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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>1 Thessalonians 4:11 and to aspire to live quietly, to attend to your own matters, and to work with your own hands, as we instructed you.</title><link rel="canonical" href="https://biblehub.com/1_thessalonians/4-11.htm" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/new9.css" type="text/css" media="Screen" /><meta property="og:image" content="https://biblehub.com/visuals/6/52_1Th_04_11.jpg" /><meta property="og:title" content="1 Thessalonians 4:11 - Living to Please God" /><meta property="og:site_name" content="Bible Hub" /><meta property="og:description" content="and to aspire to live quietly, to attend to your own matters, and to work with your own hands, as we instructed you." /><script 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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="/1_thessalonians/4-10.htm" title="1 Thessalonians 4:10">◄</a> 1 Thessalonians 4:11 <a href="/1_thessalonians/4-12.htm" title="1 Thessalonians 4:12">►</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="#study" class="clickchap2" title="Context and Study Bible"> Audio </a> <a href="#crossref" class="clickchap2" title="Cross References"> Crossref </a> <a href="#commentary" class="clickchap2" title="Commentary"> Comment </a> <a href="#lexicon" class="clickchap2" title="Lexicon"> Greek </a> </div><div id="leftbox"><div class="padleft"><div class="vheadingv">Verse<a href="/bsb/1_thessalonians/4.htm" class="clickchap" style="color:#001320" title="Click any translation name for full chapter">  (Click for Chapter)</a></div><div id="par"><a href="/niv/1_thessalonians/4.htm">New International Version</a> and to make it your ambition to lead a quiet life: You should mind your own business and work with your hands, just as we told you, <a href="/nlt/1_thessalonians/4.htm">New Living Translation</a> Make it your goal to live a quiet life, minding your own business and working with your hands, just as we instructed you before. <a href="/esv/1_thessalonians/4.htm">English Standard Version</a> and to aspire to live quietly, and to mind your own affairs, and to work with your hands, as we instructed you, <a href="/bsb/1_thessalonians/4.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a> and to aspire to live quietly, to attend to your own matters, and to work with your own hands, as we instructed you. <a href="/blb/1_thessalonians/4.htm">Berean Literal Bible</a> and to strive earnestly to live quietly and to attend to your own matters, and to work with your own hands, just as we commanded you, <a href="/kjv/1_thessalonians/4.htm">King James Bible</a> And that ye study to be quiet, and to do your own business, and to work with your own hands, as we commanded you; <a href="/nkjv/1_thessalonians/4.htm">New King James Version</a> that you also aspire to lead a quiet life, to mind your own business, and to work with your own hands, as we commanded you, <a href="/nasb_/1_thessalonians/4.htm">New American Standard Bible</a> and to make it your ambition to lead a quiet life and attend to your own business and work with your hands, just as we instructed you, <a href="/nasb/1_thessalonians/4.htm">NASB 1995</a> and to make it your ambition to lead a quiet life and attend to your own business and work with your hands, just as we commanded you, <a href="/nasb77/1_thessalonians/4.htm">NASB 1977 </a> and to make it your ambition to lead a quiet life and attend to your own business and work with your hands, just as we commanded you; <a href="/lsb/1_thessalonians/4.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a> and to make it your ambition to lead a quiet life and attend to your own business and work with your hands, just as we commanded you, <a href="/amp/1_thessalonians/4.htm">Amplified Bible</a> and to make it your ambition to live quietly and peacefully, and to mind your own affairs and work with your hands, just as we directed you, <a href="/csb/1_thessalonians/4.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a> to seek to lead a quiet life, to mind your own business, and to work with your own hands, as we commanded you, <a href="/hcsb/1_thessalonians/4.