2 Thessalonians 3:15

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2 Thessalonians 3:15 in Multiple Translations

Berean Standard Bible BSB

Yet do not regard him as an enemy, but warn him as a brother.

King James Version KJV

Yet count him not as an enemy, but admonish him as a brother.

American Standard Version ASV

And yet count him not as an enemy, but admonish him as a brother.

Bible in Basic English BBE

Have no feeling of hate for him, but take him in hand seriously as a brother.

Free Bible Version FBV

Don't consider them enemies, but warn them as a brother or sister.

Geneva Bible 1599 GNV

Yet count him not as an enemie, but admonish him as a brother.

Young's Literal Translation YLT

and as an enemy count [him] not, but admonish ye [him] as a brother;

World English Bible WEB

Don’t count him as an enemy, but admonish him as a brother.

Noah Webster Bible WBS

Yet count him not as an enemy, but admonish him as a brother.

Douay-Rheims 1899 DRV

Yet do not esteem him as an enemy, but admonish him as a brother.

Translation for Translators T4T

Do not think of him as though he was your enemy; instead, warn him as you would warn your other fellow believers.

Plain English Version PEV

But don’t be their enemies. Instead, talk to them like they are your brothers or sisters, and try to straighten them out.

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Berean Amplified Bible — 2 Thessalonians 3:15

BAB

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2 Thessalonians 3:15 Interlinear (Deep Study)

BIB

GRK και μη ως εχθρον ηγεισθε αλλα νουθετειτε ως αδελφον

και kai G2532 and Conj

μη mē G3361 not Particle-N

ως hōs G5613 as/when Adv

εχθρον echthros G2190 enemy Adj-ASM

ηγεισθε hēgeomai G2233 to govern Verb-PNM-2P

αλλα alla G235 but Conj

νουθετειτε noutheteō G3560 to admonish Verb-PAM-2P

ως hōs G5613 as/when Adv

αδελφον adelphos G80 brother Noun-ASM

Greek Word Study

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Greek Word Reference — 2 Thessalonians 3:15

και kai G2532 "and" Conj

And or also, a connecting word used to join ideas or words, like in Matthew 2:18 and Hebrews 1:1.

