2 Thessalonians 3:9 kjv
Not because we have not power, but to make ourselves an ensample unto you to follow us.
2 Thessalonians 3:9 nkjv
not because we do not have authority, but to make ourselves an example of how you should follow us.
2 Thessalonians 3:9 niv
We did this, not because we do not have the right to such help, but in order to offer ourselves as a model for you to imitate.
2 Thessalonians 3:9 esv
It was not because we do not have that right, but to give you in ourselves an example to imitate.
2 Thessalonians 3:9 nlt
We certainly had the right to ask you to feed us, but we wanted to give you an example to follow.
2 Thessalonians 3 9 Cross References
| Verse | Text | Reference |
|---|---|---|
| 1 Cor 9:14 | Likewise the Lord directed those who proclaim the gospel to live from the gospel. | Support for ministers |
| Acts 18:3 | And because he was of the same trade, he stayed with them and worked; they were tentmakers. | Paul's tentmaking |
| Phil 4:15-16 | In Philippi also you yourselves know that in the beginning of the gospel, when I left Macedonia, no church entered into partnership with me in giving and receiving, except you only. Even in Thessalonica you sent me something for my need once and again. | Philippian support |
| 1 Thess 2:9 | For you remember, brothers, our labor and toil: we worked night and day, that we might not burden any of you, while we proclaimed to you the gospel of God. | Prior work in Thessalonica |
| 2 Thess 3:8 | 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. | Consistent with verse 8 |
| 1 Cor 4:12 | and we labor, working with our own hands. When reviled, we bless; when persecuted, we endure; | Paul's personal labor |
| Gal 6:6 | Let the one who is taught the word share all his goods with the one who teaches. | Sharing with teachers |
| Rom 15:27 | Yes, they were pleased to do so, and indeed they are indebted to them. For if the Gentiles have come to share in their spiritual blessings, they ought also to be of service to them in material things. | Gentile support for Jewish believers |
| 2 Thess 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. | Instruction on idleness |
| Matt 10:10 | nor is a knapsack for your journey, nor two tunics, nor sandals, nor a staff, for the laborer deserves his food. | Jesus' instructions to apostles |
| 1 Tim 5:17-18 | Let the elders who rule well be considered worthy of double honor, especially those who labor in word and doctrine. For the Scripture says, “You shall not muzzle an ox when it treads out the grain,” and, “The laborer deserves his wages.” | Honor for elders |
| Acts 20:34 | You yourselves know that these hands ministered to my necessities and those who were with me. | Paul's self-support in Acts |
| 2 Cor 11:9 | and when I was present with you and in need, I did not burden anyone, for my needs were supplied by the brethren who came from Macedonia. So I refrained and will refrain from burdening you in anything. | Avoiding burden |
| John 6:27 | Do not labor for the food that perishes, but for the food that endures to eternal life, which the Son of Man will give to you. | Spiritual vs. material labor |
| 1 Cor 7:29-31 | But this I say, brothers: The time is shortened. So, from now on, let those who have wives live as though they had none, and those who mourn as though they were not mourning, and those who rejoice as though they were not rejoicing, and those who buy as though they had no possessions, and those who use the world as though they were not using it fully, for the passing scene of this world is passing away. | Focus on eternal things |
| 1 Cor 9:6 | Is it only Barnabas and I who have no right to refrain from working for a living? | Questioning exclusion of work |
| Gal 2:10 | Only they asked us to remember the poor, the very thing I was eager to do. | Remembering the poor |
| Phil 4:17 | Not that I seek for the gift, but I seek for the fruit that increases to your account. | Fruit of giving |
| Rom 12:11 | Do not be slothful in zeal, be fervent in spirit, serve the Lord. | Fervent service |
| Col 3:23 | Whatever you do, work heartily, as for the Lord and not for men, | Working for the Lord |
| Eph 6:7 | rendering service with good will as to the Lord and not to man, | Service as unto the Lord |
2 Thessalonians 3 verses
2 Thessalonians 3 9 Meaning
The Apostle Paul is asserting his right, as a minister of the Gospel, to be supported by the church. He emphasizes that he and Barnabas chose not to exercise this right in Thessalonica, choosing instead to labor with their own hands for their livelihood, setting a voluntary example for the believers. This was not due to a lack of entitlement, but rather a deliberate choice to provide a pattern of work ethic and to avoid any potential burden or obstacle to the Gospel's advance.
