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2 Thessalonians 3

BSB·18 verses ·New Testament
✦ Tap any verse to open Scripture Explorer — original Hebrew/Greek, commentary, notes & highlights
1Finallyλοιπὸνloipon — therefore, then, henceforth, finallyG3063 — Full Word Study →, brothersἀδελφοίadelphoi — brother; male sibling or fellow believerG80 — Full Word Study →, prayπροσεύχεσθεproseuchesthe — to pray, to make petition to GodG4336 — Full Word Study → forπερὶperi — about, concerning, around, on behalf ofG4012 — Full Word Study → usἡμῶνhēmōn — I, me; the first-person singular pronounG1473 — Full Word Study →, thatἵναhina — in order that; so that; to the intent thatG2443 — Full Word Study → theho — Definite article: the, this, thatG3588 — Full Word Study → wordλόγοςlogos — word, statement, message, divine utteranceG3056 — Full Word Study → of theτοῦtou — Definite article: the, this, thatG3588 — Full Word Study → LordΚυρίουKyriou — Lord; master; one who has authority or ownershipG2962 — Full Word Study → may spread quicklyτρέχῃtrechē — to run, move swiftlyG5143 — Full Word Study → andκαὶkai — and; also; even; bothG2532 — Full Word Study → be held in honorδοξάζηταιdoxazētai — To glorify, honor, or magnify with praiseG1392 — Full Word Study →, just asκαθὼςkathōs — just as; in the manner that; according toG2531 — Full Word Study → it was withπρὸςpros — toward, to, with, in relation toG4314 — Full Word Study → youὑμᾶςhymas — You (singular or plural pronoun)G4771 — Full Word Study →. 2And pray thatἵναhina — in order that; so that; to the intent thatG2443 — Full Word Study → we may be deliveredῥυσθῶμενrhysthōmen — To rescue, deliver, or snatch away from dangerG4506 — Full Word Study → fromἀπὸapo — from, away from, out ofG575 — Full Word Study → wickedἀτόπωνatopōn — Out of place, improper, unreasonableG824 — Full Word Study → andκαὶkai — and; also; even; bothG2532 — Full Word Study → evilπονηρῶνponērōn — Evil, wicked, morally badG4190 — Full Word Study → menἀνθρώπωνanthrōpōn — human being, man, personG444 — Full Word Study →; forγὰρgar — for, because, since (causal/explanatory conjunction)G1063 — Full Word Study → notοὐou — No, not, negation particleG3756 — Full Word Study → everyone holds to thehē — Definite article: the, this, thatG3588 — Full Word Study → faithπίστιςpistis — Trust, belief, confidence in GodG4102 — Full Word Study →. 3Butδέde — thenG1161 — Full Word Study → theho — Definite article: the, this, thatG3588 — Full Word Study → LordΚύριοςKyrios — Lord; master; one who has authority or ownershipG2962 — Full Word Study → isἐστινestin — to exist, to be, am/is/areG1510 — Full Word Study → faithfulΠιστὸςPistos — Faithful, trustworthy, reliableG4103 — Full Word Study →, andκαὶkai — and; also; even; bothG2532 — Full Word Study → He will strengthen you and guardφυλάξειphylaxei — to guard, keep, preserve, or observeG5442 — Full Word Study → youὑμᾶςhymas — You (singular or plural pronoun)G4771 — Full Word Study → fromἀπὸapo — from, away from, out ofG575 — Full Word Study → theτοῦtou — Definite article: the, this, thatG3588 — Full Word Study → evil one. 4Andδὲde — thenG1161 — Full Word Study → we have confidenceπεποίθαμενpepoithamen — to persuade, convince, or win overG3982 — Full Word Study → inἐνen — in, on, among, at, by means ofG1722 — Full Word Study → the Lord thatὅτιhoti — that; because; since; introducing clauses of reason or contentG3754 — Full Word Study → you are doingποιεῖτεpoieite — to do, make, perform, or accomplishG4160 — Full Word Study → andκαὶkai — and; also; even; bothG2532 — Full Word Study → will continue to doποιήσετεpoiēsete — to do, make, perform, or accomplishG4160 — Full Word Study → whatha — who, which, thatG3739 — Full Word Study → we commandπαραγγέλλομενparangellomen — to command, order, or chargeG3853 — Full Word Study →. 