Definition: καί, conj., and __I. Copulative. __1. Connecting single words; __(a) in general: Mat.2:18, 16:1, Mrk.2:15, Luk.8:15, Heb.1:1, al. mult.; repeated before each of the terms in a series, Mat.23:23, Luk.14:21, Rom.7:12, 9:4, al. __(b) connecting numerals (WM, §37, 4): Jhn.2:20, Act.13:20; __(with) joining terms which are not mutually exclusive, as the part with the whole: Mat.8:33, 26:59, Mrk.16:17, Act.5:29, al. __2. Connecting clauses and sentences: Mat.3:12, Act.5:21, al. mult.; esp. __(a) where, after the simplicity of the popular language, sentences are paratactically joined (WM, §60, 3; M, Pr., 12; Deiss., LAE, 128ff.): Mat.1:21, 7:25, Mrk.9:5, Jhn.10:3, al.; __(b) joining affirmative to negative sentences: Luk.3:14, Jhn.4:11, IIIJhn.10; __(with) consecutive, and so: Mat.5:1, 23:32, Heb.3:19, al.; after imperatives, Mat.4:19, Luk.7:7, al.; __(d) = καίτοι, and yet: Mat.3:14, 6:26, Mrk.12:12, Luk.18:7 (Field, Notes, 72), 1Co.5:2, al.; __(e) beginning an apodosis (= Heb. וְ; so sometimes δέ in cl.), then: Luk.2:21, 7:12, Act.1:10; beginning a question (WM, §53, 3a): Mrk.10:26, Luk.10:29, Jhn.9:36. __3. Epexegetic, and, and indeed, namely (WM, §53, 3c): Luk.3:18, Jhn.1:16, Act.23:6, Rom.1:5, 1Co.3:5, al. __4. In transition: Mat.4:23, Mrk.5:1, 21, Jhn.1:19, al.; so, Hebraistically, καὶ ἐγένετο (וַי:הִי; also ἐγένετο δέ), Mrk.1:9 (cf. Luk.5:1; V. Burton, §§357-60; M, Pr., 14, 16). __5. καὶ . . . καί, both . . . and (for τε . . . καί, see: τε); __(a) connecting single words: Mat.10:28, Mrk.4:41, Rom.11:33, al.; __(b) clauses and sentences: Mrk.9:13, Jhn.7:28, 1Co.1:22, al. __II. Adjunctive, also, even, still: Mat.5:39, 40; Mrk.2:28, al. mult.; esp. with pron., adv., etc., Mat.20:4, Jhn.7:47, al; ὡς κ., Act.11:17; καθὼς κ., Rom.15:7; οὑτω κ., Rom.6:11; διὸ κ., Luk.1:35; ὁ κ. (Deiss., BS, 313ff.), Act.13:9; pleonastically, μετὰ κ.. (Bl., §77, 7; Deiss., BS, 265f,), Php.4:3; τί κ., 1 Co 15:29; ἀλλὰ κ., Luk.14:22, Jhn.5:18, al.; καίγε (M, Pr., 230; Burton, §437), Act.17:27; καίπερ, Heb.5:8; κ. ἐάν, see: ἐάν. ἐάν, contr. fr. εἰ ἄν, conditional particle, representing something as "under certain circumstances actual or liable to happen," but not so definitely expected as in the case of εἰ with ind. (Bl., §65, 4; cf. Jhn.13:17, 1Co.7:36), if haply, if; __1. with subjc. (cl.); __(a) pres.: Mat.6:22, Luk.10:6, Jhn.7:17, Rom.2:25, 26 al.; { __(b) aor. (= Lat. fut. pf.): Mat.4:9 16:26 (cf. ptcp. in Luk.9:25; M, Pr., 230), Mrk.3:24, Luk.14:34, Jhn.5:43, Rom.7:2, al.; = cl. εἰ, with opt., Jhn.9:22 11:57, Act.9:2; as Heb. אִם = ὅταν, Jhn.12:32 14:3, I Jhn.2:28 3:2, Heb.3:7" (LXX) . __2. C. indic, (as in late writers, fr. Arist. on; see WH, App., 171; VD, MGr. 2, App., §77; Deiss., BS, 201f., LAE, 155, 254; M, Pr., 168, 187; Bl., §65, 4); __(a) fut.: Mat.18:19 T, Luk.19:40, Act.7:7; __(b) pres.: 1Th.3:8 (see Milligan, in l.). __3. With other particles: ἐ. καί (Bl., §65, 6), Gal.6:1; ἐ. μή (M, Pr., 185, 187; Bl., l.with), with subjc. pres., Mat.10:13, 1Co.8:8, Jas.2:17, 1Jn.3:21; aor., Mat.6:15, Mrk.3:27, Jhn.3:3, Rom.10:15, Gal.1:8 2:16 (see Lft., Ellic., in ll.); ἐ. τε . . . ἐ. τε, [in LXX for אִם . . . אִם, Est.19:13, al.,] Rom.14:8. __4. = cl. ἄν (which see) after relat. pronouns and adverbs (Tdf., Pr., 96; WH, App., 173; M, Pr., 42f.; Bl., §26, 4; Mayser, 152f.; Deiss., BS, 202ff.): ὃς ἐ., Mat.5:19, Mrk.6:22, 23 Luk.17:32, 1Co.6:18, al.; ὅπου ἐ., Mat.8:19; ὁσάκις ἐ., Rev.11:6; οὗ ἐ., 1Co.16:6; καθὸ ἐ., 2Co.8:12; ὅστις ἐ., Gal.5:10. (AS)

Usage: Occurs in 5212 NT verses. KJV: and, also, both, but, even, for, if, or, so, that, then, therefore, when, yet See also: 1 Corinthians 1:1; 1 Corinthians 10:4; 1 Corinthians 16:1.

μη mē G3361 "not" Particle-N

Not is a word used to show that something is not true or is not happening, like in phrases that say 'lest' or 'God forbid', as seen in various parts of the New Testament.

