And if any man obey not our word by this epistle, note that man, and have no company with him, that he may be ashamed.

2 THESSALONIANS 3:14KJV
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2 Thessalonians 3:14 (KJV)

What does 2 Thessalonians 3:14 mean?

2 Thessalonians 3:14 instructs believers to take note of anyone who does not follow the teachings given in Paul’s letter and to avoid associating closely with that person, so that the person may feel ashamed and reconsider their actions. This is meant as a corrective step, not as a form of punishment or rejection.

Paul is writing to the church in Thessalonica, addressing issues of disorderly behavior among some members. He urges the community to hold each other accountable by distancing themselves from those who ignore his instructions, hoping this will encourage the person to change. The verse highlights the seriousness with which Paul expects his teachings to be received and followed within the church.

The Greek behind 2 Thessalonians 3:14

  • "σημειοῦσθε" (sēmeiousthe, "note"): This word means to mark or take special notice of someone. Paul is telling the church to be intentional and clear about who is not following his instructions, rather than ignoring the issue.
  • "συναναμίγνυσθαι" (sunanamignysthai, "have no company with"): This phrase means to not mix or associate closely with someone. The idea is not total shunning, but creating a social distance that signals disapproval and encourages reflection.
  • "ἐντραπῇ" (entrapē, "ashamed"): This word means to feel shame or embarrassment. The purpose of the distancing is to prompt the person to recognize their error, not to humiliate them, but to lead them to change.

Why 2 Thessalonians 3:14 matters

  • This verse clarifies that the goal of the community’s action is restoration, not permanent exclusion; the hope is that the person will feel the weight of their actions and return to proper conduct.
  • It shows the importance Paul places on unity and obedience within the church, emphasizing that ignoring apostolic teaching is a serious matter.
  • The instruction connects to the wider context of the letter, where Paul addresses idleness and disorder, showing that church discipline is meant to protect the health and witness of the community.

Where else these words appear

“have” Greek G4874 · used in 3 verses

  • 1 Corinthians 5:9 I wrote unto you in an epistle not to company with fornicators:
  • 1 Corinthians 5:11 But now I have written unto you not to keep company, if any man that is called a brother be a fornicator, or covetous, or an idolater, or a railer, or a drunkard, or an extortioner; with such an one no not to eat.

“ashamed” Greek G1788 · used in 9 verses

  • Matthew 21:37 But last of all he sent unto them his son, saying, They will reverence my son.
  • Luke 18:2 Saying, There was in a city a judge, which feared not God, neither regarded man:
  • 1 Corinthians 4:14 I write not these things to shame you, but as my beloved sons I warn you.

“obey” Greek G5219 · used in 21 verses

  • Matthew 8:27 But the men marvelled, saying, What manner of man is this, that even the winds and the sea obey him!
  • Acts 12:13 And as Peter knocked at the door of the gate, a damsel came to hearken, named Rhoda.
  • Philippians 2:12 Wherefore, my beloved, as ye have always obeyed, not as in my presence only, but now much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling.

“epistle” Greek G1992 · used in 23 verses

  • Acts 9:2 And desired of him letters to Damascus to the synagogues, that if he found any of this way, whether they were men or women, he might bring them bound unto Jerusalem.
  • 1 Corinthians 16:3 And when I come, whomsoever ye shall approve by your letters, them will I send to bring your liberality unto Jerusalem.
  • 2 Corinthians 10:11 Let such an one think this, that, such as we are in word by letters when we are absent, such will we be also in deed when we are present.