2 Thessalonians 3:15
What does 2 Thessalonians 3:15 mean?
A plain-English look at 2 Thessalonians 3:15 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.
What 2 Thessalonians 3:15 means
Paul immediately tempers the previous directive: do not treat the disobedient person as an enemy, but warn him as a brother. Even in discipline, the relationship remains familial. The tone is admonition, not hostility. This protects both parties—the offender is spared harsh rejection, and the church is guarded from vindictiveness. Correction is an act of love, seeking restoration rather than defeat. This verse guards the community from hardening into factions and keeps the hope of reconciliation alive. Discipline without love crushes; love without discipline corrodes. Paul binds them together, reflecting the heart of Christ toward his wandering sheep.
Parallel translations
WEB
World English Bible · 2000And yet count him not as an enemy, but admonish him as a brother.
KJV
King James Version · 1611Yet count him not as an enemy, but admonish him as a brother.
ASV
American Standard Version · 1901And yet count him not as an enemy, but admonish him as a brother.
BBE
Bible in Basic English · 1949Have no feeling of hate for him, but take him in hand seriously as a brother.
YLT
Young's Literal Translation · 1862and as an enemy count <FI>him<Fi> not, but admonish ye <FI>him<Fi> as a brother;
DRA
Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752Yet do not esteem him as an enemy but admonish him as a brother.
DBY
Darby Bible · 1890and do not esteem him as an enemy, but admonish [him] as a brother.
Context
This verse completes the disciplinary instruction of verses 14–15, balancing firmness with brotherly care. With the corrective framework set, Paul turns in verse 16 to a benediction, asking the Lord of peace to grant comprehensive peace—a fitting close after addressing conflict and disorder. The letter then moves to personal authentication (verse 17) and a final blessing of grace (verse 18).
Cross references
Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.
- James 5:19
My brethren, if any among you err from the truth, and one convert him;
- 1 Corinthians 5:5
to deliver such a one unto Satan for the destruction of the flesh, that the spirit may be saved in the day of the Lord Jesus.
- Proverbs 9:9
Giveinstructionto a wise man, and he will be yet wiser: Teach a righteous man, and he will increase in learning.
- 1 Thessalonians 5:14
And we exhort you, brethren, admonish the disorderly, encourage the fainthearted, support the weak, be longsuffering toward all.
- Galatians 6:1
Brethren, even if a man be overtaken in any trespass, ye who are spiritual, restore such a one in a spirit of gentleness; looking to thyself, lest thou also be tempted.
- 1 Corinthians 4:14
I write not these things to shame you, but to admonish you as my beloved children.
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