2 Thessalonians 3:12

Now them that are such we command and exhort by our Lord Jesus Christ, that with quietness they work, and eat their own bread.

Now {G1161} them that are such {G5108} we command {G3853} and {G2532} exhort {G3870} by {G1223} our {G2257} Lord {G2962} Jesus {G2424} Christ {G5547}, that {G2443} with {G3326} quietness {G2271} they work {G2038}, and eat {G2068} their own {G1438} bread {G740}.

We command such people — and in union with the Lord Yeshua the Messiah we urge them — to settle down, get to work, and earn their own living.

We command and urge such people by our Lord Jesus Christ to begin working quietly to earn their own living.

Now them that are such we command and exhort in the Lord Jesus Christ, that with quietness they work, and eat their own bread.

2 Thessalonians 3:12 is a direct and authoritative command from the Apostle Paul, addressing a specific problem of idleness and disorder within the Thessalonian church. This verse underscores the importance of a diligent work ethic and self-sufficiency among believers, rooted in Christian responsibility.

Context

This verse follows Paul's earlier warnings and instructions regarding certain members of the Thessalonian community who were "disorderly" (2 Thessalonians 3:6), not working, and instead becoming "busybodies" (2 Thessalonians 3:11). Paul had previously given a clear directive: "if any would not work, neither should he eat". Verse 12 serves as a formal command and exhortation to these individuals, emphasizing how they should conduct themselves.

Key Themes

  • Christian Work Ethic: The verse directly commands believers to work, highlighting that labor is not merely an economic necessity but a matter of Christian duty and integrity. It counters the idea that faith exempts one from personal responsibility.
  • Order and Peace: The phrase "with quietness they work" (meta hēsychias) emphasizes working peacefully and avoiding disruption. This is a direct contrast to the meddling and disorderly conduct of the idle.
  • Self-Sufficiency: To "eat their own bread" is an idiom signifying earning one's own living and not being a burden on others. It promotes independence and responsible stewardship of resources.
  • Apostolic Authority: Paul's use of "we command and exhort by our Lord Jesus Christ" lends immense weight to this instruction, indicating it is not merely Paul's opinion but a directive given with divine authority.

Linguistic Insights

The Greek phrase for "command and exhort" (parangellomen kai parakaloumen) indicates a strong directive combined with an earnest plea. It's a forceful instruction given with pastoral concern. The word "quietness" (hēsychias) implies tranquility and a lack of meddling or fuss, reinforcing the call for peaceful, productive living.

Practical Application

For believers today, 2 Thessalonians 3:12 remains highly relevant. It encourages:

  • Diligence in Vocation: Christians are called to work hard and contribute meaningfully to society, whether in paid employment, volunteer work, or managing a household. This aligns with the broader biblical principle of working heartily as unto the Lord.
  • Avoiding Idleness: The verse serves as a warning against laziness, which can lead to negative behaviors like gossip, meddling in others' affairs, and becoming a burden on the community.
  • Financial Responsibility: It promotes the principle of earning one's own way and managing personal finances responsibly, rather than expecting others to provide for one's needs due to a lack of effort.
  • Living Peacefully: The emphasis on "quietness" reminds believers to conduct their lives and work in a manner that promotes peace and order within the church and wider community.

This verse powerfully reminds us that Christian faith is to be lived out practically through responsible, diligent, and peaceful engagement with work and community life.

Note: Commentary was generated by an advanced AI, utilizing a prompt that emphasized Biblical fidelity over bias. We've found these insights to be consistently reliable, yet we always encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

  • 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;

  • Ephesians 4:28

    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.

  • 2 Thessalonians 3:8

    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:

  • 1 Thessalonians 4:1

    ¶ Furthermore then we beseech you, brethren, and exhort [you] by the Lord Jesus, that as ye have received of us how ye ought to walk and to please God, [so] ye would abound more and more.

  • Ecclesiastes 4:6

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

  • Proverbs 17:1

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

  • Luke 11:3

    Give us day by day our daily bread.

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