2 Thessalonians 3:6

KJV

¶ Now we command you, brethren, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that ye withdraw yourselves from every brother that walketh disorderly, and not after the tradition which he received of us.

KJV (with Strong's)

Now {G1161} we command {G3853} you {G5213}, brethren {G80}, in {G1722} the name {G3686} of our {G2257} Lord {G2962} Jesus {G2424} Christ {G5547}, that ye withdraw {G4724} yourselves {G5209} from {G575} every {G3956} brother {G80} that walketh {G4043} disorderly {G814}, and {G2532} not {G3361} after {G2596} the tradition {G3862} which {G3739} he received {G3880} of {G3844} us {G2257}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Now, in the name of the Lord Yeshua the Messiah we command you, brothers, to stay away from any brother who is leading a life of idleness, a life not in keeping with the tradition you received from us.

Berean Standard Bible

Now we command you, brothers, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, to keep away from any brother who leads an undisciplined life that is not in keeping with the tradition you received from us.

American Standard Version

Now we command you, brethren, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that ye withdraw yourselves from every brother that walketh disorderly, and not after the tradition which they received of us.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
In 2 Thessalonians 3:6, the Apostle Paul issues a solemn and authoritative command to the Thessalonian believers, urging them to distance themselves from any fellow Christian whose conduct is disorderly and deviates from the apostolic teachings they had received. This directive underscores the importance of communal integrity, responsible living, and adherence to established Christian principles, particularly in light of some members' idleness and disruptive behavior within the church.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse stands as a crucial turning point in Paul's second letter to the Thessalonians, shifting from general encouragement and eschatological correction to specific ethical instruction and church discipline. Immediately preceding this command, Paul prays for the Thessalonians, asking the Lord to direct their hearts into God's love and Christ's steadfastness [2 Thessalonians 3:5](/2_thessalonians/3-5 "2 Thessalonians 3:5 - Paul's Prayer for the Thessalonians"). He also requests prayer for himself and his companions, that they might be delivered from unreasonable and wicked men [2 Thessalonians 3:1-2](/2_thessalonians/3-1-2 "2 Thessalonians 3:1-2 - Paul's Request for Prayer"). This emphasis on divine guidance and protection sets the stage for the strong, divinely-backed command in verse 6, highlighting that the church's internal order is as vital as its external witness. The verses that follow [2 Thessalonians 3:7-12](/2_thessalonians/3-7-12 "2 Thessalonians 3:7-12 - Paul's Example and Command to Work") further elaborate on the specific nature of the "disorderly" conduct—namely, idleness and busybody behavior—and Paul's own diligent example.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The church in Thessalonica was a relatively young community, established amidst a bustling Roman port city known for its trade and diverse population. Paul's first letter addressed various issues, including misunderstandings about the Lord's return, which had led some to believe Christ's coming was so imminent that daily work was unnecessary. This eschatological fervor, coupled with perhaps a misinterpretation of Christian communal sharing, resulted in some believers becoming idle, dependent on others, and disruptive ("busybodies"). In the Greco-Roman world, idleness was generally looked down upon, and self-sufficiency was valued. Paul, a tentmaker by trade, consistently modeled hard work and self-support, refusing to be a burden to the churches he served [1 Thessalonians 2:9](/1_thessalonians/2-9 "1 Thessalonians 2:9 - Paul's Diligent Labor") and [2 Thessalonians 3:8](/2_thessalonians/3-8 "2 Thessalonians 3:8 - Paul's Example of Work"). This command, therefore, directly counters a specific social problem that was undermining the church's witness and internal harmony.
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully contributes to several overarching themes in 2 Thessalonians and Paul's broader theology. It emphasizes **Apostolic Authority**, as Paul issues the command "in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ," asserting the divine backing for his instructions. The theme of **Church Discipline and Order** is paramount, highlighting the necessity for the community to maintain internal health and accountability by addressing disruptive behavior. This discipline is not punitive for its own sake but aims at restoration and the preservation of the church's integrity. Furthermore, the verse underscores the importance of **Faithful Living and Christian Ethics**, particularly the call to diligent work and responsible conduct, which Paul had previously taught as part of the "tradition" received from him [2 Thessalonians 3:10](/2_thessalonians/3-10 "2 Thessalonians 3:10 - The Command to Work"). The concept of **Tradition** here refers to the authoritative body of teaching and practical instruction passed down from the apostles, which served as the foundation for Christian life and practice.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **command (Greek, _parangéllō_):** This word signifies a strong, authoritative instruction or injunction, often used in military contexts for an order. Paul is not merely advising or suggesting; he is issuing a direct and binding directive to the Thessalonian church, backed by the authority of Christ. It implies a formal and serious charge, indicating the gravity with which Paul views the issue of disorderly conduct.
* **withdraw (Greek, _stéllō_):** Literally meaning "to set fast" or "to repress," this term, when used reflexively, means "to abstain from associating with" or "to keep oneself away from." It suggests a deliberate and purposeful separation, not necessarily a complete excommunication, but a cessation of familiar or intimate association. The purpose is to create a social consequence for the disorderly behavior, prompting reflection and repentance, as further clarified in [2 Thessalonians 3:14-15](/2_thessalonians/3-14-15 "2 Thessalonians 3:14-15 - Admonishing the Disorderly").
* **disorderly (Greek, _atáktōs_):** This adverb, derived from military vocabulary, describes someone "out of rank," "undisciplined," or "not keeping order." In a civilian context, it came to denote idleness, shirking duties, or living an irresponsible, unruly life. In Thessalonica, it specifically referred to those who refused to work, became busybodies, and were a burden on the community, violating the established "tradition" of diligent labor and orderly conduct.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Now we command you, brethren, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ":** Paul, along with Silvanus and Timothy, asserts apostolic authority, grounding their directive not in human wisdom but in the divine mandate of Jesus Christ. This phrase elevates the command to a sacred imperative, emphasizing its seriousness and the spiritual weight it carries for the community. It signifies that this is not a mere suggestion but a divinely authorized instruction for the well-being of the church.
* **"that ye withdraw yourselves from every brother that walketh disorderly":** This is the core of the command. The church is instructed to deliberately distance itself from any fellow believer whose conduct is "disorderly." This "walking disorderly" refers to a persistent pattern of behavior that is out of step with Christian norms, specifically the idleness and busybody actions described elsewhere in the letter. The withdrawal is a form of communal discipline, a social sanction intended to highlight the seriousness of the offense and to prompt the individual to change their ways.
* **"and not after the tradition which he received of us."**: This clause defines the standard against which the "disorderly" conduct is measured. The "tradition" refers to the authoritative teachings and practical instructions that Paul and his companions had personally delivered to the Thessalonians. This included not only doctrinal truths but also ethical guidelines for daily living, such as the command to work diligently and not be a burden on others. The disorderly brother is one who disregards or disobeys these foundational apostolic teachings.

