2 Thessalonians 3:9
What does 2 Thessalonians 3:9 mean?
A plain-English look at 2 Thessalonians 3:9 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.
What 2 Thessalonians 3:9 means
Paul clarifies that his refusal to receive support was not because he lacked the right. As an apostle and laborer in the gospel, he could have expected material help. Yet he laid aside that rightful claim to provide a living example they could imitate. He is shaping their conscience, not exploiting them. By voluntarily foregoing his rights, he teaches a community tempted to freeload that love chooses what edifies others. His example exposes idleness as unloving and dishonorable. The path of Christian maturity often means surrendering personal entitlements to advance the good of the church and to display a pattern others can safely follow.
Parallel translations
WEB
World English Bible · 2000not because we have not the right, but to make ourselves an ensample unto you, that ye should imitate us.
KJV
King James Version · 1611Not because we have not power, but to make ourselves an ensample unto you to follow us.
ASV
American Standard Version · 1901not because we have not the right, but to make ourselves an ensample unto you, that ye should imitate us.
BBE
Bible in Basic English · 1949Not because we have not the right, but to make ourselves an example to you, so that you might do the same.
YLT
Young's Literal Translation · 1862not because we have not authority, but that ourselves a pattern we might give to you, to imitate us;
DRA
Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752Not as if we had not power: but that we might give ourselves a pattern unto you, to imitate us.
DBY
Darby Bible · 1890not that we have not the right, but that we might give ourselves as an example to you, in order to your imitating us.
Context
This verse explains the motive behind Paul’s tireless work (verse 8) and links it to the Thessalonians’ need for a concrete model. With his example established, Paul now states the core rule that governed their time with the church (verse 10). The sequence—example, explanation, and then explicit command—underscores that discipline for idleness arises from known apostolic practice, not from new or harsh innovations.
Cross references
Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.
- 2 Thessalonians 3:7
For yourselves know how ye ought to imitate us: for we behaved not ourselves disorderly among you;
- 1 Corinthians 9:4
Have we no right to eat and to drink?
- 1 Thessalonians 2:6
nor seeking glory of men, neither from you nor from others, when we might have claimed authority as apostles of Christ.
- 1 Peter 2:21
For hereunto were ye called: because Christ also suffered for you, leaving you an example, that ye should follow his steps:
- John 13:15
For I have given you an example, that ye also should do as I have done to you.
- Matthew 10:10
no wallet for your journey, neither two coats, nor shoes, nor staff: for the laborer is worthy of his food.
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