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2 Thessalonians 3:12
ESV Now such persons we command and encourage in the Lord Jesus Christ to do their work quietly and to earn their own living.
NIV Such people we command and urge in the Lord Jesus Christ to settle down and earn the food they eat.
NASB Now we command and exhort such persons in the Lord Jesus Christ to work peacefully and eat their own bread.
CSB Now we command and exhort such people by the Lord Jesus Christ to work quietly and provide for themselves.
NLT We command such people and urge them in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ to settle down and work to earn their own living.
KJV Now them that are such we command and exhort by our Lord Jesus Christ, that with quietness they work, and eat their own bread.
NKJV Now those who are such we command and exhort through our Lord Jesus Christ that they work in quietness and eat their own bread.

What does 2 Thessalonians 3:12 mean?

In this verse Paul implores the authority of the Lord Jesus Christ to command and encourage idle believers to get to work. His desire is for all who are able to accept regular employment and earn a living. This action would not allow any unbeliever to criticize Christianity as the religion of the lazy. Paul had previously given this command (1 Thessalonians 4:11), but apparently some Thessalonians had disregarded it. Or, it had not been taken seriously. Therefore, he issues the command again, but this time he cites the authority of the Lord Jesus Christ for doing so.

Christians should go about their work at a job or career in a diligent, industrious manner. Such conduct might even win an unbelieving boss to the Lord. Paul wrote in Colossians 3:22–24: "Bondservants, obey in everything those who are your earthly masters, not by way of eye-service, as people-pleasers, but with sincerity of heart, fearing the Lord. Whatever you do, work heartily, as for the Lord and not for men, knowing that from the Lord you will receive the inheritance as your reward. You are serving the Lord Christ." A good work ethic not only meshes with our need to be spiritually active (Hebrews 5:11––6:1), it gives us a good reputation with a watching world (1 Peter 2:12).
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