2 Thessalonians 3:12
What does 2 Thessalonians 3:12 mean?
A plain-English look at 2 Thessalonians 3:12 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.
What 2 Thessalonians 3:12 means
Paul issues a direct command and earnest exhortation to the idle, in the authority of the Lord Jesus Christ: work quietly and eat your own bread. The remedy is simple and dignifying—settle down, avoid meddling, perform honest labor, and provide for yourself. “Quietness” contrasts with disruptive busyness and public interference. The goal is restored order and self-sufficiency, not humiliation. By invoking Christ’s name, Paul shows that ordinary work belongs under Christ’s lordship. The command invites repentance and a fresh start, redirecting restless energy into steady service that blesses both the individual and the church.
Parallel translations
WEB
World English Bible · 2000Now them that are such we command and exhort in the Lord Jesus Christ, that with quietness they work, and eat their own bread.
KJV
King James Version · 1611Now them that are such we command and exhort by our Lord Jesus Christ, that with quietness they work, and eat their own bread.
ASV
American Standard Version · 1901Now them that are such we command and exhort in the Lord Jesus Christ, that with quietness they work, and eat their own bread.
BBE
Bible in Basic English · 1949Now to such we give orders and make request in the Lord Jesus, that, working quietly, they get their living.
YLT
Young's Literal Translation · 1862and such we command and exhort through our Lord Jesus Christ, that with quietness working, their own bread they may eat;
DRA
Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752Now we charge them that are such and beseech them by the Lord Jesus Christ that, working with silence, they would eat their own bread.
DBY
Darby Bible · 1890Now such we enjoin and exhort in [the] Lord Jesus Christ, that working quietly they eat their own bread.
Context
After identifying the disorderly behavior (verse 11), Paul provides the corrective path. This instruction is paired with encouragement to the rest of the church in verse 13, so that faithful believers won’t become discouraged or cynical while addressing these issues. The authoritative yet hopeful tone indicates that restoration is possible and expected. The following verses will address how the community should respond if some refuse to obey this directive.
Cross references
Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.
- 2 Thessalonians 3:8
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:
- Ecclesiastes 4:6
Better is a handful, with quietness, than two handfuls with labor and striving after wind.
- 1 Thessalonians 4:1
Finally then, brethren, we beseech and exhort you in the Lord Jesus, that, as ye received of us how ye ought to walk and to please God, even as ye do walk,—that ye abound more and more.
- Ephesians 4:28
Let him that stole steal no more: but rather let him labor, working with his hands the thing that is good, that he may have whereof to give to him that hath need.
- 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;
- Luke 11:3
Give us day by day our daily bread.
Related questions readers ask
Keep reading
Want to dig deeper? Explore 2 Thessalonians 3
Hand-picked devotionals, topical studies, and pastoral answers that draw on 2 Thessalonians 3.
Topics that quote it
Topic
Bible Verses About Burnout
Scripture offers solace and guidance for those experiencing burnout, encouraging rest, renewed hope, and reliance on God.
Topic
Bible Verses About Faithfulness
Faithfulness describes a person’s loyal and steadfast devotion to God, and also God’s unchanging, unfailing character.
Topic
Bible Verses About the Faithfulness of God
God’s faithfulness is a cornerstone of our hope, revealing His unwavering character and His commitment to His promises through all generations.
What the Bible says about…