2 Thessalonians 3:7
2 Thessalonians 3:7 in Multiple Translations
For you yourselves know how you ought to imitate us, because we were not undisciplined among you,
For yourselves know how ye ought to follow us: for we behaved not ourselves disorderly among you;
For yourselves know how ye ought to imitate us: for we behaved not ourselves disorderly among you;
For you yourselves are used to taking us as your example, because our life among you was ruled by order,
You certainly know that you should follow our example, because while we were with you we weren't lazy,
For ye your selues know, how ye ought to follow vs: for we behaued not our selues inordinately among you,
for yourselves have known how it behoveth [you] to imitate us, because we did not act disorderly among you;
For you know how you ought to imitate us. For we didn’t behave ourselves rebelliously among you,
For yourselves know how ye ought to follow us: for we behaved not ourselves disorderly among you;
For yourselves know how you ought to imitate us: for we were not disorderly among you;
We tell you this because you yourselves know that you should behave like we behaved. We ◄did not just sit around without working/were never lazy► while we were living among you.
Berean Amplified Bible — 2 Thessalonians 3:7
Hover over any word to see its amplified meaning. Click a word to explore its full definition and translation comparisons.
Amplified text is generated using scripting to tie together English translations for comparison. Always refer to the core BSB translation and original Hebrew/Greek text for accuracy. Anomalies may occur.
2 Thessalonians 3:7 Interlinear (Deep Study)
Select any word above to explore its original meaning, root, and usage across Scripture.
Use ← → arrow keys to navigate between words.
Greek Word Reference — 2 Thessalonians 3:7
Study Notes — 2 Thessalonians 3:7
- Context
- Cross References
- 2 Thessalonians 3:7 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on 2 Thessalonians 3:7
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on 2 Thessalonians 3:7
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on 2 Thessalonians 3:7
- Trapp's Commentary on 2 Thessalonians 3:7
- Ellicott's Commentary on 2 Thessalonians 3:7
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on 2 Thessalonians 3:7
- Cambridge Bible on 2 Thessalonians 3:7
- Barnes' Notes on 2 Thessalonians 3:7
- Whedon's Commentary on 2 Thessalonians 3:7
- Sermons on 2 Thessalonians 3:7
Context — A Warning against Idleness
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
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | 2 Thessalonians 3:6 | 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. |
| 2 | 2 Thessalonians 3:9 | Not that we lack this right, but we wanted to offer ourselves as an example for you to imitate. |
| 3 | 1 Corinthians 4:16 | Therefore I urge you to imitate me. |
| 4 | 1 Corinthians 11:1 | You are to imitate me, just as I imitate Christ. |
| 5 | Philippians 3:17 | Join one another in following my example, brothers, and carefully observe those who walk according to the pattern we set for you. |
| 6 | Titus 2:7 | In everything, show yourself to be an example by doing good works. In your teaching show integrity, dignity, |
| 7 | 1 Thessalonians 1:6–7 | And you became imitators of us and of the Lord when you welcomed the message with the joy of the Holy Spirit, in spite of your great suffering. As a result, you have become an example to all the believers in Macedonia and Achaia. |
| 8 | Philippians 4:9 | Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me, or seen in me, put it into practice. And the God of peace will be with you. |
| 9 | 1 Thessalonians 2:10 | You are witnesses, and so is God, of how holy, righteous, and blameless our conduct was among you who believed. |
| 10 | 1 Timothy 4:12 | Let no one despise your youth, but set an example for the believers in speech, in conduct, in love, in faith, in purity. |
2 Thessalonians 3:7 Summary
[This verse reminds us that as Christians, we should strive to imitate the good examples set by our leaders, just like the Thessalonians were encouraged to do. Our leaders are not perfect, but they can model behaviors and attitudes that are pleasing to God, such as love, kindness, and selflessness, as seen in 1 Corinthians 13:1-3. By imitating these qualities, we can grow in our faith and become more like Christ, as encouraged in Romans 8:29. As we follow the example of our leaders, we should also remember to test everything against the teachings of Scripture, as mentioned in Acts 17:11.]
