2 Thessalonians 3:6
New International Version
In the name of the Lord Jesus Christ, we command you, brothers and sisters, to keep away from every believer who is idle and disruptive and does not live according to the teaching you received from us.

New Living Translation
And now, dear brothers and sisters, we give you this command in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ: Stay away from all believers who live idle lives and don’t follow the tradition they received from us.

English Standard Version
Now we command you, brothers, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that you keep away from any brother who is walking in idleness and not in accord with the tradition that you received from us.

Berean Standard Bible
Now we command you, brothers, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, to keep away from any brother who leads an undisciplined life that is not in keeping with the tradition you received from us.

Berean Literal Bible
Now we warn you, brothers, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, you are to withdraw from every brother walking idly and not according to the tradition that you received from us.

King James Bible
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.

New King James Version
But we command you, brethren, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that you withdraw from every brother who walks disorderly and not according to the tradition which he received from us.

New American Standard Bible
Now we command you, brothers and sisters, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that you keep away from every brother or sister who leads a disorderly life and not one in accordance with the tradition which you received from us.

NASB 1995
Now we command you, brethren, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that you keep away from every brother who leads an unruly life and not according to the tradition which you received from us.

NASB 1977
Now we command you, brethren, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that you keep aloof from every brother who leads an unruly life and not according to the tradition which you received from us.

Legacy Standard Bible
Now we command you, brothers, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that you keep away from every brother who walks in an unruly manner and not according to the tradition which they received from us.

Amplified Bible
Now we command you, believers, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ and by His authority, that you withdraw and keep away from every brother or sister who leads an undisciplined life and does not live in accordance with the tradition and teaching that you have received from us.

Christian Standard Bible
Now we command you, brothers and sisters, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, to keep away from every brother or sister who is idle and does not live according to the tradition received from us.

Holman Christian Standard Bible
Now we command you, brothers, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, to keep away from every brother who walks irresponsibly and not according to the tradition received from us.

American Standard Version
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.

Contemporary English Version
My dear friends, in the name of the Lord Jesus, I beg you not to have anything to do with any of your people who loaf around and refuse to obey the instructions we gave you.

English Revised Version
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.

GOD'S WORD® Translation
Brothers and sisters, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ we order you not to associate with any believer who doesn't live a disciplined life and doesn't follow the tradition you received from us.

Good News Translation
Our friends, we command you in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ to keep away from all believers who are living a lazy life and who do not follow the instructions that we gave them.

International Standard Version
In the name of our Lord Jesus, the Messiah, we command you, brothers, to keep away from every brother who is living in idleness and not living according to the tradition that they received from us.

Majority Standard Bible
Now we command you, brothers, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, to keep away from any brother who leads an undisciplined life that is not in keeping with the tradition you received from us.

NET Bible
But we command you, brothers and sisters, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, to keep away from any brother who lives an undisciplined life and not according to the tradition they received from us.

New Heart English Bible
Now we command you, brothers, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that you withdraw yourselves from every brother who lives an undisciplined life, and not after the tradition which they received from us.

Webster's Bible Translation
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 from us.

Weymouth New Testament
But, by the authority of the Lord, we command you, brethren, to stand aloof from every brother whose life is disorderly and not in accordance with the teaching which all received from us.

World English Bible
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.
Literal Translations
Literal Standard Version
And we command you, brothers, in the Name of our Lord Jesus Christ, to withdraw yourselves from every brother walking disorderly, and not after the tradition that you received from us,

Berean Literal Bible
Now we warn you, brothers, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, you are to withdraw from every brother walking idly and not according to the tradition that you received from us.

Young's Literal Translation
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,

Smith's Literal Translation
And we proclaim to you, brethren, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, for you to shrink from every brother walking disorderly, and not according to the doctrine which he received of us.
Catholic Translations
Douay-Rheims Bible
And we charge you, brethren, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that you withdraw yourselves from every brother walking disorderly, and not according to the tradition which they have received of us.

Catholic Public Domain Version
But we strongly caution you, brothers, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, to draw yourselves away from every brother who is walking in disorder and not according to the tradition that they received from us.

