2 Thessalonians 3:13
2 Thessalonians 3:13 in Multiple Translations
But as for you, brothers, do not grow weary in well-doing.
But ye, brethren, be not weary in well doing.
But ye, brethren, be not weary in well-doing.
And you, my brothers, do not get tired of well-doing.
Brothers and sisters, don't give up doing good.
And ye, brethren, be not weary in well doing.
and ye, brethren, may ye not be weary doing well,
But you, brothers, don’t be weary in doing what is right.
But ye, brethren, be not weary in well-doing.
But you, brethren, be not weary in well doing.
Fellow believers! Do not ever get tired of doing what is right!
But to you other Christian friends we say this, keep on doing good things all the time, and always be happy to do them.
Berean Amplified Bible — 2 Thessalonians 3:13
BAB
Word Study
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2 Thessalonians 3:13 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
GRK
υμεις
δε
αδελφοι
μη
εκκακησητε
καλοποιουντες
υμεις
su
G4771
you
Pron-2NP
δε
de
G1161
then
Conj
αδελφοι
adelphos
G80
brother
Noun-VPM
μη
mē
G3361
not
Particle-N
εκκακησητε
ekkakeō
G1573
to lose heart
Verb-AAS-2P
καλοποιουντες
kalopoieō
G2569
to do good
Verb-PAP-NPM
Greek Word Study
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Greek Word Reference — 2 Thessalonians 3:13
υμεις
su
G4771
"you"
Pron-2NP
This Greek word means 'you' and is used to address someone directly, like in John 1:30 and Matthew 26:64. It's a way to emphasize or contrast the person being spoken to. The KJV Bible translates it as 'thou'.
Definition: σύ, pron. of 2nd of person(s), thou, you, genitive, σοῦ, dative, σοί, accusative, σέ, pl., ὑμεῖς, -ῶν, -ῖν, -ᾶς (enclitic in oblique cases sing., except after prep. (BL, §48, 3), though πρὸς σέ occurs in Mat.25:39). Nom. for emphasis or contrast: Jhn.1:30, 4:10, 5:33, 39, 44, Act.4:7, Eph.5:32; so also perhaps σὺ εἶπας, Mat.26:64, al. (M, Pr., 86); before voc., Mat.2:6, Luk.1:76, Jhn.17:5, al.; sometimes without emphasis (M, Pr., 85f.), as also in cl., but esp. as rendering of Heb. phrase, e.g. υἱός μου εἶ σύ (בְּנִי־אַתָּה, Psa.2:7), Act.13:33. The genitive (σοῦ, ὑμῶν) is sometimes placed bef. the noun: Luk.7:48, 12:30, al.; so also the enclitic σοῦ, Mat.9:6; on τί ἐμοὶ κ. σοί, see: ἐγώ. (AS)
Usage: Occurs in 2041 NT verses. KJV: thou See also: 1 Corinthians 1:3; 1 Corinthians 15:3; 1 Peter 1:2.
δε
de
G1161
"then"
Conj
This is a conjunction that means and, but, or then, used to connect ideas like in Matthew 1:2 and 2 Corinthians 6:15.
Definition: δέ (before vowels δ᾽; on the general neglect of the elision in NT, see WH, App., 146; Tdf., Pr., 96), post-positive conjunctive particle; __1. copulative, but, in the next place, and, now (Abbott, JG, 104): Mat.1:2ff., 2Co.6:15, 16, 2Pe.1:5-7; in repetition for emphasis, Rom.3:21, 22, 9:30, 1Co.2:6, Gal.2:2, Php.2:8; in transition to something new, Mat.1:18, 2:19, Luk.13:1, Jhn.7:14, Act.6:1, Rom.8:28, 1Co.7:1 8:1, al.; in explanatory parenthesis or addition, Jhn.3:19, Rom.5:8, 1Co.1:12, Eph.2:4, 5:32, al.; ὡς δέ, Jhn.2:9; καὶ . . . δέ, but also, Mat.10:18, Luk.1:76, Jhn.6:51, Rom.11:23, al.; καὶ ἐὰν δέ, yea even if, Jhn.8:16. __2. Adversative, but, on the other hand, prop., answering to a foregoing μέν (which see), and distinguishing a word or clause from one preceding (in NT most frequently without μέν; Bl., §77, 12): ἐὰν δέ, Mat.6:14, 23, al.; ἐγὼ (σὺ, etc.) δέ, Mat.5:22, 6:6, Mrk.8:29, al.; ὁ δέ, αὐτὸς δέ, Mrk.1:45, Luk.4:40, al.; after a negation, Mat.6:19, 20, Rom.3:4, 1Th.5:21, al. (AS)
Usage: Occurs in 2552 NT verses. KJV: also, and, but, moreover, now (often unexpressed in English) See also: 1 Corinthians 1:10; 1 Corinthians 12:9; 1 Peter 1:7.