5May the LordΚύριοςKyrios — Lord; master; one who has authority or ownershipG2962 — Full Word Study → directκατευθύναιkateuthynai — To direct, guide, or make straightG2720 — Full Word Study → yourὑμῶνhymōn — You (singular or plural pronoun)G4771 — Full Word Study → heartsκαρδίαςkardias — heart; center of emotion, will, and moral characterG2588 — Full Word Study → intoεἰςeis — into, toward, untoG1519 — Full Word Study → God’sΘεοῦTheou — God, the Divine BeingG2316 — Full Word Study → loveἀγάπηνagapēn — Self-giving love; covenant affectionG26 — Full Word Study → andκαὶkai — and; also; even; bothG2532 — Full Word Study → Christ’sΧριστοῦChristou — The Anointed OneG5547 — Full Word Study → perseveranceὑπομονὴνhypomonēn — Steadfast endurance; patient perseverance through trialsG5281 — Full Word Study →. 6Nowδὲde — thenG1161 — Full Word Study → we commandΠαραγγέλλομενParangellomen — to command, order, or chargeG3853 — Full Word Study → youὑμῖνhymin — You (singular or plural pronoun)G4771 — Full Word Study →, brothersἀδελφοίadelphoi — brother; male sibling or fellow believerG80 — Full Word Study →, inἐνen — in, on, among, at, by means ofG1722 — Full Word Study → the name of our‹ἡμῶν›hēmōn — I, me; the first-person singular pronounG1473 — Full Word Study → LordΚυρίουKyriou — Lord; master; one who has authority or ownershipG2962 — Full Word Study → JesusἸησοῦIēsou — The Lord SavesG2424 — Full Word Study → ChristΧριστοῦChristou — The Anointed OneG5547 — Full Word Study →, to keep awayστέλλεσθαιstellesthai — to avoid, withdraw from, shunG4724 — Full Word Study → fromἀπὸapo — from, away from, out ofG575 — Full Word Study → anyπαντὸςpantos — all, every, the whole ofG3956 — Full Word Study → brotherἀδελφοῦadelphou — brother; male sibling or fellow believerG80 — Full Word Study → who leads an undisciplined lifeἀτάκτωςataktōs — in a disorderly or idle mannerG814 — Full Word Study → that is notμὴmē — Not; negation; lestG3361 — Full Word Study → in keeping withκατὰkata — according to, down along, againstG2596 — Full Word Study → theτὴνtēn — Definite article: the, this, thatG3588 — Full Word Study → traditionπαράδοσινparadosin — teaching handed down; tradition or ordinanceG3862 — Full Word Study → you receivedπαρελάβοσαν*parelabosan — to receive, take, or accept something from anotherG3880 — Full Word Study → fromπαρ’par’ — from, beside, with, nearG3844 — Full Word Study → usἡμῶνhēmōn — I, me; the first-person singular pronounG1473 — Full Word Study →. 7Forγὰρgar — for, because, since (causal/explanatory conjunction)G1063 — Full Word Study → you yourselvesαὐτοὶautoi — he, she, it, self; third-person pronounG846 — Full Word Study → knowοἴδατεoidate — to see, perceive, understand, knowG1492 — Full Word Study → howπῶςpōs — how? in what manner? by what means?G4459 — Full Word Study → you oughtδεῖdei — it is necessary, must, oughtG1163 — Full Word Study → to imitateμιμεῖσθαιmimeisthai — to imitate or mimic; to follow as an exampleG3401 — Full Word Study → usἡμᾶςhēmas — I, me; the first-person singular pronounG1473 — Full Word Study →, becauseὅτιhoti — that; because; since; introducing clauses of reason or contentG3754 — Full Word Study → we were not undisciplinedἠτακτήσαμενētaktēsamen — to live in idleness; act disorderlyG812 — Full Word Study → amongἐνen — in, on, among, at, by means ofG1722 — Full Word Study → youὑμῖνhymin — You (singular or plural pronoun)G4771 — Full Word Study →, 8norοὐδὲoude — neither, nor; not evenG3761 — Full Word Study → did we eatἐφάγομενephagomen — To eat food or consumeG5315 — Full Word Study → anyone’sτινοςtinos — a certain one; some; anyone; an indefinite pronounG5100 — Full Word Study → foodἄρτονarton — bread; loaf of breadG740 — Full Word Study → without paying for itδωρεὰνdōrean — freely, without charge, gratuitouslyG1432 — Full Word Study →. Insteadἀλλ’all’ — but, yet, rather, on the other handG235 — Full Word Study →, inἐνen — in, on, among, at, by means ofG1722 — Full Word Study → laborκόπῳkopō — Physical or spiritual labor; strenuous work and effortG2873 — Full Word Study → andκαὶkai — and; also; even; bothG2532 — Full Word Study → toilμόχθῳmochthō — hard toil, laborious work, exhausting effortG3449 — Full Word Study →, we workedἐργαζόμενοιergazomenoi — to work, labor, or perform actionG2038 — Full Word Study → nightνυκτὸςnyktos — The period of darkness; nightG3571 — Full Word Study → andκαὶkai — and; also; even; bothG2532 — Full Word Study → dayἡμέραςhēmeras — A 24-hour period; time; eraG2250 — Full Word Study → so thatπρὸςpros — toward, to, with, in relation toG4314 — Full Word Study → we would not be a burdenἐπιβαρῆσαίepibarēsai — to burden, weigh down, or impose hardshipG1912 — Full Word Study → to anyτιναtina — a certain one; some; anyone; an indefinite pronounG5100 — Full Word Study → of youὑμῶνhymōn — You (singular or plural pronoun)G4771 — Full Word Study →. 