2 Thessalonians 3:6
Now we command you, brethren, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that ye withdraw yourselves from every brother that walketh disorderly, and not after the tradition which he received of us.
Original Language Analysis
Παραγγέλλομεν
we command
G3853
Παραγγέλλομεν
we command
Strong's:
G3853
Word #:
1 of 27
to transmit a message, i.e., (by implication) to enjoin
ἀδελφοῦ
brethren
G80
ἀδελφοῦ
brethren
Strong's:
G80
Word #:
4 of 27
a brother (literally or figuratively) near or remote (much like g0001)
ὀνόματι
the name
G3686
ὀνόματι
the name
Strong's:
G3686
Word #:
6 of 27
a "name" (literally or figuratively) (authority, character)
τοῦ
G3588
τοῦ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
7 of 27
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
κυρίου
Lord
G2962
κυρίου
Lord
Strong's:
G2962
Word #:
8 of 27
supreme in authority, i.e., (as noun) controller; by implication, master (as a respectful title)
Ἰησοῦ
Jesus
G2424
Ἰησοῦ
Jesus
Strong's:
G2424
Word #:
10 of 27
jesus (i.e., jehoshua), the name of our lord and two (three) other israelites
στέλλεσθαι
that ye withdraw
G4724
στέλλεσθαι
that ye withdraw
Strong's:
G4724
Word #:
12 of 27
properly, to set fast ("stall"), i.e., (figuratively) to repress (reflexively, abstain from associating with)
ἀπὸ
from
G575
ἀπὸ
from
Strong's:
G575
Word #:
14 of 27
"off," i.e., away (from something near), in various senses (of place, time, or relation; literal or figurative)
ἀδελφοῦ
brethren
G80
ἀδελφοῦ
brethren
Strong's:
G80
Word #:
16 of 27
a brother (literally or figuratively) near or remote (much like g0001)
περιπατοῦντος
that walketh
G4043
περιπατοῦντος
that walketh
Strong's:
G4043
Word #:
18 of 27
to tread all around, i.e., walk at large (especially as proof of ability); figuratively, to live, deport oneself, follow (as a companion or votary)
καὶ
and
G2532
καὶ
and
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
19 of 27
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
μὴ
not
G3361
μὴ
not
Strong's:
G3361
Word #:
20 of 27
(adverb) not, (conjunction) lest; also (as an interrogative implying a negative answer (whereas g3756 expects an affirmative one)) whether
κατὰ
after
G2596
κατὰ
after
Strong's:
G2596
Word #:
21 of 27
(prepositionally) down (in place or time), in varied relations (according to the case (genitive, dative or accusative) with which it is joined)
τὴν
G3588
τὴν
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
22 of 27
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
παράδοσιν
the tradition
G3862
παράδοσιν
the tradition
Strong's:
G3862
Word #:
23 of 27
transmission, i.e., (concretely) a precept; specially, the jewish traditionary law
ἣν
which
G3739
ἣν
which
Strong's:
G3739
Word #:
24 of 27
the relatively (sometimes demonstrative) pronoun, who, which, what, that
παρέλαβεν
he received
G3880
παρέλαβεν
he received
Strong's:
G3880
Word #:
25 of 27
to receive near, i.e., associate with oneself (in any familiar or intimate act or relation); by analogy, to assume an office; figuratively, to learn
Cross References
2 Thessalonians 3:7For yourselves know how ye ought to follow us: for we behaved not ourselves disorderly among you;Romans 16:17Now I beseech you, brethren, mark them which cause divisions and offences contrary to the doctrine which ye have learned; and avoid them.1 Thessalonians 5:14Now we exhort you, brethren, warn them that are unruly, comfort the feebleminded, support the weak, be patient toward all men.Colossians 3:17And whatsoever ye do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God and the Father by him.1 Thessalonians 4:1Furthermore then we beseech you, brethren, and exhort you by the Lord Jesus, that as ye have received of us how ye ought to walk and to please God, so ye would abound more and more.2 Thessalonians 2:15Therefore, brethren, stand fast, and hold the traditions which ye have been taught, whether by word, or our epistle.1 Corinthians 5:4In the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, when ye are gathered together, and my spirit, with the power of our Lord Jesus Christ,1 Corinthians 11:2Now I praise you, brethren, that ye remember me in all things, and keep the ordinances, as I delivered them to you.2 Timothy 3:5Having a form of godliness, but denying the power thereof: from such turn away.Ephesians 4:17This I say therefore, and testify in the Lord, that ye henceforth walk not as other Gentiles walk, in the vanity of their mind,
Historical Context
Some Thessalonians, believing Christ's return was imminent, quit working and became burdens on the church (cf. 1 Thess. 4:11-12, 5:14). This was disorderly—violating apostolic instruction to work. Paul mandates discipline to protect the church's testimony and resources.
Questions for Reflection
- What 'disorderly' behavior in fellow Christians requires your loving confrontation?
- How do you balance grace toward struggling believers with necessary church discipline?
- Why is withdrawal from fellowship sometimes more loving than continued association?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
Now we command you, brethren, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that ye withdraw yourselves from every brother that walketh disorderly, and not after the tradition which he received of us—we command (parangellomen, παραγγέλλομεν, military order) in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ (Christ's authority, not Paul's). The command: withdraw yourselves from (stellesthai hymas apo, στέλλεσθαι ὑμᾶς ἀπό, avoid, shun) every brother that walketh disorderly (ataktōs, ἀτάκτως, 'out of rank,' like undisciplined soldiers).
And not after the tradition (paradosin, παράδοσιν, apostolic teaching)—they've rejected instruction. Church discipline requires separating from professing believers who persist in sin. This isn't excommunication (v. 15 calls them 'brother') but social distancing to induce shame and repentance. Love sometimes requires withdrawal.