Let
A Word with Two Opposite Meanings
The English word "let" presents a fascinating case of a word that once held two contradictory meanings. In modern English, "let" means "to allow" or "to permit." But in Old English and early Modern English, "let" could also mean "to hinder," "to prevent," or "to restrain." These two meanings derive from two entirely different Old English verbs that happened to converge in spelling: laetan (to allow) and lettan (to hinder). This dual meaning creates confusion for modern readers of older Bible translations.
The Key Passage: 2 Thessalonians 2:7
The most important biblical occurrence of "let" in its archaic sense appears in 2 Thessalonians 2:7. The King James Version reads, "For the mystery of iniquity doth already work: only he who now letteth will let, until he be taken out of the way." Modern translations clarify the meaning: "For the mystery of lawlessness is already at work. Only he who now restrains it will do so until he is removed" (ESV). The Greek word here is katecho, meaning "to hold back," "to restrain," or "to suppress." Paul is describing a force or person that currently prevents the full manifestation of evil.
The Mystery of the Restrainer
Paul's teaching about the restrainer in 2 Thessalonians 2:6-8 has generated extensive theological discussion. He tells the Thessalonians that they already know what is restraining the man of lawlessness (2 Thessalonians 2:6), but he does not name the restrainer explicitly in his letter. Various interpretations have been proposed: the Roman Empire and its rule of law, the Holy Spirit's presence in the world, the preaching of the gospel, the archangel Michael, or the general principle of God-ordained government. Whatever the identity, Paul's point is that evil is being held in check until God's appointed time.
Other Biblical Uses of Restraint
The concept of divine restraint appears throughout Scripture. In Genesis 20:6, God tells Abimelech, "I also withheld you from sinning against me." In Romans 1:18, Paul describes God's wrath being revealed against all ungodliness, implying that divine patience has limits. Isaiah 59:19 speaks of the Spirit of the Lord lifting up a standard against the enemy. The idea that God actively restrains evil while allowing human history to unfold according to His purposes is a recurring biblical theme.
Archaic Language and Bible Translation
The word "let" in its hindering sense survives in a few English expressions, such as "without let or hindrance" found in legal documents and passport language. In tennis, a "let" refers to a serve that is obstructed by the net. For Bible readers, encountering this archaic usage is a reminder that translations age along with the languages they use. What was perfectly clear to a 1611 reader has become deeply confusing to a modern one, illustrating why ongoing translation work remains essential.
The Theological Importance of Restraint
Beyond the linguistic curiosity, the concept behind the archaic "let" points to a profound truth: God is sovereign over the forces of evil. The mystery of lawlessness is real and active, but it operates only within boundaries that God has established. When the restrainer is removed in God's timing, the full revelation of the lawless one will occur, but even then, the Lord Jesus will overthrow him "with the breath of his mouth" (2 Thessalonians 2:8). Evil's power is always derivative and limited; God's authority is ultimate.
Biblical Context
The archaic meaning of "let" as "hinder" appears most prominently in 2 Thessalonians 2:7 in the King James Version. The underlying Greek word katecho (to restrain) appears also in 2 Thessalonians 2:6. The broader passage of 2 Thessalonians 2:1-12 addresses the coming of the man of lawlessness and the restraining power that holds him back. The concept of divine restraint of evil connects to Genesis 20:6, Romans 1:18, and Isaiah 59:19.
Theological Significance
The concept behind the archaic "let" (restrain) reveals God's active governance over evil in the present age. It teaches that the forces of lawlessness are real but limited by divine decree. The identity of the restrainer remains debated, but the theological point is clear: God controls the timing and extent of evil's manifestation. When restraint is removed, it will be by God's sovereign decision, and even then, Christ's ultimate victory is assured (2 Thessalonians 2:8).
Historical Background
The King James Bible was translated in 1611, when the word "let" could still mean either "permit" or "hinder" depending on context. The hindering sense gradually fell out of common use during the 17th and 18th centuries. The Revised Version of 1881 replaced "letteth" with "restraineth" in 2 Thessalonians 2:7, reflecting the language shift. The phenomenon of words reversing their meaning over time is known in linguistics as auto-antonymy or contronymy, and "let" is one of the most cited examples in English.