2 Thessalonians 3 6

2 Thessalonians 3:6 kjv

Now we command you, brethren, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that ye withdraw yourselves from every brother that walketh disorderly, and not after the tradition which he received of us.

2 Thessalonians 3:6 nkjv

But we command you, brethren, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that you withdraw from every brother who walks disorderly and not according to the tradition which he received from us.

2 Thessalonians 3:6 niv

In the name of the Lord Jesus Christ, we command you, brothers and sisters, to keep away from every believer who is idle and disruptive and does not live according to the teaching you received from us.

2 Thessalonians 3:6 esv

Now we command you, brothers, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that you keep away from any brother who is walking in idleness and not in accord with the tradition that you received from us.

2 Thessalonians 3:6 nlt

And now, dear brothers and sisters, we give you this command in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ: Stay away from all believers who live idle lives and don't follow the tradition they received from us.

2 Thessalonians 3 verses

2 Thessalonians 3 6 Meaning

This verse instructs believers to withdraw from and refuse association with any fellow Christian who walks disorderly, meaning they are living idly and not working according to the instructions given by the apostles. This is a practical application of the body of Christ principle, where members should not support or encourage sin or idleness in others, but rather discipline for the purpose of restoration.

2 Thessalonians 3 6 Context

In 2 Thessalonians, Paul addresses a range of issues including the timing of Christ's return and the behavior of believers. Chapter 3 deals specifically with practical matters, including the encouragement of diligent work and the need for church discipline. There was evidently a problem in the Thessalonian church where some members were idle, not working with their hands, and becoming busybodies. Paul had previously addressed this when he was with them. This verse, chapter 3 verse 6, follows directly after Paul's instruction to the Thessalonians to keep away from unruly brothers, and it specifically gives them a directive concerning such individuals who do not conform to the apostolic teaching of working diligently. The polemic here is against idleness and disorderly conduct within the Christian community, a deviation from the New Testament's emphasis on self-support and mutual responsibility.

2 Thessalonians 3 6 Word Analysis

• "Now" (νῦν - nun): This adverb of time indicates a present instruction or a transition to a new point. It signals Paul's urgent and current directive.
• "we" (ἡμεῖς - hēmeis): Refers to Paul and likely Timothy and Silas, co-authors and partners in ministry.
• "command" (διαμαρτυρόμεθα - diamartyrometha): This is a strong verb, meaning "to testify solemnly," "to charge earnestly," or "to protest." It conveys Paul's authority as an apostle and the seriousness of the instruction. It's more forceful than a simple command.
• "you" (ὑμῖν - hymin): The plural pronoun, referring to the entire church in Thessalonica.
• "brethren" (ἀδελφούς - adelphous): This term of endearment and familial connection highlights that the instruction pertains to those within the fellowship of believers, even when dealing with behavioral issues.
• "in the name" (ἐν τῷ ὀνόματι - en tōi onomati): This phrase signifies authority. The command is not merely from Paul, but in the authority of the Lord Jesus Christ.
• "of our Lord Jesus Christ" (τοῦ Κυρίου ἡμῶν Ἰησοῦ Χριστοῦ - tou Kyriou hēmōn Iēsou Christou): Emphasizes the source of authority and the Lord whom they all serve.
• "that ye withdraw yourselves" (ἵνα ... ἀποσύρεσθε - hina ... aposyreste): "Withdraw yourselves" is in the present passive subjunctive, meaning "to pull away," "to withdraw from," or "to keep apart from." The present tense implies a continuous action, not a one-time separation. The passive voice suggests they are to be kept separate, or it could be interpreted reflexively as they are to separate themselves.
• "from every brother" (ἀπὸ παντὸς ἀδελφοῦ - apo pantos adelphou): "Every brother" is absolute, indicating no exceptions are made for individuals who are practicing this disorderly conduct, regardless of their relationship within the church.
• "which walketh" (τοῦ ἀτακτοῦντος - tou ataktoountos): This participle translates "disorderly" or "unruly." The verb ataktéo means "to be out of order," "to be undisciplined," or "to lead an irregular life." It specifically refers to those who do not follow the established order and teaching.
• "disorderly" (ἀτακτέω - atakteō): This is the root of the previous word, referring to those who live aimlessly, without purpose, or refusing to abide by the apostolic instructions for their lives and work. They were not functioning correctly within the body.
• "and not after the tradition" (καὶ μὴ κατὰ τὴν παράδοσιν - kai mē kata tēn paradosin): "Not according to the tradition." This connects the disorderly walk to a rejection of the received apostolic teachings. The tradition (paradōsis) refers to the doctrine and ethical standards passed down by Paul and the apostles.
• "which ye have received of us" (ἣν παρελάβοσαν παρ’ ἡμῶν - hēn parelabosan par’ hēmōn): "Which you received from us." This reiterates that the tradition is not new but a received apostolic deposit, highlighting the responsibility of the Thessalonians to adhere to it.

Words-Group by Words-Group Analysis:

• "we command you in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ": This group emphasizes the divine authority behind Paul's directive. It's not a personal opinion but a charge delivered under Christ's name, binding on the Thessalonian believers.
• "that ye withdraw yourselves from every brother which walketh disorderly": This clause sets forth the specific action to be taken: a deliberate separation from those living outside the apostolic order. "Walketh disorderly" identifies the specific behavior targeted.
• "and not after the tradition which ye have received of us": This clarifies the nature of the disorder. It's a departure from the established teachings and ways of life handed down by the apostles, which the Thessalonians had already embraced.

2 Thessalonians 3 6 Bonus Section

The term "disorderly" (ἀτακτέω - atakteō) was also used in classical Greek military contexts to describe soldiers who broke ranks or deserted their posts. Applying this to the church, it depicts believers who were not functioning correctly within the "body of Christ," neglecting their assigned duties and responsibilities, and creating disunity. The "tradition" (παράδοσις - paradosin) mentioned refers to the ethical and practical instructions Paul had given them, likely including the importance of earning a living and supporting oneself and one's family. This is consistent with broader Pauline teaching, as seen in passages like Ephesians 4:28 where believers are exhorted to labor with their own hands so they can provide for those in need, and Romans 13:13 which calls for honest living. The aim of this disciplinary action, as clarified later in the chapter (v. 14-15), is corrective, not condemnatory; the recalcitrant believer is to be admonished as a brother, not treated as an alien enemy, aiming for their eventual restoration and shame leading to repentance.

2 Thessalonians 3 6 Commentary

Paul gives a firm but loving directive for dealing with members of the church who are living idly and disrupting the community's peace and order. The instruction is to withdraw association. This is not about cutting off fellowship with those struggling or backslidden, but with those willfully refusing to labor and adhere to the established apostolic teachings for Christian living. This separation is a corrective measure, meant to lead to shame and repentance, not ultimately for condemnation. The authority for this command comes from Jesus Christ Himself, underscoring its spiritual weight. The basis for the discipline is "disorderly walking" and departure from "tradition," meaning the practical, applied teaching received from the apostles about living a productive, self-sustaining Christian life within the community.

• Practical Application: If a believer is persistently idle, refusing to work despite ability, and becoming a burden or source of disruption, the church is instructed to limit close fellowship. This could mean not eating with them or sharing personal resources with them until they repent.
• Purpose of Separation: The goal is not ostracism but the brother's correction and eventual return to proper order and labor, out of shame for his actions. (cf. 2 Thes 3:14).
• Maintaining Unity: This discipline protects the unity and reputation of the church by addressing unhealthy behaviors that contradict the gospel's call to diligent living and mutual responsibility.