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Galatians 6
New English Translation

Support One Another

6 Brothers and sisters,[a] if a person[b] is discovered in some sin,[c] you who are spiritual[d] restore such a person in a spirit of gentleness.[e] Pay close attention[f] to yourselves, so that you are not tempted too. 2 Carry one another’s burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ. 3 For if anyone thinks he is something when he is nothing, he deceives himself. 4 Let each one examine[g] his own work. Then he can take pride[h] in himself and not compare himself with[i] someone else. 5 For each one will carry[j] his own load.

6 Now the one who receives instruction in the word must share all good things with the one who teaches[k] it. 7 Do not be deceived. God will not be made a fool.[l] For a person[m] will reap what he sows, 8 because the person who sows to his own flesh[n] will reap corruption[o] from the flesh,[p] but the one who sows to the Spirit will reap eternal life from the Spirit. 9 So we must not grow weary[q] in doing good, for in due time we will reap, if we do not give up.[r] 10 So then,[s] whenever we have an opportunity, let us do good to all people, and especially to those who belong to the family of faith.[t]

Final Instructions and Benediction

11 See what big letters I make as I write to you with my own hand!

12 Those who want to make a good showing in external matters[u] are trying to force you to be circumcised. They do so[v] only to avoid being persecuted[w] for the cross of Christ. 13 For those who are circumcised do not obey the law themselves, but they want you to be circumcised so that they can boast about your flesh.[x] 14 But may I never boast except in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, through which[y] the world has been crucified to me, and I to the world. 15 For[z] neither circumcision nor uncircumcision counts for[aa] anything; the only thing that matters is a new creation![ab] 16 And all who will behave[ac] in accordance with this rule, peace and mercy be on them, and on the Israel of God.[ad]

