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<!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Transitional//EN" "//www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-transitional.dtd"><html xmlns="//www.w3.org/1999/xhtml"><head><meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=utf-8" /><meta name="viewport" content="width=device-width, initial-scale=1" /><title>2 Thessalonians 3:11 Yet we hear that some of you are leading undisciplined lives and accomplishing nothing but being busybodies.</title><link rel="canonical" href="https://biblehub.com/2_thessalonians/3-11.htm" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/new9.css" type="text/css" media="Screen" /><meta property="og:image" content="https://biblehub.com/visuals/9/53_2Th_03_11.jpg" /><meta property="og:title" content="2 Thessalonians 3:11 - Warning against Irresponsibility" /><meta property="og:site_name" content="Bible Hub" /><meta property="og:description" content="Yet we hear that some of you are leading undisciplined lives and accomplishing nothing but being busybodies." /><script type="application/javascript" src="https://scripts.webcontentassessor.com/scripts/8a2459b64f9cac8122fc7f2eac4409c8555fac9383016db59c4c26e3d5b8b157"></script><script src='https://qd.admetricspro.com/js/biblehub/biblehub-layout-loader-revcatch.js'></script><script id='HyDgbd_1s' src='https://prebidads.revcatch.com/ads.js' type='text/javascript' async></script><script>(function(w,d,b,s,i){var cts=d.createElement(s);cts.async=true;cts.id='catchscript'; cts.dataset.appid=i;cts.src='https://app.protectsubrev.com/catch_rp.js?cb='+Math.random(); document.head.appendChild(cts); }) (window,document,'head','script','rc-anksrH');</script></head><body><div id="fx"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" id="fx2"><tr><td><iframe width="100%" height="30" scrolling="no" src="/vmenus/2_thessalonians/3-11.htm" align="left" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div><div id="blnk"></div><div align="center"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" class="maintable"><tr><td><div id="fx5"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" id="fx6"><tr><td><iframe width="100%" height="245" scrolling="no" src="/bmc/2_thessalonians/3-11.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></td></tr></table></div><div align="center"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" class="maintable3"><tr><td><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center" id="announce"><tr><td><div id="l1"><div id="breadcrumbs"><a href="/">Bible</a> > <a href="/2_thessalonians/">2 Thessalonians</a> > <a href="/2_thessalonians/3.htm">Chapter 3</a> > Verse 11</div><div id="anc"><iframe src="/anc.htm" width="100%" height="27" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></div><div id="anc2"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><iframe src="/anc2.htm" width="100%" height="27" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></div><div id="ad1"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><iframe src="/ad11.htm" width="100%" height="48" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></td></tr></table><div id="movebox2"><table border="0" align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0"><tr><td><div id="topheading"><a href="/2_thessalonians/3-10.htm" title="2 Thessalonians 3:10">◄</a> 2 Thessalonians 3:11 <a href="/2_thessalonians/3-12.htm" title="2 Thessalonians 3:12">►</a></div></tr></table></div><div align="center" class="maintable2"><table border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><div id="topverse"> <a href="#audio" class="clickchap2" title="Context and Audio Bible"> Audio </a> <a href="#crossref" class="clickchap2" title="Cross References"> Cross </a> <a href="#study" class="clickchap2" title="Study Bible"> Study </a> <a href="#commentary" class="clickchap2" title="Commentary"> Comm </a> <a href="#lexicon" class="clickchap2" title="Lexicon"> Greek </a> </div><div id="leftbox"><div class="padleft"><div class="vheadingv"><b>Verse</b><a href="/bsb/2_thessalonians/3.htm" class="clickchap" style="color:#001320" title="Click any translation name for full chapter">  (Click for Chapter)</a></div><div id="par"><span class="versiontext"><a href="/niv/2_thessalonians/3.htm">New International Version</a></span><br />We hear that some among you are idle and disruptive. They are not busy; they are busybodies.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nlt/2_thessalonians/3.htm">New Living Translation</a></span><br />Yet we hear that some of you are living idle lives, refusing to work and meddling in other people’s business.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/esv/2_thessalonians/3.htm">English Standard Version</a></span><br />For we hear that some among you walk in idleness, not busy at work, but busybodies.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/bsb/2_thessalonians/3.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a></span><br />For we hear that some of you are leading undisciplined lives, accomplishing nothing, but being busybodies.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/blb/2_thessalonians/3.htm">Berean Literal Bible</a></span><br />For we hear some among you are walking idly, not working at all, but being busybodies.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/kjv/2_thessalonians/3.htm">King James Bible</a></span><br />For we hear that there are some which walk among you disorderly, working not at all, but are busybodies.