Keraia
2 Thessalonians 3

2 Thessalonians 3:10

A Warning against Idleness · 2 Thessalonians 3:6–15
Read 2 Thessalonians 3

Translations

Modern
For even while we were with you, we gave you this command: “If anyone is unwilling to work, he shall not eat.”
Traditional
For even when we were with you, this we commanded you, that if any would not work, neither should he eat.
Literal
For even when we were with you, we were commanding you this, that “if anyone is not willing to work, neither let him eat.”
Latin
Nam et cum essemus apud vos, hoc denuntiabamus vobis: quoniam si quis non vult operari, nec manducet.

Original

Greek
English
For even while we were with you, we gave you this command: “If anyone is unwilling to work, he shall not eat.”

Notes

2 Thessalonians 3:10

Work is the right way to earn a living (see Genesis 3:17–19; Psalm 128:2; Proverbs 10:4). Paul says the church is not responsible for feeding Christians who refuse to work.

2 Thessalonians 3:6–15

In his previous letter, Paul addressed the issue of church members who were lazy and refused to work (1 Thessalonians 4:11–12; 5:14). Some ignored his message and example, so he provides more guidance on how to treat these members.

Glossary

Biblical Concept of Law Paul the Apostle Second Letter to the Thessalonians Work

Topics

Being Lazy Being Taken Advantage Of Business Practices Capitalism Commandments: Precepts of Paul--Explicitly Stated or Implied in Didactic Epistles Example: Paul, Our Fiscal Responsibility Games of Chance Hard Work Idle Hands Idleness: General Scriptures Concerning Industry: General Scriptures Concerning Jobs Labor: General Scriptures Concerning Laziness Lazy People Men Working Not Working Sloth Slothfulness: General Scriptures Concerning Stock Investment Work Work Ethic Working Working for God Working Hard