Definition: μή, subjective negative particle, used where the negation depends on a condition or hypothesis, expressed or understood, as distinct from οὐ, which denies absolutely. μή is used where one thinks a thing is not, as distinct from an absolute negation. As a general rule, οὐ negatives the indic, μή the other moods, incl, ptcp. [In LXX for אֵין ,אַיִן ,אַל ] __I. As a neg. adv., not; __1. with ref. to thought or opinion: Jhn.3:18, Tit.1:11, 2Pe.1:9. __2. In delib. questions, with subjc. (M, Pr., 185): Mrk.12:14, Rom.3:8. __3. In conditional and final sentences, after εἰ, ἐάν, ἄν, ἵνα, ὅπως: Mat.10:14, Mrk.6:11 12:19, Luk.9:5, Jhn.6:50, Rom.11:25, al. __4. C. inf. (see M, Pr., 234f., 239, 255), __(a) after verbs of saying, etc.: Mat.2:12 5:34, Mrk.12:18, Act.15:38, Rom.2:21, al.; __(b) with artic. inf.: after a prep., Mat.13:5, Mrk.4:5, Act.7:19, 1Co.10:6, al.; without a prep., Rom.14:13, 2Co.2:1, 13 1Th 4:6; __(with) in sentences expressing consequence, after ὥστε: Mat.8:28, Mrk.3:20, 1Co.1:7, 2Co.3:7, al. __5. C. ptcp. (see M, Pr., 231f., 239), in hypothetical references to persons of a certain character or description: Mat.10:28 12:30, Luk.6:49, Jhn.3:18, Rom.4:5, 1Co.7:38, 1Jn.3:10, al.; where the person or thing being definite, the denial is a matter of opinion: Jhn.6:64, 1Co.1:28 4:7, 18, 2Co.5:21, al.; where the ptcp. has a concessive, causal or conditional force, if, though, because not: Mat.18:25, Luk.2:45, Jhn.7:49, Act.9:26, Rom.2:14 5:13, 2Co.3:14, Gal.6:9, Ju 5; where the ptcp. has a descriptive force (being such as), not: Act.9:9, Rom.1:28, 1Co.10:33, Gal.4:8, Heb.12:27, al. __6. μή prohibitive, in indep. sentences, __(a) with subjc. praes., 1 of person(s) pl.: Gal.5:26 6:9, 1Th.5:6, 1Jn.3:18; __(b) with imperat. praes., usually where one is bidden to desist from what has already begun (cf. M, Pr., 122ff.): Mat.7:1, Mrk.5:36, Luk.6:30, Jhn.2:16 5:45, Act.10:15, Rom.11:18, Jas.2:1, Rev.5:5, al.; __(with) forbidding that which is still future: with imperat. aor., 3 of person(s), Mat.24:18, Mrk.13:15, Luk.17:31, al.; with subjc. aor., 2 of person(s), Mat.3:9 10:26, Mrk.5:7, Luk.6:29, Jhn.3:7, Rom.10:6, al.; __(d) with optative, in wishes: 2Ti.4:16 (LXX); μὴ γένοιτο (see M, Pr., 194; Bl., §66, 1), Luk.20:16, Rom.3:3, al.; μή τις, Mrk.13:5, al. __II. As a conj., __1. after verbs of fearing, caution, etc., that, lest, perhaps (M, Pr., 192f.): with subjc. praes., Heb.12:15; with subjc. aor., Mat.24:4, Mrk.13:5, Luk.21:8, Act.13:40, Gal.5:15, al.; ὅρα μή (see M, Pr., 124, 178), elliptically, Rev.19:10 22:9; with indic, fut. (M, Pr., l.with), Col.2:8. __2. in order that not: with subjc. aor., Mrk.13:36, 2Co.8:20 12:6. __III. Interrogative, in hesitant questions (M, Pr., 170), or where a negative answer is expected: Mat.7:9, 10, Mrk.2:19, Jhn.3:4, Rom.3:3 10:18, 19, 1Co.1:13, al.; μή τις, Luk.22:35, al.; before οὐ (Rom.10:17, al. in Pl.), expecting an affirm, ans.; οὐ μή, Luk.18:7, Jhn.18:11. __IV. οὐ μή as emphatic negation (cf. M, Pr., 188, 190ff.; Bl. §64, 5), not at all, by no means: with indic, fut., Mat.16:22, Jhn.6:35, Heb.10:17, al.; with subjc. aor., Mat.24:2, Mrk.13:2, Luk.6:37, Jhn.13:8, 1Co.8:13, al. (AS)

Usage: Occurs in 910 NT verses. KJV: any but (that), X forbear, + God forbid, + lack, lest, neither, never, no (X wise in), none, nor, (can-)not, nothing, that not, un(-taken), without See also: 1 Corinthians 1:7; 1 Peter 2:16; 1 Peter 1:8.