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nkjv/2_thessalonians/3.htm">New King James Version</a></span><br />For we hear that there are some who walk among you in a disorderly manner, not working at all, but are busybodies.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb_/2_thessalonians/3.htm">New American Standard Bible</a></span><br />For we hear that some among you are leading an undisciplined life, doing no work at all, but acting like busybodies.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb/2_thessalonians/3.htm">NASB 1995</a></span><br />For we hear that some among you are leading an undisciplined life, doing no work at all, but acting like busybodies.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb77/2_thessalonians/3.htm">NASB 1977 </a></span><br />For we hear that some among you are leading an undisciplined life, doing no work at all, but acting like busybodies.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsb/2_thessalonians/3.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a></span><br />For we hear that some among you are walking in an unruly manner, doing no work at all, but acting like busybodies.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/amp/2_thessalonians/3.htm">Amplified Bible</a></span><br />Indeed, we hear that some among you are leading an undisciplined <i>and</i> inappropriate life, doing no work at all, but acting like busybodies [meddling in other people’s business].<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/csb/2_thessalonians/3.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />For we hear that there are some among you who are idle. They are not busy but busybodies.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hcsb/2_thessalonians/3.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />For we hear that there are some among you who walk irresponsibly, not working at all, but interfering with the work of others.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/asv/2_thessalonians/3.htm">American Standard Version</a></span><br />For we hear of some that walk among you disorderly, that work not at all, but are busybodies.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cev/2_thessalonians/3.htm">Contemporary English Version</a></span><br />Now we learn that some of you just loaf around and won't do any work, except the work of a busybody. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/erv/2_thessalonians/3.htm">English Revised Version</a></span><br />For we hear of some that walk among you disorderly, that work not at all, but are busybodies.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gwt/2_thessalonians/3.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a></span><br />We hear that some of you are not living disciplined lives. You're not working, so you go around interfering in other people's lives.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gnt/2_thessalonians/3.htm">Good News Translation</a></span><br />We say this because we hear that there are some people among you who live lazy lives and who do nothing except meddle in other people's business. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/isv/2_thessalonians/3.htm">International Standard Version</a></span><br />We hear that some of you are living in idleness. You are not busy working —you are busy interfering in other people's lives! <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/msb/2_thessalonians/3.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a></span><br />Yet we hear that some of you are leading undisciplined lives and accomplishing nothing but being busybodies.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/net/2_thessalonians/3.htm">NET Bible</a></span><br />For we hear that some among you are living an undisciplined life, not doing their own work but meddling in the work of others.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nheb/2_thessalonians/3.htm">New Heart English Bible</a></span><br />For we hear that some among you are living an undisciplined life, who do not work at all, but are busybodies.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/wbt/2_thessalonians/3.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a></span><br />For we hear that there are some who walk among you disorderly, working not at all, but are busy-bodies.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/wey/2_thessalonians/3.htm">Weymouth New Testament</a></span><br />For we hear that there are some of you who live disorderly lives and are mere idle busybodies.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/web/2_thessalonians/3.htm">World English Bible</a></span><br />For we hear of some who walk among you in rebellion, who don’t work at all, but are busybodies. <div class="vheading2"><b>Literal Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsv/2_thessalonians/3.htm">Literal Standard Version</a></span><br />for we hear of some walking disorderly among you, working nothing, but being busybodies,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/blb/2_thessalonians/3.htm">Berean Literal Bible</a></span><br />For we hear some among you are walking idly, not working at all, but being busybodies.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/ylt/2_thessalonians/3.