2 Thessalonians 3:4
And we have confidence in the Lord touching you, that ye both do and will do the things which we command you.
Original Language Analysis
πεποίθαμεν
we have confidence
G3982
πεποίθαμεν
we have confidence
Strong's:
G3982
Word #:
1 of 14
to convince (by argument, true or false); by analogy, to pacify or conciliate (by other fair means); reflexively or passively, to assent (to evidence
κυρίῳ
the Lord
G2962
κυρίῳ
the Lord
Strong's:
G2962
Word #:
4 of 14
supreme in authority, i.e., (as noun) controller; by implication, master (as a respectful title)
ἐφ'
touching
G1909
ἐφ'
touching
Strong's:
G1909
Word #:
5 of 14
properly, meaning superimposition (of time, place, order, etc.), as a relation of distribution (with the genitive case), i.e., over, upon, etc.; of re
ὅτι
that
G3754
ὅτι
that
Strong's:
G3754
Word #:
7 of 14
demonstrative, that (sometimes redundant); causative, because
ἃ
the things which
G3739
ἃ
the things which
Strong's:
G3739
Word #:
8 of 14
the relatively (sometimes demonstrative) pronoun, who, which, what, that
παραγγέλλομεν
we command
G3853
παραγγέλλομεν
we command
Strong's:
G3853
Word #:
9 of 14
to transmit a message, i.e., (by implication) to enjoin
καὶ
and
G2532
καὶ
and
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
11 of 14
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
ποιήσετε
do
G4160
ποιήσετε
do
Strong's:
G4160
Word #:
12 of 14
to make or do (in a very wide application, more or less direct)
Cross References
1 Thessalonians 4:10And indeed ye do it toward all the brethren which are in all Macedonia: but we beseech you, brethren, that ye increase more and more;Philippians 1:6Being confident of this very thing, that he which hath begun a good work in you will perform it until the day of Jesus Christ:2 Corinthians 2:3And I wrote this same unto you, lest, when I came, I should have sorrow from them of whom I ought to rejoice; having confidence in you all, that my joy is the joy of you all.Philippians 2:12Wherefore, my beloved, as ye have always obeyed, not as in my presence only, but now much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling.Philemon 1:21Having confidence in thy obedience I wrote unto thee, knowing that thou wilt also do more than I say.2 Thessalonians 3:12Now them that are such we command and exhort by our Lord Jesus Christ, that with quietness they work, and eat their own bread.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.Matthew 28:20Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world. Amen.
Historical Context
Pastoral ministry requires balancing encouragement and correction. Paul affirms the faithful majority before confronting the disobedient minority. This prevents corporate discouragement while addressing specific sin. Modern church discipline should follow this pattern.
Questions for Reflection
- How does confidence 'in the Lord' regarding others differ from naive optimism about human nature?
- What commands of Scripture are you currently obeying and committed to continuing?
- How can you encourage fellow believers' obedience while still addressing sin?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
And we have confidence in the Lord touching you, that ye both do and will do the things which we command you—we have confidence in the Lord (pepoithamen en Kyriō, πεποίθαμεν ἐν Κυρίῳ)—trust anchored in Christ, not human ability. Touching you (eph' hymas, ἐφ' ὑμᾶς, concerning you): that ye both do and will do (poieite kai poiēsete, ποιεῖτε καὶ ποιήσετε, present and future obedience).
Paul expresses confidence they're currently obeying the things which we command (ha parangellomen, ἃ παραγγέλλομεν, authoritative orders) and will continue. This isn't flattery but faith in God's work in them. The upcoming sharp rebuke (vv. 6-15) about idleness is addressed to a minority; Paul trusts the majority will respond rightly.