2 Thessalonians 3 11

2 Thessalonians 3:11 kjv

For we hear that there are some which walk among you disorderly, working not at all, but are busybodies.

2 Thessalonians 3:11 nkjv

For we hear that there are some who walk among you in a disorderly manner, not working at all, but are busybodies.

2 Thessalonians 3:11 niv

We hear that some among you are idle and disruptive. They are not busy; they are busybodies.

2 Thessalonians 3:11 esv

For we hear that some among you walk in idleness, not busy at work, but busybodies.

2 Thessalonians 3:11 nlt

Yet we hear that some of you are living idle lives, refusing to work and meddling in other people's business.

2 Thessalonians 3 verses

2 Thessalonians 3 11 Meaning

This verse describes certain individuals within the Thessalonian church who were disruptive and not following the apostolic instruction to work. Paul directly addresses their idleness and the resulting disorder they were causing.

2 Thessalonians 3 11 Context

Chapter 3 of 2 Thessalonians addresses ongoing issues within the church concerning doctrinal misunderstandings and behavioral problems. A primary concern is the correct understanding and practice of the Lord's coming. Some Thessalonians were anticipating an imminent return of Christ, which led to idleness and disruption of daily life, as seen in verses 6-12. This verse specifically targets those who are living disorderly lives and not working according to the instructions Paul and his companions had already given them. This idleness wasn't just a personal failing; it caused problems within the community, potentially leading to reliance on others and a negative witness to outsiders. The broader context involves Paul reinforcing sound doctrine and encouraging perseverance, order, and responsible living among the believers in Thessalonica.

2 Thessalonians 3 11 Word Analysis

• "Ektous" (or ekeinoi): This pronoun refers to "those individuals."

  • Significance: It specifically points to certain people in the congregation, not the entire body of believers.

• "en" (in): A preposition indicating location or state.

• "ymin" (hymon): The possessive pronoun "your."

• "i" (kai): The conjunction "and," linking "disorderly" and "not working."

• "ashtas" (ataktos): "Disorderly" or "unruly."

  • Word-level meaning: Describes a lack of order, not adhering to regulations or instructions. In the context of the military, it referred to soldiers not in rank. For the Thessalonians, it implies not following the orderly pattern of life established by apostolic teaching.
  • Significance: It points to a behavior that deviates from expected Christian conduct and community standards.

• "mi" (me): A particle of negation.

• "ergasouat" (ergazontai): "They work" (present active indicative, 3rd person plural of ergo).

  • Word-level meaning: To perform labor, to work, to do business, to function.
  • Significance: It refers to the active participation in productive work, a principle already taught.

• "paralambanomen" (paralambanomen): "we received" or "you received." (This word appears to be a slight misreading; the Greek in this verse is closer to 'paradosin' from the previous verse, which refers to tradition. The intent in this verse is to show they received the instruction.)

  • Actual text here refers to the "parado_sin" (paradosei) in verse 11 of chapter 4. If it meant "you received," it refers to the instruction given by Paul.
  • Word-level meaning: to receive, to take alongside.
  • Significance: highlights that Paul's instruction on working was something the Thessalonians had been taught and had received.

• "o`n" (hon): A relative pronoun, "which" or "that."

• "ede_tastet_t" (edidaxamen) : "we taught" or "instructed." (A slight variation in transliteration; the core Greek word for 'taught' is here).

  • Word-level meaning: to teach, to instruct.
  • Significance: This confirms Paul's active teaching of this principle to them previously.

• Phrase-level analysis:

  • "disorderly and not working": This phrase directly links a behavioral characteristic (disorderly) with a specific action or inaction (not working). The implication is that their disorderliness manifests in their refusal or failure to engage in productive labor according to the established teaching.
  • "the tradition which you received from us": This refers to the body of teachings and instructions Paul had given the Thessalonians, encompassing both doctrine and practical conduct, including the importance of diligent work.

2 Thessalonians 3 11 Bonus Section

The Greek word for "disorderly" (aspektos) is strong and indicates a refusal to conform to proper order. This disorderliness can be seen not just as physical laziness but as a theological error concerning the imminent return of Christ. Some believed Christ's return was so near that daily work was rendered meaningless. Paul counteracted this by emphasizing that the Christian life is one of active, productive living while awaiting Christ's return. Furthermore, Paul's mention of "the tradition which you received from us" (para_sis) points to oral teaching as a legitimate source of apostolic authority, equal in importance to written scripture, especially in establishing ethical and practical guidelines for the church. His emphasis on working for self-sufficiency aligns with Old Testament wisdom literature, such as Proverbs, which consistently praises diligence and condemns laziness. The principle here extends beyond mere employment to any legitimate labor that contributes to the common good and demonstrates reliance on God's provision through one's own effort.

2 Thessalonians 3 11 Commentary

Paul addresses specific individuals who are characterized by their "disorderly" living and their failure to "work" as instructed. This disorderliness seems to be directly related to their idleness. They were not living by the principle of self-sufficiency and diligent labor that Paul had already taught them (1 Thess. 4:11-12). This idleness was causing practical problems within the church. It implies a reliance on others rather than providing for oneself, which disrupts the community's harmony and may present a poor testimony to those outside the church. The command is clear: cease this unproductive and disruptive behavior and return to the diligent, orderly work ethic that characterized the apostles' own ministry. The verse emphasizes personal responsibility and the importance of contributing to the community through one's own labor.

• Practical usage: Christians are called to work diligently, not just for personal provision, but also to support the community and demonstrate a responsible faith. Laziness and idleness can lead to unhealthy dependence and negative spiritual impact.
• Examples:
  • An individual refusing employment, choosing instead to rely on the generosity of others in the church without good cause.
  • Spending time in unproductive pursuits when responsibilities at home or work are neglected.
  • Disrupting church activities or finances through a lack of personal contribution and reliance on others' labor.