1
Τὸ λοιπὸν προσεύχεσθε, ἀδελφοί, περὶ ἡμῶν, ἵνα ὁ λόγος τοῦ κυρίου τρέχῃ καὶ δοξάζηται καθὼς καὶ πρὸς ὑμᾶς,
Finally, brothers, pray for us, that the word of the Lord may run and be glorified, just as it also did among you,
An adverbial 'finally' turns from the prayer of 2:16–17 to a reciprocal request: as Paul prayed for them, they are to pray for the gospel's advance.
Word-by-word analysis· 18 words
ΤὸtheAccusativearticle (adverbial accusative)
λοιπὸνfinally / for the restAccusativeadverbial accusative (transition)λοιπός: 'remaining'; τὸ λοιπόν as an adverbial accusative = 'finally, henceforth, as for the rest' — a transitional marker, not necessarily 'last of all.'
προσεύχεσθεprayPres Mid Impv 2 Pl · προσεύχομαιmain verb (imperative)→ customary present (ongoing duty)προσεύχομαι: 'pray (to God)' (πρός + εὔχομαι); the deponent verb of address to God, here a standing summons to intercede.
ἀδελφοίbrothersVocativevocative of addressἀδελφός: 'brother'; the familial address binding writer and readers — frequent in this letter at points of appeal.
περὶforpreposition + genitive (reference)
ἡμῶνusGenitiveobject of περί
ἵναthatconjunction (content of prayer)ἵνα: here introduces the content/object of the petition rather than strict purpose — common after verbs of asking.
ὁtheNominativearticle
λόγοςwordNominativesubjectλόγος: 'word, message'; ὁ λόγος τοῦ κυρίου = the gospel message as the Lord's own proclamation.
τοῦof theGenitivearticle
κυρίουLordGenitivegenitive of source/authorκύριος: 'Lord'; the word that originates with and belongs to the Lord (Christ).
τρέχῃmay runPres Act Subj 3 Sg · τρέχωsubjunctive (ἵνα clause)→ progressive present (unhindered course)τρέχω: 'run'; a vivid athletic metaphor (cf. Ps 147:15) for the gospel speeding on its way without obstruction.
καὶandcoordinating conjunction
δοξάζηταιmay be glorifiedPres Pass Subj 3 Sg · δοξάζωsubjunctive (ἵνα clause)→ progressive presentδοξάζω: 'glorify, honor'; the word is 'glorified' as it is welcomed and bears fruit — its triumphant reception.
καθὼςjust ascomparative conjunctionκαθώς: 'just as, according as'; the Thessalonians' own reception is the benchmark of the prayer.
καὶalsoadverbial (ascensive) conjunction
πρὸςamongpreposition + accusative (relational 'with/among')πρός + acc.: here 'with, in relation to, among' — the word's course as it reached them.
ὑμᾶςyouAccusativeobject of πρός
2
καὶ ἵνα ῥυσθῶμεν ἀπὸ τῶν ἀτόπων καὶ πονηρῶν ἀνθρώπων· οὐ γὰρ πάντων ἡ πίστις.
and that we may be rescued from perverse and evil people; for not everyone has faith.
A second object of the prayer, paired with the first: deliverance from hostile people; grounded by a terse maxim — faith is not universal.
Word-by-word analysis· 14 words
καὶandcoordinating conjunction
ἵναthatconjunction (second content clause)
ῥυσθῶμενwe may be rescuedAor Pass Subj 1 Pl · ῥύομαιsubjunctive (ἵνα clause)→ ingressive aorist (act of deliverance)ῥύομαι: 'rescue, deliver, draw to oneself out of danger'; the verb of the Lord's Prayer ('deliver us from evil').
ἀπὸfrompreposition + genitive (separation)
τῶνtheGenitivearticle
ἀτόπωνperverse / improperGenitiveattributive adjectiveἄτοπος: lit. 'out of place' (ἀ- + τόπος), hence 'improper, perverse, outrageous'; of people who act wrongly toward the gospel.
καὶandcoordinating conjunction
πονηρῶνevilGenitiveattributive adjectiveπονηρός: 'evil, wicked' (with active malignity); the same root as ὁ πονηρός, 'the evil one,' in v.3.
ἀνθρώπωνpeopleGenitiveobject of ἀπό (the head noun)ἄνθρωπος: 'human being, person'; the generic plural for the hostile opponents.
οὐnotnegative particle
γὰρforexplanatory conjunction (ground)
πάντωνof allGenitivepossessive genitive (predicate)πᾶς: 'all'; 'the faith is not of all' — a litotes implying that many reject the gospel and oppose its messengers.
ἡtheNominativearticle
πίστιςfaithNominativesubject (verbless clause)πίστις: 'faith'; here saving trust in the gospel — not the universal possession of humankind.
3
πιστὸς δέ ἐστιν ὁ κύριος, ὃς στηρίξει ὑμᾶς καὶ φυλάξει ἀπὸ τοῦ πονηροῦ.
But the Lord is faithful, who will establish you and guard you from the evil one.
A pointed wordplay turns from faithless people (v.2) to the faithful Lord: where human πίστις fails, the Lord is πιστός and will himself secure the church.
