| Gal 6:1 | Hist Com | Brethren, even if anyone is caughtG4301 V-APS-3S in any trespass,G3900 N-DSN you (Galatian led by the Spirit)who are spiritual,G4152 A-NPM restoreG2675 V-PAM-2P such a one in a spirit of gentleness;G4240 N-GSF each one lookingG4648 V-PAP-NSM to yourself, so that you too will not be tempted.G3985 V-APS-2S |
| Gal 6:2 | Hist Com | BearG941 V-PAM-2P one another's burdens,G922 N-APN and thereby fulfillG378 V-FAI-2P the lawG3551 N-ASM of Christ. |
| Gal 6:3 | Hist Com | For if anyone thinksG1380 V-PAI-3S he (anyone)is somethingG5100 X-NSN when he (anyone)is nothing,G3367 A-NSN he (anyone)deceivesG5422 V-PAI-3S himself. |
| Gal 6:4 | Hist Com | But each one must examineG1381 V-PAM-3S his own work, and then he (examiner)will have reason for boastingG2745 N-ASN in regard to himself alone, and not in regard to another. |
| Gal 6:5 | Hist Com | For each one will bearG941 V-FAI-3S his own load.G5413 N-ASN |
| Gal 6:6 | Hist Com | The one who is taughtG2727 V-PPP-NSM the wordG3056 N-ASM is to shareG2841 V-PAM-3S all good things with the one who teaches him. |
| Gal 6:7 | Hist Com | Do not be deceived,G4105 V-PPM-2P God is not mocked;G3456 V-PPI-3S for whatever a man sows,G4687 V-PAS-3S this he (sower)will also reap.G2325 V-FAI-3S |
| Gal 6:8 | Hist Com | For the one who sows to his own flesh will from the fleshG4561 N-ASF reapG2325 V-FAI-3S corruption,G5356 N-ASF but the one who sows to the Spirit will from the SpiritG4151 N-ASN reapG2325 V-FAI-3S eternalG166 A-ASF life.G2222 N-ASF |
| Gal 6:9 | Hist Com | Let us (Paul + Galatians)not lose heartG1457 in doingG4160 V-PAP-NPM good,G2570 A-ASN for in dueG2398 A-DSM timeG2540 N-DSM we (Paul + Galatians)will reapG2325 V-FAI-1P if we (Paul + Galatians)do not grow weary.G1590 V-PPP-NPM |
| Gal 6:10 | Hist Com | So then, while we (Paul + Galatians)have opportunity,G2540 N-ASM let us (Paul + Galatians)doG2038 V-PNS-1P goodG18 A-ASN to all people,G3956 A-APM and especially to those who are of the householdG3609 A-APM of the faith.G4102 N-GSF |
| Repetition | List | Comparison | Contrast | Cause | Effect |
| italic 1 | ul 1 | 1 | 1 | plain 1 | bold 1 |
| italic 2 | ul 2 | 2 | 2 | plain 2 | bold 2 |
| italic 3 | ul 3 | 3 | 3 | plain 3 | bold 3 |
| italic 4 | ul 4 | 4 | 4 | plain 4 | bold 4 |
| italic 5 | ul 5 | 5 | 5 | plain 5 | bold 5 |
| italic 6 | ul 6 | 6 | 6 | plain 6 | bold 6 |
| italic 7 | ul 7 | 7 | 7 | plain 7 | bold 7 |
| Gal 6:1 | |
|---|---|
| Definition | RMAC |
| Strongs: G4301 English: is caught Greek: προλημφθῇ Lemma: προλαμβάνω Transliteration: prolambánō Definition: to take in advance, i.e. (literally) eat before others have an opportunity; (figuratively) to anticipate, surprise Return to: Gal 6:1 | V-APS-3S Tense: Aorist Voice: Passive Mood: Subjunctive Person: third Number: Singular |
| Strongs: G3900 English: trespass Greek: παραπτώματι Lemma: παράπτωμα Transliteration: paráptōma Definition: a side-slip (lapse or deviation), i.e. (unintentional) error or (wilful) transgression Return to: Gal 6:1 | N-DSN Part of Speech: Noun Case: Dative Number: Singular Gender: Neuter |
| Strongs: G4152 English: you who are spiritual Greek: πνευματικοὶ Lemma: πνευματικός Transliteration: pneumatikós Definition: non-carnal, i.e. (humanly) ethereal (as opposed to gross), or (dæmoniacally) a spirit (concretely), or (divinely) supernatural, regenerate, religious Return to: Gal 6:1 | A-NPM Part of Speech: Adjective Case: Nominative Number: Plural Gender: Masculine |
| Strongs: G2675 English: restore Greek: καταρτίζετε Lemma: καταρτίζω Transliteration: katartízō Definition: to complete thoroughly, i.e. repair (literally or figuratively) or adjust Return to: Gal 6:1 | V-PAM-2P Tense: Present Voice: Active Mood: iMperative Person: second Number: Plural |
| Strongs: G4240 English: of gentleness Greek: πραΰτητος Lemma: πραΰτης Transliteration: praÿtēs Definition: mildness, i.e. (by implication) humility Return to: Gal 6:1 | N-GSF Part of Speech: Noun Case: Genitive Number: Singular Gender: Feminine |
| Strongs: G4648 English: each one looking Greek: σκοπῶν Lemma: σκοπέω Transliteration: skopéō Definition: to take aim at (spy), i.e. (figuratively) regard Return to: Gal 6:1 | V-PAP-NSM Tense: Present Voice: Active Mood: Participle Case: Nominative Number: Singular Gender: Masculine |
| Strongs: G3985 English: will not be tempted Greek: πειρασθῇς Lemma: πειράζω Transliteration: peirázō Definition: to test (objectively), i.e. endeavor, scrutinize, entice, discipline Return to: Gal 6:1 | V-APS-2S Tense: Aorist Voice: Passive Mood: Subjunctive Person: second Number: Singular |
| Gal 6:2 | |
|---|---|
| Definition | RMAC |
| Strongs: G941 English: Bear Greek: βαστάζετε Lemma: βαστάζω Transliteration: bastázō Definition: to lift, literally or figuratively (endure, declare, sustain, receive, etc.) Return to: Gal 6:2 | V-PAM-2P Tense: Present Voice: Active Mood: iMperative Person: second Number: Plural |
| Strongs: G922 English: burdens Greek: βάρη Lemma: βάρος Transliteration: báros Definition: compare Return to: Gal 6:2 | N-APN Part of Speech: Noun Case: Accusative Number: Plural Gender: Neuter |
| Strongs: G378 English: fulfill Greek: ἀναπληρώσετε Lemma: ἀναπληρόω Transliteration: anaplēróō Definition: to complete; by implication, to occupy, supply; figuratively, to accomplish (by coincidence ot obedience) Return to: Gal 6:2 | V-FAI-2P Tense: Future Voice: Active Mood: Indicative Person: second Number: Plural |
| Strongs: G3551 English: the law Greek: νόμον Lemma: νόμος Transliteration: nómos Definition: law (through the idea of prescriptive usage), genitive case (regulation), specially, (of Moses (including the volume); also of the Gospel), or figuratively (a principle) Return to: Gal 6:2 | N-ASM Part of Speech: Noun Case: Accusative Number: Singular Gender: Masculine |
| Gal 6:3 | |
|---|---|
| Definition | RMAC |
| Strongs: G1380 English: thinks Greek: δοκεῖ Lemma: δοκέω Transliteration: dokéō Definition: compare the base of Return to: Gal 6:3 | V-PAI-3S Tense: Present Voice: Active Mood: Indicative Person: third Number: Singular |
| Strongs: G5100 English: he is something Greek: τι Lemma: τὶς Transliteration: tìs Definition: some or any person or object Return to: Gal 6:3 | X-NSN Part of Speech: indefinite pronoun Case: Nominative Number: Singular Gender: Neuter |
| Strongs: G3367 English: when he is nothing Greek: μηδὲν Lemma: μηδέν Transliteration: mēdén Definition: not even one (man, woman, thing) Return to: Gal 6:3 | A-NSN Part of Speech: Adjective Case: Nominative Number: Singular Gender: Neuter |
