2 Thessalonians 3:10
For even when we were with you, this we commanded you, that if any would not work, neither should he eat.
Original Language Analysis
καὶ
even
G2532
καὶ
even
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
1 of 17
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
γὰρ
For
G1063
γὰρ
For
Strong's:
G1063
Word #:
2 of 17
properly, assigning a reason (used in argument, explanation or intensification; often with other particles)
πρὸς
with
G4314
πρὸς
with
Strong's:
G4314
Word #:
5 of 17
a preposition of direction; forward to, i.e., toward (with the genitive case, the side of, i.e., pertaining to; with the dative case, by the side of,
παρηγγέλλομεν
we commanded
G3853
παρηγγέλλομεν
we commanded
Strong's:
G3853
Word #:
8 of 17
to transmit a message, i.e., (by implication) to enjoin
ὅτι
that
G3754
ὅτι
that
Strong's:
G3754
Word #:
10 of 17
demonstrative, that (sometimes redundant); causative, because
θέλει
would
G2309
θέλει
would
Strong's:
G2309
Word #:
14 of 17
to determine (as an active option from subjective impulse; whereas g1014 properly denotes rather a passive acquiescence in objective considerations),
ἐργάζεσθαι
work
G2038
ἐργάζεσθαι
work
Strong's:
G2038
Word #:
15 of 17
to toil (as a task, occupation, etc.), (by implication) effect, be engaged in or with, etc
Cross References
Genesis 3:19In the sweat of thy face shalt thou eat bread, till thou return unto the ground; for out of it wast thou taken: for dust thou art, and unto dust shalt thou return.Proverbs 20:4The sluggard will not plow by reason of the cold; therefore shall he beg in harvest, and have nothing.1 Thessalonians 4:11And that ye study to be quiet, and to do your own business, and to work with your own hands, as we commanded you;Proverbs 13:4The soul of the sluggard desireth, and hath nothing: but the soul of the diligent shall be made fat.Proverbs 21:25The desire of the slothful killeth him; for his hands refuse to labour.
Historical Context
Greco-Roman society had large unemployed populations living off patrons or government grain doles. Christianity introduced dignified labor as normative, regardless of class. Paul's principle protected church resources for truly needy (widows, orphans, disabled) while refusing to subsidize laziness.
Questions for Reflection
- How do you distinguish between helping the genuinely needy and enabling the unwilling to work?
- What attitudes toward work in contemporary culture contradict biblical teaching?
- How does working 'as unto the Lord' transform mundane labor into worship?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
For even when we were with you, this we commanded you, that if any would not work, neither should he eat—when we were with you recalls Paul's initial Thessalonian ministry. This we commanded (touto parēngellomen, τοῦτο παρηγγέλλομεν, gave authoritative order): if any would not work (ei tis ou thelei ergazesthai, εἴ τις οὐ θέλει ἐργάζεσθαι, refuses to work), neither should he eat (mēde esthietō, μηδὲ ἐσθιέτω).
This isn't about inability to work (disability, unemployment) but unwillingness—thelō (θέλω, to will, desire). Those capable of labor who refuse shouldn't receive community support. This prevents enabling laziness. Work is God's creation ordinance (Gen. 2:15), not a curse. Christians must work to eat, avoiding both forced dependency and unjust exploitation of charity.