2 Thessalonians 3:10 Explained

"For even when we were with you, this we commanded you, that if any would not work, neither should he eat." — 2 Thessalonians 3:10 (KJV)

The most misquoted verse in the New Testament on work, and the misquotation turns on one word.

Read it in context: The Book of 2 Thessalonians. Also gathered under verses about work.

2 Thessalonians 3:10 in context

What does 2 Thessalonians 3:10 mean?

'Would not' is a matter of will, not capacity — those who choose not to work, not those who cannot find it or are unable. Paul is addressing a specific group he names two verses later as busybodies, and he offers himself as the counter-example, having worked night and day rather than take support. Applied to the sick or unemployed, the verse says something it does not say.

What is the context of 2 Thessalonians 3:10?

Some in Thessalonica had stopped working, apparently convinced the return of Christ made ordinary labour pointless, and were living off the church. Paul had already addressed it in the first letter. This is the second, blunter attempt.

How do I pray 2 Thessalonians 3:10?

Pray it about your own work rather than someone else's; that is the only direction it is safe to point. Ask where you have withdrawn from ordinary labour under a spiritual justification. Then do the plain next task, which is what Paul actually models in the verses around this one.

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