Verse (Click for Chapter) New International Version For even when we were with you, we gave you this rule: “The one who is unwilling to work shall not eat.” New Living Translation Even while we were with you, we gave you this command: “Those unwilling to work will not get to eat.” English Standard Version For even when we were with you, we would give you this command: If anyone is not willing to work, let him not eat. Berean Standard Bible For even while we were with you, we gave you this command: “If anyone is unwilling to work, he shall not eat.” Berean Literal Bible For even when we were with you, we were commanding you this, that "if anyone is not willing to work, neither let him eat." King James Bible For even when we were with you, this we commanded you, that if any would not work, neither should he eat. New King James Version For even when we were with you, we commanded you this: If anyone will not work, neither shall he eat. New American Standard Bible For even when we were with you, we used to give you this order: if anyone is not willing to work, then he is not to eat, either. NASB 1995 For even when we were with you, we used to give you this order: if anyone is not willing to work, then he is not to eat, either. NASB 1977 For even when we were with you, we used to give you this order: if anyone will not work, neither let him eat. Legacy Standard Bible For even when we were with you, we used to command this to you: if anyone is not willing to work, neither let him eat. Amplified Bible For even while we were with you, we used to give you this order: if anyone is not willing to work, then he is not to eat, either. Christian Standard Bible In fact, when we were with you, this is what we commanded you: “If anyone isn’t willing to work, he should not eat.” Holman Christian Standard Bible In fact, when we were with you, this is what we commanded you: “If anyone isn’t willing to work, he should not eat.” American Standard Version For even when we were with you, this we commanded you, If any will not work, neither let him eat. Contemporary English Version We also gave you this rule: If you don't work, you don't eat. English Revised Version For even when we were with you, this we commanded you, If any will not work, neither let him eat. GOD'S WORD® Translation While we were with you, we gave you the order: "Whoever doesn't want to work shouldn't be allowed to eat." Good News Translation While we were with you, we used to tell you, "Whoever refuses to work is not allowed to eat." International Standard Version While we were with you, we gave this order: "If anyone doesn't want to work, he shouldn't eat." Majority Standard Bible For even while we were with you, we gave you this command: ?If anyone is unwilling to work, he shall not eat.? NET Bible For even when we were with you, we used to give you this command: "If anyone is not willing to work, neither should he eat." New Heart English Bible For even when we were with you, we commanded you this: "If anyone will not work, neither let him eat." Webster's Bible Translation For even when we were with you, this we commanded you, that if any would not work, neither should he eat. Weymouth New Testament For even when we were with you, we laid down this rule for you: "If a man does not choose to work, neither shall he eat." World English Bible For even when we were with you, we commanded you this: “If anyone is not willing to work, don’t let him eat.” Literal Translations Literal Standard Versionfor even when we were with you, this we commanded you, that if anyone is not willing to work, neither let him eat, Berean Literal Bible For even when we were with you, we were commanding you this, that "if anyone is not willing to work, neither let him eat." Young's Literal Translation for even when we were with you, this we did command you, that if any one is not willing to work, neither let him eat, Smith's Literal Translation For also when we were with you, this we proclaimed to you, that if any will not work, neither should he eat. Catholic Translations Douay-Rheims BibleFor also when we were with you, this we declared to you: that, if any man will not work, neither let him eat. Catholic Public Domain Version Then, too, while we were with you, we insisted on this to you: that if anyone was not willing to work, neither should he eat. New American Bible In fact, when we were with you, we instructed you that if anyone was unwilling to work, neither should that one eat. New Revised Standard Version For even when we were with you, we gave you this command: Anyone unwilling to work should not eat. Translations from Aramaic Lamsa BibleFor even when we were with you, we commanded this very thing to you, that whoever is unwilling to work should likewise not eat. Aramaic Bible in Plain English For when we were with you, we had commanded you this, that no one who is unwilling to work shall eat. NT Translations Anderson New TestamentFor when we were with you, we gave you this commandment, that if any one will not work, neither let him eat. Godbey New Testament For indeed when we were with you, we proclaimed this to you, that if any one does not wish to work, let him not eat. Haweis New Testament For when we were with you, this we enjoined you, that if a man would not work, neither should he eat. Mace New Testament pursuant to the maxim, which we laid down, when among you, "he that refuses to work should be deny'd food." Weymouth New Testament For even when we were with you, we laid down this rule for you: "If a man does not choose to work, neither shall he eat." Worrell New Testament For, even when we were with you, this we commanded you, "If anyone is not willing to work, neither let him eat." Worsley New Testament For when we were with you, we gave you this charge, if any will not work, neither let him eat. Additional Translations ... Audio Bible Context Warning against Irresponsibility…9Not that we lack this right, but we wanted to offer ourselves as an example for you to imitate. 