17 From now on let no one cause me trouble, for I bear the marks of Jesus on my body.[ae]

18 The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be[af] with your spirit, brothers and sisters.[ag] Amen.

Footnotes

  1. Galatians 6:1 tn Grk “brothers.” See note on the phrase “brothers and sisters” in 1:11.
  2. Galatians 6:1 tn Here ἄνθρωπος (anthrōpos) is used in a generic sense, referring to both men and women.
  3. Galatians 6:1 tn Or “some transgression” (L&N 88.297).
  4. Galatians 6:1 sn Who are spiritual refers to people who are controlled and directed by God’s Spirit.
  5. Galatians 6:1 tn Or “with a gentle spirit” or “gently.”
  6. Galatians 6:1 tn Grk “taking careful notice.”
  7. Galatians 6:4 tn Or “determine the genuineness of.”
  8. Galatians 6:4 tn Grk “he will have a reason for boasting.”
  9. Galatians 6:4 tn Or “and not in regard to.” The idea of comparison is implied in the context.
  10. Galatians 6:5 tn Or perhaps, “each one must carry.” A number of modern translations treat βαστάσει (bastasei) as an imperatival future.
  11. Galatians 6:6 tn Or “instructs,” “imparts.”
  12. Galatians 6:7 tn Or “is not mocked,” “will not be ridiculed” (L&N 33.409). BDAG 660 s.v. μυκτηρίζω has “of God οὐ μ. he is not to be mocked, treated w. contempt, perh. outwitted Gal 6:7.”
  13. Galatians 6:7 tn Here ἄνθρωπος (anthrōpos) is used in a generic sense, referring to both men and women.
  14. Galatians 6:8 tn BDAG 915 s.v. σάρξ 2.c.α states: “In Paul’s thought esp., all parts of the body constitute a totality known as σ. or flesh, which is dominated by sin to such a degree that wherever flesh is, all forms of sin are likew. present, and no good thing can live in the σάρξ…Gal 5:13, 24; …Opp. τὸ πνεῦμα…Gal 3:3; 5:16, 17ab; 6:8ab.”
  15. Galatians 6:8 tn Or “destruction.”
  16. Galatians 6:8 tn See the note on the previous occurrence of the word “flesh” in this verse.
  17. Galatians 6:9 tn Or “not become discouraged,” “not lose heart” (L&N 25.288).
  18. Galatians 6:9 tn Or “if we do not become extremely weary,” “if we do not give out,” “if we do not faint from exhaustion” (L&N 23.79).
  19. Galatians 6:10 tn There is a double connective here that cannot be easily preserved in English: “consequently therefore,” emphasizing the conclusion of what Paul has been arguing.
  20. Galatians 6:10 tn Grk “to those who are members of the family of [the] faith.”
  21. Galatians 6:12 tn Grk “in the flesh.” L&N 88.236 translates the phrase “those who force you to be circumcised are those who wish to make a good showing in external matters.”
  22. Galatians 6:12 tn Grk “to be circumcised, only.” Because of the length and complexity of the Greek sentence, a new sentence was started with the words “They do so,” which were supplied to make a complete English sentence.
  23. Galatians 6:12 tc ‡ Grk “so that they will not be persecuted.” The indicative after ἵνα μή (hina mē) is unusual (though not unexampled elsewhere in the NT), making it the harder reading. The evidence is fairly evenly split between the indicative διώκονται (diōkontai; P46 A C F G K L P 0278 6 81 104 326 629 1175 1241 1505 2464 pm) and the subjunctive διώκωνται (diōkōntai; א B D Ψ 33 365 1739 pm), with a slight preference for the subjunctive. However, since scribes would tend to change the indicative to a subjunctive due to syntactical requirements, the internal evidence is decidedly on the side of the indicative, suggesting that it is the autographic wording.
  24. Galatians 6:13 tn Or “boast about you in external matters,” “in the outward rite” (cf. v. 12).
  25. Galatians 6:14 tn Or perhaps, “through whom,” referring to the Lord Jesus Christ rather than the cross.
  26. Galatians 6:15 tc The phrase “in Christ Jesus” is found after “For” in some mss (א A C D F G 0278 1881 2464 M lat bo), but lacking in P46 B Ψ 33 1175 1505 1739* and several fathers. The longer reading probably represents a scribal harmonization to Gal 5:6.
  27. Galatians 6:15 tn Grk “is.”
  28. Galatians 6:15 tn Grk “but a new creation”; the words “the only thing that matters” have been supplied to reflect the implied contrast with the previous clause (see also Gal 5:6).
  29. Galatians 6:16 tn The same Greek verb, στοιχέω (stoicheō), occurs in Gal 5:25.
  30. Galatians 6:16 tn The word “and” (καί) can be interpreted in two ways: (1) It could be rendered as “also” which would indicate that two distinct groups are in view, namely “all who will behave in accordance with this rule” and “the Israel of God.” Or (2) it could be rendered “even,” which would indicate that “all who behave in accordance with this rule” are “the Israel of God.” In other words, in this latter view, “even” = “that is.”
  31. Galatians 6:17 tn Paul is probably referring to scars from wounds received in the service of Jesus, although the term στίγμα (stigma) may imply ownership and suggest these scars served as brands (L&N 8.55; 33.481; 90.84).
  32. Galatians 6:18 tn Or “is.” No verb is stated, but a wish (“be”) rather than a declarative statement (“is”) is most likely in a concluding greeting such as this.
  33. Galatians 6:18 tn Grk “brothers.” See note on the phrase “brothers and sisters” in 1:11.
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Galatians 6
King James Version

6 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.

2 Bear ye one another's burdens, and so fulfil the law of Christ.

3 For if a man think himself to be something, when he is nothing, he deceiveth himself.

4 But let every man prove his own work, and then shall he have rejoicing in himself alone, and not in another.

5 For every man shall bear his own burden.

6 Let him that is taught in the word communicate unto him that teacheth in all good things.

7 Be not deceived; God is not mocked: for whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap.

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.

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

10 As we have therefore opportunity, let us do good unto all men, especially unto them who are of the household of faith.

11 Ye see how large a letter I have written unto you with mine own hand.

12 As many as desire to make a fair shew in the flesh, they constrain you to be circumcised; only lest they should suffer persecution for the cross of Christ.

13 For neither they themselves who are circumcised keep the law; but desire to have you circumcised, that they may glory in your flesh.

14 But God forbid that I should glory, save in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, by whom the world is crucified unto me, and I unto the world.

15 For in Christ Jesus neither circumcision availeth any thing, nor uncircumcision, but a new creature.

16 And as many as walk according to this rule, peace be on them, and mercy, and upon the Israel of God.

17 From henceforth let no man trouble me: for I bear in my body the marks of the Lord Jesus.

18 Brethren, the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit. Amen.

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Galatians 6
New American Bible (Revised Edition)

Chapter 6

Life in the Community of Christ.[a] 1 Brothers, even if a person is caught in some transgression, you who are spiritual should correct that one in a gentle spirit, looking to yourself, so that you also may not be tempted.(A) 2 Bear one another’s burdens,(B) and so you will fulfill the law of Christ.[b] 3 (C)For if anyone thinks he is something when he is nothing, he is deluding himself. 4 [c]Each one must examine his own work, and then he will have reason to boast with regard to himself alone, and not with regard to someone else; 5 for each will bear his own load.(D)

