2 Thessalonians 3:8 kjv
Neither did we eat any man's bread for nought; but wrought with labour and travail night and day, that we might not be chargeable to any of you:
2 Thessalonians 3:8 nkjv
nor did we eat anyone's bread free of charge, but worked with labor and toil night and day, that we might not be a burden to any of you,
2 Thessalonians 3:8 niv
nor did we eat anyone's food without paying for it. On the contrary, we worked night and day, laboring and toiling so that we would not be a burden to any of you.
2 Thessalonians 3:8 esv
nor did we eat anyone's bread without paying for it, but with toil and labor we worked night and day, that we might not be a burden to any of you.
2 Thessalonians 3:8 nlt
We never accepted food from anyone without paying for it. We worked hard day and night so we would not be a burden to any of you.
2 Thessalonians 3 8 Cross References
| Verse | Text | Reference |
|---|---|---|
| 2 Thes 3:7 | For you yourselves know how you ought to imitate us, for we were not disorderly among you, | Example of Paul's conduct |
| 2 Thes 3:8 | nor did we eat any one's bread without paying for it, but with labor and toil we worked night and day, | Financial self-sufficiency |
| 1 Thes 2:9 | For you remember, brothers, our labor and toil: we worked night and day, that we might not burden any of you, and we proclaimed to you the gospel of God. | Repetition of theme of working |
| Acts 18:3 | and because he was of the same trade he stayed with them and worked, for they were tentmakers by trade. | Paul's trade |
| Acts 20:34 | You yourselves know that these hands ministered to my necessity, and to those who were with me. | Hands ministered |
| 1 Cor 9:6 | or is it only Apollos or I who have no right to refrain from working with our own hands? | Right to refrain from work |
| 1 Cor 9:12 | If others share this right over you, do not we still more? Nevertheless, we have not used this right, but endure anything rather than put some obstacle to the gospel of Christ. | Not using right |
| 2 Cor 11:9 | and when I was present with you and was in need, I did not burden anyone, for my needs were supplied by the brothers who came from Macedonia. So, I refrained and will continue to refrain from burdening you in any way. | Needs supplied by others from elsewhere |
| Phil 4:12 | I know how to be brought low, and I know how to abound. In any. season, in everything, in all things, I have learned the secret of being content. | Contentment in all states |
| Col 2:6 | Therefore, as you received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk in him, | Walking in Christ |
| 1 Tim 5:8 | But if anyone does not provide for his relatives, and especially for members of his household, he has denied the faith and is worse than an unbeliever. | Provision for family |
| Titus 3:14 | And let our people learn to apply themselves to good deeds, so as to help those in immediate need, and not be unproductive. | Good deeds and not unproductive |
| Prov 6:10 | A little sleep, a little slumber, a little folding of the hands to rest, | Danger of idleness |
| Prov 10:4 | A slack hand causes poverty, but the hand of the diligent makes rich. | Diligence and riches |
| Prov 22:29 | Do you see a man skillful in his work? He will stand before kings; he will not stand before obscure men. | Skillful in work |
| John 6:27 | Do not work for the food that perishes, but for the food that endures to eternal life, which the Son of Man will give to you. For on him God the Father has set his seal. | Work for eternal life |
| Luke 3:14 | Soldiers also asked him, “And we, what shall we do?” And he said to them, “Do not extort money from anyone by force or by false accusation, and be content with your wages.” | Contentment with wages |
| Gal 6:4 | Let each one test his own work, that he may have his own rejoicing in himself and not in another. | Testing own work |
| 2 Thes 3:10 | For even when we were with you, we gave you this rule: if anyone is not willing to work, let him not eat. | Rule for the unwilling to work |
| Eph 4:28 | Let the thief no longer steal, but rather let him labor, doing honest work with his own hands, so that he may have something to share with anyone who is in need. | Honest work and sharing |
2 Thessalonians 3 verses
2 Thessalonians 3 8 Meaning
This verse emphasizes the Apostle Paul's diligent example of working to support himself and those with him. He worked tirelessly, not out of obligation but as a conscious choice to provide for himself and his companions, ensuring they were not a burden on the Thessalonian believers. This personal commitment to labor served as a practical demonstration of genuine ministry, living out the principles of self-sufficiency and hard work.
