King James Version

What Does 2 Thessalonians 3:4 Mean?

2 Thessalonians 3:4 in the King James Version says “And we have confidence in the Lord touching you, that ye both do and will do the things which we command you.” — study this verse from 2 Thessalonians chapter 3 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

“And we have confidence in the Lord touching you, that ye both do and will do the things which we command you.”

2 Thessalonians 3:4 · KJV

Context

2

And that we may be delivered from unreasonable and wicked men: for all men have not faith. unreasonable: Gr. absurd

3

But the Lord is faithful, who shall stablish you, and keep you from evil.

4

And we have confidence in the Lord touching you, that ye both do and will do the things which we command you.

5

And the Lord direct your hearts into the love of God, and into the patient waiting for Christ. patient: or, patience of Christ

6

Now 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.

Read 2 Thessalonians 3 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study 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.

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Historical & Cultural 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.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does confidence 'in the Lord' regarding others differ from naive optimism about human nature?
  2. What commands of Scripture are you currently obeying and committed to continuing?
  3. How can you encourage fellow believers' obedience while still addressing sin?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 14 words
πεποίθαμεν1 of 14

“we have confidence”

G3982

to convince (by argument, true or false); by analogy, to pacify or conciliate (by other fair means); reflexively or passively, to assent (to evidence

δὲ2 of 14

“And”

G1161

but, and, etc

ἐν3 of 14

“in”

G1722

"in," at, (up-)on, by, etc

κυρίῳ4 of 14

“the Lord”

G2962

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

ἐφ'5 of 14

“touching”

G1909

properly, meaning superimposition (of time, place, order, etc.), as a relation of distribution (with the genitive case), i.e., over, upon, etc.; of re

ὑμᾶς6 of 14

“you”

G5209

you (as the objective of a verb or preposition)

ὅτι7 of 14

“that”

G3754

demonstrative, that (sometimes redundant); causative, because

ἃ8 of 14

“the things which”

G3739

the relatively (sometimes demonstrative) pronoun, who, which, what, that

παραγγέλλομεν9 of 14

“we command”

G3853

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

ὑμῖν,10 of 14

“you”

G5213

to (with or by) you

καὶ11 of 14

“and”

G2532

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

ποιήσετε12 of 14

“do”

G4160

to make or do (in a very wide application, more or less direct)

καὶ13 of 14

“and”

G2532

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

ποιήσετε14 of 14

“do”

G4160

to make or do (in a very wide application, more or less direct)

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 3:4 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 3:4 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Philippians 1:6Philemon 1:211 Thessalonians 4:102 Corinthians 2:3Philippians 2:122 Thessalonians 3:6

Test Your Knowledge

2 Thessalonians 3 QuizTest your knowledge of this chapter2 Thessalonians Book QuizComprehensive quiz for the entire book

Continue Your Study

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