The Meaning of 2 Thessalonians 3:11 Explained

2 Thessalonians 3:11

KJV: For we hear that there are some which walk among you disorderly, working not at all, but are busybodies.

YLT: for we hear of certain walking among you disorderly, nothing working, but over working,

Darby: For we hear that there are some walking among you disorderly, not working at all, but busybodies.

ASV: For we hear of some that walk among you disorderly, that work not at all, but are busybodies.

KJV Reverse Interlinear

For  we hear  that there are some  which walk  among  you  disorderly,  working  not at all,  but  are busybodies. 

What does 2 Thessalonians 3:11 Mean?

Verse Meaning

The teaching that Christ could return at any moment had led some of the believers into idleness. They had quit their jobs and were simply waiting for the Lord to return. This interpretation seems justified and is certainly consistent with life. Clearly they believed in the imminent return of Christ for them. Such deductions have led other Christians to do the same thing at various other times throughout church history. When people are not busy with their own work they may tend to meddle in the business of others. They may become busybodies rather than busy, neglecting their own business to mind other people"s, even minding everybody"s business but their own.

Context Summary

2 Thessalonians 3:6-18 - Separate Industrious Persevering
From his high expectations of the Advent, the Apostle turns to the prosaic commonplaces of daily toil. There was need for this, because the expectation of the speedy return of Christ was disarranging the ordinary course of life and duty. People were neglecting the common round of daily tasks, and idlers were imposing on Christian generosity. Against these the Apostle sets his own example of sitting far into the night at his tent-making. See 1 Thessalonians 2:9. The best attitude for those that look for their Lord is not in pressing their faces against the oriel window, to behold the chariot of their returning Master, but in plying their toil with deft hands and consecrated hearts.
Note that parting salutation, 2 Thessalonians 3:16, and let us believe that the God of peace is causing peace for us at all times and in all ways. Even storms are forwarding our boat to its haven, and we shall be borne in with the flood tide of His mercy. Every wind is a home wind to the child of God, setting in from the quarter of His love. Every messenger, however garbed, brings God's salutation and benediction [source]

Chapter Summary: 2 Thessalonians 3

1  Paul craves their prayers for himself;
3  testifies what confidence he has in them;
5  makes request to God in their behalf;
6  gives them various precepts, especially to shun idleness, and ill company;
16  and then concludes with prayer and salutation

Greek Commentary for 2 Thessalonians 3:11

For we hear [ακουομεν γαρ]
Fresh news from Thessalonica evidently. For the present tense compare 1 Corinthians 11:18. The accusative and the participle is a regular idiom for indirect discourse with this verb (Robertson, Grammar, pp. 1040-2). Three picturesque present participles, the first a general description, περιπατουντας ατακτως — peripatountas ataktōs the other two specifying with a vivid word-play, that work not at all, but are busy-bodies Literally, doing nothing but doing around. Ellicott suggests, doing no business but being busy bodies. “The first persecution at Thessalonica had been fostered by a number of fanatical loungers (Acts 17:5)” (Moffatt). These theological dead-beats were too pious to work, but perfectly willing to eat at the hands of their neighbours while they piddled and frittered away the time in idleness. [source]
Working not at all - busybodies [μηδὲν ἐργαζομένους - περιεργαζομένους]
One of Paul's frequent wordplays. See on reprobate mind, Romans 1:28. Not busy, but busybodies. Περιεργάζεσθαι (N.T.ois to bustle about a thing: here, to be officious in others' affairs. See on τὰ περίεργα curiousarts, Acts 19:19, and see on 1 Timothy 5:13. [source]