ως hōs G5613 "as/when" Adv

This word means as or when, showing a comparison or timing. It's used in many verses, like Mark 4:26 and 1 Corinthians 3:15, to show how things are done. It helps explain how or when something happens.

Definition: ὡς, adverbial form of the relative pron. ὅς, ἥ, ὅ. __I. As relat. adv. of manner, as, like as, just as, even as; __1. with a demonstrative, like οὕτως, expressed or understood: οὕτως . . . ὡς, Mrk.4:26, 1Co.3:15, Eph.5:28, Jas.2:12, al.; ὡς . . . οὕτως, Act.8:32, 1Co.7:17, al.; elliptically (sc. οὕτως, οὕτω), with nom., Mat.6:29, al.; with accusative, Mat.19:19, Mrk.12:31, al.; with prep., Mat.26:55, Mrk.14:48, Luk.22:52, Jhn.7:10, al.; with verb., Jhn.15:6, 2Co.3:1, Eph.2:3, 1Th.5:6, al.; with ptcp. (the ptcp. however not having the special force wh. it has in cl.; see Bl., §73, 5; 74, 6), Mat.7:29, Mrk.1:22, Heb.13:17, al.; freq implying opinion or belief, Rom.9:32; so esp, with genitive absol., 1Co.4:18, 2Co.5:20, 1Pe.4:12, 2Pe.1:3. __2. Before numerals, about, nearly: Mrk.5:13, Jhn.1:40, Act.5:7, al. __3. Before adjectives and adverbs, how: Rom.10:15 11:33, 1Th.2:10; with superl., ὡς τάχιστα, as quickly as possible, Act.17:15. __II. As conjunction; __1. temporal, __(a) as, when, since: Mrk.9:21 14:72, Luk.1:23, Jhn.2:9, al.; __(b) while, when, as long as: Luk.12:58, Jhn.12:36, Gal.6:10 (Field, Notes, 191); ὡς ἄν (M, Pr., 167, and see: ἄν), Rom.15:24, 1Co.11:34, Php.2:23. __2. Final, in order that; with inf., in order to (M, Pr., 204n), Luk.9:52, Act.20:24, Heb.7:9. (AS)

Usage: Occurs in 436 NT verses. KJV: about, after (that), (according) as (it had been, it were), as soon (as), even as (like), for, how (greatly), like (as, unto), since, so (that), that, to wit, unto, when(-soever), while, X with all speed See also: 1 Corinthians 3:1; 2 Timothy 1:3; 1 Peter 1:14.

εχθρον echthros G2190 "enemy" Adj-ASM

Enemy refers to someone who is hostile or hateful, like Satan or a personal adversary. It is used in Romans 11:28 and Matthew 13:28 to describe those who oppose God or His people. This concept is important for understanding spiritual warfare.

Definition: ἐχθρός, -ά, -όν (ἔχθος, hatred), [in LXX chiefly for אֵיבָה, also for עָר, etc. ;] __1. hated, hateful (Hom.): opposite to ἀγαπητός, Rom.11:28. __2. Actively, hating, hostile: Rom.5:10, 1Co.15:25, 2Th.3:15; with genitive of person(s) (cl.), Jas.4:4; τ. διανοίᾳ, Col.1:21; ἐ. ἄνθρωπος, Mat.13:28; as subst., ὁ ἐ., an enemy, 1Co.15:26; the devil, Mat.13:39, Luk.10:19; with genitive of person(s), Mat.22:44 Mrk.12:36, Luk.20:43, Act.2:35, 1Co.15:25, Heb.1:13 10:13" (LXX) ; Mat.5:43-44 10:36 13:25, Luk.1:71, 74 6:27, 35 19:27, 43, Rom.12:20, Gal.4:16, Rev.11:5, 12; with genitive of thing(s), Act.13:10, Php.3:18.† (AS)

Usage: Occurs in 32 NT verses. KJV: enemy, foe See also: 1 Corinthians 15:25; Luke 19:43; Hebrews 1:13.

ηγεισθε hēgeomai G2233 "to govern" Verb-PNM-2P

To govern or lead is the meaning of this word, which involves guiding or ruling with authority. It is used in Matthew 2:6 and Acts 7:10 to describe leaders and rulers, and also in Acts 26:2 to mean thinking or supposing something.