New American Bible
We instruct you, brothers, in the name of [our] Lord Jesus Christ, to shun any brother who conducts himself in a disorderly way and not according to the tradition they received from us.

New Revised Standard Version
Now we command you, beloved, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, to keep away from believers who are living in idleness and not according to the tradition that they received from us.
Translations from Aramaic
Lamsa Bible
Now we command you, my brethren, in the name of our LORD Jesus Christ, to shun every brother who leads an evil life, and not in accord with the commandments which he received from us.

Aramaic Bible in Plain English
But we command you, my brethren, in the name of our Lord Yeshua The Messiah, that you will be separate from every brother who walks wickedly and not according to the commandments that they received from us,
NT Translations
Anderson New Testament
Now we command you, brethren, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that you withdraw from every brother that walks disorderly, and not according to the tradition which he received from us.

Godbey New Testament
And we command you, brethren, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that you withdraw from every brother who walks about disorderly, and not according to the teaching they received from us.

Haweis New Testament
Now we command you, brethren, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, to withdraw yourselves from every brother who walketh disorderly, and not according to the injunction which he hath received from us.

Mace New Testament
We direct you, brethren, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, to withdraw from all those of your brethren, whose conduct is irregular, and not agreeable to the instructions they received from us.

Weymouth New Testament
But, by the authority of the Lord, we command you, brethren, to stand aloof from every brother whose life is disorderly and not in accordance with the teaching which all received from us.

Worrell New Testament
Now we command you, brethren, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, to withdraw yourselves from every brother walking disorderly, and not according to the instruction which ye received from us.

Worsley New Testament
Now we charge you, brethren, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, to withdraw yourselves from every brother who walketh disorderly, and not according to the instruction which he received from us.

Additional Translations ...
Audio Bible



Context
Warning against Irresponsibility
5May the Lord direct your hearts into God’s love and Christ’s perseverance. 6Now we command you, brothers, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, to keep away from any brother who leads an undisciplined life that is not in keeping with the tradition you received from us. 7For you yourselves know how you ought to imitate us, because we were not undisciplined among you,…

Cross References
1 Corinthians 5:11
But now I am writing you not to associate with anyone who claims to be a brother but is sexually immoral or greedy, an idolater or a verbal abuser, a drunkard or a swindler. With such a man do not even eat.

1 Timothy 6:5
and constant friction between men of depraved mind who are devoid of the truth. These men regard godliness as a means of gain.

Romans 16:17
Now I urge you, brothers, to watch out for those who create divisions and obstacles that are contrary to the teaching you have learned. Turn away from them.

Matthew 18:15-17
If your brother sins against you, go and confront him privately. If he listens to you, you have won your brother over. / But if he will not listen, take one or two others along, so that ‘every matter may be established by the testimony of two or three witnesses.’ / If he refuses to listen to them, tell it to the church. And if he refuses to listen even to the church, regard him as you would a pagan or a tax collector.

1 Corinthians 5:9-13
I wrote you in my letter not to associate with sexually immoral people. / I was not including the sexually immoral of this world, or the greedy and swindlers, or idolaters. In that case you would have to leave this world. / But now I am writing you not to associate with anyone who claims to be a brother but is sexually immoral or greedy, an idolater or a verbal abuser, a drunkard or a swindler. With such a man do not even eat. ...

1 Timothy 1:20
Among them are Hymenaeus and Alexander, whom I have handed over to Satan to be taught not to blaspheme.

2 John 1:10-11
If anyone comes to you but does not bring this teaching, do not receive him into your home or even greet him. / Whoever greets such a person shares in his evil deeds.

1 Timothy 5:20
But those who persist in sin should be rebuked in front of everyone, so that the others will stand in fear of sin.

Titus 3:10-11
Reject a divisive man after a first and second admonition, / knowing that such a man is corrupt and sinful; he is self-condemned.

1 Corinthians 15:33
Do not be deceived: “Bad company corrupts good character.”

1 Thessalonians 5:14
And we urge you, brothers, to admonish the unruly, encourage the fainthearted, help the weak, and be patient with everyone.