Reverse Greek Commentary Search for 2 Thessalonians 3:11

Colossians 2:5 Steadfastness [στερεωμα]
From στερεοω — stereoō (from στερεος — stereos) to make steady, and probably the same military metaphor as in ταχιν — taxin just before. The solid part of the line which can and does stand the attack of the Gnostics. See note on Acts 16:5 where the verb στερεοω — stereoō is used with πιστις — pistis and 1 Peter 5:9 where the adjective στερεος — stereos is so used. In 2 Thessalonians 3:6, 2 Thessalonians 3:8, 2 Thessalonians 3:11 Paul speaks of his own ταχις — taxis (orderly conduct). [source]
Colossians 2:5 Yet [αλλα]
Common use of αλλα — alla in the apodosis (conclusion) of a conditional or concessive sentence. Your order (την ταχιν — tēn taxin). The military line (from τασσω — tassō), unbroken, intact. A few stragglers had gone over to the Gnostics, but there had been no panic, no breach in the line. Steadfastness From στερεοω — stereoō (from στερεος — stereos) to make steady, and probably the same military metaphor as in ταχιν — taxin just before. The solid part of the line which can and does stand the attack of the Gnostics. See note on Acts 16:5 where the verb στερεοω — stereoō is used with πιστις — pistis and 1 Peter 5:9 where the adjective στερεος — stereos is so used. In 2 Thessalonians 3:6, 2 Thessalonians 3:8, 2 Thessalonians 3:11 Paul speaks of his own ταχις — taxis (orderly conduct). [source]
1 Thessalonians 5:14 Them that are unruly [τοὺς ἀτάκτους]
N.T.oThe A.V. is more vigorous and less stilted than Rev. disorderly. From ἀ notand τάσσειν draw up or arrange. Those who are out of line. Comp. the adverb ἀγαθός disorderly, 2 Thessalonians 3:6, 2 Thessalonians 3:11. Probably referring to the idlers and busybodies described there. [source]
1 Thessalonians 4:11 To be quiet [ἡσυχάζειν]
Note the paradox, strive to be quiet. For similar instances see Romans 1:20, unseen things clearly seen: Romans 1:22, wise, be fooled (comp. Horace, Od. 1,34, 2, insaniens sapientia ): 2 Corinthians 8:2, poverty abounded unto riches: 2 Corinthians 7:10, repentance, not to be repented of. The disturbances rebuked in the second Epistle may have begun to show themselves, so that there is a possible allusion to the idle busybodies of 2 Thessalonians 3:11. [source]
1 Thessalonians 4:11 To do your own business [τα ιδια]
Present infinitive like the others, to have the habit of attending to their own affairs This restless meddlesomeness here condemned Paul alludes to again in 2 Thessalonians 3:11 in plainer terms. It is amazing how much wisdom people have about other people‘s affairs and so little interest in their own. To work with your own hands (χερσιν — ergazesthai tais chersin humōn). Instrumental case (chersin). Paul gave a new dignity to manual labour by precept and example. There were “pious” idlers in the church in Thessalonica who were promoting trouble. He had commanded them when with them. [source]
2 Thessalonians 3:6 From every brother that walketh disorderly [απο παντος αδελπου ατακτως περιπατουντος]
He calls him “brother” still. The adverb ατακτως — ataktōs is common in Plato and is here and 2 Thessalonians 3:11 alone in the N.T., though the adjective ατακτος — ataktos equally common in Plato we had in 1 Thessalonians 5:14 which see. Military term, out of ranks. [source]
2 Thessalonians 3:12 That with quietness they work, and eat their own bread [ινα μετα ησυχιας εργαζομενοι τον εαυτων αρτον εστιωσιν]
Substance of the command and exhortation by ινα — hina and the present subjunctive εστιωσιν — esthiōsin Literally, that working with quietness they keep on eating their own bread. The precise opposite of their conduct in 2 Thessalonians 3:11. [source]
2 Thessalonians 3:12 that working with quietness they keep on eating their own bread []
. The precise opposite of their conduct in 2 Thessalonians 3:11. [source]
2 Thessalonians 3:6 In the name of the Lord Jesus Christ [εν ονοματι του κυριου Ιησου Χριστου]
Name (ονομα — onoma) here for authority of Jesus Christ with which compare through the Lord Jesus (δια του κυριου Ιησου — dia tou kuriou Iēsou) in 1 Thessalonians 4:2. For a full discussion of the phrase see the monograph of W. Heitmuller, Im Namen Jesu. Paul wishes his readers to realize the responsibility on them for their obedience to his command. That ye withdraw yourselves Present middle (direct) infinitive of στελλω — stellō old verb to place, arrange, make compact or shorten as sails, to move oneself from or to withdraw oneself from (with απο — apo and the ablative). In 2 Corinthians 8:20 the middle voice He calls him “brother” still. The adverb ατακτως — ataktōs is common in Plato and is here and 2 Thessalonians 3:11 alone in the N.T., though the adjective ατακτος — ataktos equally common in Plato we had in 1 Thessalonians 5:14 which see. Military term, out of ranks. And not after the tradition See note on 1 Thessalonians 2:15 for παραδοσιν — paradosin Which they received of us (ην παρελαβοσαν παρ ημων — hēn parelabosan par hēmōn). Westcott and Hort put this form of the verb (second aorist indicative third person plural of παραλαμβανω — paralambanō the οσαν — ̇osan form instead of ον — ̇on with slight support from the papyri, but in the lxx and the Boeotian dialect, Robertson, Grammar, pp. 335f.) in the margin with παρελαβετε — parelabete (ye received) in the text. There are five different readings of the verb here, the others being παρελαβον παρελαβε ελαβοσαν — parelabonparelabeelabosan f0). [source]
2 Thessalonians 3:6 That ye withdraw yourselves [στελλεσται υμας]
