Galatians Chapter 6

New Testament Epistle (Pauline) 18 Verses

What is Galatians 6 about?

The Magna Carta of Christian liberty — justification by faith alone, not by works of the law, and freedom in the Spirit. The complete chapter text below provides the immediate literary context for study.

Text — American Standard Version (1901)

American Standard Version (1901) — public domain. For original Hebrew/Greek interlinear text, open in BibleWord.ai.
1Brethren, even if a man be overtaken in any trespass, ye who are spiritual, restore such a one in a spirit of gentleness; looking to thyself, lest thou also be tempted.
2Bear ye one another`s burdens, and so fulfil the law of Christ.
3For if a man thinketh himself to be something when he is nothing, he deceiveth himself.
4But let each man prove his own work, and then shall he have his glorying in regard of himself alone, and not of his neighbor.
5For each man shall bear his own burden.
6But let him that is taught in the word communicate unto him that teacheth in all good things.
7Be not deceived; God is not mocked: for whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap.
8For he that soweth unto his own flesh shall of the flesh reap corruption; but he that soweth unto the Spirit shall of the Spirit reap eternal life.
9And let us not be weary in well-doing: for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not.
10So then, as we have opportunity, let us work that which is good toward all men, and especially toward them that are of the household of the faith.
11See with how large letters I write unto you with mine own hand.
12As many as desire to make a fair show in the flesh, they compel you to be circumcised; only that they may not be persecuted for the cross of Christ.
13For not even they who receive circumcision do themselves keep the law; but they desire to have you circumcised, that they may glory in your flesh.
14But far be it from me to glory, save in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, through which the world hath been crucified unto me, and I unto the world.
15For neither is circumcision anything, nor uncircumcision, but a new creature.
16And as many as shall walk by this rule, peace [be] upon them, and mercy, and upon the Israel of God.
17Henceforth, let no man trouble me; for I bear branded on my body the marks of Jesus.
18The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit, brethren. Amen.

What do historical commentaries say about this chapter?

John Gill's Exposition
John Gill (1697–1771) · Exposition of the Old and New Testament · on verse 1
“Brethren, if a man be overtaken in a fault, etc..] Or “be taken before” in one; not, as Grotius thinks, before this epistle should come to them, which is a very jejune and empty sense of the words; nor before the conversion of the man, because sins before conversion do not come under the notice and cognizance of a church, or are liable to its reproofs and censures; but before the man is aware, through negligence and imprudence, for want of caution and circumspection, and so is carried away, either through the treachery of his own heart, and the power of corruption; or through the temptations of Satan, who goes…”
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Jamieson, Fausset & Brown
Robert Jamieson, A. R. Fausset & David Brown · Commentary Critical and Explanatory on the Whole Bible · on verse 1
“EXHORTATIONS CONTINUED; TO FORBEARANCE AND HUMILITY; LIBERALITY TO TEACHERS AND IN GENERAL. POSTSCRIPT AND BENEDICTION. (Gal. 6:1-18) Brethren--An expression of kindness to conciliate attention. Translate as Greek, "If a man even be overtaken" (that is, caught in the very act [ALFORD and ELLICOTT]: BEFORE he expects: unexpectedly). BENGEL explains the "before" in the Greek compound verb, "If a man be overtaken in a fault before ourselves": If another has really been overtaken in a fault the first; for often he who is first to find fault, is the very one who has first transgressed. a fault--Greek, "a…”
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Barnes' Notes
Albert Barnes (1798–1870) · Notes on the Whole Bible · on verse 1
“Brethren, if a man be overtaken - Margin, “Although.” It is a case which the apostle supposes might happen. Christians were not perfect; and it was possible that they who were true Christians might be surprised by temptation, and fall into sin. The word rendered “be overtaken” (προλημφθῃ prolēmphthē from προλαμβάνω prolambanō), means properly “to take before another, to anticipate” 1 Corinthians 11:21; then “to be before taken or caught”; and may here mean either that one had been formerly guilty of sin or had been recently hurried on by his passions or by temptations to commit a fault. It is probable that…”
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Wesley's Explanatory Notes
John Wesley (1703–1791) · Explanatory Notes upon the New Testament and Old Testament notes · on verse 1
“Brethren, if a man be overtaken in any fault - By surprise, ignorance, or stress of temptation. Ye who are spiritual - Who continue to live and walk by the Spirit. Restore such an one - By reproof, instruction, or exhortation. Every one who can, ought to help herein; only in the spirit of meekness - This is essential to a spiritual man; and in this lies the whole force of the cure. Considering thyself - The plural is beautifully changed into the singular. Let each take heed to himself. Lest thou also be tempted - Temptation easily and swiftly passes from one to another; especially if a man endeavours to cure…”
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Tyndale Open Study Notes
Tyndale House Publishers · Tyndale Open Study Notes · on verse 1
“6:1-10 Living by the Spirit (5:13–6:10) results in doing good (6:1-5) and reaping rewards from one’s work (6:6-10). 6:1-5 Paul outlines how to treat other Christians with love when they sin. 6:1 Perhaps some of the Galatians were proud of their obedience to the law or their spiritual freedom and willpower. But those who are truly godly are not proud of their accomplishments but humbly help others. • be careful: We are all susceptible to the same temptation to sin (Rom 3:9-20).”
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Treasury of Scriptural Knowledge
R. A. Torrey and contributors · The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge · on verse 1
“if: or, although overtaken: Gal 2:11-13; Gen 9:20-24, Gen 12:11-13; Num 20:10-13; 2Sam. 11:2-27; Mat 26:69, Mat 26:75; Rom 14:1, Rom 15:1; Heb 12:13; Jam 5:19 spiritual: Rom 8:6, Rom 15:1; Co1 2:15, Co1 3:1, Co1 14:37 restore: Sa2 12:1-15; Job 4:3, Job 4:4; Isa 35:3, Isa 35:4; Eze 34:16; Mat 9:13, Mat 18:12-15; Luk 15:4-7, Luk 15:22-32; Heb 12:13; Jam 5:19, Jam 5:20; Jo1 5:16; Jde 1:22, Jde 1:23 in the: Gal 5:23; Mat 11:29; Co1 4:21; Co2 10:1; Th2 3:15; Ti2 2:25; Jam 3:13; Pe1 3:15 considering: Co1 7:5, Co1 10:12; Heb 13:3; Jam 3:2 Galatians 6:2”
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