2 Corinthians 6:14-17
Do not be unequally yoked with unbelievers. For what partnership can righteousness have with wickedness? Or what fellowship does light have with darkness? / What harmony is there between Christ and Belial? Or what does a believer have in common with an unbeliever? / What agreement can exist between the temple of God and idols? For we are the temple of the living God. As God has said: “I will dwell with them and walk among them, and I will be their God, and they will be My people.” ...

Galatians 6:1
Brothers, if someone is caught in a trespass, you who are spiritual should restore him with a spirit of gentleness. But watch yourself, or you also may be tempted.

Ephesians 5:11
Have no fellowship with the fruitless deeds of darkness, but rather expose them.

Proverbs 13:20
He who walks with the wise will become wise, but the companion of fools will be destroyed.


Treasury of Scripture

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

in the.

1 Corinthians 5:4
In the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, when ye are gathered together, and my spirit, with the power of our Lord Jesus Christ,

2 Corinthians 2:10
To whom ye forgive any thing, I forgive also: for if I forgave any thing, to whom I forgave it, for your sakes forgave I it in the person of Christ;

Ephesians 4:17
This I say therefore, and testify in the Lord, that ye henceforth walk not as other Gentiles walk, in the vanity of their mind,

that ye.

2 Thessalonians 3:14,15
And if any man obey not our word by this epistle, note that man, and have no company with him, that he may be ashamed…

Matthew 18:17
And if he shall neglect to hear them, tell it unto the church: but if he neglect to hear the church, let him be unto thee as an heathen man and a publican.

Romans 16:17
Now I beseech you, brethren, mark them which cause divisions and offences contrary to the doctrine which ye have learned; and avoid them.

walketh.

2 Thessalonians 3:7,11
For yourselves know how ye ought to follow us: for we behaved not ourselves disorderly among you; …

1 Thessalonians 4:11
And that ye study to be quiet, and to do your own business, and to work with your own hands, as we commanded you;

1 Thessalonians 5:14
Now we exhort you, brethren, warn them that are unruly, comfort the feebleminded, support the weak, be patient toward all men.

after.

2 Thessalonians 3:10,14
For even when we were with you, this we commanded you, that if any would not work, neither should he eat…

2 Thessalonians 2:15
Therefore, brethren, stand fast, and hold the traditions which ye have been taught, whether by word, or our epistle.

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Accordance Aloof Authority Christ Command Disorderly Idle Idleness Jesus Life Ordered Orders Rebellion Received Stand Teaching Tradition Unruly Walketh Walks Withdraw Yourselves
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Accordance Aloof Authority Christ Command Disorderly Idle Idleness Jesus Life Ordered Orders Rebellion Received Stand Teaching Tradition Unruly Walketh Walks Withdraw Yourselves
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.














Now we command you, brothers
The phrase "Now we command you, brothers" indicates a strong directive rather than a mere suggestion. The Greek word for "command" here is "παραγγέλλω" (parangellō), which conveys a sense of authoritative instruction. This is not just advice but a mandate from Paul, emphasizing the seriousness of the issue at hand. The term "brothers" (ἀδελφοί, adelphoi) reflects the familial bond within the Christian community, underscoring that this command is given out of love and concern for the spiritual well-being of the church.

in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ
This phrase underscores the authority behind the command. By invoking "the name of our Lord Jesus Christ," Paul is not merely speaking on his own behalf but is asserting that this instruction carries the weight and authority of Christ Himself. In the ancient world, a name represented the essence and power of a person. Thus, this command is not to be taken lightly, as it is rooted in the authority of Jesus, the head of the Church.

to keep away from any brother
The instruction "to keep away from any brother" is a call for separation from those within the community who are not living according to the teachings of the apostles. The Greek word "στέλλω" (stellō) implies a deliberate avoidance or withdrawal. This is not about shunning or excommunication but rather a protective measure to maintain the purity and integrity of the church community. It reflects the early church's understanding of holiness and the need to guard against influences that could lead others astray.

