1 Thessalonians 4:11

Modern

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

Traditional

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

Literal

…and to strive earnestly to live quietly and to do your own things, and to work with your own hands, just as we commanded you,

Latin

…et operam detis ut quieti sitis, et ut vestrum negotium agatis, et operemini manibus vestris, sicut præcepimus vobis:

Greek

English

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

to live quietly means being worthy of respect and not causing problems in the community.
work with your hands: The apostle Paul had previously instructed through his teaching and personal example that they should earn their own living (see Thessalonians 3:7–9; 10).

Paul answers questions from the Thessalonians (see 1 Corinthians 7:1), questions about:

The second part of the letter discusses Timothy's news about the church and the questions the Christians had for Paul.

Paul addresses:

the problem of sexual immorality (4:3–8) before responding to the Thessalonians’ questions about love for other Christians (4:9–12),
the fate of Christians who have died (4:13–18), and
the timing of "the Day of the Lord" (5:1–11).

Paul offers advice on topics such as leadership and community relations, the relationship with the Lord, and prophecy (5:12–22).

Theme notes and profiles

Ephesians 4:28
He who has been stealing must steal no longer, but must work, doing good with his own hands, that he may have something to share with the one in need.
Ecclesiastes 4:6
Better one handful with tranquility than two handfuls with toil and pursuit of the wind.
1 Peter 3:4
…but from the inner disposition of your heart, the unfading beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is precious in God’s sight.
Titus 3:14
And our people must also learn to devote themselves to good works in order to meet the pressing needs of others, so that they will not be unfruitful.
Proverbs 17:1
Better a dry morsel in quietness than a house full of feasting with strife.
Lamentations 3:26
It is good to wait quietly for the salvation of the LORD.
1 Timothy 2:2
…for kings and all those in authority—so that we may lead tranquil and quiet lives in all godliness and dignity.
1 Corinthians 4:12
We work hard with our own hands. When we are vilified, we bless; when we are persecuted, we endure it;
Romans 12:11
Do not let your zeal subside; keep your spiritual fervor, serving the Lord.
1 Timothy 5:13
At the same time they will also learn to be idle, going from house to house and being not only idle, but also gossips and busybodies, discussing things they should not mention.
2 Corinthians 5:9
So we aspire to please Him, whether we are at home in this body or away from it.
1 Peter 4:15
Indeed, none of you should suffer as a murderer or thief or wrongdoer, or even as a meddler.