9Notοὐχouch — No, not, negation particleG3756 — Full Word Study → thatὅτιhoti — that; because; since; introducing clauses of reason or contentG3754 — Full Word Study → we lackἔχομενechomen — To have, hold, or possessG2192 — Full Word Study → this right, butἀλλ’all’ — but, yet, rather, on the other handG235 — Full Word Study → we wanted toἵναhina — in order that; so that; to the intent thatG2443 — Full Word Study → offerδῶμενdōmen — to give, grant, or bestowG1325 — Full Word Study → ourselvesἑαυτοὺςheautous — himself, herself, itself, themselves; oneselfG1438 — Full Word Study → as an example for youὑμῖνhymin — You (singular or plural pronoun)G4771 — Full Word Study → toεἰςeis — into, toward, untoG1519 — Full Word Study → imitateμιμεῖσθαιmimeisthai — to imitate or mimic; to follow as an exampleG3401 — Full Word Study →. 10Forγὰρgar — for, because, since (causal/explanatory conjunction)G1063 — Full Word Study → evenκαὶkai — and; also; even; bothG2532 — Full Word Study → whileὅτεhote — when, at the time thatG3753 — Full Word Study → we wereἦμενēmen — to exist, to be, am/is/areG1510 — Full Word Study → withπρὸςpros — toward, to, with, in relation toG4314 — Full Word Study → youὑμᾶςhymas — You (singular or plural pronoun)G4771 — Full Word Study →, we gave you this commandπαρηγγέλλομενparēngellomen — to command, order, or chargeG3853 — Full Word Study →: “IfΕἴEi — if; conditional conjunction introducing hypothetical or contingent circumstancesG1487 — Full Word Study → anyoneτιςtis — a certain one; some; anyone; an indefinite pronounG5100 — Full Word Study → is unwillingθέλειthelei — to desire, wish, or will; to be inclined towardG2309 — Full Word Study → to workἐργάζεσθαιergazesthai — to work, labor, or perform actionG2038 — Full Word Study →, he shall not eatἐσθιέτωesthietō — to eat; to consume foodG2068 — Full Word Study →.” 11Yet we hear thatἈκούομενAkouomen — to hear, listen, or understand by earG191 — Full Word Study → someτιναςtinas — a certain one; some; anyone; an indefinite pronounG5100 — Full Word Study → ofἐνen — in, on, among, at, by means ofG1722 — Full Word Study → youὑμῖνhymin — You (singular or plural pronoun)G4771 — Full Word Study → are leadingπεριπατοῦνταςperipatountas — to walk, to conduct oneself, to liveG4043 — Full Word Study → undisciplined livesἀτάκτωςataktōs — in a disorderly or idle mannerG814 — Full Word Study → and accomplishingἐργαζομένουςergazomenous — to work, labor, or perform actionG2038 — Full Word Study → nothingμηδὲνmēden — no one, nothing, not anyG3367 — Full Word Study → butἀλλὰalla — but, yet, rather, on the other handG235 — Full Word Study → being busybodiesπεριεργαζομένουςperiergazomenous — to be a busybody; to meddle in others' affairsG4020 — Full Word Study →. 12We commandπαραγγέλλομενparangellomen — to command, order, or chargeG3853 — Full Word Study → andκαὶkai — and; also; even; bothG2532 — Full Word Study → urgeπαρακαλοῦμενparakaloumen — to urge, comfort, or exhortG3870 — Full Word Study → such people byἐνen — in, on, among, at, by means ofG1722 — Full Word Study → our LordΚυρίῳKyriō — Lord; master; one who has authority or ownershipG2962 — Full Word Study → JesusἸησοῦIēsou — The Lord SavesG2424 — Full Word Study → ChristΧριστῷChristō — The Anointed OneG5547 — Full Word Study → toἵναhina — in order that; so that; to the intent thatG2443 — Full Word Study → begin workingἐργαζόμενοιergazomenoi — to work, labor, or perform actionG2038 — Full Word Study → quietlyἡσυχίαςhēsychias — Quietness, stillness, peacefulnessG2271 — Full Word Study → to earn their own livingἐσθίωσινesthiōsin — to eat; to consume foodG2068 — Full Word Study →. 13But as for youὙμεῖςHymeis — You (singular or plural pronoun)G4771 — Full Word Study →, brothersἀδελφοίadelphoi — brother; male sibling or fellow believerG80 — Full Word Study →, do not grow wearyἐγκακήσητεenkakēsēte — To lose heart; to grow weary or faintG1573 — Full Word Study → in well-doing. 