2 Thessalonians 3:9

It was not because we do not have that right, but to give ourselves as an example for you to imitate. ¹ 

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.

not because we do not have the right to this, but in order to offer ourselves as a model for you, so that you would follow our example.

It wasn’t that we didn’t have the right to ask you to feed us, but we wanted to give you an example to follow.

And it wasn't because we didn't have a right to your support; we did. We simply wanted to provide an example of diligence, hoping it would prove contagious.

Not because we have not the right, but to make ourselves an example to you, so that you might do the same.

This was not because we do not have that right, but in order to give you an example to imitate.

not because we do not have authority, but to make ourselves an example of how you should follow us.

It was not because we do not have that right, but to give ourselves as an example for you to imitate. ¹ 

¹ tn Grk “an example for you to imitate us.”