Present middle (direct) infinitive of στελλω — stellō old verb to place, arrange, make compact or shorten as sails, to move oneself from or to withdraw oneself from (with απο — apo and the ablative). In 2 Corinthians 8:20 the middle voice He calls him “brother” still. The adverb ατακτως — ataktōs is common in Plato and is here and 2 Thessalonians 3:11 alone in the N.T., though the adjective ατακτος — ataktos equally common in Plato we had in 1 Thessalonians 5:14 which see. Military term, out of ranks. And not after the tradition See note on 1 Thessalonians 2:15 for παραδοσιν — paradosin Which they received of us (ην παρελαβοσαν παρ ημων — hēn parelabosan par hēmōn). Westcott and Hort put this form of the verb (second aorist indicative third person plural of παραλαμβανω — paralambanō the οσαν — ̇osan form instead of ον — ̇on with slight support from the papyri, but in the lxx and the Boeotian dialect, Robertson, Grammar, pp. 335f.) in the margin with παρελαβετε — parelabete (ye received) in the text. There are five different readings of the verb here, the others being παρελαβον παρελαβε ελαβοσαν — parelabonparelabeelabosan f0). [source]
1 Timothy 5:13 Busybodies [περίεργοι]
In this sense only here. Comp. τὰ περίεργα curiousarts, Acts 19:19. The participle περιεργαζομένοι busybodies 2 Thessalonians 3:11. See note. Rend. the whole passage: “And withal, being also idle, they learn, gadding about from house to house; and not only (are they) idle, but tattlers also, and busybodies, speaking things which they ought not.” [source]
1 Timothy 5:13 They learn to be idle [αργαι μαντανουσιν]
There is no ειναι — einai (to be) in the Greek. This very idiom without ειναι — einai after μαντανω — manthanō occurs in Plato and Dio Chrysostom, though unusual. Αργαι — Argai (idle) is old adjective See note on Matthew 20:3 and note on Titus 1:12. Going about (περιερχομεναι — perierchomenai). Present middle participle of περιερχομαι — perierchomai old compound verb. See note on Acts 19:13 of strollers. From house to house Literally “the houses,” “wandering around the houses.” Vivid picture of idle tattlers and gossipers. But tattlers also (αλλα και πλυαροι — alla kai phluaroi). Old word from πλυω — phluō (to boil up, to throw up bubbles, like blowing soap bubbles). Only here in N.T. Πλυαρεω — Phluareō in 3 John 1:10 only in N.T. And busybodies Old word (from περι εργον — periπεριεργαζομαι — ergon), busy about trifles to the neglect of important matters. In N.T. only here and Acts 19:19. See note on 2 Thessalonians 3:11 for τα μη δεοντα — periergazomai Things which they ought not (α μη δει — ta mē deonta). “The not necessary things,” and, as a result, often harmful. See note on Titus 1:11 ha mē dei (which things are not necessary). [source]
1 Timothy 5:13 And busybodies [και περιεργοι]
Old word (from περι εργον — periπεριεργαζομαι — ergon), busy about trifles to the neglect of important matters. In N.T. only here and Acts 19:19. See note on 2 Thessalonians 3:11 for τα μη δεοντα — periergazomai Things which they ought not (α μη δει — ta mē deonta). “The not necessary things,” and, as a result, often harmful. See note on Titus 1:11 ha mē dei (which things are not necessary). [source]
1 Timothy 5:13 From house to house [τας οικιας]
Literally “the houses,” “wandering around the houses.” Vivid picture of idle tattlers and gossipers. But tattlers also (αλλα και πλυαροι — alla kai phluaroi). Old word from πλυω — phluō (to boil up, to throw up bubbles, like blowing soap bubbles). Only here in N.T. Πλυαρεω — Phluareō in 3 John 1:10 only in N.T. And busybodies Old word (from περι εργον — periπεριεργαζομαι — ergon), busy about trifles to the neglect of important matters. In N.T. only here and Acts 19:19. See note on 2 Thessalonians 3:11 for τα μη δεοντα — periergazomai Things which they ought not (α μη δει — ta mē deonta). “The not necessary things,” and, as a result, often harmful. See note on Titus 1:11 ha mē dei (which things are not necessary). [source]
1 Peter 4:15 A busybody in other men's matters [ἀλλοτριοεπίσκοπος]
Only here in New Testament. Lit., the overseer of another's matters. One who usurps authority in matters not within his province. Rev., meddler. Compare Luke 12:13, Luke 12:14; 1 Thessalonians 4:11; 2 Thessalonians 3:11. It may refer to the officious interference of Christians in the affairs of their Gentile neighbors, through excess of zeal to conform them to the Christian standard. [source]
1 Peter 4:15 As [ως]
Charged as and being so. Two specific crimes (murderer, thief) and one general phrase Note η ως — ē hōs (or as) = or “also only as” (Wohlenberg). The word was apparently coined by Peter (occurring elsewhere only in Dionys. Areop. and late eccles. writers) from αλλοτριος — allotrios (belonging to another, 2 Corinthians 10:15) and επισκοπος — episkopos overseer, inspector, 1 Peter 2:25). The idea is apparently one who spies out the affairs of other men. Deissmann (Bible Studies, p. 224) gives a second-century papyrus with αλλοτριων επιτυμητης — allotriōn epithumētēs a speculator alienorum. Epictetus has a like idea (iii. 22. 97). Biggs takes it to refer to “things forbidden.” Clement of Alexandria tells of a disciple of the Apostle John who became a bandit chief. Ramsay (Church in the Roman Empire, pp. 293, 348) thinks the word refers to breaking up family relationships. Hart refers us to the gadders-about in 1 Thessalonians 4:11; 2 Thessalonians 3:11 and women as gossipers in 1 Thessalonians 5:13. It is interesting to note also that επισκοπος — episkopos here is the word for “bishop” and so suggests also preachers meddling in the work of other preachers. [source]

