2 Thessalonians 3:13

KJV

But ye, brethren, be not weary in well doing.

KJV (with Strong's)

But {G1161} ye {G5210}, brethren {G80}, be {G1573} not {G3361} weary {G1573} in well doing {G2569}.

Complete Jewish Bible

And you brothers who are doing what is good, don’t slack off!

Berean Standard Bible

But as for you, brothers, do not grow weary in well-doing.

American Standard Version

But ye, brethren, be not weary in well-doing.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
The Apostle Paul's exhortation in 2 Thessalonians 3:13 serves as a powerful call to believers to persevere in righteous living and diligent service, even amidst challenges, discouragement, or negative examples. It is a timeless encouragement to maintain steadfast commitment to actions that honor God and benefit others, emphasizing that spiritual endurance is essential for the Christian walk.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse appears at the conclusion of Paul's second letter to the Thessalonian church, specifically following a strong rebuke and instruction regarding idleness and disorderly conduct among some members. In [2 Thessalonians 3:6-12](/2_thessalonians/3-6-12 "2 Thessalonians 3:6-12 - Warning Against Idleness"), Paul commands the church to distance themselves from those who refuse to work and live according to the apostolic tradition, even citing his own example of diligent labor ([2 Thessalonians 3:7-9](/2_thessalonians/3-7-9 "2 Thessalonians 3:7-9 - Paul's Example of Hard Work")). Verse 13, therefore, acts as a pivotal transition, shifting from the negative example of the idle to a positive charge for the faithful majority. It encourages them not to be swayed or discouraged by the misbehavior of others but to remain steadfast in their commitment to good works, thereby underscoring the active and productive nature of true Christian living in contrast to the condemned idleness.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The Thessalonian church faced several challenges that necessitated Paul's strong words. There was significant eschatological excitement, with some members believing that the "day of the Lord" had already arrived ([2 Thessalonians 2:2](/2_thessalonians/2-2 "2 Thessalonians 2:2 - The Day of the Lord")). This belief, combined with a misunderstanding of Christian freedom, led some to abandon their daily responsibilities, becoming busybodies and burdens on the community ([2 Thessalonians 3:11](/2_thessalonians/3-11 "2 Thessalonians 3:11 - Busy, Not Working")). The Greco-Roman world, while valuing certain forms of labor, often viewed manual labor as beneath the elite, and some philosophical schools promoted a detachment from worldly concerns. Paul's emphasis on diligent work and "well doing" was counter-cultural for some, asserting that Christian faith should manifest in responsible, productive, and morally upright conduct within society, not in withdrawal or parasitic living.
* **Key Themes:** The overarching themes in 2 Thessalonians that this verse contributes to include **eschatological clarity** (correcting misunderstandings about Christ's return, as seen in [2 Thessalonians 2](/2_thessalonians/2 "2 Thessalonians 2 - The Man of Lawlessness")), **Christian conduct and discipline** (addressing idleness and promoting responsible living, particularly in [2 Thessalonians 3:6-12](/2_thessalonians/3-6-12 "2 Thessalonians 3:6-12 - Instructions on Idleness")), and **perseverance in faith amidst adversity**. Paul consistently calls believers to stand firm ([2 Thessalonians 2:15](/2_thessalonians/2-15 "2 Thessalonians 2:15 - Stand Firm")) and to live lives worthy of their calling, even when facing persecution or internal challenges. [2 Thessalonians 3:13](/2_thessalonians/3-13 "2 Thessalonians 3:13 - Perseverance in Well Doing") specifically reinforces the theme of **active righteousness**, emphasizing that Christian faith is not passive but demands continuous engagement in good works, reflecting the transformative power of the Gospel in daily life.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **But (Greek, _dé'_):** This particle serves as an adversative or continuative conjunction. In this context, it marks a strong contrast. Paul has just addressed the disorderly and idle; now, with "but," he pivots to the faithful, diligent members of the community, distinguishing them from the negative example and offering a direct, positive command. It signals a shift in focus and an urgent call to a different course of action.
* **weary (Greek, _ekkakéō'_):** Derived from "ek" (out of) and "kakos" (bad, evil, weak), this verb literally means "to be (bad or) weak" or "to fail (in heart)." It conveys the idea of losing heart, growing faint, becoming discouraged, or giving up due to hardship or opposition. Paul uses it to warn against the spiritual fatigue that can set in when one's efforts seem unrewarded, when facing opposition, or when surrounded by negative influences. It is a call to spiritual resilience and steadfastness.
* **well doing (Greek, _kalopoiéō'_):** This compound word combines "kalos" (good, beautiful, excellent, honorable) and "poieō" (to do, to make). It signifies not merely doing what is morally correct, but actively engaging in actions that are intrinsically good, honorable, beneficial, and beautiful in God's sight. It encompasses acts of service, charity, diligence in one's responsibilities, and generally living a life that reflects God's character and brings Him glory.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"But ye, brethren,"**: This opening phrase marks a clear distinction. "But" (G1161, _dé_) contrasts the faithful recipients of this command with the "disorderly" individuals previously discussed in [2 Thessalonians 3:6-12](/2_thessalonians/3-6-12 "2 Thessalonians 3:6-12 - Warning Against Idleness"). The term "brethren" (G80, _adelphós_) is a tender, familial address, affirming their shared spiritual kinship and Paul's affectionate concern for them, even as he issues a firm directive. It underscores that this instruction is for those who are genuinely part of the Christian community and are striving to live faithfully.
* **"be not weary"**: This is the core negative command, translated from the Greek verb _ekkakéō_ (G1573). It is an imperative, urging them to resist the common human tendency to grow tired, faint, or lose heart. The weariness Paul refers to is not merely physical fatigue but a spiritual and emotional exhaustion that can lead to giving up on good works or one's commitment to Christ. It implies a need for sustained effort and resilience in the face of challenges.
* **"in well doing."**: This phrase specifies the sphere in which they are not to grow weary. "Well doing" (G2569, _kalopoiéō_) signifies engaging in actions that are good, honorable, and beneficial, both morally and practically. This includes diligent work, acts of charity, righteous conduct, and any behavior that aligns with God's will and brings glory to Him. The command is to persist in these positive actions, regardless of the difficulties encountered or the lack of immediate visible results, contrasting sharply with the idleness and disruptive behavior Paul condemns earlier in the chapter.