Word-by-word analysis· 13 words
πιστὸςfaithfulNominativepredicate adjective (fronted, emphatic)πιστός: 'faithful, trustworthy'; placed first for emphasis, echoing πίστις (v.2) — God's reliability against human unbelief.
δέbutadversative conjunction
ἐστινisPres Act Indic 3 Sg · εἰμίmain verb (copula)→ stative present
ὁtheNominativearticle
κύριοςLordNominativesubjectκύριος: 'Lord'; the faithful one is Christ, the church's guarantor.
ὃςwhoNominativerelative pronoun (subject of rel. clause)
στηρίξειwill establishFut Act Indic 3 Sg · στηρίζωmain verb (rel. clause)→ predictive futureστηρίζω: 'make firm, establish, strengthen'; the same verb as in 2:17 — the Lord steadies them against shaking.
ὑμᾶςyouAccusativedirect object
καὶandcoordinating conjunction
φυλάξειwill guardFut Act Indic 3 Sg · φυλάσσωmain verb (rel. clause)→ predictive futureφυλάσσω: 'guard, protect, keep watch over'; protective custody against the assault of the evil one.
ἀπὸfrompreposition + genitive (separation)
τοῦtheGenitivearticle (substantizes adj.)
πονηροῦevil oneGenitiveobject of ἀπό (substantival adj.)πονηρός: 'evil'; τοῦ πονηροῦ likely personal, 'the evil one' (Satan), echoing the petition of Matt 6:13; possibly neuter 'evil.'
4
πεποίθαμεν δὲ ἐν κυρίῳ ἐφ' ὑμᾶς, ὅτι ἃ παραγγέλλομεν καὶ ποιεῖτε καὶ ποιήσετε.
And we have confidence in the Lord about you, that you are doing and will do the things we command.
A pastoral captatio: confidence 'in the Lord' (not in them as such) that they will obey, preparing the ground for the commands of vv.6–15.
Word-by-word analysis· 13 words
πεποίθαμενwe have confidencePerf Act Indic 1 Pl · πείθωmain verb→ intensive perfect (settled state of trust)πείθω: active 'persuade,' but the perfect πέποιθα is intransitive, 'I have come to trust, I am confident'; a present state from a past persuasion.
δὲandcontinuative conjunction
ἐνinpreposition + dative (sphere)
κυρίῳthe LordDativedat. of sphere (locus of confidence)κύριος: 'Lord'; the confidence rests in the Lord who works in them, not in their unaided resolve.
ἐφ'about / concerningpreposition (ἐπί) + accusative (reference)ἐπί + acc.: here 'regarding, with respect to' — the persons concerning whom the confidence is held.
ὑμᾶςyouAccusativeobject of ἐπί
ὅτιthatconjunction (content of confidence)
ἃthe things whichAccusativerelative pronoun (object, fronted)
παραγγέλλομενwe commandPres Act Indic 1 Pl · παραγγέλλωmain verb (rel. clause)→ customary presentπαραγγέλλω: 'command, charge, give orders'; a term of authoritative (often military) instruction, recurring in vv.6, 10, 12.
καὶbothcorrelative conjunction (καί … καί)
ποιεῖτεyou are doingPres Act Indic 2 Pl · ποιέωmain verb→ progressive presentποιέω: 'do, make'; present obedience already in progress.
καὶandcorrelative conjunction
ποιήσετεwill doFut Act Indic 2 Pl · ποιέωmain verb→ predictive futureποιέω: 'do'; future continuance — present obedience projected forward, gently anticipating compliance with what follows.
5
Ὁ δὲ κύριος κατευθύναι ὑμῶν τὰς καρδίας εἰς τὴν ἀγάπην τοῦ θεοῦ καὶ εἰς τὴν ὑπομονὴν τοῦ Χριστοῦ.
May the Lord direct your hearts to the love of God and to the steadfastness of Christ.
A votive optative closes the section: the Lord himself is asked to steer their hearts — a benedictory bridge from reassurance to the commands that follow.
Word-by-word analysis· 18 words
ὉtheNominativearticle
δὲand / nowtransitional conjunction
κύριοςLordNominativesubjectκύριος: 'Lord'; the agent invoked to do the directing — likely Christ here.
κατευθύναιmay he directAor Act Opt 3 Sg · κατευθύνωoptative of wish (main verb)→ volitive optative (prayer-wish)κατευθύνω: 'make straight, direct, guide' (κατά + εὐθύς); to clear a path for and steer the heart toward its goal.
ὑμῶνyourGenitivepossessive genitive
τὰςtheAccusativearticle
καρδίαςheartsAccusativedirect objectκαρδία: 'heart'; the inner center of will, thought, and affection — the whole self that is to be aimed Godward.
εἰςto / intopreposition + accusative (goal)
τὴνtheAccusativearticle
ἀγάπηνloveAccusativeobject of εἰς (goal)ἀγάπη: 'love'; the goal of the heart's direction.
τοῦofGenitivearticle
θεοῦGodGenitivegenitive (subjective or objective; debated)θεός: God; 'the love of God' is probably God's love for them (and so a love they enter), or possibly their love for God.
