As for you, brothers, do not grow weary in doing good.
English Standard Version (ESV)
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2 Thessalonians 3:13
What does 2 Thessalonians 3:13 mean?
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2 Thessalonians 3:13
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The Holy Spirit nudges us to not just do good, but to resist the weariness that can creep in when we keep on doing good. It's a call to cultivate endurance in our positive actions, recognizing that spiritual grit is just as vital as the initial impulse to help.
As for you, brothers, do not grow weary in doing good.
English Standard Version (ESV)
In Thessalonica, some believers were causing trouble by not working and instead being a burden to others, leading to a need for correction within the church. Paul’s letter is addressing this disorder, encouraging them to return to diligent, honest living and work. This verse is a direct exhortation to those who are acting rightly, urging them not to get discouraged by the misbehavior of others or the difficulties they might face.
The Apostle Paul loved the Thessalonians, but he saw a subtle danger creeping in. It wasn't outright rebellion, but something far more insidious.
What is this 'weariness' he warns against, and why is it so serious?
The Subtle Trap
Paul isn't talking about being tired after a long day. This weariness (Greek: enkapnein) is about losing heart, growing discouraged, and eventually giving up. It's the feeling of 'What's the point?' when your efforts seem to go unnoticed or unrewarded.
Why is this dangerous?
Why should we keep doing good, even when it's hard or feels thankless? Paul anchors this command in something much bigger than immediate results.
What foundational truths empower us to keep going?
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Rooted in Identity and Purpose
Paul doesn't just command the Thessalonians to do good; he reminds them of who they are and whose they are.
When we remember our identity in Christ and the divine purpose behind our actions, the temptation to grow weary loses its grip.
Understand the original words
adelphos · Greek Noun
The Greek word 'adelphoi' refers to members of the same family or, in the New Testament, fellow believers in the church. It denotes a bond of spiritual kinship and mutual love established through faith in Christ.
kalopoieō · Greek Verb phrase
In a biblical context, 'doing good' refers to performing actions that align with God’s will, benefit others, and reflect the character of Christ. It is a persistent expression of faith and love in the life of the believer.
This passage echoes the sentiment of 2 Thessalonians 3:13 by directly encouraging believers not to get tired of doing good, promising a future reward for perseverance.
Hebrews 12:3It reminds us of Jesus' own endurance in suffering, urging us not to grow weary or fainthearted, providing a powerful example of perseverance in the face of opposition.
1 Corinthians 15:58This verse directly follows a discussion on the resurrection and calls believers to be steadfast and immovable, always abounding in the Lord's work, which is closely linked to not growing weary in doing good.
Romans 2:7It speaks of eternal life for those who persevere in doing good, offering a theological underpinning for the encouragement not to grow weary.
The Holy Spirit nudges us to not just do good, but to resist the weariness that can creep in when we keep on doing good. It's a call to cultivate endurance in our positive actions, recognizing that spiritual grit is just as vital as the initial impulse to help.
In Thessalonica, some believers were causing trouble by not working and instead being a burden to others, leading to a need for correction within the church. Paul’s letter is addressing this disorder, encouraging them to return to diligent, honest living and work. This verse is a direct exhortation to those who are acting rightly, urging them not to get discouraged by the misbehavior of others or the difficulties they might face.
In Thessalonica, some believers were causing trouble by not working and instead being a burden to others, leading to a need for correction within the church. Paul’s letter is addressing this disorder, encouraging them to return to diligent, honest living and work. This verse is a direct exhortation to those who are acting rightly, urging them not to get discouraged by the misbehavior of others or the difficulties they might face.
"As for you, brothers, do not grow weary in doing good." — The Holy Spirit nudges us to not just do good, but to resist the weariness that can creep in when we keep on doing good. It's a call to cultivate endurance in our positive actions, recognizing th…
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Last reviewed October 2026