2 Thessalonians 3:11
What does 2 Thessalonians 3:11 mean?
A plain-English look at 2 Thessalonians 3:11 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.
What 2 Thessalonians 3:11 means
Paul has heard reports of some who live in a disorderly way: they refuse to work and instead become busybodies. Idleness often breeds interference in others’ affairs. Such people drain the community and stir unrest, while excusing themselves from ordinary responsibility. The apostle names the sin plainly, not to shame publicly but to shepherd wisely. Disorder is not merely private; it affects the church’s reputation and unity. By identifying the problem, Paul brings it into the light where it can be corrected. The path back to health begins with honest acknowledgment: inactivity and meddling do not reflect the Lord’s will for his people.
Parallel translations
WEB
World English Bible · 2000For we hear of some that walk among you disorderly, that work not at all, but are busybodies.
KJV
King James Version · 1611For we hear that there are some which walk among you disorderly, working not at all, but are busybodies.
ASV
American Standard Version · 1901For we hear of some that walk among you disorderly, that work not at all, but are busybodies.
BBE
Bible in Basic English · 1949For it has come to our ears that there are some among you whose behaviour is uncontrolled, who do no work at all, but are over-interested in the business of others.
YLT
Young's Literal Translation · 1862for we hear of certain walking among you disorderly, nothing working, but over working,
DRA
Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752For we have heard there are some among you who walk disorderly: working not at all, but curiously meddling.
DBY
Darby Bible · 1890For we hear that [there are] some walking among you disorderly, not working at all, but busybodies.
Context
This verse applies the principle of verse 10 to a real situation in Thessalonica. It prepares the way for the firm but hopeful command of verse 12, giving specific direction to those causing the trouble. By moving from rule to diagnosis, Paul equips the church to address the matter concretely rather than abstractly. The tone remains pastoral, setting up both correction for the idle and encouragement for the faithful in the following verses.
Cross references
Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.
- 1 Peter 4:15
For let none of you suffer as a murderer, or a thief, or an evil-doer, or as a meddler in other men’s matters:
- 2 Thessalonians 3:6
Now we command you, brethren, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that ye withdraw yourselves from every brother that walketh disorderly, and not after the tradition which they received of us.
- 1 Timothy 5:13
And withal they learn also to be idle, going about from house to house; and not only idle, but tattlers also and busybodies, speaking things which they ought not.
- 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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