Frequently Asked Questions
What does it mean to 'imitate' someone in a biblical sense?
Imitating someone in the Bible means to follow their example and replicate their behavior, as seen in 2 Thessalonians 3:7 and 1 Corinthians 11:1, where the Apostle Paul encourages believers to imitate him as he imitates Christ.
How can we know what behavior to imitate in our Christian leaders?
We can know what behavior to imitate in our Christian leaders by observing their actions and attitudes, as mentioned in 2 Thessalonians 3:7-9, and comparing them to the teachings of Scripture, such as Matthew 20:26-28, where Jesus teaches about servant leadership.
Is it important for Christian leaders to model good behavior?
Yes, it is crucial for Christian leaders to model good behavior, as they are examples to their flock, and their actions can either edify or undermine the faith of those under their care, as seen in 1 Timothy 4:12 and Titus 2:7-8.
How can we apply the principle of imitating our Christian leaders in our daily lives?
We can apply the principle of imitating our Christian leaders by observing their love, kindness, and selflessness, and then replicating those qualities in our own relationships and interactions, as encouraged in Ephesians 5:1-2 and John 13:35.
Reflection Questions
- What are some specific ways I can imitate the good examples set by my Christian leaders, such as my pastor or mentor?
- How can I discern whether a particular behavior or attitude in my leader is worthy of imitation, and what role does Scripture play in this process?
- In what ways can I demonstrate a willingness to learn from and follow the example of my Christian leaders, even when it's challenging or uncomfortable?
- How can I balance the need to imitate my Christian leaders with the importance of developing my own unique gifts and personality, as seen in 1 Corinthians 12:4-6?
Gill's Exposition on 2 Thessalonians 3:7
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on 2 Thessalonians 3:7
Matthew Poole's Commentary on 2 Thessalonians 3:7
Trapp's Commentary on 2 Thessalonians 3:7
Ellicott's Commentary on 2 Thessalonians 3:7
Adam Clarke's Commentary on 2 Thessalonians 3:7
Cambridge Bible on 2 Thessalonians 3:7
Barnes' Notes on 2 Thessalonians 3:7
Whedon's Commentary on 2 Thessalonians 3:7
Sermons on 2 Thessalonians 3:7
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
|
(Through the Bible) 1 Thessalonians 1-3 by Chuck Smith | In this sermon, the speaker focuses on the importance of studying the Word of God and the hope of the coming of Jesus Christ. The speaker emphasizes the love and dedication of the |
|
(Proverbs) ch.8:17 - 10:12 by Zac Poonen | In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of hard work and diligence in both the business world and in spiritual life. He references the biblical story of Adam being to |
|
(Biblical Family) Biblical Manhood - Part 1 by Voddie Baucham | In this sermon, the speaker addresses the topic of biblical manhood and what qualities a man must possess to reflect it. The first quality mentioned is a commitment to God-honoring |
|
(2 Thessalonians) What Paul Desires of All Saints by Willie Mullan | In this sermon, the preacher focuses on the third chapter of Second Cessalunions. He highlights three main parts of the chapter. The first part emphasizes the importance of prayer |
|
God's Truth About Alliances (Part 2) by Russell Kelfer | In this sermon, the speaker discusses the consequences of being unequally yoked with the world. He uses the story of Lot from the book of Genesis as an example. Lot had moved in wi |
|
Studies in 2 Thessalonians-04 2 Thes 3:1-18 by William MacDonald | In this sermon, the speaker focuses on Paul's letter to the Thessalonians. The sermon is divided into four sections. The first section, in verses one and two, discusses Paul's requ |
|
Of Church Discipline. by John Gill | John Gill emphasizes that church discipline is rooted in divine authority rather than human laws, asserting that Christ is the sole head and lawgiver of the church. He clarifies th |







