Verse (Click for Chapter) New International Version nor did we eat anyone’s food without paying for it. On the contrary, we worked night and day, laboring and toiling so that we would not be a burden to any of you. New Living Translation We never accepted food from anyone without paying for it. We worked hard day and night so we would not be a burden to any of you. English Standard Version nor did we eat anyone’s bread without paying for it, but with toil and labor we worked night and day, that we might not be a burden to any of you. Berean Standard Bible nor did we eat anyone’s food without paying for it. Instead, in labor and toil, we worked night and day so that we would not be a burden to any of you. Berean Literal Bible nor did we eat bread from anyone without payment, but in labor and toil, working night and day in order not to be burdensome to any of you, King James Bible Neither did we eat any man's bread for nought; but wrought with labour and travail night and day, that we might not be chargeable to any of you: New King James Version nor did we eat anyone’s bread free of charge, but worked with labor and toil night and day, that we might not be a burden to any of you, New American Standard Bible nor did we eat anyone’s bread without paying for it, but with labor and hardship we kept working night and day so that we would not be a burden to any of you; NASB 1995 nor did we eat anyone’s bread without paying for it, but with labor and hardship we kept working night and day so that we would not be a burden to any of you; NASB 1977 nor did we eat anyone’s bread without paying for it, but with labor and hardship we kept working night and day so that we might not be a burden to any of you; Legacy Standard Bible nor did we eat anyone’s bread without paying for it, but with labor and hardship we kept working night and day so that we would not be a burden to any of you; Amplified Bible nor 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]; Christian Standard Bible we did not eat anyone’s food free of charge; instead, we labored and toiled, working night and day, so that we would not be a burden to any of you. Holman Christian Standard Bible we did not eat anyone’s food free of charge; instead, we labored and struggled, working night and day, so that we would not be a burden to any of you. American Standard Version neither did we eat bread for nought at any man's hand, but in labor and travail, working night and day, that we might not burden any of you: Contemporary English Version and we didn't accept food from anyone without paying for it. We didn't want to be a burden to any of you, so night and day we worked as hard as we could. English Revised Version neither did we eat bread for nought at any man's hand, but in labour and travail, working night and day, that we might not burden any of you: GOD'S WORD® Translation We didn't eat anyone's food without paying for it. Instead, we worked hard and struggled night and day in order not to be a burden to any of you. Good News Translation We did not accept anyone's support without paying for it. Instead, we worked and toiled; we kept working day and night so as not to be an expense to any of you. International Standard Version We did not eat anyone's food without paying for it. Instead, with toil and labor we worked night and day in order not to be a burden to any of you. Majority Standard Bible nor did we eat anyone?s food without paying for it. Instead, in labor and toil, we worked night and day so that we would not be a burden to any of you. NET Bible and we did not eat anyone's food without paying. Instead, in toil and drudgery we worked night and day in order not to burden any of you. New Heart English Bible 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; Webster's Bible Translation Neither did we eat any man's bread for naught; but wrought with labor and toil night and day, that we might not be chargeable to any of you: Weymouth New Testament nor did we eat any one's bread without paying for it, but we laboured and toiled, working hard night and day in order not to be a burden to any of you. World English Bible 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. Literal Translations Literal Standard Versionnor did we eat bread of anyone for nothing, but in labor and in travail, working night and day, not to be chargeable to any of you; Berean Literal Bible nor did we eat bread from anyone without payment, but in labor and toil, working night and day in order not to be burdensome to any of you, Young's Literal Translation nor for nought did we eat bread of any one, but in labour and in travail, night and day