and take their pledge.

Ranked by reader votes · OpenBible.info cross references (CC BY).

Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

with.
1Co 16:21; Col 4:18
the token.
1:5; Jos 2:12; 1Sa 17:18

Treasury of Scripture Knowledge (Samuel Bagster, c. 1836) · public domain

Context

2 Thessalonians 3:16
Now the Lord of peace himself give you peace always by all means. The Lord be with you all.
2 Thessalonians 3:17
The salutation of Paul with mine own hand, which is the token in every epistle: so I write.
2 Thessalonians 3:18
The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you all. Amen. The second epistle to the Thessalonians was written from Athens.

Read all of 2 Thessalonians 3

2 Thessalonians 3:17 in other languages

Spanish Reina-Valera 1909	Salud de mi mano, Pablo, que es mi signo en toda carta mía: así escribo.
French Bible J.N. Darby 1885	La salutation, de la propre main de moi, Paul; ce qui est le signe dans chaque lettre: ainsi j’écris.
German Elberfelder 1871	Der Gruß mit meiner, des Paulus, Hand, welches das Zeichen in jedem Briefe ist; so schreibe ich.
Latin Clementine Vulgate	Salutatio, mea manu Pauli: quod est signum in omni epistola, ita scribo.