King James Version

What Does 2 Thessalonians 3:6 Mean?

2 Thessalonians 3:6 in the King James Version says “Now we command you, brethren, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that ye withdraw yourselves from every brother that ... — study this verse from 2 Thessalonians chapter 3 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

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.

2 Thessalonians 3:6 · KJV


Context

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.

7

For yourselves know how ye ought to follow us: for we behaved not ourselves disorderly among you;

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:


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
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 uswe command (parangellomen, παραγγέλλομεν, military order) in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ (Christ's authority, not Paul's). The command: withdraw yourselves from (stellesthai hymas apo, στέλλεσθαι ὑμᾶς ἀπό, avoid, shun) every brother that walketh disorderly (ataktōs, ἀτάκτως, 'out of rank,' like undisciplined soldiers).

And not after the tradition (paradosin, παράδοσιν, apostolic teaching)—they've rejected instruction. Church discipline requires separating from professing believers who persist in sin. This isn't excommunication (v. 15 calls them 'brother') but social distancing to induce shame and repentance. Love sometimes requires withdrawal.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

Some Thessalonians, believing Christ's return was imminent, quit working and became burdens on the church (cf. 1 Thess. 4:11-12, 5:14). This was disorderly—violating apostolic instruction to work. Paul mandates discipline to protect the church's testimony and resources.

Reflection Questions

  1. What 'disorderly' behavior in fellow Christians requires your loving confrontation?
  2. How do you balance grace toward struggling believers with necessary church discipline?
  3. Why is withdrawal from fellowship sometimes more loving than continued association?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 27 words
Παραγγέλλομεν1 of 27

we command

G3853

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

δὲ2 of 27

Now

G1161

but, and, etc

ὑμῖν3 of 27

you

G5213

to (with or by) you

ἀδελφοῦ4 of 27

brethren

G80

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

ἐν5 of 27

in

G1722

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

ὀνόματι6 of 27

the name

G3686

a "name" (literally or figuratively) (authority, character)

τοῦ7 of 27
G3588

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

κυρίου8 of 27

Lord

G2962

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

ἡμῶν9 of 27

of our

G2257

of (or from) us

Ἰησοῦ10 of 27

Jesus

G2424

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

Χριστοῦ11 of 27

Christ

G5547

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

στέλλεσθαι12 of 27

that ye withdraw

G4724

properly, to set fast ("stall"), i.e., (figuratively) to repress (reflexively, abstain from associating with)

ὑμᾶς13 of 27

yourselves

G5209

you (as the objective of a verb or preposition)

ἀπὸ14 of 27

from

G575

"off," i.e., away (from something near), in various senses (of place, time, or relation; literal or figurative)

παντὸς15 of 27

every

G3956

all, any, every, the whole

ἀδελφοῦ16 of 27

brethren

G80

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

ἀτάκτως17 of 27

disorderly

G814

disorderly

περιπατοῦντος18 of 27

that walketh

G4043

to tread all around, i.e., walk at large (especially as proof of ability); figuratively, to live, deport oneself, follow (as a companion or votary)

καὶ19 of 27

and

G2532

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

μὴ20 of 27

not

G3361

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

κατὰ21 of 27

after

G2596

(prepositionally) down (in place or time), in varied relations (according to the case (genitive, dative or accusative) with which it is joined)

τὴν22 of 27
G3588

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

παράδοσιν23 of 27

the tradition

G3862

transmission, i.e., (concretely) a precept; specially, the jewish traditionary law

ἣν24 of 27

which

G3739

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

παρέλαβεν25 of 27

he received

G3880

to receive near, i.e., associate with oneself (in any familiar or intimate act or relation); by analogy, to assume an office; figuratively, to learn

παρ'26 of 27

of

G3844

properly, near; i.e., (with genitive case) from beside (literally or figuratively), (with dative case) at (or in) the vicinity of (objectively or subj

ἡμῶν27 of 27

of our

G2257

of (or from) us


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 3:6 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 3:6 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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