who leads an undisciplined life
The term "undisciplined" translates the Greek word "ἀτάκτως" (ataktōs), which means disorderly or unruly. It refers to those who are not living in accordance with the established norms and teachings of the Christian faith. In the context of Thessalonica, this likely referred to individuals who were idle or disruptive, failing to contribute to the community's well-being. The call to avoid such individuals is a reminder of the importance of discipline and order in the Christian life.

and not according to the tradition you received from us
"Tradition" here is from the Greek "παράδοσις" (paradosis), which refers to teachings and practices handed down from the apostles. This is not about human traditions but the apostolic teachings that form the foundation of Christian doctrine and practice. The Thessalonians are reminded to adhere to these teachings, which they "received" (παραλαμβάνω, paralambanō) from Paul and his companions. This highlights the importance of apostolic authority and the continuity of teaching within the church. The verse calls believers to remain steadfast in the faith and to ensure that their lives reflect the teachings of Christ as delivered by the apostles.

(6) We command you.--The practical conclusion of the letter. These words take up the expression in 2Thessalonians 3:4, "Ye will do the things which (at any time) we command you; now the thing which we command you is this."

In the name of our Lord.--To do anything in a person's name seems to mean, in the first instance, the actual pronouncing of the name in the performance of the action--to do it name on lip, just as to "come in a rod" (1Corinthians 4:21) literally means rod in hand. Thus, miracles are commonly said to be performed "in the name of the Lord," viz., with the audible repetition of His name (for instance, Matthew 7:22, Mark 16:17; Luke 10:17); and for examples of the way in which the name was literally so used, we may refer to Acts 3:6; Acts 9:34; Acts 19:13Philippians 2:10, where, as the adoration paid to Jesus Himself is the point, the phrase must mean, "mentioning the name of Jesus, every knee shall bow." From this mention of the name in performing an action, our phrase assumes, at any rate, two distinct meanings: (1) As in Colossians 3:17, it implies an invocation or attestation of the person named, or a recognition of his presence and interest in the matter, in which sense it has passed into the common language of Christianity, into legal formulas, &c. (2) Here, and usually, it means a claim to the authority of the person named--to act officially as his representative with full powers. (See Notes on John 14:13; John 14:26.) Thus the prophets spoke "in the name of the Lord"--i.e., as His authoritative exponents (James 5:10); St. Paul commands (Acts 16:18), and retains a man's sins (1Corinthians 4:5) "in the name of the Lord"--i.e., as His official spokesman or ambassador; the priests are to administer the unction of the sick with like authority (James 5:14-15). So here, the Thessalonians are not to think that in disobeying St. Paul's injunctions they are rebelling against a mere human authority; Christ Himself speaks to them through St. Paul's lips. Yet, commanding with all this tremendous authority, they are still but "brethren" (Matthew 23:8). . . .

Verse 6. - Now we command you, brethren. An injunction, not specially directed to the elders or office bearers, but to the members, of the Church in general (see 1 Thessalonians 5:14). In the Name of the Lord Jesus Christ. Strengthening the command, as being given in the Name and authority of the great Head of the Church; not we, but Christ himself commands you. That ye withdraw yourselves. A nautical expression, denoting to "shorten the sails;" hence metaphorically to keep out of the way, to withdraw; that ye avoid intercourse and fellowship with; no allusion as yet to excommunication. From every brother - follow Christian - that walketh disorderly; literally, out of the ranks (see 1 Thessalonians 5:14). And not after the tradition; or, the instructions; not the example of the apostle, which is afterwards mentioned, but the instructions which he orally delivered when at Thessalonica, and subsequently confirmed by the Epistle which he had written to them (see 2 Thessalonians 2:15). Which he received of us. Here the readings of manuscripts differ. Some read "which you received of us," and others "which they," namely, those represented by the brother that walketh disorderly, "received of us" (so R.V.).

Parallel Commentaries ...