αδελφοι
adelphos
G80
"brother"
Noun-VPM
The Greek word for brother refers to a male sibling or a fellow Christian, as seen in Matthew 1:2 and 1 Corinthians 1:1. It implies a close relationship.
Definition: ἀδελφός, -οῦ, ὁ (ἀ- copul., δελφύς, womb), in cl., a brother, born of the same parent or parents. [In LXX (Hort, Ja., 102f.), for אָח ;] __1. lit. of a brother (Gen.4:2, al.). __2. Of a neighbour (Lev.19:17). __3. Of a member of the same nation (Exo.2:14, Deu.15:3). In NT in each of these senses (1. Mat.1:2, al.; 2. Mat.7:3; 3. Rom.9:3) and also, __4. of a fellow-Christian: 1Co.1:1, Act.9:30. This usage finds illustration in π., where ἀ. is used of members of a pagan religious community (M, Th., I, 1:4; MM, VGT, see word). The ἀδελφοὶ τ. Κυρίου (Mat.12:46-49 13:55 28:10, Mrk.3:31-34, Luk.8:19-21, Jhn.2:12 7:3, 5 10 20:17, Act.1:14, 1Co.9:5) may have been sons of Joseph and Mary (Mayor, Ja., Intr. viff.; DB, i, 320ff.) or of Joseph by a former marriage (Lft., Gal., 252ff.; DCG, i, 232ff.), but the view of Jerome, which makes ἀ. equivalent to ἀνεψιός, is inconsistent with Greek usage. (Cremer, 66.) (AS)
Usage: Occurs in 318 NT verses. KJV: brother See also: 1 Corinthians 1:1; Acts 2:37; 1 Peter 5:12.
μη
mē
G3361
"not"
Particle-N
Not is a word used to show that something is not true or is not happening, like in phrases that say 'lest' or 'God forbid', as seen in various parts of the New Testament.
Definition: μή, subjective negative particle, used where the negation depends on a condition or hypothesis, expressed or understood, as distinct from οὐ, which denies absolutely. μή is used where one thinks a thing is not, as distinct from an absolute negation. As a general rule, οὐ negatives the indic, μή the other moods, incl, ptcp. [In LXX for אֵין ,אַיִן ,אַל ] __I. As a neg. adv., not; __1. with ref. to thought or opinion: Jhn.3:18, Tit.1:11, 2Pe.1:9. __2. In delib. questions, with subjc. (M, Pr., 185): Mrk.12:14, Rom.3:8. __3. In conditional and final sentences, after εἰ, ἐάν, ἄν, ἵνα, ὅπως: Mat.10:14, Mrk.6:11 12:19, Luk.9:5, Jhn.6:50, Rom.11:25, al. __4. C. inf. (see M, Pr., 234f., 239, 255), __(a) after verbs of saying, etc.: Mat.2:12 5:34, Mrk.12:18, Act.15:38, Rom.2:21, al.; __(b) with artic. inf.: after a prep., Mat.13:5, Mrk.4:5, Act.7:19, 1Co.10:6, al.; without a prep., Rom.14:13, 2Co.2:1, 13 1Th 4:6; __(with) in sentences expressing consequence, after ὥστε: Mat.8:28, Mrk.3:20, 1Co.1:7, 2Co.3:7, al. __5. C. ptcp. (see M, Pr., 231f., 239), in hypothetical references to persons of a certain character or description: Mat.10:28 12:30, Luk.6:49, Jhn.3:18, Rom.4:5, 1Co.7:38, 1Jn.3:10, al.; where the person or thing being definite, the denial is a matter of opinion: Jhn.6:64, 1Co.1:28 4:7, 18, 2Co.5:21, al.; where the ptcp. has a concessive, causal or conditional force, if, though, because not: Mat.18:25, Luk.2:45, Jhn.7:49, Act.9:26, Rom.2:14 5:13, 2Co.3:14, Gal.6:9, Ju 5; where the ptcp. has a descriptive force (being such as), not: Act.9:9, Rom.1:28, 1Co.10:33, Gal.4:8, Heb.12:27, al. __6. μή prohibitive, in indep. sentences, __(a) with subjc. praes., 1 of person(s) pl.: Gal.5:26 6:9, 1Th.5:6, 1Jn.3:18; __(b) with imperat. praes., usually where one is bidden to desist from what has already begun (cf. M, Pr., 122ff.): Mat.7:1, Mrk.5:36, Luk.6:30, Jhn.2:16 5:45, Act.10:15, Rom.11:18, Jas.2:1, Rev.5:5, al.; __(with) forbidding that which is still future: with imperat. aor., 3 of person(s), Mat.24:18, Mrk.13:15, Luk.17:31, al.; with subjc. aor., 2 of person(s), Mat.3:9 10:26, Mrk.5:7, Luk.6:29, Jhn.3:7, Rom.10:6, al.; __(d) with optative, in wishes: 2Ti.4:16 (LXX); μὴ γένοιτο (see M, Pr., 194; Bl., §66, 1), Luk.20:16, Rom.3:3, al.; μή τις, Mrk.13:5, al. __II. As a conj., __1. after verbs of fearing, caution, etc., that, lest, perhaps (M, Pr., 192f.): with subjc. praes., Heb.12:15; with subjc. aor., Mat.24:4, Mrk.13:5, Luk.21:8, Act.13:40, Gal.5:15, al.; ὅρα μή (see M, Pr., 124, 178), elliptically, Rev.19:10 22:9; with indic, fut. (M, Pr., l.with), Col.2:8. __2. in order that not: with subjc. aor., Mrk.13:36, 2Co.8:20 12:6. __III. Interrogative, in hesitant questions (M, Pr., 170), or where a negative answer is expected: Mat.7:9, 10, Mrk.2:19, Jhn.3:4, Rom.3:3 10:18, 19, 1Co.1:13, al.; μή τις, Luk.22:35, al.; before οὐ (Rom.10:17, al. in Pl.), expecting an affirm, ans.; οὐ μή, Luk.18:7, Jhn.18:11. __IV. οὐ μή as emphatic negation (cf. M, Pr., 188, 190ff.; Bl. §64, 5), not at all, by no means: with indic, fut., Mat.16:22, Jhn.6:35, Heb.10:17, al.; with subjc. aor., Mat.24:2, Mrk.13:2, Luk.6:37, Jhn.13:8, 1Co.8:13, al. (AS)
Usage: Occurs in 910 NT verses. KJV: any but (that), X forbear, + God forbid, + lack, lest, neither, never, no (X wise in), none, nor, (can-)not, nothing, that not, un(-taken), without See also: 1 Corinthians 1:7; 1 Peter 2:16; 1 Peter 1:8.
εκκακησητε
ekkakeō
G1573
"to lose heart"
Verb-AAS-2P
To lose heart or become discouraged, as in Luke 18:1 and 2 Corinthians 4:1. It means to feel weak or cowardly, and is used to encourage believers to persevere in their faith.
Definition: ἐκκακέω, -ῶ, see: ἐνκακέω.ἐν-κακέω, -ῶ (LTr., ἐγκ-; Rec. ἐκκ-; cf. WH, Notes, 157 f.; κακός, cowardly), [in Sm.: Gen.27:46, Num.21:5, Pro.3:11, Isa.7:16 *;] to lose heart : Luk.18:1, 2Co.4:1,16, Gal.6:9, Eph.3:13, 2Th.3:13 (Cremer, 330).† (AS)
Usage: Occurs in 6 NT verses. KJV: faint, be weary See also: 2 Corinthians 4:1; Ephesians 3:13; Luke 18:1.