14Take noteσημειοῦσθεsēmeiousthe — to mark, note, or observe carefullyG4593 — Full Word Study → ofτοῦτονtouton — This one; he, she, it; that person or thingG3778 — Full Word Study → anyone whoτιςtis — a certain one; some; anyone; an indefinite pronounG5100 — Full Word Study → does not obeyὑπακούειhypakouei — to obey, to listen and complyG5219 — Full Word Study → theτῷtō — Definite article: the, this, thatG3588 — Full Word Study → instructions we have givenλόγῳlogō — word, statement, message, divine utteranceG3056 — Full Word Study → inδιὰdia — through; by means of; because ofG1223 — Full Word Study → this letterἐπιστολῆςepistolēs — written letter or epistleG1992 — Full Word Study →. Do not associate withσυναναμίγνυσθαιsynanamignysthai — To associate or keep company with someoneG4874 — Full Word Study → himαὐτῷautō — he, she, it, self; third-person pronounG846 — Full Word Study →, so thatἵναhina — in order that; so that; to the intent thatG2443 — Full Word Study → he may be ashamedἐντραπῇentrapē — to shame, put to shame, or cause one to feel ashamedG1788 — Full Word Study →. 15Yetκαὶkai — and; also; even; bothG2532 — Full Word Study → do not regard him asὡςhōs — as, like, when, in the manner thatG5613 — Full Word Study → an enemyἐχθρὸνechthron — adversary; one who opposes or harbors hostilityG2190 — Full Word Study →, butἀλλὰalla — but, yet, rather, on the other handG235 — Full Word Study → warn him asὡςhōs — as, like, when, in the manner thatG5613 — Full Word Study → a brotherἀδελφόνadelphon — brother; male sibling or fellow believerG80 — Full Word Study →. 16Nowδὲde — thenG1161 — Full Word Study → may the LordΚύριοςKyrios — Lord; master; one who has authority or ownershipG2962 — Full Word Study → of peaceεἰρήνηςeirēnēs — Peace; absence of conflict; inner tranquilityG1515 — Full Word Study → HimselfΑὐτὸςAutos — he, she, it, self; third-person pronounG846 — Full Word Study → giveδῴηdōē — to give, grant, or bestowG1325 — Full Word Study → youὑμῖνhymin — You (singular or plural pronoun)G4771 — Full Word Study → peaceεἰρήνηνeirēnēn — Peace; absence of conflict; inner tranquilityG1515 — Full Word Study → atδιὰdia — through; by means of; because ofG1223 — Full Word Study → all times and in everyπαντὶpanti — all, every, the whole ofG3956 — Full Word Study → wayτρόπῳtropō — manner, way, means, or customG5158 — Full Word Study →. Theho — Definite article: the, this, thatG3588 — Full Word Study → Lord be withμετὰmeta — with, after, among, followingG3326 — Full Word Study → allπάντωνpantōn — all, every, the whole ofG3956 — Full Word Study → of youὑμῶνhymōn — You (singular or plural pronoun)G4771 — Full Word Study →. 17This greeting is in my ownἐμῇemē — my, mine, belonging to meG1699 — Full Word Study → handχειρὶcheiri — hand; power, authority, or controlG5495 — Full Word Study →PaulΠαύλουPaulou — small; humbleG3972 — Full Word Study →. Thisho — who, which, thatG3739 — Full Word Study → isἐστινestin — to exist, to be, am/is/areG1510 — Full Word Study → my mark inἐνen — in, on, among, at, by means ofG1722 — Full Word Study → everyπάσῃpasē — all, every, the whole ofG3956 — Full Word Study → letterἐπιστολῇepistolē — written letter or epistleG1992 — Full Word Study →; it is the wayοὕτωςhoutōs — in this manner; thus; soG3779 — Full Word Study → I writeγράφωgraphō — to write or compose in written formG1125 — Full Word Study →. 18TheHē — Definite article: the, this, thatG3588 — Full Word Study → graceχάριςcharis — God's unmerited favor and kindnessG5485 — Full Word Study → of ourἡμῶνhēmōn — I, me; the first-person singular pronounG1473 — Full Word Study → LordΚυρίουKyriou — Lord; master; one who has authority or ownershipG2962 — Full Word Study → JesusἸησοῦIēsou — The Lord SavesG2424 — Full Word Study → ChristΧριστοῦChristou — The Anointed OneG5547 — Full Word Study → be with allπάντωνpantōn — all, every, the whole ofG3956 — Full Word Study → of youὑμῶνhymōn — You (singular or plural pronoun)G4771 — Full Word Study →.
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Chapter Commentary — 2 Thessalonians 3
Chapter Overview

