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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 3:8 nor did we eat anyone's food without paying for it. Instead, in labor and toil, we worked night and day so that we would not be a burden to any of you.</title><link rel="canonical" href="https://biblehub.com/2_thessalonians/3-8.htm" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/new9.css" type="text/css" media="Screen" /><meta property="og:image" content="https://biblehub.com/visuals/6/53_2Th_03_08.jpg" /><meta property="og:title" content="2 Thessalonians 3:8 - Warning against Irresponsibility" /><meta property="og:site_name" content="Bible Hub" /><meta property="og:description" content="nor did we eat anyone's food without paying for it. 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On the contrary, we worked night and day, laboring and toiling so that we would not be a burden to any of you. <a href="/nlt/2_thessalonians/3.htm">New Living Translation</a> We never accepted food from anyone without paying for it. We worked hard day and night so we would not be a burden to any of you. <a href="/esv/2_thessalonians/3.htm">English Standard Version</a> nor did we eat anyone’s bread without paying for it, but with toil and labor we worked night and day, that we might not be a burden to any of you. <a href="/bsb/2_thessalonians/3.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a> nor did we eat anyone’s food without paying for it. Instead, in labor and toil, we worked night and day so that we would not be a burden to any of you. <a href="/blb/2_thessalonians/3.htm">Berean Literal Bible</a> nor did we eat bread from anyone without payment, but in labor and toil, working night and day in order not to be burdensome to any of you, <a href="/kjv/2_thessalonians/3.htm">King James Bible</a> 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: <a href="/nkjv/2_thessalonians/3.htm">New King James Version</a> nor did we eat anyone’s bread free of charge, but worked with labor and toil night and day, that we might not be a burden to any of you, <a href="/nasb_/2_thessalonians/3.htm">New American Standard Bible</a> nor did we eat anyone’s bread without paying for it, but with labor and hardship we kept working night and day so that we would not be a burden to any of you; <a href="/nasb/2_thessalonians/3.htm">NASB 1995</a> nor did we eat anyone&#8217s bread without paying for it, but with labor and hardship we kept working night and day so that we would not be a burden to any of you; <a href="/nasb77/2_thessalonians/3.htm">NASB 1977 </a> nor did we eat anyone’s bread without paying for it, but with labor and hardship we kept working night and day so that we might not be a burden to any of you; <a href="/lsb/2_thessalonians/3.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a> nor did we eat anyone’s bread without paying for it, but with labor and hardship we kept working night and day so that we would not be a burden to any of you; <a href="/amp/2_thessalonians/3.htm">Amplified Bible</a> nor did we eat anyone’s bread without paying for it, but with labor and hardship we worked night and day [to pay our own way] so that we would not be a financial burden on any of you [for our support]; <a href="/csb/2_thessalonians/3.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a> we did not eat anyone’s food free of charge; instead, we labored and toiled, working night and day, so that we would not be a burden to any of you. <a href="/hcsb/2_thessalonians/3.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a> we did not eat anyone&#8217s food free of charge; instead, we labored and struggled, working night and day, so that we would not be a burden to any of you. <a href="/asv/2_thessalonians/3.htm">American Standard Version</a> neither did we eat bread for nought at any man's hand, but in labor and travail, working night and day, that we might not burden any of you: <a href="/cev/2_thessalonians/3.htm">Contemporary English Version</a> and we didn't accept food from anyone without paying for it. We didn't want to be a burden to any of you, so night and day we worked as hard as we could. <a href="/erv/2_thessalonians/3.htm">English Revised Version</a> neither did we eat bread for nought at any man's hand, but in labour and travail, working night and day, that we might not burden any of you: <a href="/gwt/2_thessalonians/3.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a> We didn't eat anyone's food without paying for it. Instead, we worked hard and struggled night and day in order not to be a burden to any of you. <a href="/gnt/2_thessalonians/3.htm">Good News Translation</a> We did not accept anyone's support without paying for it. Instead, we worked and toiled; we kept working day and night so as not to be an expense to any of you. <a href="/isv/2_thessalonians/3.htm">International Standard Version</a> We did not eat anyone's food without paying for it. Instead, with toil and labor we worked night and day in order not to be a burden to any of you. <a href="/msb/2_thessalonians/3.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a> nor did we eat anyone’s food without paying for it. Instead, in labor and toil, we worked night and day so that we would not be a burden to any of you. <a href="/net/2_thessalonians/3.htm">NET Bible</a> and we did not eat anyone's food without paying. Instead, in toil and drudgery we worked night and day in order not to burden any of you. <a href="/nheb/2_thessalonians/3.htm">New Heart English Bible</a> neither did we eat bread from anyone's hand without paying for it, but in labor and travail worked night and day, that we might not burden any of you; <a href="/wbt/2_thessalonians/3.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a> Neither did we eat any man's bread for naught; but wrought with labor and toil night and day, that we might not be chargeable to any of you: <a href="/wey/2_thessalonians/3.htm">Weymouth New Testament</a> nor did we eat any one's bread without paying for it, but we laboured and toiled, working hard night and day in order not to be a burden to any of you. <a href="/web/2_thessalonians/3.htm">World English Bible</a> neither did we eat bread from anyone’s hand without paying for it, but in labor and travail worked night and day, that we might not burden any of you. <div class="vheading2">Literal Translations</div><a href="/lsv/2_thessalonians/3.htm">Literal Standard Version</a> nor did we eat bread of anyone for nothing, but in labor and in travail, working night and day, not to be chargeable to any of you; <a href="/blb/2_thessalonians/3.htm">Berean Literal Bible</a> nor did we eat bread from anyone without payment, but in labor and toil, working night and day in order not to be burdensome to any of you, <a href="/ylt/2_thessalonians/3.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a> nor for nought did we eat bread of any one, but in labour and in travail, night and day working, not to be chargeable to any of you; <a href="/slt/2_thessalonians/3.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a> Neither ate we the bread of any as a gift; but in fatigue and toil working night and day also, not to overload any of you:<div class="vheading2">Catholic Translations</div><a href="/drb/2_thessalonians/3.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a> Neither did we eat any man's bread for nothing, but in labour and in toil we worked night and day, lest we should be chargeable to any of you. <a href="/cpdv/2_thessalonians/3.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a> Nor did we eat bread from anyone for free, but rather, we worked night and day, in hardship and weariness, so as not to be burdensome to you. <a href="/nabre/2_thessalonians/3.htm">New American Bible</a> nor did we eat food received free from anyone. On the contrary, in toil and drudgery, night and day we worked, so as not to burden any of you. <a href="/nrsvce/2_thessalonians/3.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a> and we did not eat anyone’s bread without paying for it; but with toil and labor we worked night and day, so that we might not burden any of you.<div class="vheading2">Translations from Aramaic</div><a href="/lamsa/2_thessalonians/3.htm">Lamsa Bible</a> Neither did we eat bread for nothing from any of you, but worked with hard labor and toiled night and day so that we might not be a burden to any of you: <a href="/aramaic-plain-english/2_thessalonians/3.htm">Aramaic Bible in Plain English</a> Neither have we eaten the bread of any of you without charge, but we were working with labor and toil, by night and by day, that we would not be a burden to anyone of you,<div class="vheading2">NT Translations</div><a href="/anderson/2_thessalonians/3.htm">Anderson New Testament</a> nor did we eat any one's bread for nothing: but worked with labor and toil, night and day, that we might not burden any one of you; <a href="/godbey/2_thessalonians/3.htm">Godbey New Testament</a> neither did we eat bread with any one gratuitously, but with labor and toil, night and day working, that we might not burden any one of you: <a href="/haweis/2_thessalonians/3.htm">Haweis New Testament</a> neither did we eat bread with any man unpaid for, but with labour and toil worked night and day, that we might be burdensome to none of you: <a href="/mace/2_thessalonians/3.htm">Mace New Testament</a> that we did not eat any man's bread for nothing: but with toil and fatigue work'd night and day to avoid being chargeable to any of you: <a href="/wey/2_thessalonians/3.htm">Weymouth New Testament</a> nor did we eat any one's bread without paying for it, but we laboured and toiled, working hard night and day in order not to be a burden to any of you. <a href="/worrell/2_thessalonians/3.htm">Worrell New Testament</a> nor did we eat any one's bread, gratuitously: but, in labor and toil, working night and day, that we might not be burdensome to any of you; <a href="/worsley/2_thessalonians/3.htm">Worsley New Testament</a> neither did we eat any one's bread for nothing; but with labor and toil, working night and day, that we might not be burthensome to any of you. <a href="/parallel/2_thessalonians/3-8.htm">Additional Translations ...</a></div></div></div><div id="centbox"><div class="padcent"><a name="study" id="study"></a><div class="vheadingv">Audio Bible</div><iframe width="100%" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/p0L2MQrlSxc?start=348" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe> <div class="vheadingv">Context</div><a href="/bsb/2_thessalonians/3.htm">Warning against Irresponsibility</a> …7For you yourselves know how you ought to imitate us, because we were not undisciplined among you, 8<a href="/greek/3761.htm" title="3761: oude (Conj) -- Neither, nor, not even, and not. From ou and de; not however, i.e. Neither, nor, not even.">nor</a> <a href="/greek/5315.htm" title="5315: ephagomen (V-AIA-1P) -- A primary verb; to eat.">did we eat</a> <a href="/greek/3844.htm" title="3844: para (Prep) -- Gen: from; dat: beside, in the presence of; acc: alongside of. "></a> <a href="/greek/5100.htm" title="5100: tinos (IPro-GMS) -- Any one, some one, a certain one or thing. An enclitic indefinite pronoun; some or any person or object.">anyone’s</a> <a href="/greek/740.htm" title="740: arton (N-AMS) -- Bread, a loaf, food. From airo; bread or a loaf.">food</a> <a href="/greek/1432.htm" title="1432: dōrean (Adv) -- As a free gift, without payment, freely. Accusative case of dorea as adverb; gratuitously.">without paying for it.</a> <a href="/greek/235.htm" title="235: all’ (Conj) -- But, except, however. Neuter plural of allos; properly, other things, i.e. contrariwise.">Instead,</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.">in</a> <a href="/greek/2873.htm" title="2873: kopō (N-DMS) -- From kopto; a cut, i.e. toil, literally or figuratively; by implication, pains.">labor</a> <a href="/greek/2532.htm" title="2532: kai (Conj) -- And, even, also, namely. ">and</a> <a href="/greek/3449.htm" title="3449: mochthō (N-DMS) -- Wearisome labor, toil, hardship. From the base of mogis; toil, i.e. sadness.">toil,</a> <a href="/greek/2038.htm" title="2038: ergazomenoi (V-PPM/P-NMP) -- To work, trade, perform, do, practice, commit, acquire by labor. ">we worked</a> <a href="/greek/3571.htm" title="3571: nyktos (N-GFS) -- The night, night-time. A primary word; night.">night</a> <a href="/greek/2532.htm" title="2532: kai (Conj) -- And, even, also, namely. ">and</a> <a href="/greek/2250.htm" title="2250: hēmeras (N-GFS) -- A day, the period from sunrise to sunset. ">day</a> <a href="/greek/4314.htm" title="4314: pros (Prep) -- To, towards, with. A strengthened form of pro; a preposition of direction; forward to, i.e. Toward.">so that</a> <a href="/greek/3361.htm" title="3361: mē (Adv) -- Not, lest. A primary particle of qualified negation; not, lest; also (whereas ou expects an affirmative one) whether."></a> <a href="/greek/3588.htm" title="3588: to (Art-ANS) -- The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the."></a> <a href="/greek/1912.htm" title="1912: epibarēsai (V-ANA) -- To put a burden on, be burdensome. From epi and bareo; to be heavy upon, i.e. to be expensive to; figuratively, to be severe towards.">we would not be a burden</a> <a href="/greek/5100.htm" title="5100: tina (IPro-AMS) -- Any one, some one, a certain one or thing. An enclitic indefinite pronoun; some or any person or object.">to any</a> <a href="/greek/4771.htm" title="4771: hymōn (PPro-G2P) -- You. The person pronoun of the second person singular; thou.">of you.</a> 9Not that we lack this right, but we wanted to offer ourselves as an example for you to imitate.…<div class="cred"><a href="//berean.bible">Berean Standard Bible</a> · <a href="//berean.bible/downloads.htm">Download</a></div> <a name="crossref" id="crossref"></a><div class="vheading">Cross References</div><div id="crf"><a href="/acts/20-34.htm">Acts 20:34</a> You yourselves know that these hands of mine have ministered to my own needs and those of my companions. <a href="/1_corinthians/4-12.htm">1 Corinthians 4:12</a> We work hard with our own hands. When we are vilified, we bless; when we are persecuted, we endure it; <a href="/1_thessalonians/2-9.htm">1 Thessalonians 2:9</a> Surely you recall, brothers, our labor and toil. We worked night and day so that we would not be a burden to anyone while we proclaimed to you the gospel of God. <a href="/1_corinthians/9-6.htm">1 Corinthians 9:6-15</a> Or are Barnabas and I the only apostles who must work for a living? / Who serves as a soldier at his own expense? Who plants a vineyard and does not eat of its fruit? Who tends a flock and does not drink of its milk? / Do I say this from a human perspective? Doesn’t the Law say the same thing? ... <a href="/philippians/4-16.htm">Philippians 4:16-17</a> For even while I was in Thessalonica, you provided for my needs again and again. / Not that I am seeking a gift, but I am looking for the fruit that may be credited to your account. <a href="/1_timothy/5-18.htm">1 Timothy 5:18</a> For the Scripture says, “Do not muzzle an ox while it is treading out the grain,” and, “The worker is worthy of his wages.” <a href="/2_corinthians/11-9.htm">2 Corinthians 11:9</a> And when I was with you and in need, I was not a burden to anyone; for the brothers who came from Macedonia supplied my needs. I have refrained from being a burden to you in any way, and I will continue to do so. <a href="/ephesians/4-28.htm">Ephesians 4:28</a> 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. <a href="/proverbs/31-27.htm">Proverbs 31:27</a> She watches over the affairs of her household and does not eat the bread of idleness. <a href="/genesis/3-19.htm">Genesis 3:19</a> By the sweat of your brow you will eat your bread, until you return to the ground—because out of it were you taken. For dust you are, and to dust you shall return.” <a href="/colossians/3-23.htm">Colossians 3:23</a> Whatever you do, work at it with your whole being, as for the Lord and not for men, <a href="/proverbs/6-6.htm">Proverbs 6:6-11</a> 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. ... <a href="/ecclesiastes/9-10.htm">Ecclesiastes 9:10</a> Whatever you find to do with your hands, do it with all your might, for in Sheol, where you are going, there is no work or planning or knowledge or wisdom. <a href="/luke/10-7.htm">Luke 10:7</a> Stay at the same house, eating and drinking whatever you are offered. For the worker is worthy of his wages. Do not move around from house to house. <a href="/matthew/10-10.htm">Matthew 10:10</a> Take no bag for the road, or second tunic, or sandals, or staff; for the worker is worthy of his provisions.</div> <a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div>Neither did we eat any man's bread for nothing; but worked with labor and travail night and day, that we might not be chargeable to any of you:eat.<a href="/2_thessalonians/3-12.htm">2 Thessalonians 3:12</a> Now them that are such we command and exhort by our Lord Jesus Christ, that with quietness they work, and eat their own bread.<a href="/proverbs/31-27.htm">Proverbs 31:27</a> She looketh well to the ways of her household, and eateth not the bread of idleness.<a href="/matthew/6-11.htm">Matthew 6:11</a> Give us this day our daily bread.but.<a href="/acts/18-3.htm">Acts 18:3</a> And because he was of the same craft, he abode with them, and wrought: for by their occupation they were tentmakers.<a href="/acts/20-34.htm">Acts 20:34</a> Yea, ye yourselves know, that these hands have ministered unto my necessities, and to them that were with me.<a href="/1_corinthians/4-12.htm">1 Corinthians 4:12</a> And labour, working with our own hands: being reviled, we bless; being persecuted, we suffer it:night.<a href="/1_thessalonians/2-9.htm">1 Thessalonians 2:9</a> For ye remember, brethren, our labour and travail: for labouring night and day, because we would not be chargeable unto any of you, we preached unto you the gospel of God.