Definition: ἡγέομαι, -οῦμαι depon. mid., [in LXX (chiefly Pres. ptcp.) for נָגִיד, רֹאשׁ, שַׂר, etc. ;] __1. to lead; __(a) to guide, go before; __(b) to rule, be leader: present ptcp., ἡγούενος, a ruler, leader (MM, Exp., xiv), Mat.2:6 (LXX), Luk.22:26, Act.7:10 14:12 15:22, Heb.13:7, 17 13:24. __2. to suppose, believe, consider, think (Hdt., Soph., al.; of. Lat. duco): with dupl. accusative, Act.26:2, Php.2:3, 6 3:7, 1Ti.1:12 6:1, Heb.10:29 11:11, 26, 2Pe.1:13 2:13 3:9 3:15; with accusative before ὡς, with accusative, 2Th.3:15; with accusative before adv., 1Th.5:13; ὅταν, Jas.1:2; ἀναγκαῖον, with inf., 2Co.9:5, Php.2:25; δίκαιον, with inf., 2Pe.1:13; with accusative and inf., Php.3:8 (of. δι-, ἐκ-δι-, ἐξ- προ-ηγέομαι).† SYN.: see: δοκέω (AS)

Usage: Occurs in 27 NT verses. KJV: account, (be) chief, count, esteem, governor, judge, have the rule over, suppose, think See also: 1 Thessalonians 5:13; Hebrews 10:29; Hebrews 11:11.

αλλα alla G235 "but" Conj

But is a strong opposing word, used in Matthew 5:15 and John 7:16. It shows contrast or surprise, like in the phrase 'but God' in Romans 3:31.

Definition: ἀλλά (ἀλλ᾽ usually bef. α and υ, often bef. ε and η, rarely bef. ο and ω, never bef. ι; Tdf., Pr., 93 f.; WH, App., 146), adversative particle, stronger than δέ; prop. neuter pl. of ἄλλος, used adverbially, with changed accent; hence prop. otherwise, on the other hand (cf. Rom.3:31); __1. opposing a previous negation, but: οὐ (μὴ) . . . ἀ., Mat.5:15, 17 Mrk.5:39, Jhn.7:16, al.; rhetorically subordinating but not entirely negativing what precedes, οὐ . . . ἀ., not so much . . . as, Mrk.9:37, Mat.10:20, Jhn.12:44, al.; with ellipse of the negation, Mat.11:7-9, Act.19:2, 1Co.3:6 6:11 7:7, 2Co.7:1, Gal.2:3, al.; in opposition to a foregoing pos. sentence, ἀ. οὐ, Mat.24:6, 1Co.10:23; οὐ μόνον . . . ἀ. καί, Jhn.5:18, Rom.1:32, al.; elliptically, after a negation, ἀ. ἵνα, Mrk.14:49, Jhn.1:8 9:3, al.; = εἰ μή (Bl., §77, 13; M, Pr., 241; but cf. WM, §iii, 10), Mat.20:23, Mrk.4:22. __2. Without previous negation, to express opposition, interruption, transition, etc., but: Jhn.16:20 12:27, Gal.2:14; before commands or requests, Act.10:20 26:16, Mat.9:18, Mrk.9:22, al.; to introduce an accessory idea, 2Co.7:11; in the apodosis after a condition or concession with εἰ, ἐάν, εἴπερ, yet, still, at least, Mrk.14:29, 1Co.9:2, 2Co.4:16, Col.2:5, al.; after μέν, Act.4:17, Rom.14:20, 1Co.14:17; giving emphasis to the following clause, ἀλλ᾽ ἔρχεται ὥρα, yea, etc., Jhn.16:2; so with neg., ἀλλ᾽ οὐδέ, nay, nor yet, Luk.23:15. __3. Joined with other particles (a practice which increases in late writers; Simcox, LNT, 166), ἀ. γε, yet at least, Luk.24:21, 1Co.9:2; ἄ ἤ., save only, except, Luk.12:51, 2Co.1:13; ἀ. μὲν οὖν, Php.3:8 (on this usage, see MM, VGT, see word). (AS)

Usage: Occurs in 603 NT verses. KJV: and, but (even), howbeit, indeed, nay, nevertheless, no, notwithstanding, save, therefore, yea, yet See also: 1 Corinthians 1:17; 1 Thessalonians 5:9; 1 Peter 1:15.

