2569. kalopoieó

Lexical Summary

kalopoieó: To do good, to act rightly

Original Word: καλοποιέω
Part of Speech: Verb
Transliteration: kalopoieó
Pronunciation: kal-o-poy-EH-o
Phonetic Spelling: (kal-op-oy-eh'-o)
KJV: well doing
NASB: doing good
Word Origin: [from G2570 (καλός - good) and G4160 (ποιέω - do)]

1. to do well, i.e. live virtuously

Strong's Exhaustive Concordance

well doing.

From kalos and poieo; to do well, i.e. Live virtuously -- well doing.

see GREEK kalos

see GREEK poieo

HELPS Word-studies

2569 kalopoiéō (from 2570 /kalós, "winsomely good" and 4160 /poiéō, "do, make") – properly, doing good that inspires others to rise up and also do what is noble (admirable), i.e provoking others to "act with holy affections." 2569 /kalopoiéō ("doing good that inspires") can only happen through faith ("God's inworked persuasion"). This tern only occurs in 2 Thes 3:13.

NAS Exhaustive Concordance

Word Origin
from kalos and poieó
Definition
to do well
NASB Translation
doing good (1).

Thayer's Greek Lexicon

STRONGS NT 2569: καλοποιέω

καλοποιέω, καλοποιῶ; (equivalent to καλῶς ποιῶ, cf. Lob. ad Phryn., p. 199f (Winers Grammar, 25)); to do well, act uprightly: 2 Thessalonians 3:13. (Etym. Magn. 189, 24; (Leviticus 5:4 Ald. (as quoted in) Philo de somn. l. ii. § 44).)

Topical Lexicon

Occurrence and Context

Strong’s Greek 2569 appears once, in 2 Thessalonians 3:13: “But as for you, brothers, do not grow weary in well-doing”. Paul has just warned against idleness (verses 6-12) and will command the church to distance itself from persistent disorderliness (verse 14). The single verb anchors his charge: keep laboring in deeds that are intrinsically “good,” not merely useful.

Alignment with Broader Pauline Exhortations

Although the form καλοποιέω is unique to 2 Thessalonians, the call it expresses echoes several Pauline themes:
• Perseverance in beneficent labor—Galatians 6:9 “And let us not grow weary in doing good, for in due time we will reap, if we do not give up.”
• Diligence that adorns sound doctrine—Titus 3:14 “And our people must learn to devote themselves to good works, to meet pressing needs, so that they will not be unfruitful.”
• Industriousness rooted in faith—Ephesians 2:10 describes believers as “created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared in advance as our way of life.”

Old Testament Foundations

The thought world of καλοποιέω is foreshadowed in the Septuagint’s fusion of καλός and ποιέω. Psalm 37:3 urges, “Trust in the LORD and do good.” Isaiah 1:17 commands, “Learn to do good; seek justice.” Thus, Paul’s admonition stands in continuity with covenantal ethics: faith finds expression through active, costly benevolence.

Exegetical Highlights from 2 Thessalonians 3

1. Contrast with idleness (verses 10-12): Doing good includes productive labor that prevents becoming a burden (compare 1 Thessalonians 4:11-12).
2. Corporate responsibility (verse 13): “Brothers” underscores communal perseverance; the entire fellowship must remain steadfast even when some falter.
3. Weariness factor: The imperative presumes opposition, fatigue, and possible discouragement—realities still faced by modern believers engaged in service or correction.
4. Immediate application: Support the disciplined stance toward the idle while continuing acts of mercy and practical help toward the repentant and the needy.

Reception in Early Church History

• The Didache (4.5-6) mirrors 2 Thessalonians by linking generosity with admonition.
• Polycarp commends the Philippians for “every good deed” (Letter to the Philippians 1), using language reminiscent of καλοποιέω.
• Patristic homilies frequently pair the verse with Galatians 6:9 when encouraging charitable institutions such as hospitals and almsgiving.

Ministry Significance Today

1. Social witness: Persistent good works validate the gospel before a skeptical world (1 Peter 2:12).
2. Church discipline: Congregations must balance correction of disorder with unflagging benevolence.
3. Compassion fatigue: Leaders should anticipate emotional exhaustion and supply encouragement through Scripture, testimony, and corporate prayer.
4. Vocational integrity: Believers sanctify their occupations by viewing labor as a sphere of “well-doing,” reflecting the Creator’s goodness.

Pastoral Counsel

• Keep the command in view during mercy ministries; numbers or outcomes may fluctuate, but the mandate remains.
• Integrate 2 Thessalonians 3:13 into stewardship teaching, emphasizing faith-filled perseverance over instant results.
• When enforcing biblical discipline, remind the congregation that firmness toward the unrepentant coexists with active kindness toward all.

Summary

Strong’s Greek 2569 encapsulates a charge to relentless, visible goodness rooted in faith. Positioned against idleness and discouragement, it summons every believer—and every church—to pursue deeds that mirror God’s own benevolence until Christ returns.

Forms and Transliterations

καλοποιουντες καλοποιούντες καλοποιοῦντες κάλους kalopoiountes kalopoioûntes

Englishman's Concordance

2 Thessalonians 3:13 V-PPA-NMP
GRK: μὴ ἐνκακήσητε καλοποιοῦντες
NAS: do not grow weary of doing good.
KJV: not weary in well doing.
INT: not do lose heart [in] well-doing

Strong's Greek 2569
1 Occurrence

καλοποιοῦντες — 1 Occ.