2 Thessalonians 3:8

nor did we eat anyone’s food without paying for it. Instead, in labor and toil, we worked night and day so that we would not be a burden to any of you.

Berean Standard Bible

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Study note

Setting — Paul addresses the Thessalonian church to correct misunderstandings about his conduct among them. He speaks during a period when some believers were becoming idle, prompting him to model disciplined work.

The words — The text highlights δωρεὰν (dōrean), meaning "without payment," and ἄρτον (arton), meaning "bread." Paul states he did not eat anyone's bread δωρεὰν, emphasizing his refusal of free sustenance.

The thread — This pattern of self-supported ministry connects to his earlier letter (1 Thessalonians 2:9) and his tentmaking trade in Corinth (Acts 18:3). The request for daily bread in Matthew 6:11 contrasts Paul's voluntary labor with dependence on provision.

Why it lands — The verse requires readers to examine whether their own livelihood depends on the labor of others or on their own work. It demands a practical commitment to self-sufficiency so that ministry does not become a financial burden to the community.

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

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:

Cross-references

Matthew 6:11 Give us this day our daily bread.
1 Thessalonians 2:9 Surely you recall, brothers, our labor and toil. We worked night and day so that we would not be a burden to anyone while we proclaimed to you the gospel of God.
Acts 18:3 and he stayed and worked with them because they were tentmakers by trade, just as he was.
Ephesians 4:28 He who has been stealing must steal no longer, but must work, doing good with his own hands, that he may have something to share with the one in need.
1 Corinthians 4:12 We work hard with our own hands. When we are vilified, we bless; when we are persecuted, we endure it;
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.
Proverbs 31:27 She watches over the affairs of her household and does not eat the bread of idleness.
2 Thessalonians 3:12 We command and urge such people by our Lord Jesus Christ to begin working quietly to earn their own living.
Acts 20:34 You yourselves know that these hands of mine have ministered to my own needs and those of my companions.
2 Corinthians 11:9 And when I was with you and in need, I was not a burden to anyone; for the brothers who came from Macedonia supplied my needs. I have refrained from being a burden to you in any way, and I will continue to do so.