2 Thessalonians 3:17

17 I, Paul, write this greeting in my own hand, which is the distinguishing mark in all my letters. This is how I write.

2 Thessalonians 3:17 in Other Translations

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

17 I, Paul, write this greeting with my own hand. This is the sign of genuineness in every letter of mine; it is the way I write.

17 HERE IS MY GREETING IN MY OWN HANDWRITING—PAUL. I DO THIS IN ALL MY LETTERS TO PROVE THEY ARE FROM ME.

17 I, Paul, bid you good-bye in my own handwriting. I do this in all my letters, so examine my signature as proof that the letter is genuine.

17 This greeting is in my own hand-Paul. This is a sign in every letter; this is how I write.

2 Thessalonians 3:17 Meaning and Commentary

2 Thessalonians 3:17

The salutation of Paul with mine own hand
In writing his epistles, the body and substance of them he used an amanuensis, but the salutation he wrote with his own hand:

which is the token in every epistle;
by which they might be known to be true and genuine, and be distinguished from counterfeit ones: and the rather he mentions this, that they might be troubled neither by word, nor by spirit, nor by epistle, as from them, as they had been, ( 2 Thessalonians 2:2 ) for it seems that this wicked practice of counterfeiting the epistles of the apostles, or carrying about spurious ones, under their name, began so early; to prevent which, the apostle took this method,

so I write,
as follows:

2 Thessalonians 3:17 In-Context

15 Yet do not regard them as an enemy, but warn them as you would a fellow believer.

16 Now may the Lord of peace himself give you peace at all times and in every way. The Lord be with all of you.

17 I, Paul, write this greeting in my own hand, which is the distinguishing mark in all my letters. This is how I write.

18 The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you all.

Cross References

• 1. S 1 Corinthians 16:21