2 Thessalonians 3:13
What does 2 Thessalonians 3:13 mean?
A plain-English look at 2 Thessalonians 3:13 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.
What 2 Thessalonians 3:13 means
Paul turns to the faithful and urges them not to grow weary in doing good. Dealing with disorder can drain patience and tempt generous people to close their hands. He reminds them that perseverance in well-doing—whether in work, charity, or discipline carried out in love—is part of Christian faithfulness. Weariness can lead to either harshness or withdrawal; Paul calls them to steady goodness. The promise is implicit: God sees and sustains. The church must keep walking in love, even as it applies firm measures, trusting that steadfast obedience will, in time, bear restoring fruit among the wayward.
Parallel translations
WEB
World English Bible · 2000But ye, brethren, be not weary in well-doing.
KJV
King James Version · 1611But ye, brethren, be not weary in well doing.
ASV
American Standard Version · 1901But ye, brethren, be not weary in well-doing.
BBE
Bible in Basic English · 1949And you, my brothers, do not get tired of well-doing.
YLT
Young's Literal Translation · 1862and ye, brethren, may ye not be weary doing well,
DRA
Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752But you, brethren, be not weary in well doing.
DBY
Darby Bible · 1890But ye, brethren, do not faint in well-doing.
Context
This encouragement balances the strong correction of verse 12 and anticipates the disciplinary steps of verses 14–15. Paul cares not only about the offenders but also about the morale of those doing right. He prevents a pendulum swing toward either enabling idleness or abandoning compassion. With hearts fortified to persist in good, the church is ready to hear the sober instructions on how to treat those who persist in disobedience to the apostolic word.
Cross references
Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.
- Revelation 2:3
and thou hast patience and didst bear for my name’s sake, and hast not grown weary.
- Romans 2:7
to them that by patience in well-doing seek for glory and honor and incorruption, eternal life:
- Hebrews 12:5
and ye have forgotten the exhortation which reasoneth with you as with sons, My son, regard not lightly the chastening of the Lord, Nor faint when thou art reproved of him;
- Philippians 1:9
And this I pray, that your love may abound yet more and more in knowledge and all discernment;
- 1 Corinthians 15:28
And when all things have been subjected unto him, then shall the Son also himself be subjected to him that did subject all things unto him, that God may be all in all.
- Luke 18:1
And he spake a parable unto them to the end that they ought always to pray, and not to faint;
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