King James Version

What Does 2 Thessalonians 3:15 Mean?

2 Thessalonians 3:15 in the King James Version says “Yet count him not as an enemy, but admonish him as a brother. — study this verse from 2 Thessalonians chapter 3 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

Yet count him not as an enemy, but admonish him as a brother.

2 Thessalonians 3:15 · KJV


Context

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

15

Yet count him not as an enemy, but admonish him as a brother.

16

Now the Lord of peace himself give you peace always by all means. The Lord be with you all.

17

The salutation of Paul with mine own hand, which is the token in every epistle: so I write.


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Yet count him not as an enemy, but admonish him as a brotherYet 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.

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Historical & Cultural 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.

Reflection Questions

  1. How do you correct fellow believers without treating them as enemies?
  2. What discipline have you received that felt like punishment versus loving correction?
  3. How can you pursue a wayward Christian's restoration while maintaining appropriate boundaries?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 9 words
καὶ1 of 9

Yet

G2532

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

μὴ2 of 9

him not

G3361

(adverb) not, (conjunction) lest; also (as an interrogative implying a negative answer (whereas g3756 expects an affirmative one)) whether

ὡς3 of 9

as

G5613

which how, i.e., in that manner (very variously used, as follows)

ἐχθρὸν4 of 9

an enemy

G2190

hateful (passively, odious, or actively, hostile); usually as a noun, an adversary (especially satan)

ἡγεῖσθε5 of 9

count

G2233

to lead, i.e., command (with official authority); figuratively, to deem, i.e., consider

ἀλλὰ6 of 9

but

G235

properly, other things, i.e., (adverbially) contrariwise (in many relations)

νουθετεῖτε7 of 9

admonish

G3560

to put in mind, i.e., (by implication) to caution or reprove gently

ὡς8 of 9

as

G5613

which how, i.e., in that manner (very variously used, as follows)

ἀδελφόν9 of 9

a brother

G80

a brother (literally or figuratively) near or remote (much like g0001)


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 3:15 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 3:15 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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