2 Thessalonians 3

New International Version

Request for Prayer

3 As for other matters, brothers and sisters,^(A) pray for us^(B) that the message of the Lord^(C) may spread rapidly and be honored, just as it was with you.^(D) ²And pray that we may be delivered from wicked and evil people,^(E) for not everyone has faith. ³But the Lord is faithful,^(F) and he will strengthen you and protect you from the evil one.^(G) ⁴We have confidence^(H) in the Lord that you are doing and will continue to do the things we command. ⁵May the Lord direct your hearts^(I) into God’s love and Christ’s perseverance.

Warning Against Idleness

⁶In the name of the Lord Jesus Christ,^(J) we command you, brothers and sisters, to keep away from^(K) every believer who is idle and disruptive^(L) and does not live according to the teaching^[a] you received from us.^(M) ⁷For you yourselves know how you ought to follow our example.^(N) We were not idle when we were with you, ⁸nor did we eat anyone’s food without paying for it. On the contrary, we worked^(O) night and day, laboring and toiling so that we would not be a burden to any of you. ⁹We did this, not because we do not have the right to such help,^(P) but in order to offer ourselves as a model for you to imitate.^(Q) ¹⁰For even when we were with you,^(R) we gave you this rule: “The one who is unwilling to work^(S) shall not eat.”

¹¹We hear that some among you are idle and disruptive. They are not busy; they are busybodies.^(T) ¹²Such people we command and urge in the Lord Jesus Christ^(U) to settle down and earn the food they eat.^(V) ¹³And as for you, brothers and sisters, never tire of doing what is good.^(W)

¹⁴Take special note of anyone who does not obey our instruction in this letter. Do not associate with them,^(X) in order that they may feel ashamed.^(Y) ¹⁵Yet do not regard them as an enemy, but warn them as you would a fellow believer.^(Z)

Final Greetings

¹⁶Now may the Lord of peace^(AA) himself give you peace at all times and in every way. The Lord be with all of you.^(AB)

¹⁷I, Paul, write this greeting in my own hand,^(AC) which is the distinguishing mark in all my letters. This is how I write.

¹⁸The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you all.^(AD)

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Footnotes

2 Thessalonians 3:6 Or tradition

Psalm 119:33-40

New International Version

ה He

³³Teach me,^(A) Lord, the way of your decrees,
    that I may follow it to the end.^[a]
³⁴Give me understanding,^(B) so that I may keep your law^(C)
    and obey it with all my heart.^(D)
³⁵Direct me^(E) in the path of your commands,^(F)
    for there I find delight.^(G)
³⁶Turn my heart^(H) toward your statutes
    and not toward selfish gain.^(I)
³⁷Turn my eyes away from worthless things;
    preserve my life^(J) according to your word.^[b]^(K)
³⁸Fulfill your promise^(L) to your servant,
    so that you may be feared.
³⁹Take away the disgrace^(M) I dread,
    for your laws are good.
⁴⁰How I long^(N) for your precepts!
    In your righteousness preserve my life.^(O)

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Footnotes

Psalm 119:33 Or follow it for its reward
Psalm 119:37 Two manuscripts of the Masoretic Text and Dead Sea Scrolls; most manuscripts of the Masoretic Text life in your way