| Strongs: G5422 English: he deceives Greek: φρεναπατᾷ Lemma: φρεναπατάω Transliteration: phrenapatáō Definition: to be a mind-misleader, i.e. delude Return to: Gal 6:3 | V-PAI-3S Tense: Present Voice: Active Mood: Indicative Person: third Number: Singular |
| Gal 6:4 | |
|---|---|
| Definition | RMAC |
| Strongs: G1381 English: must examine Greek: δοκιμαζέτω Lemma: δοκιμάζω Transliteration: dokimázō Definition: to test (literally or figuratively); by implication, to approve Return to: Gal 6:4 | V-PAM-3S Tense: Present Voice: Active Mood: iMperative Person: third Number: Singular |
| Strongs: G2745 English: reason for boasting Greek: καύχημα Lemma: καύχημα Transliteration: kaúchēma Definition: a boast (properly, the object; by implication, the act) in a good or a bad sense Return to: Gal 6:4 | N-ASN Part of Speech: Noun Case: Accusative Number: Singular Gender: Neuter |
| Gal 6:5 | |
|---|---|
| Definition | RMAC |
| Strongs: G941 English: will bear Greek: βαστάσει Lemma: βαστάζω Transliteration: bastázō Definition: to lift, literally or figuratively (endure, declare, sustain, receive, etc.) Return to: Gal 6:5 | V-FAI-3S Tense: Future Voice: Active Mood: Indicative Person: third Number: Singular |
| Strongs: G5413 English: load Greek: φορτίον Lemma: φορτίον Transliteration: phortíon Definition: an invoice (as part of freight), i.e. (figuratively) a task or service Return to: Gal 6:5 | N-ASN Part of Speech: Noun Case: Accusative Number: Singular Gender: Neuter |
| Gal 6:6 | |
|---|---|
| Definition | RMAC |
| Strongs: G2727 English: The one who is taught Greek: κατηχούμενος Lemma: κατηχέω Transliteration: katēchéō Definition: to sound down into the ears, i.e. (by implication) to indoctrinate ("catechize") or (genitive case) to apprise of Return to: Gal 6:6 | V-PPP-NSM Tense: Present Voice: Passive Mood: Participle Case: Nominative Number: Singular Gender: Masculine |
| Strongs: G3056 English: the word Greek: λόγον Lemma: λόγος Transliteration: lógos Definition: something said (including the thought); by implication, a topic (subject of discourse), also reasoning (the mental faculty) or motive; by extension, a computation; specially, (with the article in John) the Divine Expression (i.e. Christ) Return to: Gal 6:6 | N-ASM Part of Speech: Noun Case: Accusative Number: Singular Gender: Masculine |
| Strongs: G2841 English: is to share Greek: Κοινωνείτω Lemma: κοινωνέω Transliteration: koinōnéō Definition: to share with others (objectively or subjectively) Return to: Gal 6:6 | V-PAM-3S Tense: Present Voice: Active Mood: iMperative Person: third Number: Singular |
| Gal 6:7 | |
|---|---|
| Definition | RMAC |
| Strongs: G4105 English: Do not be deceived Greek: πλανᾶσθε Lemma: πλανάω Transliteration: planáō Definition: to (properly, cause to) roam (from safety, truth, or virtue) Return to: Gal 6:7 | V-PPM-2P Tense: Present Voice: Passive Mood: iMperative Person: second Number: Plural |
| Strongs: G3456 English: is not mocked Greek: μυκτηρίζεται Lemma: μυκτηρίζω Transliteration: myktērízō Definition: to make mouths at, i.e. ridicule Return to: Gal 6:7 | V-PPI-3S Tense: Present Voice: Passive Mood: Indicative Person: third Number: Singular |
| Strongs: G4687 English: sows Greek: σπείρῃ Lemma: σπείρω Transliteration: speírō Definition: to scatter, i.e. sow (literally or figuratively) Return to: Gal 6:7 | V-PAS-3S Tense: Present Voice: Active Mood: Subjunctive Person: third Number: Singular |
| Strongs: G2325 English: reap Greek: θερίσει Lemma: θερίζω Transliteration: therízō Definition: to harvest Return to: Gal 6:7 | V-FAI-3S Tense: Future Voice: Active Mood: Indicative Person: third Number: Singular |
| Gal 6:8 | |
|---|---|
| Definition | RMAC |
| Strongs: G4561 English: flesh will from the flesh Greek: σάρκα Lemma: σάρξ Transliteration: sárx Definition: flesh (as stripped of the skin), i.e. (strictly) the meat of an animal (as food), or (by extension) the body (as opposed to the soul (or spirit), or as the symbol of what is external, or as the means of kindred), or (by implication) human nature (with its frailties (physically or morally) and passions), or (specially), a human being (as such) Return to: Gal 6:8 | N-ASF Part of Speech: Noun Case: Accusative Number: Singular Gender: Feminine |
| Strongs: G2325 English: reap Greek: θερίσει Lemma: θερίζω Transliteration: therízō Definition: to harvest Return to: Gal 6:8 | V-FAI-3S Tense: Future Voice: Active Mood: Indicative Person: third Number: Singular |
| Strongs: G5356 English: corruption Greek: φθοράν Lemma: φθορά Transliteration: phthorá Definition: decay, i.e. ruin (spontaneous or inflicted, literally or figuratively) Return to: Gal 6:8 | N-ASF Part of Speech: Noun Case: Accusative Number: Singular Gender: Feminine |
| Strongs: G4151 English: to the Spirit will from the Spirit Greek: πνεῦμα Lemma: πνεῦμα Transliteration: pneûma Definition: a current of air, i.e. breath (blast) or a breeze; by analogy or figuratively, a spirit, i.e. (human) the rational soul, (by implication) vital principle, mental disposition, etc., or (superhuman) an angel, demon, or (divine) God, Christ's spirit, the Holy Spirit Return to: Gal 6:8 | N-ASN Part of Speech: Noun Case: Accusative Number: Singular Gender: Neuter |
| Strongs: G2325 English: reap Greek: θερίσει Lemma: θερίζω Transliteration: therízō Definition: to harvest Return to: Gal 6:8 | V-FAI-3S Tense: Future Voice: Active Mood: Indicative Person: third Number: Singular |
| Strongs: G166 English: eternal Greek: αἰώνιον Lemma: αἰώνιος Transliteration: aiṓnios Definition: perpetual (also used of past time, or past and future as well) Return to: Gal 6:8 | A-ASF Part of Speech: Adjective Case: Accusative Number: Singular Gender: Feminine |
| Strongs: G2222 English: life Greek: ζωὴν Lemma: ζωή Transliteration: zōḗ Definition: life (literally or figuratively) Return to: Gal 6:8 | N-ASF Part of Speech: Noun Case: Accusative Number: Singular Gender: Feminine |
| Gal 6:9 | |
|---|---|
| Definition | RMAC |
| Strongs: G1457 English: Let us not lose heart Greek: Lemma: Transliteration: Definition: Return to: Gal 6:9 | |
| Strongs: G4160 English: in doing Greek: ποιοῦντες Lemma: ποιέω Transliteration: poiéō Definition: to make or do (in a very wide application, more or less direct) Return to: Gal 6:9 | V-PAP-NPM Tense: Present Voice: Active Mood: Participle Case: Nominative Number: Plural Gender: Masculine |