working, not to be chargeable to any of you; Smith's Literal Translation Neither ate we the bread of any as a gift; but in fatigue and toil working night and day also, not to overload any of you: Catholic Translations Douay-Rheims BibleNeither did we eat any man's bread for nothing, but in labour and in toil we worked night and day, lest we should be chargeable to any of you. Catholic Public Domain Version Nor did we eat bread from anyone for free, but rather, we worked night and day, in hardship and weariness, so as not to be burdensome to you. New American Bible nor did we eat food received free from anyone. On the contrary, in toil and drudgery, night and day we worked, so as not to burden any of you. New Revised Standard Version and we did not eat anyone’s bread without paying for it; but with toil and labor we worked night and day, so that we might not burden any of you. Translations from Aramaic Lamsa BibleNeither did we eat bread for nothing from any of you, but worked with hard labor and toiled night and day so that we might not be a burden to any of you: Aramaic Bible in Plain English Neither have we eaten the bread of any of you without charge, but we were working with labor and toil, by night and by day, that we would not be a burden to anyone of you, NT Translations Anderson New Testamentnor did we eat any one's bread for nothing: but worked with labor and toil, night and day, that we might not burden any one of you; Godbey New Testament neither did we eat bread with any one gratuitously, but with labor and toil, night and day working, that we might not burden any one of you: Haweis New Testament neither did we eat bread with any man unpaid for, but with labour and toil worked night and day, that we might be burdensome to none of you: Mace New Testament that we did not eat any man's bread for nothing: but with toil and fatigue work'd night and day to avoid being chargeable to any of you: Weymouth New Testament nor did we eat any one's bread without paying for it, but we laboured and toiled, working hard night and day in order not to be a burden to any of you. Worrell New Testament nor did we eat any one's bread, gratuitously: but, in labor and toil, working night and day, that we might not be burdensome to any of you; Worsley New Testament neither did we eat any one's bread for nothing; but with labor and toil, working night and day, that we might not be burthensome to any of you. Additional Translations ... Audio Bible Context Warning against Irresponsibility…7For you yourselves know how you ought to imitate us, because we were not undisciplined among you, 8nor did we eat anyone’s food without paying for it. Instead, in labor and toil, we worked night and day so that we would not be a burden to any of you. 9Not that we lack this right, but we wanted to offer ourselves as an example for you to imitate.… Cross References Acts 20:34 You yourselves know that these hands of mine have ministered to my own needs and those of my companions. 1 Corinthians 4:12 We work hard with our own hands. When we are vilified, we bless; when we are persecuted, we endure it; 1 Thessalonians 2:9 Surely you recall, brothers, our labor and toil. We worked night and day so that we would not be a burden to anyone while we proclaimed to you the gospel of God. 1 Corinthians 9:6-15 Or are Barnabas and I the only apostles who must work for a living? / Who serves as a soldier at his own expense? Who plants a vineyard and does not eat of its fruit? Who tends a flock and does not drink of its milk? / Do I say this from a human perspective? Doesn’t the Law say the same thing? ... Philippians 4:16-17 For even while I was in Thessalonica, you provided for my needs again and again. / Not that I am seeking a gift, but I am looking for the fruit that may be credited to your account. 1 Timothy 5:18 For the Scripture says, “Do not muzzle an ox while it is treading out the grain,” and, “The worker is worthy of his wages.” 