καὶandcoordinating conjunction
εἰςto / intopreposition + accusative (goal)
τὴνtheAccusativearticle
ὑπομονὴνsteadfastness / enduranceAccusativeobject of εἰς (goal)ὑπομονή: 'patient endurance, perseverance' (lit. 'remaining under'); steadfastness under pressure, a key virtue amid the Thessalonians' afflictions.
τοῦofGenitivearticle
ΧριστοῦChristGenitivegenitive (subjective or objective; debated)Χριστός: Christ; 'the endurance of Christ' — most likely the steadfastness Christ himself displayed (a pattern), or perseverance in waiting for him.
6
Παραγγέλλομεν δὲ ὑμῖν, ἀδελφοί, ἐν ὀνόματι τοῦ κυρίου ἡμῶν Ἰησοῦ Χριστοῦ, στέλλεσθαι ὑμᾶς ἀπὸ παντὸς ἀδελφοῦ ἀτάκτως περιπατοῦντος καὶ μὴ κατὰ τὴν παράδοσιν ἣν παρελάβοσαν παρ' ἡμῶν.
Now we command you, brothers, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, to keep away from every brother who walks idly and not according to the tradition that they received from us.
The chapter's central charge, weighted by the solemn 'in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ': separate from the idle who flout the apostolic tradition.
Word-by-word analysis· 27 words
Παραγγέλλομενwe commandPres Act Indic 1 Pl · παραγγέλλωmain verb (authoritative directive)→ customary present (standing order)παραγγέλλω: 'command, charge'; military-flavored order, here invested with the Lord's authority.
δὲnowtransitional conjunction
ὑμῖνyouDativedat. of indirect object (recipients of charge)
ἀδελφοίbrothersVocativevocative of addressἀδελφός: 'brother'; the affectionate address frames even the stern command as family business.
ἐνinpreposition + dative (sphere/authority)
ὀνόματιnameDativedat. of sphere (authority basis)ὄνομα: 'name'; 'in the name of' = by the authority and as the representative of the one named.
τοῦof theGenitivearticle
κυρίουLordGenitivegenitive of possession (the name belongs to)κύριος: 'Lord'; the full solemn title invests the directive with divine authority.
ἡμῶνourGenitivegenitive of relationship
ἸησοῦJesusGenitiveapposition to κυρίου
ΧριστοῦChristGenitiveapposition
στέλλεσθαιto keep away / withdrawPres Mid Inf · στέλλωinfinitive (content of command)→ customary presentστέλλω (mid.): lit. 'draw oneself in, restrain oneself'; here 'hold aloof from, keep one's distance' — to shorten sail away from.
ὑμᾶςyouAccusativeaccusative subject of the infinitive
ἀπὸfrompreposition + genitive (separation)
παντὸςeveryGenitiveattributive adjective
ἀδελφοῦbrotherGenitiveobject of ἀπόἀδελφός: 'brother'; the offender is still reckoned a believer — an erring member, not an outsider (cf. v.15).
ἀτάκτωςidly / in a disorderly wayadverb (manner)ἀτάκτως: 'in disorderly fashion' (a military term for breaking ranks); in this letter specifically of refusing to work — idleness as insubordination.
περιπατοῦντοςwalkingPres Act Ptc · Gen Sg Masc · περιπατέωattributive participle (modifies ἀδελφοῦ)→ progressive present (habitual conduct)περιπατέω: lit. 'walk about'; metaphorically 'conduct one's life' — the Semitic 'walk' (hālak) for manner of living.
καὶandcoordinating conjunction
μὴnotnegative particle (with ptc.)
κατὰaccording topreposition + accusative (standard)
τὴνtheAccusativearticle
παράδοσινtraditionAccusativeobject of κατά (standard)παράδοσις: 'that which is handed over, tradition'; the authoritative apostolic instruction (cf. 2:15), here including the work ethic.
ἣνwhichAccusativerelative pronoun (object of παρελάβοσαν)
παρελάβοσανthey receivedAor Act Indic 3 Pl · παραλαμβάνωmain verb (rel. clause)→ constative aoristπαραλαμβάνω: 'receive (a tradition handed on)'; the -οσαν ending is a Hellenistic 3rd-pl. aorist form (cf. LXX usage).
παρ'frompreposition (παρά) + genitive (source)
ἡμῶνusGenitiveobject of παρά (source)
7
αὐτοὶ γὰρ οἴδατε πῶς δεῖ μιμεῖσθαι ἡμᾶς, ὅτι οὐκ ἠτακτήσαμεν ἐν ὑμῖν
For you yourselves know how you ought to imitate us, because we were not idle among you,
The command is grounded in the apostles' own example: their conduct among the Thessalonians is the pattern to be imitated.
Word-by-word analysis· 12 words
αὐτοὶyourselvesNominativeintensive pronoun (with subject of οἴδατε)αὐτός: intensive 'yourselves'; appeals to their firsthand knowledge.
γὰρforexplanatory conjunction (ground)
οἴδατεyou knowPerf Act Indic 2 Pl · οἶδαmain verb→ intensive perfect with present sense ('you know')οἶδα: 'know' (perfect with present meaning); settled, possessed knowledge — they already have the relevant facts.
