Devine Scripture

Galatians 6:9

What does Galatians 6:9 mean?

A plain-English look at Galatians 6:9 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.

What Galatians 6:9 means

Good work can be tiring, especially when results seem delayed. Paul urges steadfastness: do not grow weary or give up. God’s timing governs the harvest; it will come at the right season if we do not quit. This promise dignifies unnoticed faithfulness and sustains hope in discouragement. The call is not to frenetic activism but to patient endurance in well-doing. The assurance of reaping rests on God’s faithfulness, not our perfect performance. Therefore, believers can continue sowing to the Spirit, trusting that He will bring fruit, whether in transformed lives now or in the final reward of eternal life.

Parallel translations

WEB

World English Bible · 2000

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

KJV

King James Version · 1611

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

ASV

American Standard Version · 1901

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

BBE

Bible in Basic English · 1949

And let us not get tired of well-doing; for at the right time we will get in the grain, if we do not give way to weariness.

YLT

Young's Literal Translation · 1862

and in the doing good we may not be faint-hearted, for at the proper time we shall reap--not desponding;

DRA

Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752

And in doing good, let us not fail. For in due time we shall reap, not failing.

DBY

Darby Bible · 1890

but let us not lose heart in doing good; for in due time, if we do not faint, we shall reap.

Context

After setting the principle of sowing and reaping (vv. 7–8), Paul applies it pastorally. The Galatians, pressured and confused, needed encouragement to persist in what is truly good. Verse 9 anchors perseverance in promised harvest. The next verse expands the scope of this good: toward all people, with special care for fellow believers. This keeps the church outward-looking while upholding familial responsibility within the household of faith.

v.8For he that soweth unto his own flesh shall of the flesh reap corruption; but he that soweth unto the Spirit shall of the Spirit reap eternal life.

v.9This passage

v.10So then, as we have opportunity, let us work that which is good toward all men, and especially toward them that are of the household of the faith.

Cross references

Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.

  • Revelation 2:26

    And he that overcometh, and he that keepeth my works unto the end, to him will I give authority over the nations:

  • 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;

  • 1 Peter 2:15

    For so is the will of God, that by well-doing ye should put to silence the ignorance of foolish men:

  • James 5:7

    Be patient therefore, brethren, until the coming of the Lord. Behold, the husbandman waiteth for the precious fruit of the earth, being patient over it, until it receive the early and latter rain.

  • Matthew 24:13

    But he that endureth to the end, the same shall be saved.

  • Hebrews 10:35

    Cast not away therefore your boldness, which hath great recompense of reward.

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