2 Thessalonians 3 13

2 Thessalonians 3:13 kjv

But ye, brethren, be not weary in well doing.

2 Thessalonians 3:13 nkjv

But as for you, brethren, do not grow weary in doing good.

2 Thessalonians 3:13 niv

And as for you, brothers and sisters, never tire of doing what is good.

2 Thessalonians 3:13 esv

As for you, brothers, do not grow weary in doing good.

2 Thessalonians 3:13 nlt

As for the rest of you, dear brothers and sisters, never get tired of doing good.

2 Thessalonians 3 verses

2 Thessalonians 3 13 Meaning

This verse serves as a concluding admonition in the context of persistent labor and avoiding idleness within the Thessalonian church. It underscores the importance of righteous work for personal sustenance and ethical conduct. The instruction to persevere in good deeds is a call to action rooted in faith and applied through daily life, thereby earning respect and self-sufficiency, rather than relying on the labor of others or engaging in disruptive behavior.

2 Thessalonians 3 13 Context

Chapter 3 of 2 Thessalonians addresses the issue of disorder and idleness within the Thessalonian church. Paul has previously instructed them on the impending Day of the Lord, and some may have interpreted this to mean they could cease productive labor, expecting Christ's immediate return. This verse comes at the close of the chapter, reiterating the importance of diligent, honest work and good deeds, distinguishing it from disruptive, lazy behavior. The community was experiencing problems with individuals who were not working but were busybodies, causing trouble. Paul's instruction is a direct response to these issues, aiming to restore order, self-sufficiency, and respect within the church and in their outward witness.

2 Thessalonians 3 13 Word Analysis

• δέ (de): A conjunction, meaning "but," "and," "now," "then." It introduces a contrast or continuation. Here, it signals a continuation of the thought, but with a specific emphasis.

• ὑμᾶς (hymas): Second person plural pronoun, meaning "you." Refers to the believers at Thessalonica.

• πράσσοντας (prassontas): Present active participle of the verb πράσσω (prasso), meaning "to do," "to practice," "to accomplish." It signifies ongoing action, a continuous engagement in.

• καλῶς (kalōs): Adverb, meaning "well," "good," "rightly," "excellently." It modifies the verb "to do" or "to practice," emphasizing the manner and quality of the actions.

• μὴ (mē): A particle of negation, meaning "not." It negates the action.

• ἀδύνατο (adunato): Adjective, meaning "unable," "powerless," "impossible." Used here predicatively, implying that it is not within their capacity or they are not inclined to "grow weary" (a related concept from the broader passage). The emphasis is on not ceasing to do good, implying perseverance.

• ἐν (en): Preposition, meaning "in," "on," "among," "with." Here, it connects the action of doing good with the sphere or context.

• τῇ (tē): Feminine definite article, agreeing with "working" (if implied as a sphere of action) or an understood feminine noun.

• ποιεῖν (poiein): Present active infinitive of the verb ποιέω (poieo), meaning "to do," "to make," "to perform." It is related to "prassontas," reinforcing the idea of action.

• ἀδύνατοι (adunatoi): Adjective, meaning "powerless," "weak," "unable." The plural form refers back to the subject, those who are inactive or unproductive, contrasted with those who are to do good. However, in some manuscripts and interpretations, the sense is directed at the Thessalonians' own capacity or perhaps the perception of impossibility of growing weary in well-doing, thus encouraging persistence.

• ἀδύνατοι (adunatoi): In the immediate context and most accepted readings, this second instance of "adunatoi" is critical. It functions to contrast the state of those who should work with those who are currently exhibiting weakness or lack of productivity. The imperative is for them (the Thessalonians receiving the letter) to not grow weary in their good deeds.

• ἐν (en): Preposition, "in."

• τῇ (tē): Article.

• πονοῦντας (ponountas): Present active participle of the verb πονέω (poneō), meaning "to toil," "to labor," "to work hard," "to suffer." In this context, it emphasizes the effort involved in producing good works.

• Group analysis: The phrase "μὴ ἀδύνατοι γίνεσθαι ἐν τῇ καλῇ πράξει" (mē adunatoi ginesthai en tē kalē prassēi) or "μὴ ἀδύνατοι ἐν τῇ ποιῶντας καλῶς" (mē adunatoi en tē poiontas kalōs), depending on manuscript variations, encapsulates the core message: do not become weak or weary in your good practices and works. The repetition or close proximity of forms related to "unable" or "weak" and "working" or "doing" creates a powerful admonition against succumbing to weariness in persevering in beneficial activities.

2 Thessalonians 3 13 Bonus Section

The Greek word translated "good" (καλῇ - kalē) in "good deed" (καλῇ πράξει) carries a strong sense of beauty and moral excellence, not just basic correctness. It implies actions that are not only proper but also admirable and pleasing in their character and effect. This is echoed in passages like Philippians 4:8, which encourages believers to think about whatever is true, noble, right, pure, lovely, admirable, excellent, or praiseworthy, underscoring that Christian living is meant to be outwardly beautiful and attractively virtuous. The continuous aspect of "doing" or "practicing" highlights that virtue is not a single act but a sustained disposition and lifestyle, a concept familiar in the emphasis on walking in the Spirit and bearing fruit in the New Testament.

2 Thessalonians 3 13 Commentary

Paul urges the believers not to become weary in their pursuit and practice of good deeds. This exhortation is not about stopping work, but about persevering in ethical, diligent, and beneficial actions. It contrasts with the idle and disruptive behavior he has been addressing. By continuing to do good, they would demonstrate self-respect, contribute positively to society, and maintain a testimony that honored God, thereby earning respect from outsiders rather than inviting criticism or shame.

• Practical application: Members of the church are to remain steadfast in their daily vocations, showing integrity and diligence. They are to support themselves through honest labor and engage in acts of kindness and service to others, not becoming disheartened or discouraged by difficulties. This commitment to active well-doing also fosters inner strength and a positive reputation.