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a></span><br /> for we hear of certain walking among you disorderly, nothing working, but over working,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/slt/2_thessalonians/3.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a></span><br />For we hear some walking disorderly among you, working nothing, but occupied unprofitably.<div class="vheading2"><b>Catholic Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/drb/2_thessalonians/3.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a></span><br />For we have heard there are some among you who walk disorderly, working not at all, but curiously meddling. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cpdv/2_thessalonians/3.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a></span><br />For we have heard that there are some among you who act disruptively, not working at all, but eagerly meddling.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nabre/2_thessalonians/3.htm">New American Bible</a></span><br />We hear that some are conducting themselves among you in a disorderly way, by not keeping busy but minding the business of others.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nrsvce/2_thessalonians/3.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a></span><br />For we hear that some of you are living in idleness, mere busybodies, not doing any work.<div class="vheading2"><b>Translations from Aramaic</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lamsa/2_thessalonians/3.htm">Lamsa Bible</a></span><br />For we hear that there are some men among you who lead an evil life, and do not work at all, but are busybodies.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/aramaic-plain-english/2_thessalonians/3.htm">Aramaic Bible in Plain English</a></span><br />For we hear that there are some among you who walk wickedly and do not labor at all, but are worthless;<div class="vheading2"><b>NT Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/anderson/2_thessalonians/3.htm">Anderson New Testament</a></span><br />For we hear that some walk about among you in a disorderly manner, doing no work, but being busybodies.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/godbey/2_thessalonians/3.htm">Godbey New Testament</a></span><br />For we hear that there are certain ones walking about among you disorderly, doing nothing, but they are busybodies:<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/haweis/2_thessalonians/3.htm">Haweis New Testament</a></span><br />For we hear that there are some among you who walk disorderly, doing no work, but being busy-bodies.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/mace/2_thessalonians/3.htm">Mace New Testament</a></span><br />now being inform'd, that there are among you people of an irregular conduct, who neglect their own business, and busy themselves with the affairs of others:<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/wey/2_thessalonians/3.htm">Weymouth New Testament</a></span><br />For we hear that there are some of you who live disorderly lives and are mere idle busybodies.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/worrell/2_thessalonians/3.htm">Worrell New Testament</a></span><br />For we hear of some who walk among you in a disorderly manner, who work not at all, but are busybodies.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/worsley/2_thessalonians/3.htm">Worsley New Testament</a></span><br />For we hear that there are some among you that walk disorderly, doing no work <i>themselves,</i> but very busy <i>in the affairs of others.</i><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/parallel/2_thessalonians/3-11.htm">Additional Translations ...</a></span></div></div></div><div id="centbox"><div class="padcent"><a name="audio" id="audio"></a><div class="vheadingv"><b>Audio Bible</b></div><iframe width="100%" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/p0L2MQrlSxc?start=378" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe><span class="p"><br /><br /><br /></span><div class="vheadingv"><b>Context</b></div><span class="hdg"><a href="/bsb/2_thessalonians/3.htm">Warning against Irresponsibility</a></span><br>…<span class="reftext">10</span>For even while we were with you, we gave you this command: “If anyone is unwilling to work, he shall not eat.” <span class="reftext">11</span><span class="highl"><a href="/greek/1063.htm" title="1063: gar (Conj) -- For. A primary particle; properly, assigning a reason.">Yet</a> <a href="/greek/191.htm" title="191: Akouomen (V-PIA-1P) -- To hear, listen, comprehend by hearing; pass: is heard, reported. A primary verb; to hear.">we hear that</a> <a href="/greek/5100.htm" title="5100: tinas (IPro-AMP) -- Any one, some one, a certain one or thing. An enclitic indefinite pronoun; some or any person or object.">some</a> <a href="/greek/1722.htm" title="1722: en (Prep) -- In, on, among. A primary preposition denoting position, and instrumentality, i.e. A relation of rest; in, at, on, by, etc.">of</a> <a href="/greek/4771.htm" title="4771: hymin (PPro-D2P) -- You. The person pronoun of the second person singular; thou.">you</a> <a href="/greek/4043.htm" title="4043: peripatountas (V-PPA-AMP) -- From peri and pateo; to tread all around, i.e. Walk at large; figuratively, to live, deport oneself, follow.">are leading</a> <a href="/greek/814.htm" title="814: ataktōs (Adv) -- In a disorderly manner, irregularly. Adverb from ataktos, irregularly.">undisciplined lives</a> <a href="/greek/2038.htm" title="2038: ergazomenous (V-PPM/P-AMP) -- To work, trade, perform, do, practice, commit, acquire by labor. ">and accomplishing</a> <a href="/greek/3367.htm" title="3367: mēden (Adj-ANS) -- No one, none, nothing. ">nothing</a> <a href="/greek/235.htm" title="235: alla (Conj) -- But, except, however. Neuter plural of allos; properly, other things, i.e. contrariwise.">but</a> <a href="/greek/4020.htm" title="4020: periergazomenous (V-PPM/P-AMP) -- To overdo, be a busybody, waste my labor about (a thing). From peri and ergazomai; to work all around, i.e. Bustle about.">being busybodies.