The Meaning of 2 Thessalonians 3:6 Explained

2 Thessalonians 3:6

KJV: Now 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 he received of us.

YLT: And we command you, brethren, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, to withdraw yourselves from every brother disorderly walking, and not after the deliverance that ye received from us,

Darby: Now we enjoin you, brethren, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that ye withdraw from every brother walking disorderly and not according to the instruction which he received from us.

ASV: Now 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.

KJV Reverse Interlinear

Now  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  he received  of  us. 

What does 2 Thessalonians 3:6 Mean?

Verse Meaning

Paul introduced the words that follow to help the readers realize that obedience was essential. This was a command given with the full authority of the Lord Jesus Christ. The faithful majority in the church was to separate, probably individually and socially, from the unruly to alert the offenders to the fact that their behavior was not acceptable. The desired result was that they would repent. Paul had earlier warned those who were idle ( 1 Thessalonians 5:14), but evidently they had not responded. Now firmer measures were necessary (cf. Matthew 18:15-17). The offenders constituted a minority who lived undisciplined lives contrary to the teaching and example of the missionaries.
"The tradition to which Paul refers has a twofold character, as 2 Thessalonians 3:7-12 indicate. In 2 Thessalonians 3:7-9 the apostle elaborates on his and his colleagues" example as a guide for responsible behavior for their converts. The introductory words of 2 Thessalonians 3:7 reveal that his and his fellow missionaries" behavior was intended to have the normative character of a received tradition. In addition, as a matter of course, Paul issued ethical instruction to new converts in order to regulate their behavior as Christians. In 2 Thessalonians 3:10 he cites the specific tradition involved with regard to work." [1]

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 3:6

Now we command you [παραγγελλομεν δε υμιν]
Paul puts into practice the confidence expressed on their obedience to his commands in 2 Thessalonians 3:4. [source]
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]
Name [ονομα]
(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. [source]
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]
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]
And not after the tradition [και μη κατα την παραδοσιν]
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]
Which they received of us [ην παρελαβοσαν παρ ημων]
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]
Withdraw yourselves from [στέλλεσθαι ὑμᾶς ἀπὸ]
Στέλλεσθαι, PoIn the active voice, to place, arrange, equip: in the middle voice, to provide for, take care. See 2 Corinthians 8:20. Here with ἀπὸ fromto place one's self away from. [source]
Disorderly [ἀτάκτως]
This adverb, the verb ἀτακτέω , and the adjective ἄτακτος are found only in Paul, and only in the Thessalonian Epistles. See on 1 Thessalonians 5:14. [source]

