We have already noted the similarities between the beginnings of verses 12 and 14 (cf. also 4.1). The words beg and urge are typical of those passages in which Paul appeals for action; cf. also 4.10, 18; 5.11 (and 5.27, where a different word is used in the Greek). There is little difference of meaning between the words translated urge here, and beg in verse 12; Die Bibel im heutigen Deutsch translates them by the same word: verse 12 “we ask you,” and verse 14 “we further ask you.” We have seen no reason for thinking that Paul, at this point, suddenly turns to address the leaders of the community. We must therefore suppose that the leaders were not the only people who had the right and responsibility to warn others. Paul uses here the word which in verse 12 was translated instruct. Since the admonition Paul directs to the Thessalonian Christians consists of four different activities, one may translate the introductory expression as “these things are what we urge you, brothers, to do.”
The word translated idle is found only here in the New Testament, but a related verb and adverb are used in 2 Thessalonians 3.6, 7, 11, where the context makes it quite clear that Paul is speaking of a refusal to work. The central meaning of the adjective in secular Greek is “not in good order.” It is used to describe an undisciplined army, and also someone who is not all his post of duty. Which element of meaning is dominant here? Is Paul thinking of “those who will not accept discipline” (Barclay), or of “those who do not want to work” (Biblia Dios Habla Hoy)? The first alternative is supported by King James Version and Phillips (“unruly”), New English Bible (“careless”), cf. Die Bibel im heutigen Deutsch La Sainte Bible: Nouvelle version Segond révisée Zürcher Bibel Le Nouveau Testament. Version Synodale Luther 1984 Bible de Jérusalem (2nd ed.) Traduction œcuménique de la Bible; the second alternative is supported by Moffatt (“loafers”) and Jerusalem Bible (“idlers”) cf. Bijbel in Gewone Taal Bible de Jérusalem (1st ed.). The immediate context is too indefinite to settle the question, but Paul’s wider concern in both letters to the Thessalonians suggests the second alternative (cf. 4.11). Idle is not to be understood as “the unemployed,” “those who have no work,” or even “those who do not work,” but rather as “those who refuse to work” (cf. Biblia Dios Habla Hoy).
In this context, warn implies a strong admonition not to behave in a particular way. A satisfactory translation may be simply “tell those who are idle that they must not be so,” “tell those lazy people that this is not right,” or “speak strongly to the lazy persons.”
Encourage the timid. Both encourage and timid translate rather uncommon words in Greek. Paul has used “encourage” in 2.12, where Good News Translation translate comforted. The word sometimes means “to console (someone who is mourning).” Paul may be thinking of the Thessalonians’ fears concerning death, which he has tried to meet in 4.13-18. The word translated timid not only refers to those who are nervous in personal contacts, but to people who are easily frightened. Traduction œcuménique de la Bible renders “give courage to those who have little of it.”
A literal translation of encourage the timid could result in precisely the wrong meaning, namely, “encourage the timid to be more timid.” A more satisfactory equivalent may be found in a rendering such as “give courage to those who are fearful,” “take away the fear from those who are afraid,” or “give confidence to those who are afraid.”
The four imperatives in this verse move in widening circles, from the specific problems of the Christian community (unwillingness to work and lack of courage) to a more general concern for the weak and patience with everyone. Within this setting, it is difficult to decide whether the weak are (as in Romans 14) weak members of the Christian community or people outside it. It is usually possible to leave both alternatives open in translation. In any case, it is clear that Paul’s use of the word weak, here as in Romans 14.1-2, does not imply any condemnation. Like the timid, the weak are people who need help, no doubt because they are immature or inexperienced. Since it is impossible to know precisely the meaning of weak in this context, it may be best to use a descriptive phrase which will fit with the meaning of “help,” for example, “help those who need help,” or “help those who are lacking in some way.”
Be patient with everyone may be expressed idiomatically, for example, “speak softly to everyone,” “move slowly with everyone,” or negatively, “do not speak sharply to anyone,” or “do not shout at anyone.”
Quoted with permission from Ellingworth, Paul and Nida, Eugene A. A Handbook on Paul’s First Letter to the Thessalonians. (UBS Handbook Series). New York: UBS, 1976. For this and other handbooks for translators see here .