#### Literary Devices
Paul employs several literary devices in [2 Thessalonians 3:13](/2_thessalonians/3-13 "2 Thessalonians 3:13 - Perseverance in Well Doing"). Primarily, it functions as an **Exhortation**, a direct and urgent appeal to the Thessalonian believers to maintain a specific course of action. This is reinforced by the use of the imperative "be not weary." There is also a strong element of **Contrast**, as this positive command for the faithful stands in stark opposition to the negative example of the idle and disorderly individuals described immediately prior in the chapter. This contrast highlights the desired conduct for true believers. Furthermore, the phrase "be not weary" uses a subtle **Metaphor** of a journey or a race, implying that Christian living is an ongoing effort that requires sustained energy and resolve, where one might otherwise falter or give up. The concept of "well doing" itself is a form of **Euphemism** for the broad spectrum of righteous, diligent, and loving actions that characterize a life devoted to Christ.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
This verse powerfully encapsulates the New Testament emphasis on active, enduring faith that manifests in tangible good works. It underscores that Christian living is not a passive state but a dynamic process requiring continuous effort and resilience. The call to "not be weary in well doing" highlights the reality of spiritual fatigue and the importance of perseverance, recognizing that the path of righteousness often involves challenges, opposition, and a lack of immediate gratification. Theologically, it connects our human responsibility to act righteously with God's ultimate sovereignty and His promise of future reward, implying that our consistent efforts are not in vain, even if the "due season" for reaping is not yet apparent.

