2 Thessalonians 3:9 web — not because we don't have the right, but to make ourselves an example to you, that you should imitate us.

World English Bible

"not because we don't have the right, but to make ourselves an example to you, that you should imitate us."

— 2 Thessalonians 3:9, World English Bible

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2 Thessalonians 3:9 in Other Translations

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2 Thessalonians 3 — Context

6

Now we command you, brothers, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that you withdraw yourselves from every brother who walks in rebellion, and not after the tradition which they received from us.

7

For you know how you ought to imitate us. For we didn't behave ourselves rebelliously among you,

8

neither did we eat bread from anyone's hand without paying for it, but in labor and travail worked night and day, that we might not burden any of you;

9

not because we don't have the right, but to make ourselves an example to you, that you should imitate us.

10

For even when we were with you, we commanded you this: "If anyone will not work, neither let him eat."

11

For we hear of some who walk among you in rebellion, who don't work at all, but are busybodies.

12

Now those who are that way, we command and exhort in the Lord Jesus Christ, that with quietness they work, and eat their own bread.

2 Thessalonians 3:9 — Frequently Asked Questions

7 questions
What does 2 Thessalonians 3:9 say?
2 Thessalonians 3:9 in the World English Bible reads: “not because we don't have the right, but to make ourselves an example to you, that you should imitate us.”
Where is 2 Thessalonians 3:9 in the Bible?
2 Thessalonians 3:9 is found in the New Testament, in the book of 2 Thessalonians, chapter 3, verse 9.
Who wrote 2 Thessalonians?
2 Thessalonians is traditionally attributed to Paul the Apostle. It was written c. AD 51–52.
What is the book of 2 Thessalonians about?
Written shortly after 1 Thessalonians, this short letter corrects a panicked rumor that "the day of the Lord is already here," urges steady work and patience under persecution, and calls believers to a settled hope that holds up under trial.
What are the major themes of 2 Thessalonians?
2 Thessalonians explores themes including Christ's Return, Endurance, Work, Steadfastness, Comfort. These themes shape the meaning and context of 2 Thessalonians 3:9.
What translation should I read 2 Thessalonians 3:9 in?
2 Thessalonians 3:9 is available on GodsGoodBook in the King James Version (KJV), American Standard Version (ASV), World English Bible (WEB), NET Bible, Young's Literal Translation, Darby Bible, Douay-Rheims Bible, and the Bible in Basic English. Each translation reflects different translation philosophies — use the translation picker on this page to compare them, or browse our full translations directory.
How can I memorize 2 Thessalonians 3:9?
2 Thessalonians 3:9 reads (WEB): “not because we don't have the right, but to make ourselves an example to you, that you should imitate us.” Read it aloud, break it into short phrases, repeat each phrase three times before adding the next, then put the phrases together. Reading it in multiple translations (above) often helps the meaning settle.
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