6 (E)One who is being instructed in the word should share all good things with his instructor.[d] 7 Make no mistake: God is not mocked, for a person will reap only what he sows, 8 because the one who sows for his flesh will reap corruption from the flesh, but the one who sows for the spirit will reap eternal life from the spirit.(F) 9 Let us not grow tired of doing good, for in due time we shall reap our harvest, if we do not give up.(G) 10 So then, while we have the opportunity, let us do good to all,(H) but especially to those who belong to the family of the faith.[e]

VI. Conclusion

Final Appeal.[f] 11 See with what large letters[g] I am writing to you in my own hand!(I) 12 [h]It is those who want to make a good appearance in the flesh who are trying to compel you to have yourselves circumcised, only that they may not be persecuted for the cross of Christ.(J) 13 Not even those having themselves circumcised[i] observe the law themselves; they only want you to be circumcised so that they may boast of your flesh. 14 But may I never boast except in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, through which[j] the world has been crucified to me, and I to the world.(K) 15 For neither does circumcision mean anything, nor does uncircumcision,(L) but only a new creation.[k] 16 Peace and mercy be to all who follow this rule[l] and to the Israel of God.(M)

17 From now on, let no one make troubles for me; for I bear the marks of Jesus[m] on my body.(N)

18 The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit, brothers. Amen.(O)

Footnotes

  1. 6:1–10 The ethical exhortations begun at Gal 5:1 continue with a variety of admonitions to the community (brothers: see note on Gal 1:2). Nearly every sentence contains a separate item of practical advice; the faith and freedom of the gospel underlie each maxim. Tensions and temptation within communal life have previously been addressed in Gal 5:15, 26 and Gal 6:1 continues with a case in which a person is caught in some transgression such as those in Gal 5:19–21; cf. Gal 2:17.
  2. 6:2 The law of Christ: cf. Rom 8:2; 1 Cor 9:21; Gal 5:14. The principle of love for others is meant. To bear one another’s burdens is to “serve one another through love” (Gal 5:13).
  3. 6:4–5 Self-examination is the cure for self-deception. Compare what you are with what you were before, and give the glory to God; cf. Rom 6:19–22. Load: used elsewhere of a soldier’s pack. Correcting one’s own conduct avoids burdening others with it.
  4. 6:6 Implies oral instruction in the faith by catechists; these are to be remunerated for their service; cf. Rom 15:27.
  5. 6:10 The family of the faith: the Christian household or church. Doing good has a universal object (to all), but the local community makes specific the reality of those to be served.
  6. 6:11–18 A postscript in Paul’s own hand, as was his practice (see 1 Cor 16:21; 2 Thes 3:17). Paul summarizes his appeal against his opponents (Gal 6:12–13), then returns to his message of glorying in the cross, not in circumcision, as the means of salvation (Gal 6:14–15; cf. Gal 5:11). A benediction follows at Gal 6:16. In the polemical spirit that the attack on his apostleship called forth (Gal 1:11–2:21), Paul reasserts his missionary credentials (Gal 6:17) before giving a final benediction (Gal 6:18).
  7. 6:11 Large letters: in contrast to the finer hand of the scribe who wrote the letter up to this point. The larger Greek letters make Paul’s message even more emphatic. Some find a hint of poor eyesight on Paul’s part. See note on Gal 4:13.
  8. 6:12–15 The Jewish Christian opponents wished not to be persecuted, possibly by Jews. But since Judaism seems to have had a privileged status as a religion in the Roman empire, circumcised Christians might, if taken as Jews, thereby avoid persecution from the Romans. In any case, Paul instead stresses conformity with the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ; cf. Gal 2:19–21; 5:11.
  9. 6:13 Those having themselves circumcised: other manuscripts read, “those who have had themselves circumcised.”
  10. 6:14 Through which: or “through whom.”
  11. 6:15 New creation: or “new creature”; cf. 2 Cor 5:17.
  12. 6:16 This rule: the principle in Gal 6:14–15. The Israel of God: while the church may be meant (the phrase can be translated “to all who follow this rule, even the Israel of God”; cf. Gal 6:10; 1 Cor 10:18), the reference may also be to God’s ancient people, Israel; cf. Ps 125:5; 128:6.
  13. 6:17 The marks of Jesus: slaves were often branded by marks (stigmata) burned into their flesh to show to whom they belonged; so also were devotees of pagan gods. Paul implies that instead of outdated circumcision, his body bears the scars of his apostolic labors (2 Cor 11:22–31), such as floggings (Acts 16:22; 2 Cor 11:25) and stonings (Acts 14:19), that mark him as belonging to the Christ who suffered (cf. Rom 6:3; 2 Cor 4:10; Col 1:24) and will protect his own.
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