King James Version
What Does 2 Thessalonians 3:8 Mean?
“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:”
Context
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:
9
Not because we have not power, but to make ourselves an ensample unto you to follow us.
10
For even when we were with you, this we commanded you, that if any would not work, neither should he eat.
Commentary
Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers(8) **Neither.**—They might have thought it possible to live on others without incurring so serious a charge as “disorderliness.”
**Eat any man’s bread.**—Still more literally, *eat bread from any man*—*i.e., *“from any man’s table.” St. Paul always becomes picturesque and vivid in a passage of this kind, and generally Hebraistic (“eat bread,” 2Samuel 9:7, and often). “For nought” is literally *at a gift.* There is a flavour of scorn in St. Paul’s disclaimer of such a parasite’s life.
**Wrought.**—In the original it is the participle, “working,” which better suits the rapid flow of the sentences. The order also is slightly more forcible: “We ate bread from no man’s table at a gift, but in toil and travail, all night and day labouring that we,” &c. To “be chargeable” means more than “to make you pay”: it contains the notion of *burdensome* expense.
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 3:8 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 3:8
Cross-references from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge