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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="audio" id="audio"></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> <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> </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>nor did we eat anyone’s food without paying for it. This phrase highlights the Apostle Paul's commitment to self-sufficiency and integrity. In the cultural context of the Greco-Roman world, hospitality was a significant social expectation, and it was common for traveling teachers to rely on the support of their hosts. However, Paul deliberately chose not to take advantage of this custom to avoid any accusations of exploiting the Thessalonian believers. This approach aligns with his teachings in <a href="/1_corinthians/9-14.htm">1 Corinthians 9:14-15</a>, where he emphasizes his right to receive support but chooses not to use it to avoid hindering the gospel. Paul's actions serve as a model of Christian responsibility and stewardship, reflecting Jesus' teaching in <a href="/luke/10-7.htm">Luke 10:7</a> about the laborer deserving his wages, yet choosing a path of self-denial for the sake of the gospel.Instead, in labor and toil, Paul's use of "labor and toil" underscores the physical and mental effort he invested in his ministry. The Greek words used here, "kopos" (labor) and "mochthos" (toil), convey a sense of strenuous and exhausting work. This reflects the broader biblical theme of work as a divine calling, seen in <a href="/genesis/2-15.htm">Genesis 2:15</a> where Adam is placed in the Garden of Eden to work it. Paul's dedication to hard work is also a practical demonstration of his teaching in <a href="/colossians/3-23.htm">Colossians 3:23</a>, where believers are encouraged to work heartily as for the Lord. This phrase emphasizes the apostolic example of diligence and perseverance in ministry.we worked night and day The phrase "night and day" indicates the extent of Paul's commitment, suggesting continuous and tireless effort. This dedication is reminiscent of the Jewish work ethic, where the day begins at sunset, and work is a part of daily life. Paul's bivocational ministry, likely as a tentmaker (<a href="/acts/18-3.htm">Acts 18:3</a>), allowed him to support himself while preaching the gospel. This dual role highlights the balance between spiritual and practical responsibilities, echoing the principle found in <a href="/proverbs/6-6.htm">Proverbs 6:6-8</a>, which commends the ant for its industriousness. Paul's example serves as a reminder of the importance of balancing ministry with personal responsibility.so that we would not be a burden to any of you. Paul's concern about being a burden reflects his sensitivity to the economic conditions of the Thessalonian church. In the first-century Mediterranean world, many believers were of lower socioeconomic status, and Paul was mindful not to add to their financial strain. This selfless attitude is consistent with his teaching in <a href="/philippians/2-3.htm">Philippians 2:3-4</a>, where believers are encouraged to consider others' interests above their own. By not being a burden, Paul exemplifies Christ's sacrificial love, as seen in <a href="/mark/10-45.htm">Mark 10:45</a>, where Jesus came not to be served but to serve. This phrase encapsulates the essence of servant leadership and the call to live in a way that uplifts and supports the community of faith.<div class="vheading2">Persons / Places / Events</div>1. <a href="/topical/p/paul_the_apostle.htm">Paul the Apostle</a> The primary author of the letter, who is addressing the Thessalonian church. Paul is emphasizing his own example of hard work and self-sufficiency. 2. <a href="/topical/t/thessalonian_church.htm">Thessalonian Church</a> The recipients of the letter, a Christian community in Thessalonica, who were being instructed on how to live a disciplined and responsible life. 3. <a href="/topical/s/silas_and_timothy.htm">Silas and Timothy</a> Co-authors of the letter with Paul, who also shared in the labor and toil mentioned in the verse. 4. <a href="/topical/t/thessalonica.htm">Thessalonica</a> A significant city in Macedonia, where the church was located. It was a bustling trade center, which may have influenced the need for teaching on work and self-sufficiency. 5. <a href="/topical/l/labor_and_toil.htm">Labor and Toil</a> The effort and hard work that Paul and his companions undertook to support themselves, setting an example for the Thessalonians.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><a href="/topical/t/the_example_of_hard_work.htm">The Example of Hard Work</a> Paul sets a personal example of diligence and self-sufficiency, encouraging believers to follow suit in their own lives. <a href="/topical/a/avoiding_burden_on_others.htm">Avoiding Burden on Others</a> Christians are called to be responsible and not rely unnecessarily on others, promoting a community of mutual support rather than dependency. <a href="/topical/t/the_dignity_of_labor.htm">The Dignity of Labor</a> Work is portrayed as honorable and necessary, reflecting God’s design for humanity to be productive and contribute to society. <a href="/topical/b/balancing_ministry_and_work.htm">Balancing Ministry and Work</a> While ministry is vital, Paul demonstrates the importance of balancing it with practical responsibilities, ensuring that one’s livelihood does not become a burden to others. <a href="/topical/c/community_and_accountability.htm">Community and Accountability</a> The church community is encouraged to hold each other accountable in matters of work and responsibility, fostering a culture of integrity and diligence.<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>(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>