Galatians 6:9

KJV

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

KJV (with Strong's)

And {G1161} let us {G1573} not {G3361} be weary {G1573} in well {G2570} doing {G4160}: for {G1063} in due {G2398} season {G2540} we shall reap {G2325}, if we faint {G1590} not {G3361}.

Complete Jewish Bible

So let us not grow weary of doing what is good; for if we don’t give up, we will in due time reap the harvest.

Berean Standard Bible

Let us not grow weary in well-doing, for in due time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up.

American Standard Version

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

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Galatians 6:9 serves as a profound exhortation to persevere in righteous living and acts of service, assuring believers that their persistent efforts in "well doing" are not in vain. It underscores the divine principle of spiritual sowing and reaping, promising a guaranteed harvest of blessing and reward at God's appointed time, provided they do not succumb to weariness or discouragement. This verse offers immense encouragement for those engaged in faithful Christian labor, reminding them of God's perfect timing and the certain fruit of their spiritual diligence.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Galatians 6:9 appears within the final exhortational section of Paul's letter, following his robust theological arguments for justification by faith, not by works of the law. Chapter 6 shifts from doctrinal exposition to practical Christian living, emphasizing mutual support within the community ([Galatians 6:1-5](/galatians/6-1-5 "Galatians 6:1-5 - Bearing Burdens and Self-Examination")), the financial support of teachers ([Galatians 6:6](/galatians/6-6 "Galatians 6:6 - Supporting Those Who Teach")), and the foundational principle of sowing and reaping ([Galatians 6:7-8](/galatians/6-7-8 "Galatians 6:7-8 - The Principle of Sowing and Reaping")). Verse 9 directly applies this sowing-and-reaping metaphor to the specific context of "well doing," urging believers not to grow weary in their spiritual labor, as a harvest is assured. The subsequent verses continue with calls to do good to all, especially believers ([Galatians 6:10](/galatians/6-10 "Galatians 6:10 - Doing Good to All")), and Paul's concluding remarks, which reiterate his central message of the cross and new creation ([Galatians 6:11-18](/galatians/6-11-18 "Galatians 6:11-18 - Paul's Concluding Remarks")).
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The Galatian churches were grappling with the influence of Judaizers, who insisted that Gentile converts must observe aspects of the Mosaic Law, particularly circumcision, to be truly saved or perfected in Christ. Paul vehemently countered this legalism, asserting that salvation comes by faith alone and that true Christian living is empowered by the Spirit, not by adherence to external regulations. The agricultural imagery of sowing and reaping was deeply familiar to an agrarian society like that of ancient Galatia. People understood that a farmer diligently plants seeds, waits patiently through various seasons, and eventually reaps a harvest. This metaphor resonated powerfully, illustrating that spiritual efforts, like physical farming, require sustained effort and patience before the expected fruit appears. The cultural pressure to conform to legalistic practices or to abandon faith due to persecution or lack of immediate visible results made Paul's exhortation to "not be weary" particularly relevant.
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully contributes to several key themes in Galatians and Pauline theology. It reinforces the theme of **Christian Freedom and Responsibility**, showing that freedom in Christ is not an excuse for passivity but a call to active, Spirit-led service and "well doing" ([Galatians 5:13](/galatians/5-13 "Galatians 5:13 - Freedom for Service")). It underscores the **Principle of Sowing and Reaping**, a universal spiritual law introduced in the preceding verses, emphasizing that actions have consequences and that faithful spiritual investment yields a divine return ([Galatians 6:7-8](/galatians/6-7-8 "Galatians 6:7-8 - The Principle of Sowing and Reaping")). The phrase "in due season" highlights the theme of **Divine Sovereignty and Timing**, reminding believers that God orchestrates the harvest according to His perfect will and schedule, requiring patience and trust. Finally, it strongly emphasizes **Perseverance in Faith and Good Works**, a recurring motif in Paul's letters, encouraging believers to endure challenges and discouragement, knowing that their labor in the Lord is never in vain and will ultimately be rewarded ([1 Corinthians 15:58](/1_corinthians/15-58 "1 Corinthians 15:58 - Steadfastness in the Lord")).