<div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/2_corinthians/9-10.htm">Bread</a> <a href="/1_thessalonians/4-12.htm">Burden</a> <a href="/1_thessalonians/2-9.htm">Chargeable</a> <a href="/1_thessalonians/2-15.htm">Contrary</a> <a href="/colossians/2-16.htm">Eat</a> <a href="/acts/27-38.htm">Eaten</a> <a href="/colossians/2-16.htm">Food</a> <a href="/2_thessalonians/2-2.htm">Hand</a> <a href="/colossians/4-13.htm">Hard</a> <a href="/1_thessalonians/2-9.htm">Hardship</a> <a href="/1_thessalonians/5-23.htm">Kept</a> <a href="/1_thessalonians/5-12.htm">Labor</a> <a href="/1_thessalonians/2-9.htm">Laboring</a> <a href="/2_corinthians/10-10.htm">Naught</a> <a href="/1_thessalonians/5-7.htm">Night</a> <a href="/2_thessalonians/2-8.htm">Nought</a> <a href="/colossians/2-4.htm">One's</a> <a href="/2_thessalonians/2-12.htm">Order</a> <a href="/romans/12-10.htm">Paying</a> <a href="/1_thessalonians/2-9.htm">Toil</a> <a href="/2_corinthians/11-27.htm">Toiled</a> <a href="/acts/20-35.htm">Toiling</a> <a href="/1_thessalonians/5-3.htm">Travail</a> <a href="/2_thessalonians/1-6.htm">Trouble</a> <a href="/philippians/4-12.htm">Without</a> <a href="/colossians/4-13.htm">Worked</a> <a href="/2_thessalonians/2-11.htm">Working</a> <a href="/ephesians/1-20.htm">Wrought</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/2_thessalonians/3-12.htm">Bread</a> <a href="/2_timothy/3-6.htm">Burden</a> <a href="/2_samuel/13-25.htm">Chargeable</a> <a href="/1_timothy/1-10.htm">Contrary</a> <a href="/2_thessalonians/3-10.htm">Eat</a> <a href="/james/5-2.htm">Eaten</a> <a href="/2_thessalonians/3-10.htm">Food</a> <a href="/2_thessalonians/3-15.htm">Hand</a> <a href="/1_timothy/3-3.htm">Hard</a> <a href="/2_timothy/1-8.htm">Hardship</a> <a href="/1_timothy/2-15.htm">Kept</a> <a href="/1_timothy/4-10.htm">Labor</a> <a href="/revelation/12-2.htm">Laboring</a> <a href="/jude/1-8.htm">Naught</a> <a href="/1_timothy/5-5.htm">Night</a> <a href="/hebrews/2-14.htm">Nought</a> <a href="/james/1-27.htm">One's</a> <a href="/2_thessalonians/3-9.htm">Order</a> <a href="/1_timothy/4-1.htm">Paying</a> <a href="/1_timothy/4-10.htm">Toil</a> <a href="/revelation/2-3.htm">Toiled</a> <a href="/1_timothy/4-10.htm">Toiling</a> <a href="/revelation/12-2.htm">Travail</a> <a href="/1_timothy/1-13.htm">Trouble</a> <a href="/isaiah/29-21.htm">Without</a> <a href="/hebrews/11-33.htm">Worked</a> <a href="/2_thessalonians/3-11.htm">Working</a> <a href="/hebrews/11-33.htm">Wrought</a><div class="vheading2">2 Thessalonians 3</div>1. <a href="/2_thessalonians/3-1.htm">Paul craves their prayers for himself;</a> 3. <a href="/2_thessalonians/3-3.htm">testifies what confidence he has in them;</a> 5. <a href="/2_thessalonians/3-5.htm">makes request to God in their behalf;</a> 6. <a href="/2_thessalonians/3-6.htm">gives them various precepts, especially to shun idleness, and ill company;</a> 16. <a href="/2_thessalonians/3-16.htm">and then concludes with prayer and salutation.</a> </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>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-2'> </div>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-0' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-3'> </div>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-1' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div>  <div align="center" id='div-gpt-ad-1531425649696-0'> </div> <script type="text/javascript"> </script> <script type="text/javascript" src="//pagead2.googlesyndication.com/pagead/show_ads.js"> </script> </div> </td></tr></table></div></div></div><div id="combox"><div class="padcom"><a name="commentary" id="commentary"></a><div class="vheading"><a href="/study/2_thessalonians/3.htm">Berean Study Bible</a></div>nor did we eat anyone’s bread The phrase "nor did we eat anyone’s bread" emphasizes the apostle Paul's commitment to self-sufficiency and integrity. In the ancient world, "bread" was a staple of daily sustenance, symbolizing the basic necessities of life. The Greek word for "bread" (ἄρτος, artos) can also imply food in general. Paul, aware of the cultural and social norms of his time, was careful not to take advantage of the hospitality of others without contributing. This reflects a deep respect for the community and a desire to model Christian responsibility and stewardship.without paying for it The phrase "without paying for it" underscores the principle