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  • From: Dan Miller <eyemd AT cfu.net>
  • To: Corpus-Paul <corpus-paul AT lists.ibiblio.org>
  • Subject: [Corpus-Paul] periergazomai
  • Date: Thu, 21 Sep 2006 15:43:56 -0500

Thanks to everyone on this list. I've enjoyed reading this list over the last year. I appreciate your scholarship.

So here's my first question: What is "periergazomai" (busybodies)?

2 Thessalonians 3:9 We did this, not because we do not have the right to such help, but in order to make ourselves a model for you to follow. 10 For even when we were with you, we gave you this rule: "If a man will not work, he shall not eat." 11 We hear that some among you are idle. They are not busy; they are busybodies.

It seems to me that the word should mean "peri-" (to go around, to avoid) + "ergazomai" (work). This he is a work-avoider.

I know that the traditional interpretation is "a person officiously inquisitive about other's affairs."
But I have another idea - it builds on the idea that Paul claims in verse 9 to have the right to do what these disorderly people are doing.
My idea is that "busybody" is essentially a self-proclaimed minister. One who has claimed to be a full-time "pastor" and deserves to be paid by the church. And this at a time when the Apostolic authority (Paul) has commanded them to have lay elders only (supposition, on my part).

Unfortunately, the word shows up infrequently in the NT and not much can be learned from 1 Timothy 5:13.
But the word is used as an adjective in Acts 19:19. There it is translated "curious arts."

I would be interested in your thoughts about this word and it's relation to 2 Thessalonians 3.

Dan Miller, MD
Cedar Valley Medical Specialists, PC.




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