Greek
Now
δὲ (de)
Conjunction
Strong's 1161: A primary particle; but, and, etc.

we command
Παραγγέλλομεν (Parangellomen)
Verb - Present Indicative Active - 1st Person Plural
Strong's 3853: To notify, command, charge, entreat solemnly. From para and the base of aggelos; to transmit a message, i.e. to enjoin.

you,
ὑμῖν (hymin)
Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Dative 2nd Person Plural
Strong's 4771: You. The person pronoun of the second person singular; thou.

brothers,
ἀδελφοί (adelphoi)
Noun - Vocative Masculine Plural
Strong's 80: A brother, member of the same religious community, especially a fellow-Christian. A brother near or remote.

in
ἐν (en)
Preposition
Strong's 1722: In, on, among. A primary preposition denoting position, and instrumentality, i.e. A relation of rest; 'in, ' at, on, by, etc.

[the] name
ὀνόματι (onomati)
Noun - Dative Neuter Singular
Strong's 3686: Name, character, fame, reputation. From a presumed derivative of the base of ginosko; a 'name'.

of our
ἡμῶν (hēmōn)
Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Genitive 1st Person Plural
Strong's 1473: I, the first-person pronoun. A primary pronoun of the first person I.

Lord
Κυρίου (Kyriou)
Noun - Genitive Masculine Singular
Strong's 2962: Lord, master, sir; the Lord. From kuros; supreme in authority, i.e. controller; by implication, Master.

Jesus
Ἰησοῦ (Iēsou)
Noun - Genitive Masculine Singular
Strong's 2424: Of Hebrew origin; Jesus, the name of our Lord and two other Israelites.

Christ,
Χριστοῦ (Christou)
Noun - Genitive Masculine Singular
Strong's 5547: Anointed One; the Messiah, the Christ. From chrio; Anointed One, i.e. The Messiah, an epithet of Jesus.

to keep away
στέλλεσθαι (stellesthai)
Verb - Present Infinitive Middle
Strong's 4724: Probably strengthened from the base of histemi; properly, to set fast, i.e. to repress.

from
ἀπὸ (apo)
Preposition
Strong's 575: From, away from. A primary particle; 'off, ' i.e. Away, in various senses.

any
παντὸς (pantos)
Adjective - Genitive Masculine Singular
Strong's 3956: All, the whole, every kind of. Including all the forms of declension; apparently a primary word; all, any, every, the whole.

brother
ἀδελφοῦ (adelphou)
Noun - Genitive Masculine Singular
Strong's 80: A brother, member of the same religious community, especially a fellow-Christian. A brother near or remote.

[who] leads
περιπατοῦντος (peripatountos)
Verb - Present Participle Active - Genitive Masculine Singular
Strong's 4043: From peri and pateo; to tread all around, i.e. Walk at large; figuratively, to live, deport oneself, follow.

an undisciplined life
ἀτάκτως (ataktōs)
Adverb
Strong's 814: In a disorderly manner, irregularly. Adverb from ataktos, irregularly.

[that is]
καὶ (kai)
Conjunction
Strong's 2532: And, even, also, namely.

not
μὴ (mē)
Adverb
Strong's 3361: Not, lest. A primary particle of qualified negation; not, lest; also (whereas ou expects an affirmative one) whether.

in keeping with
κατὰ (kata)
Preposition
Strong's 2596: A primary particle; down, in varied relations (genitive, dative or accusative) with which it is joined).

the
τὴν (tēn)
Article - Accusative Feminine Singular
Strong's 3588: The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.

tradition
παράδοσιν (paradosin)
Noun - Accusative Feminine Singular
Strong's 3862: An instruction, tradition. From paradidomi; transmission, i.e. a precept; specially, the Jewish traditionary law.

you received
παρελάβοσαν (parelabosan)
Verb - Aorist Indicative Active - 3rd Person Plural
Strong's 3880: From para and lambano; to receive near, i.e. Associate with oneself; by analogy, to assume an office; figuratively, to learn.

from
παρ’ (par’)
Preposition
Strong's 3844: Gen: from; dat: beside, in the presence of; acc: alongside of.

us.
ἡμῶν (hēmōn)
Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Genitive 1st Person Plural
Strong's 1473: I, the first-person pronoun. A primary pronoun of the first person I.


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NT Letters: 2 Thessalonians 3:6 Now we command you brothers (2 Thess. 2 Thes. 2Th iiTh ii th)
2 Thessalonians 3:5
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