Keraia
2 Thessalonians 3

2 Thessalonians 3:8

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

Translations

Modern
…nor did we eat anyone’s food without paying for it. Instead, in labor and toil, we worked night and day so that we would not be a burden to any of you.
Traditional
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:
Literal
…nor did we eat bread from anyone without payment, but in labor and toil, working night and day in order not to be burdensome upon any of you,
Latin
…neque gratis panem manducavimus ab aliquo, sed in labore, et in fatigatione, nocte et die operantes, ne quem vestrum gravaremus.

Original

Greek
English
…nor did we eat anyone’s food without paying for it. Instead, in labor and toil, we worked night and day so that we would not be a burden to any of you.

Notes

2 Thessalonians 3:8

without paying for it: Paul taught that workers in the Christian church could receive pay for their labor (3:9; see Matthew 10:10; 1 Corinthians 9:7–14; 1 Timothy 5:17–18). However, he did not use that privilege (1 Thessalonians 2:9; 2 Thessalonians 3:6–10).

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 Tentmaker

Topics

Christian Minister: Emoluments (Benefits) of Commandments: Precepts of Paul--Explicitly Stated or Implied in Didactic Epistles Example: Paul, Our Industry: Paul Labor: General Scriptures Concerning Men Working Paul: His Independence of Character Religious Zeal: Exemplified by Paul Unselfishness: Paul Welfare