10For even while we were with you, we gave you this command: “If anyone is unwilling to work, he shall not eat.” 11Yet we hear that some of you are leading undisciplined lives and accomplishing nothing but being busybodies.… Cross References Genesis 3:19 By the sweat of your brow you will eat your bread, until you return to the ground—because out of it were you taken. For dust you are, and to dust you shall return.” Proverbs 6:6-11 Walk in the manner of the ant, O slacker; observe its ways and become wise. / Without a commander, without an overseer or ruler, / it prepares its provisions in summer; it gathers its food at harvest. ... 1 Timothy 5:8 If anyone does not provide for his own, and especially his own household, he has denied the faith and is worse than an unbeliever. Proverbs 10:4-5 Idle hands make one poor, but diligent hands bring wealth. / He who gathers in summer is a wise son, but he who sleeps during harvest is a disgraceful son. Proverbs 13:4 The slacker craves yet has nothing, but the soul of the diligent is fully satisfied. Proverbs 14:23 There is profit in all labor, but mere talk leads only to poverty. Proverbs 20:4 The slacker does not plow in season; at harvest time he looks, but nothing is there. Proverbs 24:30-34 I went past the field of a slacker and by the vineyard of a man lacking judgment. / Thorns had grown up everywhere, thistles had covered the ground, and the stone wall was broken down. / I observed and took it to heart; I looked and received instruction: ... 1 Thessalonians 4:11-12 and to aspire to live quietly, to attend to your own matters, and to work with your own hands, as we instructed you. / Then you will behave properly toward outsiders, without being dependent on anyone. Ephesians 4:28 He who has been stealing must steal no longer, but must work, doing good with his own hands, that he may have something to share with the one in need. 1 Corinthians 4:12 We work hard with our own hands. When we are vilified, we bless; when we are persecuted, we endure it; Acts 20:34-35 You yourselves know that these hands of mine have ministered to my own needs and those of my companions. / In everything, I showed you that by this kind of hard work we must help the weak, remembering the words of the Lord Jesus Himself: ‘It is more blessed to give than to receive.’” Matthew 25:26-30 ‘You wicked, lazy servant!’ replied his master. ‘You knew that I reap where I have not sown and gather where I have not scattered seed. / Then you should have deposited my money with the bankers, and on my return I would have received it back with interest. / Therefore take the talent from him and give it to the one who has ten talents. ... Luke 10:7 Stay at the same house, eating and drinking whatever you are offered. For the worker is worthy of his wages. Do not move around from house to house. Colossians 3:23-24 Whatever you do, work at it with your whole being, as for the Lord and not for men, / because you know that you will receive an inheritance from the Lord as your reward. It is the Lord Christ you are serving. Treasury of Scripture For even when we were with you, this we commanded you, that if any would not work, neither should he eat. when. Luke 24:44 And he said unto them, These are the words which I spake unto you, while I was yet with you, that all things must be fulfilled, which were written in the law of Moses, and in the prophets, and in the psalms, concerning me. John 16:4 But these things have I told you, that when the time shall come, ye may remember that I told you of them. And these things I said not unto you at the beginning, because I was with you. Acts 20:18 And when they were come to him, he said unto them, Ye know, from the first day that I came into Asia, after what manner I have been with you at all seasons, that. Genesis 3:19 In the sweat of thy face shalt thou eat bread, till thou return unto the ground; for out of it wast thou taken: for dust thou art, and unto dust shalt thou return. Proverbs 13:4 The soul of the sluggard desireth, and hath nothing: but the soul of the diligent shall be made fat. Proverbs 20:4 The sluggard will not plow by reason of the cold; therefore shall he beg in harvest, and have nothing. Jump to Previous Choose Command Commanded Eat Either Enjoined Food Laid Order Orders Rule Used Willing WorkJump to Next Choose Command Commanded Eat Either Enjoined Food Laid Order Orders Rule Used Willing Work2 Thessalonians 3 1. Paul craves their prayers for himself;3. testifies what confidence he has in them; 5. makes request to God in their behalf; 6. gives them various precepts, especially to shun idleness, and ill company; 16. and then concludes with prayer and salutation. For even while we were with you, we gave you this command: This phrase indicates that the instruction was given directly by Paul and his companions during their time in Thessalonica. It emphasizes the apostolic authority and the personal nature of the teaching. The context is Paul's second missionary journey, as recorded in Acts 17, where he established the church in Thessalonica. The use of "command" suggests a directive that is not merely advice but a binding instruction, reflecting the seriousness with which Paul viewed the issue of idleness. This command is consistent with the broader biblical principle of diligence and responsibility, as seen in Proverbs 6:6-11, which warns against laziness. If anyone is unwilling to work, he shall not eat. Persons / Places / Events 1. Paul the ApostleThe author of the letter, who is addressing the Thessalonian church. Paul is providing guidance and correction to the believers in Thessalonica. 