πῶςhowinterrogative adverb (indir. question)
δεῖit is necessaryPres Act Indic 3 Sg · δεῖimpersonal verb (obligation)→ customary present (binding norm)δεῖ: impersonal 'it is necessary, one must'; expresses moral/logical obligation.
μιμεῖσθαιto imitatePres Mid Inf · μιμέομαιcomplementary infinitive (with δεῖ)→ customary presentμιμέομαι: 'imitate, follow as a pattern' (cf. 'mime'); Paul's self-presentation as a model is a recurring Thessalonian motif.
ἡμᾶςusAccusativedirect object of μιμεῖσθαι
ὅτιbecausecausal conjunction
οὐκnotnegative particle
ἠτακτήσαμενwe were idleAor Act Indic 1 Pl · ἀτακτέωmain verb (causal clause)→ constative aorist (summary of their stay)ἀτακτέω: 'be idle, behave in a disorderly/insubordinate way'; cognate with ἀτάκτως (v.6) — the apostles did not break ranks.
ἐνamongpreposition + dative (sphere)
ὑμῖνyouDativedat. of sphere (among you)
8
οὐδὲ δωρεὰν ἄρτον ἐφάγομεν παρά τινος, ἀλλ' ἐν κόπῳ καὶ μόχθῳ νυκτὸς καὶ ἡμέρας ἐργαζόμενοι πρὸς τὸ μὴ ἐπιβαρῆσαί τινα ὑμῶν·
nor did we eat anyone's bread without paying, but with toil and labor we worked night and day so as not to burden any of you;
The negative is spelled out: no free meals; rather strenuous, round-the-clock self-support precisely to avoid being a financial burden.
Word-by-word analysis· 21 words
οὐδὲnornegative coordinating conjunctionοὐδέ: 'and not, nor'; continues the negation of v.7 with a concrete instance.
δωρεὰνwithout paying / as a giftadverbial accusative (manner)δωρεάν: 'freely, gratis, for nothing' (adverbial acc. of δωρεά); here 'without payment' — they did not sponge off others.
ἄρτονbreadAccusativedirect objectἄρτος: 'bread, loaf'; by metonymy 'food, sustenance, living.'
ἐφάγομενwe ateAor Act Indic 1 Pl · ἐσθίωmain verb→ constative aoristἐσθίω: 'eat' (aorist ἔφαγον from suppletive φάγω); to take food, here at another's expense.
παράfrompreposition + genitive (source)
τινοςanyoneGenitiveobject of παρά (indefinite pronoun)τις: indefinite 'anyone, someone'; the unnamed potential benefactor.
ἀλλ'butstrong adversative conjunctionἀλλά: 'but'; the strong contrast introducing the positive counter-statement.
ἐνwith / inpreposition + dative (manner/attendant circumstance)
κόπῳtoilDativedat. of mannerκόπος: 'labor to the point of weariness, trouble, toil'; stresses the exhausting effort involved.
καὶandcoordinating conjunction
μόχθῳlabor / hardshipDativedat. of mannerμόχθος: 'hard labor, distressing toil'; near-synonym of κόπος, the pair reinforcing the strenuousness.
νυκτὸςnightGenitivegenitive of time (within which)νύξ: 'night'; the genitive of time = 'during the night' — i.e. into the night hours.
καὶandcoordinating conjunction
ἡμέραςdayGenitivegenitive of time (within which)ἡμέρα: 'day'; 'night and day' = continually, an idiom for ceaseless labor.
ἐργαζόμενοιworkingPres Mid Ptc · Nom Pl Masc · ἐργάζομαιadverbial participle (manner/means)→ progressive present (continuous activity)ἐργάζομαι: 'work, labor, earn by working'; the key verb of the section's work ethic (cf. vv.10–12).
πρὸςso as / forpreposition + articular infinitive (purpose)πρός + acc. articular inf.: a purpose construction, 'in order (not) to.'
τὸtheAccusativearticle (with infinitive)
μὴnotnegative particle (with infinitive)
ἐπιβαρῆσαίto burdenAor Act Inf · ἐπιβαρέωarticular infinitive (purpose)→ constative aoristἐπιβαρέω: 'put a weight on, burden, be a financial burden' (ἐπί + βάρος, 'weight'); of imposing one's upkeep on others.
τιναanyAccusativedirect object of infinitive (indefinite pronoun)τις: indefinite 'anyone'; 'any of you.'
ὑμῶνof youGenitivepartitive genitive
9
οὐχ ὅτι οὐκ ἔχομεν ἐξουσίαν, ἀλλ' ἵνα ἑαυτοὺς τύπον δῶμεν ὑμῖν εἰς τὸ μιμεῖσθαι ἡμᾶς.
not because we do not have the right, but in order to give ourselves to you as a model, so that you would imitate us.
A qualifier guards the apostolic right to support: the renunciation was voluntary, undertaken precisely to furnish an imitable model.
Word-by-word analysis· 15 words
οὐχnotnegative particle
ὅτιbecausecausal conjunction (οὐχ ὅτι = 'not that')οὐχ ὅτι: an idiom, 'not that …, not as though …' — denying a possible misinference.