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Weary (Greek, _ekkakéō_):** From G1573. This compound word, formed from *ek* (out of) and *kakos* (bad, evil, weak), literally means "to be (bad or) weak," and by implication, "to fail (in heart)." It describes a state of losing heart, becoming disheartened, or giving up due to exhaustion, discouragement, or the perceived futility of one's efforts. Paul urges believers to resist this spiritual fatigue that leads to abandonment of good works.
* **Well doing (Greek, _kalós poiéō_):** *Kalós* (G2570) means "beautiful, good, valuable, virtuous, honorable." It denotes actions that are intrinsically good, noble, and morally excellent, often done for the benefit of others, distinguishing them from merely "good" in a general sense (*agathos*). *Poiéō* (G4160) means "to make or do." Together, "well doing" refers to consistently engaging in actions that are inherently righteous, honorable, and beneficial, reflecting the character of God and the fruit of the Spirit.
* **Due season (Greek, _ídios kairós_):** *Ídios* (G2398) means "one's own, proper, private." *Kairós* (G2540) refers to "an occasion, set or proper time, opportunity." This phrase signifies God's appointed, opportune, or perfect time for the harvest. It is not merely any time (*chronos*), but the right, divinely ordained moment when the fruit of one's labor will become manifest. This emphasizes the need for patience and trust in God's timing, which may differ from human expectations.
* **Reap (Greek, _therízō_):** From G2325. This verb means "to harvest" or "to gather in a crop." In this context, it is used metaphorically to describe the receiving of the promised reward or benefit that naturally follows from consistent "well doing." It implies a guaranteed outcome, a bountiful return on spiritual investment, whether in terms of spiritual growth, divine favor, eternal rewards, or the flourishing of God's kingdom.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And let us not be weary in well doing:"** This is a direct exhortation, a call to persistent action. The phrase "be weary" (G1573, *ekkakéō*) implies a danger of spiritual exhaustion and discouragement that could lead to abandoning righteous efforts. Paul urges believers to resist this temptation, to maintain their zeal and commitment to acts that are noble, honorable, and beneficial, reflecting the Spirit's work within them.
* **"for in due season we shall reap,"** This clause provides the motivation and assurance for the preceding exhortation. The conjunction "for" (G1063, *gár*) introduces the reason: a harvest is guaranteed. "In due season" (G2398, *ídios kairós*) highlights God's perfect timing, suggesting that the reward may not be immediate but will certainly come at the divinely appointed moment. The future tense "we shall reap" (G2325, *therízō*) is a strong promise, indicating the certainty of a positive outcome for faithful perseverance.
* **"if we faint not."** This conditional clause reiterates and strengthens the initial warning against weariness. "Faint not" (G1590, *eklýō*) means not to relax, give up, or collapse from fatigue. It emphasizes the necessity of sustained endurance and unwavering commitment. The condition underscores that the assured harvest is contingent upon the believer's continued faithfulness and refusal to abandon their spiritual labor, even when faced with challenges or delayed gratification.

#### Literary Devices
Galatians 6:9 is rich in **Metaphor**, primarily employing the agricultural imagery of **sowing and reaping** to illustrate spiritual principles. "Well doing" is presented as the act of sowing, while the "reaping" signifies the eventual reward or consequence. This metaphor is deeply embedded in the preceding verses ([Galatians 6:7-8](/galatians/6-7-8 "Galatians 6:7-8 - The Principle of Sowing and Reaping")) and provides an easily understandable framework for spiritual cause and effect. The verse also functions as a powerful **Exhortation**, a direct and urgent plea from Paul to the Galatian believers, urging them to maintain their course. The use of the negative imperative ("let us not be weary," "if we faint not") highlights the danger of spiritual fatigue and the importance of **Perseverance**. There is also an element of **Antithesis** implied: the contrast between the potential for weariness/fainting and the certain promise of reaping. This rhetorical structure underscores the choice believers face and the assured outcome of choosing endurance.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Galatians 6:9 powerfully connects the believer's present actions to future divine recompense, grounding the call to perseverance in the immutable character of God and His established spiritual laws. It teaches that God is faithful to reward those who faithfully serve Him, not as a means of earning salvation, but as the natural and just outcome of a life lived in the Spirit. This principle extends beyond individual spiritual growth to the broader impact of Christian service on the world, affirming that every act of kindness, every patient endurance, and every selfless deed contributes to a spiritual harvest that will manifest in God's perfect timing. It is a profound statement of divine justice and grace, assuring believers that their labor in the Lord is never in vain.