* [Galatians 6:9](/galatians/6-9 "Galatians 6:9 - Not Growing Weary in Well Doing")
* [Romans 12:12](/romans/12-12 "Romans 12:12 - Patient in Tribulation")
* [Hebrews 12:1](/hebrews/12-1 "Hebrews 12:1 - Run with Endurance")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
For believers today, [2 Thessalonians 3:13](/2_thessalonians/3-13 "2 Thessalonians 3:13 - Perseverance in Well Doing") serves as a vital anchor in a world that often discourages sustained effort, especially when it comes to moral and spiritual pursuits. It reminds us that the Christian life is a marathon, not a sprint, and that spiritual endurance is a non-negotiable virtue. We are called to persist in acts of love, service, diligence in our vocations, and faithfulness in our character, even when our efforts seem unnoticed, unappreciated, or unrewarded. This verse challenges us to resist the temptation to grow cynical, to give up when faced with opposition, or to be swayed by the negative examples of others. Instead, it encourages us to fix our gaze on God's call and His ultimate approval, trusting that our "well doing" is never in vain in His eyes, and that a harvest awaits those who do not lose heart. It is a profound encouragement to maintain our commitment to goodness as a consistent and active expression of our faith.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of your life do you feel most "weary" in well doing, and what might be the root causes of that fatigue?**
* **How can the example of Christ's perseverance inspire you to continue in good works, even when it's difficult?**
* **What specific "well doing" is God calling you to persist in, even if the results aren't immediately visible?**
* **How can you encourage other "brethren" in your community who might be growing weary in their efforts?**

### FAQ

**What does "be not weary in well doing" mean in the context of daily life?**

Answer: In daily life, "be not weary in well doing" means to consistently and diligently pursue what is morally right, beneficial to others, and honoring to God, even when facing challenges, discouragement, or a lack of immediate reward. This includes faithfully carrying out your responsibilities at work or home, showing kindness and compassion to those around you, serving in your community or church, and maintaining your integrity and moral principles regardless of external pressures. It's a call to spiritual and practical endurance, reminding us that our efforts for good, though sometimes taxing, are meaningful and seen by God. It particularly contrasts with the idleness and lack of discipline Paul addresses in [2 Thessalonians 3:6-12](/2_thessalonians/3-6-12 "2 Thessalonians 3:6-12 - Warning Against Idleness").

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
[2 Thessalonians 3:13](/2_thessalonians/3-13 "2 Thessalonians 3:13 - Perseverance in Well Doing") finds its ultimate Christ-centered fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus, who perfectly exemplified "well doing" without ever growing weary. His entire earthly ministry was a relentless pursuit of God's will, marked by tireless service, compassionate healing, and unwavering obedience, even unto death on the cross ([Philippians 2:8](/philippians/2-8 "Philippians 2:8 - Christ's Obedience to Death")). Jesus "went about doing good" ([Acts 10:38](/acts/10-38 "Acts 10:38 - Jesus Went About Doing Good")), never losing heart despite opposition, misunderstanding, or the immense suffering He endured for the sake of humanity's salvation ([Hebrews 12:2-3](/hebrews/12-2-3 "Hebrews 12:2-3 - Looking to Jesus, the Author and Finisher of Our Faith")). Our ability to "not be weary in well doing" is not rooted in our own strength, but in the power of the Holy Spirit, who enables us to walk in newness of life ([Romans 8:11](/romans/8-11 "Romans 8:11 - Spirit Gives Life")) and to bear fruit for God's glory ([John 15:5](/john/15-5 "John 15:5 - Abide in Me")). As believers, we are called to imitate Christ's endurance and self-sacrificial love, knowing that our "well doing" is a participation in His ongoing redemptive work and a testimony to His transformative power in our lives, ultimately culminating in the "due season" when we will reap a harvest if we do not give up ([Galatians 6:9](/galatians/6-9 "Galatians 6:9 - Not Growing Weary in Well Doing")).

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Galatians 6:9

And let us not be weary in well doing: for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not.

Galatians 6:10

As we have therefore opportunity, let us do good unto all [men], especially unto them who are of the household of faith.

Hebrews 12:3

For consider him that endured such contradiction of sinners against himself, lest ye be wearied and faint in your minds.

2 Corinthians 4:1

¶ Therefore seeing we have this ministry, as we have received mercy, we faint not;

Isaiah 40:29

He giveth power to the faint; and to [them that have] no might he increaseth strength.

Isaiah 40:31

But they that wait upon the LORD shall renew [their] strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; [and] they shall walk, and not faint.

2 Corinthians 4:16

For which cause we faint not; but though our outward man perish, yet the inward [man] is renewed day by day.