</a> </span> <span class="reftext">12</span>We command and urge such people by our Lord Jesus Christ to begin working quietly to earn their own living.…<div class="cred"><a href="//berean.bible">Berean Standard Bible</a> · <a href="//berean.bible/downloads.htm">Download</a></div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="crossref" id="crossref"></a><div class="vheading">Cross References</div><div id="crf"><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_thessalonians/4-11.htm">1 Thessalonians 4:11</a></span><br />and to aspire to live quietly, to attend to your own matters, and to work with your own hands, as we instructed you.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_timothy/5-13.htm">1 Timothy 5:13</a></span><br />At the same time they will also learn to be idle, going from house to house and being not only idle, but also gossips and busybodies, discussing things they should not mention.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/proverbs/6-6.htm">Proverbs 6:6-11</a></span><br />Walk in the manner of the ant, O slacker; observe its ways and become wise. / Without a commander, without an overseer or ruler, / it prepares its provisions in summer; it gathers its food at harvest. ...<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/proverbs/26-13.htm">Proverbs 26:13-16</a></span><br />The slacker says, “A lion is in the road! A fierce lion roams the public square!” / As a door turns on its hinges, so the slacker turns on his bed. / The slacker buries his hand in the dish; it wearies him to bring it back to his mouth. ...<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_corinthians/15-58.htm">1 Corinthians 15:58</a></span><br />Therefore, my beloved brothers, be steadfast and immovable. Always excel in the work of the Lord, because you know that your labor in the Lord is not in vain.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/ephesians/4-28.htm">Ephesians 4:28</a></span><br />He who has been stealing must steal no longer, but must work, doing good with his own hands, that he may have something to share with the one in need.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_peter/4-15.htm">1 Peter 4:15</a></span><br />Indeed, none of you should suffer as a murderer or thief or wrongdoer, or even as a meddler.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/proverbs/10-4.htm">Proverbs 10:4-5</a></span><br />Idle hands make one poor, but diligent hands bring wealth. / He who gathers in summer is a wise son, but he who sleeps during harvest is a disgraceful son.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/proverbs/14-23.htm">Proverbs 14:23</a></span><br />There is profit in all labor, but mere talk leads only to poverty.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/colossians/3-23.htm">Colossians 3:23</a></span><br />Whatever you do, work at it with your whole being, as for the Lord and not for men,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_timothy/6-1.htm">1 Timothy 6:1</a></span><br />All who are under the yoke of slavery should regard their masters as fully worthy of honor, so that God’s name and our teaching will not be discredited.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/ecclesiastes/10-18.htm">Ecclesiastes 10:18</a></span><br />Through laziness the roof caves in, and in the hands of the idle, the house leaks.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/romans/12-11.htm">Romans 12:11</a></span><br />Do not let your zeal subside; keep your spiritual fervor, serving the Lord.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/proverbs/12-24.htm">Proverbs 12:24</a></span><br />The hand of the diligent will rule, but laziness ends in forced labor.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_corinthians/4-12.htm">1 Corinthians 4:12</a></span><br />We work hard with our own hands. When we are vilified, we bless; when we are persecuted, we endure it;</div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div><p class="tsk2">For we hear that there are some which walk among you disorderly, working not at all, but are busybodies.</p><p class="hdg">walk.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/2_thessalonians/3-6.htm">2 Thessalonians 3:6</a></b></br> 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.</p><p class="hdg">working.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/1_thessalonians/4-11.htm">1 Thessalonians 4:11</a></b></br> And that ye study to be quiet, and to do your own business, and to work with your own hands, as we commanded you;</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/1_timothy/5-13.htm">1 Timothy 5:13</a></b></br> And withal they learn <i>to be</i> idle, wandering about from house to house; and not only idle, but tattlers also and busybodies, speaking things which they ought not.