of fairness and reciprocity. Paul was determined to avoid any perception of exploitation or entitlement. The Greek term used here implies a transaction or exchange, highlighting the importance of mutual respect and the avoidance of becoming a financial burden. This approach aligns with the broader biblical teaching on work and provision, where individuals are encouraged to contribute to their community and support themselves through honest labor.Instead, in labor and toil "Instead, in labor and toil" reflects Paul's dedication to hard work. The Greek words for "labor" (κόπος, kopos) and "toil" (μόχθος, mochthos) convey a sense of strenuous effort and perseverance. This dual emphasis on labor and toil suggests not only physical exertion but also the mental and emotional commitment required to fulfill one's responsibilities. Paul's example serves as an inspiration for believers to embrace diligence and perseverance in their own lives, recognizing work as a form of service to God and others.we worked night and day The phrase "we worked night and day" illustrates the extent of Paul's commitment to his mission and the Thessalonian community. By working tirelessly, Paul demonstrated a profound sense of duty and urgency. The expression "night and day" is a hyperbolic way to convey continuous effort, emphasizing the importance of dedication and sacrifice in the Christian life. This relentless work ethic serves as a model for believers, encouraging them to pursue their callings with passion and persistence.so that we would not be a burden "So that we would not be a burden" reveals Paul's sensitivity to the needs and limitations of the Thessalonian church. The Greek word for "burden" (ἐπιβαρέω, epibareō) suggests an imposition or weight placed upon others. Paul was acutely aware of the potential strain that his presence could place on the community, and he took deliberate steps to avoid it. This consideration for others' well-being is a hallmark of Christian love and humility, reminding believers to be mindful of how their actions impact those around them.to any of you The phrase "to any of you" personalizes Paul's message, highlighting his direct relationship with the Thessalonian believers. By addressing them individually and collectively, Paul reinforces the communal aspect of the Christian faith. This personal touch underscores the importance of relationships within the body of Christ, where each member is valued and respected. It serves as a reminder that the principles of love, service, and responsibility are to be lived out in the context of real, tangible relationships within the church community.<div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/ellicott/2_thessalonians/3.htm">Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers</a></div>(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," <a href="/2_samuel/9-7.htm" title="And David said to him, Fear not: for I will surely show you kindness for Jonathan your father's sake, and will restore you all the land of Saul your father; and you shall eat bread at my table continually.">2Samuel 9:7</a>, 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.<div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/2_thessalonians/3.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div>Verse 8. - Neither did we eat any man's bread; a Hebraism for "neither did we get our sustenance," as bread was the staff of life. For nought; gratis, free of expense. But wrought with labour and travail night and day, that we might not be chargeable unto any of you. The apostle makes the same declaration in his First Epistle, expressed in almost similar terms: "For ye remember, brethren, our labour and travail; for labouring night and day, because we would not be chargeable unto any of you, we preached unto you the gospel of God" (<a href="/1_thessalonians/2-9.htm">1 Thessalonians 2:9</a>). <a href="/commentaries/2_thessalonians/3-8.htm">Parallel Commentaries ...