καλοποιουντες
kalopoieō
G2569
"to do good"
Verb-PAP-NPM
To do good or live virtuously is the meaning of this word, as seen in 2 Thessalonians 3:13. It means to act honorably and do what is right. This word encourages people to live a virtuous life and do good things.
Definition: καλο-ποιέω, -ῶ [in LXX: Lev.5:4 F (καλῶς π., B) * ;] to do well, act honourably: 2Th.3:13 (cf. Gal.6:9 τὸ καλὸν π.).† (AS)
Usage: Occurs in 1 NT verses. KJV: well doing See also: 2 Thessalonians 3:13.
Study Notes — 2 Thessalonians 3:13
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- 2 Thessalonians 3:13 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on 2 Thessalonians 3:13
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on 2 Thessalonians 3:13
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on 2 Thessalonians 3:13
- Trapp's Commentary on 2 Thessalonians 3:13
- Ellicott's Commentary on 2 Thessalonians 3:13
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on 2 Thessalonians 3:13
- Cambridge Bible on 2 Thessalonians 3:13
- Barnes' Notes on 2 Thessalonians 3:13
- Whedon's Commentary on 2 Thessalonians 3:13
- Sermons on 2 Thessalonians 3:13
Context — A Warning against Idleness
11For we hear that some of you are leading undisciplined lives, accomplishing nothing, but being busybodies.
12We command and urge such people by our Lord Jesus Christ to begin working quietly to earn their own living.
13But as for you, brothers, do not grow weary in well-doing.
14Take note of anyone who does not obey the instructions we have given in this letter. Do not associate with him, so that he may be ashamed. 15Yet do not regard him as an enemy, but admonish him as a brother.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Galatians 6:9–10 | Let us not grow weary in well-doing, for in due time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up. Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to everyone, and especially to the family of faith. |
| 2 | Hebrews 12:3 | Consider Him who endured such hostility from sinners, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart. |
| 3 | 2 Corinthians 4:1 | Therefore, since God in His mercy has given us this ministry, we do not lose heart. |
| 4 | Isaiah 40:29–31 | He gives power to the faint and increases the strength of the weak. Even youths grow tired and weary, and young men stumble and fall. But those who wait upon the LORD will renew their strength; they will mount up with wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not faint. |
| 5 | 2 Corinthians 4:16 | Therefore we do not lose heart. Though our outer self is wasting away, yet our inner self is being renewed day by day. |
| 6 | Zephaniah 3:16 | On that day they will say to Jerusalem: “Do not fear, O Zion; do not let your hands fall limp. |
| 7 | 1 Thessalonians 4:1 | Finally, brothers, we ask and encourage you in the Lord Jesus to live in a way that is pleasing to God, just as you have received from us. This is how you already live, so you should do so all the more. |
| 8 | Luke 18:1 | Then Jesus told them a parable about their need to pray at all times and not lose heart: |
| 9 | Hebrews 12:5 | And you have forgotten the exhortation that addresses you as sons: “My son, do not take lightly the discipline of the Lord, and do not lose heart when He rebukes you. |
| 10 | Revelation 2:3 | Without growing weary, you have persevered and endured many things for the sake of My name. |
2 Thessalonians 3:13 Summary
This verse is encouraging us to keep doing good things for others, even when it gets hard or we feel like giving up. It's like when you're running a race and you feel tired, but you keep going because you know it's worth it. We can do this because we know that God is with us and that He will give us the strength we need, as promised in Philippians 4:13 and Isaiah 40:31. By keeping our eyes on Jesus and remembering that our efforts are not in vain, we can stay motivated to keep doing good and serving others.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does it mean to 'not grow weary in well-doing'?
It means to not give up or become discouraged in doing good deeds and acts of kindness, as encouraged in Galatians 6:9 and Matthew 25:40.
Is this verse only talking to believers?