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/1_peter/4-15.htm">1 Peter 4:15</a></b></br> But let none of you suffer as a murderer, or <i>as</i> a thief, or <i>as</i> an evildoer, or as a busybody in other men's matters.</p><div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/2_corinthians/10-2.htm">Acting</a> <a href="/1_thessalonians/4-1.htm">Behaviour</a> <a href="/1_thessalonians/4-11.htm">Business</a> <a href="/1_timothy/5-13.htm">Busybodies</a> <a href="/1_timothy/5-13.htm">Busy-Bodies</a> <a href="/2_thessalonians/3-7.htm">Disorderly</a> <a href="/colossians/1-6.htm">Ears</a> <a href="/philippians/1-30.htm">Hear</a> <a href="/2_thessalonians/3-7.htm">Idle</a> <a href="/2_thessalonians/3-6.htm">Idleness</a> <a href="/1_thessalonians/5-10.htm">Live</a> <a href="/1_thessalonians/2-6.htm">Mere</a> <a href="/2_thessalonians/1-3.htm">Others</a> <a href="/1_timothy/5-13.htm">Over-Interested</a> <a href="/2_thessalonians/3-6.htm">Rebellion</a> <a href="/galatians/5-21.htm">Uncontrolled</a> <a href="/2_thessalonians/3-7.htm">Undisciplined</a> <a href="/1_thessalonians/4-12.htm">Walk</a> <a href="/2_thessalonians/3-10.htm">Work</a> <a href="/2_thessalonians/3-8.htm">Working</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/2_timothy/3-4.htm">Acting</a> <a href="/1_timothy/2-2.htm">Behaviour</a> <a href="/1_timothy/5-13.htm">Business</a> <a href="/1_timothy/5-13.htm">Busybodies</a> <a href="/1_timothy/5-13.htm">Busy-Bodies</a> <a href="/titus/1-6.htm">Disorderly</a> <a href="/2_timothy/4-3.htm">Ears</a> <a href="/1_timothy/4-16.htm">Hear</a> <a href="/1_timothy/5-13.htm">Idle</a> <a href="/proverbs/31-27.htm">Idleness</a> <a href="/1_timothy/5-7.htm">Live</a> <a href="/1_timothy/1-4.htm">Mere</a> <a href="/1_timothy/2-11.htm">Others</a> <a href="/1_timothy/5-13.htm">Over-Interested</a> <a href="/hebrews/3-8.htm">Rebellion</a> <a href="/2_timothy/2-23.htm">Uncontrolled</a> <a href="/proverbs/9-13.htm">Undisciplined</a> <a href="/hebrews/13-18.htm">Walk</a> <a href="/2_thessalonians/3-12.htm">Work</a> <a href="/2_thessalonians/3-12.htm">Working</a><div class="vheading2">2 Thessalonians 3</div><span class="reftext">1. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/2_thessalonians/3-1.htm">Paul craves their prayers for himself;</a></span><br><span class="reftext">3. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/2_thessalonians/3-3.htm">testifies what confidence he has in them;</a></span><br><span class="reftext">5. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/2_thessalonians/3-5.htm">makes request to God in their behalf;</a></span><br><span class="reftext">6. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/2_thessalonians/3-6.htm">gives them various precepts, especially to shun idleness, and ill company;</a></span><br><span class="reftext">16. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/2_thessalonians/3-16.htm">and then concludes with prayer and salutation.</a></span><br></div></div><div id="mdd"><div align="center"><div class="bot2"><table align="center" width="100%"><tr><td><div align="center"> <script id="3d27ed63fc4348d5b062c4527ae09445"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=51ce25d5-1a8c-424a-8695-4bd48c750f35&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script> <script id="b817b7107f1d4a7997da1b3c33457e03"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=cb0edd8b-b416-47eb-8c6d-3cc96561f7e8&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-2'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-0' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-3'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-1' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div><br /><br />  <div align="center" id='div-gpt-ad-1531425649696-0'> </div><br /><br /> <ins class="adsbygoogle" style="display:inline-block;width:200px;height:200px" data-ad-client="ca-pub-3753401421161123" data-ad-slot="3592799687"></ins> <script> (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); </script> <br /><br /> </div> </td></tr></table></div></div></div><div id="combox"><div class="padcom"><a name="study" id="study"></a><div class="vheading"><table width="100%"><tr><td width="99%" valign="top"><a href="/study/2_thessalonians/3.htm">Study Bible</a></td><td width="1%" valign="top"><a href="/study/2_thessalonians/" title="Book Summary and Study">Book ◦</a> <a href="/study/chapters/2_thessalonians/3.htm" title="Chapter summary and Study">Chapter </a></tr></table></div><b>For we hear that some of you are leading undisciplined lives</b><br>The Apostle Paul addresses a report he has received about certain members of the Thessalonian church. The term "undisciplined" suggests a lack of order and self-control, which is contrary to the Christian call to live a life of discipline and purpose. In the Greco-Roman world, discipline was highly valued, and the early church emphasized living in a manner worthy of the gospel (<a href="/philippians/1-27.htm">Philippians 1:27</a>). This phrase indicates a deviation from the expected conduct of believers, who are called to be diligent and responsible in their daily lives (<a href="/1_thessalonians/4-11.htm">1 Thessalonians 4:11-12</a>).