2 Thessalonians 3:9

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 imitate us, for we did not behave inappropriately among you. 8And we did not eat anyone’s bread without paying for it, but worked night and day with labor and hardship, so as not to burden any of you. It wasn’t that we had no right, but rather to offer ourselves as an example for you to imitate. 10For even when we were with you, we would give you this order: if anyone will not work, neither shall he eat. 11For we hear that some among you are behaving irresponsibly—not busy, but busybodies.

2 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 bag for the journey, or two shirts, or sandals, or a walking stick; for the worker is entitled to his food.
• 1 Corinthians 9:4Don’t we have the right to food and drink?
• Galatians 6:6Now let the one who is taught the word share all good things with his teacher.
• 1 Thessalonians 2:6or seeking glory from people, whether from you or from others,
• 2 Thessalonians 3:7For you yourselves know how you ought to imitate us, for we did not behave inappropriately among you.
• John 13:15I have given you an example—you should do for each other what I have done for you.
• 1 Peter 2:21For you were called to this, because Messiah also suffered for you, leaving you an example so that you might 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

• Commandments
• Example
• Labor
• Minister, Christian
• Zeal, Religious

In the dictionaries

• Admonish
• Disorderly
• Example
• Lord
• Poor
• Type
• Authority in Religion
• Follow
• Make, Maker
• Power

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