Galatians 6:2

New Testament Epistle (Pauline) ASV (1901)

What does Galatians 6:2 say?

The American Standard Version records this verse as: “Bear ye one another`s burdens, and so fulfil the law of Christ.” Read the surrounding verses and the named sources below before drawing broader conclusions.

The verse

Bear ye one another`s burdens, and so fulfil the law of Christ.
Galatians 6:2 — American Standard Version

Context — Galatians 6

American Standard Version (1901) — public domain. Click any verse for its study page.
2Bear ye one another`s burdens, and so fulfil the law of Christ.

What do historical commentaries say?

John Gill's Exposition
John Gill (1697–1771) · Exposition of the Old and New Testament · 18th-century historical commentary
“Bear ye one another's burdens, etc..] Which may be understood either of sins, which are heavy burdens to sensible sinners, to all that are partakers of the grace of God; Christ is only able to bear these burdens, so as to remove them and take them away, which he has done by his blood, sacrifice, and satisfaction; saints bear one another's, not by making satisfaction for them, which they are not able to do, nor by conniving at them, and suffering them upon them, which they should not do, but by gently reproving them, by comforting them when overpressed with guilt, by sympathizing with them in their sorrow, by praying to God for to manifest his pardoning grace to them, and by forgiving them…”
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Jamieson, Fausset & Brown
Robert Jamieson, A. R. Fausset & David Brown · Commentary Critical and Explanatory on the Whole Bible · 19th-century historical commentary
“If ye, legalists, must "bear burdens," then instead of legal burdens (Mat 23:4), "bear one another's burdens," literally, "weights." Distinguished by BENGEL from "burden," Gal 6:4 (a different Greek word, "load"): "weights" exceed the strength of those under them; "burden" is proportioned to the strength. so fulfil--or as other old manuscripts read, "so ye will fulfil," Greek, "fill up," "thoroughly fulfil." the law of Christ--namely, "love" (Gal 5:14). Since ye desire "the law," then fulfil the law of Christ, which is not made up of various minute observances, but whose sole "burden" is "love" (Joh 13:34; Joh 15:12); Rom 15:3 gives Christ as the example in the particular duty here.”
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Barnes' Notes
Albert Barnes (1798–1870) · Notes on the Whole Bible · 19th-century historical commentary
“Bear ye one another’s burdens - See the note at Romans 15:1. Bear with each other; help each other in the divine life. The sense is, that every man has special temptations and easily besetting sins, which constitute a heavy burden. We should aid each other in regard to these, and help one another to overcome them. And so fulfil the law of Christ - The special law of Christ, requiring us to love one another; see the note at John 13:34. This was the distinguishing law of the Redeemer; and they could in no way better fulfil it than by aiding each other in the divine life. The law of Christ would not allow us to reproach the offender, or to taunt him, or to rejoice in his fall. We should help…”
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Wesley's Explanatory Notes
John Wesley (1703–1791) · Explanatory Notes upon the New Testament and Old Testament notes · 18th-century historical commentary
“Bear ye one another's burdens - Sympathize with, and assist, each other, in all your weaknesses, grievances, trials. And so fulfil the law of Christ - The law of Christ (an uncommon expression) is the law of love: this our Lord peculiarly recommends; this he makes the distinguishing mark of his disciples. Galatians 6:3”
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Tyndale Open Study Notes
Tyndale House Publishers · Tyndale Open Study Notes · Modern study notes
“6:2 Carrying each other’s burdens (6:1) fulfills the law of Christ to love one another (5:13-14; see also Lev 19:18; Matt 22:36-40; John 13:34; 15:12; 1 Jn 3:23).”
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Treasury of Scriptural Knowledge
R. A. Torrey and contributors · The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge · Cross-reference reference work
“Bear: Gal 6:5, Gal 5:13, Gal 5:14; Exo 23:5; Num 11:11, Num 11:12; Deu 1:12; Isa 58:6; Mat 8:17, Mat 11:29, Mat 11:30; Luk 11:46; Rom 15:1; Th1 5:14; Pe1 2:24 the law: Joh 13:14, Joh 13:15, Joh 13:34, Joh 15:12; Co1 9:21; Jam 2:8; Jo1 2:8-11, Jo1 4:21 Galatians 6:3”
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Related study paths

Sources and verification