2 Thessalonians 3 9 Context
In 2 Thessalonians chapter 3, Paul addresses ongoing issues within the Thessalonian church, primarily concerning orderliness and diligent work. The preceding verses (3:6-8) have rebuked those who were walking disorderly and not working. Paul is directly addressing a situation where some believers were causing disruption by being idle, possibly relying on others. In this specific verse (3:9), Paul contrasts his own conduct with that of these idlers. He wants to clarify that his abstention from demanding financial support was a voluntary act of humility and a desire not to impose, not an abdication of his right as an apostle. He and Barnabas had supported themselves to set an example and to ensure that nothing hindered the Gospel they were preaching.
2 Thessalonians 3 9 Word Analysis
- εἰ μὴ (ei mē): This is a strong restrictive conjunction meaning "except," "but only." It significantly limits what follows.
- ὡς (hōs): Means "as," "like," "in the manner of." It indicates that their behavior was by way of example or analogy.
- ἔχουσιν (echousin): Third person plural present active indicative of ἔχω (echō), meaning "to have," "to possess." Here it implies possessing the right or claim.
- δι kinaıōma: This noun translates to "right," "privilege," "due." Paul asserts they had a legitimate claim.
- ἀλλ’ (all'): A strong adversative conjunction, "but," "however." It signals a contrast.
- ὑπογραμμὸν (hypogrammon): This noun means "pattern," "example," "model to imitate." It signifies their intentional behavior as a guide.
- εἰς τὸ (eis to): Prepositional phrase indicating purpose, "for the purpose of," "in order to."
- μιμήσητε (mimēsete): Second person plural present active subjunctive of μιμέομαι (mimeomai), meaning "to imitate," "to copy." It's a call for the Thessalonians to follow their example.
- ὑμᾶς (hymas): Second person plural pronoun, "you."
Words-Group Analysis
- εἰ μὴ ὡς ἔχουσιν δικαίωμα (ei mē hōs echousin dikaIoma): This phrase translates to "except as we have the right." It establishes their entitlement to support.
- ἀλλ’ ὑπογραμμὸν (all' hypogrammon): This means "but a pattern" or "but an example." It highlights their deliberate choice to model a different behavior.
- εἰς τὸ μιμήσητε ἡμᾶς (eis to mimēsete hēmas): This expresses the purpose: "for you to imitate us." It clearly states their intention for setting this example.
2 Thessalonians 3 9 Bonus Section
The Apostle Paul’s principle of voluntary self-support in Thessalonica echoes the instructions Jesus gave to the apostles: "Take no money in your belt, no bag for your journey, or two tunics, or sandals, or staff, for the laborer deserves his food" (Matthew 10:10). While Jesus instructed them to accept sustenance, Paul’s choice here goes further. This emphasizes that while support is a legitimate right, there can be strategic reasons within ministry to waive that right, particularly for the sake of effective evangelism and the establishment of sound practice within the church, as seen also in his actions in Corinth (2 Cor 11:9). His teaching here serves to correct potential misuse or misunderstanding of ministry privileges and to promote diligence.
2 Thessalonians 3 9 Commentary
Paul clarifies that his and Barnabas’ decision not to receive financial support from the Thessalonian believers was not because they lacked the right. The Lord Himself had ordained that those who preach the gospel should live from the gospel (1 Cor 9:14). They had this right. However, they chose to forgo it, choosing instead to work with their own hands (1 Cor 9:6; 2 Thess 3:8). This self-denial was not about piety disconnected from reality but a strategic choice. Their goal was to serve as a model (hypogrammon) for the believers. By working, they demonstrated a strong work ethic and ensured their ministry wasn't a burden, nor did it become an excuse for idleness for others in the church. They aimed to provide a tangible example for the Thessalonians to follow in their own lives, especially in the face of those causing disorder by refusing to work.