2 Thessalonians 3:10
2 Thessalonians 3:10 in Multiple Translations
For even while we were with you, we gave you this command: “If anyone is unwilling to work, he shall not eat.”
For even when we were with you, this we commanded you, that if any would not work, neither should he eat.
For even when we were with you, this we commanded you, If any will not work, neither let him eat.
For even when we were with you we gave you orders, saying, If any man does no work, let him not have food.
Even while we were with you we gave strict instructions that anybody who didn't want to work shouldn't eat.
For euen when we were with you, this we warned you of, that if there were any, which would not worke, that he should not eate.
for even when we were with you, this we did command you, that if any one is not willing to work, neither let him eat,
For even when we were with you, we commanded you this: “If anyone is not willing to work, don’t let him eat.”
For even when we were with you, this we commanded you, that if any would not work, neither should he eat.
For also when we were with you, this we declared to you: that, if any man will not work, neither let him eat.
Remember that when we were there with you, we kept commanding you that if any fellow believer refuses to work, you should not give him food to eat.
Remember what we told you about people that don’t want to work. We told you not to give them food. We said, “If they will not do any work, don’t give them any food.”
Berean Amplified Bible — 2 Thessalonians 3:10
BAB
Word Study
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2 Thessalonians 3:10 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
GRK
και
γαρ
οτε
ημεν
προς
υμας
τουτο
παρηγγελλομεν
υμιν
οτι
ει
τις
ου
θελει
εργαζεσθαι
μηδε
εσθιετω
και
kai
G2532
and
Conj
γαρ
gar
G1063
for
Conj
οτε
hote
G3753
when
Adv
ημεν
eimi
G1510
to be
Verb-IAI-1P
προς
pros
G4314
to/with
Prep
υμας
su
G4771
you
Pron-2AP
τουτο
ohutos
G3778
this/he/she/it
Dem-ASN
παρηγγελλομεν
parangellō
G3853
to order
Verb-IAI-1P
υμιν
su
G4771
you
Pron-2DP
οτι
hoti
G3754
that/since: that
Conj
ει
ei
G1487
if
COND
τις
tis
G5100
one
Indef-NSM
ου
ou
G3756
no
Particle-N
θελει
thelō
G2309
to will/desire
Verb-PAI-3S
εργαζεσθαι
ergazomai
G2038
to work
Verb-PNN
μηδε
mēde
G3366
nor
Conj-N
εσθιετω
esthiō
G2068
to eat
Verb-PAM-3S
Greek Word Study
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Greek Word Reference — 2 Thessalonians 3:10
και
kai
G2532
"and"
Conj
And or also, a connecting word used to join ideas or words, like in Matthew 2:18 and Hebrews 1:1.
Definition: καί, conj., and __I. Copulative. __1. Connecting single words; __(a) in general: Mat.2:18, 16:1, Mrk.2:15, Luk.8:15, Heb.1:1, al. mult.; repeated before each of the terms in a series, Mat.23:23, Luk.14:21, Rom.7:12, 9:4, al. __(b) connecting numerals (WM, §37, 4): Jhn.2:20, Act.13:20; __(with) joining terms which are not mutually exclusive, as the part with the whole: Mat.8:33, 26:59, Mrk.16:17, Act.5:29, al. __2. Connecting clauses and sentences: Mat.3:12, Act.5:21, al. mult.; esp. __(a) where, after the simplicity of the popular language, sentences are paratactically joined (WM, §60, 3; M, Pr., 12; Deiss., LAE, 128ff.): Mat.1:21, 7:25, Mrk.9:5, Jhn.10:3, al.; __(b) joining affirmative to negative sentences: Luk.3:14, Jhn.4:11, IIIJhn.10; __(with) consecutive, and so: Mat.5:1, 23:32, Heb.3:19, al.; after imperatives, Mat.4:19, Luk.7:7, al.; __(d) = καίτοι, and yet: Mat.3:14, 6:26, Mrk.12:12, Luk.18:7 (Field, Notes, 72), 1Co.5:2, al.; __(e) beginning an apodosis (= Heb. וְ; so sometimes δέ in cl.), then: Luk.2:21, 7:12, Act.1:10; beginning a question (WM, §53, 3a): Mrk.10:26, Luk.10:29, Jhn.9:36. __3. Epexegetic, and, and indeed, namely (WM, §53, 3c): Luk.3:18, Jhn.1:16, Act.23:6, Rom.1:5, 1Co.3:5, al. __4. In transition: Mat.4:23, Mrk.5:1, 21, Jhn.1:19, al.; so, Hebraistically, καὶ ἐγένετο (וַי:הִי; also ἐγένετο δέ), Mrk.1:9 (cf. Luk.5:1; V. Burton, §§357-60; M, Pr., 14, 16). __5. καὶ . . . καί, both . . . and (for τε . . . καί, see: τε); __(a) connecting single words: Mat.10:28, Mrk.4:41, Rom.11:33, al.; __(b) clauses and sentences: Mrk.9:13, Jhn.7:28, 1Co.1:22, al. __II. Adjunctive, also, even, still: Mat.5:39, 40; Mrk.2:28, al. mult.; esp. with pron., adv., etc., Mat.20:4, Jhn.7:47, al; ὡς κ., Act.11:17; καθὼς κ., Rom.15:7; οὑτω κ., Rom.6:11; διὸ κ., Luk.1:35; ὁ κ. (Deiss., BS, 313ff.), Act.13:9; pleonastically, μετὰ κ.. (Bl., §77, 7; Deiss., BS, 265f,), Php.4:3; τί κ., 1 Co 15:29; ἀλλὰ κ., Luk.14:22, Jhn.5:18, al.; καίγε (M, Pr., 230; Burton, §437), Act.17:27; καίπερ, Heb.5:8; κ. ἐάν, see: ἐάν. ἐάν, contr. fr. εἰ ἄν, conditional particle, representing something as "under certain circumstances actual or liable to happen," but not so definitely expected as in the case of εἰ with ind. (Bl., §65, 4; cf. Jhn.13:17, 1Co.7:36), if haply, if; __1. with subjc. (cl.); __(a) pres.: Mat.6:22, Luk.10:6, Jhn.7:17, Rom.2:25, 26 al.; { __(b) aor. (= Lat. fut. pf.): Mat.4:9 16:26 (cf. ptcp. in Luk.9:25; M, Pr., 230), Mrk.3:24, Luk.14:34, Jhn.5:43, Rom.7:2, al.; = cl. εἰ, with opt., Jhn.9:22 11:57, Act.9:2; as Heb. אִם = ὅταν, Jhn.12:32 14:3, I Jhn.2:28 3:2, Heb.3:7" (LXX) . __2. C. indic, (as in late writers, fr. Arist. on; see WH, App., 171; VD, MGr. 2, App., §77; Deiss., BS, 201f., LAE, 155, 254; M, Pr., 168, 187; Bl., §65, 4); __(a) fut.: Mat.18:19 T, Luk.19:40, Act.7:7; __(b) pres.: 1Th.3:8 (see Milligan, in l.). __3. With other particles: ἐ. καί (Bl., §65, 6), Gal.6:1; ἐ. μή (M, Pr., 185, 187; Bl., l.with), with subjc. pres., Mat.10:13, 1Co.8:8, Jas.2:17, 1Jn.3:21; aor., Mat.6:15, Mrk.3:27, Jhn.3:3, Rom.10:15, Gal.1:8 2:16 (see Lft., Ellic., in ll.); ἐ. τε . . . ἐ. τε, [in LXX for אִם . . . אִם, Est.19:13, al.,] Rom.14:8. __4. = cl. ἄν (which see) after relat. pronouns and adverbs (Tdf., Pr., 96; WH, App., 173; M, Pr., 42f.; Bl., §26, 4; Mayser, 152f.; Deiss., BS, 202ff.): ὃς ἐ., Mat.5:19, Mrk.6:22, 23 Luk.17:32, 1Co.6:18, al.; ὅπου ἐ., Mat.8:19; ὁσάκις ἐ., Rev.11:6; οὗ ἐ., 1Co.16:6; καθὸ ἐ., 2Co.8:12; ὅστις ἐ., Gal.5:10. (AS)
Usage: Occurs in 5212 NT verses. KJV: and, also, both, but, even, for, if, or, so, that, then, therefore, when, yet See also: 1 Corinthians 1:1; 1 Corinthians 10:4; 1 Corinthians 16:1.