<p><b>accomplishing nothing</b><br>This phrase highlights the futility of the undisciplined lifestyle. In the context of the early church, work was not only a means of provision but also a way to contribute to the community and avoid being a burden to others (<a href="/2_thessalonians/3-7.htm">2 Thessalonians 3:7-10</a>). The biblical principle of work is rooted in the creation narrative, where God Himself worked and then rested (<a href="/genesis/2-2.htm">Genesis 2:2-3</a>). The lack of productivity among some Thessalonians contrasts with the biblical mandate to be fruitful and multiply in one's endeavors (<a href="/genesis/1-28.htm">Genesis 1:28</a>).<p><b>but being busybodies</b><br>The term "busybodies" refers to those who meddle in the affairs of others rather than attending to their own responsibilities. This behavior disrupts community harmony and reflects a misuse of time and energy. In <a href="/1_timothy/5-13.htm">1 Timothy 5:13</a>, Paul similarly warns against idleness leading to gossip and meddling. The cultural context of the time valued community and mutual support, and such behavior would have been seen as detrimental to the unity and witness of the church. The call for believers is to live quietly, mind their own affairs, and work with their hands (<a href="/1_thessalonians/4-11.htm">1 Thessalonians 4:11</a>), reflecting the character of Christ, who was focused on His mission and purpose.<div class="vheading2">Persons / Places / Events</div>1. <b><a href="/topical/p/paul_the_apostle.htm">Paul the Apostle</a></b><br>The author of the letter, addressing the church in Thessalonica with pastoral concern and authority.<br><br>2. <b><a href="/topical/t/thessalonica.htm">Thessalonica</a></b><br>A city in Macedonia where the church was established by Paul during his second missionary journey.<br><br>3. <b><a href="/topical/t/the_thessalonian_church.htm">The Thessalonian Church</a></b><br>The recipients of the letter, a community of believers facing challenges related to idleness and disorderly conduct.<br><br>4. <b><a href="/topical/i/idle_believers.htm">Idle Believers</a></b><br>Members of the Thessalonian church who were not working and were instead interfering in the affairs of others.<br><br>5. <b><a href="/topical/p/paul's_companions.htm">Paul's Companions</a></b><br>Likely Silas and Timothy, who were with Paul during his ministry and shared in the writing and delivery of the letters.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><b><a href="/topical/t/the_importance_of_work.htm">The Importance of Work</a></b><br>Work is a God-given responsibility and a means to provide for oneself and others.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/a/avoiding_idleness.htm">Avoiding Idleness</a></b><br>Idleness can lead to disorder and meddling in others' affairs, which disrupts community harmony.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/l/living_a_disciplined_life.htm">Living a Disciplined Life</a></b><br>A disciplined life reflects Christian maturity and obedience to God's commands.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/m/mind_your_own_business.htm">Mind Your Own Business</a></b><br>Focusing on one's responsibilities prevents unnecessary conflict and promotes peace.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/c/community_accountability.htm">Community Accountability</a></b><br>The church community should encourage and hold each other accountable to live according to biblical principles.<a name="commentary" id="commentary"></a><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/ellicott/2_thessalonians/3.htm">Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers</a></div>(11) <span class= "bld">For we hear.</span>--Explaining how St. Paul came to speak upon the topic at all. Hitherto he has only been giving directions, without saying why. News had been brought back, no doubt, by the bearers of the First Epistle.<p><span class= "bld">Walk among you disorderly.</span>--A verbal repetition of <a href="/2_thessalonians/3-6.htm" title="Now we command you, brothers, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that you withdraw yourselves from every brother that walks disorderly, and not after the tradition which he received of us.">2Thessalonians 3:6</a>. It is not quite the same as "some among you which walk disorderly," for the words "among you" represent the vague and various <span class= "ital">directions</span> taken by those aimless feet, going about from house to house, workshop to workshop.<p><span class= "bld">Working not at all, but are busybodies.</span>--This is what the disorderliness consists in, as we should have seen from <a href="/2_thessalonians/3-10.htm" title="For even when we were with you, this we commanded you, that if any would not work, neither should he eat.">2Thessalonians 3:10</a>. There is a scornful play of words here in the Greek which is lost sight of in the English: the word for "busybodies" being merely a compound form of the word "working." Quite literally, the compound means "working enough and to spare," "being overbusy," "overdoing;" then, as a man cannot possibly overdo what it is his own duty to do, it comes to signify (1) doing <span class= "ital">useless</span> things, things which concern no one, and might as well be left alone: as, for instance, magic, which is described by this word in <a href="/acts/19-19.htm" title="Many of them also which used curious arts brought their books together, and burned them before all men: and they counted the price of them, and found it fifty thousand pieces of silver.">Acts 19:19</a>; or natural science, which is so