2Th 3:11 | RWP | e4.org | For we hear ( ακουομεν γαρ ). Fresh news from Thessalonica evidently. For the present tense compare . The accusative and the participle is a regular idiom for indirect discourse with this verb (Robertson, Grammar , pp. 1040-2). Three picturesque present participles, the first a general description, περιπατουντας ατακτως , the other two specifying with a vivid word-play, that work not at all, but are busy-bodies ( μηδεν εργαζομενους αλλα περιεργαζομενους ). Literally, doing nothing but doing around . Ellicott suggests, doing no business but being busy bodies . "The first persecution at Thessalonica had been fostered by a number of fanatical loungers ( )" (Moffatt). These theological dead-beats were too pious to work, but perfectly willing to eat at the hands of their neighbours while they piddled and frittered away the time in idleness.

‏ 2 Thessalonians 3:11

For we hear ( ακουομεν γαρ ). Fresh news from Thessalonica evidently. For the present tense compare 1Co 11:18. The accusative and the participle is a regular idiom for indirect discourse with this verb (Robertson, Grammar, pp. 1040-2). Three picturesque present participles, the first a general description, περιπατουντας ατακτως, the other two specifying with a vivid word-play,

that work not at all, but are busy-bodies ( μηδεν εργαζομενους αλλα περιεργαζομενους ). Literally,

doing nothing but doing around. Ellicott suggests,

doing no business but being busy bodies. "The first persecution at Thessalonica had been fostered by a number of fanatical loungers (Ac 17:5)" (Moffatt). These theological dead-beats were too pious to work, but perfectly willing to eat at the hands of their neighbours while they piddled and frittered away the time in idleness.