Lectionary Calendar
Sunday, August 17th, 2025
the Week of Proper 15 / Ordinary 20
the Week of Proper 15 / Ordinary 20
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Read the Bible
Easy-to-Read Version
2 Thessalonians 3:9
We had the right to ask you to help us. But we worked to take care of ourselves so that we would be an example for you to follow.
Jump to:Bible Study Tools • Parallel Bible Verse • Bible Contextual Overview • Bible Cross-References • Gill's Bible Notes • Clarke's Bible Notes • Barnes' Bible Notes
Bible Study Resources
Concordances:
- Nave'sDictionaries:
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- InternationalParallel Translations
Christian Standard Bible®
It is not that we don’t have the right to support, but we did it to make ourselves an example to you so that you would imitate us.
It is not that we don’t have the right to support, but we did it to make ourselves an example to you so that you would imitate us.
King James Version (1611)
Not because we haue not power, but to make our selues an ensample vnto you to follow vs.
Not because we haue not power, but to make our selues an ensample vnto you to follow vs.
King James Version
Not because we have not power, but to make ourselves an ensample unto you to follow us.
Not because we have not power, but to make ourselves an ensample unto you to follow us.
English Standard Version
It was not because we do not have that right, but to give you in ourselves an example to imitate.
It was not because we do not have that right, but to give you in ourselves an example to imitate.
New American Standard Bible
not because we do not have the right to this, but in order to offer ourselves as a role model for you, so that you would follow our example.
not because we do not have the right to this, but in order to offer ourselves as a role model for you, so that you would follow our example.
New Century Version
We had the right to ask you to help us, but we worked to take care of ourselves so we would be an example for you to follow.
We had the right to ask you to help us, but we worked to take care of ourselves so we would be an example for you to follow.
New American Standard Bible (1995)
not because we do not have the right to this, but in order to offer ourselves as a model for you, so that you would follow our example.
not because we do not have the right to this, but in order to offer ourselves as a model for you, so that you would follow our example.
Legacy Standard Bible
not because we do not have the authority, but in order to offer ourselves as a model for you, so that you would imitate us.
not because we do not have the authority, but in order to offer ourselves as a model for you, so that you would imitate us.
Berean Standard Bible
Not that we lack this right, but we wanted to offer ourselves as an example for you to imitate.
Not that we lack this right, but we wanted to offer ourselves as an example for you to imitate.
Contemporary English Version
We had the right not to work, but we wanted to set an example for you.
We had the right not to work, but we wanted to set an example for you.
Complete Jewish Bible
It was not that we hadn't the right to be supported, but so that we could make ourselves an example to imitate.
It was not that we hadn't the right to be supported, but so that we could make ourselves an example to imitate.
Darby Translation
not that we have not the right, but that we might give ourselves as an example to you, in order to your imitating us.
not that we have not the right, but that we might give ourselves as an example to you, in order to your imitating us.
Geneva Bible (1587)
Not because we haue not authoritie, but that we might make our selues an ensample vnto you to follow vs.
Not because we haue not authoritie, but that we might make our selues an ensample vnto you to follow vs.
George Lamsa Translation
Not because we did not have the right, but to make ourselves an example to you to follow us.
Not because we did not have the right, but to make ourselves an example to you to follow us.
Good News Translation
We did this, not because we do not have the right to demand our support; we did it to be an example for you to follow.
We did this, not because we do not have the right to demand our support; we did it to be an example for you to follow.
Lexham English Bible
not that we do not have the right, but so that we may give ourselves as an example to you, so that you may imitate us.
not that we do not have the right, but so that we may give ourselves as an example to you, so that you may imitate us.
Literal Translation
Not that we do not have authority, but that we give ourselves as an example to you, for you to act like us.
Not that we do not have authority, but that we give ourselves as an example to you, for you to act like us.
Amplified Bible
not because we do not have a right to such support, but [we provided our own financial support] to offer ourselves as a model for you, so that you would follow our example.
not because we do not have a right to such support, but [we provided our own financial support] to offer ourselves as a model for you, so that you would follow our example.
American Standard Version
not because we have not the right, but to make ourselves an ensample unto you, that ye should imitate us.
not because we have not the right, but to make ourselves an ensample unto you, that ye should imitate us.
Bible in Basic English
Not because we have not the right, but to make ourselves an example to you, so that you might do the same.
Not because we have not the right, but to make ourselves an example to you, so that you might do the same.
Hebrew Names Version
not because we don't have the right, but to make ourselves an example to you, that you should imitate us.
not because we don't have the right, but to make ourselves an example to you, that you should imitate us.
International Standard Version
It is not as though we did not have that right, but, we wantedwe wanted">[fn] to give you an example to follow.1 Corinthians 9:6; 1 Thessalonians 2:6; 2 Thessalonians 2:7;">[xr]
It is not as though we did not have that right, but, we wantedwe wanted">[fn] to give you an example to follow.1 Corinthians 9:6; 1 Thessalonians 2:6; 2 Thessalonians 2:7;">[xr]
Etheridge Translation
Not because we had not power, but because in ourselves we would give you an example, that you may imitate us.
