For yourselves know how ye ought to follow us: for we behaved not ourselves disorderly among you;

2 THESSALONIANS 3:7KJV
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2 Thessalonians 3:7 (KJV)

What does 2 Thessalonians 3:7 mean?

2 Thessalonians 3:7 means that the believers in Thessalonica already know they should imitate Paul and his companions, because Paul and his team did not behave in a disruptive or disorderly way when they were among them. Paul is pointing to his own conduct as an example for the church to follow.

Paul is writing this letter to the Christians in Thessalonica, reminding them of how he and his fellow workers acted when they lived among them. The situation is that some people in the church were living irresponsibly, so Paul uses his own behavior as a model of proper conduct. The verse sets up Paul’s authority to urge the church to live in an orderly and disciplined way, just as he did.

The Greek behind 2 Thessalonians 3:7

  • "follow" (μιμέομαι, mimeomai): This word means to imitate or mimic. Paul is not just asking for respect, but for the Thessalonians to actively copy the way he lived among them.
  • "disorderly" (ἀτάκτως, ataktōs): This Greek word often refers to being out of line or behaving in a disruptive, undisciplined way. Paul is stressing that his conduct was not chaotic or irresponsible, which contrasts with some in the church who were not working and causing trouble.

Why 2 Thessalonians 3:7 matters

  • This verse clarifies that Paul’s authority comes not only from his words but from his example, showing that Christian leadership is demonstrated by actions.
  • It highlights the importance of order and responsibility in the church community, especially when some members were being idle or disruptive.
  • The verse connects to the wider passage where Paul addresses those who were not working, making it clear that his instructions are based on how he himself lived among them.

Where else these words appear

“follow” Greek G3401 · used in 4 verses

  • 2 Thessalonians 3:9 Not because we have not power, but to make ourselves an ensample unto you to follow us.
  • Hebrews 13:7 Remember them which have the rule over you, who have spoken unto you the word of God: whose faith follow, considering the end of their conversation.
  • 3 John 1:11 Beloved, follow not that which is evil, but that which is good. He that doeth good is of God: but he that doeth evil hath not seen God.

“how” Greek G4459 · used in 100 verses

  • Matthew 6:28 And why take ye thought for raiment? Consider the lilies of the field, how they grow; they toil not, neither do they spin:
  • Luke 11:18 If Satan also be divided against himself, how shall his kingdom stand? because ye say that I cast out devils through Beelzebub.
  • Acts 8:31 And he said, How can I, except some man should guide me? And he desired Philip that he would come up and sit with him.

“ought” Greek G1163 · used in 104 verses

  • Matthew 16:21 From that time forth began Jesus to shew unto his disciples, how that he must go unto Jerusalem, and suffer many things of the elders and chief priests and scribes, and be killed, and be raised again the third day.
  • John 3:14 And as Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness, even so must the Son of man be lifted up:
  • Romans 1:27 And likewise also the men, leaving the natural use of the woman, burned in their lust one toward another; men with men working that which is unseemly, and receiving in themselves that recompence of their error which was meet.