γαρ
gar
G1063
"for"
Conj
For is a word used to explain or give a reason, often introducing a justification or clarification, as seen in Matthew 4:18 and Romans 7:1. It's a conjunction that connects ideas and provides additional information.
Definition: γάρ, co-ordinating particle, contr. of γε ἄρα, verily then, hence, in truth, indeed, yea, then, why, and when giving a reason or explanation, for, the usage in NT being in general accord with that of cl.; __1. explicative and epexegetic: Mat.4:18 19:12, Mrk.1:16 5:42 16:4, Luk.11:3o, Rom.7:1, 1Co.16:5, al. __2. Conclusive, in questions, answers and exclamations: Mat.9:5 27:23, Luk.9:25 22:27, Jhn.9:30, Act.8:31 16:37 19:35, Rom.15:26, 1Co.9:10, Php.1:18 (Ellic., in l.), 1Th.2:20, al. __3. Causal: Mat.1:21 2:2, 5, 6, 3:23, Mrk.1:22, 9:6, Luk.1:15, 18, Jhn.2:25, Act.2:25, Rom.1:9, 11, 1Co.11:5, Rev.1:3, al.; giving the reason for a command or prohibition, Mat.2:20 3:9, Rom.13:11, Col.3:3, 1Th.4:3, al.; where the cause is contained in an interrog. statement, Luk.22:27, Rom.3:3 4:3, 1Co.10:29; καὶ γάρ, for also, Mrk.10:45, Luk.6:32, 1Co.5:7, al. id. as in cl. = etenim, where the καί loses its connective force (Bl., §78, 6; Kühner 3, ii, 854f.), Mrk.14:70, Luk.1:66 22:37, 2Co.13:4. The proper place of γάρ is after the first word in a clause, but in poets it often comes third or fourth, and so in late prose: 2Co.1:19. Yet "not the number but the nature of the word after which it stands is the point to be noticed" (see Thayer, see word). (AS)
Usage: Occurs in 1011 NT verses. KJV: and, as, because (that), but, even, for, indeed, no doubt, seeing, then, therefore, verily, what, why, yet See also: 1 Corinthians 1:11; 1 John 2:19; 1 Peter 2:19.
οτε
hote
G3753
"when"
Adv
When indicates a specific point in time, as in Matthew 9:25 and Mark 1:32, where it is used to describe past events, or in 1 Corinthians 13:11, where it is used to describe a current situation.
Definition: ὅτε, temporal particle (correlat. of πότε, τότε), when; with indic., (so generally in cl., but also with optative, subjc.; LS, see word), most frequently with aor., Mat.9:25, Mrk.1:32, Luk.4:25, Jhn.1:19, Act.1:13, Rom.13:11, Gal.1:15, Rev.1:17, al.; with impf., Mrk.14:12, Jhn.21:18, Rom.6:20, 1Th.3:4, al.; with pf., since, now that, 1Co.13:11 (B, ἐγένομην); with praes., Mrk.11:1, Jhn.9:4, Heb.9:17, with fut. (Hom.; of a def. fut. as opposite to the indef. fut. of ὅταν with subjc.), Luk.17:22, Jhn.4:21, 23 5:25 16:25, Rom.2:16 (T, txt., WH, mg.), 2Ti.4:3 (in all which instances, and with pres., Jo, l.with, ὅ. follows a subst. of time, and is equiv. to a rel. phrase, ἐν ᾧ or ᾗ). (AS)
Usage: Occurs in 104 NT verses. KJV: after (that), as soon as, that, when, while See also: 1 Corinthians 12:2; Luke 4:25; 1 Peter 3:20.
ημεν
eimi
G1510
"to be"
Verb-IAI-1P
To be or exist, a basic verb used to describe something or someone, like God saying 'I am' in John 8:58.
Definition: εἰμί, with various uses and significations, like the English verb to be. __I. As substantive verb. __1. Of persons and things, to be, exist: Act.17:28, Jhn.1:1, 8:58, 17:5, al; ὁ ὢν καὶ ὁ ἦν (for past ptcp.), Rev.1:4, 8, 4:8, 11:17, 16:5 (see Swete, Ap., 5; M, Pr., 228); τὰ (μὴ) ὄντα, Rom.4:17, 1Co.1:28. __2. Of times, events, etc., to be, happen, take place: Mat.24:3, Mrk.14:2, 15:42, Luk.21:23, Jhn.4:6, 23, 5:10, al. __3. to be present, be in a place, have come: Mat.2:13, 15, Mrk.1:45, 5:21, 15:40, Luk.1:80, 5:29, Jhn.7:30, al.; before εἰς, Mrk.2:1; before ἐκ, (ἐξ), Mat.1:20, 21:25, Mrk.11:30, Jhn.3:31, al. __4. Impers., ἔστι, ἦν, etc.; __(a) there is (Fr. il y a), was, etc.: Mat.16:28, Luk.16:19, Jhn.3:1, 5:2, Rom.3:10, al.; with dative (of the possessor; Bl., §37, 3), Mat.16:22, Luk.1:7, Jhn.18.10, Rom.9:2, al.; ἔστιν ὅς, ὅστις (chiefly in pl), Mat.16:28, 19:2, Mrk.9:1, al.; __(b) with inf., = ἔξεστιν (which see), it is possible: Heb.9:5, 1Co.11:20, RV (but see ICC, in l.). __II. As copula uniting subject and predicate. __1. Expressing simply identity or equivalence: Mat.5:13, 14:15, Luk.1:18, 19, Jhn.1:1, 4:19, Rev.3:9, al. mult. __2. Explicative, as in parable, figure, type, etc.: Mat.13:19, 1Co.9:2, 10:4, 11:25, Gal.4:24, Rev.17:15, al.; ταῦτ᾽ ἔστιν, Mat.27:46, Mrk.7:2, Rom.7:18 al.; ὅ ἐστιν, Mrk.3:17, Col.1:24, Heb.7:2, al.; akin to this is the sacramental usage: Mat.26:26-28, Mrk.14:22, 24, Luk.22:19, 1Co.11:24 (see ICC on Mk, I Co, ll. with; DB, iii, 148 f.). __3. C. genitive: qual., etc., Mrk.5:42, Luk.3:23, 1Co.14:33, Heb.12:11, al.; part., 1Ti.1:20, 2Ti.1:15; poss., Mat.5:3, 10, Mrk.12:7, Luk.4:7; of service or partisanship, Rom.8:9, 1Co.1:12, 2Co.10:7, 2Ti.2:19. __4. C. dative (BL, §37, 3): Act.1:8, 9:15, Rom.4:12, 1Co.1:18, 2:14, Rev.21:7, al. __5. C. ptcp., as a periphrasis for the simple verb (Bl., §62, 1, 2; M, Pr., 225 ff.); __(a) with ptcp. pf. (cl.): Mat.10:30, Luk.9:32, Jhn.3:24, Act.21:35, 1Co.15:19, al; __(b) with ptcp. pr. (esp. in impf., as in Heb. and Aram.; Dalman, Words, 35 f.), Mat.7:29, Mrk.1:22, Luk.4:31, 14:1, Act.1:10, al. mult., id. for imper. (M, Pr., 180f., 182f.), with ellipsis of εἰμί, Rom.12:9, 10, Heb.13:5, al.; __(with) with ptcp. aor. (cl), Luk.23:9. __6. Seq. εἰς (cf. Heb. הָיָה לְ), a vernac. usage (M, Pr., 71): Mat.19:5, Mrk.10:8, Heb.8:10, al. __7. C. adv.: Mat.19:20, Mrk.4:26, Luk.18:11, al. __8. Ellipses; __(a) of the copula (Bl., §30, 3): Mat.8:29, 24:32, Jhn.21:22, 23, Heb.6:4, al.; __(b) of the predicate: ἐγώ εἰμί, Mat.14:27, Mrk.6:50, al.; absol. (cf. Deu.32:39; אֲנִי הוּא), Mrk.13:6, Jhn.4:26, al. (cf. ἄπ-, ἔν-, πάρ-, συμ-πάρ-, σύν-ειμι). (AS)
Usage: Occurs in 2123 NT verses. KJV: am, have been, X it is I, was See also: 1 Corinthians 1:2; 1 Corinthians 13:2; 1 Peter 1:6.