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a> to seek to lead a quiet life, to mind your own business, and to work with your own hands, as we commanded you, <a href="/asv/1_thessalonians/4.htm">American Standard Version</a> and that ye study to be quiet, and to do your own business, and to work with your hands, even as we charged you; <a href="/cev/1_thessalonians/4.htm">Contemporary English Version</a> Try your best to live quietly, to mind your own business, and to work hard, just as we taught you to do. <a href="/erv/1_thessalonians/4.htm">English Revised Version</a> and that ye study to be quiet, and to do your own business, and to work with your hands, even as we charged you; <a href="/gwt/1_thessalonians/4.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a> Also, make it your goal to live quietly, do your work, and earn your own living, as we ordered you. <a href="/gnt/1_thessalonians/4.htm">Good News Translation</a> Make it your aim to live a quiet life, to mind your own business, and to earn your own living, just as we told you before. <a href="/isv/1_thessalonians/4.htm">International Standard Version</a> Also, make it your goal to live quietly, to mind your own business, and to work with your own hands, as we instructed you, <a href="/msb/1_thessalonians/4.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a> and to aspire to live quietly, to attend to your own matters, and to work with your own hands, as we instructed you. <a href="/net/1_thessalonians/4.htm">NET Bible</a> to aspire to lead a quiet life, to attend to your own business, and to work with your hands, as we commanded you. <a href="/nheb/1_thessalonians/4.htm">New Heart English Bible</a> and that you make it your ambition to lead a quiet life, and to do your own business, and to work with your own hands, even as we instructed you; <a href="/wbt/1_thessalonians/4.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a> And that ye study to be quiet, and to do your own business, and to work with your own hands, as we commanded you; <a href="/wey/1_thessalonians/4.htm">Weymouth New Testament</a> and to vie with one another in eagerness for peace, every one minding his own business and working with his hands, as we ordered you to do: <a href="/web/1_thessalonians/4.htm">World English Bible</a> and that you make it your ambition to lead a quiet life, and to do your own business, and to work with your own hands, even as we instructed you, <div class="vheading2">Literal Translations</div><a href="/lsv/1_thessalonians/4.htm">Literal Standard Version</a> and to study to be quiet, and to do your own business, and to work with your own hands, as we commanded you, <a href="/blb/1_thessalonians/4.htm">Berean Literal Bible</a> and to strive earnestly to live quietly and to attend to your own matters, and to work with your own hands, just as we commanded you, <a href="/ylt/1_thessalonians/4.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a> and to study to be quiet, and to do your own business, and to work with your own hands, as we did command you, <a href="/slt/1_thessalonians/4.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a> And that ye be ambitions to remain quiet, and attend to your own things, and work with your own hands, as we enjoined you;<div class="vheading2">Catholic Translations</div><a href="/drb/1_thessalonians/4.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a> And that you use your endeavour to be quiet, and that you do your own business, and work with your own hands, as we commanded you: <a href="/cpdv/1_thessalonians/4.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a> to choose work that allows you to be tranquil, and to carry out your business and to do your work with your own hands, just as we have instructed you, <a href="/nabre/1_thessalonians/4.htm">New American Bible</a> and to aspire to live a tranquil life, to mind your own affairs, and to work with your [own] hands, as we instructed you, <a href="/nrsvce/1_thessalonians/4.