Bible Strands
2 Thessalonians 3:11
For we hear that some of you are leading undisciplined lives, accomplishing nothing, but being busybodies.
Berean Standard Bible
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Study note
Setting — Paul addresses the Thessalonian believers, identifying a specific behavioral problem within their community while reinforcing a prior apostolic command about labor. He writes at a moment when unchecked idleness is disrupting the church's daily order.
The words — The Greek term ἀτάκτως (ataktōs) literally means "undisciplined" or "idly," describing a pattern of conduct that lacks structure. Paul pairs it with περιπατοῦντας (peripatountas), meaning "are walking," to frame their daily behavior as a continuous, observable lifestyle.
The thread — This warning against idle wandering and refusal to work runs through 1 Timothy 5:13, 1 Thessalonians 4:11, and 2 Thessalonians 3:6. Each passage connects the same failure to neglect personal responsibility and disrupt community life.
Why it lands — The text requires readers to abandon unstructured busyness and adopt quiet, self-sustaining labor. It demands a concrete evaluation of whether one's daily routine produces genuine work or merely idle interference.
Drafted by a language model from the text, its original words and its cross-references, then checked against them. It can still be wrong: open the verse in the app to report it.
The Greek words
King James Version
For we hear that there are some which walk among you disorderly, working not at all, but are busybodies.
Cross-references
- 1 Timothy 5:13 At the same time they will also learn to be idle, going from house to house and being not only idle, but also gossips and busybodies, discussing things they should not mention.
- 1 Thessalonians 4:11 and to aspire to live quietly, to attend to your own matters, and to work with your own hands, as we instructed you.
- 2 Thessalonians 3:6 Now we command you, brothers, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, to keep away from any brother who leads an undisciplined life that is not in keeping with the tradition you received from us.
- 1 Peter 4:15 Indeed, none of you should suffer as a murderer or thief or wrongdoer, or even as a meddler.