What Does 2 Thessalonians 3:9 Mean?
Not that we lack the right, but so that we might give ourselves to you as an imprint, for you to imitate us.
Key words are shown with the Hebrew or Greek and what each word meant.
Selah Decoded Version The Selah Decoded Version renders what the Hebrew and Greek words meant to the people who first heard them.
King James wording
King James Version
Not because we have not power, but to make ourselves an ensample unto you to follow us.THE KEY
They possess a real right, yet set it aside so their conduct can become a pattern others can follow.
THE MEANING
This verse holds together having a legitimate right and choosing not to use it. What becomes followable is a visible way of living, made clear through the example itself.
WHAT THIS UNDOES
It undoes the belief that a real right must be exercised to prove it exists; here, the right remains real even when it is set aside.
THE ROOT
τύπον
typon
GROWS FROM
τυπ-
typ-
An impression or mark made by striking.
“as an imprint” in this verse is typon. English “example” can sound like an illustration, but τύπος means an impression or form that can serve as a model. Their conduct becomes something others can trace and reproduce.
ALSO GROWS
typtō: to strike
τύπτω
The related verb gives the sense of a mark or impression taking shape.
antitypos: corresponding pattern or counterpart
ἀντίτυπος
This branch shows how a form can match or reproduce another form.
typōsis: form or outline
τύπωσις
A formed outline makes visible what can otherwise remain only an idea.
ἐξουσίαν
exousian
GROWS FROM
ἐξουσ-
exous-
Authority or a right to act; related to the sense of what is permitted.
“the right” in this verse is exousian. English “power” can suggest mere ability, but this word points to authority or a right they actually possess. The verse makes their restraint a choice, not an inability.
ALSO GROWS
exestin: it is permitted
ἔξεστιν
This related expression brings out the permission or right within the word.
exousiazō: to exercise authority
ἐξουσιάζω
It distinguishes possessing authority from actively exercising it.
μιμεῖσθαι
mimeisthai
GROWS FROM
μιμ-
mim-
Imitation or representation.
“to follow” in this verse is mimeisthai. “Follow” here carries the sense of imitating a pattern that can be seen. The verse connects another person’s conduct to the shape of what you can reproduce.
ALSO GROWS
mimētēs: imitator
μιμητής
This related word names the person who takes another’s conduct as a model.
mimēsis: imitation
μίμησις
This branch makes explicit that following can mean reproducing a visible form.
THE PATTERN
A teaching becomes followable when it takes visible form in the conduct of the one who teaches.
Go to the ant, you slack one; see her ways, and be wise.For I have given you a pattern, that you also should do as I have done to you.For to this you were called, because the Anointed One also suffered for us, leaving you a pattern to trace, so that you might follow in his footprints.THE THREAD
For you yourselves know how you must imitate us, for we did not walk out of rank among you.The word translated “follow” in both verses comes from the same Greek verb for imitation. Verse 7 names the imitation; verse 9 shows why their conduct can serve as its pattern.
Read the SDV Bible.
Every verse has a Deep Dive in the app.
The iPhone Bible app with the Selah Decoded Version.
Does something in this reading look wrong? Tell us