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2 Thessalonians 3:9

New Testament Epistle (Pauline) ASV (1901)

What does 2 Thessalonians 3:9 say?

The American Standard Version records this verse as: “not because we have not the right, but to make ourselves and ensample unto you, that ye should imitate us.” Read the surrounding verses and the named sources below before drawing broader conclusions.

The verse

not because we have not the right, but to make ourselves and ensample unto you, that ye should imitate us.
2 Thessalonians 3:9 — American Standard Version

Context — 2 Thessalonians 3

American Standard Version (1901) — public domain. Click any verse for its study page.
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.
11For we hear of some that walk among you disorderly, that work not at all, but are busybodies.
12Now them that are such we command and exhort in the Lord Jesus Christ, that with quietness they work, and eat their own bread.
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What do historical commentaries say?

John Gill's Exposition
John Gill (1697–1771) · Exposition of the Old and New Testament · 18th-century historical commentary
“Not because we have not power, &c.] To forbear working, or require a maintenance from the churches to whom we minister, since Christ has ordained, that they that preach the Gospel should live of the Gospel; (see <460904>1 Corinthians 9:4-6,14). This the apostle says to preserve their right of claim, when and where they should think fit to make use of it; and lest other ministers of the word, who could not support themselves as they did, should be hurt by such an example; and lest covetous men should make use of it to indulge their sin, and improve it against the maintenance of Gospel ministers: wherefore the apostle observes to them, that they did not do this, as conscious that they had no…”
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Jamieson, Fausset & Brown
Robert Jamieson, A. R. Fausset & David Brown · Commentary Critical and Explanatory on the Whole Bible · 19th-century historical commentary
“(Co1 9:4-6, &c.; Gal 6:6.)”
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Barnes' Notes
Albert Barnes (1798–1870) · Notes on the Whole Bible · 19th-century historical commentary
“Not because we have not power ... - See the notes on 1 Corinthians 9:6, 1 Corinthians 9:12, 1 Corinthians 9:14. return to 'Top of Page'”
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Tyndale Open Study Notes
Tyndale House Publishers · Tyndale Open Study Notes · Modern study notes
“3:9 Paul had distanced himself from others in the culture who were motivated by fame and money (1 Thes 2:5).”
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Treasury of Scriptural Knowledge
R. A. Torrey and contributors · The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge · Cross-reference reference work
“Not: Mat 10:10; Co1 9:4-14; Gal 6:6; Th1 2:6 to make: Th2 3:7; Joh 13:15; Pe1 2:21 2 Thessalonians 3:10”
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Related study paths

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

Sources and verification