2 Corinthians 11:9 And when I was with you and in need, I was not a burden to anyone; for the brothers who came from Macedonia supplied my needs. I have refrained from being a burden to you in any way, and I will continue to do so. Ephesians 4:28 He who has been stealing must steal no longer, but must work, doing good with his own hands, that he may have something to share with the one in need. Proverbs 31:27 She watches over the affairs of her household and does not eat the bread of idleness. Genesis 3:19 By the sweat of your brow you will eat your bread, until you return to the ground—because out of it were you taken. For dust you are, and to dust you shall return.” Colossians 3:23 Whatever you do, work at it with your whole being, as for the Lord and not for men, Proverbs 6:6-11 Walk in the manner of the ant, O slacker; observe its ways and become wise. / Without a commander, without an overseer or ruler, / it prepares its provisions in summer; it gathers its food at harvest. ... Ecclesiastes 9:10 Whatever you find to do with your hands, do it with all your might, for in Sheol, where you are going, there is no work or planning or knowledge or wisdom. Luke 10:7 Stay at the same house, eating and drinking whatever you are offered. For the worker is worthy of his wages. Do not move around from house to house. Matthew 10:10 Take no bag for the road, or second tunic, or sandals, or staff; for the worker is worthy of his provisions. Treasury of Scripture Neither did we eat any man's bread for nothing; but worked with labor and travail night and day, that we might not be chargeable to any of you: eat. 2 Thessalonians 3:12 Now them that are such we command and exhort by our Lord Jesus Christ, that with quietness they work, and eat their own bread. Proverbs 31:27 She looketh well to the ways of her household, and eateth not the bread of idleness. Matthew 6:11 Give us this day our daily bread. but. Acts 18:3 And because he was of the same craft, he abode with them, and wrought: for by their occupation they were tentmakers. Acts 20:34 Yea, ye yourselves know, that these hands have ministered unto my necessities, and to them that were with me. 1 Corinthians 4:12 And labour, working with our own hands: being reviled, we bless; being persecuted, we suffer it: night. 1 Thessalonians 2:9 For ye remember, brethren, our labour and travail: for labouring night and day, because we would not be chargeable unto any of you, we preached unto you the gospel of God. Jump to Previous Bread Burden Chargeable Contrary Eat Eaten Food Hand Hard Hardship Kept Labor Laboring Naught Night Nought One's Order Paying Toil Toiled Toiling Travail Trouble Without Worked Working WroughtJump to Next Bread Burden Chargeable Contrary Eat Eaten Food Hand Hard Hardship Kept Labor Laboring Naught Night Nought One's Order Paying Toil Toiled Toiling Travail Trouble Without Worked Working Wrought2 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. nor did we eat anyone’s food without paying for it. This phrase highlights the Apostle Paul's commitment to self-sufficiency and integrity. In the cultural context of the Greco-Roman world, hospitality was a significant social expectation, and it was common for traveling teachers to rely on the support of their hosts. However, Paul deliberately chose not to take advantage of this custom to avoid any accusations of exploiting the Thessalonian believers. This approach aligns with his teachings in 1 Corinthians 9:14-15, where he emphasizes his right to receive support but chooses not to use it to avoid hindering the gospel. Paul's actions serve as a model of Christian responsibility and stewardship, reflecting Jesus' teaching in Luke 10:7 about the laborer deserving his wages, yet choosing a path of self-denial for the sake of the gospel. Instead, in labor and toil, we worked night and day so that we would not be a burden to any of you. Persons / Places / Events 1. Paul the ApostleThe primary author of the letter, who is addressing the Thessalonian church. Paul is emphasizing his own example of hard work and self-sufficiency. 2. Thessalonian Church The recipients of the letter, a Christian community in Thessalonica, who were being instructed on how to live a disciplined and responsible life. 3. Silas and Timothy Co-authors of the letter with Paul, who also shared in the labor and toil mentioned in the verse. 4. Thessalonica A significant city in Macedonia, where the church was located. It was a bustling trade center, which may have influenced the need for teaching on work and self-sufficiency. 5. Labor and Toil The effort and hard work that Paul and his companions undertook to support themselves, setting an example for the Thessalonians. Teaching Points The Example of Hard WorkPaul sets a personal example of diligence and self-sufficiency, encouraging believers to follow suit in their own lives. Avoiding Burden on Others Christians are called to be responsible and not rely unnecessarily on others, promoting a community of mutual support rather than dependency. The Dignity of Labor Work is portrayed as honorable and necessary, reflecting God’s design for humanity to be productive and contribute to society. Balancing Ministry and Work While ministry is vital, Paul demonstrates the importance of balancing it with practical responsibilities, ensuring that one’s livelihood does not become a burden to others. Community and Accountability The church community is encouraged to hold each other accountable in matters of work and responsibility, fostering a culture of integrity and diligence.