2 Thessalonians 3:8

Authorized King James Version

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:

Word-by-Word Analysis

οὐδὲ

G3761

Neither

not however, i.e., neither, nor, not even

δωρεὰν

G1432

for nought

gratuitously (literally or figuratively)

ἄρτον

G740

bread

bread (as raised) or a loaf

ἐφάγομεν

G5315

did we eat

to eat (literally or figuratively)

παρά

G3844

any man's

properly, near; i.e., (with genitive case) from beside (literally or figuratively), (with dative case) at (or in) the vicinity of (objectively or subj

τινα

G5100

to any

some or any person or object

ἀλλ'

G235

but

properly, other things, i.e., (adverbially) contrariwise (in many relations)

ἐν

G1722

with

"in," at, (up-)on, by, etc

κόπῳ

G2873

labour

a cut, i.e., (by analogy) toil (as reducing the strength), literally or figuratively; by implication, pains

#10

καὶ

G2532

and

and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words

#11

μόχθῳ

G3449

travail

toil, i.e., (by implication) sadness

#12

νύκτα

G3571

night

"night" (literally or figuratively)

#13

καὶ

G2532

and

and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words

#14

ἡμέραν

G2250

day

day, i.e., (literally) the time space between dawn and dark, or the whole 24 hours (but several days were usually reckoned by the jews as inclusive of

#15

ἐργαζόμενοι

G2038

wrought

to toil (as a task, occupation, etc.), (by implication) effect, be engaged in or with, etc

#16

πρὸς

G4314

that

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,

#17

τὸ

G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

#18

μὴ

G3361

not

(adverb) not, (conjunction) lest; also (as an interrogative implying a negative answer (whereas g3756 expects an affirmative one)) whether

#19

ἐπιβαρῆσαί

G1912

be chargeable

to be heavy upon, i.e., (pecuniarily) to be expensive to; figuratively, to be severe towards

#20

τινα

G5100

to any

some or any person or object

#21

ὑμῶν·

G5216

of you

of (from or concerning) you

Analysis

Within the broader context of 2 Thessalonians, this passage highlights salvation through declarative statements that establish theological truth. The theological weight of divine revelation connects to fundamental Christian doctrine about divine revelation, contributing to our understanding of God's nature and relationship with humanity. This verse contributes to the book's overall argument by building upon previous themes while advancing the overall message of 2 Thessalonians.

Historical Context

This passage must be understood within the political and social structures of the biblical period. The author writes to address believers seeking to understand God's will and purposes, making the emphasis on salvation particularly relevant. Historical documents from this period show cultural practices and social structures that would have been familiar to the original readers, illuminating the verse's original impact.

Questions for Reflection

How does this verse's literary context within 2 Thessalonians chapter 3 illuminate its theological significance, and what does this teach us about biblical interpretation?
In what ways does this verse's emphasis on divine revelation address religious pluralism and questions about the necessity of Christ, and how should the church respond?
How does the salvation theme in this verse connect to the overarching narrative of Scripture, and what does this reveal about God's character and purposes?