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a> to aspire to live quietly, to mind your own affairs, and to work with your hands, as we directed you,<div class="vheading2">Translations from Aramaic</div><a href="/lamsa/1_thessalonians/4.htm">Lamsa Bible</a> And that you endeavor to be quiet, and to do your own business, and to work with your own hands, as we commanded you; <a href="/aramaic-plain-english/1_thessalonians/4.htm">Aramaic Bible in Plain English</a> And that you would be diligent, peaceable and occupied with your business, working with your hands just as we commanded you,<div class="vheading2">NT Translations</div><a href="/anderson/1_thessalonians/4.htm">Anderson New Testament</a> and that you earnestly endeavor to live quietly, and that you attend to your own business, and work with your own hands, as we commanded you; <a href="/godbey/1_thessalonians/4.htm">Godbey New Testament</a> and that you aspire to be quiet, and to prosecute your own employments, and work with your hands, as we proclaimed unto you; <a href="/haweis/1_thessalonians/4.htm">Haweis New Testament</a> and that you make it your study to live peaceably, and to do your own business, and to work with your own hands, even as we have enjoined you; <a href="/mace/1_thessalonians/4.htm">Mace New Testament</a> to study your own quiet, to mind your own affairs, and follow some handicraft trade, as we recommended it to you: <a href="/wey/1_thessalonians/4.htm">Weymouth New Testament</a> and to vie with one another in eagerness for peace, every one minding his own business and working with his hands, as we ordered you to do: <a href="/worrell/1_thessalonians/4.htm">Worrell New Testament</a> and to make it your aim to be quiet, and to do your own business, and to work with your own hands, as we charged you; <a href="/worsley/1_thessalonians/4.htm">Worsley New Testament</a> and endeavour to be quiet, and mind your own affairs, and work with your own hands, <a href="/parallel/1_thessalonians/4-11.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/sgDUoqNjFio?start=523" 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/1_thessalonians/4.htm">Living to Please God</a> …10And you are indeed showing this love to all the brothers throughout Macedonia. But we urge you, brothers, to excel more and more 11<a href="/greek/2532.htm" title="2532: kai (Conj) -- And, even, also, namely. ">and</a> <a href="/greek/5389.htm" title="5389: philotimeisthai (V-PNM/P) -- To be zealous, strive eagerly, desire very strongly. ">to aspire</a> <a href="/greek/2270.htm" title="2270: hēsychazein (V-PNA) -- From the same as hesuchios; to keep still, i.e. Refrain from labor, meddlesomeness or speech.">to live quietly,</a> <a href="/greek/2532.htm" title="2532: kai (Conj) -- And, even, also, namely. "></a> <a href="/greek/4238.htm" title="4238: prassein (V-PNA) -- To do, perform, accomplish; be in any condition, i.e. I fare; I exact, require. ">to attend to</a> <a href="/greek/2398.htm" title="2398: idia (Adj-ANP) -- Pertaining to self, i.e. One's own; by implication, private or separate.">your own</a> <a href="/greek/3588.htm" title="3588: ta (Art-ANP) -- The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.">matters,</a> <a href="/greek/2532.htm" title="2532: kai (Conj) -- And, even, also, namely. ">and</a> <a href="/greek/2038.htm" title="2038: ergazesthai (V-PNM/P) -- To work, trade, perform, do, practice, commit, acquire by labor. ">to work with</a> <a href="/greek/4771.htm" title="4771: hymōn (PPro-G2P) -- You. The person pronoun of the second person singular; thou.">your</a> <a href="/greek/3588.htm" title="3588: tais (Art-DFP) -- The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the."></a> <a href="/greek/2398.htm" title="2398: idiais (Adj-DFP) -- Pertaining to self, i.e. One's own; by implication, private or separate.">own</a> <a href="/greek/5495.htm" title="5495: chersin (N-DFP) -- A hand. ">hands,</a> <a href="/greek/2531.htm" title="2531: kathōs (Adv) -- According to the manner in which, in the degree that, just as, as. From kata and hos; just as, that.">as</a> <a href="/greek/3853.htm" title="3853: parēngeilamen (V-AIA-1P) -- To notify, command, charge, entreat solemnly. From para and the base of aggelos; to transmit a message, i.e. to enjoin.">we instructed</a> <a href="/greek/4771.htm" title="4771: hymin (PPro-D2P) -- You. The person pronoun of the second person singular; thou.">you.