προς
pros
G4314
"to/with"
Prep
A preposition showing direction or relationship, like towards or with something, as seen in Mark 5:11 and John 18:16. This means indicating movement or direction. It's about showing proximity or connection.
Definition: πρός, prep. with genitive, dative, accusative __I. I. C. genitive, of motion from a place, from the side of, hence metaphorically, in the interests of, Act.27:34 (cf. Page, in l.). __II. II. C. dative, of local proximity, hard by, near, at: Mrk.5:11, Luk.19:37, Jhn.18:16 20:11, 12 Rev.1:13. __III. C. accusative, of motion or direction towards a place or object, to, towards. __1. Of place, __(a) after verbs of motion or of speaking and other words with the idea of direction: ἔρχομαι, ἀναβαίνω, πορεύομαι, λέγω, ἐπιστολή, etc., Mat.3:14, Mrk.6:51, Luk.11:5, Jhn.2:3, Act.9:2, al. mult.; metaphorically, of mental direction, hostile or otherwise, Luk.23:12, Jhn.6:52, 2Co.7:4, Eph.6:12, Col.3:13, al.; of the issue or end, Luk.14:32, Jhn.11:4, al.; of purpose, Mat.26:12, Rom.3:26, 1Co.6:5, al.; πρὸς τό, with inf., denoting purpose (cf. M, Pr., 218, 220; Lft., Notes, 131), Mat.5:28, Mrk.13:22, Eph.6:11, 1Th.2:9, al.; __(b) of close proximity, at, by, with: Mat.3:10, Mrk.11:4, Luk.4:11, Act.3:2, al.; after εἶναι, Mat.13:56, Mrk.6:3, Jhn.1:1, al. __2. 2. Of time, __(a) towards (Plat., Xen., LXX: Gen.8:11, al.): Luk.24:29; __(b) for: πρὸς καιρόν, Luk.8:13, 1Co.7:5; πρὸς ὥραν, Jhn.5:35, al.; πρὸς ὀλίγον, Jas.4:14. __3. Of relation __(a) toward, with: Rom.5:1, 2Co.1:12, Col.4:5, 1Th.4:12, al.; __(b) with regard to: Mat.19:8, Mrk.12:12, Rom.8:31, al.; __(with) pertaining to, to: Mat.27:4, Jhn.21:22, Rom.15:17, Heb.2:17 5:1; __(d) according to: Luk.12:47, 2Co.5:10, Gal.2:14, Eph.3:4 4:14; __(e) in comparison with: Rom.8:18. __IV. In composition: towards (προσέρχομαι), to (προσάγω), against (προσκόπτω), besides (προσδαπανάω) . (AS)
Usage: Occurs in 655 NT verses. KJV: about, according to , against, among, at, because of, before, between, (where-)by, for, X at thy house, in, for intent, nigh unto, of, which pertain to, that, to (the end that), X together, to (you) -ward, unto, with(-in) See also: 1 Corinthians 2:1; Acts 2:47; 1 Peter 2:4.
υμας
su
G4771
"you"
Pron-2AP
This Greek word means 'you' and is used to address someone directly, like in John 1:30 and Matthew 26:64. It's a way to emphasize or contrast the person being spoken to. The KJV Bible translates it as 'thou'.
Definition: σύ, pron. of 2nd of person(s), thou, you, genitive, σοῦ, dative, σοί, accusative, σέ, pl., ὑμεῖς, -ῶν, -ῖν, -ᾶς (enclitic in oblique cases sing., except after prep. (BL, §48, 3), though πρὸς σέ occurs in Mat.25:39). Nom. for emphasis or contrast: Jhn.1:30, 4:10, 5:33, 39, 44, Act.4:7, Eph.5:32; so also perhaps σὺ εἶπας, Mat.26:64, al. (M, Pr., 86); before voc., Mat.2:6, Luk.1:76, Jhn.17:5, al.; sometimes without emphasis (M, Pr., 85f.), as also in cl., but esp. as rendering of Heb. phrase, e.g. υἱός μου εἶ σύ (בְּנִי־אַתָּה, Psa.2:7), Act.13:33. The genitive (σοῦ, ὑμῶν) is sometimes placed bef. the noun: Luk.7:48, 12:30, al.; so also the enclitic σοῦ, Mat.9:6; on τί ἐμοὶ κ. σοί, see: ἐγώ. (AS)
Usage: Occurs in 2041 NT verses. KJV: thou See also: 1 Corinthians 1:3; 1 Corinthians 15:3; 1 Peter 1:2.
τουτο
ohutos
G3778
"this/he/she/it"
Dem-ASN
This refers to a specific person or thing, like when Jesus says 'this is my body' in Matthew 26:26 and Mark 14:22.
Definition: οὗτος, αὕτη, τοῦτο, genitive, τούτου, ταύτης, τούτου, [in LXX chiefly for זֹאת ,זֶה ;] demonstr. pron. (related to ἐκεῖνος as hic to ille), this; __1. as subst., this one, he; __(a) absol.: Mat.3:17, Mrk.9:7, Luk.7:44, 45, Jhn.1:15, Act.2:15, al.; expressing contempt (cl.), Mat.13:55, 56, Mrk.6:2, 3, Jhn.6:42, al.; εἰς τοῦτο, Mrk.1:38, Rom.14:9; μετὰ τοῦτο (ταῦτα; V. Westc. on Jhn.5:1), Jhn.2:12 11:7, al.; __(b) epanaleptic (referring to what precedes): Mat.5:19, Mrk.3:35, Luk.9:48, Jhn.6:46, Rom.7:10, al.; __(with) proleptic (referring to what follows): before ἵνα (Bl., §69, 6), Luk.1:43, Jhn.3:19 (and freq.) 15:8, Rom.14:9, al.; before ὅτι, Luk.10:11, Jhn.9:3o, Act.24:14, Rom.2:3, al.; ὅπως, Rom.9:17; ἐάν, Jhn.13:35; __(d) special idioms: τοῦτο μὲν . . . τ. δέ (cl), partly . . . partly. Heb.10:33; καὶ τοῦτο (τοῦτον, ταῦτα), and that (him) too, Rom.13:11, 1Co.2:2, Heb.11:12; τοῦτ᾽ ἐστιν, Mat.27:46. __2. As adj., with subst.; __(a) with art. __(α) before the art.: Mat.12:32, Mrk.9:29, Luk.7:44, Jhn.4:15, Rom.11:24, Rev.19:9, al.; __(β) after the noun: Mat.3:9, Mrk.12:16, Luk.11:31, Jhn.4:13, Act.6:13, Rom.15:28, 1Co.1:20, Rev.2:24, al.; __(b) with subst. anarth. (with predicative force; Bl., §49, 4): Luk.1:36 2:2 24:21, Jhn.2:11 4:54 21:14, 2Co.13:1. (AS)
Usage: Occurs in 1281 NT verses. KJV: he (it was that), hereof, it, she, such as, the same, these, they, this (man, same, woman), which, who See also: 1 Corinthians 1:12; 1 Peter 2:20; 1 Peter 1:11.
