Galatians 6:9
And let us not grow weary of doing good, for in due season we will reap, if we do not give up.
English Standard Version (ESV)
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The verse isn't just about perseverance; it highlights the subtle difference between growing weary in spirit and physically "fainting" or losing all strength. It urges us not to let our inner resolve crumble, even when the physical demands or discouragements feel overwhelming.
Paul is concluding his letter by contrasting sowing to the flesh with sowing to the Spirit, urging believers to generously support those who teach them. He then shifts to a farming metaphor, emphasizing that just as a farmer patiently waits for his crops, Christians must persevere in doing good without losing heart. This encouragement to keep going is rooted in the promise of a future harvest, both in this life and eternally, if they remain steadfast.
Ever felt like you're pouring your energy into good deeds, only to see little fruit and feel utterly drained? Paul understood that feeling.
Paul uses the powerful metaphor of farming here. Just as a farmer can't just plant a seed and expect an instant harvest, we can't always see immediate results from our efforts to do good. It takes patience, perseverance, and a whole lot of faith.
The Danger of 'Fainting'
'Weary' and 'faint' might sound similar, but they carry distinct weight. 'Weary' is about losing spirit and will – discouragement creeping in. 'Faint,' on the other hand, speaks to a deeper exhaustion, like limbs going limp from hunger. Both can lead us to give up.
Paul urges us not to reach this point. It’s not about physically not being tired; it’s about refusing to let our resolve collapse. This internal strength, this refusal to surrender to discouragement, is key.
We sow, we water, we wait... but when does the harvest come? Paul assures us there's a specific time, ordained by God.
The phrase 'in due season' is crucial. It doesn't mean 'whenever things feel convenient' or 'as soon as we see results.' It points to God's perfect timing.
God's Timing is Perfect
This 'due season' is God's appointed time for the harvest. It could be sooner than we expect, perhaps even glimpses of 'firstfruits' in this life – seeing good come from our actions, souls being transformed. Or, it might be the ultimate harvest at the end of time, the eternal reward.
Regardless of when it arrives, the promise is sure. This assurance is the anchor that keeps us from drifting into despair when our efforts seem to yield nothing immediately. Trusting in God's 'due season' fuels our perseverance.
Understand the original words
ekkakeō · Greek Verb
To lose heart, become discouraged, or falter in one's commitment to godly living or mission, often due to trials or the delay of expected outcomes.
kairos · Greek Noun
The God-ordained timeframe or specific moment when His purposes and promises are fulfilled according to His sovereign plan.
This passage directly parallels the agricultural metaphor, urging patience and perseverance in waiting for the 'precious fruit' of God's promise, just as a farmer waits for the harvest.
2 Thessalonians 3:13Paul echoes the sentiment of not growing weary in doing good, reminding believers that their efforts are not in vain and encouraging steadfastness in their actions.
Matthew 15:32Jesus' concern for the hungry crowd who had been with Him for three days illustrates the idea of 'fainting' from exhaustion, highlighting the potential for weariness and the need for divine provision and perseverance.
Romans 12:12This verse calls believers to be 'patient in tribulation,' a concept that strongly aligns with not growing weary in doing good, as well-doing often involves facing difficulties and trials.
Hebrews 12:3The author encourages believers to consider Jesus, who 'endured such opposition from sinners,' to avoid growing weary and faint in their own spiritual journeys, linking perseverance to Jesus' own example.
cambridgeGalatians 6:9: "And let us not be weary in well doing: for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not."
9 . The metaphor which runs through these verses suggests a caution. The husbandman after committing the seed to the ground, ‘waiteth for the precious fruit of the earth, being patient over it … Be ye also patient,’ James 5:7-8 . The mention of ‘life everlasting’ might seem to make the time of reaping so distant as to grow dim to the eye of hope. It is difficult to go on sowing in faith and…
vincentGalatians 6:9: "And let us not be weary in well doing: for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not."
Be weary (ἐνκακῶμεν)Lit. faint or lose heart. Comp. 2 Thessalonians 3:13.In due season (καιρῷ ἰδίῳ)In the season which is peculiarly the harvest-time of each form of well-doing. See on Galatians 6:5.Faint (ἐκλυόμενοι)Only here in Paul. See Matthew 15:32; Mark 8:3; Hebrews 12:3, Hebrews 12:5. Lit. to be loosened or relaxed, like the limbs of the weary.
The verse isn't just about perseverance; it highlights the subtle difference between growing weary in spirit and physically "fainting" or losing all strength. It urges us not to let our inner resolve crumble, even when the physical demands or discouragements feel overwhelming.
Paul is concluding his letter by contrasting sowing to the flesh with sowing to the Spirit, urging believers to generously support those who teach them. He then shifts to a farming metaphor, emphasizing that just as a farmer patiently waits for his crops, Christians must persevere in doing good without losing heart. This encouragement to keep going is rooted in the promise of a future harvest, both in this life and eternally, if they remain steadfast.
Paul is concluding his letter by contrasting sowing to the flesh with sowing to the Spirit, urging believers to generously support those who teach them. He then shifts to a farming metaphor, emphasizing that just as a farmer patiently waits for his crops, Christians must persevere in doing good without losing heart. This encouragement to keep going is rooted in the promise of a future harvest, both in this life and eternally, if they remain steadfast.
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"And let us not grow weary of doing good, for in due season we will reap, if we do not give up." — The verse isn't just about perseverance; it highlights the subtle difference between growing weary in spirit and physically "fainting" or losing all strength. It urges us not to let our inner resolve…