</a> 12Then you will behave properly toward outsiders, without being dependent on anyone.…<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="/2_thessalonians/3-10.htm">2 Thessalonians 3:10-12</a> For even while we were with you, we gave you this command: “If anyone is unwilling to work, he shall not eat.” / For we hear that some of you are leading undisciplined lives, accomplishing nothing, but being busybodies. / We command and urge such people by our Lord Jesus Christ to begin working quietly to earn their own living. <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="/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="/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="/1_timothy/5-13.htm">1 Timothy 5:13</a> 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. <a href="/proverbs/14-23.htm">Proverbs 14:23</a> There is profit in all labor, but mere talk leads only to poverty. <a href="/1_corinthians/15-58.htm">1 Corinthians 15:58</a> 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. <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="/romans/12-11.htm">Romans 12:11</a> Do not let your zeal subside; keep your spiritual fervor, serving the Lord. <a href="/1_peter/4-15.htm">1 Peter 4:15</a> Indeed, none of you should suffer as a murderer or thief or wrongdoer, or even as a meddler. <a href="/proverbs/13-4.htm">Proverbs 13:4</a> The slacker craves yet has nothing, but the soul of the diligent is fully satisfied. <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="/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="/philippians/2-14.htm">Philippians 2:14-15</a> Do everything without complaining or arguing, / so that you may be blameless and pure, children of God without fault in a crooked and perverse generation, in which you shine as lights in the world <a href="/proverbs/10-4.htm">Proverbs 10:4</a> Idle hands make one poor, but diligent hands bring wealth.</div> <a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div>And that you study to be quiet, and to do your own business, and to work with your own hands, as we commanded you;that.<a href="/proverbs/17-1.htm">Proverbs 17:1</a> Better is a dry morsel, and quietness therewith, than an house full of sacrifices with strife.<a href="/ecclesiastes/4-6.htm">Ecclesiastes 4:6</a> Better is an handful with quietness, than both the hands full with travail and vexation of spirit.<a href="/lamentations/3-26.htm">Lamentations 3:26</a> It is good that a man should both hope and quietly wait for the salvation of the LORD.study.<a href="/romans/15-20.htm">Romans 15:20</a> Yea, so have I strived to preach the gospel, not where Christ was named, lest I should build upon another man's foundation:<a href="/2_corinthians/5-9.htm">2 Corinthians 5:9</a> Wherefore we labour, that, whether present or absent, we may be accepted of him.and to do.<a href="/mark/13-34.htm">Mark 13:34</a> For the Son of man is as a man taking a far journey, who left his house, and gave authority to his servants, and to every man his work, and commanded the porter to watch.<a href="/luke/12-42.htm">Luke 12:42,43</a> And the Lord said, Who then is that faithful and wise steward, whom his lord shall make ruler over his household, to give them their portion of meat in due season? … <a href="/romans/12-4.htm">Romans 12:4-8</a> For as we have many members in one body, and all members have not the same office: … to work.<a href="/acts/20-35.htm">Acts 20:35</a> I have shewed you all things, how that so labouring ye ought to support the weak, and to remember the words of the Lord Jesus, how he said, It is more blessed to give than to receive.