2 Thessalonians 3:14
And if any man obey not our word by this epistle, note that man, and have no company with him, that he may be ashamed.
Original Language Analysis
ὑπακούει
obey
G5219
ὑπακούει
obey
Strong's:
G5219
Word #:
5 of 19
to hear under (as a subordinate), i.e., to listen attentively; by implication, to heed or conform to a command or authority
τῷ
G3588
τῷ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
6 of 19
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
λόγῳ
word
G3056
λόγῳ
word
Strong's:
G3056
Word #:
7 of 19
something said (including the thought); by implication, a topic (subject of discourse), also reasoning (the mental faculty) or motive; by extension, a
διὰ
by
G1223
διὰ
by
Strong's:
G1223
Word #:
9 of 19
through (in very wide applications, local, causal, or occasional)
τῆς
G3588
τῆς
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
10 of 19
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
καὶ
man and
G2532
καὶ
man and
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
14 of 19
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
μὴ
no
G3361
μὴ
no
Strong's:
G3361
Word #:
15 of 19
(adverb) not, (conjunction) lest; also (as an interrogative implying a negative answer (whereas g3756 expects an affirmative one)) whether
συναναμίγνυσθε
company with
G4874
συναναμίγνυσθε
company with
Strong's:
G4874
Word #:
16 of 19
to mix up together, i.e., (figurative) associate with
αὐτῷ
him
G846
αὐτῷ
him
Strong's:
G846
Word #:
17 of 19
the reflexive pronoun self, used (alone or in the comparative g1438) of the third person, and (with the proper personal pronoun) of the other persons
Cross References
Titus 3:10A man that is an heretick after the first and second admonition reject;1 Corinthians 5:11But now I have written unto you not to keep company, if any man that is called a brother be a fornicator, or covetous, or an idolater, or a railer, or a drunkard, or an extortioner; with such an one no not to eat.2 Thessalonians 3:6Now 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.Psalms 83:16Fill their faces with shame; that they may seek thy name, O LORD.1 Thessalonians 4:8He therefore that despiseth, despiseth not man, but God, who hath also given unto us his holy Spirit.Proverbs 5:13And have not obeyed the voice of my teachers, nor inclined mine ear to them that instructed me!
Historical Context
In close-knit ancient communities, social exclusion was severe punishment. Being 'marked' meant public identification as under discipline. This preserved church purity and motivated repentance more effectively than private reproof. Modern individualism weakens this discipline's power.
Questions for Reflection
- How does your church practice redemptive discipline for persistent, unrepentant sin?
- When have you needed loving confrontation that produced godly shame and repentance?
- How do you balance pursuing restoration with protecting the church's witness?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
And if any man obey not our word by this epistle, note that man, and have no company with him, that he may be ashamed—escalating discipline: if any man obey not our word by this epistle (refuses the written apostolic command), note that man (sēmeiousthe touton, σημειοῦσθε τοῦτον, mark him out, identify him publicly). Have no company with him (mē synanamignysthai autō, μὴ συναναμίγνυσθαι αὐτῷ, don't associate/mix with)—social withdrawal.
Purpose: that he may be ashamed (hina entrapē, ἵνα ἐντραπῇ, feel ashamed, be brought to repentance). Shunning isn't vindictive but redemptive—designed to produce godly shame leading to change. The church protects its testimony while pursuing the sinner's restoration. This balances grace and accountability.