Does the Greek word translated as “taken” in 2 Thessalonians 2:7 appear anywhere else in the New Testament, and is it translated consistently with the same meaning?
In English 2 Thes. 2:7 reads,
“For the secret power of lawlessness is already at work; but the one who now holds it back will continue to do so till he is taken out of the way.”
The Greek word normally translated “taken” in the phrase “till he is taken out of the way” is lambano and does not appear in the Greek text of 2 Thes. 2:7. The literal translation is “till he is out of (away from) the midst”. The word taken is inferred, suggesting his absence will be due to a deliberate act or decision. The one who holds the secret power of lawlessness back is in the midst (of the world) now but will be away from the midst some day, after which the secret power of lawlessness will no longer be held back.