Yes, the verse specifically addresses 'brothers', which refers to fellow believers in Jesus Christ, as seen in 2 Thessalonians 1:3 and Romans 12:1.
How can I avoid growing weary in well-doing?
By fixing our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith, as in Hebrews 12:2-3, and by remembering that our labor in the Lord is not in vain, as stated in 1 Corinthians 15:58.
What is the relationship between this verse and the surrounding context?
This verse serves as a contrast to the idle and disobedient behavior described in 2 Thessalonians 3:11-12, and encourages believers to strive for a different standard, as also taught in 2 Thessalonians 3:7-10 and Ephesians 4:28.
Reflection Questions
- In what ways have I been doing good deeds and acts of kindness, and how can I continue to do so without growing weary?
- What are some specific challenges or discouragements that I face in my efforts to do good, and how can I overcome them?
- How can I balance the command to 'not grow weary in well-doing' with the need to rest and take care of myself, as taught in Matthew 11:28-30 and Exodus 20:8-11?
- What role does my relationship with other believers play in helping me to not grow weary in well-doing, as seen in Hebrews 10:24-25 and Acts 2:42-47?
Gill's Exposition on 2 Thessalonians 3:13
But ye, brethren,.... The rest of the members of the church, who were diligent and industrious in their callings, minded their own business, and did not trouble themselves with other men's matters,
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on 2 Thessalonians 3:13
But ye, brethren, be not weary in well doing. Be not weary. 'Aleph (') A B read [ engkakeeseete (G1457a)] 'be not cowardly in;' be not wanting in strenousness in doing well: with patient industry and general consistency.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on 2 Thessalonians 3:13
But ye, brethren: the apostle now directs his speech to those of the church that were not guilty of the disorders before mentioned, to whom he speaks in mild and familiar language, as if the others deserved not to be so called. Be not weary in well doing: and that which he speaks to them is, not to be weary of well doing. The Greek word is often used about sufferings, as ; and then usually translated fainting, and which seems to be its most proper use, to shrink or faint as cowards in war; Mh ekkakhshte, Ne segnescite, definite, defatigamini; it signifies a receding or fainting, or tiring in our duty, because of the evil that attends it. Sometimes it is used of prayer, ; and sometimes generally of all duties of religion, which are generally called well doing, , and signifies either a slothfulness in them, or weariness of them: as those whom the prophets complain of, . The apostle useth the same word in this sense, : Let us not be weary in well doing; and in the text, those that did walk orderly, he exhorts them to hold on their course, either more peculiarly to the works of charity, which are called well doing, ; though those that worked not did not deserve them, or enjoy them, yet this should not discourage them from practising them towards others: or the word may extend more generally to all good works; we should persevere in them without fainting or weariness, notwithstanding the evils that may threaten us therein.
Trapp's Commentary on 2 Thessalonians 3:13
13 But ye, brethren, be not weary in well doing. Ver. 13. Be not weary in well doing] No, not to those disorderly (and therefore less worthy) walkers, if in extreme necessity, or if thereby ye may win them from the error of their way. As if any prove refractory and irreformable. Note that man] σημειουσθε, or, notice him, as infamous; brand him, beware of him; let him see a strangeness in you toward him. That he may be ashamed] Gr. ιναεντραπη. Ut quaerat ubi se possit prae pudore occultare. (Cameron.) That he may turn into himself, or turn short again upon himself; recognize his disorders, and return to a better course. The repenting prodigal is said to come to himself, Luke 15:17, and those relenting Israelites to bethink themselves, or to bring back to their hearts, 1 Kings 8:47. The Greek here signifies that he may hide his head for shame; Sed illum ego periisse dico, cui periit pudor.
(Curtius.) He is past grace that is past shame.