οὐκnotnegative particle
ἔχομενwe havePres Act Indic 1 Pl · ἔχωmain verb→ stative presentἔχω: 'have, hold, possess'; the apostles do possess the right being waived.
ἐξουσίανright / authorityAccusativedirect objectἐξουσία: 'authority, right, freedom to act'; here the apostolic right to material support (cf. 1 Cor 9:4–18).
ἀλλ'butstrong adversative conjunction
ἵναin order thatconjunction (purpose)
ἑαυτοὺςourselvesAccusativereflexive pronoun (object of δῶμεν)ἑαυτοῦ: reflexive 'oneself'; the apostles offer their own conduct as the exhibit.
τύπονmodel / patternAccusativedouble accusative (object complement)τύπος: 'mark, impress, pattern, model' (from τύπτω, 'strike'); originally the mark a blow leaves, then an example to be copied.
δῶμενwe might giveAor Act Subj 1 Pl · δίδωμιsubjunctive (ἵνα clause)→ constative aoristδίδωμι: 'give'; here 'present, set forth' ourselves as a τύπος.
ὑμῖνto youDativedat. of indirect object
εἰςso as / forpreposition + articular infinitive (purpose/result)
τὸtheAccusativearticle (with infinitive)
μιμεῖσθαιto imitatePres Mid Inf · μιμέομαιarticular infinitive (purpose)→ customary presentμιμέομαι: 'imitate'; the goal of the modelling — they are to copy the apostolic example.
ἡμᾶςusAccusativedirect object of μιμεῖσθαι
10
καὶ γὰρ ὅτε ἦμεν πρὸς ὑμᾶς, τοῦτο παρηγγέλλομεν ὑμῖν, ὅτι εἴ τις οὐ θέλει ἐργάζεσθαι μηδὲ ἐσθιέτω.
For even when we were with you, this we used to command you: if anyone is not willing to work, neither let him eat.
Paul recalls a rule already given in person — a maxim, perhaps proverbial, making support conditional on willingness to work.
Word-by-word analysis· 17 words
καὶevenadverbial (with γάρ)καὶ γάρ: 'for indeed, for even' — adds confirming force to the explanation.
γὰρforexplanatory conjunction
ὅτεwhentemporal conjunction
ἦμενwe wereImpf Act Indic 1 Pl · εἰμίmain verb (temporal clause)→ durative imperfect (during the stay)
πρὸςwithpreposition + accusative (presence with)πρός + acc.: of being 'with, in the company of' someone.
ὑμᾶςyouAccusativeobject of πρός
τοῦτοthisAccusativedirect object (fronted, cataphoric)οὗτος: 'this'; points forward to the ὅτι-clause that states the command.
παρηγγέλλομενwe used to commandImpf Act Indic 1 Pl · παραγγέλλωmain verb→ customary imperfect (repeated charge)παραγγέλλω: 'command, charge'; the imperfect marks it as a standing instruction repeatedly given.
ὑμῖνyouDativedat. of indirect object
ὅτιthatconjunction (recitative — introduces the command)ὅτι: here recitative, equivalent to opening quotation marks for the rule that follows.
εἴifconjunction (1st-class condition)
τιςanyoneNominativesubject (indefinite pronoun)τις: indefinite 'anyone'; the generalizing subject of the maxim.
οὐnotnegative particle (with θέλει)οὐ: the negative attaches to θέλει — it is the unwillingness, not mere inability, that is censured.
θέλειis willingPres Act Indic 3 Sg · θέλωmain verb (protasis)→ stative present (settled disposition)θέλω: 'will, wish, be willing'; the point is volitional refusal — 'will not,' not 'cannot.'
ἐργάζεσθαιto workPres Mid Inf · ἐργάζομαιcomplementary infinitive (with θέλει)→ customary presentἐργάζομαι: 'work, labor'; the willingness in view is willingness to do honest labor.
μηδὲneithernegative conjunction (with imperative)μηδέ: 'and not, not even, neither'; the prohibitive negative governing the imperative.
ἐσθιέτωlet him eatPres Act Impv 3 Sg · ἐσθίωimperative (apodosis)→ customary present (standing rule)ἐσθίω: 'eat'; the third-person imperative issues the rule — no work, no bread (at the community's expense).
11
ἀκούομεν γάρ τινας περιπατοῦντας ἐν ὑμῖν ἀτάκτως, μηδὲν ἐργαζομένους ἀλλὰ περιεργαζομένους·
For we hear that some among you are walking idly, doing no work at all but being busybodies.
The reason the rule must be reissued: a report that some are idle — a deft wordplay sets ἐργαζομένους ('working') against περιεργαζομένους ('working around,' meddling).
Word-by-word analysis· 11 words
ἀκούομενwe hearPres Act Indic 1 Pl · ἀκούωmain verb→ progressive present (a current report)ἀκούω: 'hear, learn of'; the present implies news reaching Paul of the situation.
γάρforexplanatory conjunction (ground)
τιναςsomeAccusativeaccusative subject of the participlesτις: indefinite 'some, certain ones'; the unnamed offenders within the church.
περιπατοῦνταςwalkingPres Act Ptc · Acc Pl Masc · περιπατέωptc. in indirect discourse (after ἀκούω)→ progressive present (habitual conduct)περιπατέω: 'walk,' i.e. 'conduct oneself, live' — picks up the same idiom as v.6.
