6:9a

This verse begins with a Greek conjunction that is often translated as “and.” Some English versions, such as the English Standard Version, translate it that way. The Berean Standard Bible has not translated this conjunction, and some other versions, such as the New International Version and New American Standard Bible, also do not translate it. In some languages, it will not be necessary to translate this conjunction either. Connect 6:9a to 6:8d in a way that is natural in your language.

Let us not grow weary in well-doing: This clause means “let us not become tired” or “we should continue/persevere.” Believers must not become discouraged in doing what is good, noble, and praiseworthy. They should not give up.

Some other ways to translate this clause are:

We must not become tired of doing good. (New Century Version)
-or-
Let us not lose heart in doing good (New American Standard Bible)
-or-
We must not become discouraged and stop doing good deeds.

6:9b

for: Verse 6:9b is the basis for the command in 6:9a. We must not grow weary, for/because in due season we will reap. The Greek introduces this basis with a conjunction that the Berean Standard Bible translates as for.

In some languages, it is more natural to put the basis before the command. For example:

9b If we do not give up, we will reap in due season. 9a So let us not grow weary of doing good.

Some English versions do not translate this conjunction. In some languages, it may not be necessary to introduce this basis with a conjunction either.

in due time we will reap a harvest: This clause is a metaphor. In this metaphor, receiving an eternal reward is compared to reaping a harvest. They are similar in that both will happen when the time is right. And both will happen if we do not give up.

The phrase in due time means “at the right time” or “when the time is right.”

Some ways to translate this clause are:

• Keep the metaphor of reaping. For example:

we will reap the harvest (Good News Translation)

• Keep the metaphor of reaping and explain it. For example:

we will reap a harvest of blessing at the appropriate time (New Living Translation (1996))
-or-
We will receive our harvest of eternal life at the right time (New Century Version)

• Translate the meaning directly without using a figure of speech. For example:

Certainly, each of us will receive ?everlasting life? at the proper time (God’s Word)
-or-
the time will come in the future when God will give us a good reward

if we do not give up: This clause is very similar in meaning to the clause “let us not grow weary” in 6:9a. This idea is repeated for emphasis.

Some other ways to translate this clause are:

if we do not quit
-or-
if we do not stop ?doing what is good?

In some languages, it is more natural to put this clause before in due time we will reap. For example:

for if we do not give up, the time will come when we will reap the harvest (Good News Translation)

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