1 Thessalonians 4:11
And that ye study to be quiet, and to do your own business, and to work with your own hands, as we commanded you;
Original Language Analysis
καὶ
And
G2532
καὶ
And
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
1 of 16
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
φιλοτιμεῖσθαι
that ye study
G5389
φιλοτιμεῖσθαι
that ye study
Strong's:
G5389
Word #:
2 of 16
to be fond of honor, i.e., emulous (eager or earnest to do something)
ἡσυχάζειν
to be quiet
G2270
ἡσυχάζειν
to be quiet
Strong's:
G2270
Word #:
3 of 16
to keep still (intransitively), i.e., refrain from labor, meddlesomeness or speech
καὶ
And
G2532
καὶ
And
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
4 of 16
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
πράσσειν
to do
G4238
πράσσειν
to do
Strong's:
G4238
Word #:
5 of 16
to "practise", i.e., perform repeatedly or habitually (thus differing from g4160, which properly refers to a single act); by implication, to execute,
τὰ
G3588
τὰ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
6 of 16
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
ἰδίαις
own
G2398
ἰδίαις
own
Strong's:
G2398
Word #:
7 of 16
pertaining to self, i.e., one's own; by implication, private or separate
καὶ
And
G2532
καὶ
And
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
8 of 16
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
ἐργάζεσθαι
to work with
G2038
ἐργάζεσθαι
to work with
Strong's:
G2038
Word #:
9 of 16
to toil (as a task, occupation, etc.), (by implication) effect, be engaged in or with, etc
ταῖς
G3588
ταῖς
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
10 of 16
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
ἰδίαις
own
G2398
ἰδίαις
own
Strong's:
G2398
Word #:
11 of 16
pertaining to self, i.e., one's own; by implication, private or separate
Cross References
Ephesians 4:28Let him that stole steal no more: but rather let him labour, working with his hands the thing which is good, that he may have to give to him that needeth.Ecclesiastes 4:6Better is an handful with quietness, than both the hands full with travail and vexation of spirit.1 Peter 3:4But let it be the hidden man of the heart, in that which is not corruptible, even the ornament of a meek and quiet spirit, which is in the sight of God of great price.Titus 3:14And let our's also learn to maintain good works for necessary uses, that they be not unfruitful.1 Timothy 2:2For kings, and for all that are in authority; that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and honesty.Lamentations 3:26It is good that a man should both hope and quietly wait for the salvation of the LORD.Proverbs 17:1Better is a dry morsel, and quietness therewith, than an house full of sacrifices with strife.1 Corinthians 4:12And labour, working with our own hands: being reviled, we bless; being persecuted, we suffer it:1 Timothy 5:13And withal they learn to be idle, wandering about from house to house; and not only idle, but tattlers also and busybodies, speaking things which they ought not.2 Corinthians 5:9Wherefore we labour, that, whether present or absent, we may be accepted of him.
Historical Context
The Thessalonians' intense expectation of Christ's return led some to apocalyptic fanaticism—quitting jobs, meddling in others' affairs, living off church charity. This problem worsened, requiring Paul's strong correction in 2 Thessalonians 3:10: 'If any would not work, neither should he eat.' The cultural context made Paul's teaching radical: Greek culture viewed manual labor as degrading (fit only for slaves); Paul teaches it's honorable Christian service. This transformed Western work ethic—viewing all honest labor as God-honoring vocation, not just 'spiritual' ministry.
Questions for Reflection
- How does expectation of Christ's imminent return motivate diligent work rather than excuse idleness in your life?
- What does 'aspire to live quietly' mean practically in a culture promoting self-promotion and constant activity?
- How do you view manual labor and 'ordinary' work—as inferior to 'spiritual' ministry or as equally God-honoring vocation?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
And that ye study to be quiet, and to do your own business, and to work with your own hands, as we commanded you—kai philotimeisthai hēsychazein kai prassein ta idia kai ergazesthai tais chersin hymōn kathōs hymin parēngeilamen (καὶ φιλοτιμεῖσθαι ἡσυχάζειν καὶ πράσσειν τὰ ἴδια καὶ ἐργάζεσθαι ταῖς χερσὶν ὑμῶν καθὼς ὑμῖν παρηγγείλαμεν). Three commands address idleness:
Why this instruction? Apparently some Thessalonians, expecting Christ's imminent return, quit working and became busybodies (2 Thess 3:6-12).
Paul corrects this: eager expectation of the parousia doesn't excuse laziness. 'Study to be quiet' isn't introversion but peaceful, productive living (not causing disturbances or living off others). 'Work with your own hands' elevates manual labor (culturally despised by Greeks as fit only for slaves) as honorable Christian calling. Paul modeled this by supporting himself through tentmaking (2:9). Faith in Christ's return motivates diligence, not idleness—we occupy until He comes (Luke 19:13).