(8) Neither.--They might have thought it possible to live on others without incurring so serious a charge as "disorderliness." Eat any man's bread.--Still more literally, eat bread from any man--i.e., "from any man's table." St. Paul always becomes picturesque and vivid in a passage of this kind, and generally Hebraistic ("eat bread," 2Samuel 9:7, and often). "For nought" is literally at a gift. There is a flavour of scorn in St. Paul's disclaimer of such a parasite's life. Wrought.--In the original it is the participle, "working," which better suits the rapid flow of the sentences. The order also is slightly more forcible: "We ate bread from no man's table at a gift, but in toil and travail, all night and day labouring that we," &c. To "be chargeable" means more than "to make you pay": it contains the notion of burdensome expense. Verse 8. - Neither did we eat any man's bread; a Hebraism for "neither did we get our sustenance," as bread was the staff of life. For nought; gratis, free of expense. But wrought with labour and travail night and day, that we might not be chargeable unto any of you. The apostle makes the same declaration in his First Epistle, expressed in almost similar terms: "For ye remember, brethren, our labour and travail; for labouring night and day, because we would not be chargeable unto any of you, we preached unto you the gospel of God" (1 Thessalonians 2:9).Parallel Commentaries ... Greek norοὐδὲ (oude) Conjunction Strong's 3761: Neither, nor, not even, and not. From ou and de; not however, i.e. Neither, nor, not even. did we eat ἐφάγομεν (ephagomen) Verb - Aorist Indicative Active - 1st Person Plural Strong's 5315: A primary verb; to eat. anyone’s τινος (tinos) Interrogative / Indefinite Pronoun - Genitive Masculine Singular Strong's 5100: Any one, some one, a certain one or thing. An enclitic indefinite pronoun; some or any person or object. food ἄρτον (arton) Noun - Accusative Masculine Singular Strong's 740: Bread, a loaf, food. From airo; bread or a loaf. without paying for it. δωρεὰν (dōrean) Adverb Strong's 1432: As a free gift, without payment, freely. Accusative case of dorea as adverb; gratuitously. Instead, ἀλλ’ (all’) Conjunction Strong's 235: But, except, however. Neuter plural of allos; properly, other things, i.e. contrariwise. 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. labor κόπῳ (kopō) Noun - Dative Masculine Singular Strong's 2873: From kopto; a cut, i.e. toil, literally or figuratively; by implication, pains. and καὶ (kai) Conjunction Strong's 2532: And, even, also, namely. toil, μόχθῳ (mochthō) Noun - Dative Masculine Singular Strong's 3449: Wearisome labor, toil, hardship. From the base of mogis; toil, i.e. sadness. we worked ἐργαζόμενοι (ergazomenoi) Verb - Present Participle Middle or Passive - Nominative Masculine Plural Strong's 2038: To work, trade, perform, do, practice, commit, acquire by labor. night νυκτὸς (nyktos) Noun - Genitive Feminine Singular Strong's 3571: The night, night-time. A primary word; 'night'. and καὶ (kai) Conjunction Strong's 2532: And, even, also, namely. day ἡμέρας (hēmeras) Noun - Genitive Feminine Singular Strong's 2250: A day, the period from sunrise to sunset. so that πρὸς (pros) Preposition Strong's 4314: To, towards, with. A strengthened form of pro; a preposition of direction; forward to, i.e. Toward. we would not be a burden ἐπιβαρῆσαί (epibarēsai) Verb - Aorist Infinitive Active Strong's 1912: To put a burden on, be burdensome. From epi and bareo; to be heavy upon, i.e. to be expensive to; figuratively, to be severe towards. to any τινα (tina) Interrogative / Indefinite Pronoun - Accusative Masculine Singular Strong's 5100: Any one, some one, a certain one or thing. An enclitic indefinite pronoun; some or any person or object. of you. ὑμῶν (hymōn) Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Genitive 2nd Person Plural Strong's 4771: You. The person pronoun of the second person singular; thou. Links 2 Thessalonians 3:8 NIV2 Thessalonians 3:8 NLT 2 Thessalonians 3:8 ESV 2 Thessalonians 3:8 NASB 2 Thessalonians 3:8 KJV 2 Thessalonians 3:8 BibleApps.com 2 Thessalonians 3:8 Biblia Paralela 2 Thessalonians 3:8 Chinese Bible 2 Thessalonians 3:8 French Bible 2 Thessalonians 3:8 Catholic Bible NT Letters: 2 Thessalonians 3:8 Neither did we eat bread from anyone's (2 Thess. 2 Thes. 2Th iiTh ii th) |
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