Meaning, commentary and cross references
Galatians 6:9
“And let us not grow weary of doing good, for in due season we will reap, if we do not give up.”In other translations
KJV · King James Version
And let us not be weary in well doing: for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not.
NIV · New International Version
Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up.
WEB · World English Bible
Let’s not be weary in doing good, for we will reap in due season if we don’t give up.
What does Galatians 6:9 mean?
John Gill · Exposition of the Entire Bible, on Galatians 6:9
And let us not be weary in well doing,.... This may be understood of well doing, or doing good works in general, of every sort; which are such as are done according to the will of God, from a principle of love to him, in faith, and in the name and strength of Christ, and with a view to the glory of God: or else acts of beneficence to Christ's ministers and poor in particular; which are agreeable to the mind of God, and wellpleasing in his sight: and in doing which men should not be weary; nor are they, when their spiritual strength is renewed, and grace is in exercise, though they may meet with many things which tend to discourage and make them weary; such as change in their own…
John Gill, Exposition of the Entire Bible (1746–63). Public domain. Digital text: Free Use Bible API (bible.helloao.org).
Matthew Henry · Commentary on the Whole Bible, on Galatians 6:1–10
Here is a further caution given us, not to be weary in well doing, Gal 6:9. As we should not excuse ourselves from any part of our duty, so neither should we grow weary in it. There is in all of us too great a proneness to this; we are very apt to flag and tire in duty, yea to fall off from it, particularly that part of it to which the apostle has here a special regard, that of doing good to others. This therefore he would have us carefully to watch and guard against; and he gives this very good reason for it, because in due season we shall reap, if we faint not, where he assures us that there is a recompence of reward in reserve for all who sincerely employ themselves in well doing; that…
Matthew Henry, Commentary on the Whole Bible (1706–21; Romans–Revelation completed by Nonconformist ministers). Public domain. Digital text: Free Use Bible API (bible.helloao.org).
John Calvin · Commentaries, on Galatians 6:6–10
9. Let us not be weary in well-doing. Well-doing (kalon) does not simply mean doing our duty, but the performance of acts of kindness, and has a reference to men. We are instructed not to be weary in assisting our neighbours, in performing good offices, and in exercising generosity.
John Calvin, Commentaries (Calvin Translation Society English text). Public domain. Digital text: Free Use Bible API (bible.helloao.org).
Context: Galatians 6:6–12 (WEB)
6But let him who is taught in the word share all good things with him who teaches. 7Don’t be deceived. God is not mocked, for whatever a man sows, that he will also reap. 8For he who sows to his own flesh will from the flesh reap corruption. But he who sows to the Spirit will from the Spirit reap eternal life. 9Let’s not be weary in doing good, for we will reap in due season if we don’t give up. 10So then, as we have opportunity, let’s do what is good toward all men, and especially toward those who are of the household of the faith. 11See with what large letters I write to you with my own hand. 12As many as desire to make a good impression in the flesh compel you to be circumcised, just so they may not be persecuted for the cross of Christ.
Cross references
- 1 Corinthians 15:58
Therefore, my beloved brothers, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the Lord’s work, because you know that your labor is not in vain in the Lord.
- 2 Thessalonians 3:13
But you, brothers, don’t be weary in doing what is right.
- Isaiah 40:30–31
Even the youths faint and get weary, and the young men utterly fall;
- Hebrews 10:35–39
Therefore don’t throw away your boldness, which has a great reward.
- Hebrews 12:3
For consider him who has endured such contradiction of sinners against himself, that you don’t grow weary, fainting in your souls.
- 1 Peter 2:15
For this is the will of God, that by well-doing you should put to silence the ignorance of foolish men.
- James 5:7
Be patient therefore, brothers, until the coming of the Lord. Behold, the farmer waits for the precious fruit of the earth, being patient over it, until it receives the early and late rain.
- 1 Peter 3:17
For it is better, if it is God’s will, that you suffer for doing what is right than for doing evil.