2 Thessalonians 3:14 kjv
And if any man obey not our word by this epistle, note that man, and have no company with him, that he may be ashamed.
2 Thessalonians 3:14 nkjv
And if anyone does not obey our word in this epistle, note that person and do not keep company with him, that he may be ashamed.
2 Thessalonians 3:14 niv
Take special note of anyone who does not obey our instruction in this letter. Do not associate with them, in order that they may feel ashamed.
2 Thessalonians 3:14 esv
If anyone does not obey what we say in this letter, take note of that person, and have nothing to do with him, that he may be ashamed.
2 Thessalonians 3:14 nlt
Take note of those who refuse to obey what we say in this letter. Stay away from them so they will be ashamed.
2 Thessalonians 3 14 Cross References
| Verse | Text | Reference |
|---|---|---|
| 2 Thess 3:6 | We instruct you, brothers, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, to keep away from any brother who is living in idleness and not in accord with the tradition that you received from us. | Warns against idle and disorderly conduct. |
| 1 Cor 5:11 | But now I am writing to you not to associate with anyone who bears the name of brother, if he is guilty of sexual immorality, or greed, or idolatry, or railing, or drunkenness, or extortion, he is not to eat with such a one. | Command against close association with immoral believers. |
| Matt 18:17 | If your brother sins against you, go and tell him his fault, between you and him alone. If he listens to you, you have gained your brother. | Outlines steps for dealing with a sinning brother. |
| Rom 16:17 | I urge you, brothers, to keep an eye on those who cause divisions and offenses, contrary to the doctrine that you have taught; avoid them. | Counsel to avoid divisive individuals. |
| Titus 3:10 | As for a person who stirs up division, after a first and second warning, have nothing more to do with him, | Procedure for dealing with divisive individuals. |
| Gal 5:12 | I wish those who unsettle you would mutilate themselves! | Strong condemnation of those causing trouble. |
| Eph 5:11 | Take no part in the unfruitful works of darkness, but rather expose them. | Call to separation from sinful works. |
| 1 Tim 6:5 | and for conceited men, an unhealthy craving for controversy and for quarrels about words, which produce envy, dissension, slander, evil-clouded minds, and constant friction among people who are depraved in mind and bereft of the truth, supposing that godliness is a means of gain. | Warning against troublemakers and disputers. |
| 2 Tim 2:23 | Have nothing to do with foolish and stupid controversies, for you know that they generate quarrels. | Avoidance of foolish quarrels. |
| Heb 12:15 | See to it that no one fails to obtain the grace of God, that no root of bitterness springs up and causes trouble, and by it many become defiled. | Caution against bitterness and its spread. |
| 1 Pet 4:15 | But let none of you suffer as a murderer or a thief or an evildoer or as a meddler. | Instruction to avoid meddling. |
| 2 John 1:10 | If anyone comes to you and does not bring this teaching, do not receive him into your house or give him a greeting. | Instruction against welcoming false teachers. |
| Prov 22:24 | Make no friendship with a man given to anger, nor go with a hot-tempered man. | Proverbial caution against associating with angry people. |
| Prov 24:21 | My son, fear the LORD and the king, and do not associate with revolutionaries. | Proverbial warning against associating with rebels. |
| Deut 13:6-10 | "If your brother, the son of your mother, or your son or your daughter or the wife you embrace or the friend who is as your own soul entices you secretly, saying, 'Let us go and serve other gods,' which neither you nor your fathers have known, ... you shall not yield to him or listen to him, nor shall your eye pity him, nor shall you spare him, nor shall you conceal him. But you shall kill him. Your hand shall be first against him to put him to death, and afterward the hand of all the people. You shall stone him to death with stones, because he sought to draw you away from the LORD your God. | Severe consequences for leading others astray. |
| 1 Sam 20:17 | And Jonathan made David swear again, because he loved him, for he loved him as he loved his own soul. | Shows deep personal loyalty in relationships. |
| Acts 2:42 | And they devoted themselves to the apostles' teaching and the fellowship, to the breaking of bread and the prayers. | The early church's focus on community and teaching. |
| 1 Cor 1:10 | I appeal to you, brothers, by the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that all of you agree and that there be no divisions among you, but that you be perfectly united in the same mind and the same judgment. | Call for unity and avoidance of divisions. |
| Phil 3:18 | For many, of whom I have often told you and now tell you even with tears, walk as enemies of the cross of Christ. | Warning against those living contrary to the cross. |
| Col 2:5 | For though I am absent in body, I am present in spirit, rejoicing to see your good order and the firmness of your faith in Christ. | Commends orderliness in the church. |
2 Thessalonians 3 verses
2 Thessalonians 3 14 Meaning
This verse instructs believers not to associate with or to keep company with someone who disobeys the apostle's instruction. This is not about complete exclusion from society but a disciplinary measure within the community of faith to prompt repentance and restore them.