| Strongs: G2570 English: good Greek: καλὸν Lemma: καλός Transliteration: kalós Definition: to do well, i.e. live virtuously Return to: Gal 6:9 | A-ASN Part of Speech: Adjective Case: Accusative Number: Singular Gender: Neuter |
| Strongs: G2398 English: for in due Greek: ἰδίῳ Lemma: ἴδιος Transliteration: ídios Definition: pertaining to self, i.e. one's own; by implication, private or separate Return to: Gal 6:9 | A-DSM Part of Speech: Adjective Case: Dative Number: Singular Gender: Masculine |
| Strongs: G2540 English: time Greek: καιρῷ Lemma: καιρός Transliteration: kairós Definition: an occasion, i.e. set or proper time Return to: Gal 6:9 | N-DSM Part of Speech: Noun Case: Dative Number: Singular Gender: Masculine |
| Strongs: G2325 English: we will reap Greek: θερίσομεν Lemma: θερίζω Transliteration: therízō Definition: to harvest Return to: Gal 6:9 | V-FAI-1P Tense: Future Voice: Active Mood: Indicative Person: first Number: Plural |
| Strongs: G1590 English: if we do not grow weary. Greek: ἐκλυόμενοι Lemma: ἐκλύω Transliteration: eklýō Definition: to relax (literally or figuratively) Return to: Gal 6:9 | V-PPP-NPM Tense: Present Voice: Passive Mood: Participle Case: Nominative Number: Plural Gender: Masculine |
| Gal 6:10 | |
|---|---|
| Definition | RMAC |
| Strongs: G2540 English: opportunity Greek: καιρὸν Lemma: καιρός Transliteration: kairós Definition: an occasion, i.e. set or proper time Return to: Gal 6:10 | N-ASM Part of Speech: Noun Case: Accusative Number: Singular Gender: Masculine |
| Strongs: G2038 English: let us do Greek: ἐργαζώμεθα Lemma: ἐργάζομαι Transliteration: ergázomai Definition: to toil (as a task, occupation, etc.), (by implication) effect, be engaged in or with, etc. Return to: Gal 6:10 | V-PNS-1P Tense: Present Voice: middle or passive depoNent Mood: Subjunctive Person: first Number: Plural |
| Strongs: G18 English: good Greek: ἀγαθὸν Lemma: ἀγαθός Transliteration: agathós Definition: "good" (in any sense, often as noun) Return to: Gal 6:10 | A-ASN Part of Speech: Adjective Case: Accusative Number: Singular Gender: Neuter |
| Strongs: G3956 English: to all people, Greek: πάντας Lemma: πᾶς Transliteration: pâs Definition: all, any, every, the whole Return to: Gal 6:10 | A-APM Part of Speech: Adjective Case: Accusative Number: Plural Gender: Masculine |
| Strongs: G3609 English: who are of the household Greek: οἰκείους Lemma: οἰκεῖος Transliteration: oikeîos Definition: domestic, i.e. (as noun), a relative, adherent Return to: Gal 6:10 | A-APM Part of Speech: Adjective Case: Accusative Number: Plural Gender: Masculine |
| Strongs: G4102 English: of the faith Greek: πίστεως Lemma: πίστις Transliteration: pístis Definition: persuasion, i.e. credence; moral conviction (of religious truth, or the truthfulness of God or a religious teacher), especially reliance upon Christ for salvation; abstractly, constancy in such profession; by extension, the system of religious (Gospel) truth itself Return to: Gal 6:10 | N-GSF Part of Speech: Noun Case: Genitive Number: Singular Gender: Feminine |
| Chapter | Verse | English | Strong's | Greek Lemma | Greek Actual | RMAC Decoded | RMAC |
| 6 | 1 | is caught | G4301 | προλαμβάνω | προλημφθῇ | Tense: Aorist Voice: Passive Mood: Subjunctive Person: third Number: Singular | V-APS-3S |
| 6 | 1 | restore | G2675 | καταρτίζω | καταρτίζετε | Tense: Present Voice: Active Mood: iMperative Person: second Number: Plural | V-PAM-2P |
| 6 | 1 | each one looking | G4648 | σκοπέω | σκοπῶν | Tense: Present Voice: Active Mood: Participle Case: Nominative Number: Singular Gender: Masculine | V-PAP-NSM |
| 6 | 1 | will not be tempted | G3985 | πειράζω | πειρασθῇς | Tense: Aorist Voice: Passive Mood: Subjunctive Person: second Number: Singular | V-APS-2S |
| 6 | 2 | Bear | G941 | βαστάζω | βαστάζετε | Tense: Present Voice: Active Mood: iMperative Person: second Number: Plural | V-PAM-2P |
| 6 | 2 | fulfill | G378 | ἀναπληρόω | ἀναπληρώσετε | Tense: Future Voice: Active Mood: Indicative Person: second Number: Plural | V-FAI-2P |
| 6 | 3 | thinks | G1380 | δοκέω | δοκεῖ | Tense: Present Voice: Active Mood: Indicative Person: third Number: Singular | V-PAI-3S |
| 6 | 3 | {to be, KJV} | G1511 | εἶναι | εἶναί | Tense: Present Voice: no voice stated Mood: iNfinitive | V-PXN |
| 6 | 3 | {when he is, KJV} | G5607 | ὄν | ὤν | Tense: Present Voice: no voice stated Mood: Participle Case: Nominative Number: Singular Gender: Masculine | V-PXP-NSM |
| 6 | 3 | he deceives | G5422 | φρεναπατάω | φρεναπατᾷ | Tense: Present Voice: Active Mood: Indicative Person: third Number: Singular | V-PAI-3S |
| 6 | 4 | must examine | G1381 | δοκιμάζω | δοκιμαζέτω | Tense: Present Voice: Active Mood: iMperative Person: third Number: Singular | V-PAM-3S |
| 6 | 4 | he will have | G2192 | σχέω | ἕξει | Tense: Future Voice: Active Mood: Indicative Person: third Number: Singular | V-FAI-3S |
| 6 | 5 | will bear | G941 | βαστάζω | βαστάσει | Tense: Future Voice: Active Mood: Indicative Person: third Number: Singular | V-FAI-3S |
| 6 | 6 | is to share | G2841 | κοινωνέω | Κοινωνείτω | Tense: Present Voice: Active Mood: iMperative Person: third Number: Singular | V-PAM-3S |
| 6 | 6 | The one who is taught | G2727 | κατηχέω | κατηχούμενος | Tense: Present Voice: Passive Mood: Participle Case: Nominative Number: Singular Gender: Masculine | V-PPP-NSM |
| 6 | 6 | with the one who teaches | G2727 | κατηχέω | κατηχοῦντι | Tense: Present Voice: Active Mood: Participle Case: Dative Number: Singular Gender: Masculine | V-PAP-DSM |
| 6 | 7 | Do not be deceived | G4105 | πλανάω | πλανᾶσθε | Tense: Present Voice: Passive Mood: iMperative Person: second Number: Plural | V-PPM-2P |
| 6 | 7 | is not mocked | G3456 | μυκτηρίζω | μυκτηρίζεται | Tense: Present Voice: Passive Mood: Indicative Person: third Number: Singular | V-PPI-3S |
| 6 | 7 | sows | G4687 | σπείρω | σπείρῃ | Tense: Present Voice: Active Mood: Subjunctive Person: third Number: Singular | V-PAS-3S |
| 6 | 7 | reap | G2325 | θερίζω | θερίσει | Tense: Future Voice: Active Mood: Indicative Person: third Number: Singular | V-FAI-3S |
| 6 | 8 | For the one who sows | G4687 | σπείρω | σπείρων | Tense: Present Voice: Active Mood: Participle Case: Nominative Number: Singular Gender: Masculine | V-PAP-NSM |
| 6 | 8 | reap | G2325 | θερίζω | θερίσει | Tense: Future Voice: Active Mood: Indicative Person: third Number: Singular | V-FAI-3S |
| 6 | 8 | but the one who sows | G4687 | σπείρω | σπείρων | Tense: Present Voice: Active Mood: Participle Case: Nominative Number: Singular Gender: Masculine | V-PAP-NSM |
