King James Version

What Does 2 Thessalonians 3:8 Mean?

2 Thessalonians 3:8 in the King James Version says “Neither did we eat any man's bread for nought; but wrought with labour and travail night and day, that we might not be c...” — study this verse from 2 Thessalonians chapter 3 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

“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:”

2 Thessalonians 3:8 · King James Version

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.

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Commentaries3 scholars

KJV Study CommentaryPublic Domain
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—neither did we eat any man's bread for nought (oude dōrean arton ephagomen, οὐδὲ δωρεὰν ἄρτον ἐφάγομεν, 'not free bread did we eat')—Paul took no handouts. But wrought with labour and travail (en kopō kai mochthō, ἐν κόπῳ καὶ μόχθῳ, 'with toil and hardship'), night and day (working double shifts).

Purpose: that we might not be chargeable to any of you (pros to mē epibarēsai, πρὸς τὸ μὴ ἐπιβαρῆσαι, 'in order not to burden'). Paul sacrificed sleep and comfort to avoid imposing financially. This modeled the Christian work ethic he's about to demand. Apostles labored harder than anyone before calling others to work.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

Itinerant preachers in the ancient world typically expected support from listeners. Cynics, Stoics, and sophists all took payment. Paul's refusal to accept payment (though entitled, 1 Cor. 9:14) distinguished Christian ministry from professional speaking and demonstrated sacrificial service.

Reflection Questions

  1. What sacrifice of comfort or convenience is God calling you to make to avoid burdening others?
  2. How does Paul's work ethic challenge modern expectations of 'full-time ministry' support?
  3. In what areas are you tempted to expect support you haven't earned through labor?

Compare 3 commentaries from different scholars and time periods for a richer understanding.

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 21 words
οὐδὲ1 of 21

“Neither”

G3761

not however, i.e., neither, nor, not even

δωρεὰν2 of 21

“for nought”

G1432

gratuitously (literally or figuratively)

ἄρτον3 of 21

“bread”

G740

bread (as raised) or a loaf

ἐφάγομεν4 of 21

“did we eat”

G5315

to eat (literally or figuratively)

παρά5 of 21

“any man's”

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

τινα6 of 21

“to any”

G5100

some or any person or object

ἀλλ'7 of 21

“but”

G235

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

ἐν8 of 21

“with”

G1722

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

κόπῳ9 of 21

“labour”

G2873

a cut, i.e., (by analogy) toil (as reducing the strength), literally or figuratively; by implication, pains

καὶ10 of 21

“and”

G2532

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

μόχθῳ11 of 21

“travail”

G3449

toil, i.e., (by implication) sadness

νύκτα12 of 21

“night”

G3571

"night" (literally or figuratively)

καὶ13 of 21

“and”

G2532

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

ἡμέραν14 of 21

“day”

G2250

day, i.e., (literally) the time space between dawn and dark, or the whole 24 hours (but several days were usually reckoned by the jews as inclusive of

ἐργαζόμενοι15 of 21

“wrought”

G2038

to toil (as a task, occupation, etc.), (by implication) effect, be engaged in or with, etc

πρὸς16 of 21

“that”

G4314

a preposition of direction; forward to, i.e., toward (with the genitive case, the side of, i.e., pertaining to; with the dative case, by the side of,

τὸ17 of 21
G3588

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

μὴ18 of 21

“not”

G3361

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

ἐπιβαρῆσαί19 of 21

“be chargeable”

G1912

to be heavy upon, i.e., (pecuniarily) to be expensive to; figuratively, to be severe towards

τινα20 of 21

“to any”

G5100

some or any person or object

ὑμῶν·21 of 21

“of you”

G5216

of (from or concerning) you

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 3:8 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 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Matthew 6:111 Thessalonians 2:9Ephesians 4:28Acts 18:31 Thessalonians 4:111 Corinthians 4:12

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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