Reverse Greek Commentary Search for 2 Thessalonians 3:6

1 Corinthians 5:1 It is reported [ακουεται]
Present passive indicative of ακουω — akouō to hear; so literally, it is heard. “Fornication is heard of among you.” Probably the household of Chloe (1 Corinthians 1:11) brought this sad news (Ellicott). And such (και τοιαυτη — kai toiautē). Climactic qualitative pronoun showing the revolting character of this particular case of illicit sexual intercourse. Πορνεια — Porneia is sometimes used (Acts 15:20, Acts 15:29) of such sin in general and not merely of the unmarried whereas μοιχεια — moicheia is technically adultery on the part of the married (Mark 7:21). As is not even among the Gentiles Height of scorn. The Corinthian Christians were actually trying to win pagans to Christ and living more loosely than the Corinthian heathen among whom the very word “Corinthianize” meant to live in sexual wantonness and license. See Cicero pro Cluentio, v. 14. That one of you hath his father‘s wife (ωστε γυναικα τινα του πατρος εχειν — hōste gunaika tina tou patros echein). “So as (usual force of ωστε — hōste) for one to go on having (εχειν — echein present infinitive) a wife of the (his) father.” It was probably a permanent union (concubine or mistress) of some kind without formal marriage like John 4:8. The woman probably was not the offender‘s mother (step-mother) and the father may have been dead or divorced. The Jewish law prescribed stoning for this crime (Leviticus 18:8; Leviticus 22:11; Deuteronomy 22:30). But the rabbis (Rabbi Akibah) invented a subterfuge in the case of a proselyte to permit such a relation. Perhaps the Corinthians had also learned how to split hairs over moral matters in such an evil atmosphere and so to condone this crime in one of their own members. Expulsion Paul had urged in 2 Thessalonians 3:6 for such offenders. [source]
1 Corinthians 5:1 As is not even among the Gentiles [ητις ουδε εν τοις ετνεσιν]
Height of scorn. The Corinthian Christians were actually trying to win pagans to Christ and living more loosely than the Corinthian heathen among whom the very word “Corinthianize” meant to live in sexual wantonness and license. See Cicero pro Cluentio, v. 14. That one of you hath his father‘s wife (ωστε γυναικα τινα του πατρος εχειν — hōste gunaika tina tou patros echein). “So as (usual force of ωστε — hōste) for one to go on having (εχειν — echein present infinitive) a wife of the (his) father.” It was probably a permanent union (concubine or mistress) of some kind without formal marriage like John 4:8. The woman probably was not the offender‘s mother (step-mother) and the father may have been dead or divorced. The Jewish law prescribed stoning for this crime (Leviticus 18:8; Leviticus 22:11; Deuteronomy 22:30). But the rabbis (Rabbi Akibah) invented a subterfuge in the case of a proselyte to permit such a relation. Perhaps the Corinthians had also learned how to split hairs over moral matters in such an evil atmosphere and so to condone this crime in one of their own members. Expulsion Paul had urged in 2 Thessalonians 3:6 for such offenders. [source]
1 Corinthians 5:1 That one of you hath his father‘s wife [ωστε γυναικα τινα του πατρος εχειν]
“So as (usual force of ωστε — hōste) for one to go on having But the rabbis (Rabbi Akibah) invented a subterfuge in the case of a proselyte to permit such a relation. Perhaps the Corinthians had also learned how to split hairs over moral matters in such an evil atmosphere and so to condone this crime in one of their own members. Expulsion Paul had urged in 2 Thessalonians 3:6 for such offenders. [source]
2 Corinthians 8:20 Avoiding this [στελλόμενοι τοῦτο]
The verb, which occurs only here and 2 Thessalonians 3:6, means to arrange or provide for. As preparation involves a getting together of things, it passes into the meaning of collect, gather: then contract, as the furling of sails; so, to draw back, draw one's self away, as 2 Thessalonians 3:6. Connect with we have sent, 2 Corinthians 8:18. Compare 2 Corinthians 12:17, 2 Corinthians 12:18, where it appears that he had been charged with collecting money for his own purposes. [source]
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]
Colossians 2:8 Lest there shall be any one [μη τις εσται]
Negative purpose with the future indicative, though the aorist subjunctive also occurs as in 2 Corinthians 12:6. That maketh spoil of you (ο συλαγωγων — ho sulagōgōn). Articular present active participle of συλαγωγεω — sulagōgeō late and rare (found here first) verb (from συλη — sulē booty, and αγω — agō to lead, to carry), to carry off as booty a captive, slave, maiden. Only here in N.T. Note the singular here. There was some one outstanding leader who was doing most of the damage in leading the people astray. Through his philosophy The only use of the word in the N.T. and employed by Paul because the Gnostics were fond of it. Old word from πιλοσοπος — philosophos Old word for trick, guile, like riches (Matthew 13:22). Descriptive of the philosophy of the Gnostics. Tradition Old word from στοιχεια — paradidōmi a giving over, a passing on. The word is colourless in itself. The tradition may be good (2 Thessalonians 2:15; 2 Thessalonians 3:6) or bad (Mark 7:3). Here it is worthless and harmful, merely the foolish theories of the Gnostics. Rudiments (στοιχος — stoicheia). Old word for anything in a και ου κατα Χριστον — stoichos (row, series) like the letters of the alphabet, the materials of the universe (2 Peter 3:10, 2 Peter 3:12), elementary teaching (Hebrews 5:12), elements of Jewish ceremonial training (Acts 15:10; Galatians 4:3, Galatians 4:9), the specious arguments of the Gnostic philosophers as here with all their aeons and rules of life. And not after Christ Christ is the yardstick by which to measure philosophy and all phases of human knowledge. The Gnostics were measuring Christ by their philosophy as many men are doing today. They have it backwards. Christ is the measure for all human knowledge since he is the Creator and the Sustainer of the universe. [source]