| 6 | 8 | reap | G2325 | θερίζω | θερίσει | Tense: Future Voice: Active Mood: Indicative Person: third Number: Singular | V-FAI-3S |
| 6 | 9 | in doing | G4160 | ποιέω | ποιοῦντες | Tense: Present Voice: Active Mood: Participle Case: Nominative Number: Plural Gender: Masculine | V-PAP-NPM |
| 6 | 9 | {let us, KJV} | G1573 | ἐκκακέω | ἐγκακῶμεν | Tense: Present Voice: Active Mood: Subjunctive Person: first Number: Plural | V-PAS-1P |
| 6 | 9 | we will reap | G2325 | θερίζω | θερίσομεν | Tense: Future Voice: Active Mood: Indicative Person: first Number: Plural | V-FAI-1P |
| 6 | 9 | if we do not grow weary | G1590 | ἐκλύω | ἐκλυόμενοι | Tense: Present Voice: Passive Mood: Participle Case: Nominative Number: Plural Gender: Masculine | V-PPP-NPM |
| 6 | 10 | we have | G2192 | σχέω | ἔχομεν | Tense: Present Voice: Active Mood: Indicative Person: first Number: Plural | V-PAI-1P |
| 6 | 10 | let us do | G2038 | ἐργάζομαι | ἐργαζώμεθα | Tense: Present Voice: middle or passive depoNent Mood: Subjunctive Person: first Number: Plural | V-PNS-1P |
| Verse | Commentary |
| Gal 6:1 | A variety of ancient sources, including Greek and Jewish wisdom traditions and the Dead Sea Scrolls, stressed examining oneself before correcting others. Judaism (unlike Greek culture) considered humility one of the greatest virtues, even for the most noble. |
| Gal 6:2 | The image of bearing another's burden or weight (the term was also applied metaphorically to griefs) might remind readers of slaves or of impressment (roman soldiers could require local people to carry something for them). In either case, it is an image of subservience that demands more than convenience. Bear burdens in this context include helping a fellow Christian deal with sins (6:1). Many take "law of Christ" as referring to a saying of Jesus, but in the context of Galatians it more likely refers to his example and the character of Jesus imparted by the Spirit (2:20, 5:14). |
| Gal 6:3 | Greek literature includes some maxims similar to "each one shall bear his own load" (6:5), which usually stress self-sufficiency; but Paul gives the idea a different twist. In the context of stressing humility in dealing with others, bearing one's own load means answering to God himself for what one has done. |
| Gal 6:4 | see 6:3 |
| Gal 6:5 | see 6:3 |
| Gal 6:6 | Many teachers charged fees for their instruction; many Greek teachers insisted that they and their sutdents should share all things in common, and some groups fo teachers and disciples lived communaly. IN Asia Minor (including Galatia), a fee was exacted from those entering temples. Here Paul urges the Galatian Christians to support their teachers who could proivde sound teaching (unlike that of his opponents). |
| Gal 6:7 | Reaping what one sowed was a familiar image in atiquity (OT: Job 4:8; Prov 22:8; Hos 8:7, 10:12; cf. Prov 11:18; Is 3:10; Jer 12:13; widespread other Jewish literature). Paul elsewhere used sowing as a monetary image (2 Cor 9:6); thus here he probably continues the though of 6:6, "Do not be deceived" was a familiar phrase in ancient moral exhortatation. |
| Gal 6:8 | Pual often associates the Spirit with resurrection of the body. |
| Gal 6:9 | see 6:8 |
| Gal 6:10 | With the exception of the Cynics, philoshophers and moralists advocated working for the common good; no one would have complained about a group that lived accordingly. Paul's emphasis is especially on (though not limited to) ministering to the needs of one's fellow believers. |
| Verse | Observations |
| Gal 6:1 |
Gal 6:1 Brethren, even if a man is caught in any trespass, you who are spiritual, restore such a one in a spirit of gentleness; each one looking to yourself, lest you too be tempted. caught in any trespass: caught: G4301 προλαμβάνω prolambanō; from G4253 and G2983; to take beforehand:– NASB usage: beforehand(1), caught(1), takes...first(1). LSJ: προλαμβάνω , 6. detect, ἐν παραπτώματι Ep.Gal. 6.1 ( Pass. ). BAGD: 2.b. detect, overtake, surprise someone This is a difficult translation into english, as the sense used appears to be a little obscure. I believe the sense Paul is using is “you detect, witness or see someone in any trespass”. But, it's not an action verb. We aren't supposed to be detectives in other people's lives, trying to find their problems. It's more of a sense of while living in the community of the church, if it becomes apparent that a brother (or sister) has a problem with sin, here is how to help them. trespass: G3900 παράπτωμα paraptōma; from G3895; a false step, a trespass:– NASB usage: transgression(7), transgressions(9), trespass(1), trespasses(3). LSJ: παρά-πτωμα , ατος , τό , false step, slip, blunder , Plb. 9.10.6 , Phld. Herc. 1251.14 (pl.), Longin. 36.2. 2. defeat , D.S. 19.100 . 3. transgression, trespass , LXX Ez. 14.13 ,al., Ev.Matt. 6.14 , Ep.Gal. 6.1 , al. 4. error in amount of payments, PTeb. 5.91 (ii B.C.) . This word is almost always translated trespass or transgression, but not sin, G266 ἁμαρτία hamartia; from G264; a sin, failure:– NASB usage: sin(96), sinful(2), sins(75). is the word directly for sin. In the LXX, it is used for sin Ez 14:13. I believe it is best to just view the 2 words as synonyms. It would be interesting to see if there is any distinction to when one word is used over the other between hamartia and paraptoma. The only subtle difference I can detect is that sin would be knowingly violating God's law, and a transgression would be a violation of God's law, either knowingly or unknowingly. Possibly a little larger scope than just sin. restore - G2675 καταρτίζω katartizō; from G2596 and ἀρτίζω artizō (to get ready, prepare); to complete, prepare:– NASB usage: complete(1), equip(1), fully trained(1), made complete(2), mending(2), perfect(1), prepared(4), restore(1). LSJ: καταρτ-ίζω , adjust, put in order, restore; restore to a right mind, Ep.Gal. 6.1; gentleness: G4240 πραΰτης prautēs; from G4239b; gentleness:– NASB usage: consideration(1), gentleness(8), humility(1), meekness(1). looking to yourself – what does this mean? With the idea of not actively seeking out sin, but humbly correcting a brother who has fallen into sin, this act is very humble, and needs to be done very carefully, examining oneself so that you too aren't tempted by the flesh, by your brothers sin. So that you too aren't tempted / tested (by the sin of your brother) |
| Gal 6:2 |
