2 Thessalonians 3:8
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:
Original Language Analysis
παρά
any man's
G3844
παρά
any man's
Strong's:
G3844
Word #:
5 of 21
properly, near; i.e., (with genitive case) from beside (literally or figuratively), (with dative case) at (or in) the vicinity of (objectively or subj
ἀλλ'
but
G235
ἀλλ'
but
Strong's:
G235
Word #:
7 of 21
properly, other things, i.e., (adverbially) contrariwise (in many relations)
κόπῳ
labour
G2873
κόπῳ
labour
Strong's:
G2873
Word #:
9 of 21
a cut, i.e., (by analogy) toil (as reducing the strength), literally or figuratively; by implication, pains
καὶ
and
G2532
καὶ
and
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
10 of 21
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
καὶ
and
G2532
καὶ
and
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
13 of 21
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
ἡμέραν
day
G2250
ἡμέραν
day
Strong's:
G2250
Word #:
14 of 21
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
ἐργαζόμενοι
wrought
G2038
ἐργαζόμενοι
wrought
Strong's:
G2038
Word #:
15 of 21
to toil (as a task, occupation, etc.), (by implication) effect, be engaged in or with, etc
πρὸς
that
G4314
πρὸς
that
Strong's:
G4314
Word #:
16 of 21
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,
τὸ
G3588
τὸ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
17 of 21
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
μὴ
not
G3361
μὴ
not
Strong's:
G3361
Word #:
18 of 21
(adverb) not, (conjunction) lest; also (as an interrogative implying a negative answer (whereas g3756 expects an affirmative one)) whether
Cross References
Matthew 6:11Give us this day our daily bread.1 Thessalonians 2:9For ye remember, brethren, our labour and travail: for labouring night and day, because we would not be chargeable unto any of you, we preached unto you the gospel of God.Acts 18:3And because he was of the same craft, he abode with them, and wrought: for by their occupation they were tentmakers.Ephesians 4:28Let him that stole steal no more: but rather let him labour, working with his hands the thing which is good, that he may have to give to him that needeth.1 Corinthians 4:12And labour, working with our own hands: being reviled, we bless; being persecuted, we suffer it:1 Thessalonians 4:11And that ye study to be quiet, and to do your own business, and to work with your own hands, as we commanded you;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.
Historical Context
Itinerant preachers in the ancient world typically expected support from listeners. Cynics, Stoics, and sophists all took payment. Paul's refusal to accept payment (though entitled, 1 Cor. 9:14) distinguished Christian ministry from professional speaking and demonstrated sacrificial service.
Questions for Reflection
- What sacrifice of comfort or convenience is God calling you to make to avoid burdening others?
- How does Paul's work ethic challenge modern expectations of 'full-time ministry' support?
- In what areas are you tempted to expect support you haven't earned through labor?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
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—neither did we eat any man's bread for nought (oude dōrean arton ephagomen, οὐδὲ δωρεὰν ἄρτον ἐφάγομεν, 'not free bread did we eat')—Paul took no handouts. But wrought with labour and travail (en kopō kai mochthō, ἐν κόπῳ καὶ μόχθῳ, 'with toil and hardship'), night and day (working double shifts).
Purpose: that we might not be chargeable to any of you (pros to mē epibarēsai, πρὸς τὸ μὴ ἐπιβαρῆσαι, 'in order not to burden'). Paul sacrificed sleep and comfort to avoid imposing financially. This modeled the Christian work ethic he's about to demand. Apostles labored harder than anyone before calling others to work.