1 Thessalonians 4 11

1 Thessalonians 4:11 kjv

And that ye study to be quiet, and to do your own business, and to work with your own hands, as we commanded you;

1 Thessalonians 4:11 nkjv

that you also aspire to lead a quiet life, to mind your own business, and to work with your own hands, as we commanded you,

1 Thessalonians 4:11 niv

and to make it your ambition to lead a quiet life: You should mind your own business and work with your hands, just as we told you,

1 Thessalonians 4:11 esv

and to aspire to live quietly, and to mind your own affairs, and to work with your hands, as we instructed you,

1 Thessalonians 4:11 nlt

Make it your goal to live a quiet life, minding your own business and working with your hands, just as we instructed you before.

1 Thessalonians 4 verses

1 Thessalonians 4 11 Meaning

The Thessalonian believers were exhorted to aspire to a quiet life. This meant living peacefully and in an orderly manner within the community, attending to their own responsibilities. It also involved a desire to be self-sufficient, working diligently and providing for their own needs and even for those of others, thus avoiding becoming a burden. This aspiration aimed at promoting honorable conduct before both believers and outsiders, reflecting the Christian life well.

1 Thessalonians 4 11 Context

First Thessalonians chapter 4 addresses issues concerning Christian conduct, particularly regarding sexual morality and the grief over deceased believers. Following the instructions on sanctification (v. 1-8), Paul turns to brotherhood love and diligent living. Verse 11 specifically encourages a practical, responsible lifestyle. The Thessalonian church was a young and dynamic community. There were likely individuals who were either overzealous, perhaps neglecting their daily responsibilities in anticipation of Christ's imminent return, or they were facing societal pressures and potential idleness. Paul's exhortation here seeks to ground their faith in sober, industrious, and peaceful living, bringing glory to God and maintaining a good testimony among unbelievers. It also corrects any disorderly behavior that may have arisen from misunderstandings about the Lord's return or from disruptive elements within the community, aligning with the general emphasis in Paul's letters on church order and sound doctrine.

1 Thessalonians 4 11 Word Analysis

• autous (αὐτούς) - "themselves." Pronoun in the accusative plural. Refers back to "you" (the Thessalonians).

• prosdokao (προσδοκάω) - "to look for, expect, await." This Greek verb implies eager anticipation, an active looking forward.

• eirene (εἰρήνη) - "peace, quietness, tranquility." Not just the absence of conflict, but a state of well-being, order, and harmony.

• hesychazo (ἡσυχάζω) - "to be quiet, to be still, to live quietly." This verb carries the sense of not being disruptive, not being busy with others' affairs, and being tranquil. It’s a passive quietude and a chosen stillness.

• phrontizo (φροντίζω) - "to think about, to care about, to mind." It means to be concerned with, to attend to, to have one’s attention directed toward.

• idian (ἰδίαν) - "own." Possessive adjective in the accusative singular, modifying "affairs." Emphasizes personal responsibility.

• pragmateia (πραγματεία) - "affairs, business, occupations, matters." It can refer to business transactions, daily occupations, or even personal matters and concerns.

• cheir (χείρ) - "hand." In the plural (cheiron - χειρῶν). The mention of "your own hands" signifies manual labor, work, and diligent effort.

• basizo (βασίζω) - "to walk." In this context, it’s not literal walking but living, conducting oneself.

• peripateo (περιπατέω) - "to walk around, to live." Used here to describe the manner of life.

• paschein (πάσχω) - "to suffer, to undergo, to experience." Not used here directly.

• eio (εἴω) - "to be accustomed, to be wont." Implies something taught or a standard practice.

• Word Group Analysis:

  • "to aspire to live quietly (to the quiet eirene / to be quiet hesychazo)": This is a positive aspiration for a settled, non-intrusive lifestyle. It is an active choice for peace and order, not enforced silence.
  • "to mind your own affairs (to care about phrontizo your own idian matters pragmateia)": This speaks to personal responsibility and focusing on one's own duties and responsibilities, avoiding gossip and meddling in the lives of others.
  • "and to work with your hands (and to labor ergo with your cheir hands)": This emphasizes diligent, honest manual labor as a means of provision and self-sufficiency, done in a respectable way.

1 Thessalonians 4 11 Bonus Section

The Greek word "hesychazo" (to be quiet, to live quietly) implies not just external quietness but also internal stillness and contentment, a peaceful disposition free from excessive worry or anxiety. This concept aligns with the Old Testament wisdom literature, which often promotes thoughtfulness and avoiding the disruption caused by rashness or meddling (e.g., Proverbs). The instruction to "work with your hands" contrasts sharply with idleness, which was a problem in some early churches (2 Thessalonians 3:10-12). This practical ethic is deeply rooted in the Old Testament commands for Israel to live distinctively and righteously, providing for themselves and showing kindness to the needy. It reflects Christ's own diligence and commitment to fulfilling his Father's will. The ultimate aim, as implied by the broader context of 1 Thessalonians, is to live in a way that is pleasing to God and to "walk properly before outsiders," thus glorifying Him.

1 Thessalonians 4 11 Commentary

The exhortation in 1 Thessalonians 4:11 calls for a deliberate pursuit of a tranquil and orderly life. It's not about becoming inactive or withdrawn, but rather about cultivating inner peace and outer respectability through responsible living. Paul encourages believers to focus on their own callings, to diligently work with their hands to provide for themselves, thereby demonstrating their self-sufficiency and Christian character. This diligent labor should be done honorably, contributing positively to society and avoiding being a burden to others, whether they are fellow believers or unbelievers. It’s a call to practical godliness that honors God and reflects well on the church.

• Practical Usage:
  • Focus on your current responsibilities in your job and family.
  • Avoid unnecessary gossip or meddling in the affairs of others.
  • Engage in honest work to support yourself and potentially help those in need.
  • Cultivate a peaceful demeanor in your interactions.