2 Thessalonians Chapter 3 · Verse 15
Yet count him not as an enemy, but admonish him as a brother.
Original Language Analysis
καὶ
Yet
G2532
καὶ
Yet
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
1 of 9
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
μὴ
him not
G3361
μὴ
him not
Strong's:
G3361
Word #:
2 of 9
(adverb) not, (conjunction) lest; also (as an interrogative implying a negative answer (whereas g3756 expects an affirmative one)) whether
ὡς
as
G5613
ὡς
as
Strong's:
G5613
Word #:
3 of 9
which how, i.e., in that manner (very variously used, as follows)
ἐχθρὸν
an enemy
G2190
ἐχθρὸν
an enemy
Strong's:
G2190
Word #:
4 of 9
hateful (passively, odious, or actively, hostile); usually as a noun, an adversary (especially satan)
ἡγεῖσθε
count
G2233
ἡγεῖσθε
count
Strong's:
G2233
Word #:
5 of 9
to lead, i.e., command (with official authority); figuratively, to deem, i.e., consider
ἀλλὰ
but
G235
ἀλλὰ
but
Strong's:
G235
Word #:
6 of 9
properly, other things, i.e., (adverbially) contrariwise (in many relations)
νουθετεῖτε
admonish
G3560
νουθετεῖτε
admonish
Strong's:
G3560
Word #:
7 of 9
to put in mind, i.e., (by implication) to caution or reprove gently
Cross References
Titus 3:10A man that is an heretick after the first and second admonition reject;1 Corinthians 5:5To deliver such an one unto Satan for the destruction of the flesh, that the spirit may be saved in the day of the Lord Jesus.1 Thessalonians 5:14Now we exhort you, brethren, warn them that are unruly, comfort the feebleminded, support the weak, be patient toward all men.1 Corinthians 4:14I write not these things to shame you, but as my beloved sons I warn you.Proverbs 9:9Give instruction to a wise man, and he will be yet wiser: teach a just man, and he will increase in learning.Proverbs 25:12As an earring of gold, and an ornament of fine gold, so is a wise reprover upon an obedient ear.Galatians 6:1Brethren, if a man be overtaken in a fault, ye which are spiritual, restore such an one in the spirit of meekness; considering thyself, lest thou also be tempted.
Historical Context
Jewish synagogues practiced excommunication (being 'put out,' John 9:22). Paul's milder discipline keeps the door open for repentance. This reflects Jesus's treatment of straying sheep—pursue, not abandon. Early church discipline was consistently redemptive, not merely punitive.
Questions for Reflection
- How do you correct fellow believers without treating them as enemies?
- What discipline have you received that felt like punishment versus loving correction?
- How can you pursue a wayward Christian's restoration while maintaining appropriate boundaries?
Analysis & Commentary
Yet count him not as an enemy, but admonish him as a brother—Yet qualifies the shunning (v. 14). Count him not as an enemy (mē hōs echthron hēgeisthe, μὴ ὡς ἐχθρὸν ἡγεῖσθε)—don't treat as an outsider or opponent. But admonish him as a brother (nouthetreite hōs adelphon, νουθετεῖτε ὡς ἀδελφόν)—warn, correct, instruct him as family.
This distinguishes church discipline from excommunication. The disobedient brother remains a brother—family under discipline, not expelled. Noutheteō (νουθετέω, admonish) combines warning with instruction, confronting while offering a path to restoration. Discipline without hatred, distance without divorce—tough love that pursues the wanderer.