2 Thessalonians 3:12

A Warning against Idleness · 2 Thessalonians 3:6–15
Read 2 Thessalonians 3

Translations

Modern
We command and urge such people by our Lord Jesus Christ to begin working quietly to earn their own living.
Traditional
Now them that are such we command and exhort by our Lord Jesus Christ, that with quietness they work, and eat their own bread.
Literal
Now to such we command and exhort by our Lord Jesus Christ, that, working with quietness, they should eat their own bread.
Latin
Iis autem, qui ejusmodi sunt, denuntiemus, et obsecramus in Domino Jesu Christo, ut cum silentio operantes, suum panem manducent.

Original

Greek
English
We command and urge such people by our Lord Jesus Christ to begin working quietly to earn their own living.

Notes

  • Paul emphasizes the strength of the command by referring to the authority of the Lord Jesus Christ (as in 3:6; 1 Thessalonians 4:1–2).

  • begin working quietly: This means to live a quiet life instead of concerning oneself with other people's activities (see 1 Thessalonians 4:11).

In his previous letter, Paul addressed the issue of church members who were lazy and refused to work (1 Thessalonians 4:11–12; 5:14). Some ignored his message and example, so he provides more guidance on how to treat these members.

Theme notes and profiles

Paul (Saul) Laziness and Hard Work

People

Jesus: The Son of God and Savior of the world

Glossary

Biblical Concept of Law Paul the Apostle Second Letter to the Thessalonians

Topics

Busybody: General Scriptures Concerning Commandments: Precepts of Paul--Explicitly Stated or Implied in Didactic Epistles Hard Work Idle Hands Industry: General Scriptures Concerning Labor: General Scriptures Concerning Peace: Ministers should Exhort To Slothfulness: General Scriptures Concerning Tattletales Working Hard