νουθετειτε noutheteō G3560 "to admonish" Verb-PAM-2P

To admonish means to gently caution or reprove someone, as seen in Acts 20:31 and Romans 15:14. It involves putting something in mind to correct or guide. The KJV translates it as 'admonish' or 'warn'.

Definition: νουθετέω, -ῶ (νοῦς, τίθημι, hence, put in mind), [in LXX: 1Ki.3:13 (כָּהָה pi.), Job.8:1-22 (יָסַר pi., בִּין), Wis.11:10 12:2, 26 * ;] to admonish, exhort: with accusative of person(s), Act.20:31, Rom.15:14, 1Co.4:14, Col.1:28 3:16, 1Th.5:12 5:14, 2Th.3:15.† (AS)

Usage: Occurs in 8 NT verses. KJV: admonish, warn See also: 1 Corinthians 4:14; Acts 20:31; Romans 15:14.

ως hōs G5613 "as/when" Adv

αδελφον adelphos G80 "brother" Noun-ASM

The Greek word for brother refers to a male sibling or a fellow Christian, as seen in Matthew 1:2 and 1 Corinthians 1:1. It implies a close relationship.

Definition: ἀδελφός, -οῦ, ὁ (ἀ- copul., δελφύς, womb), in cl., a brother, born of the same parent or parents. [In LXX (Hort, Ja., 102f.), for אָח ;] __1. lit. of a brother (Gen.4:2, al.). __2. Of a neighbour (Lev.19:17). __3. Of a member of the same nation (Exo.2:14, Deu.15:3). In NT in each of these senses (1. Mat.1:2, al.; 2. Mat.7:3; 3. Rom.9:3) and also, __4. of a fellow-Christian: 1Co.1:1, Act.9:30. This usage finds illustration in π., where ἀ. is used of members of a pagan religious community (M, Th., I, 1:4; MM, VGT, see word). The ἀδελφοὶ τ. Κυρίου (Mat.12:46-49 13:55 28:10, Mrk.3:31-34, Luk.8:19-21, Jhn.2:12 7:3, 5 10 20:17, Act.1:14, 1Co.9:5) may have been sons of Joseph and Mary (Mayor, Ja., Intr. viff.; DB, i, 320ff.) or of Joseph by a former marriage (Lft., Gal., 252ff.; DCG, i, 232ff.), but the view of Jerome, which makes ἀ. equivalent to ἀνεψιός, is inconsistent with Greek usage. (Cremer, 66.) (AS)

Usage: Occurs in 318 NT verses. KJV: brother See also: 1 Corinthians 1:1; Acts 2:37; 1 Peter 5:12.

Study Notes — 2 Thessalonians 3:15

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Context
Cross References
2 Thessalonians 3:15 Summary
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Context — A Warning against Idleness

13But as for you, brothers, do not grow weary in well-doing. 14Take note of anyone who does not obey the instructions we have given in this letter. Do not associate with him, so that he may be ashamed.

15Yet do not regard him as an enemy, but admonish him as a brother.

16Now may the Lord of peace Himself give you peace at all times and in every way. The Lord be with all of you. 17This greeting is in my own hand—Paul. This is my mark in every letter; it is the way I write.

Cross References

	Reference	Text (BSB)
1	Titus 3:10	Reject a divisive man after a first and second admonition,
2	1 Thessalonians 5:14	And we urge you, brothers, to admonish the unruly, encourage the fainthearted, help the weak, and be patient with everyone.
3	1 Corinthians 5:5	hand this man over to Satan for the destruction of the flesh, so that his spirit may be saved on the Day of the Lord.
4	1 Corinthians 4:14	I am not writing this to shame you, but to warn you as my beloved children.
5	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.
6	Proverbs 25:12	Like an earring of gold or an ornament of fine gold is a wise man’s rebuke to a listening ear.
7	Proverbs 9:9	Instruct a wise man, and he will be wiser still; teach a righteous man, and he will increase his learning.
8	Matthew 18:15	If your brother sins against you, go and confront him privately. If he listens to you, you have won your brother over.
9	2 Corinthians 13:10	This is why I write these things while absent, so that when I am present I will not need to be severe in my use of the authority that the Lord gave me for building you up, not for tearing you down.
10	James 5:19–20	My brothers, if one of you should wander from the truth and someone should bring him back, consider this: Whoever turns a sinner from the error of his way will save his soul from death and cover over a multitude of sins.

