2 Thessalonians 3:9-12

3:9 It was not because we do not have that right, but to give ourselves as an example for you to imitate. ¹  3:10 For even when we were with you, we used to give you this command: “If anyone is not willing to work, neither should he eat.” 3:11 For we hear that some among you are living an undisciplined life, ²  not doing their own work but meddling in the work of others. ³  3:12 Now such people we command and urge in the Lord Jesus Christ to work quietly and so provide their own food to eat. ⁴ 

[3:9]  ¹ tn Grk “an example for you to imitate us.”

[3:11]  ² tn Grk “walking in an undisciplined way” (“walking” is a common NT idiom for one’s way of life or conduct).

[3:11]  ³ tn There is a play on words in the Greek: “working at nothing, but working around,” “not keeping busy but being busybodies.”

[3:12]  ³ tn Grk “that by working quietly they may eat their own bread.”