Colossians 2:8 Through his philosophy [δια της πιλοσοπιας]
The only use of the word in the N.T. and employed by Paul because the Gnostics were fond of it. Old word from πιλοσοπος — philosophos Old word for trick, guile, like riches (Matthew 13:22). Descriptive of the philosophy of the Gnostics. Tradition Old word from στοιχεια — paradidōmi a giving over, a passing on. The word is colourless in itself. The tradition may be good (2 Thessalonians 2:15; 2 Thessalonians 3:6) or bad (Mark 7:3). Here it is worthless and harmful, merely the foolish theories of the Gnostics. Rudiments (στοιχος — stoicheia). Old word for anything in a και ου κατα Χριστον — stoichos (row, series) like the letters of the alphabet, the materials of the universe (2 Peter 3:10, 2 Peter 3:12), elementary teaching (Hebrews 5:12), elements of Jewish ceremonial training (Acts 15:10; Galatians 4:3, Galatians 4:9), the specious arguments of the Gnostic philosophers as here with all their aeons and rules of life. And not after Christ Christ is the yardstick by which to measure philosophy and all phases of human knowledge. The Gnostics were measuring Christ by their philosophy as many men are doing today. They have it backwards. Christ is the measure for all human knowledge since he is the Creator and the Sustainer of the universe. [source]
Colossians 2:8 Tradition [παραδιδωμι]
Old word from στοιχεια — paradidōmi a giving over, a passing on. The word is colourless in itself. The tradition may be good (2 Thessalonians 2:15; 2 Thessalonians 3:6) or bad (Mark 7:3). Here it is worthless and harmful, merely the foolish theories of the Gnostics. Rudiments (στοιχος — stoicheia). Old word for anything in a και ου κατα Χριστον — stoichos (row, series) like the letters of the alphabet, the materials of the universe (2 Peter 3:10, 2 Peter 3:12), elementary teaching (Hebrews 5:12), elements of Jewish ceremonial training (Acts 15:10; Galatians 4:3, Galatians 4:9), the specious arguments of the Gnostic philosophers as here with all their aeons and rules of life. And not after Christ Christ is the yardstick by which to measure philosophy and all phases of human knowledge. The Gnostics were measuring Christ by their philosophy as many men are doing today. They have it backwards. Christ is the measure for all human knowledge since he is the Creator and the Sustainer of the universe. [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 4:12 Honestly [εὐσχημόνως]
PoBetter, seemly. From εὐ welland σχῆμα figureor fashion. The literal sense is suggested by the familiar phrase in good form. The contrast appears in ἀτάκτως disorderly 2 Thessalonians 3:6. Paul has in view the impression to be made by his readers on those outside of the church. See on Romans 13:13, and comp. 1 Corinthians 14:40. [source]
1 Thessalonians 5:23 The God of peace [ο τεος της ειρηνης]
The God characterized by peace in his nature, who gladly bestows it also. Common phrase (Milligan) at close of Paul‘s Epistles (2 Corinthians 13:11; Romans 15:33; Romans 16:20; Philemon 4:9) and the Lord of peace in 2 Thessalonians 3:6. [source]
2 Thessalonians 3:7 For we behaved not ourselves disorderly among you [οτι ουκ ητακτησαμεν εν υμιν]
First aorist active indicative of old verb ατακτεω — atakteō to be out of ranks of soldiers. Specific denial on Paul‘s part in contrast to 2 Thessalonians 3:6, 2 Thessalonians 3:17. [source]
1 Timothy 1:3 That thou mightest charge [ινα παραγγειληις]
Subfinal clause with ινα — hina and the first aorist active subjunctive of παραγγελλω — paraggellō old verb, to transmit a message along (παρα — para) from one to another. See 2 Thessalonians 3:4, 2 Thessalonians 3:6, 2 Thessalonians 3:10. Lock considers this idiom here an elliptical imperative like Ephesians 4:29; Ephesians 5:33. [source]
1 Timothy 1:3 To tarry [προσμειναι]
First aorist active infinitive of προσμενω — prosmenō old verb, attributed by Luke to Paul in Acts 13:43. That thou mightest charge (ινα παραγγειληις — hina paraggeilēis). Subfinal clause with ινα — hina and the first aorist active subjunctive of παραγγελλω — paraggellō old verb, to transmit a message along (παρα — para) from one to another. See 2 Thessalonians 3:4, 2 Thessalonians 3:6, 2 Thessalonians 3:10. Lock considers this idiom here an elliptical imperative like Ephesians 4:29; Ephesians 5:33. Certain men Dative case. Expressly vague (no names as in 1 Timothy 1:20), though Paul doubtless has certain persons in Ephesus in mind. Not to teach a different doctrine (μη ετεροδιδασκαλειν — mē heterodidaskalein). Earliest known use of this compound like κακοδιδασκαλειν — kakodidaskalein of Clement of Rome. Only other N.T. example in 1 Timothy 6:3. Eusebius has ετεροδιδασκαλος — heterodidaskalos Same idea in Galatians 1:6; 2 Corinthians 11:4; Romans 16:17. Perhaps coined by Paul. [source]