παρηγγελλομεν
parangellō
G3853
"to order"
Verb-IAI-1P
To order or command someone to do something, as seen in Acts 15:5 and 1 Corinthians 11:17. This word means to transmit a message or instruction. It is used when Jesus gives commands to his disciples in Matthew 10:5.
Definition: παρ-αγγέλλω (παρά, ἀγγὲλλω), [in LXX for שָׁמַע pi., hi., etc. ;] __1. to transmit a message (Æsch., Eur.). __2. to order, command (Hdt., Xen., al.) : with inf., Act.15:5; with accusative of thing(s), 1Co.11:17, 2Th.3:4, 1Ti.4:11 5:7; before ἵνα (M, Pr., 207; Bl., § 69, 4), Mrk.6:8, 2Th.3:12; with dative of person(s), Act.17:30 R, txt., 1Th.4:11; before λέγων, Mat.10:5; with inf. aor., Mat.15:35, Mrk.8:6, Luk.8:29, Act.10:42 16:18 (aoristic pres.; see M, Pr., 119); id. with neg., μή, Luk.5:14 8:56, Act.23:22, 1Co.7:10; with inf. pres., Act.16:23, 2Th.3:6; id. with neg., ιή, Luk.9:21, Act.1:4 4:18 5:28, 40, 1Ti.1:3 6:17; with accusative, τοῦτο, before ὅτι (E1., § 70, 3), 2Th.3:10; with accusative and inf., Act.23:30, 2Th.3:6, 1Ti.6:13 (Bl., § 72, 5).† SYN.: see: ἐντέλλω (AS)
Usage: Occurs in 30 NT verses. KJV: (give in) charge, (give) command(-ment), declare See also: 1 Corinthians 7:10; Acts 5:40; Matthew 10:5.
υμιν
su
G4771
"you"
Pron-2DP
This Greek word means 'you' and is used to address someone directly, like in John 1:30 and Matthew 26:64. It's a way to emphasize or contrast the person being spoken to. The KJV Bible translates it as 'thou'.
Definition: σύ, pron. of 2nd of person(s), thou, you, genitive, σοῦ, dative, σοί, accusative, σέ, pl., ὑμεῖς, -ῶν, -ῖν, -ᾶς (enclitic in oblique cases sing., except after prep. (BL, §48, 3), though πρὸς σέ occurs in Mat.25:39). Nom. for emphasis or contrast: Jhn.1:30, 4:10, 5:33, 39, 44, Act.4:7, Eph.5:32; so also perhaps σὺ εἶπας, Mat.26:64, al. (M, Pr., 86); before voc., Mat.2:6, Luk.1:76, Jhn.17:5, al.; sometimes without emphasis (M, Pr., 85f.), as also in cl., but esp. as rendering of Heb. phrase, e.g. υἱός μου εἶ σύ (בְּנִי־אַתָּה, Psa.2:7), Act.13:33. The genitive (σοῦ, ὑμῶν) is sometimes placed bef. the noun: Luk.7:48, 12:30, al.; so also the enclitic σοῦ, Mat.9:6; on τί ἐμοὶ κ. σοί, see: ἐγώ. (AS)
Usage: Occurs in 2041 NT verses. KJV: thou See also: 1 Corinthians 1:3; 1 Corinthians 15:3; 1 Peter 1:2.
οτι
hoti
G3754
"that/since: that"
Conj
This Greek word means 'that' or 'because', used to introduce a reason or explanation. It appears in the New Testament, such as in Matthew 3:9 and Romans 8:38. It helps to show cause and effect in sentences.
Definition: ὅτι, conjc. (prop. neut. of ὅστις). __I. As conjc, introducing an objective clause, that; __1. after verbs of seeing, knowing, thinking, saying, feeling: Mat.3:9 6:32 11:25, Mrk.3:28, Luk.2:49, Jhn.2:22, Act.4:13, Rom.1:13 8:38 10:9, Php.4:15, Jas.2:24, al.; elliptically, Jhn.6:46, Php.3:12, al. __2. After εἶναι (γίνεσθαι): defining a demonstr. or of person(s) pron., Jhn.3:19 16:19, Rom.9:6, 1Jn.3:16 al.; with pron. interrog., Mat.8:27, Mrk.4:41, Luk.4:36, Jhn.4:22 al.; id. elliptically, Luk.2:49, Act.5:4, 9, al.; __3. Untranslatable, before direct discourse (ὅτι recitantis): Mat.7:23, Mrk.2:16, Luk.1:61, Jhn.1:20, Act.15:1, Heb.11:18, al. (on the pleonastic ὡς ὅτι, see: ὡς). __II. As causal particle, for that, because: Mat.5:4-12, Luk.6:20, 21, J0 1:30 5:27, Act.1:5, 1Jn.4:18, Rev.3:10, al. mult.; διὰ τοῦτο ὅτι, Jhn.8:47 10:17, al.; answering a question (διὰ τί), Rom.9:32, al.; οὐκ ὅτι . . . ἀλλ᾽ ὅτι, Jhn.6:26 12:6. (AS)
Usage: Occurs in 1185 NT verses. KJV: as concerning that, as though, because (that), for (that), how (that), (in) that, though, why See also: 1 Corinthians 1:5; 1 John 5:2; 1 Peter 1:12.
ει
ei
G1487
"if"
COND
This word means 'if' and is used to express conditions or questions. It appears in many Bible verses, such as Matthew 11:14 and Romans 8:25, introducing a condition or hypothesis.
