2 Thessalonians 3:12

12 Such people we command and urge in the Lord Jesus Christ to settle down and earn the food they eat.

2 Thessalonians 3:12 in Other Translations

12 Now them that are such we command and exhort by our Lord Jesus Christ, that with quietness they work, and eat their own bread.

12 Now such persons we command and encourage in the Lord Jesus Christ to do their work quietly and to earn their own living.

12 We command such people and urge them in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ to settle down and work to earn their own living.

12 This must not be tolerated. We command them to get to work immediately - no excuses, no arguments - and earn their own keep.

12 Now them that are such we command and exhort in the Lord Jesus Christ, that with quietness they work, and eat their own bread.

12 We order and encourage such people by the Lord Jesus Christ to pay attention to their own work so they can support themselves.

12 Now we command and exhort such people, by the Lord Jesus Christ, that quietly working, they may eat their own bread.

12 We belong to the Lord Jesus Christ. So we strongly command people like that to settle down. They have to earn the food they eat.

2 Thessalonians 3:12 Meaning and Commentary

2 Thessalonians 3:12

Now them that are such
For this was not the case and character of them all. Did such practices generally obtain, no community, civil or religious, could subsist. And the apostle wisely distinguishes them from others, that the innocent might not be involved in the charge.

We command and exhort by our Lord Jesus Christ;
using both authority and entreaty; taking every way to reclaim them, commanding in the name of Christ and beseeching for the sake of Christ

that with quietness they work:
with their own hands, at their proper callings, and so support themselves, provide for their families, and have something to give to them that are in need; by which means they will live peaceable and quiet lives, in godliness and honesty, and not disturb the peace of neighbourhoods, churches, and families:

and eat their own bread;
got by their own labour, and bought with their money, and not the bread of others, or that of idleness.

2 Thessalonians 3:12 In-Context

10 For even when we were with you, we gave you this rule: “The one who is unwilling to work shall not eat.”

11 We hear that some among you are idle and disruptive. They are not busy; they are busybodies.

12 Such people we command and urge in the Lord Jesus Christ to settle down and earn the food they eat.

13 And as for you, brothers and sisters, never tire of doing what is good.

14 Take special note of anyone who does not obey our instruction in this letter. Do not associate with them, in order that they may feel ashamed.

Cross References

• 1. 1 Thessalonians 4:1
• 2. 1 Thessalonians 4:11; Ephesians 4:28