Not because we had not power, but because in ourselves we would give you an example, that you may imitate us.
Murdock Translation
It was not because we have no authority, but that we might give you an example in ourselves, that ye might imitate us.
It was not because we have no authority, but that we might give you an example in ourselves, that ye might imitate us.
Bishop's Bible (1568)
Not but that we had auctoritie, but to make our selues an ensample vnto you to folowe vs.
Not but that we had auctoritie, but to make our selues an ensample vnto you to folowe vs.
English Revised Version
not because we have not the right, but to make ourselves an ensample unto you, that ye should imitate us.
not because we have not the right, but to make ourselves an ensample unto you, that ye should imitate us.
World English Bible
not because we don't have the right, but to make ourselves an example to you, that you should imitate us.
not because we don't have the right, but to make ourselves an example to you, that you should imitate us.
Wesley's New Testament (1755)
Not because we have not power; but that we might make ourselves an example to you, that ye might imitate us.
Not because we have not power; but that we might make ourselves an example to you, that ye might imitate us.
Weymouth's New Testament
This was not because we had not a claim upon you, but it arose from a desire to set you an example--for you to imitate us.
This was not because we had not a claim upon you, but it arose from a desire to set you an example--for you to imitate us.
Wycliffe Bible (1395)
Not as we hadden not power, but that we schulden yyue vs silf ensaumple to you to sue vs.
Not as we hadden not power, but that we schulden yyue vs silf ensaumple to you to sue vs.
Update Bible Version
not because we don't have the right, but to make ourselves an example to you, that you should imitate us.
not because we don't have the right, but to make ourselves an example to you, that you should imitate us.
Webster's Bible Translation
Not because we have not power, but to make ourselves a pattern to you to follow us.
Not because we have not power, but to make ourselves a pattern to you to follow us.
New English Translation
It was not because we do not have that right, but to give ourselves as an example for you to imitate.
It was not because we do not have that right, but to give ourselves as an example for you to imitate.
New King James Version
not because we do not have authority, but to make ourselves an example of how you should follow us.
not because we do not have authority, but to make ourselves an example of how you should follow us.
New Living Translation
We certainly had the right to ask you to feed us, but we wanted to give you an example to follow.
We certainly had the right to ask you to feed us, but we wanted to give you an example to follow.
New Life Bible
We could have asked you to give us food. But we did not so that you might follow our way of living.
We could have asked you to give us food. But we did not so that you might follow our way of living.
New Revised Standard
This was not because we do not have that right, but in order to give you an example to imitate.
This was not because we do not have that right, but in order to give you an example to imitate.
J.B. Rotherham Emphasized Bible
Not because we have not authority, but that, ourselves, as an ensample, we might hold forth unto you, - to the end ye might he imitating us.
Not because we have not authority, but that, ourselves, as an ensample, we might hold forth unto you, - to the end ye might he imitating us.
Douay-Rheims Bible
Not as if we had not power: but that we might give ourselves a pattern unto you, to imitate us.
Not as if we had not power: but that we might give ourselves a pattern unto you, to imitate us.
Revised Standard Version
It was not because we have not that right, but to give you in our conduct an example to imitate.
It was not because we have not that right, but to give you in our conduct an example to imitate.
Tyndale New Testament (1525)
not but that we had auctoritie: but to make oure selves an insample vnto you to folowe vs.
not but that we had auctoritie: but to make oure selves an insample vnto you to folowe vs.
Young's Literal Translation
not because we have not authority, but that ourselves a pattern we might give to you, to imitate us;
not because we have not authority, but that ourselves a pattern we might give to you, to imitate us;
Miles Coverdale Bible (1535)
Not but that we had auctorite, but to geue oure selues for an ensample vnto you to folowe vs.
Not but that we had auctorite, but to geue oure selues for an ensample vnto you to folowe vs.
Mace New Testament (1729)
not, that we had no just claim, but to present ourselves as a pattern, which you should imitate,
not, that we had no just claim, but to present ourselves as a pattern, which you should imitate,
Simplified Cowboy Version
It wasn't that we didn't have the right to accept such things, but we worked hard so y'all would see us walking the walk, not just talking the talk.
It wasn't that we didn't have the right to accept such things, but we worked hard so y'all would see us walking the walk, not just talking the talk.
Contextual Overview
6 Brothers and sisters, by the authority of our Lord Jesus Christ we tell you to stay away from any believer who refuses to work. People who refuse to work are not following the teaching that we gave them. 7 You yourselves know that you should live like we do. We were not lazy when we were with you. 8 We never accepted food from anyone without paying for it. We worked and worked so that we would not be a burden to any of you. We worked night and day. 9 We had the right to ask you to help us. But we worked to take care of ourselves so that we would be an example for you to follow. 10 When we were with you, we gave you this rule: "Whoever will not work should not be allowed to eat." 11 We hear that some people in your group refuse to work. They are doing nothing except being busy in the lives of others. 12 Our instruction to them is to stop bothering others, to start working and earn their own food. It is by the authority of the Lord Jesus Christ that we are urging them to do this. 13 Brothers and sisters, never get tired of doing good. 14 If there are some there who refuse to do what we tell you in this letter, remember who they are. Don't associate with them. Then maybe they will feel ashamed. 15 But don't treat them as enemies. Counsel them as fellow believers.
Bible Verse Review
from Treasury of Scripure Knowledge
Not: Matthew 10:10, 1 Corinthians 9:4-14, Galatians 6:6, 1 Thessalonians 2:6
to make: 2 Thessalonians 3:7, John 13:15, 1 Peter 2:21
Reciprocal: 2 Samuel 19:11 - Why are 2 Kings 5:26 - Is it a time Nehemiah 5:14 - I and my Acts 18:3 - and wrought Acts 20:34 - that these 1 Corinthians 4:16 - General 1 Corinthians 6:12 - are not 1 Corinthians 9:12 - Nevertheless 1 Corinthians 9:18 - when 1 Corinthians 11:1 - Be ye 2 Corinthians 11:9 - I was Philippians 3:17 - be 1 Thessalonians 1:6 - ye Titus 2:7 - all Hebrews 10:24 - consider Hebrews 13:7 - whose 1 Peter 5:3 - but Revelation 4:8 - and they
Cross-References
Genesis 3:12
The man said, "The woman you put here with me gave me fruit from that tree. So I ate it."
The man said, "The woman you put here with me gave me fruit from that tree. So I ate it."
Genesis 3:13
Then the Lord God said to the woman, "What have you done?" She said, "The snake tricked me, so I ate the fruit."
Then the Lord God said to the woman, "What have you done?" She said, "The snake tricked me, so I ate the fruit."
Genesis 3:17
Then God said to the man, "I commanded you not to eat from that tree. But you listened to your wife and ate from it. So I will curse the ground because of you. You will have to work hard all your life for the food the ground produces.
Then God said to the man, "I commanded you not to eat from that tree. But you listened to your wife and ate from it. So I will curse the ground because of you. You will have to work hard all your life for the food the ground produces.
Genesis 3:19
You will work hard for your food, until your face is covered with sweat. You will work hard until the day you die, and then you will become dust again. I used dust to make you, and when you die, you will become dust again."
You will work hard for your food, until your face is covered with sweat. You will work hard until the day you die, and then you will become dust again. I used dust to make you, and when you die, you will become dust again."
Genesis 3:20
Adam named his wife Eve. He gave her this name because Eve would be the mother of everyone who ever lived.
Adam named his wife Eve. He gave her this name because Eve would be the mother of everyone who ever lived.
Genesis 3:21
The Lord God used animal skins and made some clothes for the man and his wife. Then he put the clothes on them.
The Lord God used animal skins and made some clothes for the man and his wife. Then he put the clothes on them.
Genesis 4:9
Later, the Lord said to Cain, "Where is your brother Abel?" Cain answered, "I don't know. Is it my job to watch over my brother?"
Later, the Lord said to Cain, "Where is your brother Abel?" Cain answered, "I don't know. Is it my job to watch over my brother?"
Genesis 11:5
Then the Lord came down to see the city and the tower.
Then the Lord came down to see the city and the tower.
Genesis 16:8
The angel said, "Hagar, Sarai's slave girl, why are you here? Where are you going?" Hagar said, "I am running away from Sarai."
The angel said, "Hagar, Sarai's slave girl, why are you here? Where are you going?" Hagar said, "I am running away from Sarai."
Gill's Notes on the Bible
Not because we have not power,.... To forbear working, or require a maintenance from the churches to whom we minister, since Christ has ordained, that they that preach the Gospel should live of the Gospel; see 1 Corinthians 9:4. This the apostle says to preserve their right of claim, when and where they should think fit to make use of it; and lest other ministers of the word, who could not support themselves as they did, should be hurt by such an example; and lest covetous men should make use of it to indulge their sin, and improve it against the maintenance of Gospel ministers: wherefore the apostle observes to them, that they did not do this, as conscious that they had no right to demand a supply from them,
but to make ourselves an ensample unto you to follow us; for it seems there were many idle lazy persons among them, who either had no callings or trades, or did not attend to them; wherefore the apostles wrought with their own hands, to set an example, who could not for shame but work, when they saw persons in so high an office, and of such a character, working with labour and travail, night and day, among them.
Barnes' Notes on the Bible
Not because we have not power ... - See the notes on 1 Corinthians 9:6, 1 Corinthians 9:12, 1 Corinthians 9:14.
Clarke's Notes on the Bible
Verse 9. Not because we have not power — We have the power, εξουσιαν, the right, to be maintained by those in whose behalf we labour. The labourer is worthy of his hire, is a maxim universally acknowledged and respected; and they who preach the Gospel should live by the Gospel: the apostle did not claim his privilege, but laboured for his own support, that he might be an example to those whom he found otherwise disposed, and that he might spare the poor. See 1 Corinthians 9:1, &c.