<a href="/romans/12-11.htm">Romans 12:11</a> Not slothful in business; fervent in spirit; serving the Lord;<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:<div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/colossians/4-7.htm">Affairs</a> <a href="/philippians/1-17.htm">Ambition</a> <a href="/galatians/1-10.htm">Aspire</a> <a href="/1_corinthians/9-13.htm">Attend</a> <a href="/1_thessalonians/4-6.htm">Business</a> <a href="/1_thessalonians/2-11.htm">Charged</a> <a href="/ephesians/6-3.htm">Command</a> <a href="/2_corinthians/4-6.htm">Commanded</a> <a href="/2_corinthians/9-2.htm">Eagerness</a> <a href="/1_thessalonians/3-10.htm">Earnestly</a> <a href="/colossians/2-21.htm">Hands</a> <a href="/1_thessalonians/4-1.htm">Instructed</a> <a href="/colossians/1-10.htm">Lead</a> <a href="/1_thessalonians/4-2.htm">Mind</a> <a href="/philippians/3-19.htm">Minding</a> <a href="/ephesians/6-5.htm">Ordered</a> <a href="/1_thessalonians/4-2.htm">Orders</a> <a href="/1_thessalonians/1-1.htm">Peace</a> <a href="/philippians/2-3.htm">Pride</a> <a href="/1_thessalonians/3-5.htm">Quiet</a> <a href="/john/11-28.htm">Quietly</a> <a href="/1_thessalonians/2-6.htm">Seek</a> <a href="/john/5-39.htm">Study</a> <a href="/philippians/3-17.htm">Vie</a> <a href="/1_thessalonians/3-5.htm">Work</a> <a href="/1_thessalonians/2-9.htm">Working</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/1_timothy/5-17.htm">Affairs</a> <a href="/james/3-14.htm">Ambition</a> <a href="/galatians/1-10.htm">Aspire</a> <a href="/1_timothy/4-13.htm">Attend</a> <a href="/2_thessalonians/3-11.htm">Business</a> <a href="/1_timothy/5-16.htm">Charged</a> <a href="/1_thessalonians/4-12.htm">Command</a> <a href="/2_thessalonians/3-10.htm">Commanded</a> <a href="/1_peter/5-2.htm">Eagerness</a> <a href="/1_timothy/6-12.htm">Earnestly</a> <a href="/1_timothy/2-8.htm">Hands</a> <a href="/1_timothy/1-20.htm">Instructed</a> <a href="/1_thessalonians/5-12.htm">Lead</a> <a href="/1_thessalonians/5-25.htm">Mind</a> <a href="/acts/20-13.htm">Minding</a> <a href="/1_thessalonians/5-14.htm">Ordered</a> <a href="/1_thessalonians/5-27.htm">Orders</a> <a href="/1_thessalonians/5-3.htm">Peace</a> <a href="/2_thessalonians/1-4.htm">Pride</a> <a href="/2_thessalonians/3-5.htm">Quiet</a> <a href="/2_thessalonians/3-12.htm">Quietly</a> <a href="/1_thessalonians/5-15.htm">Seek</a> <a href="/2_timothy/2-15.htm">Study</a> <a href="/philippians/3-17.htm">Vie</a> <a href="/1_thessalonians/5-12.htm">Work</a> <a href="/1_thessalonians/5-12.htm">Working</a><div class="vheading2">1 Thessalonians 4</div>1. <a href="/1_thessalonians/4-1.htm">He exhorts them to go forward in all manner of godliness;</a> 6. <a href="/1_thessalonians/4-6.htm">to live holily and justly;</a> 9. <a href="/1_thessalonians/4-9.htm">to love one another;</a> 11. <a href="/1_thessalonians/4-11.htm">and quietly to follow their own business;</a> 13. <a href="/1_thessalonians/4-13.htm">and last of all, to sorrow moderately for the dead.</a> 17. <a href="/1_thessalonians/4-17.htm">followed by a brief description of the resurrection, and second coming of Christ to judgment.</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/1_thessalonians/4.htm">Berean Study Bible</a></div>aspire to live quietly The Greek word for "aspire" is "φιλοτιμέομαι" (philotimeomai), which conveys a sense of ambition or earnest striving. In a culture that often equates ambition with public recognition and success, Paul redirects the Thessalonians' aspirations towards a life of tranquility. The phrase "live quietly" suggests a life free from unnecessary conflict and drama, emphasizing peace and contentment. Historically, this reflects a counter-cultural stance in a bustling Greco-Roman society where public life and status were highly valued. Paul encourages believers to find fulfillment not in external accolades but in a serene and godly life.to attend to your own matters The phrase "attend to your own matters" is rooted in the Greek "πράσσειν τὰ ἴδια" (prassein ta idia), which means to manage one's own affairs. This instruction underscores personal responsibility and self-discipline. In the early Christian community, there was a tendency for some to become overly involved in others' lives, leading to gossip or unnecessary interference. Paul advises the Thessalonians to focus on their own responsibilities, promoting a community where each member contributes positively without overstepping boundaries. This principle is timeless, encouraging believers to cultivate a life of integrity and accountability.to work with your own hands The phrase "work with your own hands" is significant in the context of the Thessalonian church. The Greek "ἐργάζεσθαι ταῖς χερσὶν