Gal 6:2 Bear one another’s burdens, and thus fulfill the law of Christ. Bear – Present Active iMperative – command, continuous, keep on bearing. burdens - G922 βάρος baros; from G926; weight:– NASB usage: asserted*(1), authority(1), burden(3), burdens(1), weight(1). LSJ: βάρος [ ᾰ], ους , Ion. εος , τό , weight, Hdt. 2.73 , etc. II a weight, burden, load fulfill: LSJ ἀναπληρ-όω , fill up a void, Pl. Ti. 81b , cf. 78d ; τὸ κεχηνὸς τῆς ἑρμηνείας, τοῦ ῥυθμοῦ, A.D. Synt. 266.22 , Luc. Tim. 1 : — Pass. , to be filled up, Arist. Cael. 306b4 . 2. make up, supply, εἴ τι ἐξέλιπον ἀ. Pl. Smp. 188e ; τὴν ἔνδειαν Arist. Pol. 1318b22 ; τοὺς . . ἀμόρφους ἀνατληροῖ ἡ τοῦ λέγειν πιθανότης compensates them, Id. Fr. 101 : — Med. , δώματ' ἀ. fill their houses, E. Hel. 907 . 3. fill up the numbers of a body, τὴν βουλήν Plu. Publ. 11 , cf. X. Vect. 4.24 ; ἀ. τὴν συνηγορίαν fill the place of advocate (left vacant by another), Plu. Crass. 3 , cf. 1 Ep.Cor. 14.16 . 4. pay in full, τὰς ὠνάς, of tax-farmers, PPar. 62.5.3 (ii B. C.) : — in Med. , get paid, receive, ἕως ἀνεπληρώσατο τὴν προῖκα D. 27.13 . 5. use expletive particles, Demetr. Eloc. 58 . 6. fulfil, ἀναπληροῦται ἡ προφητεία Ev.Matt. 13.14 ; of a task, perform, PPetr. 3p.104. II Pass. , to be restored to its former size or state, ἀνεπληρώθη ὁ ἥλιος, after an eclipse, Th. 2.28 ; ἀναπληρουμένης τῆς φύσεως being in process of restoration, Arist. EN 1153a2 , cf. HA 548b18 . future active indicative – you will fulfill law of Christ – what is this referring to? Clearly it is not the mosaic law. In context to bearing one another's burdens, and gently restoring each other, and in context of the book, the most likely: Gal 5:14 For the whole Law is fulfilled in one word, in the statement, “YOU SHALL LOVE YOUR NEIGHBOR AS YOURSELF.” Matt 22:36 “Teacher, which is the great commandment in the Law?” Matt 22:37 And He said to him, “ ‘YOU SHALL LOVE THE LORD YOUR GOD WITH ALL YOUR HEART, AND WITH ALL YOUR SOUL, AND WITH ALL YOUR MIND.’ Matt 22:38 “This is the great and foremost commandment. Matt 22:39 “The second is like it, ‘YOU SHALL LOVE YOUR NEIGHBOR AS YOURSELF.’ |
| Gal 6:3 |
Gal 6:3 For if anyone thinks he is something when he is nothing, he deceives himself. Is this what Paul was referring to with the law of Christ? Is this still in reference / context to comparing the flesh to the spirit? something when he is nothing – is this a figure of speech? thinking you are something – is this a reference to the flesh? To thinking that you are justified by your own work? Thinking that you are something through the flesh? This fits the context here the best. While, all of these things would mean that your are really nothing, deceiving yourself. Without Christ, we are spiritually dead, with no standing on our own merit before God. I think this also has to do with your relationship to others. When you see their sin, and are out of love trying to help them bear that burden, it shouldn't be an occasion for you to think that you are any better than them – something. When in actuality, you have your own problem with sin. Both are solved only through the cross. |
| Gal 6:4 |
Gal 6:4 But let each one examine his own work, and then he will have reason for boasting in regard to himself alone, and not in regard to another. work - G2041 ἔργον ergon; from a prim. vb. ἔρδω erdō (to do); work:– NASB usage: action(1), behavior(1), deed(13), deeds(52), doing(1), effectual(1), labor(1), result(1), task(1), what...done(1), work(34), works(62). BAGD: deeds of men, exhibiting a consistent moral character, referred to collectively. boasting - G2745 καύχημα kauchēma; from G2744; a boast:– NASB usage: boast(3), boast about(1), boasting(3), proud(1), proud confidence(1), reason to be proud(1), reason to glory(1), something to boast about(1). καύχ-ημα , Dor. καύχ-ᾱμα , ατος , τό , a boast, vaunt , Pi. I. 5(4).51 . 2. subject of boasting , Lesb.Rh. 3.4 (pl.), Ep.Rom. 4.2 . I believe again that this is all referring to restoration of someone caught in a transgression. You need to be careful in restoring them, not to look down on them and in seeing someone else in the trespass, that should not be something that makes you feel superior. Instead, you need to be sure to examine yourself, remember also that you are a sinner, and not give pride or the flesh any chance to build you up for a transgression. We need to build one another up, in the Spirit, and not in the flesh. The flesh would boast that you have not fallen into that transgression, while ignoring the transgressions which you have fallen into. |
| Gal 6:5 |
Gal 6:5 For each one shall bear his own load. load - G5413 φορτίον phortion; dim. of G5414 (load, cargo); from G5342; a burden:– NASB usage: burden(1), burdens(3), cargo(1), load(1). φορτ-ίον , τό , load, burden, freight, Sapph. Supp. 9.13 (pl.), Alc. Supp. 26.1, Ar. Pl. 352 , Lys. 312 , X. Mem. 3.13.6 , An. 7.1.37 , al., Lycurg. 96 , Aq. 2 Ki. 15.33; λιβανωτικὰ φ. OGI 132.11 (Alexandria, ii B. C. ); φέρων ἀνθράκων φ. Ar. Ach. 214 (lyr.); φ. βαστάζειν Teles p.10H. 2. pl., wares, merchandise, Hes. Op. 643 , 693 , Hdt. 1.1 , 2.179 , al., Ar. Ach. 899 , 910 , V. 1398 , Ra. 573 , Hyp. Ath. 6 . esp. of agricultural produce, crops, PRev.Laws 43.14, al. (iii B. C.) , PTeb. 105.24 (ii B. C.) , etc. 3. of a child in the womb, X. Mem. 2.2.5 ; ἔρωτος f.l. in Anacr. 170 . 4. metaph., μεῖζον φ. ἢ καθ' αὑτὸν αἰρόμενον taking too heavy a burden upon him, D. 11.14 ; μέγα τὸ φ. Antiph. 3 ; οὐκ ἔστιν οὐδὲν βαρύτερον τῶν φορτίων . . γυναικός Id. 329 ; οὔτοι τὸ γῆράς ἐστιν . . τῶν φ. μέγιστον Anaxandr. 53 ; τὸ φ. μου ἐλαφρόν ἐστιν Ev.Matt. 11.30 ; χρυσοῦν φ., of wealth, Secund. Sent. 9 . ( Dim. only in form, commonly used for φόρτος in Com. and Prose; wrongly condemned as un-Attic by Moer. p.393 P., Thom.Mag. p.16R. ) This seems contradictory to v2. What is the difference? This is a different word in Greek than v2. Why? What is the distinction? v2 – βάρος also used in 2 Cor 4:17, 1 Thess 2:6 v5 – φορτίον used only here by Paul. Used also in Acts 27:10; Luke 11:46; Matt 11:30, 23:4 It seems that βάρος is used more to refer to as a weight, as something holding someone down or back. While φορτίον is more the cargo, the internal contents. I'm not sure if that is the real difference the Galatians would have made or not. But, from context, the meaning is clear. We are to help each other bear weight, bear problems, but in doing so, we aren't supposed to focus on the others problem to the extent that it leads us to transgression. We have our own burden, our own transgressions, and they all put us on an equal playing field before God. We all need a savior, and we all need the cross equally. |
