Galatians 6:9-10
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The verse doesn't just tell us to keep doing good; it contrasts "growing weary" (losing spirit) with "fainting" (losing physical or inner strength). This highlights that perseverance involves both holding onto hope and maintaining the inner fortitude to continue, even when exhausted.
And let us not grow weary of doing good, for in due season we will reap, if we do not give up. So then, as we have opportunity, let us do good to everyone, and especially to those who are of the household of faith.
English Standard Version (ESV)
Paul is drawing a contrast between sowing to the flesh and sowing to the Spirit, urging believers to support those who teach them. Immediately following this, he shifts to a farmer's analogy, emphasizing patient perseverance in doing good works, rather than giving up when faced with difficulties or delayed results. This encouragement is rooted in the promise of a future harvest, meaning believers shouldn't become discouraged but continue their faithful actions.
Ever feel like you're pouring energy into doing good, but seeing little return? This verse speaks directly to that feeling.
Paul urges believers to persevere in 'doing good.' This isn't just about grand gestures; it's about a consistent commitment to acts of kindness, generosity, and living righteously, especially supporting those who minister the Word (as seen in the context of Galatians 6:6). The temptation is to become 'weary' – to lose heart, become discouraged, or relax in our commitment. This can happen when faced with opposition, ingratitude, or the sheer scale of needs around us. The original wording hints at not just losing spirit, but losing the will and moral courage to continue.
What fuels the endurance of those who tirelessly serve others? It's the promise of a harvest, but what does that mean?
The promise, 'for in due season we will reap,' is a powerful anchor. This 'due season' isn't dictated by our impatience but by God's perfect timing. It refers to a future harvest, primarily the ultimate reward at Christ's return, but it can also include glimpses of that reward even now – seeing the positive impact of our actions, the growth of faith in others, and experiencing God's blessings. The encouragement is that our labor in the Lord is never in vain, even if the results aren't immediately visible. It's about trusting God's plan and timing for the reaping.
The promise of a harvest is certain, but there's a crucial condition attached. What's the key to unlocking it?
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The phrase 'if we do not give up' is vital. It’s not just about starting well, but finishing strong. 'Fainting' or 'giving up' speaks to an internal collapse – a loosening of resolve, a spiritual exhaustion that leads to quitting. This isn't about physical fatigue but a loss of heart and determination. The contrast highlights that true perseverance isn't about never feeling tired, but about refusing to let that tiredness lead to surrender. It’s about continuing in the good work, trusting the promise, and maintaining our spiritual resolve until the appointed time.
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.
oikeios tēs pisteōs · Greek Noun/Adjective
The community of believers who are united through faith in Christ, viewed as a family where God is the Father and members have reciprocal responsibilities to one another.
This passage directly echoes the farming metaphor, urging patience and perseverance in waiting for the Lord's return, just as a farmer patiently waits for the harvest, reinforcing the theme of enduring in good deeds.
Matthew 15:32Jesus expresses compassion for the hungry crowd, showing a deep concern for their well-being that mirrors the heart behind 'doing good'. The disciples' concern about their resources highlights the challenge of meeting needs, relating to the weariness Paul addresses.
2 Thessalonians 3:13This verse encourages believers not to become weary in doing good, directly paralleling Paul's exhortation in Galatians 6:9 and highlighting the importance of steadfastness in service.
Luke 18:1-8The parable of the persistent widow illustrates the necessity of unceasing prayer and not losing heart, which is a spiritual parallel to not giving up in the 'well-doing' that Paul encourages, emphasizing eventual vindication.
Hebrews 12:3This verse speaks of not growing weary or fainthearted in the spiritual race, drawing a direct connection to Paul's admonition to persevere in doing good, even when facing opposition or hardship.
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 doesn't just tell us to keep doing good; it contrasts "growing weary" (losing spirit) with "fainting" (losing physical or inner strength). This highlights that perseverance involves both holding onto hope and maintaining the inner fortitude to continue, even when exhausted.
Paul is drawing a contrast between sowing to the flesh and sowing to the Spirit, urging believers to support those who teach them. Immediately following this, he shifts to a farmer's analogy, emphasizing patient perseverance in doing good works, rather than giving up when faced with difficulties or delayed results. This encouragement is rooted in the promise of a future harvest, meaning believers shouldn't become discouraged but continue their faithful actions.
Paul is drawing a contrast between sowing to the flesh and sowing to the Spirit, urging believers to support those who teach them. Immediately following this, he shifts to a farmer's analogy, emphasizing patient perseverance in doing good works, rather than giving up when faced with difficulties or delayed results. This encouragement is rooted in the promise of a future harvest, meaning believers shouldn't become discouraged but continue their faithful actions.
"And let us not grow weary of doing good, for in due season we will reap, if we do not give up. So then, as we have opportunity, let us do good to everyone, and especially to those who are of the household of faith." — The verse doesn't just tell us to keep doing good; it contrasts "growing weary" (losing spirit) with "fainting" (losing physical or inner strength). This highlights that perseverance involves both ho…
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Last reviewed October 2026