ὑμῶν" (ergazesthai tais chersin hymōn) emphasizes manual labor, which was often looked down upon in Greco-Roman society. However, Paul elevates the dignity of work, aligning with the Jewish tradition that values labor as a form of worship and service to God. By encouraging manual work, Paul addresses issues of idleness and dependency within the community, promoting self-sufficiency and a strong work ethic. This teaching resonates with the broader biblical narrative that honors diligence and stewardship.as we instructed you The phrase "as we instructed you" indicates that these teachings were not new but were part of the foundational guidance Paul and his companions had already provided. The Greek "καθὼς ὑμῖν παρηγγείλαμεν" (kathōs hymin parēngeilamen) suggests a command or directive, reinforcing the authority of the apostolic teaching. This reminder serves to anchor the Thessalonians in the apostolic tradition, ensuring continuity and faithfulness to the teachings of Christ. It highlights the importance of adhering to sound doctrine and the wisdom of spiritual leaders, fostering a community grounded in biblical truth and practice.<div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/ellicott/1_thessalonians/4.htm">Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers</a></div>(11)And that ye study to be quiet.--The word means more than "study;" "and that ye make it your ambition to keep quiet"--their ambition having formerly been to make a stir among the Churches. It is a strong use of the rhetorical figure called oxymoron, or combining words of contrary meaning in order to give force and point to the style. The warnings in this verse are not directed against defiance of the law of brotherly love, but against a thoroughly wrong mode of showing that love: the unquietness, meddlesomeness, desultoriness with which it was accompanied are not so much instances of unkindness to the brotherhood as scandals to the heathen. Hence the conjunction at the beginning of the verse has something of an adversative force: "We beg you to be even more abundantly liberal, and (yet) at the same time to agitate for perfect calmness about it." It is commonly supposed (but proof is impossible) that the unsettlement arose from belief in the nearness of the Advent.Do your own business.--Not merely was each individual to do his own work, but the whole Church was to refrain from interfering ostentatiously with other Churches. In all languages, "to mind one's own business" signifies rather the negative idea of ceasing to meddle than the positive idea of industry.Work with your own hands.--Apparently the Thessalonians had been so busy in organising away from home that they had had no time to see to their own industry, and so (see end of next verse) were beginning to fall into difficulties. The words "with your own hands" are supposed to indicate that most of the Thessalonian Christians were of the artisan class.<div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/1_thessalonians/4.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div>Verse 11. - And that ye study; literally, that ye be ambitious. To be quiet; to avoid unrest, to live in peace. Worldly ambition excludes quietness and prompts to restlessness; so that the apostle's admonition really is, "that ye be ambitious not to be ambitious." The unrest which disturbed the peace of the Thessalonian Church was not political, but religions; it arose from the excitement naturally occasioned by the entrance of the new feeling of Christianity among them. It would also appear that they were excited by the idea of Christ's immediate advent. This had occasioned disorders, and had caused several to neglect their ordinary business and to give themselves over to an indolent inactivity, so that Christian prudence was overborne (comp. <a href="/2_thessalonians/3-6.htm">2 Thessalonians 3:6-12</a>). Perhaps, also, the liberality of the richer members of the Church was abused and perverted, so as to promote indolence. And to do your own business; to attend to the duties of your worldly calling, to avoid idleness. And to work with your own hands. From this it would appear that the members of the Thessalonian Church were chiefly composed of the laboring classes. As we commanded you. A precisely similar exhortation is given in the Epistle to the Ephesians: "Let him that stole steal no more: but rather let him labor, working with his hands the thing which is good" (<a href="/ephesians/4-28.htm">Ephesians 4:28</a>). <a href="/commentaries/1_thessalonians/4-11.htm">Parallel Commentaries ...