Definition: εἰ, conjunctive particle, used in conditions and in indirect questions. __I. Conditional, if; __1. with indic, expressing a general assumption; __(a) pres.: before indic, pres., Mat.11:14, Rom.8:25, al.; before imperat., Mrk.4:23 9:22, Jhn.15:18, 1Co.7:9, al.; before fut. indic., Luk.16:31, Rom.8:11, al.; before pf. or aor., with negation in apodosis, Mat.12:26, Rom.4:14, al.; similarly, before impf., Luk.17:6, Jhn.8:39; before quæst., Mat.6:23, Jhn.5:47 7:23 8:46, 1Pe.2:20; __(b) fut.: Mat.26:33, 1Pe.2:20; __(with) pf.: Jhn.11:12, Rom.6:5, al.; __(d) aor.: Luk.16:11 19:8, Jhn.13:32, 18:23, Rev.20:15, al. __2. Where the assumption is certain = ἐπεί: Mat.12:28, Jhn.7:4, Rom.5:17, al. __3. Of an unfulfilled condition, with indic, impf., aor. or plpf., before ἄν, with imp. or aor. (see: ἄν, I, i). __4. C. indic., after verbs denoting wonder, etc., sometimes, but not always, coupled with an element of doubt: Mrk.15:44, 1Jn.3:13, al. __5. C. indic., as in LXX (Num.14:3o, 1Ki.14:45, al. = Heb. אִם), in oaths, with the formula of imprecation understood in a suppressed apodosis (WM, 627; Burton, §272): Mrk.8:12, Heb.3:11" (LXX) 4:3 (LXX). __6. Rarely (cl.) with optative, to express a merely possible condition: Act.24:19 27:39, 1Co.14:10 15:37, I Pe3:14, 17. __II. Interrogative, if, whether. __1. As in cl., in indir. questions after verbs of seeing, asking, knowing, saying, etc.: with indic. pres., Mat.26:63, Mrk.15:36, Act.19:2, 2Co.13:5, al.; fut., Mrk.3:2, Act.8:22, al.; aor., Mrk.15:44, 1Co.1:16, al.; with subjc. aor. (M, Pr., 194), Php.3:12. __2. As in LXX (= Heb. אִם and interrog. הֲ, Gen.17:17, al.; see WM, 639f.; Viteau, i, 22), in direct questions: Mrk.8:23 (Tr., WH, txt.), Luk.13:23, 22:49, Act.19:2, al. __III. With other particles. __1. εἰ ἄρα, εἴγε, εἰ δὲ μήγε, see: ἄρα, γε. __2. εἰ δὲ καί, but if also: Luk.11:18; but even if, 1Co.4:7, 2Co.4:3 11:16. __3. εἰ δὲ μή, but if not, but if otherwise: Mrk.2:21, 22 Jhn.14:2, Rev.2:5, al. __4. εἰ καί, if even, if also, although: Mrk.14:29, Luk.11:8, 1Co.7:21, 2Co.4:16, Php.2:17, al. __5. καὶ εἰ, even if, see: καί __6. εἰ μή, if not, unless, except, but only: Mat.24:22, Mrk.2:26 6:5, Jhn.9:33, 1Co.7:17 (only), Gal.1:19 (cf. ἐὰν μή, 2:16; see Hort., Ja., xvi); ἐκτὸς εἰ μή, pleonastic (Bl., §65, 6), 1Co.14:5 15:2, 1Ti.5:19. __7. εἰ μήν = cl. ἦ μήν (M, Pr., 46), in oaths, surely (Eze.33:27, al.): Heb.6:14. __8. εἴ πως, if haply: Act.27:12, Rom.1:10. __9. εἴτε . . . εἴτε, whether . . . or; Rom.12:6-8, 1Co.3:22 13:8, al. (AS)
Usage: Occurs in 459 NT verses. KJV: forasmuch as, if, that, (al-)though, whether See also: 1 Corinthians 1:14; 2 Corinthians 10:7; 1 Peter 1:6.
τις
tis
G5100
"one"
Indef-NSM
This pronoun refers to a person or thing in a general sense, as seen in Luke 9:49 and John 11:1. It can mean someone, anyone, or anything. This term is often used to describe an unspecified individual or object.
Definition: τις, neut., τι, genitive, τινός, enclitic indefinite pron., related to interrog. τίς as πού, πως, ποτέ to ποῦ, πῶς, πότε. __I. As subst., __1. one, a certain one: Luk.9:49, Jhn.11:1, Act.5:25, al.; pl., τίνες, certain, some: Luk.13:1, Act.15:1, Rom.3:8, al. __2. someone, anyone, something, anything: Mat.12:29, Mrk.9:30, Luk.8:46, Jhn.2:25, Act.17:25, Rom.5:7, al.; = indef., one (French on), Mrk.8:4, Jhn.2:25, Rom.8:24, al.; pl., τινες, some, Mrk.14:4, al. __II. II. As adj., __1. a certain: Mat.18:12, Luk.1:5 8:27, Act.3:2, al.; with proper names, Mrk.15:21, Luk.23:26, al.; with genitive partit., Luk.7:19, al. __2. some: Mrk.16:[8], Jhn.5:14, Act.17:21 24:24, Heb.11:40, al. (AS)
Usage: Occurs in 490 NT verses. KJV: a (kind of), any (man, thing, thing at all), certain (thing), divers, he (every) man, one (X thing), ought, + partly, some (man, -body, - thing, -what), (+ that no-)thing, what(-soever), X wherewith, whom(-soever), whose(-soever) See also: 1 Corinthians 1:15; 2 Corinthians 12:17; 1 Peter 2:19.
ου
ou
G3756
"no"
Particle-N
This is a strong 'no', used to deny something completely. It appears in the New Testament, such as in Matthew 13:29 and John 1:21. It is a negative answer to a question.
Definition: οὐ, before a vowel with smooth breathing οὐκ, before one with rough breathing οὐχ (but improperly οὐχ ἰδού, Act.2:7, WH, mg.; cf. WH, Intr., §409; M, Pr., 44, 244), [in LXX for אֵין ,אַיִן ,לֹא ;] neg. particle, not, no, used generally with indic, and for a denial of fact (cf . μή); __1. absol. (accented), οὔ, no: Mat.13:29 Jhn.1:21 21:5; οὒ οὕ, Mat.5:37 Jas.5:12. __2. Most frequently negativing a verb or other word, Mat.1:25 10:26, 38, Mrk.3:25 9:37, Jhn.8:29, Act.7:5, Rom.1:16, Php.3:3, al.; in litotes, οὐκ ὀλίγοι (i.e. very many), Act.17:4, al.; οὐκ ἄσημος, Act.21:39; πᾶς . . . οὐ, with verb, (like Heb. כֹּל . . . לֹא), no, none, Mat.24:22, Mrk.13:20, Luk.1:37, Eph.5:5, al.; in disjunctive statements, οὐκ . . . ἀλλά, Luk.8:52 Jhn.1:33 Rom.8:2o, al.; with 2 of person(s) fut. (like Heb. לֹא, with impf.), as emphatic prohibition, Mat.4:7, Luk.4:12, Rom.7:7, al. __3. With another negative, __(a) strengthening the negation: Mrk.5:37, Jhn.8:15 12:19, Act.8:39, al.; __(b) making an affirmative: Act.4:20, 1Co.12:15. __4. With other particles: οὐ μή (see: μή); οὐ μηκέτι, Mat.21:19; with μή interrog., Rom.10:18, 1Co.9:4, 5 11:22. __5. Interrogative, expecting an affirmative answer (Lat. nonne): Mat.6:26, Mrk.4:21, Luk.11:40, Jhn.4:35, Rom.9:21, al. (AS)
Usage: Occurs in 1410 NT verses. KJV: + long, nay, neither, never, no (X man), none, (can-)not, + nothing, + special, un(-worthy), when, + without, + yet but See also: 1 Corinthians 1:16; 1 Corinthians 15:32; 1 Peter 1:8.
θελει
thelō
G2309
"to will/desire"
Verb-PAI-3S
To will or desire something, as seen in Romans 9:16 and 1 Corinthians 12:6, where it describes a person's intentional choice or preference. This word is about making a conscious decision.
