1 Thessalonians 4:11

And that ye study to be quiet, and to do your own business, and to work with your own hands, as we commanded you;

And {G2532} that ye study {G5389} to be quiet {G2270}, and {G2532} to do {G4238} your own business {G2398}, and {G2532} to work with {G2038} your {G5216} own {G2398} hands {G5495}, as {G2531} we commanded {G3853} you {G5213};

Also, make it your ambition to live quietly, to mind your own business and to earn your living by your own efforts — just as we told you.

and to aspire to live quietly, to attend to your own matters, and to work with your own hands, as we instructed you.

and that ye study to be quiet, and to do your own business, and to work with your hands, even as we charged you;

Commentary

1 Thessalonians 4:11 offers practical wisdom from the Apostle Paul, urging believers in Thessalonica to lead a diligent, peaceful, and responsible life. This verse, rich in instruction, emphasizes the importance of a calm demeanor, personal accountability, and honest labor, reflecting core Christian values.

Context

Paul's first letter to the Thessalonians provides encouragement and instruction to a relatively young church facing various challenges, including persecution and misunderstanding about the return of Christ. Prior to this verse, Paul discusses themes of holy living (sanctification) and brotherly love (1 Thessalonians 4:9). In verses 11-12, he addresses a specific issue that had arisen: some members of the community were becoming idle, possibly due to an overzealous expectation of Christ's imminent return, leading them to neglect their daily responsibilities and perhaps even become busybodies in others' affairs. Paul's command here serves as a necessary corrective, grounding their faith in practical, disciplined living.

Key Themes

  • Diligence and Hard Work: The command to "work with your own hands" highlights the dignity and necessity of honest labor. This wasn't merely about self-sufficiency but also about contributing positively to society and not being a burden on others. This principle is reinforced elsewhere in Paul's letters, such as his strong statement in 2 Thessalonians 3:10, "If any would not work, neither should he eat."
  • Quiet Living: To "study to be quiet" (KJV) or "make it your ambition to lead a quiet life" (NIV) implies an active pursuit of peace and tranquility. It means avoiding unnecessary commotion, gossip, and meddling in the affairs of others. This quietness fosters a spirit of contentment and focus on one's own duties.
  • Personal Responsibility: The phrase "to do your own business" directly counters the tendency to be a busybody or to rely on the charity of others when one is capable of working. It encourages self-reliance and a focus on one's own responsibilities, both personal and communal.
  • Good Testimony: Though not explicitly stated in this verse, the subsequent verse (1 Thessalonians 4:12) reveals that these actions are crucial "that ye may walk honestly toward them that are without, and that ye may have lack of nothing." A diligent, quiet, and responsible life serves as a powerful witness to those outside the faith.

Linguistic Insights

The KJV phrase "study to be quiet" translates the Greek word philotimeomai (φιλοτιμέομαι), which means "to be ambitious," "to make it your ambition," or "to aspire eagerly." This isn't a passive suggestion but an active, earnest pursuit. It implies a deliberate effort to cultivate a peaceful and non-meddlesome lifestyle. The word for "quiet" is hesychazo (ἡσυχάζω), meaning to be still, tranquil, or calm, not necessarily silent, but free from disturbance or agitation. "To do your own business" comes from prassein ta idia (πράσσειν τὰ ἴδια), literally "to mind one's own affairs," which is a clear directive against idleness and intrusiveness.

Practical Application

In a world often characterized by noise, distraction, and social comparison, 1 Thessalonians 4:11 remains profoundly relevant. It calls believers to embrace a counter-cultural lifestyle of diligence, self-sufficiency, and peacefulness. This means valuing honest work, avoiding gossip and unnecessary drama, and focusing on one's personal responsibilities rather than being preoccupied with the affairs of others. It encourages a life that is productive, contributes positively to the community, and provides a clear, compelling witness of Christian integrity to the world around us. Embracing this teaching helps Christians to live with purpose and maintain a strong, credible testimony.

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Cross-References

  • Ephesians 4:28 (25 votes)

    Let him that stole steal no more: but rather let him labour, working with [his] hands the thing which is good, that he may have to give to him that needeth.

  • Ecclesiastes 4:6 (24 votes)

    Better [is] an handful [with] quietness, than both the hands full [with] travail and vexation of spirit.

  • 1 Peter 3:4 (22 votes)

    But [let it be] the hidden man of the heart, in that which is not corruptible, [even the ornament] of a meek and quiet spirit, which is in the sight of God of great price.

  • Titus 3:14 (20 votes)

    And let ours also learn to maintain good works for necessary uses, that they be not unfruitful.

  • Proverbs 17:1 (16 votes)

    ¶ Better [is] a dry morsel, and quietness therewith, than an house full of sacrifices [with] strife.

  • 1 Timothy 2:2 (15 votes)

    For kings, and [for] all that are in authority; that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and honesty.

  • Lamentations 3:26 (15 votes)

    [It is] good that [a man] should both hope and quietly wait for the salvation of the LORD.