described in the Athenians' accusation of Socrates! (2) Meddling with matters which do not concern the doer, but do concern other people: so used in <a href="/1_timothy/5-13.htm" title="And with they learn to be idle, wandering about from house to house; and not only idle, but tattlers also and busybodies, speaking things which they ought not.">1Timothy 5:13</a>. Prof Lightfoot suggests (<span class= "ital">On a Fresh Revision, </span>p. 59; comp. p. xviii., 2nd ed.) that the play can be kept up through the words "business" and "busy": we might perhaps say, "not being business men, but busybodies." But which of the two notions mentioned above is to be considered most prominent here we cannot tell for certain. (a) The Thessalonians do not seem to have been much carried away by the first class of danger--idle speculations, such as those of the Colossian or Ephesian Churches. Yet we cannot altogether exclude this meaning here. St. Paul's readers had been overbusy in theorising about the position of the departed at Christ's coming (<a href="/1_thessalonians/4-15.htm" title="For this we say to you by the word of the Lord, that we which are alive and remain to the coming of the Lord shall not prevent them which are asleep.">1Thessalonians 4:15</a>, Note), and had been so eager over their idle doctrines of the Advent as to falsify, if not actually to forge, communications from St. Paul (<a href="/2_thessalonians/2-2.htm" title="That you be not soon shaken in mind, or be troubled, neither by spirit, nor by word, nor by letter as from us, as that the day of Christ is at hand.">2Thessalonians 2:2</a>). Such false inquisitiveness and gossiping discussions might well be described by the Greek word with which we are dealing. (<span class= "ital">b</span>) Everything, however, points to a more practical form of the same disposition to mask idleness under cloak of work; feverish excitement, which leads men to meddle and interfere with others, perhaps to spend time in "religious" work which ought not to have been spared from every-day duties. (See <a href="/context/1_thessalonians/4-11.htm" title="And that you study to be quiet, and to do your own business, and to work with your own hands, as we commanded you;">1Thessalonians 4:11-12</a>, and Notes.) There is nothing to show definitely how this busy idleness arose, but it may very probably be the shaken and troubled condition of mind spoken of in <a href="/2_thessalonians/2-2.htm" title="That you be not soon shaken in mind, or be troubled, neither by spirit, nor by word, nor by letter as from us, as that the day of Christ is at hand.">2Thessalonians 2:2</a>. . . . <div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/2_thessalonians/3.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div><span class="cmt_sub_title">Verse 11.</span> - <span class="cmt_word">For</span>; the reason for the allusion to this proverb. <span class="cmt_word">We hear.</span> The apostle had either heard from Timothy who had rejoined him from Thessalonica, or from the report of the bearers of the First Epistle. <span class="cmt_word">That there are some which walk among you disorderly, working not at all, but are busybodies.</span> There is here a paranomasia or play upon words, the words "working" and "busybodies" being cognate. It is difficult to preserve the resemblance in a translation. "Busy only with what is not their own business" (Jowett); "Working at no business, but being busybodies" (Ellicott); "Not busy, but busybodies" (Wordsworth). The word "busybodies" denotes busy in useless and superfluous things, about which one need not trouble himself - occupied about trifles. The apostle refers to the fanatical excitement in the Church on account of which the Thessalonians, instead of occupying themselves with the fulfilment of the duties of their earthly calling, busied themselves about matters which were unprofitable and vain. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/commentaries/2_thessalonians/3-11.htm">Parallel Commentaries ...</a></span><span class="p"><br /><br /><br /></span><a name="lexicon" id="lexicon"></a><div class="vheading">Greek</div><span class="word">Yet</span><br /><span class="grk">γάρ</span> <span class="translit">(gar)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunction<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_1063.htm">Strong's 1063: </a> </span><span class="str2">For. A primary particle; properly, assigning a reason.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">we hear that</span><br /><span class="grk">Ἀκούομεν</span> <span class="translit">(Akouomen)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Present Indicative Active - 1st Person Plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_191.htm">Strong's 191: </a> </span><span class="str2">To hear, listen, comprehend by hearing; pass: is heard, reported. A primary verb; to hear.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">some</span><br /><span class="grk">τινας</span> <span class="translit">(tinas)</span><br /><span class="parse">Interrogative / Indefinite Pronoun - Accusative Masculine Plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_5100.htm">Strong's 5100: </a> </span><span class="str2">Any one, some one, a certain one or thing. An enclitic indefinite pronoun; some or any person or object.