2 Thessalonians 3:12
10 For even while we were with you, we gave you this command: “If anyone is unwilling to work, he shall not eat.”
11 Yet we hear that some of you are leading undisciplined lives and accomplishing nothing but being busybodies.
We command and urge such people by our Lord Jesus Christ to begin working quietly to earn their own living.
13 But as for you, brothers, do not grow weary in well-doing.
14 Take note of anyone who does not obey the instructions we have given in this letter. Do not associate with him, so that he may be ashamed.
Do read the surrounding verses too, because the context often says more than a single verse.
Compare
- BSB
- We command and urge such people by our Lord Jesus Christ to begin working quietly to earn their own living.
- KJV
- Now them that are such we command and exhort by our Lord Jesus Christ, that with quietness they work, and eat their own bread.
- WEB
- Now those who are that way, we command and exhort in the Lord Jesus Christ, that they work with quietness and eat their own bread.
- ASV
- Now them that are such we command and exhort in the Lord Jesus Christ, that with quietness they work, and eat their own bread.
- DARBY
- Now such we enjoin and exhort in [the] Lord Jesus Christ, that working quietly they eat their own bread.
- BLB
- Now to such we command and exhort by our Lord Jesus Christ, that, working with quietness, they should eat their own bread.
- ÅB
- Men sådanne befaler og formaner vi i den Herre Jesus Kristus at de skal arbeide i stillhet og spise sitt eget brød.
- OTB
- Nå befaler og oppfordrer vi slike individer i Herren Jesus Kristus til å arbeide stille og spise sitt eget brød.
- B1930
- Men sådanne byder og formaner vi i den Herre Jesus Kristus at de skal arbeide i stillhet og ete sitt eget brød.
Study notes (Tyndale)
Original text and word study
Cross references
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.
Read in context1 Thessalonians 4:11
and to aspire to live quietly, to attend to your own matters, and to work with your own hands, as we instructed you.
Read in context2 Thessalonians 3:8
nor did we eat anyone’s food without paying for it. Instead, in labor and toil, we worked night and day so that we would not be a burden to any of you.
Read in contextLuke 11:3
Give us each day our daily bread.
Read in contextProverbs 17:1
Better a dry morsel in quietness than a house full of feasting with strife.
Read in contextEcclesiastes 4:6
Better one handful with tranquility than two handfuls with toil and pursuit of the wind.
Read in context1 Thessalonians 4:1
Finally, brothers, we ask and encourage you in the Lord Jesus to live in a way that is pleasing to God, just as you have received from us. This is how you already live, so you should do so all the more.
Read in contextGenesis 49:14–15
Issachar is a strong donkey, lying down between the sheepfolds.
Read in context