Ellicott's Commentary on 2 Thessalonians 3:13
(13) But ye, brethren.—The last verse was addressed to all those whose consciences would prick them on hearing it read at the Eucharist. Now the writer turns to the orderly brethren, as quite a distinct class. The rhetorical effect of this quick apostrophe would be the same as in the well-known story of Napoleon addressing the rioters, and requesting the gentlemen to separate themselves from the canaille. The distinction is so invidious that every one would hasten to join the ranks of the respectable. Be not weary in well doing.—This is an exhortation to “the patience of Christ,” for which the Apostle had prayed. The phrase takes for granted that they had been hitherto engaged in “well doing”—i.e., in acting honourably, “walking honestly towards them that are without” (1 Thessalonians 4:12); and St. Paul is anxious to preserve them from “fainting” (as the word is translated in Galatians 6:9), and so slipping into the like idleness and bringing scandal upon the Church.
Adam Clarke's Commentary on 2 Thessalonians 3:13
Verse 13. Be not weary in well-doing.] While ye stretch out no hand of relief to the indolent and lazy, do not forget the real poor-the genuine representatives of an impoverished Christ; and rather relieve a hundred undeserving objects, than pass by one who is a real object of charity.
Cambridge Bible on 2 Thessalonians 3:13
13. But ye, brethren, be not weary in well doing] From this do-nothing, or ill-doing fraction of the Church the Apostle turns to the rest, who were busy in “well-doing,” and bids them persevere. Comp. ch. 2 Thessalonians 2:17, and note; also 1 Thessalonians 1:3; 1 Thessalonians 4:1; 1 Thessalonians 4:10, for the diligent and honourable character which in the main this Church bore.The pronoun bears marked emphasis: But as for you, brethren,—in contrast with “them that are such,” 2 Thessalonians 3:12.On “well-doing,” see note to 1 Thessalonians 5:21. The word rendered “well” here is “good” there; it implies a fine quality of action.The Greek verb for “be not weary” appears in other passages (e.g. Luke 18:1; Galatians 6:9) as “faint not,” and signifies failure of courage rather than of strength: do not falter in well-doing; comp. notes on “stablish your hearts,” ch. 2 Thessalonians 2:17 and 1 Thessalonians 3:13. Perhaps the Apostle’s rebuke of “busy-bodies” and commendation of “quietness” might have damped the ardour of some whose activity was praiseworthy, had it remained unqualified. The misconduct of the unruly was of a kind to disappoint and grieve all zealous friends of the Church.
Barnes' Notes on 2 Thessalonians 3:13
But ye, brethren, be not weary in well-doing - Margin, “faint not.” The Greek means, properly, to turn out a coward; then to be faint-hearted, to despond.
Whedon's Commentary on 2 Thessalonians 3:13
13. Brethren—An address to the industrious and liberal class. Be not weary in well doing—Let not the idle selfishness of these eaters at others’ tables weary you in bestowing your charities on the really needy.
Sermons on 2 Thessalonians 3:13
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
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Weariness in Well-Doing by J.R. Miller | J.R. Miller emphasizes the importance of perseverance in the Christian life, arguing that while many start their journey with enthusiasm, it is the ability to endure through challe |
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(Nicaragua) I Have Labored in Vain by David Wilkerson | In this sermon, the speaker shares the story of a missionary who became discouraged after five years of laboring in a certain nation without seeing any results. Despite God's promi |
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A Christian’s Response to Calamities by David Wilkerson | In this sermon, the speaker addresses the response of Christians to calamities happening in the world. They emphasize that while the world may be alarmed and nervous, Christians ha |
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Don't Give Up by Jim Cymbala | In this sermon, the preacher focuses on the theme of not losing heart in the face of struggles and challenges. He refers to the apostle Paul's words in 2 Corinthians 4:1 and 4:16, |
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Whatever Happened to Joy by David Wilkerson | In this sermon, the speaker discusses the various forms of sadness and tragedy that people experience in life, such as illness, death, and uncertainty. However, the speaker emphasi |
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Spiritual Restoration by Jim Cymbala | In this sermon, the speaker addresses the theme of doing good and helping others. He emphasizes the importance of not giving up or becoming weary in doing good, as it can be tiring |
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I Don't Lose Heart by J. Oswald Sanders | J. Oswald Sanders emphasizes Paul's message of encouragement in the face of discouragement, drawing from 2 Corinthians 4. He reflects on his own experience of feeling pressured whi |