2 Thessalonians 3:12

Authorized King James Version

PDF

Now them that are such we command and exhort by our Lord Jesus Christ, that with quietness they work, and eat their own bread.

Original Language Analysis

τοῖς G3588
τοῖς
Strong's: G3588
Word #: 1 of 20
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
δὲ Now G1161
δὲ Now
Strong's: G1161
Word #: 2 of 20
but, and, etc
τοιούτοις them that are such G5108
τοιούτοις them that are such
Strong's: G5108
Word #: 3 of 20
truly this, i.e., of this sort (to denote character or individuality)
παραγγέλλομεν we command G3853
παραγγέλλομεν we command
Strong's: G3853
Word #: 4 of 20
to transmit a message, i.e., (by implication) to enjoin
καὶ and G2532
καὶ and
Strong's: G2532
Word #: 5 of 20
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
παρακαλοῦμεν exhort G3870
παρακαλοῦμεν exhort
Strong's: G3870
Word #: 6 of 20
to call near, i.e., invite, invoke (by imploration, hortation or consolation)
διὰ by G1223
διὰ by
Strong's: G1223
Word #: 7 of 20
through (in very wide applications, local, causal, or occasional)
τοῦ G3588
τοῦ
Strong's: G3588
Word #: 8 of 20
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
κυρίου Lord G2962
κυρίου Lord
Strong's: G2962
Word #: 9 of 20
supreme in authority, i.e., (as noun) controller; by implication, master (as a respectful title)
ἡμῶν our G2257
ἡμῶν our
Strong's: G2257
Word #: 10 of 20
of (or from) us
Ἰησοῦ Jesus G2424
Ἰησοῦ Jesus
Strong's: G2424
Word #: 11 of 20
jesus (i.e., jehoshua), the name of our lord and two (three) other israelites
Χριστου, Christ G5547
Χριστου, Christ
Strong's: G5547
Word #: 12 of 20
anointed, i.e., the messiah, an epithet of jesus
ἵνα that G2443
ἵνα that
Strong's: G2443
Word #: 13 of 20
in order that (denoting the purpose or the result)
μετὰ with G3326
μετὰ with
Strong's: G3326
Word #: 14 of 20
properly, denoting accompaniment; "amid" (local or causal); modified variously according to the case (genitive association, or accusative succession)
ἡσυχίας quietness G2271
ἡσυχίας quietness
Strong's: G2271
Word #: 15 of 20
(as noun) stillness, i.e., desistance from bustle or language
ἐργαζόμενοι they work G2038
ἐργαζόμενοι they work
Strong's: G2038
Word #: 16 of 20
to toil (as a task, occupation, etc.), (by implication) effect, be engaged in or with, etc
τὸν G3588
τὸν
Strong's: G3588
Word #: 17 of 20
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
ἑαυτῶν their own G1438
ἑαυτῶν their own
Strong's: G1438
Word #: 18 of 20
(him- her-, it-, them-, my-, thy-, our-, your-)self (selves), etc
ἄρτον bread G740
ἄρτον bread
Strong's: G740
Word #: 19 of 20
bread (as raised) or a loaf
ἐσθίωσιν and eat G2068
ἐσθίωσιν and eat
Strong's: G2068
Word #: 20 of 20
used only in certain tenses, the rest being supplied by g5315; to eat (usually literal)

Analysis & Commentary

Now them that are such we command and exhort by our Lord Jesus Christ, that with quietness they work, and eat their own bread—them that are such (the idle busybodies) receive both command (parangellomen, παραγγέλλομεν, military order) and exhort (parakalōmen, παρακαλοῦμεν, encourage/entreat). By our Lord Jesus Christ (en Kyriō Iēsou Christō, ἐν Κυρίῳ Ἰησοῦ Χριστῷ)—Christ's authority backs the instruction.

That with quietness they work (meta hēsychias ergazomenoi, μετὰ ἡσυχίας ἐργαζόμενοι)—stop meddling, settle down, focus on assigned tasks. And eat their own bread (ton heautōn arton esthiōsin, τὸν ἑαυτῶν ἄρτον ἐσθίωσιν)—earn their own food, stop mooching. Dignity comes from self-support, not dependence. Quiet, steady labor honors God more than spectacular idleness.

Historical Context

Jewish culture honored trades—rabbis were tentmakers, carpenters, farmers. Greeks and Romans despised manual labor as slavish. Paul's command reflects Hebrew, not Hellenistic, values. Christianity dignified labor as God-honoring, regardless of occupation's social status.

Questions for Reflection

Related Resources

Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.

Topics