2 Thessalonians 3

the evil one
The use of the Greek article makes explicit that this is not some general evil, but rather something substantive– “the evil one” (τοῦ πονηροῦ; tou ponērou). Scripture consistently uses this terminology to refer to Satan (cf. Matt 5:37; 6:13; 13:19, 38; John 17:15; Eph 6:16; 1 John 2:13, 14; 3:12; 5:18, 19; 2 John 11), and he is most likely the referent in this verse as well. Paul affirms here that the Lord, in His faithfulness, will not allow the evil one to prevail over believers.

unruly
The Greek word ἄτακτος (ataktos) and its cognates appear only four times in the New Testament, all in Paul’s letters to the Thessalonians (1 Thess 5:14; 2 Thess 3:6, 7, 11). Coming from a root meaning of being disorderly or unorganized, this word is usually used in Greek to describe soldiers who have quit their ranks (fallen out of line) or shirked their duties and responsibilities as a soldier. It is translated consistently as “unruly” so that the reader can recognize this theme and important instruction in the Thessalonians epistles. Paul applies this to some of those in the Thessalonian church who, though able, were lazily refusing to work (v. 11), relying on others to meet their needs. By acting in this unruly way, they were neglecting their responsibilities to provide for themselves and for others. Such people were to be admonished (1 Thess 5:14), and here, Paul commands that the Thessalonians keep away from those church members who stubbornly persist in their unruly ways despite such admonishment.

they received
As the footnote points out, some manuscripts have “you received” here, while others have “they received” as translated here. Though manuscript evidence is split between these two readings, in context, it is more likely that a scribal error would accidentally turn “they received” to “you received” than vice versa. Thus, it is more likely that “they received” is the original reading, and so that is the translation rendered here.

imitate
“Imitate” translates the Greek verb μιμέομαι (mimeomai), which has the idea of mimicking, imitating, or emulating. The translation as “imitate” here follows the Greek closely by using one word for the single Greek word and also maintains consistency everywhere this word and its cognates appear in the New Testament ( v. 9; 1 Cor 4:16; 11:1; Eph 5:1; 1 Thess 1:6; 2:14; Heb 6:12; 13:7; 3 John 11). Here, Paul wants to encourage the Thessalonians to be diligent workers rather than unruly. Thus, he urges them to imitate him and his ministry partners who proved themselves not to act in an unruly manner, but to work hard in their midst to provide for themselves.

unruly
Refer to the discussion on verse 6 above. Paul uses himself as an example of diligent labor and hardship (cf. v. 8) in contrast to those who persisted in walking in an unruly manner. Rather than sticking closely to unruly brothers, the Thessalonians were to imitate Paul and his ministry companions (v. 9), who clearly demonstrated that they did not act in an unruly manner.

imitate
Refer to the discussion on verse 7 above.

neither
While something like “he is not to eat either” is not a poor translation, using “neither” rather than “not…either” is more literal to the Greek construction μηδὲ (mēde; lit.”and not”) by using one word to translate the single Greek word and maintaining the Greek word order. This also keeps “either” from hanging awkwardly at the end of the sentence in English. Detailed translation decisions like this help to provide the reader with the clearest window to the original text.

unruly
Refer to the discussion on verse 6 above.

with quietness
Some translations render this phrase as “in quiet fashion” or “quietly.” These are not poor translations, but the phrase “with quietness” more literal to the underlying Greek wording μετὰ ἡσυχίας (meta ēsychias). This translational precision helps to provide the clearest window to the original text possible. Rather than walking like unruly busybodies, they were to work diligently to provide for themselves. Paul emphasizes that they should work “with quietness,” which speaks of a calm and peaceful demeanor.