What do the individual words in 2 Thessalonians 3:11 mean?

We hear for some are walking among you idly not at all working but being busybodies
Ἀκούομεν γάρ τινας περιπατοῦντας ἐν ὑμῖν ἀτάκτως μηδὲν ἐργαζομένους ἀλλὰ περιεργαζομένους

Ἀκούομεν  We  hear 
Parse: Verb, Present Indicative Active, 1st Person Plural
Root: ἀκουστός 
Sense: to be endowed with the faculty of hearing, not deaf.
τινας  some 
Parse: Interrogative / Indefinite Pronoun, Accusative Masculine Plural
Root: τὶς  
Sense: a certain, a certain one.
περιπατοῦντας  are  walking 
Parse: Verb, Present Participle Active, Accusative Masculine Plural
Root: περιπατέω  
Sense: to walk.
ἀτάκτως  idly 
Parse: Adverb
Root: ἀτάκτως  
Sense: disorderly, out of ranks (often so of soldiers).
μηδὲν  not  at  all 
Parse: Adjective, Accusative Neuter Singular
Root: μηδείς 
Sense: nobody, no one, nothing.
ἐργαζομένους  working 
Parse: Verb, Present Participle Middle or Passive, Accusative Masculine Plural
Root: ἐργάζομαι  
Sense: to work, labour, do work.
περιεργαζομένους  being  busybodies 
Parse: Verb, Present Participle Middle or Passive, Accusative Masculine Plural
Root: περιεργάζομαι  
Sense: to bustle about uselessly, to busy one’s self about trifling, needless, useless matters.

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