</a> <a name="lexicon" id="lexicon"></a><div class="vheading">Greek</div>and καὶ (kai) Conjunction <a href="/greek/strongs_2532.htm">Strong's 2532: </a> And, even, also, namely. to aspire φιλοτιμεῖσθαι (philotimeisthai) Verb - Present Infinitive Middle or Passive <a href="/greek/strongs_5389.htm">Strong's 5389: </a> To be zealous, strive eagerly, desire very strongly. to live quietly, ἡσυχάζειν (hēsychazein) Verb - Present Infinitive Active <a href="/greek/strongs_2270.htm">Strong's 2270: </a> From the same as hesuchios; to keep still, i.e. Refrain from labor, meddlesomeness or speech. to attend to πράσσειν (prassein) Verb - Present Infinitive Active <a href="/greek/strongs_4238.htm">Strong's 4238: </a> To do, perform, accomplish; be in any condition, i.e. I fare; I exact, require. your own ἴδια (idia) Adjective - Accusative Neuter Plural <a href="/greek/strongs_2398.htm">Strong's 2398: </a> Pertaining to self, i.e. One's own; by implication, private or separate. [matters], τὰ (ta) Article - Accusative Neuter Plural <a href="/greek/strongs_3588.htm">Strong's 3588: </a> The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the. and καὶ (kai) Conjunction <a href="/greek/strongs_2532.htm">Strong's 2532: </a> And, even, also, namely. to work with ἐργάζεσθαι (ergazesthai) Verb - Present Infinitive Middle or Passive <a href="/greek/strongs_2038.htm">Strong's 2038: </a> To work, trade, perform, do, practice, commit, acquire by labor. your 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. own ἰδίαις (idiais) Adjective - Dative Feminine Plural <a href="/greek/strongs_2398.htm">Strong's 2398: </a> Pertaining to self, i.e. One's own; by implication, private or separate. hands, χερσὶν (chersin) Noun - Dative Feminine Plural <a href="/greek/strongs_5495.htm">Strong's 5495: </a> A hand. as καθὼς (kathōs) Adverb <a href="/greek/strongs_2531.htm">Strong's 2531: </a> According to the manner in which, in the degree that, just as, as. From kata and hos; just as, that. we instructed παρηγγείλαμεν (parēngeilamen) Verb - Aorist Indicative Active - 1st Person Plural <a href="/greek/strongs_3853.htm">Strong's 3853: </a> To notify, command, charge, entreat solemnly. From para and the base of aggelos; to transmit a message, i.e. to enjoin. you. ὑμῖν (hymin) Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Dative 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/1_thessalonians/4-11.htm">1 Thessalonians 4:11 NIV</a> <a href="/nlt/1_thessalonians/4-11.htm">1 Thessalonians 4:11 NLT</a> <a href="/esv/1_thessalonians/4-11.htm">1 Thessalonians 4:11 ESV</a> <a href="/nasb/1_thessalonians/4-11.htm">1 Thessalonians 4:11 NASB</a> <a href="/kjv/1_thessalonians/4-11.htm">1 Thessalonians 4:11 KJV</a> <a href="//bibleapps.com/1_thessalonians/4-11.htm">1 Thessalonians 4:11 BibleApps.com</a> <a href="//bibliaparalela.com/1_thessalonians/4-11.htm">1 Thessalonians 4:11 Biblia Paralela</a> <a href="//holybible.com.cn/1_thessalonians/4-11.htm">1 Thessalonians 4:11 Chinese Bible</a> <a href="//saintebible.com/1_thessalonians/4-11.htm">1 Thessalonians 4:11 French Bible</a> <a href="/catholic/1_thessalonians/4-11.htm">1 Thessalonians 4:11 Catholic Bible</a> <a href="/1_thessalonians/4-11.htm">NT Letters: 1 Thessalonians 4:11 And that you make it your ambition (1 Thess. 1 Thes. 1Th iTh i Th)</a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/1_thessalonians/4-10.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="1 Thessalonians 4:10"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="1 Thessalonians 4:10" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/1_thessalonians/4-12.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="1 Thessalonians 4:12"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="1 Thessalonians 4:12" /></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>