2 Thessalonians 3 14 Context
This verse is found in the concluding chapter of Paul's second letter to the Thessalonians. The immediate context is Paul addressing a persistent issue of idleness and disorderly conduct among some believers in the Thessalonian church. He has already provided instructions on how to deal with such individuals, emphasizing labor and discipline (2 Thessalonians 3:6-13). This verse, therefore, serves as a direct command to the wider church body, specifying the appropriate way to interact with those who persistently refuse to heed the earlier admonitions. It highlights the importance of community discipline and the spiritual health of the body of Christ, ensuring that persistent disobedience does not go unchecked. Historically, the Thessalonian church faced internal challenges, and this instruction is part of Paul's pastoral care to maintain sound doctrine and godly living.
2 Thessalonians 3 14 Word Analysis
- And (καὶ - kai): A conjunction connecting phrases or clauses, indicating addition or continuation.
- if (ἐὰν - ean): A conditional particle, introducing a hypothetical or uncertain clause.
- any (τις - tis): An indefinite pronoun, referring to an unspecified person.
- obey (ὑπακούω - hypakouō): To listen to, to be obedient, to submit. In this context, it means to comply with or adhere to.
- our (ἡμῶν - hēmōn): Possessive pronoun, indicating something belonging to "us" (Paul and the apostolic teaching).
- word (λόγος - logos): The spoken or written word, teaching, command, instruction, reason, account. Here it refers to the specific instruction or admonition Paul has given.
- this (οὗτος - houtos): A demonstrative pronoun, pointing to the preceding instruction.
- epistle (ἐπιστολή - epistolē): A letter, dispatch.
- Note (σημειωσασθε - sēmeiōsasthē): From σημεῖον (sēmeion), a sign, mark, or to mark. It means to mark, note, pay attention to, observe carefully. It’s a directive for a deliberate act of marking or recognizing.
- in (ἐν - en): A preposition indicating location, sphere, or manner.
- an (οὗτος - houtos): Demonstrative pronoun.
- order (τάξις - taxis): Order, arrangement, rank, discipline. Refers to the proper conduct and order within the community.
- not (μὴ - mē): A negative particle, used here in the imperative to express prohibition.
- keep (συνναναστρέφω - synanastrephō): To associate with, keep company with, live together with. It implies a close and familiar association.
Words-group analysis
- "obey our word": This phrase emphasizes submission to the apostolic instruction that comes from Paul and, by extension, from God. It's not just hearing, but heeding and acting upon the teaching.
- "note that any who obey not our word": This grammatical structure highlights the distinct group being addressed – those who actively disobey the received teaching. The emphasis is on the contrast between obedience and disobedience.
- "Keep not company with him": This is a strong prohibitive imperative (μὴ συνναναστρέφεσθαι). The word "synanastrephō" implies sharing life, eating together, and forming close relationships. The instruction is to withdraw from such intimate fellowship.
2 Thessalonians 3 14 Bonus Section
The term "obey our word" refers specifically to the teachings Paul delivered, both orally and in writing. These teachings were understood to be from Christ Himself, not merely Paul's opinions. The authority of the Word of God, as taught through the apostles, is the basis for this disciplinary instruction. The phrase "keep not company with him" (μὴ συνναναστρέφεσθαι) uses a specific Greek verb that suggests intimacy and fellowship, such as eating together or engaging in casual, close association. It’s a call for a structured distance that allows for potential repentance without enabling or condoning the unrepentant behavior. This is a practical application of the principles of maintaining holiness and order within the Christian community, protecting it from being corrupted or hindered by persistent, disorderly conduct. It underlines the responsibility believers have for one another's spiritual welfare and the health of the church.
2 Thessalonians 3 14 Commentary
Paul issues a clear directive for the Thessalonian believers: they are to identify individuals within their community who persistently disregard the apostolic teaching regarding work and orderly living. The action required is a specific form of separation, not a complete shun or ostracization from all human contact, but a refusal to maintain close fellowship with those who are disorderly and idle. This separation is intended to be a corrective measure, a form of church discipline aimed at eliciting shame and promoting repentance, thereby leading the individual back to an obedient path within the community. The goal is restorative, seeking the well-being of both the individual and the church as a whole.
- Practical application: If a member of a church repeatedly refuses to follow scriptural guidance on their responsibilities and creates disruption, the community should address it with biblical discipline, which may involve a period of reduced fellowship. This is not for minor disagreements but for persistent, unrepentant disobedience to clear teachings.