Amplified Bible
2 Thessalonians 3:9
9not because we do not have a right to such support, but [we provided our own financial support] to offer ourselves as a model for you, so that you would follow our example.
2 Thessalonians 3:9 in other versions
- King James Version (KJV)Not because we have not power, but to make ourselves an ensample unto you to follow us.
- New International Version (NIV)We did this, not because we do not have the right to such help, but in order to offer ourselves as a model for you to imitate.
- English Standard Version (ESV)It was not because we do not have that right, but to give you in ourselves an example to imitate.
- New King James Version (NKJV)not because we do not have authority, but to make ourselves an example of how you should follow us.
Context of 2 Thessalonians 3:9
7For you yourselves know how you ought to follow our example, because we did not act in an undisciplined or inappropriate manner when we were with you [we were never idle or lazy, nor did we avoid our duties], 8nor did we eat anyone’s bread without paying for it, but with labor and hardship we worked night and day [to pay our own way] so that we would not be a financial burden on any of you [for our support]; not because we do not have a right to such support, but [we provided our own financial support] to offer ourselves as a model for you, so that you would follow our example. 10For even while we were with you, we used to give you this order: if anyone is not willing to work, then he is not to eat, either. 11Indeed, we hear that some among you are leading an undisciplined and inappropriate life, doing no work at all, but acting like busybodies [meddling in other people’s business].
Read all of 2 Thessalonians 32 Thessalonians 3:9 word by word
οὐχ ὅτι οὐκ ἔχομεν ἐξουσίαν, ἀλλ᾽ ἵνα ἑαυτοὺς τύπον δῶμεν ὑμῖν εἰς τὸ μιμεῖσθαι ἡμᾶς.Read the interlinear
Words taken from the KJV.
- ·ὁho hē to · the/this/whoG3588
- Notοὐou · noG3756
- becauseὅτιhoti · that/since: sinceG3754
- we haveἔχωechō · to have/beG2192
- powerἐξουσίαexousia · authorityG1849
- butἀλλάalla · butG235
- toἵναhina · in order that/toG2443
- makeδίδωμιdidōmi · to giveG1325
- ourselvesἑαυτοῦheautou · themselfG1438
- an ensampleτύποςtupos · mark/exampleG5179
- unto youσύsu · youG4771
- toεἰςeis · towardG1519
- followμιμέομαιmimeomai · to imitateG3401
- usἐγώegō · I/weG1473
Cross-references for 2 Thessalonians 3:9
- Matthew 10:10or a provision bag for your journey, or even two tunics, or sandals, or a staff; for the worker deserves his support.
- 1 Corinthians 9:4Have we not the right to our food and drink [at the expense of the churches]?
- Galatians 6:6The one who is taught the word [of God] is to share all good things with his teacher [contributing to his spiritual and material support].
- 1 Thessalonians 2:6nor did we seek glory and honor from people, neither from you nor from anyone else, though as apostles of Christ we had the power to assert our authority.
- 2 Thessalonians 3:7For you yourselves know how you ought to follow our example, because we did not act in an undisciplined or inappropriate manner when we were with you [we were never idle or lazy, nor did we avoid our duties],
- John 13:15For I gave you [this as] an example, so that you should do [in turn] as I did to you.
- 1 Peter 2:21For [as a believer] you have been called for this purpose, since Christ suffered for you, leaving you an example, so that you may follow in His footsteps.
Commentaries on 2 Thessalonians 3:9
- Adam Clarke Bible Commentary · v. 9Not because we have not power - We have the power, , the right, to be maintained by those in whose behalf we labor. The laborer is worthy of his hire, is a maxim universally acknowledged and respected; and they who preach the Gospel should live by the Gospel: the apostle did not claim his privilege, but labored for his own support, that he might be an example to those whom he found otherwise disposed, and that he might spare the poor. See 1 Corinthians…Read the comment
- Barnes’ Notes on the Bible · v. 9Not because we have not power - See the notes on 1 Corinthians 9:6, 1 Corinthians 9:12, 1 Corinthians 9:14.Read the comment
- Matthew Henry Concise Commentary · v. 6-15Verses 6-15 Those who have received the gospel, are to live according to the gospel. Such as could work, and would not, were not to be maintained in idleness. Christianity is not to countenance slothfulness, which would consume what is meant to encourage the industrious, and to support the sick and afflicted. Industry in our callings as men, is a duty required by our calling as Christians. But some expected to be maintained in idleness, and indulged a…Read the comment
- Tyndale Open Study Notes · v. 9Paul had separated himself from people in the culture who sought fame and money (1 Thessalonians 2:5).Read the comment
- Jamieson–Fausset–Brown Commentary · v. 99. (1Co 9:4-6, &c.; Ga 6:6.)Read the comment
Topics related to 2 Thessalonians 3:9
In the dictionaries
Commentaries on 2 Thessalonians 3
- Adam Clarke Bible Commentary
- Barnes’ Notes on the Bible
- Matthew Henry Concise Commentary
- Tyndale Open Study Notes
- Jamieson–Fausset–Brown Commentary
- Calvin’s Commentaries
- John Wesley’s Notes
- Illustrated New Testament
- Burkitt’s Expository Notes
- Darby Translation Notes
- Family Bible Notes
- Geneva Bible Translation Notes
- Kingcomments
- Matthew Henry’s Complete Commentary
- Matthew Henry’s Modern English Commentary
- The People’s New Testament
- Robertson’s Word Pictures
- Original Douay–Rheims Annotations
- Seventh-day Adventist Bible Commentary
- EGW Writings
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