| Gal 6:6 |
Gal 6:6 And let the one who is taught the word share all good things with him who teaches. Is this still in reference to correcting a brother caught in transgression? Or have we shifted to a new topic? I believe it is still in context for restoring a brother in transgression. The brother in transgression is to be taught with God's word. The word for good things is: G18 ἀγαθός agathos; of unc. or.; good:– NASB usage: generous(1), good(81), good man(2), good thing(6), good things(6), goodness(1), goods(2), kind(1), kindly(1), kindness(1). LSJ: ἀγᾰθός [ᾰγ] , ή , όν , Lacon. ἀγασός Ar. Lys. 1301 , Cypr. ἀζαθός GDI 57: — good: I of persons, 1 well-born, gentle, opp. κακός, δειλός, οἷά τε τοῖς ἀγαθοῖσι παραδρώωσι χέρηες Od. 15.324 , cf. Il. 1.275 ; ἀφνειός τ' ἀ. τε Il. 13.664 , cf. Od. 18.276 ; πατρὸς δ' εἴμ' ἀγαθοῖο, θεὰ δέ με γείνατο μήτηρ Il. 21.109 , cf. Od. 4.611 ; κακὸς ἐξ ἀ. Thgn. 190 , cf. 57 sq.; πραῢς ἀστοῖς, οὐ φθονέων ἀγαθοῖς Pi. P. 3.71 , cf. 2.96 , 4.285 ; τίς ἂν εὔπατρις ὧδε βλάστοι; οὐδεὶς τῶν ἀ. κτλ. S. El. 1082 ; οἵ τ' ἀ. πρὸς τῶν ἀγενῶν κατανικῶνται Id. Fr. 84 ; τοὺς εὐγενεῖς γὰρ κἀγαθοὺς . . φιλεῖ Ἄρης ἐναίρειν ib. 649 , cf. E. Alc. 600 , al.: ἀγαθοὶ καὶ ἐξ ἀγαθῶν Pl. Phdr. 274a : — in political sense, aristocrats, esp. in the phrase καλοὶ κἀγαθοί (v. sub καλοκἀγαθός ). 2. brave, valiant, since courage was attributed to Chiefs and Nobles, Il. 1.131 , al.; τῷ κ' ἀγαθὸς μὲν ἔπεφν', ἀγαθὸν δέ κεν ἐξενάριξεν 21.280 ; cf. Hdt. 5.109 , etc. 3. good, capable, in reference to ability, ἀ. βασιλεύς Il. 3.179 ; ἰητήρ 2.732 ; θεράπων 16.165 , 17.388 ; πύκτης Xenoph. 2.15 ; ἰητρός Hp. Prog. 1 ; προβατογνώμων A. Ag. 795 ; ἄρχοντες Democr. 266 : freq. with qualifying words, ἀ. ἐν ὑσμίνῃ Il. 13.314 ; βοὴν ἀ. 2.408 , 563 , al.; πύξ Od. 11.300 ; βίην Il. 6.478 ; γνώμην S. OT 687 ; πᾶσαν ἀρετήν Pl. Lg. 899b , cf. Alc. 1.124e; τέχνην Id. Prt. 323b ; τὰ πολέμια, τὰ πολιτικά, Hdt. 9.122 , Pl. Grg. 516b , etc.: more rarely c. dat., ἀ. πολέμῳ X. Oec. 4.15 : with Preps., ἄνδρες ἀ. περὶ τὸ πλῆθος Lys. 13.2 ; εἴς τι Pl. Alc. 1.125a ; πρός τι Id. R. 407e : c. inf. , ἀ. μάχεσθαι Hdt. 1.136 ; ἱππεύεσθαι 1.79 ; ἀ. ἱστάναι good at weighing, Pl. Prt. 356b . 4. good, in moral sense, first in Thgn. 438 , cf. Heraclit. 104 , S. El. 1082 , X. Mem. 1.7.1 , Pl. Ap. 41d , etc.; ψυχῆς ἀγαθῆς πατρὶς ὁ ξύμπας κόσμος Democr. 247 : freq. with other Adjs., ὁ πιστὸς κἀ. S. Tr. 541 ; δικαίων κἀ. ib. 1050 : — ironical, τὸν ἀ. Κρέοντα Id. Ant. 31 . 5. ὦ ἀγαθέ, my good friend, as a term of gentle remonstrance, Pl. Prt. 311a , etc. 6. ἀ. δαίμων, v. sub δαίμων; ἀ. τύχη, v. sub τύχη; ἀ. θεός = Lat. bona dea, Plu. Caes. 9 , Cic. 19 . II of things, 1 good, serviceable, Ἰθάκη . . ἀ. κουροτρόφος Od. 9.27 , etc.; ἀ. τοῖς τοκεῦσι, τῇ πόλει X. Cyn. 13.17 : c. gen., εἴ τι οἶδα πυρετοῦ ἀ. good for it, Id. Mem. 3.8.3 ; ἑλκῶν Thphr. HP 9.11.1 . 2. of outward circumstances, αἰδὼς οὐκ ἀ. κεχρημένῳ ἀνδρὶ παρεῖναι Od. 17.347 ; εἰπεῖν εἰς ἀγαθόν to good purpose, Il. 9.102 ; ὁ δὲ πείσεται εἰς ἀ. περ for his own good end, 11.789 ; οὐκ ἀγαθὸν πολυκοιρανίη 2.204 : — ἀγαθόν [ἐστι ], c. inf. , it is good to do so and so[*] Il. 7.282 , 24.130 , Od. 3.196 , etc. 3. morally good, πρῆξις Democr. 177 ; ἔργα Emp. 112.2 , cf. Ep.Rom. 2.7 , etc. 4. ἀγαθόν, τό , good, blessing, benefit, of persons or things, ὦ μέγα ἀ. σὺ τοῖς φίλοις X. Cyr. 5.3.20 ; φίλον, ὃ μέγιστον ἀ. εἶναί φασι Id. Mem. 2.4.2 , cf. Ar. Ra. 74 , etc; as term of endearment for a baby, blessing!, treasure!, Men. Sam. 28 : — ἀγαθόν τινα δεδρακέναι, πεποιηκέναι confer a benefit on . . , Th. 3.68 , Lys. 13.92 ; ἐπ' ἀγαθῷ τινος for one's good, Th. 5.27 , X. Cyr. 7.4.3 ; ἐπ' ἀ. τοῖς πολίταις Ar. Ra. 1487 ; οὐκ ἐπ' ἀ. for no good end, Th. 1.131 ; ἐπ' οὐδενὶ ἀ. τῆς Ἑλλάδος X. HG 5.2.35 : — in pl., ἡ ἐπ' ἀγαθοῖς γεναμένη (sic) κατασπορά PFlor. 21.10 (iii A.D.) : — τὸ ἀ. or τἀ., the good, Epich. 171.5 , cf. Pl. R. 506b , 508e , Arist. Metaph. 1091a31 , etc.: — in pl., ἀγαθά, τά , goods of fortune, treasures, wealth, Hdt. 2.172 , Lys. 13.91 , X. Mem. 1.2.63 , etc.; ἀγαθὰ πράττειν fare well, Ar. Av. 1706 ; also, good things, dainties, Thgn. 1000 , Ar. Ach. 873 , etc.: good qualities, τοῖς ἀ., οἷς ἔχομεν ἐν τῇ ψυχῇ Isoc. 8.32 , cf. Democr. 37 ; good points, of a horse, εἰ τἄλλα πάντα ἀ. ἔχοι, κακόπους δ' εἴη X. Eq. 1.2 . III Comp. and Sup. are usu. supplied from other stems, viz. Comp. ἀμείνων, ἀρείων[] βελτίων, κρείσσων (κάρρων), λωΐων ( λὥων ), Ep. βέλτερος, λωΐτερος, φέρτερος : — Sup. ἄριστος, βέλτιστος, κράτιστος, λώϊστος ( λῷστος ), Ep. βέλτατος, κάρτιστος, φέρτατος, φέριστος : — later, reg. Comp. ἀγαθώτερος LXX Jd. 11.25 , LXX Jd. 15.2 , D.S. 8 Fr. 12, Plot. 5.5.9 , Diod.Rh. p.53.9H. : Sup. ἀγαθώτατος D.S. 16.85 , Hld. 5.15 , etc. ( -ότατος POxy. 1757.26 (ii A.D.) ). Adv. usually εὖ, q.v.: ἀγαθῶς Hp. Off. 9 , Arist. Rh. 1388b6 , LXX 1 Ki. 20.7 . (Etym. dub. ( ὅτι ἄγει ἡμᾶς ἐπὶ τὸν ὀρθὸν βίον Stoic. 3.49 ); perh. cognate with ἄγαμαι, hence admirable. ) What do you think of for “good things” in this verse? Do material needs come to mind? Some interpreters say that is the interpretation of this verse. I don't think that is Paul's intention. I don't think material support is necessarily excluded from the interpretation, but I believe the good things here is larger, and Paul is instructing the one being corrected to look out for the good of his instructor. I think this is to humbly accept the instruction, and not be bitter and resentful about it, and to have an attitude of humility and thankfulness in accepting God's word and the correction, in doing so thinking of the good of the instructor and not attacking them for trying to help. I believe this is justified by the larger definition we see for ἀγαθός and comparison of how Paul uses the term in closely related situations and letters (Gal 6:10; Rom 2:7, 2:10, 3:8, 5:7, 7:12-13, 7:18-19, 8:28, etc). This also fits the immediate context much better than all of a sudden a verse in the middle on compensating teachers. The context here is someone in the flesh, being caught in a transgression, being gently restored by an instructor of God's word, in the Spirit. The context of the letter, and context of the immediate section don't fit the narrower interpretaton or the verse in a different context. |
| Gal 6:7 |
