For you yourselves know how you ought to [a](A)follow our example, because we did not act in an undisciplined way among you, nor did we (B)eat [b]anyone’s bread [c]without paying for it, but with (C)labor and hardship we kept (D)working night and day so that we would not be a burden to any of you; not because we do not have (E)the right to this, but in order to offer ourselves (F)as a role model for you, so that you would [d]follow our example. 10 For even (G)when we were with you, we used to give you this order: (H)if anyone is not willing to work, then he is not to eat, either. 11 For we hear that some among you are (I)leading an undisciplined life, doing no work at all, but acting like (J)busybodies. 12 Now we command and (K)exhort such persons in the Lord Jesus Christ to (L)work [e]peacefully and eat their own bread.

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Footnotes

  1. 2 Thessalonians 3:7 Or imitate us
  2. 2 Thessalonians 3:8 Lit from anyone
  3. 2 Thessalonians 3:8 Lit freely
  4. 2 Thessalonians 3:9 Or imitate us
  5. 2 Thessalonians 3:12 Lit with quietness

For you yourselves know how you ought to follow our example.(A) We were not idle when we were with you, nor did we eat anyone’s food without paying for it. On the contrary, we worked(B) night and day, laboring and toiling so that we would not be a burden to any of you. We did this, not because we do not have the right to such help,(C) but in order to offer ourselves as a model for you to imitate.(D) 10 For even when we were with you,(E) we gave you this rule: “The one who is unwilling to work(F) shall not eat.”

11 We hear that some among you are idle and disruptive. They are not busy; they are busybodies.(G) 12 Such people we command and urge in the Lord Jesus Christ(H) to settle down and earn the food they eat.(I)

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