King James Version

What Does 2 Thessalonians 3:13 Mean?

2 Thessalonians 3:13 in the King James Version says “But ye, brethren, be not weary in well doing. be: or, faint not” — study this verse from 2 Thessalonians chapter 3 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

“But ye, brethren, be not weary in well doing. be: or, faint not”

2 Thessalonians 3:13 · KJV

Context

11

For we hear that there are some which walk among you disorderly, working not at all, but are busybodies.

12

Now them that are such we command and exhort by our Lord Jesus Christ, that with quietness they work, and eat their own bread.

13

But ye, brethren, be not weary in well doing. be: or, faint not

14

And if any man obey not our word by this epistle, note that man, and have no company with him, that he may be ashamed. by: or, signify that man by an epistle

15

Yet count him not as an enemy, but admonish him as a brother.

Read 2 Thessalonians 3 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study 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.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural 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.

Reflection Questions

  1. What good work are you tempted to quit because others aren't pulling their weight?
  2. How do you maintain generous compassion without enabling destructive behavior?
  3. What sustains you in 'well doing' when you see no immediate results or appreciation?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 6 words
Ὑμεῖς1 of 6

“ye”

G5210

you (as subjective of verb)

δέ2 of 6

“But”

G1161

but, and, etc

ἀδελφοί3 of 6

“brethren”

G80

a brother (literally or figuratively) near or remote (much like g0001)

μὴ4 of 6

“not”

G3361

(adverb) not, (conjunction) lest; also (as an interrogative implying a negative answer (whereas g3756 expects an affirmative one)) whether

ἐκκακήσητε5 of 6

“be”

G1573

to be (bad or) weak, i.e., (by implication) to fail (in heart)

καλοποιοῦντες6 of 6

“in well doing”

G2569

to do well, i.e., live virtuously

Study Guide

Historical Context

This verse is found in the book of 2 Thessalonians. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.

Theological Significance

2 Thessalonians 3:13 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

Cross-References

Verses related to 2 Thessalonians 3:13 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Galatians 6:9-10Hebrews 12:32 Corinthians 4:1Isaiah 40:29-312 Corinthians 4:16Luke 18:1

Test Your Knowledge

2 Thessalonians 3 QuizTest your knowledge of this chapter2 Thessalonians Book QuizComprehensive quiz for the entire book

Continue Your Study

Read 2 Thessalonians 3 with CommentaryAll 2 Thessalonians ChaptersComplete 2 Thessalonians QuizBible CharactersNave's Topical BibleAll Bible Quizzes