And let us not be weary in well doing: for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not. Paul encourages perseverance. "And let us not be weary in well doing" (to de kalon poiountes mē enkakōmen, τὸ δὲ καλὸν ποιοῦντες μὴ ἐνκακῶμεν)—let us not grow tired, lose heart, become discouraged in doing good. Enkakeō (ἐνκακέω) means to lose heart, give in to evil, become exhausted. Present participle "doing" suggests continuous action; present subjunctive "be weary" warns against ongoing discouragement. Doing good becomes wearisome when results aren't immediate or visible.
"For in due season we shall reap" (kairō gar idiō therisomen, καιρῷ γὰρ ἰδίῳ θερίσομεν)—for at the proper time, the appointed season, we'll harvest. Kairos (καιρός) is God's appointed time, the right season. Harvest doesn't come immediately after sowing—there's growth season. "If we faint not" (mē eklyomenoi, μὴ ἐκλυόμενοι)—if we don't give up, become exhausted, lose strength. Eklyō means to loosen, relax, give out. Paul promises: keep sowing to the Spirit, and harvest will come at God's appointed time. Don't quit before harvest!
Historical Context
Early Christians faced discouragement: persecution continued, the Lord hadn't returned, suffering persisted, ministry seemed fruitless. Paul's encouragement: harvest is guaranteed but requires patient endurance. This echoes Jesus's parable of the sower (Mark 4:1-20) and teaching about endurance (Matthew 24:13). The agricultural metaphor reminded ancient audiences that farmers can't rush harvest—there's necessary growth period between sowing and reaping. Faithfulness during the waiting period determines whether you receive the harvest. Contemporary application: instant-gratification culture resists delayed harvest, but spiritual realities require patient faith.
Questions for Reflection
In what areas of 'well doing' are you growing weary and tempted to quit before harvest?
How does confidence that 'in due season we shall reap' sustain perseverance when results aren't immediately visible?
What does it mean practically not to 'faint'—to maintain spiritual and moral endurance during the growth season?
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Analysis & Commentary
And let us not be weary in well doing: for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not. Paul encourages perseverance. "And let us not be weary in well doing" (to de kalon poiountes mē enkakōmen, τὸ δὲ καλὸν ποιοῦντες μὴ ἐνκακῶμεν)—let us not grow tired, lose heart, become discouraged in doing good. Enkakeō (ἐνκακέω) means to lose heart, give in to evil, become exhausted. Present participle "doing" suggests continuous action; present subjunctive "be weary" warns against ongoing discouragement. Doing good becomes wearisome when results aren't immediate or visible.
"For in due season we shall reap" (kairō gar idiō therisomen, καιρῷ γὰρ ἰδίῳ θερίσομεν)—for at the proper time, the appointed season, we'll harvest. Kairos (καιρός) is God's appointed time, the right season. Harvest doesn't come immediately after sowing—there's growth season. "If we faint not" (mē eklyomenoi, μὴ ἐκλυόμενοι)—if we don't give up, become exhausted, lose strength. Eklyō means to loosen, relax, give out. Paul promises: keep sowing to the Spirit, and harvest will come at God's appointed time. Don't quit before harvest!