2 Thessalonians 3 8 Context
Second Thessalonians 3 addresses a problem in the Thessalonian church concerning idleness and disorderly conduct, specifically among those who were not working but relying on others. Paul had previously taught them about Christian conduct. In this chapter, he reiterates his instructions and emphasizes the importance of working diligently. This verse serves as a direct example of Paul's own exemplary behavior. He contrasts his conduct with those who were idle, showing that he himself did not exploit their hospitality but earned his own living, even while ministering to them. This is presented as a model for them to follow, underlining the connection between work ethic and responsible Christian living.
2 Thessalonians 3 8 Word analysis
- οὐδὲ (oudē): "and not" or "nor". It functions as a strong negative conjunction, joining this statement with the previous one (2 Thes 3:7) where Paul says they know how they ought to imitate him. It connects the idea of not being disorderly with not being a burden.
- φαγεῖν (phagein): "to eat." The infinitive form, used after "nor did we," signifying the action of consuming food.
- τινὸς (tinos): "of anyone" or "of somebody." This genitive singular form of the indefinite pronoun refers to an unspecified person or people among the Thessalonians.
- ἄρτον (arton): "bread." The accusative singular noun for "bread," representing sustenance or food. It symbolizes their livelihood.
- ἀναξίως (anaxíōs): "unworthily" or "without just cause." This adverb describes how they would have eaten if they had not worked. The implication is eating without earning it, therefore in a way not deserved or appropriate for their status as ministers who were called to self-support. It speaks to a lack of dignity or rightfulness in the act.
- ἀλλ’ (all'): "but" or "rather." A strong adversative conjunction introducing a contrast to the preceding negative statement.
- ἐν (en): "in" or "with." A preposition introducing the means or manner by which they worked.
- κόπῳ (kopō): "labor," "toil," or "weariness." The dative singular noun denoting the strenuous effort and hard work involved.
- μόχθῳ (móchthō): "hardship," "toil," or "struggle." Another dative singular noun, used in parallel with 'kopō' to emphasize the extreme difficulty and strain of their work. The pairing amplifies the intensity of their labor.
- ἐνεργοῦντες (energoūntes): "working," "being active," or "laboring." The present active participle of the verb 'energeō' (to work, be active, be operative). It describes their ongoing state of active effort. The imperfect tense is suggested by the context of their past ministry.
- νυκτὸς καὶ ἡμέρας (nyktos kai hēmeras): "night and day." This adverbial phrase emphasizes the constant and persistent nature of their work, spanning all hours. It indicates they did not take significant breaks or cease their labor.
Words-group by words-group analysis:
- "nor did we eat anyone's bread without deserving it": This is a direct refutation of any accusation that Paul and his team were freeloaders. The term "anaxios" highlights that they acted with integrity, not taking advantage of the generosity of the Thessalonians without reciprocating through their labor and ministry. They "earned" their bread.
- "but with labor and toil we worked night and day": This phrase describes the nature and intensity of their work. "Kopō" and "móchthō" are strong terms for strenuous effort. The combination suggests they engaged in demanding, potentially artisan-level work ("tentmakers") with unwavering persistence ("night and day") to support themselves and prevent becoming a financial burden.
2 Thessalonians 3 8 Bonus section
The concept of working to avoid being a burden is a consistent theme in Paul's ministry, as seen in 1 Thessalonians 2:9 and 2 Corinthians 11:9. His profession as a tentmaker, as mentioned in Acts 18:3, was likely the means through which he practiced this self-support. This practice not only provided for him but also demonstrated a principle that has significant implications for Christian living, emphasizing responsibility, dignity, and the purity of the gospel message by not being dependent on the congregation for sustenance. This also preempts criticisms and ensures that his motivation is seen as solely serving Christ and the church, not personal gain. The strenuousness implied by "labor and toil" shows Paul was not just passively "working" but was actively and exhaustively engaged in earning his keep, setting a high bar for diligence.
2 Thessalonians 3 8 Commentary
Paul’s self-support through hard labor demonstrated integrity and provided an irrefutable model for the Thessalonian believers struggling with idleness. It underscores that genuine ministry is not about living off others but about contributing to society while serving God. This practical approach also ensured that the gospel message was not compromised or perceived as a commercial enterprise, thereby removing potential hindrances to its acceptance. Paul's diligence ensured their independence and enabled them to focus on evangelism without being a burden, even at the cost of personal comfort and extensive labor.
- Practical takeaway: A healthy spiritual life includes responsible work and self-sufficiency.
- Ministry model: True ministers prioritize the gospel and serve without being a financial drain on the church or community.
- Combating idleness: Demonstrating personal work ethic sets a standard against sloth and disorderly conduct.