2 Thessalonians 3:15 Summary

This verse is saying that even when we need to correct someone who is not doing what is right, we should do it in a loving way, rather than being mean or angry. We should warn them gently, like we would a brother or sister, and try to help them see their mistake and come back to doing what is right, as seen in Galatians 6:1. This is because we want to help them, not hurt them, and we want to see them restored to a right relationship with God and with us. By doing so, we are following the example of Jesus, who came to seek and save the lost, as in Luke 19:10.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does it mean to 'warn him as a brother' in 2 Thessalonians 3:15?

This phrase means to lovingly correct and admonish the person, rather than simply condemning or rejecting them, as seen in Matthew 18:15 and Galatians 6:1, where we are called to restore a brother gently.

How can we balance not regarding someone as an enemy with still needing to correct their behavior?

This balance is achieved by remembering that our goal is restoration, not punishment, as expressed in 2 Corinthians 2:5-11, where Paul emphasizes the importance of forgiveness and reconciliation.

Is this verse saying that we should never treat someone as an enemy, no matter what they do?

While we are called to love our enemies, as in Matthew 5:44, 2 Thessalonians 3:15 is specifically addressing how to interact with a brother or sister in Christ who is not obeying the Lord's commands, and the focus is on restoration rather than enmity.

What is the motivation behind warning a brother rather than treating him as an enemy?

The motivation is love and a desire to see the person restored to a right relationship with God and the community, as expressed in 1 Corinthians 5:5, where the goal of church discipline is the restoration of the individual.

Reflection Questions

How can I apply the principle of warning a brother rather than treating him as an enemy in my own relationships, especially with fellow believers?
What are some ways I can demonstrate love and concern for someone who is not obeying the Lord's commands, rather than simply condemning them?
In what ways can I balance a desire to correct someone's behavior with a need to show them love and compassion, as seen in 2 Thessalonians 3:15?
How does my understanding of God's love and forgiveness for me inform my approach to correcting and restoring a brother or sister in Christ?
What role does humility play in warning a brother rather than treating him as an enemy, and how can I cultivate humility in my own interactions with others?

Gill's Exposition on 2 Thessalonians 3:15

Yet count him not as an enemy,.... As an enemy of Christ, and the Christian religion, as the Jews and Pagans were; or as an enemy of all righteousness, as Elymas the sorcerer was; as one that has an

Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on 2 Thessalonians 3:15

Yet count him not as an enemy, but admonish him as a brother. Admonish him as a brother - not yet excommunicated (cf. Leviticus 19:17).

Matthew Poole's Commentary on 2 Thessalonians 3:15

They having thus proceeded against the disorderly and disobedient, the apostle directs them about their after-carriage, which either respects their inward opinion of the mind, or outward action. Yet count him not as an enemy; they should not count him an enemy, putting a great difference between an offending brother and a professed enemy. They ought not to hate him as an enemy, nor look upon him as upon such who out of enmity to the gospel persecute Christianity, nor to have an unreconcilable mind towards him. But admonish him as a brother; and as to outward action, should admonish him as a brother. It is either private or public, ministerial or fraternal, gentle or severe, joined with commination. The Greeks express it in the degrees of it by three words, nouyesia, epitimea, epiplhxiv. The word in the text signifies a putting in mind: they were to put the offender in mind of his sin, and in mind of his duty. Though they were to have no company with him in a way of familiarity, yet to be in his company so as to admonish him; and the admonition here meant is either public, in the church, or private; or first private, then public, as our Saviour gives the rule, . So that his repentance is to be endeavoured not only by abstaining his company, but by admonition. And it is to be performed to him as a brother, which either respects the state of the person admonished: he is not an enemy, or pagan, or one out of the visible church, but a brother, whereby some conceive that the apostle had not before spoken of his excommunication. Or it respects the way of admonition: it is to be performed with love, tenderness, and compassion, as to a brother, not to upbraid him, but to gain him; as : If he shall hear thee, thou hast gained thy brother. And for that end great prudence is to be used. The temper of the offenders, the quality of the sin, their outward condition in the world, their age, yea, the circumstances of time and place, are to be considered.

