King James Version

What Does Galatians 6:9 Mean?

Galatians 6:9 in the King James Version says “And let us not be weary in well doing: for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not.” — study this verse from Galatians chapter 6 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

“And let us not be weary in well doing: for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not.”

Galatians 6:9 · KJV

Context

7

Be not deceived; God is not mocked: for whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap.

8

For he that soweth to his flesh shall of the flesh reap corruption; but he that soweth to the Spirit shall of the Spirit reap life everlasting.

9

And let us not be weary in well doing: for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not.

10

As we have therefore opportunity, let us do good unto all men, especially unto them who are of the household of faith.

11

Ye see how large a letter I have written unto you with mine own hand.

Read Galatians 6 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study 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!

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Historical & Cultural 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.

Reflection Questions

  1. In what areas of 'well doing' are you growing weary and tempted to quit before harvest?
  2. How does confidence that 'in due season we shall reap' sustain perseverance when results aren't immediately visible?
  3. What does it mean practically not to 'faint'—to maintain spiritual and moral endurance during the growth season?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 12 words
τὸ1 of 12
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

δὲ2 of 12

“And”

G1161

but, and, etc

καλὸν3 of 12

“in well”

G2570

properly, beautiful, but chiefly (figuratively) good (literally or morally), i.e., valuable or virtuous (for appearance or use, and thus distinguished

ποιοῦντες4 of 12

“doing”

G4160

to make or do (in a very wide application, more or less direct)

μὴ5 of 12

“not”

G3361

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

ἐκκακῶμεν·6 of 12

“be weary”

G1573

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

καιρῷ7 of 12

“season”

G2540

an occasion, i.e., set or proper time

γὰρ8 of 12

“for”

G1063

properly, assigning a reason (used in argument, explanation or intensification; often with other particles)

ἰδίῳ9 of 12

“in due”

G2398

pertaining to self, i.e., one's own; by implication, private or separate

θερίσομεν10 of 12

“we shall reap”

G2325

to harvest

μὴ11 of 12

“not”

G3361

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

ἐκλυόμενοι12 of 12

“if we faint”

G1590

to relax (literally or figuratively)

Study Guide

Historical Context

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

Theological Significance

Galatians 6:9 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 Galatians 6:9 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

1 Corinthians 15:582 Thessalonians 3:13Isaiah 40:30-31Hebrews 10:35-39Hebrews 12:31 Peter 2:15

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