FocusRestoration, sowing, and perseverance
Connection to the wholePaul describes Spirit-shaped mutual care and personal responsibility, warning about sowing to the flesh and urging endurance in doing good.
interpretation Galatians 6:3
KJVFor if a man think himself to be something, when he is nothing, he deceiveth himself.
Read it in context
Bear burdens and do good
Start reading at Galatians 6:1 (Galatians 6:1 to Galatians 6:10).
An editorial reading unit, not a claim that the surrounding context stops here. Book background below applies to the shared passage; individual verses may need more specific explanation.
Paul describes Spirit-shaped mutual care and personal responsibility, warning about sowing to the flesh and urging endurance in doing good.
- 6:1 Brethren, if a man be overtaken in a fault, ye which are spiritual, restore such an one in the spirit of meekness; considering thyself, lest thou also be tempted.
- 6:2 Bear ye one another's burdens, and so fulfil the law of Christ.
- 6:3 For if a man think himself to be something, when he is nothing, he deceiveth himself.
- 6:4 But let every man prove his own work, and then shall he have rejoicing in himself alone, and not in another.
- 6:5 For every man shall bear his own burden.
- 6:6 Let him that is taught in the word communicate unto him that teacheth in all good things.
- 6:7 Be not deceived; God is not mocked: for whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap.
- 6:8 For he that soweth to his flesh shall of the flesh reap corruption; but he that soweth to the Spirit shall of the Spirit reap life everlasting.
- 6:9 And let us not be weary in well doing: for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not.
- 6:10 As we have therefore opportunity, let us do good unto all men, especially unto them who are of the household of faith.
Who
- Who wrote the book? Paul the apostle is the author, with the brethren who are with him included in the greeting. Biblical references: Galatians 1:1; Galatians 1:2. stated in the text
- Who was present or being addressed in this passage? In the surrounding chapter context (Galatians 5:1–6:18): Paul instructs the Galatian believers about liberty, love, walking in the Spirit, restoring an erring believer, and mutual responsibility. stated in the text
- Who was the book written to? The churches of Galatia, including Gentile converts being pressed about circumcision and observance of the law. Whether the destination is northern or southern Galatia remains debated. Biblical references: Galatians 1:2; Galatians 4:8; Galatians 5:2. stated in the text
What
- What is the topic of this reading unit? Bear burdens and do good. Read Galatians 6:1 through Galatians 6:10 as a connected unit. interpretation
- How does it contribute to the book? Paul describes Spirit-shaped mutual care and personal responsibility, warning about sowing to the flesh and urging endurance in doing good. interpretation
When
- When are the events or message set? The letter responds to an active dispute affecting the Galatian churches. Its modern dating depends in part on identifying the visit and communities under discussion. book background
Where
- What is the book’s geographic setting? The churches of Galatia are addressed. Jerusalem, Antioch, Arabia, and other places occur in Paul's account; the precise location of writing is not explicitly stated. book background
- Where does the context start? This passage sits in Bear burdens and do good (Galatians 6:1 to Galatians 6:10). Start reading at Galatians 6:1. An editorial reading unit, not a claim that the surrounding context stops here. Book background below applies to the shared passage; individual verses may need more specific explanation.
How
- How does this book connect with Jesus Christ? Paul argues from Christ's giving of Himself, redemption, and the promise to Abraham. He rejects reliance on the law as the basis of justification while calling the readers to walk in the Spirit. See Galatians 1:4, Galatians 3:13, Galatians 3:16, Galatians 5:16. interpretation
- How should this book guide our response? Defend the gospel without using liberty as an occasion for the flesh. Keep the letter's calls to faith working through love and perseverance in doing good alongside its rejection of boasting in the law. interpretation
Cited: Galatians 6:1, Galatians 6:10, Galatians 1:4, Galatians 3:13, Galatians 3:16, Galatians 5:16
Who wrote it, and how we know
Paul the apostle
Named in Scripture
What Scripture saysPaul names himself, and notes writing in his own hand.
Galatians 1:1Galatians 6:11
Early traditionUniform tradition names Paul.
What is debatedThe destination, north or south Galatia, is debated, which affects the date.
Related passages
- if Gal 2:6 Prov 25:14 Prov 26:12 Luke 18:11 Rom 12:3,16 1 Cor 3:18 1 Cor 8:2
- when 1 Cor 13:2 2 Cor 3:5 2 Cor 12:11
- he deceiveth 1 Cor 3:18 2 Tim 3:13 Jas 1:22,26 1 John 1:8
Cross references from CrossReferences-org (CC BY 4.0).
Macro-Structure
See how this passage fits the chapter and the book.
Galatians 6
Paul addresses the churches of Galatia concerning a departure from the gospel and pressure to take on circumcision and the law as the basis of justification. His defense of grace and faith is joined to baptism into Christ, life in the Spirit, and warnings against the works of the flesh.
Galatians 1:1 Galatians 1:2 Galatians 1:6 Galatians 3:27 Galatians 5:16
The closing contrast
Galatians 6:11–18FocusBoasting in the cross
Connection to the wholePaul exposes the motives behind the circumcision campaign and closes by locating his own boast in the cross and the significance of a new creature.
interpretation Suggested literary divisions. Headings summarize the passage; they are not part of the biblical text.
Galatians
Paul addresses the churches of Galatia concerning a departure from the gospel and pressure to take on circumcision and the law as the basis of justification. His defense of grace and faith is joined to baptism into Christ, life in the Spirit, and warnings against the works of the flesh.
Galatians 1:1 Galatians 1:2 Galatians 1:6 Galatians 3:27 Galatians 5:16
The gospel and Paul's commission
Galatians 1:1–2:21FocusAuthority, fellowship, and justification
Connection to the wholePaul recounts his calling and encounters with other leaders to defend the gospel against a requirement that would undermine justification through Christ.
interpretation Promise and the law
Galatians 3:1–4:31FocusAbraham, sonship, and freedom
Connection to the wholePaul reasons from Scripture and the readers' experience, explaining the relation of promise, law, and their identity in Christ.
interpretation FocusLove, holiness, and mutual responsibility
Connection to the wholeThe practical conclusion rejects both a return to bondage and the misuse of liberty, calling for Spirit-led conduct and perseverance in doing good.
interpretation Suggested literary divisions. Headings summarize the passage; they are not part of the biblical text.