2 Thessalonians 3:10 kjv
For even when we were with you, this we commanded you, that if any would not work, neither should he eat.
2 Thessalonians 3:10 nkjv
For even when we were with you, we commanded you this: If anyone will not work, neither shall he eat.
2 Thessalonians 3:10 niv
For even when we were with you, we gave you this rule: "The one who is unwilling to work shall not eat."
2 Thessalonians 3:10 esv
For even when we were with you, we would give you this command: If anyone is not willing to work, let him not eat.
2 Thessalonians 3:10 nlt
Even while we were with you, we gave you this command: "Those unwilling to work will not get to eat."
2 Thessalonians 3 10 Cross References
| Verse | Text | Reference |
|---|---|---|
| 2 Th 3:6 | Withdraw from every brother...not walk orderly | Discipline |
| Gen 2:15 | God placed man in the garden...to work it and keep it | Creation Mandate |
| Deut 15:11 | For the poor will never cease out of the land | Concern for the needy |
| Prov 6:6-11 | Go to the ant, O sluggard; consider its ways and be wise. | Warning against laziness |
| Prov 10:4 | A slack hand causes poverty, but the hand of the diligent makes rich. | Diligence brings prosperity |
| Prov 12:24 | The hand of the diligent will rule, but sloth makes one a truant. | Diligence and authority |
| Prov 20:13 | Love not sleep, lest you come to poverty; open your eyes and you will be satisfied | Danger of idleness |
| Prov 22:29 | Do you see a man skillful in his work? He will stand before kings. | Skill in work honored |
| Jer 51:6 | Flee out of the midst of Babylon! | Separation from disorder |
| Matt 25:26-27 | Master said..ought to have put my money in the bank | Responsibility of stewards |
| Luke 10:7 | Remain in the same house, eating and drinking what they provide | Support for workers |
| Rom 12:8 | if it is to contribute, in generosity; if it is to lead, with zeal | Manner of giving/leading |
| Rom 12:11 | Do not be slothful in zeal, be fervent in spirit, serve the Lord. | Fervent service |
| 1 Cor 5:11 | I am writing to you not to associate with anyone who bears the name of brother | Excommunication |
| 1 Cor 6:10 | no thieves, nor greedy, nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor swindlers | Those excluded from kingdom |
| Eph 4:28 | Let the thief no longer steal, but rather let him labor | From stealing to working |
| Col 2:6 | As you received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk in him | Walking in Christ |
| Col 3:23 | Whatever you do, work heartily, as for the Lord and not for men | Work as unto the Lord |
| Col 4:1 | Masters, treat your slaves justly and fairly, knowing that you also have a Master in heaven. | Fairness in relationships |
| 1 Thess 4:11 | Make it your ambition to lead a quiet life: you should mind your own business and work with your hands | Ambition for quiet work |
| 1 Thess 4:12 | so that you may behave properly toward outsiders and be dependent on nobody. | Proper conduct toward others |
| 2 Thess 3:6 | now we command you, brothers, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, to keep away from any brother who is walking in idleness and not in accord with the tradition that you received from us. | Command to avoid the idle |
| 2 Thess 3:12 | By such people we urge and encourage in the Lord Jesus Christ to do their work with quiet hands. | Urging work |
| Tit 3:14 | And let our people learn to devote themselves to good works, so as to help those in real need, and to avoid anything that is unfruitful. | Devotion to good works |
| Heb 13:16 | Do not neglect to do good and to share what you have, for such sacrifices are pleasing to God. | Sharing pleases God |
2 Thessalonians 3 verses
2 Thessalonians 3 10 Meaning
This verse establishes a clear principle: idleness is unacceptable within the Christian community, and those who refuse to work should not be supported financially. It is a directive for practical order and mutual responsibility.
2 Thessalonians 3 10 Context
This verse is part of Paul's final instructions to the church in Thessalonica. He addresses a disruption caused by some individuals who were not working but were relying on others for support. This idleness likely stemmed from various reasons, possibly a misunderstanding of Paul's teaching on the imminent return of Christ, leading some to believe earthly work was unnecessary. Paul is re-establishing order, encouraging diligence, and clarifying the community's responsibility to support only those who are genuinely unable to work, not those who choose idleness. The context also touches on the importance of exemplary conduct towards outsiders, which a church supporting the idle would compromise.
2 Thessalonians 3 10 Word Analysis
- Εἴ τις (ei tis) - "If anyone." This is a conditional clause, setting a specific prerequisite for the statement that follows.
- οὐ (ou) - "not." A strong negation.
- θέλει (thelei) - "wills," "desires," or "wants." Implies a volitional act; the absence of a desire or intention to work.
- ἐργάζεσθαι (ergazesthai) - "to work," "to labor." The infinitive form, referring to the action of working. It signifies productive activity.
- μηδὲ (mede) - "and not," "neither." A conjunctive negative, connecting the clauses and emphasizing the totality of not working.
- ἐσθιέτω (esthieto) - "let him eat." The third-person singular present imperative of ἐσθίω (esthio), "to eat." This is a strong, authoritative command that withholding food is the consequence of not working. It’s a directive, not merely a suggestion.
Word Group Analysis:
- "If anyone does not want to work": This phrase pinpoints voluntary idleness as the core issue. It’s about a choice not to engage in labor, rather than an inability.
- "let him not eat": This is a direct and severe consequence for such idleness. It speaks of disassociating from the communal provisions until the individual resumes working. The implication is that common resources are not to be shared with those who refuse their share of responsibility.
2 Thessalonians 3 10 Bonus Section
The command "let him not eat" reflects a principle seen in the Old Testament regarding provisions for the vulnerable, which were tied to diligence and responsibility (e.g., Deut 24:19-22). It contrasts sharply with a welfare system that might enable laziness. The early church was known for its mutual support (Acts 4:32-35), but this support was for those in need, not for those choosing inactivity. Paul’s instruction here guards against the abuse of such generosity. The phrasing "quiet hands" from verse 12, in contrast to the disrupters mentioned earlier in the chapter, underscores the value of diligent, unobtrusive labor.
2 Thessalonians 3 10 Commentary
This verse provides a stark and practical directive for Christian communities regarding personal responsibility and labor. Paul doesn't endorse neglect of the needy; rather, he targets those who are able-bodied but choose idleness, becoming a burden rather than a contributing member. The principle is mutual work and provision, reflecting the order established in creation and emphasized throughout Scripture. It’s about maintaining the integrity of the community and ensuring resources are used wisely and righteously.
- Practical application: Encourage everyone to contribute according to their ability.
- Community expectation: Foster a culture where everyone takes responsibility for their livelihood.
- Consequence: Clearly communicate that those who refuse to work should not expect to be supported by the community.