Chapter Overview

In this final chapter of 2 Thessalonians, Paul shifts from doctrinal instruction to practical pastoral exhortation. Having addressed their concerns about the Day of the Lord, Paul now calls the church to prayer, reminds them of his own example of hard work, and addresses a specific problem: some believers have become idle and disruptive, apparently assuming that Christ's return was imminent. Paul combines firmness with compassion, commanding discipline while encouraging the church not to grow weary in doing good. This chapter exemplifies how sound doctrine must always lead to responsible Christian living and faithful community care.

Verses 1–5: A Call to Prayer and Confidence

Paul begins by asking the Thessalonians to pray for the apostolic team, specifically that God's Word might have "free course" and be glorified among them as it is in the church itself. He also requests prayer for protection from hostile, unreasonable people who oppose the gospel—a reality many early Christians faced. In verse 3, Paul pivots to assurance: "the Lord is faithful." God will establish and protect them from evil. This is not a promise of ease, but of security in Christ. Paul expresses confidence in their obedience (verse 4) and then offers a beautiful prayer that their hearts would be directed into God's love and patient expectation of Christ's return (verse 5). Here we see the balance between vigilance against false doctrine and peace rooted in God's faithfulness.

Verses 6–9: Paul's Own Example

Paul now addresses the disorderly conduct directly, commanding believers to "withdraw yourselves from every brother that walketh disorderly" (verse 6). This is not personal rejection, but corrective separation meant to restore. Paul then points to his own conduct as the standard they should follow. In verses 8 and 9, he reminds them that although he had the right to receive support, he instead worked "night and day" to avoid burdening anyone. His motive was not legalistic self-denial but to "make ourselves an ensample unto you to follow." Leaders set the tone; Paul's sacrifice demonstrated his integrity and his investment in their spiritual welfare.

Verses 10–15: Addressing Idleness with Love

The core issue emerges clearly in verses 10–11: some believers are not working at all but are becoming busybodies—meddlers and gossips. This likely stems from eschatological excitement (they thought Christ was coming immediately) but has created practical problems. Paul's command is direct: "if any would not work, neither should he eat" (verse 10). Work is not optional; it is a biblical responsibility. Verse 12 softens the tone slightly—Paul commands such people to work "with quietness" and earn their own bread. Meanwhile, verse 13 encourages the faithful: "be not weary in well doing." Don't lose heart because of troublemakers in your midst.

Verses 14–15 establish the discipline procedure. Those who persistently disobey should be noted and avoided socially, "that he may be ashamed"—but critically, they are not to be treated as enemies. The goal is always restoration through admonishment as a brother. This reflects Christ's heart: firm boundaries combined with the hope of repentance.

Verses 16–18: The Benediction

Paul concludes with a peace benediction (verse 16), his personal signature (verse 17—apparently to verify authenticity), and a grace blessing (verse 18). These closing verses remind us that all authority and all peace flow from Christ.

Application for Today

The Thessalonian problem—confusion about the end times leading to idleness and disruption—remains relevant. Christians today must guard against escapism that neglects present responsibilities. Work, stewardship, and community integrity matter. When church discipline is necessary, it must be exercised in love and with the genuine hope of restoration. Finally, Paul's example teaches leaders to earn respect through integrity, sacrifice, and genuine care for those they serve.

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