Gal 6:7 Do not be deceived, God is not mocked; for whatever a man sows, this he will also reap. Still in context, I believe this is a warning to the person being corrected, and to those looking to the flesh for their justification. mocked: G3456 μυκτηρίζω muktērizō; from μυκτήρ muktēr (nostril); to turn up the nose or sneer at:– NASB usage: mocked(1). LSJ: μυκτηρ-ίζω , turn up the nose, sneer at , Lys. Fr. 323 S. , LXX Pr. 1.30 , al., S.E. M. 1.217 : — Pass. , to be mocked , LXX Je. 20.7 : hence, to be outwitted, Ep.Gal. 6.7. II bleed at the nose , Hp. Epid. 7.123 . This word is used in the LXX in Pr 1:30, and Jer 20:7. Prov 1:30 especially seems in context with the teaching here: Prov 1:20 Wisdom shouts in the street, She lifts her voice in the square; Prov 1:21 At the head of the noisy streets she cries out; At the entrance of the gates in the city, she utters her sayings: Prov 1:22 “How long, O naive ones, will you love simplicity? And scoffers delight themselves in scoffing, And fools hate knowledge? Prov 1:23 “Turn to my reproof, Behold, I will pour out my spirit on you; I will make my words known to you. Prov 1:24 “Because I called, and you refused; I stretched out my hand, and no one paid attention; Prov 1:25 And you neglected all my counsel, And did not want my reproof; Prov 1:26 I will even laugh at your calamity; I will mock when your dread comes, Prov 1:27 When your dread comes like a storm, And your calamity comes on like a whirlwind, When distress and anguish come on you. Prov 1:28 “Then they will call on me, but I will not answer; They will seek me diligently, but they shall not find me, Prov 1:29 Because they hated knowledge, And did not choose the fear of the LORD. Prov 1:30 “They would not accept my counsel, They spurned all my reproof. Prov 1:31 “So they shall eat of the fruit of their own way, And be satiated with their own devices. Prov 1:32 “For the waywardness of the naive shall kill them, And the complacency of fools shall destroy them. Prov 1:33 “But he who listens to me shall live securely, And shall be at ease from the dread of evil.” Also, think about the method of correction for the one in transgression. It is God's word we are instructed to use. It isn't our own wisdom. So, if the one being corrected is unrepentant, thinks they are outwitting the wisdom of God's word, the wisdom of the Spirit, spurning sound teaching, then this is a very apt and fitting warning to them. Also, think back now to the fruit of the Spirit, and the ways of the flesh. If one is clinging to their sin, in the face of God's word and correction, the fruit that this bears is not going to be the fruit of the Spirit. There is going to be enmity, strife, jealousy, outbursts of anger, disputes, dissension, etc. But, if the one being corrected listens to God's word, and to the Spirit, and recognizes their transgression, and looks out for the good of their instructor instead of sowing resentment or hostility, you will see this bear the fruit of the Spirit. |
| Gal 6:8 |
Gal 6:8 For the one who sows to his own flesh shall from the flesh reap corruption, but the one who sows to the Spirit shall from the Spirit reap eternal life. Paul is expanding context here slightly, or more likely I have been a little too narrow. But, this brings back into view the false teaching from the Judaizers. If your motive is to justify yourself, through your works, what you will reap from this is corruption. corruption: G5356 φθορά phthora; from G5351; destruction, corruption:– NASB usage: corruption(4), destruction(1), killed(1), perish(1), perishable(2). LSJ: φθορ-ά , Ion. φθορή , ἡ , ( φθείρω ) destruction, ruin, Hdt. 2.161 , 7.18 , Hp. Vict. 1.5 , A. Ag. 406 (lyr.), etc.; of persons, death, esp. by some general visitation, as pestilence, Th. 2.47 , Pl. Lg. 677a (pl.), GDI 5104c11 (Crete, pl.); ἀνδροθνῆτας Ἰλίου φθοράς A. Ag. 814 . of animals, loss by death, PStrassb. 24.26,31 (ii A. D.) . 2. Philos., passing out of existence, ceasing to be, γενομένῳ παντὶ φ. ἐστι Pl. R. 546a ; περὶ γενέσεως καὶ φθορᾶς Id. Phd. 95e , title of work by Arist. , cf. Pl. Phlb. 55a , Arist. Ph. 229b13 , Gal. 6.6; ἡ φ. μεταβολή τίς ἐστι τῶν φθειρομένων εἰς τοὐναντίον ἑκάστῳ Plu. 2.948f : pl., Pl. Phd. 96b , R. 490e , al.: with dat. (instrumental), ἡ μεγίστηφθορὰ ὕδασιν Id. Ti. 23c , cf. 22d . 3. deterioration, εἰς καρπογονίαν in respect of . . Thphr. CP 5.8.2 . loss by deterioration, ἐκφορίου . . ἀνυπολόγου πάο ης φθορᾶς PTeb. 105.3 , 18 (ii B. C.) ; damage, ἐκτεῖσαι τὴν γεγονυῖαν ὑπ' αὐτῶν τοῦ χόρτου . . φ. BGU 1824.29 (i B. C.) ; misspelt φθαρά ib. 1866.3 (i B. C.) . 4. seduction, ἐλευθέρων Lexap. Aeschin. 1.12 ; παρθένων, γυναικῶν, Plu. 2.712c (pl.), Vett.Val. 2.37 (pl.), cf. Parth. 35.3 , D.H. 2.25 ; rape, Str. 6.1.6 . 5. abortion or miscarriage, IG 22.1365.22, 1366.7, Sor. 1.56 , Gal. 17(1).800; τοῦ ἐμβρύου Sor. 1.59 . 6. gradation of colours in painting, Plu. 2.346a; τὰς μίξεις τῶν χρωμάτων οἱ ζωγράφοι φθορὰς ὀνομάζουσι ib.725c, cf. 393c. 7. = cross φθόη , Hp. Aph. 7.80 . 8. storm-tossings or shipwrecks, τί τοι λέγοιμ' ἂν τὰς ἐν Αἰγαίῳ φθοράς; E. Hel. 766 ; cf. φθείρω 11.4 if your source of justification is yourself, your works, your end will be destruction. We know that one is not justified by works, but only by faith. But, if your source of justification is faith in the Spirit, faith in who God is, and what Christ has done for you. If you are sealed by the Holy Spirit, bearing fruit in the Spirit to God, your “end” will be eternal life, provided by God. eternal G166 αἰώνιος aiōnios; from G165; agelong, eternal:– NASB usage: eternal(66), eternity(1), forever(1). G2222 ζωή zōē; from G2198; life:– NASB usage: alive(1), life(133), living(1). This verse ties in very well with overall context of the letter, and with the concept of justification by faith vs justification by works done by oneself. But, how does this tie to the immediate context of correcting a brother in transgression? I don't believe it is trying to teach that the brother in transgression is not going to receive eternal life due to their transgression. The important concept is that if they are depending upon the Spirit for life, from the Spirit life will come. If they are depending upon themselves, on their works, on the flesh for their salvation and eternal life, then from that they will reap destruction. Part of the way that is evident within the church is their works, is the fruit they bear. But, if they are in the Spirit, the transgression was handled at the cross. When confronted with the transgression, with God's word, in the Spirit they will most likely turn from the transgression and accept the correction. But, Paul makes very clear that if you are the one doing the correction, you need to examine yourself and cling to the source of your justification and not be drawn into the transgression, and be sure you are correcting in the Spirit. |
