Lectionary Calendar
Tuesday, July 29th, 2025
the Week of Proper 12 / Ordinary 17
the Week of Proper 12 / Ordinary 17
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Read the Bible
Contemporary English Version
2 Thessalonians 3:9
We had the right not to work, but we wanted to set an example for you.
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:
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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.
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.
Easy-to-Read Version
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.
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.
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 My dear friends, in the name of the Lord Jesus, I beg you not to have anything to do with any of your people who loaf around and refuse to obey the instructions we gave you. 7 You surely know that you should follow our example. We didn't waste our time loafing, 8 and we didn't accept food from anyone without paying for it. We didn't want to be a burden to any of you, so night and day we worked as hard as we could. 9 We had the right not to work, but we wanted to set an example for you. 10 We also gave you the rule that if you don't work, you don't eat. 11 Now we learn that some of you just loaf around and won't do any work, except the work of a busybody. 12 So, for the sake of our Lord Jesus Christ, we ask and beg these people to settle down and start working for a living. 13 Dear friends, you must never become tired of doing right. 14 Be on your guard against any followers who refuse to obey what we have written in this letter. Put them to shame by not having anything to do with them. 15 Don't consider them your enemies, but speak kindly to them as you would to any other follower.
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
"It was the woman you put here with me," the man said. "She gave me some of the fruit, and I ate it."
"It was the woman you put here with me," the man said. "She gave me some of the fruit, and I ate it."
Genesis 3:13
The Lord God then asked the woman, "What have you done?" "The snake tricked me," she answered. "And I ate some of that fruit."
The Lord God then asked the woman, "What have you done?" "The snake tricked me," she answered. "And I ate some of that fruit."
Genesis 3:17
The Lord said to the man, "You listened to your wife and ate fruit from that tree. And so, the ground will be under a curse because of what you did. As long as you live, you will have to struggle to grow enough food.
The Lord said to the man, "You listened to your wife and ate fruit from that tree. And so, the ground will be under a curse because of what you did. As long as you live, you will have to struggle to grow enough food.
Genesis 3:19
You will have to sweat to earn a living; you were made out of soil, and you will once again turn into soil."
You will have to sweat to earn a living; you were made out of soil, and you will once again turn into soil."
Genesis 3:20
The man Adam named his wife Eve because she would become the mother of all who live.
The man Adam named his wife Eve because she would become the mother of all who live.
Genesis 3:21
Then the Lord God made clothes out of animal skins for the man and his wife.
Then the Lord God made clothes out of animal skins for the man and his wife.
Genesis 4:9
Afterwards the Lord asked Cain, "Where is Abel?" "How should I know?" he answered. "Am I supposed to look after my brother?"
Afterwards the Lord asked Cain, "Where is Abel?" "How should I know?" he answered. "Am I supposed to look after my brother?"
Genesis 11:5
But when the Lord came down to look at the city and the tower,
But when the Lord came down to look at the city and the tower,
Genesis 16:8
and asked, "Hagar, where have you come from, and where are you going?" She answered, "I'm running away from Sarai, my owner."
and asked, "Hagar, where have you come from, and where are you going?" She answered, "I'm running away from Sarai, my owner."
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, ÎµÎ¾Î¿Ï Ïιαν, 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.