* [2 Thessalonians 3:13](/2_thessalonians/3-13 "2 Thessalonians 3:13 - Do Not Grow Weary in Doing Good")
* [Hebrews 10:36](/hebrews/10-36 "Hebrews 10:36 - Endurance for the Promise")
* [James 5:7-8](/james/5-7-8 "James 5:7-8 - Patience of the Farmer")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Galatians 6:9 serves as an enduring wellspring of encouragement for every believer navigating the often challenging landscape of Christian life and service. It directly addresses the common human tendency to grow weary when efforts seem unrewarded, progress is slow, or opposition is strong. The verse calls us to a long-term perspective, reminding us that spiritual fruit, like agricultural harvests, requires patience and consistent cultivation. It challenges us to examine our motivations for service—are we seeking immediate gratification, or are we trusting in God's perfect timing? In a world that often prioritizes instant results, this verse champions faithfulness over fleeting success, urging us to remain steadfast in "well doing" even when the immediate returns are not apparent. It reminds us that our labor, when done for Christ, is never wasted; God sees, God remembers, and God will bring forth the harvest. This truth empowers us to press on, knowing that our perseverance is not only seen by God but will also yield a glorious and certain reward in His due season.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what specific areas of your Christian life or service do you currently feel weary or tempted to give up?**
* **How does the promise of "reaping in due season" encourage you to continue in those areas, even without immediate visible results?**
* **What does it mean practically for you to "faint not" in your daily walk with Christ?**
* **How can remembering God's perfect timing (His "due season") help you cultivate greater patience and trust in your spiritual journey?**

### FAQ

**What does "well doing" specifically refer to in this verse?**

Answer: "Well doing" (Greek: *kalopoieō*) encompasses actions that are inherently good, noble, honorable, and beneficial, reflecting a life lived in accordance with God's will and empowered by the Holy Spirit. It refers to a broad range of righteous conduct, including acts of love, kindness, service to others (especially fellow believers, as indicated in [Galatians 6:10](/galatians/6-10 "Galatians 6:10 - Doing Good to All")), bearing one another's burdens ([Galatians 6:2](/galatians/6-2 "Galatians 6:2 - Bearing Burdens")), supporting those who teach God's Word ([Galatians 6:6](/galatians/6-6 "Galatians 6:6 - Supporting Teachers")), and living a life that produces the fruit of the Spirit ([Galatians 5:22-23](/galatians/5-22-23 "Galatians 5:22-23 - The Fruit of the Spirit")). It is not merely about outward actions but about the character and motivation behind them, flowing from a heart transformed by faith in Christ.

**Does this verse imply that we earn our salvation through good works?**

Answer: Absolutely not. Paul's entire letter to the Galatians vehemently argues against salvation by works of the law, emphasizing that justification comes solely through faith in Jesus Christ ([Galatians 2:16](/galatians/2-16 "Galatians 2:16 - Justification by Faith")). This verse, found in the practical application section of the letter, addresses the conduct of those *already saved* by grace. "Well doing" is the natural outflow and evidence of a Spirit-filled life, not the means to attain salvation. The "reaping" refers to spiritual rewards, blessings, and the ultimate consummation of God's purposes, both in this life and in eternity, for those who faithfully serve Him out of love and gratitude, not as payment for their redemption. It's about the fruit of salvation, not the root.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Galatians 6:9 finds its ultimate fulfillment and deepest meaning in the person and work of Jesus Christ. He is the supreme example of "well doing," who "went about doing good and healing all who were oppressed by the devil, for God was with him" ([Acts 10:38](/acts/10-38 "Acts 10:38 - Jesus' Ministry of Good")). Jesus Himself never grew weary in His mission, enduring the cross "for the joy that was set before him" ([Hebrews 12:2](/hebrews/12-2 "Hebrews 12:2 - Jesus, the Pioneer and Perfecter of Faith")), knowing that His sacrifice would yield the ultimate harvest of salvation for humanity. Believers are called to imitate Christ's perseverance, drawing strength from His Spirit to continue in good works, not for self-glory, but as a reflection of His character and a participation in His ongoing redemptive work. The "due season" of reaping ultimately points to Christ's return and the establishment of His eternal kingdom, when all faithful labor will be fully revealed and rewarded by the "Lord of the harvest" ([Matthew 9:38](/matthew/9-38 "Matthew 9:38 - The Harvest is Plentiful")). Our ability to "not be weary" is not from our own strength but from the power of Christ who strengthens us ([Philippians 4:13](/philippians/4-13 "Philippians 4:13 - I Can Do All Things Through Christ")). Thus, Galatians 6:9 is not merely a moral exhortation but a Christ-empowered promise, assuring us that our "well doing" in Him will inevitably lead to a glorious harvest, just as His own sacrificial "well doing" led to the triumph over sin and death.

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

1 Corinthians 15:58

¶ Therefore, my beloved brethren, be ye stedfast, unmoveable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, forasmuch as ye know that your labour is not in vain in the Lord.

2 Thessalonians 3:13

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

Isaiah 40:30

Even the youths shall faint and be weary, and the young men shall utterly fall:

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.

Hebrews 10:35

Cast not away therefore your confidence, which hath great recompence of reward.

Hebrews 10:39

But we are not of them who draw back unto perdition; but of them that believe to the saving of the soul.

Hebrews 12:3

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