2. Thessalonica A city in Macedonia where the church to whom Paul is writing is located. It was a significant city in the Roman Empire, known for its diverse population and economic activity. 3. The Thessalonian Church The recipients of the letter, a community of believers who were facing challenges, including misunderstandings about the return of Christ and issues related to idleness. 4. Idleness in the Church The specific issue Paul addresses in this verse, where some members of the church were not working and were relying on others for their sustenance. 5. Paul's Command The directive given by Paul, emphasizing the importance of work and personal responsibility within the Christian community. Teaching Points The Value of WorkWork is a God-ordained activity that provides for our needs and allows us to contribute to the community. Personal Responsibility Christians are called to take responsibility for their own sustenance and not to be a burden on others. Community and Accountability The church community should encourage and hold each other accountable to live productive lives. Work as Worship Our work can be an act of worship when done with integrity and diligence, reflecting God's character. Addressing Idleness Idleness can lead to other issues such as gossip and disorder; therefore, it should be addressed with love and correction.(10) For even.--The sequence of thought is a little difficult, but it seems best to regard this "for" as connecting its sentence, not with 2Thessalonians 3:9, but rather with 2Thessalonians 3:6. It does not give the reason why St. Paul and his companions worked: "because we strictly enjoined you to work, and therefore could not be idle ourselves." Rather, it justifies the reiteration of the command: "We do not hesitate to command you now to repress this disorderly conduct, so contrary to the example set you; for, in fact, when we were with you we used to lay down this law." So Theodoret takes it: "It is no new thing that we write to you." We commanded.--The tense in the original is that of constant re-assertion, which brings out once more the thorough grounding which the Apostles gave at once to their converts. (See Note on 2Thessalonians 3:6 : "the tradition;" also the Note on 2Thessalonians 2:5.) The same definite precept is referred to in 1Thessalonians 4:11. . . . Verse 10. - For even when we were with you; during our residence in Thessalonica. This we commanded, that if any man would not work, neither should he eat. This or similar expressions have been shown to be a proverb in frequent use among the Jews. Thus: "Whoever doth not work doth not eat" ('Bereshith Rabba'); "Let not him who would not labour before the sabbath eat on the sabbath" ('In Lib. Zenon.'). It is a law of nature, and the apostle here sanctions it as a law of Christianity. There is here a reference to the sentence pronounced on man in Paradise in consequence of disobedience: "In the sweat of thy face shalt thou eat bread" (Genesis 3:19). Labour, indeed, may in one point of view be considered as part of the curse, but it is also a blessing adapted to man's fallen nature. Labour is the law of God; idleness is the parent of many crimes and is productive of misery. He who has no business allotted to him ought to choose some useful occupation for himself.Parallel Commentaries ... Greek Forγὰρ (gar) Conjunction Strong's 1063: For. A primary particle; properly, assigning a reason. even καὶ (kai) Conjunction Strong's 2532: And, even, also, namely. while ὅτε (hote) Adverb Strong's 3753: When, at which time. From hos and te; at which too, i.e. When. we were ἦμεν (ēmen) Verb - Imperfect Indicative Active - 1st Person Plural Strong's 1510: I am, exist. The first person singular present indicative; a prolonged form of a primary and defective verb; I exist. with πρὸς (pros) Preposition Strong's 4314: To, towards, with. A strengthened form of pro; a preposition of direction; forward to, i.e. Toward. you, ὑμᾶς (hymas) Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Accusative 2nd Person Plural Strong's 4771: You. The person pronoun of the second person singular; thou. we gave you this command: παρηγγέλλομεν (parēngellomen) Verb - Imperfect Indicative Active - 1st Person Plural Strong's 3853: To notify, command, charge, entreat solemnly. From para and the base of aggelos; to transmit a message, i.e. to enjoin. “If Εἴ (Ei) Conjunction Strong's 1487: If. A primary particle of conditionality; if, whether, that, etc. anyone τις (tis) Interrogative / Indefinite Pronoun - Nominative Masculine Singular Strong's 5100: Any one, some one, a certain one or thing. An enclitic indefinite pronoun; some or any person or object. is unwilling θέλει (thelei) Verb - Present Indicative Active - 3rd Person Singular Strong's 2309: To will, wish, desire, be willing, intend, design. to work, ἐργάζεσθαι (ergazesthai) Verb - Present Infinitive Middle or Passive Strong's 2038: To work, trade, perform, do, practice, commit, acquire by labor. he shall not eat.” ἐσθιέτω (esthietō) Verb - Present Imperative Active - 3rd Person Singular Strong's 2068: Strengthened for a primary edo; used only in certain tenses, the rest being supplied by phago; to eat. Links 2 Thessalonians 3:10 NIV2 Thessalonians 3:10 NLT 2 Thessalonians 3:10 ESV 2 Thessalonians 3:10 NASB 2 Thessalonians 3:10 KJV 2 Thessalonians 3:10 BibleApps.com 2 Thessalonians 3:10 Biblia Paralela 2 Thessalonians 3:10 Chinese Bible 2 Thessalonians 3:10 French Bible 2 Thessalonians 3:10 Catholic Bible NT Letters: 2 Thessalonians 3:10 For even when we were with you (2 Thess. 2 Thes. 2Th iiTh ii th) |
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