ἐνamongpreposition + dative (sphere)
ὑμῖνyouDativedat. of sphere
ἀτάκτωςidly / disorderlyadverb (manner)ἀτάκτως: 'in disorderly fashion'; the same charge as v.6 — idleness as breaking ranks.
μηδὲνnothingAccusativedirect object of ἐργαζομένους (negated)μηδείς: 'no one, nothing'; 'doing no work whatever.'
ἐργαζομένουςworkingPres Mid Ptc · Acc Pl Masc · ἐργάζομαιptc. in indirect discourse→ progressive presentἐργάζομαι: 'work'; here negated — they accomplish no productive labor.
ἀλλὰbutstrong adversative conjunction
περιεργαζομένουςbeing busybodies / meddlingPres Mid Ptc · Acc Pl Masc · περιεργάζομαιptc. in indirect discourse (contrast)→ progressive presentπεριεργάζομαι: 'busy oneself about, meddle' (περί + ἐργάζομαι); a pointed pun — not 'working' (ἐργ-) but 'working around' (περιεργ-), i.e. fussing in others' affairs.
12
τοῖς δὲ τοιούτοις παραγγέλλομεν καὶ παρακαλοῦμεν ἐν κυρίῳ Ἰησοῦ Χριστῷ, ἵνα μετὰ ἡσυχίας ἐργαζόμενοι τὸν ἑαυτῶν ἄρτον ἐσθίωσιν.
Now such persons we command and exhort in the Lord Jesus Christ to work quietly and eat their own bread.
The charge turns to the offenders themselves: 'command and exhort' pairs authority with appeal; the remedy is quiet, self-supporting labor.
Word-by-word analysis· 18 words
τοῖςtheDativearticle (substantizes adj.)
δὲnowtransitional conjunction
τοιούτοιςsuch personsDativedat. of indirect object (substantival adj.)τοιοῦτος: 'such, of this kind'; the idle busybodies of v.11.
παραγγέλλομενwe commandPres Act Indic 1 Pl · παραγγέλλωmain verb→ customary presentπαραγγέλλω: 'command, charge'; authority on the one side.
καὶandcoordinating conjunction
παρακαλοῦμενwe exhortPres Act Indic 1 Pl · παρακαλέωmain verb→ customary presentπαρακαλέω: 'call alongside, urge, exhort, encourage'; appeal on the other side — Paul balances command with entreaty.
ἐνinpreposition + dative (sphere/authority)
κυρίῳthe LordDativedat. of sphere (authority basis)κύριος: 'Lord'; the exhortation is made in union with and on the authority of Christ.
ἸησοῦJesusDativeapposition to κυρίῳ
ΧριστῷChristDativeapposition
ἵναthatconjunction (content of command)
μετὰwithpreposition + genitive (accompaniment/manner)
ἡσυχίαςquietnessGenitiveobject of μετά (manner)ἡσυχία: 'quietness, stillness, settled calm'; the antidote to restless meddling — minding one's own work peaceably.
ἐργαζόμενοιworkingPres Mid Ptc · Nom Pl Masc · ἐργάζομαιadverbial participle (manner, attendant to ἐσθίωσιν)→ progressive presentἐργάζομαι: 'work'; the prescribed activity, now positively enjoined on the idle.
τὸνtheAccusativearticle
ἑαυτῶνtheir ownGenitivepossessive reflexive (attributive)ἑαυτοῦ: reflexive 'their own'; emphasizes self-earned bread — not another's.
ἄρτονbreadAccusativedirect object of ἐσθίωσινἄρτος: 'bread'; metonymy for their own livelihood, earned by labor.
ἐσθίωσινthey may eatPres Act Subj 3 Pl · ἐσθίωsubjunctive (ἵνα clause)→ customary presentἐσθίω: 'eat'; the goal — they should support and feed themselves.
13
Ὑμεῖς δέ, ἀδελφοί, μὴ ἐγκακήσητε καλοποιοῦντες.
But as for you, brothers, do not grow weary in doing good.
An emphatic 'you' turns from the idle to the faithful majority: the misconduct of some must not dampen the others' well-doing.
Word-by-word analysis· 6 words
ὙμεῖςyouNominativesubject (emphatic pronoun)σύ (pl.): the expressed pronoun is emphatic — 'you, by contrast, for your part.'
δέbutadversative conjunction
ἀδελφοίbrothersVocativevocative of addressἀδελφός: 'brother'; the warm address marks the shift to the obedient majority.
μὴnotnegative particle (with prohibitive subj.)
ἐγκακήσητεgrow weary / lose heartAor Act Subj 2 Pl · ἐγκακέωprohibitive subjunctive→ ingressive aorist (do not start to flag)ἐγκακέω: 'become weary, lose heart, give up' (ἐν + κακός); the aorist subjunctive with μή forbids beginning to slacken.
καλοποιοῦντεςdoing goodPres Act Ptc · Nom Pl Masc · καλοποιέωadverbial participle (reference/sphere)→ progressive present (ongoing good conduct)καλοποιέω: 'do good, do what is noble' (καλός + ποιέω); a compact word for the right conduct they must sustain.