Definition: θέλω (the strengthened form ἐθέλω is found in Hom., and is the more frequently in Attic; see Rutherford, NPhr., 415f.), [in LXX for חפץ ,אבה; with neg., מאן pi., etc. ;] to will, be willing, wish, desire (more frequently than βούλομαι, which see, in vernac. and late Gk., also in MGr.; for various views as to its relation to β., see Thayer, 286; but see also BL, §24, see word): absol., Rom.9:16, 1Co.4:19 12:18, Jas.4:15; τ. θεοῦ θέλοντος, Act.18:21; with accusative of thing(s), Mat.20:21, Mrk.14:36, Jhn.15:7, Rom.7:15, 16 1Co.4:21 7:36, Gal.5:17; with inf., Mat.5:40, Mrk.10:43, Jhn.6:21, 67 Rom.7:21, Gal.4:9; with accusative and inf., Mrk.7:24, Luk.1:62, Jhn.21:22, 23 Rom.16:19, 1Co.14:5, Gal.6:13; οὐ θέλω, Mat.18:30, al.; id. with inf., Mat.2:18, Mrk.6:26, Jhn.5:40, 1Co.16:7; before ἵνα, Mat.7:12, Mrk.6:25, Jhn.17:24; opposite to ποιέω, πράσσω, ἐνεργέω, Rom.7:15, 19 2Co.8:10, 11 Php.2:13; before ἤ (ICG, in l.; Deiss., LAE, 179:24), 1Co.14:19; θέλων ἐν ταπεινοφροσυνῄ (of his own mere will, by humility, R, mg), Col.2:18; in OT quotations, for Heb. חפץ, with accusative of person(s), Mat.27:43; with accusative of thing(s), Mat.9:13 12:7, Heb.10:5, 8; with inf., 1Pe.3:10; for אמר, with inf., Act.7:28 (see Cremer, 726ff.). θέλω (the strengthened form ἐθέλω is found in Hom., and is the more frequently in Attic; see Rutherford, NPhr., 415f.), [in LXX for חפץ ,אבה; with neg., מאן pi., etc. ;] to will, be willing, wish, desire (more frequently than βούλομαι, which see, in vernac. and late Gk., also in MGr.; for various views as to its relation to β., see Thayer, 286; but see also BL, §24, see word): absol., Rom.9:16, 1Co.4:19 12:18, Jas.4:15; τ. θεοῦ θέλοντος, Act.18:21; with accusative of thing(s), Mat.20:21, Mrk.14:36, Jhn.15:7, Rom.7:15, 16 1Co.4:21 7:36, Gal.5:17; with inf., Mat.5:40, Mrk.10:43, Jhn.6:21, 67 Rom.7:21, Gal.4:9; with accusative and inf., Mrk.7:24, Luk.1:62, Jhn.21:22, 23 Rom.16:19, 1Co.14:5, Gal.6:13; οὐ θέλω, Mat.18:30, al.; id. with inf., Mat.2:18, Mrk.6:26, Jhn.5:40, 1Co.16:7; before ἵνα, Mat.7:12, Mrk.6:25, Jhn.17:24; opposite to ποιέω, πράσσω, ἐνεργέω, Rom.7:15, 19 2Co.8:10, 11 Php.2:13; before ἤ (ICG, in l.; Deiss., LAE, 179:24), 1Co.14:19; θέλων ἐν ταπεινοφροσυνῄ (of his own mere will, by humility, R, mg), Col.2:18; in OT quotations, for Heb. חפץ, with accusative of person(s), Mat.27:43; with accusative of thing(s), Mat.9:13 12:7, Heb.10:5, 8; with inf., 1Pe.3:10; for אמר, with inf., Act.7:28 (see Cremer, 726ff.). (AS)
Usage: Occurs in 200 NT verses. KJV: desire, be disposed (forward), intend, list, love, mean, please, have rather, (be) will (have, -ling, - ling(-ly)) See also: 1 Corinthians 4:19; Luke 12:49; 1 Peter 3:10.
εργαζεσθαι
ergazomai
G2038
"to work"
Verb-PNN
This word means to work or labor, often implying physical or mental effort. In the Bible, it is used to describe various tasks, such as working for pay or trading. Jesus used it to teach about working for spiritual rewards.
Definition: ἐργάζομαι (ἔργον), [in LXX for עָבַד, פָּעַל, עָשָׂה, etc. ;] __1. intrans., __(a) to work, labour: Mat.21:28, Luk.13:14, Jhn.5:17 9:4 b, Act.18:3, 1Co.9:6, 2Th.3:10-12; τ. χερσίν, 1Co.4:12, 1Th.4:11; νυκτὸς κ. ἡαέρας, 1Th.2:9, 2Th.3:8; of working for pay, Mat.21:28; for reward, Rom.4:4-5; __(b) to work at a trade or business, to trade: before Iv (Dem.), Mat.25:16. __2. Trans., __(a) to work, work out, do, produce, perform: with accusative, 2Co.7:10, Col.3:23, 2Th.3:11, Jas.1:20, 2Jn.8, before εἰς, III Jn 5; ἔργον, Act.13:41 (LXX); id. before εἰς, Mat.26:10; ἐν, Mrk.14:6; ἔργα, Jhn.3:21; τὰ ἔ. τ. θεοῦ, Jhn.6:28 9:4; τὸ ἔ. κυρίου, 1Co.16:10; τ. ἀγαθόν, Rom.2:10, Eph.4:28 (see AR, Eph.) 190); id. before πρός, Gal.6:10; κακόν, before dative of person(s) (more frequently dupl. accusative, in cl.), Rom.13:10; δικαιοσύνην, Act.10:35, Heb.11:33; ἀνομίαν, Mat.7:23; ἁμαρτίαν, Jas.2:9; σημεῖον, Jhn.6:30; τ. ἱερά, 1Co.9:13; τ. θάλασσαν (work the sea, i.e. make one's living from it), Rev.18:17; __(b) to work for, earn by working (cl.): Jhn.6:27 (cf. κατ-, περι-, προσ-εργάζομαι; Cremer, 258; on the force of the aorist of this verb, see M, Pr., 116).† (AS)
Usage: Occurs in 37 NT verses. KJV: commit, do, labor for, minister about, trade (by), work See also: 1 Corinthians 4:12; Hebrews 11:33; James 2:9.
μηδε
mēde
G3366
"nor"
Conj-N
This word means 'nor' or 'not even', used to continue a negative statement. It is often used to list things that are not true, like in Matthew 10:10, where Jesus says the disciples should not take extra clothes or sandals.
Definition: μηδέ negative particle, related to οὐδέ as μή to οὐ, __1. as conic., continuing a negation or prohibition, but not, and not, nor: preceded by μή, Mat.6:25 22:29, Mrk.12:24, Luk.14:12, al.; ἵνα μή, Jhn.4:15; ὅπως μή, Luk.16:26; μηδέ . . . μηδέ, neither . . . nor, Mat.10:10, 1Co.10:8-9. __2. As adv., strengthening a negation, not even: Mrk.2:2, 1Co.5:11, al (AS)
Usage: Occurs in 50 NT verses. KJV: neither, nor (yet), (no) not (once, so much as) See also: 1 Corinthians 5:8; John 14:27; 1 Peter 3:14.
εσθιετω
esthiō
G2068
"to eat"
Verb-PAM-3S
To eat, like in Matthew 14:20 and Mark 6:31, it's about consuming food. The Bible uses it to talk about eating and drinking.