</a> <a name="lexicon" id="lexicon"></a><div class="vheading">Greek</div>nor οὐδὲ (oude) Conjunction <a href="/greek/strongs_3761.htm">Strong's 3761: </a> Neither, nor, not even, and not. From ou and de; not however, i.e. Neither, nor, not even. did we eat ἐφάγομεν (ephagomen) Verb - Aorist Indicative Active - 1st Person Plural <a href="/greek/strongs_5315.htm">Strong's 5315: </a> A primary verb; to eat. anyone’s τινος (tinos) Interrogative / Indefinite Pronoun - Genitive Masculine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_5100.htm">Strong's 5100: </a> Any one, some one, a certain one or thing. An enclitic indefinite pronoun; some or any person or object. food ἄρτον (arton) Noun - Accusative Masculine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_740.htm">Strong's 740: </a> Bread, a loaf, food. From airo; bread or a loaf. without paying for it. δωρεὰν (dōrean) Adverb <a href="/greek/strongs_1432.htm">Strong's 1432: </a> As a free gift, without payment, freely. Accusative case of dorea as adverb; gratuitously. Instead, ἀλλ’ (all’) Conjunction <a href="/greek/strongs_235.htm">Strong's 235: </a> But, except, however. Neuter plural of allos; properly, other things, i.e. contrariwise. in ἐν (en) Preposition <a href="/greek/strongs_1722.htm">Strong's 1722: </a> In, on, among. A primary preposition denoting position, and instrumentality, i.e. A relation of rest; 'in, ' at, on, by, etc. labor κόπῳ (kopō) Noun - Dative Masculine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_2873.htm">Strong's 2873: </a> From kopto; a cut, i.e. toil, literally or figuratively; by implication, pains. and καὶ (kai) Conjunction <a href="/greek/strongs_2532.htm">Strong's 2532: </a> And, even, also, namely. toil, μόχθῳ (mochthō) Noun - Dative Masculine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_3449.htm">Strong's 3449: </a> Wearisome labor, toil, hardship. From the base of mogis; toil, i.e. sadness. we worked ἐργαζόμενοι (ergazomenoi) Verb - Present Participle Middle or Passive - Nominative Masculine Plural <a href="/greek/strongs_2038.htm">Strong's 2038: </a> To work, trade, perform, do, practice, commit, acquire by labor. night νυκτὸς (nyktos) Noun - Genitive Feminine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_3571.htm">Strong's 3571: </a> The night, night-time. A primary word; 'night'. and καὶ (kai) Conjunction <a href="/greek/strongs_2532.htm">Strong's 2532: </a> And, even, also, namely. day ἡμέρας (hēmeras) Noun - Genitive Feminine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_2250.htm">Strong's 2250: </a> A day, the period from sunrise to sunset. so that πρὸς (pros) Preposition <a href="/greek/strongs_4314.htm">Strong's 4314: </a> To, towards, with. A strengthened form of pro; a preposition of direction; forward to, i.e. Toward. we would not be a burden ἐπιβαρῆσαί (epibarēsai) Verb - Aorist Infinitive Active <a href="/greek/strongs_1912.htm">Strong's 1912: </a> To put a burden on, be burdensome. From epi and bareo; to be heavy upon, i.e. to be expensive to; figuratively, to be severe towards. to any τινα (tina) Interrogative / Indefinite Pronoun - Accusative Masculine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_5100.htm">Strong's 5100: </a> Any one, some one, a certain one or thing. An enclitic indefinite pronoun; some or any person or object. of you. ὑμῶν (hymōn) Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Genitive 2nd Person Plural <a href="/greek/strongs_4771.htm">Strong's 4771: </a> You. The person pronoun of the second person singular; thou. <div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/2_thessalonians/3-8.htm">2 Thessalonians 3:8 NIV</a> <a href="/nlt/2_thessalonians/3-8.htm">2 Thessalonians 3:8 NLT</a> <a href="/esv/2_thessalonians/3-8.htm">2 Thessalonians 3:8 ESV</a> <a href="/nasb/2_thessalonians/3-8.htm">2 Thessalonians 3:8 NASB</a> <a href="/kjv/2_thessalonians/3-8.htm">2 Thessalonians 3:8 KJV</a> <a href="//bibleapps.com/2_thessalonians/3-8.htm">2 Thessalonians 3:8 BibleApps.com</a> <a href="//bibliaparalela.com/2_thessalonians/3-8.htm">2 Thessalonians 3:8 Biblia Paralela</a> <a href="//holybible.com.cn/2_thessalonians/3-8.htm">2 Thessalonians 3:8 Chinese Bible</a> <a href="//saintebible.com/2_thessalonians/3-8.htm">2 Thessalonians 3:8 French Bible</a> <a href="/catholic/2_thessalonians/3-8.htm">2 Thessalonians 3:8 Catholic Bible</a> <a href="/2_thessalonians/3-8.htm">NT Letters: 2 Thessalonians 3:8 Neither did we eat bread from anyone's (2 Thess. 2 Thes. 2Th iiTh ii th)</a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/2_thessalonians/3-7.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="2 Thessalonians 3:7"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="2 Thessalonians 3:7" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/2_thessalonians/3-9.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="2 Thessalonians 3:9"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="2 Thessalonians 3:9" /></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>