Trapp's Commentary on 2 Thessalonians 3:15

14 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. 15 Yet count him not as an enemy, but admonish him as a brother. Ver. 15. Yet count him not, &c.] If there be but aliquid Christi, anything of Christ to be discerned in him. But admonish him as a brother] Conscience is a nice and sullen dame; man a cross, crabbed creature, and will hardly be wrought upon by a stoic sourness, or an imperious boisterousness; but must be gently handled, and fairly admonished. Gentle showers comfort the earth, when dashing storms drown the seed.

Ellicott's Commentary on 2 Thessalonians 3:15

(15) Yet.—The original is simply And, which is much more beautiful, implying that this very withdrawal from brotherly intercourse was an act of brotherly kindness. An enemy.—In the private, not the public, sense. “Do not think of him as one with whom you must be at feud, to be thwarted and humbled on every occasion.” St. Chrysostom exclaims, “How soon the father’s-heart breaks down!” Admonish him as a brother.—How was this to be done without “having company” with him? Perhaps the presbyters, to whom the work of “admonishing,” or “warning,” specially belonged (see 1 Thessalonians 5:12; 1 Thessalonians 5:14), were to visit them in private with that object. Or possibly, the admonition was to consist in the act of separation, and not in verbal reproof at all.

Adam Clarke's Commentary on 2 Thessalonians 3:15

Verse 15. Count him not as an enemy] Consider him still more an enemy to himself than to you; and admonish him as a brother, though you have ceased to hold religious communion with him. His soul is still of infinite value; labour to get it saved.

Cambridge Bible on 2 Thessalonians 3:15

15. Yet count him not as an enemy, but admonish him as a brother] Lit., And do not regard him as an enemy, &c. The R.V. retains “yet” in italics (“And yet”); but the contrast thus implied is not in St Paul’s thought, any more than in his language. The measure which he directs to be taken in 2 Thessalonians 3:14 is a saving measure, designed to bring the intractable man to a better mind—“that be may be ashamed.” Hence there must be no unkind feeling towards him, no bitter expression. This would provoke him to sullenness instead of shame, defeating the Apostle’s purpose. In its sympathy with St Paul the assembly might easily be stirred, on reading this letter, to some hostile demonstration that would cause a decisive rupture; this he deprecates.The instruction of 2 Thessalonians 3:6 was general in its terms, and would apply to any sort of disorder; so the direction of 1 Thessalonians 5:14, “Admonish the unruly.” Those two injunctions are here combined, and enforced in this specific instance. For in such a case the disorder takes the form of open and avowed disobedience to the Apostle, such as the Church is bound to deal with publicly and to put an end to. But even now expulsion is not so much as named.

Barnes' Notes on 2 Thessalonians 3:15

Yet count him not as an enemy, but admonish him as a brother - This shows the true spirit in which discipline is to be administered in the Christian church.

Whedon's Commentary on 2 Thessalonians 3:15

15. As an enemy—Indulge no hatred; do him all the good in your power. Admonish—This is the meaning of your withdrawal from him, as an admonition and a guidance of the man to the resumption of his position as a brother.

Sermons on 2 Thessalonians 3:15

	Sermon	Description
	Wolves by Carter Conlon	In this sermon, the speaker begins by referencing Matthew chapter 13, where Jesus tells a parable about a man who sowed good seed in his field, but an enemy came and sowed weeds am
	Are You Destroying the Church by Francis Chan	Francis Chan emphasizes the critical importance of unity within the church, warning against the destructive nature of division and gossip. He reflects on biblical examples of God's
	Titus, Philemon by Zac Poonen	In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of focusing on Jesus and his word rather than getting caught up in trivial arguments and controversies. He shares a personal e
	Do Not Judge a Brother by Shane Idleman	This sermon delves into the topic of not judging others, emphasizing the importance of understanding the context of biblical teachings on judgment. It highlights the need for self-
	Discipline in the Church by William MacDonald	William MacDonald emphasizes the necessity of discipline within the church, arguing that prevention through godly living and systematic Bible teaching is crucial for maintaining th
	Letter: 29e 56 Gillett, Lausanne, 1843 by John Nelson Darby	John Nelson Darby writes to Gillett, emphasizing the necessity of faithfulness to Christ amidst trials and the importance of leaning on the Lord during difficult times. He distingu
	The Gospel a Law of Liberty by J.H. Newman	J.H. Newman preaches about the ecclesiastical system in Scripture, emphasizing that the Bible teaches matters of faith essential for salvation rather than detailed discipline. He e