14
εἰ δέ τις οὐχ ὑπακούει τῷ λόγῳ ἡμῶν διὰ τῆς ἐπιστολῆς, τοῦτον σημειοῦσθε, μὴ συναναμίγνυσθαι αὐτῷ, ἵνα ἐντραπῇ·
But if anyone does not obey our word through this letter, take note of that person, not to associate with him, so that he may be put to shame.
A first-class condition envisions disobedience to the letter and prescribes a graduated response: mark the person and suspend fellowship — with a redemptive aim.
Word-by-word analysis· 18 words
εἰifconjunction (1st-class condition)
δέbuttransitional/adversative conjunction
τιςanyoneNominativesubject (indefinite pronoun)τις: indefinite 'anyone'; a hypothetical recalcitrant individual.
οὐχnotnegative particle
ὑπακούειobeysPres Act Indic 3 Sg · ὑπακούωmain verb (protasis)→ customary presentὑπακούω: 'obey, heed' (lit. 'hear under, listen submissively'); to comply with an authoritative word.
τῷtheDativearticle
λόγῳwordDativedat. complement of ὑπακούειλόγος: 'word, instruction'; here the directive of this very letter.
ἡμῶνourGenitivepossessive genitive
διὰthroughpreposition + genitive (means)
τῆςtheGenitivearticle
ἐπιστολῆςletterGenitiveobject of διά (means)ἐπιστολή: 'letter, epistle'; 'through the letter' — the written word now carries the apostolic command (cf. the autograph of v.17).
τοῦτονthis oneAccusativedirect object (fronted, demonstrative)οὗτος: 'this (person)'; the disobedient individual singled out.
σημειοῦσθεtake note of / markPres Mid Impv 2 Pl · σημειόωmain verb (imperative, apodosis)→ customary presentσημειόω (mid.): 'note for oneself, mark, take special notice of' (from σημεῖον, 'sign'); identify the person for the congregation's attention.
μὴnotnegative particle (with infinitive)
συναναμίγνυσθαιto associate / mixPres Mid Inf · συναναμίγνυμιinfinitive (epexegetical / imperatival force)→ customary presentσυναναμίγνυμι: 'mix up together, keep close company with' (σύν + ἀνά + μίγνυμι); the prohibition is a withdrawal of ordinary fellowship (cf. 1 Cor 5:9, 11).
αὐτῷhimDativedat. of association (with συναναμίγνυσθαι)
ἵναso thatconjunction (purpose)
ἐντραπῇhe may be ashamedAor Pass Subj 3 Sg · ἐντρέπωsubjunctive (ἵνα clause)→ ingressive aorist (come to feel shame)ἐντρέπω (pass.): 'be made to turn (in on oneself), be put to shame'; a remedial, not punitive, shame meant to bring repentance.
15
καὶ μὴ ὡς ἐχθρὸν ἡγεῖσθε, ἀλλὰ νουθετεῖτε ὡς ἀδελφόν.
Yet do not regard him as an enemy, but admonish him as a brother.
The discipline is fenced by love: the aim is restoration, so the offender remains a brother to be admonished, never an enemy to be destroyed.
Word-by-word analysis· 9 words
καὶand yetcoordinating conjunction (here adversative nuance)
μὴnotnegative particle (with imperative)
ὡςascomparative particle (manner)
ἐχθρὸνenemyAccusativeobject complement (predicate accusative)ἐχθρός: 'enemy, hostile one'; the category explicitly refused — discipline is not warfare against the person.
ἡγεῖσθεregard / considerPres Mid Impv 2 Pl · ἡγέομαιimperative→ customary presentἡγέομαι: 'lead'; in the sense 'consider, regard, count as' — make an estimate of someone's standing.
ἀλλὰbutstrong adversative conjunction
νουθετεῖτεadmonishPres Act Impv 2 Pl · νουθετέωimperative→ customary present (ongoing pastoral care)νουθετέω: 'put in mind, admonish, warn, instruct' (νοῦς + τίθημι); corrective counsel aimed at amendment, the proper mode toward a brother.
ὡςascomparative particle (manner)
ἀδελφόνbrotherAccusativeobject complement (predicate accusative)ἀδελφός: 'brother'; the abiding category — the erring one is still family, the goal being his recovery.
16
Αὐτὸς δὲ ὁ κύριος τῆς εἰρήνης δῴη ὑμῖν τὴν εἰρήνην διὰ παντὸς ἐν παντὶ τρόπῳ. ὁ κύριος μετὰ πάντων ὑμῶν.
Now may the Lord of peace himself give you peace at all times in every way. The Lord be with you all.
The letter's body closes as it opened (1:2) with peace: an emphatic 'the Lord of peace himself,' framing a comprehensive blessing followed by a benedictory greeting.
Word-by-word analysis· 20 words
ΑὐτὸςhimselfNominativeintensive pronoun (with subject)αὐτός: intensive 'himself'; throws weight on the Lord as the personal source of peace.
δὲnowtransitional conjunction
ὁtheNominativearticle
κύριοςLordNominativesubjectκύριος: 'Lord'; 'the Lord of peace' (cf. 'the God of peace,' 1 Thess 5:23) — the source and giver of šālôm.
