2 Thessalonians 3 4

2 Thessalonians 3:4 kjv

And we have confidence in the Lord touching you, that ye both do and will do the things which we command you.

2 Thessalonians 3:4 nkjv

And we have confidence in the Lord concerning you, both that you do and will do the things we command you.

2 Thessalonians 3:4 niv

We have confidence in the Lord that you are doing and will continue to do the things we command.

2 Thessalonians 3:4 esv

And we have confidence in the Lord about you, that you are doing and will do the things that we command.

2 Thessalonians 3:4 nlt

And we are confident in the Lord that you are doing and will continue to do the things we commanded you.

2 Thessalonians 3 verses

2 Thessalonians 3 4 meaning

This verse expresses the apostle Paul’s firm conviction, rooted in the Lord Jesus Christ, that the Thessalonian believers are presently obeying the instructions given to them, and will continue to do so in the future. His confidence is not in their inherent strength or resolve, but in God's faithfulness and work within them, empowering their adherence to apostolic teaching.

2 Thessalonians 3 4 Context

This verse sits within Paul's final admonitions and blessings to the Thessalonian church. The preceding verses (2 Thess 3:1-3) convey Paul's prayer requests for his own ministry and an assurance of the Lord's faithfulness to strengthen and protect the believers from evil. Verse 4 then pivots to Paul's confidence in the Lord regarding the Thessalonians' response. This confidence is a pastoral and rhetorical bridge: it affirms their present spiritual state, reinforces the legitimacy of his instructions, and sets the stage for the specific, and sometimes stern, commands that follow, particularly concerning idleness and disorderly conduct (2 Thess 3:6-12). It underscores that while there were issues needing correction, Paul maintained a fundamental trust in their obedience, a trust anchored not in human strength but in divine power.

2 Thessalonians 3 4 Word analysis

• And (δέ, de): This conjunction serves as a mild adversative or connective, indicating a shift from the previous statements about God's action ("the Lord is faithful..."). It subtly implies a connection between God's faithfulness and Paul's confidence in the believers. It shows the logical flow of divine activity (God's faithfulness in v3) leading to Paul's pastoral assurance concerning human response (v4).
• we (ἡμεῖς, hemeis): Refers to Paul, Silvanus, and Timothy (cf. 2 Thess 1:1), emphasizing the unified apostolic witness and authority behind the confidence and commands. This collective identity lends weight to their pronouncements.
• have confidence (πεποίθαμεν, pepoithamen): From peitho meaning "to persuade." The perfect tense active indicative conveys a settled, enduring state of conviction or assurance, not merely a hope or wish. This confidence is a strong, settled persuasion, reflecting a deep trust. It denotes an inner conviction that has reached a firm conclusion.
• in the Lord (ἐν Κυρίῳ, en Kyriō): This phrase is profoundly significant. Paul's confidence is not based on his assessment of their character or strength, but on the Lord's power working within them. Kyrios typically refers to Jesus Christ. This means his confidence is spiritual, grounded in Christ's authority, faithfulness, and the Holy Spirit's enabling presence. It removes human presumption and anchors their potential for obedience in divine grace.
• touching you (ἐφ᾽ ὑμᾶς, eph’ hymas): Literally "upon you" or "concerning you." It clarifies the object of their confidence. The preposition epi with the accusative here denotes direction toward, or extent concerning.
• that (ὅτι, hoti): Introduces the content or substance of the apostolic confidence.
• ye both do (καὶ ποιεῖτε, kai poieite): The present tense, active indicative of poieo (to do, to make), confirms that the Thessalonians were already, at the time of writing, living in obedience to Paul's instructions. This is an affirmation of their current, ongoing faithfulness and good conduct, demonstrating that they were actively responsive to his initial teachings.
• and will do (καὶ ποιήσετε, kai poiēsete): The future tense indicates an expectation of continued obedience. This is not just a wish but a prophetic declaration based on the confidence "in the Lord." It anticipates their future conduct, even in light of future challenges or new instructions about the idlers mentioned later in the chapter. It implies steadfastness and perseverance.
• the things which we command you (ἃ παραγγέλλομεν ὑμῖν, ha paraggellomen hymin): The word paraggello (to command, charge, instruct authoritatively) carries significant weight. It implies an official, military, or legal directive rather than a suggestion. It signifies authoritative instruction. These are the apostolic commands, rooted in Christ's authority, that they have received and are yet to receive, especially those concerning practical Christian living, communal order, and conduct.

• "we have confidence in the Lord": This phrase groups together Paul's trust with its divine grounding. It is not mere human optimism but a settled conviction stemming from an awareness of the Lord's work and power. This underscores the theological principle that human obedience is enabled by divine grace and power.
• "ye both do and will do": This coupling emphasizes continuity and steadfastness in obedience. It celebrates their present good behavior while setting a standard and expectation for their future conduct. It's an encouragement for ongoing faithfulness.
• "the things which we command you": This highlights the nature of apostolic teaching as authoritative commands, not mere advice. The Thessalonians are expected to obey these directives fully, as they are essential for ordering their community life according to God's will.

2 Thessalonians 3 4 Bonus section

This verse offers a glimpse into the dynamic tension between divine sovereignty and human responsibility. Paul's "confidence in the Lord" does not negate the Thessalonians' personal responsibility, but rather grounds it in the divine provision. His assurance that they "do and will do" implies that God empowers them, yet they are the active agents choosing to obey. This apostolic confidence, spoken with authority ("we command"), serves not just as a statement but also as a form of prophetic declaration, subtly shaping their expectations of themselves and affirming their potential for holiness. Furthermore, by placing this affirmation before the strong commands later in the chapter, Paul maintains a positive pastoral tone, even while preparing to address serious behavioral issues, demonstrating wisdom in communication. It suggests that leaders should often preface challenges with genuine affirmation of the people's core commitment, relying on God’s work in them.

2 Thessalonians 3 4 Commentary

Paul’s statement in 2 Thessalonians 3:4 is a powerful expression of pastoral confidence rooted firmly in divine enablement. His trust is not naive or based on the inherent perfection of the believers, but rather on the Lord's unwavering faithfulness and power at work within them (as noted in the preceding verse). This divinely-grounded confidence provides a crucial bridge: it affirms the Thessalonians' present obedience, commendably setting the standard, and simultaneously issues a strong expectation for their future adherence to apostolic instruction. It implies that their capacity for obedience stems from God's work, providing both assurance and accountability. This subtle blend of affirmation and expectation is a skilled pastoral approach, designed to encourage and, implicitly, to exhort to further faithfulness, especially given the upcoming specific instructions on addressing idleness within the community. For practical application, this verse reminds us that true Christian obedience is both an ongoing effort (they do) and a future commitment (they will do), enabled by our confidence in the Lord. It’s a call to depend on God for our ability to live out His commands.