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 direct exhortation to the faithful believers in Thessalonica to persistently engage in noble, beneficial, and honorable conduct. It warns against growing discouraged or ceasing to do what is right, particularly in light of challenges or the unproductive behavior of others within the community. It emphasizes sustained diligence and moral integrity in their daily lives and interactions.

2 Thessalonians 3 13 Context

This verse concludes a section (3:6-12) where Paul directly addresses and admonishes "idle and disruptive" individuals within the Thessalonian church who were not working but interfering in others' lives. The apostle had given explicit commands and even used his own example of diligent work to underscore the importance of self-sufficiency and orderly conduct. Verse 13 marks a crucial pivot, turning the exhortation from those who are out of step to the rest of the faithful community, the "brothers." It reassures them not to be discouraged by the unruliness or poor examples of others, but to persevere in their commitment to ethical behavior and diligent work. The historical context reflects challenges within early Christian communities concerning work ethics, eschatological expectations (some believed Christ's imminent return negated the need for work), and social responsibilities, especially in a bustling port city like Thessalonica.

2 Thessalonians 3 13 Word analysis

• And as for you, brothers (Ὑμεῖς δέ, ἀδελφοί - Hymeis de, adelphoi):
  • Ὑμεῖς (Hymeis): This emphatic "you" (plural) clearly contrasts with the disorderly mentioned previously. Paul directly addresses the steadfast, obedient members. It underscores a shift in audience focus.
  • δέ (de): A conjunction meaning "but" or "and," serving to create this distinction and direct the command to a specific group.
  • ἀδελφοί (adelphoi): "Brothers" signifies fellow believers, affirming their familial bond in Christ and Paul's pastoral care for them. It implies shared spiritual identity.
• never tire (μὴ ἐγκακήσητε - mē enkakēsēte):
  • μὴ (mē): The particle for a strong prohibition, meaning "do not."
  • ἐγκακήσητε (enkakēsēte): An aorist active subjunctive of "ἐγκακέω" (enkakeō), meaning "to grow weary, lose heart, give up, faint." It's a forceful command to resist becoming discouraged or fatigued in good works. The term often carries the sense of failing in the face of difficulties or losing the spiritual energy to continue. The prefix "en-" can imply "in" or "among," perhaps indicating not to grow weary "amongst" others, or "in the task" itself.
• of doing what is good (τὸ καλὸν ποιοῦντες - to kalon poiountes):
  • τὸ (to): The definite article, pointing to the specific, recognized "good."
  • καλὸν (kalon): This refers to what is inherently good, noble, beautiful, excellent, and honorable. It’s more than merely "useful"; it signifies moral uprightness and exemplary conduct. It stands in contrast to "kakos" (evil/bad).
  • ποιoῦντες (poiountes): A present active participle of "ποιέω" (poieō), meaning "doing" or "practicing." The present tense signifies continuous, ongoing action – a sustained commitment to doing good, not just sporadic acts.

• Words-Group analysis:
  • "You, brothers, never tire...": This collective address and command emphasizes community responsibility and mutual encouragement to endure in righteous living despite challenges, perhaps even those caused by the disruptive few mentioned earlier.
  • "never tire of doing what is good": This phrase summarizes the essence of Christian endurance and perseverance. "Doing what is good" (τὸ καλὸν ποιοῦντες) is presented as a continuous, active practice of moral excellence and beneficial action, something from which one should not relent or grow weary.

2 Thessalonians 3 13 Bonus section

This command against growing weary in good deeds echoes ancient Greco-Roman ethical philosophies concerning perseverance in virtue, but within the Pauline context, it is infused with distinct theological meaning. For Paul, "doing what is good" (τὸ καλὸν ποιοῦντες) is not merely a secular civic virtue but an outworking of God's redemptive work in believers (Eph 2:10) and an expression of their new life in Christ. This persistent "good-doing" serves as a testimony to the world and brings glory to God, while also being vital for the internal health and reputation of the Christian community. The imperative for continuous effort also implicitly links to the concept of fruit-bearing and walking worthy of one's calling (Col 1:10; Eph 4:1). The eschatological perspective, which permeates 2 Thessalonians, further enhances the significance: endurance in kalon doing is part of waiting expectantly for the Lord's return, knowing their labor in the Lord is not in vain.

2 Thessalonians 3 13 Commentary

Following Paul's sharp rebuke of idlers, 2 Thessalonians 3:13 turns to the diligent members of the church, issuing an imperative for continued steadfastness. The verse is a powerful call to persevere in morally excellent and beneficial actions ("doing what is good," kalon), underscoring that such conduct should not diminish or cease due to any discouragement, whether from internal struggles, external opposition, or the bad examples of others. It’s a foundational principle for Christian living: maintain an active pursuit of goodness, demonstrating faith through diligent work and righteous character, never losing heart in the journey of discipleship.

• Example: If some within the community are exploiting the generosity of others (like the idlers), the faithful are not to become cynical and cease their own acts of generosity and responsible work. Instead, they must persist in "doing what is good," thereby setting an example and maintaining the standards of the community.
• Example: When facing resistance or apathy, believers should not surrender their commitment to ethical conduct or efforts to serve and contribute positively. Their call is to sustained virtue.