#### Literary Devices
Paul employs several literary devices to convey the gravity and authority of his command. The use of **Apostolic Authority** is prominent, as he explicitly states the command is given "in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ," lending divine weight to his words and underscoring that this is God's will for the church. The phrase "walketh disorderly" is a powerful **Metaphor** derived from military language, depicting someone who is "out of rank" or "undisciplined." This vivid imagery effectively communicates the disruption and lack of order caused by the unrighteous behavior. Furthermore, the verse uses **Contrast** by juxtaposing the "disorderly" conduct with adherence to "the tradition which he received of us," clearly delineating acceptable Christian living from that which is unacceptable and requires communal intervention. The **Imperative Mood** of "we command" and "withdraw yourselves" reinforces the non-negotiable nature of the instruction, demanding immediate and serious action from the church.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
This verse is foundational for understanding the New Testament's teaching on church discipline and the importance of communal responsibility. It establishes that Christian liberty is not an excuse for idleness or disruptive behavior, and that the integrity of the body of Christ requires members to live in accordance with apostolic teaching. The command to "withdraw" is not an act of condemnation but a loving, yet firm, measure designed to bring about repentance and restoration, protecting the community from negative influence while seeking the spiritual welfare of the erring individual. It highlights the church's role in upholding God's standards and ensuring that its witness to the world is not compromised by internal disorder.