What do the individual words in 2 Thessalonians 3:6 mean?

We command now you brothers in [the] name of the Lord of us Jesus Christ are to withdraw you from every brother idly walking and not according to the tradition that you received from us
Παραγγέλλομεν δὲ ὑμῖν ἀδελφοί ἐν ὀνόματι τοῦ Κυρίου ‹ἡμῶν› Ἰησοῦ Χριστοῦ στέλλεσθαι ὑμᾶς ἀπὸ παντὸς ἀδελφοῦ ἀτάκτως περιπατοῦντος καὶ μὴ κατὰ τὴν παράδοσιν ἣν παρελάβοσαν παρ’ ἡμῶν

Παραγγέλλομεν  We  command 
Parse: Verb, Present Indicative Active, 1st Person Plural
Root: παραγγέλλω  
Sense: to transmit a message along from one to another, to declare, announce.
δὲ  now 
Parse: Conjunction
Root: δέ  
Sense: but, moreover, and, etc.
ἀδελφοί  brothers 
Parse: Noun, Vocative Masculine Plural
Root: ἀδελφός  
Sense: a brother, whether born of the same two parents or only of the same father or mother.
ὀνόματι  [the]  name 
Parse: Noun, Dative Neuter Singular
Root: ὄνομα  
Sense: name: univ.
τοῦ  of  the 
Parse: Article, Genitive Masculine Singular
Root:  
Sense: this, that, these, etc.
Κυρίου  Lord 
Parse: Noun, Genitive Masculine Singular
Root: κύριος  
Sense: he to whom a person or thing belongs, about which he has power of deciding; master, lord.
‹ἡμῶν›  of  us 
Parse: Personal / Possessive Pronoun, Genitive 1st Person Plural
Root: ἐγώ  
Sense: I, me, my.
Ἰησοῦ  Jesus 
Parse: Noun, Genitive Masculine Singular
Root: Ἰησοῦς  
Sense: Joshua was the famous captain of the Israelites, Moses’ successor.
Χριστοῦ  Christ 
Parse: Noun, Genitive Masculine Singular
Root: Χριστός  
Sense: Christ was the Messiah, the Son of God.
στέλλεσθαι  are  to  withdraw 
Parse: Verb, Present Infinitive Middle
Root: στέλλω  
Sense: to set, place, set in order, arrange.
παντὸς  every 
Parse: Adjective, Genitive Masculine Singular
Root: πᾶς  
Sense: individually.
ἀδελφοῦ  brother 
Parse: Noun, Genitive Masculine Singular
Root: ἀδελφός  
Sense: a brother, whether born of the same two parents or only of the same father or mother.
ἀτάκτως  idly 
Parse: Adverb
Root: ἀτάκτως  
Sense: disorderly, out of ranks (often so of soldiers).
περιπατοῦντος  walking 
Parse: Verb, Present Participle Active, Genitive Masculine Singular
Root: περιπατέω  
Sense: to walk.
κατὰ  according  to 
Parse: Preposition
Root: κατά 
Sense: down from, through out.
παράδοσιν  tradition 
Parse: Noun, Accusative Feminine Singular
Root: παράδοσις  
Sense: giving up, giving over.
ἣν  that 
Parse: Personal / Relative Pronoun, Accusative Feminine Singular
Root: ὅς 
Sense: who, which, what, that.
παρελάβοσαν  you  received 
Parse: Verb, Aorist Indicative Active, 3rd Person Plural
Root: παραλαμβάνω  
Sense: to take to, to take with one’s self, to join to one’s self.
ἡμῶν  us 
Parse: Personal / Possessive Pronoun, Genitive 1st Person Plural
Root: ἐγώ  
Sense: I, me, my.