Definition: ἐσθίω, and (poet, and late prose) ἔσθω, [in LXX chiefly for אכל ;] to eat; __(a) absol.: Mat.14:20, 21 Mrk.6:31, Jhn.4:31, al.; ἐν τ. φαγεῖν (on this aor. form, see M, Pr., 111), 1Co.11:21; διδόναι φαγεῖν, with dative of person(s), Mrk.5:43, al.; ἐ. καὶ πίνειν, Mat.6:25, 31 Luk.10:7, al.; of ordinary use of food and drink, 1Co.9:4 11:22; of partaking of food at table, Mrk.2:16, Luk.5:30, al.; opposite to fasting, Mat.11:18, Luk.5:33, al.; of revelling, Mat.24:49, Luk.12:45 . __(b) with accusative of thing(s): Mat.6:25, Mrk.1:6, Jhn.6:31, Rom.14:2, al.; ἄρτον (Heb. אָכַל לֶחֶם), Mat.15:2, Mrk.3:20, al.; τὸν ἑαυτοῦ ἄ., 2Th.3:12; ἄ. before παρά, genitive of person(s), 2Th.3:8; τά before id., Luk.10:7; τ. πάσχα, Mat.26:17, Mrk.14:12 al; τ. κυριακὸν δεῖπνον, 1Co.11:20; τ. θυσίας, 1Co.10:18; before ἐκ (= cl. part. genitive), Jhn.6:26, 5o, 51, 1Co.11:28; ἀπό (cf. Heb. אָכַל מִן), Mat.15:27, Mrk.7:28; metaphorically, to devour, consume: Heb.10:27, Jas.5:3, Rev.17:16 (cf. κατ-, συν-εσθίω) . (AS)
Usage: Occurs in 55 NT verses. KJV: devour, eat, live See also: 1 Corinthians 8:7; Luke 15:16; Hebrews 10:27.
Study Notes — 2 Thessalonians 3:10
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- 2 Thessalonians 3:10 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on 2 Thessalonians 3:10
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on 2 Thessalonians 3:10
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on 2 Thessalonians 3:10
- Trapp's Commentary on 2 Thessalonians 3:10
- Ellicott's Commentary on 2 Thessalonians 3:10
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on 2 Thessalonians 3:10
- Cambridge Bible on 2 Thessalonians 3:10
- Barnes' Notes on 2 Thessalonians 3:10
- Whedon's Commentary on 2 Thessalonians 3:10
- Sermons on 2 Thessalonians 3:10
Context — A Warning against Idleness
8nor did we eat anyone’s food without paying for it. Instead, in labor and toil, we worked night and day so that we would not be a burden to any of you.
9Not that we lack this right, but we wanted to offer ourselves as an example for you to imitate.
10For even while we were with you, we gave you this command: “If anyone is unwilling to work, he shall not eat.”
11For we hear that some of you are leading undisciplined lives, accomplishing nothing, but being busybodies. 12We command and urge such people by our Lord Jesus Christ to begin working quietly to earn their own living.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Genesis 3:19 | By the sweat of your brow you will eat your bread, until you return to the ground— because out of it were you taken. For dust you are, and to dust you shall return.” |
| 2 | Proverbs 13:4 | The slacker craves yet has nothing, but the soul of the diligent is fully satisfied. |
| 3 | Proverbs 20:4 | The slacker does not plow in season; at harvest time he looks, but nothing is there. |
| 4 | 1 Thessalonians 4:11 | and to aspire to live quietly, to attend to your own matters, and to work with your own hands, as we instructed you. |
| 5 | Proverbs 21:25 | The craving of the slacker kills him because his hands refuse to work. |
| 6 | Proverbs 24:30–34 | I went past the field of a slacker and by the vineyard of a man lacking judgment. Thorns had grown up everywhere, thistles had covered the ground, and the stone wall was broken down. I observed and took it to heart; I looked and received instruction: A little sleep, a little slumber, a little folding of the hands to rest, and poverty will come upon you like a robber, and need like a bandit. |
| 7 | 1 Thessalonians 3:4 | Indeed, when we were with you, we kept warning you that we would suffer persecution; and as you know, it has come to pass. |
| 8 | John 16:4 | But I have told you these things so that when their hour comes, you will remember that I told you about them. I did not tell you these things from the beginning, because I was with you. |
| 9 | Luke 24:44 | Jesus said to them, “These are the words I spoke to you while I was still with you: Everything must be fulfilled that is written about Me in the Law of Moses, the Prophets, and the Psalms.” |
| 10 | Acts 20:18 | When they came to him, he said, “You know how I lived the whole time I was with you, from the first day I arrived in the province of Asia. |
2 Thessalonians 3:10 Summary
This verse is saying that if someone is able to work but chooses not to, they shouldn't expect others to provide for them. It's not talking about people who are unable to work due to circumstances beyond their control, but rather those who are simply unwilling to put in the effort. As seen in Proverbs 6:6-11 and 2 Thessalonians 3:6-15, the Bible teaches that work is important and that we should be diligent and responsible in our labor, providing for ourselves and our families while also caring for those in need. By working hard and being responsible, we can provide for ourselves and our families, and also have the opportunity to bless others and be a blessing to our communities.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does it mean to be unwilling to work?
In the context of 2 Thessalonians 3:10, being unwilling to work means refusing to labor or contribute to society in a meaningful way, as opposed to being unable to work due to circumstances beyond one's control, such as illness or disability, as seen in Matthew 25:36 and James 1:27.
Is this verse saying that people who don't work shouldn't eat?
While the verse does say 'if anyone is unwilling to work, he shall not eat,' it's not meant to be taken literally or applied to those who are genuinely in need, as seen in Deuteronomy 15:7-8 and Acts 6:1-3, but rather as a principle to encourage diligence and responsibility.
How does this verse relate to the rest of the Bible's teaching on work and provision?
The Bible teaches that work is a fundamental aspect of human dignity and purpose, as seen in Genesis 2:15 and Colossians 3:23-24, and that those who are able should work to provide for themselves and their families, as seen in 1 Timothy 5:8 and 2 Thessalonians 3:6-15.
What is the role of the church in supporting those who are unable to work?
The church has a responsibility to care for the poor, the widows, and the orphans, as seen in Galatians 2:10 and James 1:27, and to provide for those who are genuinely in need, as seen in Acts 6:1-3 and 1 Corinthians 16:1-4.
Reflection Questions
- What are some areas in my life where I may be unwilling to work or put in the necessary effort, and how can I apply the principle of diligence and responsibility to those areas?
- How can I balance the need to provide for myself and my family with the need to care for those who are genuinely in need, and what role can I play in supporting my local church's outreach and ministry to the poor?
- What are some ways that I can apply the biblical principle of working with my own hands, as seen in 1 Thessalonians 4:11-12, to my own life and circumstances?
- How can I cultivate a spirit of diligence and responsibility in my daily life, and what habits or practices can I develop to help me stay on track and achieve my goals?
