Now them that are such we command and exhort by our Lord Jesus Christ, that with quietness they work, and eat their own bread.

2 THESSALONIANS 3:12KJV
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2 Thessalonians 3:12 (KJV)

What does 2 Thessalonians 3:12 mean?

2 Thessalonians 3:12 instructs certain people in the church, in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ, to quietly work and provide for themselves by eating their own bread. The verse emphasizes the importance of living responsibly and not relying on others for daily needs.

Paul is writing to the Thessalonian believers, addressing those among them who were not working and were instead being idle or disruptive. He commands and encourages these individuals, using the authority of Jesus, to lead peaceful lives by working and supporting themselves, rather than depending on the community.

The Greek behind 2 Thessalonians 3:12

  • The word ἡσυχία (hēsychia, "quietness") points to a calm, undisturbed way of life, suggesting that the instruction is not just about working, but about doing so in a peaceful, non-disruptive manner.
  • The verb ἐργάζομαι (ergazomai, "work") here refers to active, productive labor, highlighting that believers are expected to contribute through their own efforts.
  • The phrase τὸν ἑαυτῶν ἄρτον (ton heautōn arton, "their own bread") stresses personal responsibility, making clear that each person should provide for their own needs rather than relying on others.

Why 2 Thessalonians 3:12 matters

  • This verse clarifies that Christian community does not mean enabling idleness; it sets a standard for personal responsibility and peaceful living.
  • The emphasis on working "with quietness" addresses not just the act of working, but the manner in which believers are to conduct themselves—avoiding disturbance or gossip.
  • In the context of the wider passage, Paul is correcting a specific problem in the Thessalonian church, where some were refusing to work and becoming a burden to others, so this verse helps frame the Christian approach to work and community life.

Where else these words appear

“quietness” Greek G2271 · used in 4 verses

  • Acts 22:2 (And when they heard that he spake in the Hebrew tongue to them, they kept the more silence: and he saith,)
  • 1 Timothy 2:11 Let the woman learn in silence with all subjection.
  • 1 Timothy 2:12 But I suffer not a woman to teach, nor to usurp authority over the man, but to be in silence.

“command” Greek G3853 · used in 30 verses

  • Matthew 10:5 These twelve Jesus sent forth, and commanded them, saying, Go not into the way of the Gentiles, and into any city of the Samaritans enter ye not:
  • Acts 5:28 Saying, Did not we straitly command you that ye should not teach in this name? and, behold, ye have filled Jerusalem with your doctrine, and intend to bring this man's blood upon us.
  • 1 Corinthians 11:17 Now in this that I declare unto you I praise you not, that ye come together not for the better, but for the worse.

“work” Greek G2038 · used in 37 verses

  • Matthew 7:23 And then will I profess unto them, I never knew you: depart from me, ye that work iniquity.
  • Acts 10:35 But in every nation he that feareth him, and worketh righteousness, is accepted with him.
  • Ephesians 4:28 Let him that stole steal no more: but rather let him labour, working with his hands the thing which is good, that he may have to give to him that needeth.

“eat” Greek G2068 · used in 55 verses

  • Matthew 9:11 And when the Pharisees saw it, they said unto his disciples, Why eateth your Master with publicans and sinners?
  • Mark 14:18 And as they sat and did eat, Jesus said, Verily I say unto you, One of you which eateth with me shall betray me.
  • Romans 14:20 For meat destroy not the work of God. All things indeed are pure; but it is evil for that man who eateth with offence.