King James Version
What Does 2 Thessalonians 3:15 Mean?
“Yet count him not as an enemy, but admonish him as a brother.”
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
Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers(15) **Yet.**—The original is simply *And, *which is much more beautiful, implying that this very withdrawal from brotherly intercourse was an act of brotherly kindness.
**An enemy.**—In the private, not the public, sense. “Do not think of him as one with whom you must be *at feud, *to be thwarted and humbled on every occasion.” St. Chrysostom exclaims, “How soon the father’s-heart breaks down!”
**Admonish him as a brother.**—How was this to be done without “having company” with him? Perhaps the presbyters, to whom the work of “admonishing,” or “warning,” specially belonged (see 1Thessalonians 5:12; 1Thessalonians 5:14), were to visit them in private with that object. Or possibly, the admonition was to consist in the act of separation, and not in verbal reproof at all.
Charles John Ellicott (1819–1905). Public Domain.
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
Cross-references from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge