2 Thessalonians 3:11 - Clarke's commentary and critical notes on the Bible

Bible Comments

For we hear that there are some which walk among you disorderly, working not at all, but are busybodies. For we hear that there are some - It is very likely that St. Paul kept up some sort of correspondence with the Thessalonian Church; for he had heard every thing that concerned their state, and it was from this information that he wrote his second epistle.

Disorderly - Ατακτως· Out of their rank - not keeping their own place.

Working not at all - Either lounging at home, or becoming religious gossips; μηδεν εργαζομενους, doing nothing.

Busybodies - Περιεργαζομενους· Doing every thing they should not do - impertinent meddlers with other people's business; prying into other people's circumstances and domestic affairs; magnifying or minifying, mistaking or underrating, every thing; newsmongers and telltales; an abominable race, the curse of every neighborhood where they live, and a pest to religious society. There is a fine paronomasia in the above words, and evidently intended by the apostle.

2 Thessalonians 3:11

11 For we hear that there are some which walk among you disorderly, working not at all, but are busybodies.