* [Matthew 18:15-17](/matthew/18-15-17 "Matthew 18:15-17 - Steps of Church Discipline")
* [Romans 16:17-18](/romans/16-17-18 "Romans 16:17-18 - Warning Against Divisive People")
* [1 Corinthians 5:11](/1_corinthians/5-11 "1 Corinthians 5:11 - Not to Associate with Immoral Believers")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
2 Thessalonians 3:6 offers profound principles for contemporary Christian living and community dynamics. It challenges believers to consider how their personal conduct impacts the collective witness and health of the church. In a world that often prioritizes individual autonomy above communal responsibility, Paul's command reminds us that our actions have ripple effects within the body of Christ. It calls us to a diligent, orderly life that reflects the teachings of Christ and the apostles, rather than becoming a burden or a source of disunity. Furthermore, it provides a framework for addressing persistent, unrepentant "disorderly" behavior within the church, emphasizing that discipline, when exercised with love and a view towards restoration, is a necessary function of a healthy spiritual community. This withdrawal is not about shaming or abandoning, but about creating a space for the individual to recognize their deviation and be drawn back into alignment with Christ's path.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of my life might I be "walking disorderly" or out of alignment with biblical "tradition," perhaps unknowingly?**
* **How can my church community lovingly and effectively apply principles of accountability and discipline, always aiming for restoration rather than condemnation?**
* **What is my responsibility to model diligent and orderly living, not just for my own sake, but for the health and witness of the body of Christ?**

### FAQ
**What does "walketh disorderly" specifically mean in this context?**

Answer: In 2 Thessalonians 3:6, "walketh disorderly" (Greek: _atáktōs_) specifically refers to a pattern of behavior characterized by idleness, irresponsibility, and being a busybody. This term, originally from military language describing soldiers out of formation, was applied in civilian life to those who shirked their duties, refused to work, and thus became a burden on the community. Paul further clarifies this in [2 Thessalonians 3:11](/2_thessalonians/3-11 "2 Thessalonians 3:11 - Warning Against Idleness and Busybodies"), stating, "For we hear that there are some which walk among you disorderly, working not at all, but are busybodies." It's not about minor imperfections but a persistent refusal to live according to the established Christian ethic of diligent labor and orderly conduct.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
While 2 Thessalonians 3:6 addresses practical matters of church discipline and conduct, its underlying authority and purpose are profoundly Christ-centered. Paul issues this command "in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ," signifying that the standard for orderly living and the imperative for communal integrity flow directly from Christ's authority and character. Jesus Himself consistently modeled a life of purpose, diligence, and submission to the Father's will, declaring, "My food is to do the will of Him who sent Me, and to accomplish His work" [John 4:34](/john/4-34 "John 4:34 - Jesus' Purpose"). The "tradition" Paul delivered was not merely his own invention but the practical outworking of the gospel of Christ, reflecting the new life found in Him. The goal of withdrawing from a disorderly brother is ultimately redemptive, mirroring Christ's own pursuit of the lost and His desire for the restoration of His people [Luke 19:10](/luke/19-10 "Luke 19:10 - The Son of Man Came to Seek and Save the Lost"). The church, as the body of Christ, is called to reflect His order, holiness, and redemptive love, ensuring that its internal life honors the Head of the Church and serves as a compelling witness to the world of the transforming power of the Risen Lord [Ephesians 4:1-3](/ephesians/4-1-3 "Ephesians 4:1-3 - Living Worthy of the Calling").

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

2 Thessalonians 3:7

For yourselves know how ye ought to follow us: for we behaved not ourselves disorderly among you;

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.

2 Thessalonians 3:11

For we hear that there are some which walk among you disorderly, working not at all, but are busybodies.

Romans 16:17

¶ Now I beseech you, brethren, mark them which cause divisions and offences contrary to the doctrine which ye have learned; and avoid them.

1 Thessalonians 5:14

Now we exhort you, brethren, warn them that are unruly, comfort the feebleminded, support the weak, be patient toward all [men].

Colossians 3:17

And whatsoever ye do in word or deed, [do] all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God and the Father by him.

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.