| Gal 6:9 |
Gal 6:9 And let us not lose heart in doing good, for in due time we shall reap if we do not grow weary. We should keep doing good to one another. We shouldn't be discouraged when doing good in the Spirit. Is this somewhat autobiographical with Paul and the Galatians? lose heart G1457b ἐγκακέω egkakeō; from G1722 and G2556; to lose heart:– NASB usage: grow weary(1), lose heart(5). LSJ: ἐγκᾰκέω , behave remissly in a thing, ἐνεκάκησαν τὸ πέμπειν they culpably omitted to send, Plb. 4.19.10 , cf. Thd. Pr. 3.11, Sm. Ge. 27.46: c. part. , τὸ καλὸν ποιοῦντες μὴ ἐγκακῶμεν Ep.Gal. 6.9 : abs., Ev.Luc. 18.1 , al., cf. BGU 1043.3 (iii A. D.) ; cf. ἐκκακέω . II ἐγκακοῦμεν· ὑψοῦμεν , Hsch. grow weary: G1590 ἐκλύω ekluō; from G1537 and G3089; to loose, release, to grow weary:– NASB usage: faint(3), grow weary(1), lose(1). LSJ: ἐκλύω [ ῡ , v. λύω ], set free, πόνων from labours, A. Pr. 328 ; release, ὕδατα PTeb. 49.6 (ii B. C.) : — Pass. , to be set free, ἐκλέλυμαι πόθου Thgn. 1339 ; ἐκ δεσμῶν Pl. Phd. 67d : — Med. , get one set free, release, ἀλλ' ἄγε δή σε κακῶν ἐκλύσομαι Od. 10.286 ; τοῦ φόβου σ' ἐξελυσάμην S. OT 1003 ; θανάτου νιν ἐκλύσασθε E. Andr. 818 ; ἐξελυσάμην βροτοὺς τὸ μὴ μολεῖν A. Pr. 237 : c. acc. pers. only, ἐξελύσαντο τοὺς Ἀργείους X. HG 7.1.25 : abs., ἐξελυσάμην I delivered him from danger, S. Aj. 531 . II unloose, ἐ. τόξα unstring a bow, Hdt. 2.173 ; ἐ. ἁρμούς E. Hipp. 825 ; σκαιὸν ἐκλύσων στόμα likely to let loose a foolish tongue, S. Aj. 1225 . 2. make an end of, ἐξέλυσας..σκληρᾶς ἀοιδοῦ δασμόν paid it off, Id. OT 35 ; ἐπίπονον ἁμέραν Id. Tr. 654 ; μόχθον E. Ph. 695 ; ἔριν καὶ φιλονικίαν D. 9.14 ; ἐξελύσατε (v.l. -λύσασθε ) τὰς παρασκευάς Id. 18.26 . 3. relax, Arist. HA 610a27 ; τῆς φροντίδος τὸ ἀκριβές Luc. Dom. 17 : — Pass. , to be faint, fail, Hp. Aph. 2.41 , Isoc. 15.59 , D. 19.224 , Phld. Ir. p.69 W., etc.; πρὸς τὸν πόλεμον Isoc. 4.150 ; ἐκλυθῆναι τοῖς σώμασι, τῇ ψυχῇ, Arist. Fr. 144 , Plb. 29.17.4 (so intr. in Act. , J. BJ 1.33.5 ), etc.; of things, to be unserviceable, τὰ τῶν πλοίων ἐκλελυμένα Arist. Pol. 1320b37 ; ἐκλύεται ὁ ῥοῦς, τὰ ῥεύματα, cease, Plb. 4.43.9 , 4.41.5 . 4. Medic., ἐ. κοιλίαν relax the bowels, Dsc. 4.169. 5. pay in full, δάνειον Plu. Caes. 12 ( Pass. ). purchase, Herod. 6.91 . 6. resolve a doubt, in Pass. , A.D. Synt. 176.24 ; also τὰ ὑπ' ἀμφιβολίαν πίπτοντα ἐκλύεται τοῦ ἀμφιβόλου ib. 311.11 . 7. dissolve, τι ὄξει Gal. 11.106 . III intr., to break up, depart, LXX 2 Ma. 13.16 . |
| Gal 6:10 |
Gal 6:10 So then, while we have opportunity, let us do good to all men, and especially to those who are of the household of the faith. opportunity: G2540 καιρός kairos; a prim. word; time, season:– NASB usage: age(1), epochs(2), occasion(1), opportune time(1), opportunity(3), proper time(5), right time(1), season(1), seasons(4), short*(1), time(54), times(11), while(1). do: G2038b ἐργάζομαι ergazomai; from G2041; to work, labor:– NASB usage: accomplish(1), accomplished(1), accomplishing(1), achieve(1), committing(1), do(1), do...work(1), does(3), doing(1), doing...work(1), done(2), make...living(1), perform(4), performed(1), performing(1), practice(1), produces(1), traded(1), work(9), work be done(1), work do...perform(1), working(7), works(1), wrought(1). Tense: Present Voice: middle or passive depoNent Mood: Subjunctive Person: first Number: Plural good: G18 ἀγαθός agathos; of unc. or.; good:– NASB usage: generous(1), good(81), good man(2), good thing(6), good things(6), goodness(1), goods(2), kind(1), kindly(1), kindness(1). We should do good to everyone, but especially to those in the church with us. You get a sense of disunity, of the false teaching causing all kinds of problems in the Galatian church. Paul is gently correcting them, gently correcting that and providing the example he talks about here to the Galatians. Not in the flesh, for his own benefit, but through the Holy Spirit, being used by the Holy Spirit. |
| Verse | Observations |
| Gal 6:1 - Gal 6:10 |
This is a very humbling passage. The Holy Spirit has really used this passage to teach me this week. Casual reading of this text without factoring in the context of the letter and section can lead to great deal of proof texting or making up your own meaning outside of what Paul intended. I still hope I am not trying to do that, as I did find myself jumping to significance while exegeting this text.
First, the obvious significance, is that we are to look at the source of our salvation before we do anything. If we are clinging to works, clinging to ourselves, we aren't in a postion to correct others, and should not be doing so. The false teachers to the Galatians were in this place. They were teaching from the flesh, and falsely correcting Paul's teaching to the Galatians, leading the Galatians astray resulting in all kinds of works of the flesh in the Galatian church it seems. Paul is definitely correcting some type of disunity which are the results of this false teaching. We know that there were authentic believers who accepted by faith the Gospel - the life, death, and resurrection of Christ, as evidenced by the Holy Spirit actively working among them. So, we need to be very humble, and be sure we are teaching God's word, correcting with God's word, and not with the flesh or anything false, or we should also expect to see the fruit of our work come from the flesh if that is the source, even potentially leading people to the point of destruction if they are trusting in the flesh. False teaching is an incredibly serious thing. We need to be very careful to examine our motives. Second, when correcting a brother, we need to do so very humbly and dependently on the Spirit. It is so easy to pile on, to see them as fallen and yourself as superior, when in actuality you have your own sin and transgressions, that may or may not overlap with your brother's, but makes you equally as fallen, equally as bad. Only by God's grace, and by dependence on the Holy Spirit, will you not go there or into another transgression. Third, the time is short. We are here to do good, out of dependence on the Holy Spirit to point people to God. Go good while you have the chance. |
| Verse | Observations |
| Gal 6:1 - Gal 6:10 |