BibleWord.ai› Bible› 2 Thessalonians› Chapter 3› Verse 7

2 Thessalonians 3:7

New Testament Epistle (Pauline) ASV (1901)

What does 2 Thessalonians 3:7 say?

The American Standard Version records this verse as: “For yourselves know how ye ought to imitate us: for we behaved not ourselves disorderly among you;” Read the surrounding verses and the named sources below before drawing broader conclusions.

The verse

For yourselves know how ye ought to imitate us: for we behaved not ourselves disorderly among you;
2 Thessalonians 3:7 — American Standard Version

Context — 2 Thessalonians 3

American Standard Version (1901) — public domain. Click any verse for its study page.
4And we have confidence in the Lord touching you, that ye both do and will do the things which we command.
5And the Lord direct your hearts into the love of God, and into the patience of Christ.
6Now we command you, brethren, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that ye withdraw yourselves from every brother that walketh disorderly, and not after the tradition which they received of us.
7For yourselves know how ye ought to imitate us: for we behaved not ourselves disorderly among you;
8neither did we eat bread for nought at any man`s hand, but in labor and travail, working night and day, that we might not burden any of you:
9not because we have not the right, but to make ourselves and ensample unto you, that ye should imitate us.
10For even when we were with you, this we commanded you, If any will not work, neither let him eat.
← 2 Thessalonians 3:62 Thessalonians 3:8 →
← Full Chapter 3 2 Thessalonians Overview

What do historical commentaries say?

John Gill's Exposition
John Gill (1697–1771) · Exposition of the Old and New Testament · 18th-century historical commentary
“For yourselves know how ye ought to follow us, &c.] The apostle goes on to dissuade from that which denominates persons disorderly walkers, and exposes them to the censure of the church, and that partly by the example of the apostles, and partly by their command. He appeals to them, to their knowledge and judgment, it being a thing well known to them, that they ought to walk as they had the apostles for ensamples; for who should they follow but their spiritual fathers, shepherds, and guides? and especially so far as they were followers of Christ, as they were, in the case referred unto, working with their own hands: for we behaved not ourselves disorderly among you; they could appeal to them…”
Read attributed excerpt →
Jamieson, Fausset & Brown
Robert Jamieson, A. R. Fausset & David Brown · Commentary Critical and Explanatory on the Whole Bible · 19th-century historical commentary
“how ye ought to follow us--how ye ought to live so as to "imitate (so the Greek for 'follow') us" (compare Notes, see on Co1 11:1; Th1 1:6).”
Read attributed excerpt →
Barnes' Notes
Albert Barnes (1798–1870) · Notes on the Whole Bible · 19th-century historical commentary
“For yourselves know how ye ought to follow us - You know what you should do in order to imitate us. For we behaved not ourselves disorderly among you - See the notes on 1 Thessalonians 2:10. return to 'Top of Page'”
Read attributed excerpt →
Tyndale Open Study Notes
Tyndale House Publishers · Tyndale Open Study Notes · Modern study notes
“3:7 Teaching by example was highly regarded in the ancient world. Paul himself provided an example by working for his own food (3:8; 1 Thes 2:9).”
Read attributed excerpt →
Treasury of Scriptural Knowledge
R. A. Torrey and contributors · The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge · Cross-reference reference work
“how: Th2 3:9; Co1 4:16, Co1 11:1; Phi 3:17, Phi 4:9; Th1 1:6, Th1 1:7; Ti1 4:12; Tit 2:7; Pe1 5:3 for: Th2 3:6; Th1 2:10 2 Thessalonians 3:8”
Read attributed excerpt →

Related study paths

Read 2 Thessalonians 3 in contextBrowse Greek word studiesOpen this verse in the study reader

Sources and verification