2 Thessalonians 3:10
What does 2 Thessalonians 3:10 mean?
A plain-English look at 2 Thessalonians 3:10 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.
What 2 Thessalonians 3:10 means
Paul recalls a standing rule they gave in person: if anyone is unwilling to work, he should not eat. The wording targets refusal, not inability; those who cannot work need care, but those who will not work must not be subsidized in laziness. This principle restrains the misuse of Christian generosity and honors the dignity of labor. It ties provision to responsibility, curbing free-riding and promoting community health. By attaching consequences to idleness, the church helps restore order and redirects energies from meddling toward productive service. This is a compassionate standard because it aims at the offender’s recovery and the body’s well-being.
Parallel translations
WEB
World English Bible · 2000For even when we were with you, this we commanded you, If any will not work, neither let him eat.
KJV
King James Version · 1611For even when we were with you, this we commanded you, that if any would not work, neither should he eat.
ASV
American Standard Version · 1901For even when we were with you, this we commanded you, If any will not work, neither let him eat.
BBE
Bible in Basic English · 1949For even when we were with you we gave you orders, saying, If any man does no work, let him not have food.
YLT
Young's Literal Translation · 1862for even when we were with you, this we did command you, that if any one is not willing to work, neither let him eat,
DRA
Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752For also, when we were with you, this we declared to you: that, if any man will not work, neither let him eat.
DBY
Darby Bible · 1890For also when we were with you we enjoined you this, that if any man does not like to work, neither let him eat.
Context
After example and explanation (verses 7–9), Paul states the foundational maxim that governed their ministry among the Thessalonians. This becomes the pivot for the rebuke in verse 11 and the corrective command in verse 12. The rule clarifies for the congregation how to distinguish true need from chosen idleness, shaping both benevolence and discipline. From here, Paul applies this principle to the reported problem and gives a path forward.
Cross references
Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.
- 1 Thessalonians 3:4
For verily, when we were with you, we told you beforehand that we are to suffer affliction; even as it came to pass, and ye know.
- Genesis 3:19
in the sweat of thy face shalt thou eat bread, till thou return unto the ground; for out of it wast thou taken: for dust thou art, and unto dust shalt thou return.
- Proverbs 20:4
The sluggard will not plow by reason of the winter; Therefore he shall beg in harvest, and have nothing.
- Proverbs 21:25
The desire of the sluggard killeth him; For his hands refuse to labor.
- Proverbs 13:4
The soul of the sluggard desireth, and hath nothing; But the soul of the diligent shall be made fat.
- 1 Thessalonians 4:11
and that ye study to be quiet, and to do your own business, and to work with your hands, even as we charged you;
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