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

GALATIANS 6:9KJV
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What does Galatians 6:9 mean?

Galatians 6:9 encourages believers not to give up on doing good, promising that if they persist and do not lose heart, they will eventually see the results of their efforts at the right time. The verse reassures that perseverance in doing what is right will lead to a positive outcome, even if it takes patience.

Paul, writing to the churches in Galatia, is urging them to keep doing good works, especially when it becomes tiring or discouraging. The context is about supporting one another and living out faith in practical ways, even when it feels unnoticed or unrewarded. The verse highlights the importance of endurance and trust that the "harvest" or reward will come in its proper season.

The Greek behind Galatians 6:9

  • "weary" (ἐκκακέω, ekkakeó): This Greek word means to lose heart or become discouraged. Paul is not just talking about physical tiredness but the temptation to give up emotionally or spiritually when doing good seems hard or fruitless.
  • "in due season" (ἰδίῳ καιρῷ, idio kairō): This phrase means "at the proper time" or "in the right season." The Greek emphasizes that the results of doing good may not be immediate, but there is a specific, appropriate time for the reward.
  • "faint" (ἐκλύω, ekluo): This word means to relax, give out, or lose motivation. Paul is urging the readers not to let their resolve weaken before the reward comes.

Why Galatians 6:9 matters

  • Galatians 6:9 addresses the common feeling of discouragement that can come from doing good without seeing immediate results, reminding readers that perseverance is key.
  • The verse connects to the wider passage about sowing and reaping, reinforcing the idea that actions have consequences and that good deeds will ultimately be rewarded.
  • It clarifies that the timing of the reward is not always in human control, but is assured by God, encouraging patience and continued faithfulness.

Where else these words appear

“us” Greek G1573 · used in 6 verses

  • Luke 18:1 And he spake a parable unto them to this end, that men ought always to pray, and not to faint;
  • 2 Corinthians 4:1 Therefore seeing we have this ministry, as we have received mercy, we faint not;
  • Ephesians 3:13 Wherefore I desire that ye faint not at my tribulations for you, which is your glory.

“faint” Greek G1590 · used in 6 verses

  • Matthew 9:36 But when he saw the multitudes, he was moved with compassion on them, because they fainted, and were scattered abroad, as sheep having no shepherd.
  • Matthew 15:32 Then Jesus called his disciples unto him, and said, I have compassion on the multitude, because they continue with me now three days, and have nothing to eat: and I will not send them away fasting, lest they faint in the way.
  • Hebrews 12:3 For consider him that endured such contradiction of sinners against himself, lest ye be wearied and faint in your minds.

“reap” Greek G2325 · used in 17 verses

  • Matthew 6:26 Behold the fowls of the air: for they sow not, neither do they reap, nor gather into barns; yet your heavenly Father feedeth them. Are ye not much better than they?
  • Luke 19:22 And he saith unto him, Out of thine own mouth will I judge thee, thou wicked servant. Thou knewest that I was an austere man, taking up that I laid not down, and reaping that I did not sow:
  • 2 Corinthians 9:6 But this I say, He which soweth sparingly shall reap also sparingly; and he which soweth bountifully shall reap also bountifully.

“season” Greek G2540 · used in 82 verses

  • Matthew 8:29 And, behold, they cried out, saying, What have we to do with thee, Jesus, thou Son of God? art thou come hither to torment us before the time?
  • John 5:4 For an angel went down at a certain season into the pool, and troubled the water: whosoever then first after the troubling of the water stepped in was made whole of whatsoever disease he had.
  • Ephesians 5:16 Redeeming the time, because the days are evil.