2 Thessalonians 3:7
What does 2 Thessalonians 3:7 mean?
A plain-English look at 2 Thessalonians 3:7 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.
What 2 Thessalonians 3:7 means
Paul appeals to their memory: they know how they ought to imitate him and his team, for they did not behave disorderly among them. His life served as a living standard. Apostolic teaching came wrapped in apostolic example. He did not live a chaotic, irresponsible life; rather, he was orderly, diligent, and considerate. By pointing to his conduct, Paul shows that the call to withdraw from disorderly brothers is not arbitrary. The apostles themselves embodied the pattern they now require. This appeal strengthens the case that Christian behavior is taught not only by words but also by consistent, transparent lives worth imitating.
Parallel translations
WEB
World English Bible · 2000For yourselves know how ye ought to imitate us: for we behaved not ourselves disorderly among you;
KJV
King James Version · 1611For yourselves know how ye ought to follow us: for we behaved not ourselves disorderly among you;
ASV
American Standard Version · 1901For yourselves know how ye ought to imitate us: for we behaved not ourselves disorderly among you;
BBE
Bible in Basic English · 1949For you yourselves are used to taking us as your example, because our life among you was ruled by order,
YLT
Young's Literal Translation · 1862for yourselves have known how it behoveth <FI>you<Fi> to imitate us, because we did not act disorderly among you;
DRA
Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752For yourselves know how you ought to imitate us. For we were not disorderly among you.
DBY
Darby Bible · 1890For ye know yourselves how ye ought to imitate us, because we have not walked disorderly among you;
Context
Following the command to withdraw from disorderly behavior (verse 6), Paul buttresses his authority by recalling his example. This prepares for the specifics of that example—hard work and refusal to burden the church—spelled out in verse 8. The flow is logical: command, then model, then principle. By grounding discipline in lived example, Paul keeps the coming instructions from sounding theoretical or harsh; they are simply a call to follow what the Thessalonians had already seen and known.
v.6Now 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.
v.7This passage
v.8neither 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:
Cross references
Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.
- Titus 2:7
in all things showing thyself an ensample of good works; in thy doctrine showing uncorruptness, gravity,
- 1 Timothy 4:12
Let no man despise thy youth; but be thou an ensample to them that believe, in word, in manner of life, in love, in faith, in purity.
- Philippians 4:9
The things which ye both learned and received and heard and saw in me, these things do: and the God of peace shall be with you.
- 2 Thessalonians 3:9
not because we have not the right, but to make ourselves an ensample unto you, that ye should imitate us.
- 1 Thessalonians 1:6
And ye became imitators of us, and of the Lord, having received the word in much affliction, with joy of the Holy Spirit;
- 1 Corinthians 4:16
I beseech you therefore, be ye imitators of me.
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