King James Version

What Does 2 Thessalonians 3:12 Mean?

2 Thessalonians 3:12 in the King James Version says “Now them that are such we command and exhort by our Lord Jesus Christ, that with quietness they work, and eat their own ... — study this verse from 2 Thessalonians chapter 3 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

Now 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 3:12 · KJV


Context

10

For even when we were with you, this we commanded you, that if any would not work, neither should he eat.

11

For we hear that there are some which walk among you disorderly, working not at all, but are busybodies.

12

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

13

But ye, brethren, be not weary in well doing. be: or, faint not

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. by: or, signify that man by an epistle


Commentary

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

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Historical & Cultural 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.

Reflection Questions

  1. What 'quiet work' has God assigned you that you're neglecting for more visible activities?
  2. How does financial independence through honest labor protect your Christian testimony?
  3. In what areas are you dependent on others where you should be self-supporting?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 20 words
τοῖς1 of 20
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

δὲ2 of 20

Now

G1161

but, and, etc

τοιούτοις3 of 20

them that are such

G5108

truly this, i.e., of this sort (to denote character or individuality)

παραγγέλλομεν4 of 20

we command

G3853

to transmit a message, i.e., (by implication) to enjoin

καὶ5 of 20

and

G2532

and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words

παρακαλοῦμεν6 of 20

exhort

G3870

to call near, i.e., invite, invoke (by imploration, hortation or consolation)

διὰ7 of 20

by

G1223

through (in very wide applications, local, causal, or occasional)

τοῦ8 of 20
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

κυρίου9 of 20

Lord

G2962

supreme in authority, i.e., (as noun) controller; by implication, master (as a respectful title)

ἡμῶν10 of 20

our

G2257

of (or from) us

Ἰησοῦ11 of 20

Jesus

G2424

jesus (i.e., jehoshua), the name of our lord and two (three) other israelites

Χριστου,12 of 20

Christ

G5547

anointed, i.e., the messiah, an epithet of jesus

ἵνα13 of 20

that

G2443

in order that (denoting the purpose or the result)

μετὰ14 of 20

with

G3326

properly, denoting accompaniment; "amid" (local or causal); modified variously according to the case (genitive association, or accusative succession)

ἡσυχίας15 of 20

quietness

G2271

(as noun) stillness, i.e., desistance from bustle or language

ἐργαζόμενοι16 of 20

they work

G2038

to toil (as a task, occupation, etc.), (by implication) effect, be engaged in or with, etc

τὸν17 of 20
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

ἑαυτῶν18 of 20

their own

G1438

(him- her-, it-, them-, my-, thy-, our-, your-)self (selves), etc

ἄρτον19 of 20

bread

G740

bread (as raised) or a loaf

ἐσθίωσιν20 of 20

and eat

G2068

used only in certain tenses, the rest being supplied by g5315; to eat (usually literal)


Study Guide

Historical Context

This verse is found in the book of 2 Thessalonians. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.

Theological Significance

2 Thessalonians 3:12 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

Cross-References

Verses related to 2 Thessalonians 3:12 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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