Gill's Exposition on 2 Thessalonians 3:10
For even when we were with you,.... At Thessalonica in person, and first preached the Gospel to them, we commanded you, that if any would not work, neither should he eat; the Ethiopic version reads
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on 2 Thessalonians 3:10
For even when we were with you, this we commanded you, that if any would not work, neither should he eat. For even. Translate 'For also;' coordinate with "For," 2 Thessalonians 3:7.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on 2 Thessalonians 3:10
The words contain a reason, as the illative for imports; but what it refers to is uncertain; most probably a further reason of the apostle’ s working with his hands, because when with them he left this command, that if any would not work, neither should he eat; he would therefore practise himself what he commanded them, and not be thought to be as the Pharisees, binding heavy burdens upon others, and he not touch them himself. And this is another of the commandments which the apostle gave them, which he declared his confidence that they would do, . And this command seems grounded upon the law given to Adam: In the sweat of thy face shalt thou eat bread, . For when he recommends a practice not directly grounded upon some word of God, or of Christ, or from infallible inspiration, he calls it a permission, as ; but when otherwise, he saith: I command, yet not I, but the Lord, ; and calls it the commandment of the Lord, . And this in the text is not his alone, but the Lord’ s, and is elsewhere mentioned, as : Let him that stole steal no more, but work with his hands, & c.: see . God requires it of us as men, that we may be profitable in the commonwealth, supply our own wants and of those that depend upon us, and have wherewith also to supply the wants of the poor, , to be kept from the temptations of idleness. Christianity doth not extinguish the profitable laws of nature or nations. Yet this general command admits limitations; if men have ability and opportunity to work, or if the ends of working are not otherwise supplied. For he that lives out of the reason of the law seems not bound by the law; or if the work be mental, and not manual, the law is fulfilled; and the equity of the law reacheth all men so far, as that none ought to be idle and useless in the world. And the apostle’ s argument for it in the text is cogent from nature itself; agreeably to that of Solomon, : He that laboureth laboureth for himself, for his mouth craveth it of him.
Whereupon some judge these believing Thessalonians to be generally a people that lived by some handicraft trade, or some other manual labour. And the eating here intended is meant of relief from the stock and charge of the church: such should not be relieved who would not work, as it is in the text; who could, but would not, the fault being in the will.
Trapp's Commentary on 2 Thessalonians 3:10
10 For even when we were with you, this we commanded you, that if any would not work, neither should he eat. Ver. 10. That if any would not work] In the sweat of thy nose shalt thou eat thy bread, was the old sanction, Genesis 3:19; yea, Paradise, that was man’ s storehouse, was also his workhouse. They bury themselves alive, that, as body lice, live on other men’ s labours; and it is a sin to help them. Seneca professed, that he had rather be sick in his bed than out of employment.
Ellicott's Commentary on 2 Thessalonians 3:10
(10) For even.—The sequence of thought is a little difficult, but it seems best to regard this “for” as connecting its sentence, not with 2 Thessalonians 3:9, but rather with 2 Thessalonians 3:6. It does not give the reason why St. Paul and his companions worked: “because we strictly enjoined you to work, and therefore could not be idle ourselves.” Rather, it justifies the reiteration of the command: “We do not hesitate to command you now to repress this disorderly conduct, so contrary to the example set you; for, in fact, when we were with you we used to lay down this law.” So Theodoret takes it: “It is no new thing that we write to you.” We commanded.—The tense in the original is that of constant re-assertion, which brings out once more the thorough grounding which the Apostles gave at once to their converts. (See Note on 2 Thessalonians 3:6 : “the tradition;” also the Note on 2 Thessalonians 2:5.) The same definite precept is referred to in 1 Thessalonians 4:11. If any would not work.—The word “would” stands for “is not willing,” “refuses.” To any weakness or incapacity for work, except in himself, St. Paul would be very tender; the vice consists in the defective will. The canon (in the original) is laid down in the pointed form of some old Roman law like those of the Twelve Tables: “If any man choose not to work, neither let him eat.” It does not mean, “let him leave off eating,” putting it to the man’s own conscience to see the necessary connection between the two things (Genesis 3:19); but, “let him not be fed.” The Thessalonians are not to be misled into a false charity: giving food in Christ’s name to persons who are capable of working and able to get work, and are too indolent to do so. The support which is here forbidden to be given to these disorderly persons might come either direct from the private liberality of individuals, or from some collected church fund administered by the deacons. It does not seem at all impossible that this Thessalonian Church, which St. Paul himself declares to have taken the churches of Judaea for a model (1 Thessalonians 2:14), may have copied its model in adopting some form of communism, or, at any rate, some extensive use of the agapè which we see to have been in use at Corinth, established by the Apostle at the very time of writing this Letter (1 Corinthians 11:21).
Such a supposition would give much more point to St. Paul’s canon, as well as to other phrases in both these Epistles, and would enable us to understand better how this discipline could be actively enforced. That the ordinary agape was a matter of considerable importance to the poorer classes is evident from 1 Corinthians 11:22.
Adam Clarke's Commentary on 2 Thessalonians 3:10
Verse 10. If any would not work, neither should he eat.] This is a just maxim, and universal nature inculcates it to man. If man will work, he may eat; if he do not work, he neither can eat, nor should he eat. The maxim is founded on these words of the Lord: In the sweat of thy brow thou shall eat bread. Industry is crowned with God's blessing; idleness is loaded with his curse. This maxim was a proverb among the Jews. Men who can work, and will rather support themselves by begging, should not get one morsel of bread. It is a sin to minister to necessities that are merely artificial.
Cambridge Bible on 2 Thessalonians 3:10
10. For even when we were with you, this we commanded you] Better, For also: St Paul’s present charge on the subject repeats and reinforces what he said in his oral teaching; this we used to charge you—same verb as in 2 Thessalonians 3:4; 2 Thessalonians 3:6 (see note), and same tense as in ch. 2 Thessalonians 2:5 (“I was wont to tell you”), and 1 Thessalonians 3:4 (see note). To this original “charge” the Apostle referred in 1 Thessalonians 4:11, touching the same point; it formed part of “the tradition” which he and his fellow-missionaries “delivered” to the Thessalonians (2 Thessalonians 3:6, ch. 2 Thessalonians 2:15).that if any would not work, neither should he eat] In the Greek this is put vividly in direct narration: If any will not work, neither let him eat. A stem, but necessary and merciful rule, the neglect of which makes charity demoralising. But this law of St Paul’s touches the idle rich, as well as the poor; it makes that a discredit which one hears spoken of as if it were a privilege and the mark of a gentleman,—to “live upon one’s means,” to live without settled occupation and service to the community—“natus consumere fruges.”The form of the Greek implies in this case a positive refusal to labour: the man wont work (Latin nonvult operari). Then it is God’s law that he shall starve.
Barnes' Notes on 2 Thessalonians 3:10
For even when we were with you, this we commanded you - It would seem from this that the evil of which the apostle here complains had begun to operate even when he was with them.
Whedon's Commentary on 2 Thessalonians 3:10
10. Not work… eat—He is scarce a Christian, whatever his rank, who, possessed of the ability, does not earn his own living.
Sermons on 2 Thessalonians 3:10
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(2006 Conference) 5.a Right Attitude to Money by Zac Poonen | This sermon emphasizes the importance of being faithful with money, avoiding extremes of poverty or excessive wealth, and recognizing that money should not rule over our lives. It |
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One Lion; Two Lions; No Lion at All by C.H. Spurgeon | C.H. Spurgeon addresses the issue of slothfulness, using the metaphor of lions to illustrate the excuses people make to avoid taking action, particularly in their spiritual lives. |
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(Genesis) - Part 6 by Zac Poonen | In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of hard work and discipline in the life of a believer. He references the example of Paul, who worked tirelessly and faced hard |
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Tent Making 1 Cor 9 by George Verwer | In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of following five principles in preaching the word of God. These principles include being enthusiastic, learning the product t |
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Studies in 2 Thessalonians-04 2 Thes 3:1-18 by William MacDonald | In this sermon, the speaker focuses on Paul's letter to the Thessalonians. The sermon is divided into four sections. The first section, in verses one and two, discusses Paul's requ |
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15 - Principles for Living in God's Economy by Ben Torrey | In this sermon, Ben Torrey discusses the concept of faith financing and how it relates to the work of Jesus Abbey. He emphasizes the importance of depending on God for provision an |