For the mystery of lawlessness is already at work; only he who now restrains it will do so until he is out of the way. 2Th. 2:7 RSV
For the mystery of iniquity doth already work: only he who now letteth will let, until he be taken out of the way. 2Th. 2:7 KJV
The Greek word “lawlessness” in the RSV and “iniquity” in the KJV is anomos.Its’ root meaning is to have complete disregard for the laws or regulations of a society. However, in the New Testament, it is used of those who disregard the Torah, the Law of Moses.
The English reading does not notice this distinction because the translators are not consistent in the way they translate the word “lawlessness.” So, we as editors have colored the word red that is translated as anomos, As non-greek readers, we can now observe all the words lawlessness and iniquity. We also recommend they all be looked up to see the full context of their use.
And then will I declare to them, ‘I never knew you; depart from me, you evildoers.’ Matt. 7:23
The Son of man will send his angels, and they will gather out of his kingdom all causes of sin and all evildoers,Matt. 13:41
So you also outwardly appear righteous to men, but within you are full of hypocrisy and iniquity.Matt. 23:28
And because wickedness is multiplied, most men’s love will grow cold. Matt. 24:12
For I tell you that this scripture must be fulfilled in me, ‘And he was reckoned with transgressors’; for what is written about me has its fulfilment.” Luke 22:37
. . . this Jesus, delivered up according to the definite plan and foreknowledge of God, you crucified and killed by the hands of lawless men.Acts 2:23
“Blessed are those whose iniquities are forgiven, and whose sins are covered; Rom. 4:7
I am speaking in human terms, because of your natural limitations. For just as you once yielded your members to impurity and to greater and greater iniquity, so now yield your members to righteousness for sanctification. Rom. 6:19
To those outside the law I became as one outside the law — not being without law toward God but under the law of Christ — that I might win those outside the law.1Cor. 9:21
Do not be mismated with unbelievers. For what partnership have righteousness and iniquity? Or what fellowship has light with darkness? 2 Cor. 6:14
Let no one deceive you in any way; for that day will not come, unless the rebellion comes first, and the man of lawlessness is revealed, the son of perdition, 2Th. 2:3
For the mystery of lawlessness is already at work; only he who now restrains it will do so until he is out of the way. 2Th. 2:7
And then the lawless one will be revealed, and the Lord Jesus will slay him with the breath of his mouth and destroy him by his appearing and his coming. 2Th. 2:8
. . . understanding this, that the law is not laid down for the just but for the lawless and disobedient, for the ungodly and sinners, for the unholy and profane, for murderers of fathers and murderers of mothers, for manslayers,1Tim. 1:9
. . . who gave himself for us to redeem us from all iniquity and to purify for himself a people of his own who are zealous for good deeds.Titus 2:14
Thou hast loved righteousness and hated lawlessness; therefore God, thy God, has anointed thee with the oil of gladness beyond thy comrades.”Heb. 1:9
. . . then he adds, “I will remember their sins and their misdeeds no more.”Heb. 10:17
. . . (for by what that righteous man saw and heard as he lived among them, he was vexed in his righteous soul day after day with their lawless deeds),2Pet. 2:8
Every one who commits sin is guilty of lawlessness; sin is lawlessness.1 John 3:4
The Mystery of Iniquity refers to those who teach that “The Law has passed away.” Also, their traditions, practices, or teachings supersede the Law and are preferred or elevated before the plain reading of the Scripture.