2 Thessalonians 3:13
But ye, brethren, be not weary in well doing.
Original Language Analysis
ἀδελφοί
brethren
G80
ἀδελφοί
brethren
Strong's:
G80
Word #:
3 of 6
a brother (literally or figuratively) near or remote (much like g0001)
μὴ
not
G3361
μὴ
not
Strong's:
G3361
Word #:
4 of 6
(adverb) not, (conjunction) lest; also (as an interrogative implying a negative answer (whereas g3756 expects an affirmative one)) whether
Cross References
Hebrews 12:3For consider him that endured such contradiction of sinners against himself, lest ye be wearied and faint in your minds.2 Corinthians 4:1Therefore seeing we have this ministry, as we have received mercy, we faint not;2 Corinthians 4:16For which cause we faint not; but though our outward man perish, yet the inward man is renewed day by day.Luke 18:1And he spake a parable unto them to this end, that men ought always to pray, and not to faint;Revelation 2:3And hast borne, and hast patience, and for my name's sake hast laboured, and hast not fainted.Hebrews 12:5And ye have forgotten the exhortation which speaketh unto you as unto children, My son, despise not thou the chastening of the Lord, nor faint when thou art rebuked of him:Psalms 27:13I had fainted, unless I had believed to see the goodness of the LORD in the land of the living.1 Thessalonians 4:1Furthermore then we beseech you, brethren, and exhort you by the Lord Jesus, that as ye have received of us how ye ought to walk and to please God, so ye would abound more and more.Zephaniah 3:16In that day it shall be said to Jerusalem, Fear thou not: and to Zion, Let not thine hands be slack.Romans 2:7To them who by patient continuance in well doing seek for glory and honour and immortality, eternal life:
Historical Context
Carrying idle members financially exhausted working believers. Paul prevents bitterness toward all needy by distinguishing unwilling workers from unable. Continued generosity toward legitimate needs despite abuse models Christlike persistence in doing good to all.
Questions for Reflection
- What good work are you tempted to quit because others aren't pulling their weight?
- How do you maintain generous compassion without enabling destructive behavior?
- What sustains you in 'well doing' when you see no immediate results or appreciation?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
But ye, brethren, be not weary in well doing—But ye addresses the obedient majority, contrasted with the idle minority. Be not weary (mē enkakēsēte, μὴ ἐνκακήσητε, don't lose heart, don't give up) in well doing (kalopoiountes, καλοποιοῦντες, doing good/noble things). Sustained obedience risks fatigue, especially when others slack off.
Paul encourages perseverance in productive labor and generous support of the truly needy. Don't let the idle minority's bad example discourage faithful work. Don't stop helping legitimate needs because some abuse charity. Righteous fatigue tempts quitting; grace supplies endurance to finish well.