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">of</span><br /><span class="grk">ἐν</span> <span class="translit">(en)</span><br /><span class="parse">Preposition<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_1722.htm">Strong's 1722: </a> </span><span class="str2">In, on, among. A primary preposition denoting position, and instrumentality, i.e. A relation of rest; 'in, ' at, on, by, etc.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">you</span><br /><span class="grk">ὑμῖν</span> <span class="translit">(hymin)</span><br /><span class="parse">Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Dative 2nd Person Plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_4771.htm">Strong's 4771: </a> </span><span class="str2">You. The person pronoun of the second person singular; thou.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">are leading</span><br /><span class="grk">περιπατοῦντας</span> <span class="translit">(peripatountas)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Present Participle Active - Accusative Masculine Plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_4043.htm">Strong's 4043: </a> </span><span class="str2">From peri and pateo; to tread all around, i.e. Walk at large; figuratively, to live, deport oneself, follow.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">undisciplined lives</span><br /><span class="grk">ἀτάκτως</span> <span class="translit">(ataktōs)</span><br /><span class="parse">Adverb<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_814.htm">Strong's 814: </a> </span><span class="str2">In a disorderly manner, irregularly. Adverb from ataktos, irregularly.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">[and] accomplishing</span><br /><span class="grk">ἐργαζομένους</span> <span class="translit">(ergazomenous)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Present Participle Middle or Passive - Accusative Masculine Plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_2038.htm">Strong's 2038: </a> </span><span class="str2">To work, trade, perform, do, practice, commit, acquire by labor. </span><br /><br /><span class="word">nothing</span><br /><span class="grk">μηδὲν</span> <span class="translit">(mēden)</span><br /><span class="parse">Adjective - Accusative Neuter Singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_3367.htm">Strong's 3367: </a> </span><span class="str2">No one, none, nothing. </span><br /><br /><span class="word">but</span><br /><span class="grk">ἀλλὰ</span> <span class="translit">(alla)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunction<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_235.htm">Strong's 235: </a> </span><span class="str2">But, except, however. Neuter plural of allos; properly, other things, i.e. contrariwise.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">being busybodies.</span><br /><span class="grk">περιεργαζομένους</span> <span class="translit">(periergazomenous)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Present Participle Middle or Passive - Accusative Masculine Plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_4020.htm">Strong's 4020: </a> </span><span class="str2">To overdo, be a busybody, waste my labor about (a thing). From peri and ergazomai; to work all around, i.e. Bustle about.</span><br /><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/2_thessalonians/3-11.htm">2 Thessalonians 3:11 NIV</a><br /><a href="/nlt/2_thessalonians/3-11.htm">2 Thessalonians 3:11 NLT</a><br /><a href="/esv/2_thessalonians/3-11.htm">2 Thessalonians 3:11 ESV</a><br /><a href="/nasb/2_thessalonians/3-11.htm">2 Thessalonians 3:11 NASB</a><br /><a href="/kjv/2_thessalonians/3-11.htm">2 Thessalonians 3:11 KJV</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="//bibleapps.com/2_thessalonians/3-11.htm">2 Thessalonians 3:11 BibleApps.com</a><br /><a href="//bibliaparalela.com/2_thessalonians/3-11.htm">2 Thessalonians 3:11 Biblia Paralela</a><br /><a href="//holybible.com.cn/2_thessalonians/3-11.htm">2 Thessalonians 3:11 Chinese Bible</a><br /><a href="//saintebible.com/2_thessalonians/3-11.htm">2 Thessalonians 3:11 French Bible</a><br /><a href="/catholic/2_thessalonians/3-11.htm">2 Thessalonians 3:11 Catholic Bible</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/2_thessalonians/3-11.htm">NT Letters: 2 Thessalonians 3:11 For we hear of some who walk (2 Thess. 2 Thes. 2Th iiTh ii th)</a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/2_thessalonians/3-10.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="2 Thessalonians 3:10"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="2 Thessalonians 3:10" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/2_thessalonians/3-12.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="2 Thessalonians 3:12"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="2 Thessalonians 3:12" /></a></div><div id="botleft"><a href="#" onmouseover='botleft.src="/botleftgif.png"' onmouseout='botleft.src="/botleft.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botleft.png" name="botleft" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="botright"><a href="#" onmouseover='botright.src="/botrightgif.png"' onmouseout='botright.src="/botright.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botright.png" name="botright" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="bot"><iframe width="100%" height="1500" scrolling="no" src="/botmenubhnew2.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></div></td></tr></table></div></body></html>