τῆςofGenitivearticle
εἰρήνηςpeaceGenitivegenitive of quality/source (describes κύριος)εἰρήνη: 'peace'; the Hebrew šālôm — wholeness and well-being, here the Lord's defining gift.
δῴηmay he giveAor Act Opt 3 Sg · δίδωμιoptative of wish (main verb)→ volitive optative (prayer-wish)δίδωμι: 'give'; the rare aorist optative δῴη marks this as a votive blessing.
ὑμῖνyouDativedat. of indirect object
τὴνtheAccusativearticle
εἰρήνηνpeaceAccusativedirect objectεἰρήνη: 'peace'; the gift requested — well-being amid affliction and internal strain.
διὰat / throughpreposition + genitive (διὰ παντός = 'continually')διὰ παντός: idiom, 'through all (time), continually, always.'
παντὸςallGenitiveobject of διά (idiomatic, sc. 'time')πᾶς: 'all'; with διά denotes unbroken continuity — at every time.
ἐνinpreposition + dative (manner)
παντὶeveryDativeattributive adjectiveπᾶς: 'every'; the blessing is comprehensive — in every circumstance and form.
τρόπῳway / mannerDativedat. of mannerτρόπος: 'manner, way, mode'; 'in every way' — peace of every kind and on every front.
ὁtheNominativearticle
κύριοςLordNominativesubject (verbless benediction)κύριος: 'Lord'; the closing greeting echoes Ruth 2:4 and the liturgical 'the Lord be with you.'
μετὰwithpreposition + genitive (accompaniment)
πάντωνallGenitiveattributive adjectiveπᾶς: 'all'; 'all of you' — embracing even the disciplined, kept within the fellowship's hope.
ὑμῶνof youGenitiveobject of μετά
17
Ὁ ἀσπασμὸς τῇ ἐμῇ χειρὶ Παύλου, ὅ ἐστιν σημεῖον ἐν πάσῃ ἐπιστολῇ· οὕτως γράφω.
The greeting is in my own hand, Paul's, which is a sign of genuineness in every letter; this is how I write.
Paul takes the pen from the amanuensis to add the closing greeting himself — a guarantee of authenticity, pointed in a letter where a forged communication had been feared (2:2).
Word-by-word analysis· 14 words
ὉtheNominativearticle
ἀσπασμὸςgreetingNominativesubject (verbless clause)ἀσπασμός: 'greeting, salutation'; the customary closing greeting, here written personally.
τῇtheDativearticle
ἐμῇmy ownDativepossessive adjective (attributive, emphatic)ἐμός: 'my, my own'; the possessive stresses Paul's personal hand.
χειρὶhandDativedat. of means/instrumentχείρ: 'hand'; 'with my own hand' — Paul writes this part himself rather than dictating (cf. 1 Cor 16:21; Gal 6:11).
Παύλουof PaulGenitivegenitive in apposition (to ἐμῇ, 'mine, Paul's')Παῦλος: Paul; the name appended to identify whose hand it is.
ὅwhichNominativerelative pronoun (subject of rel. clause)
ἐστινisPres Act Indic 3 Sg · εἰμίmain verb (rel. clause, copula)→ stative present
σημεῖονsign / tokenNominativepredicate nominativeσημεῖον: 'sign, mark, token'; the autograph functions as a mark of authenticity guarding against forgery (cf. 2:2).
ἐνinpreposition + dative (sphere)
πάσῃeveryDativeattributive adjectiveπᾶς: 'every'; his settled practice in all his letters.
ἐπιστολῇletterDativedat. of sphereἐπιστολή: 'letter'; the autograph is a consistent feature distinguishing genuine Pauline correspondence.
οὕτωςthus / this is howadverb (manner)οὕτως: 'in this manner, thus'; points to the very handwriting on the page — 'this is what my script looks like.'
γράφωI writePres Act Indic 1 Sg · γράφωmain verb→ progressive present (writing in the act)γράφω: 'write'; the present captures the act under way — the reader is to recognize the hand.
18
ἡ χάρις τοῦ κυρίου ἡμῶν Ἰησοῦ Χριστοῦ μετὰ πάντων ὑμῶν.
The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you all.
The letter closes as Paul's letters do, with the grace-benediction — grace from the Lord Jesus Christ extended to 'all,' once more including every member.
Word-by-word analysis· 10 words
ἡtheNominativearticle
χάριςgraceNominativesubject (verbless benediction)χάρις: 'grace, favor'; the unmerited favor of Christ — the signature note on which Paul's letters close.
τοῦof theGenitivearticle
κυρίουLordGenitivegenitive of source (grace from the Lord)κύριος: 'Lord'; the source of the grace invoked.
ἡμῶνourGenitivegenitive of relationship
ἸησοῦJesusGenitiveapposition to κυρίου
ΧριστοῦChristGenitiveapposition
μετὰwithpreposition + genitive (accompaniment)
πάντωνallGenitiveattributive adjectiveπᾶς: 'all'; the inclusive 'all of you' rounds off the letter, leaving no one outside the reach of grace.
ὑμῶνof youGenitiveobject of μετά