2 Thessalonians 3:12 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.
2 Thessalonians 3:12 nkjv
Now those who are such we command and exhort through our Lord Jesus Christ that they work in quietness and eat their own bread.
2 Thessalonians 3:12 niv
Such people we command and urge in the Lord Jesus Christ to settle down and earn the food they eat.
2 Thessalonians 3:12 esv
Now such persons we command and encourage in the Lord Jesus Christ to do their work quietly and to earn their own living.
2 Thessalonians 3:12 nlt
We command such people and urge them in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ to settle down and work to earn their own living.
2 Thessalonians 3 12 Cross References
| Verse | Text | Reference |
|---|---|---|
| 2 Thes 3:12 | Exhort therefore… that with quietness they work, and eat their own bread. | 2 Thes 3:12 (Exact Match) |
| 1 Thes 4:11-12 | …that ye study to be quiet, and to do your own business, and to work… | 1 Thes 4:11 (Similar Theme) |
| Eph 4:28 | Let him that stole steal no more: but rather let him labour, working… | Eph 4:28 (Work Ethic) |
| 1 Tim 5:8 | But if any provide not for his own, and especially for those of his own house… | 1 Tim 5:8 (Responsibility) |
| John 6:27 | Labour not for the meat which perisheth, but for that meat which endureth… | John 6:27 (Diligence) |
| Col 3:23 | And whatsoever ye do, do it heartily, as to the Lord, and not unto men. | Col 3:23 (Attitude to Work) |
| Prov 6:6-8 | Go to the ant, thou sluggard… provideth her meat in summer… | Prov 6:6 (Against Idleness) |
| Prov 10:4 | He becometh poor that dealeth with a slack hand: but the hand of the diligent maketh rich. | Prov 10:4 (Diligence/Sloth) |
| Prov 13:4 | The soul of the sluggard desireth, and hath nothing: but the soul of the diligent shall be made fat. | Prov 13:4 (Diligence/Sloth) |
| Prov 22:13 | The slothful man saith, There is a lion without, I shall be slain… | Prov 22:13 (Excuses) |
| Titus 3:14 | And let ours also learn to maintain good works for necessary uses, that they be not unfruitful. | Titus 3:14 (Productivity) |
| 2 Thes 3:10-11 | For even when we were with you, this we commanded you, that if any would not work, neither should he eat. For we hear that there are some which walk among you disorderly, working not at all… | 2 Thes 3:10-11 (Direct Link) |
| Gen 2:15 | And the Lord God took the man, and put him into the garden of Eden to dress it and to keep it. | Gen 2:15 (Mandate to Work) |
| 2 Thes 3:7-9 | For yourselves know how ye ought to follow us: for we behaved not ourselves disorderly among you… we worked with labour and travail night and day, that we might not be chargeable to any of you. | 2 Thes 3:7 (Paul's Example) |
| Romans 12:11 | Not slothful in business; fervent in spirit; serving the Lord. | Rom 12:11 (Diligence) |
| Acts 18:2-3 | And when he found a certain Jew named Aquila… with whom also he abode, and wrought: for by their occupation they were tentmakers. | Acts 18:2 (Apostolic Work) |
| Matthew 25:14-30 | Parable of the Talents – encouraging responsible use of God's gifts. | Matt 25 (Responsibility) |
| Philippians 4:8 | Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things. | Phil 4:8 (Focus) |
| Proverbs 31:10-31 | Description of the virtuous wife, who works diligently. | Prov 31 (Diligence) |
| 1 Corinthians 10:31 | Whether therefore ye eat, or drink, or whatsoever ye do, do it all to the glory of God. | 1 Cor 10:31 (Glory of God) |
2 Thessalonians 3 verses
2 Thessalonians 3 12 Meaning
The verse commands believers to work quietly and earn their own living. It’s an exhortation against idleness and a directive for self-sufficiency within the community. This work is not just about physical labor but also about diligently performing one's duties with a calm demeanor, contributing to the welfare of others and bringing honor to God.
2 Thessalonians 3 12 Context
Second Thessalonians chapter 3 addresses a disturbance in the Thessalonian church caused by some members who were refusing to work, living as busybodies and disruptors. Paul, in response to reports of this behavior, reiterates his earlier teaching on the importance of orderly conduct and honest work. He uses himself and other apostles as an example of working diligently to avoid being a burden. This verse specifically targets those who were living idly, perhaps misinterpreting spiritual liberty as freedom from responsibility, and emphasizes that a quiet, diligent work ethic is expected and beneficial.
2 Thessalonians 3 12 Word Analysis
to parakaleo (exhort): To call to one’s side; to urge, advise, comfort, entreat. It carries a strong sense of earnest appeal and encouragement, not just a command.
katastěllē (quietness): To lower, calm down, quell. In this context, it means to act calmly, to be tranquil, to avoid being noisy, disorderly, or meddlesome. It suggests an inward disposition leading to outward behavior.
ergazomai (work): To be at work, to do work, to labor, to traffic. It’s a general term for activity, but in context with Paul’s prior statements (3:10-11), it emphasizes earning one's sustenance through productive effort.
idios (own): One's own. It stresses personal responsibility and ownership of the fruits of one's labor.
artos (bread): Food, a loaf of bread. Here it is used metonymously for sustenance, one's livelihood or daily food, obtained through one's own labor.
Exhort… quietness… work… eat their own bread: This phrase highlights a chain of godly conduct. Exhortation leads to inner calmness, which results in diligent, personal labor, providing for oneself and contributing to one's own sustenance. It counters idleness and reliance on others without cause.
2 Thessalonians 3 12 Bonus Section
This instruction implicitly rebukes any form of "spiritual" idleness where individuals claim to be serving God but are not engaged in practical, honest work that supports them and potentially aids the needy. It’s a correction against an unhealthy spirituality that disconnects heavenly focus from earthly responsibility. The emphasis on "quietness" is a deliberate contrast to the disorder and disruption caused by the idle individuals mentioned earlier in the chapter. They were not merely inactive but were interfering with the peace and productivity of the church community. Therefore, "working quietly" is an active response that restores order and demonstrates submission to the apostolic instruction.
2 Thessalonians 3 12 Commentary
The believer is called to be actively engaged in productive work, not out of a pursuit for wealth, but as a stewardship of time and resources given by God. This work should be conducted with a peaceful demeanor, avoiding gossip, busyness in others' affairs, or a spirit of presumption. The fruit of this labor is personal sustenance – "their own bread" – signifying self-reliance and the dignity of providing for oneself. This practice reflects the order God established in creation and the example of Christ and the apostles, all while aiming to honor God in all activities (Colossians 3:23). It also prevents becoming a burden and allows for generosity.