Neither did we eat any man's bread for nought; but wrought with labour and travail night and day, that we might not be chargeable to any of you:

2 THESSALONIANS 3:8KJV
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2 Thessalonians 3:8 (KJV)

What does 2 Thessalonians 3:8 mean?

2 Thessalonians 3:8 means that Paul and his companions did not accept free food from anyone while they were in Thessalonica; instead, they worked hard day and night to provide for themselves so they would not be a burden to anyone in the church. The verse highlights their commitment to supporting themselves and not taking advantage of others’ generosity.

Paul is writing to the Christians in Thessalonica, reminding them of how he and his team behaved when they lived among them. The situation is that some people in the church may have been unwilling to work, expecting others to support them. Paul uses his own example to show that even as apostles, they worked hard to avoid being a financial burden, setting a pattern for others to follow.

The Greek behind 2 Thessalonians 3:8

  • "ἐφάγομεν" (ephagomen, "eat"): The Greek word here is often used for eating in the sense of receiving daily food, but in this context, it carries the idea of accepting support or provision from others.
  • "δωρεάν" (dōrean, "for nought"): This word means "for free" or "without payment." Paul emphasizes that he did not take anything without earning it.
  • "ἐργαζόμενοι" (ergazomenoi, "wrought"): This word means "working" or "laboring." Paul stresses the active, ongoing effort he and his team put in.
  • "κόπῳ" (kopō, "labour") and "μόχθῳ" (mochthō, "travail"): These two words together highlight both the hard work and the hardship or struggle involved. Paul is describing not just any work, but difficult, tiring effort.

Why 2 Thessalonians 3:8 matters

  • This verse clears up the idea that spiritual leaders or apostles automatically relied on the financial support of those they served; Paul shows that he did not presume on anyone’s generosity.
  • It emphasizes the value Paul placed on personal responsibility and hard work, especially in the context of Christian community life.
  • The verse connects to the wider passage, where Paul addresses issues of idleness and sets a practical example for how believers should live together, especially when it comes to supporting themselves and not taking advantage of others.

Where else these words appear

“travail” Greek G3449 · used in 3 verses

  • 2 Corinthians 11:27 In weariness and painfulness, in watchings often, in hunger and thirst, in fastings often, in cold and nakedness.
  • 1 Thessalonians 2:9 For ye remember, brethren, our labour and travail: for labouring night and day, because we would not be chargeable unto any of you, we preached unto you the gospel of God.

“might” Greek G1912 · used in 3 verses

  • 2 Corinthians 2:5 But if any have caused grief, he hath not grieved me, but in part: that I may not overcharge you all.
  • 1 Thessalonians 2:9 For ye remember, brethren, our labour and travail: for labouring night and day, because we would not be chargeable unto any of you, we preached unto you the gospel of God.

“nought” Greek G1432 · used in 8 verses

  • Matthew 10:8 Heal the sick, cleanse the lepers, raise the dead, cast out devils: freely ye have received, freely give.
  • Romans 3:24 Being justified freely by his grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus:
  • Galatians 2:21 I do not frustrate the grace of God: for if righteousness come by the law, then Christ is dead in vain.

“labour” Greek G2873 · used in 19 verses

  • Matthew 26:10 When Jesus understood it, he said unto them, Why trouble ye the woman? for she hath wrought a good work upon me.
  • 1 Corinthians 15:58 Therefore, my beloved brethren, be ye stedfast, unmoveable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, forasmuch as ye know that your labour is not in vain in the Lord.
  • 1 Thessalonians 1:3 Remembering without ceasing your work of faith, and labour of love, and patience of hope in our Lord Jesus Christ, in the sight of God and our Father;