New Testament · Letter

Galatians 6

Sowing and Reaping

Bear one another's burdens, don't grow weary in doing good, and remember: whatever you sow, you will reap. Paul signs off in his own large handwriting.

Berean Standard Bible BSB KJV

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1Brothers, if someone is caught in a trespass, you who are spiritual should restore him with a spirit of gentleness. But watch yourself, or you also may be tempted.

2Carry one another’s burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ.

3If anyone thinks he is something when he is nothing, he deceives himself.

4Each one should test his own work. Then he will have reason to boast in himself alone, and not in someone else.

5For each one should carry his own load.

6Nevertheless, the one who receives instruction in the word must share in all good things with his instructor.

7Do not be deceived: God is not to be mocked. Whatever a man sows, he will reap in return.

8The one who sows to please his flesh, from the flesh will reap destruction; but the one who sows to please the Spirit, from the Spirit will reap eternal life.

9Let us not grow weary in well-doing, for in due time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up.

10Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to everyone, and especially to the family of faith.

11See what large letters I am using to write to you with my own hand!

12Those who want to make a good impression outwardly are trying to compel you to be circumcised. They only do this to avoid persecution for the cross of Christ.

13For the circumcised do not even keep the law themselves, yet they want you to be circumcised that they may boast in your flesh.

14But as for me, may I never boast, except in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, through which the world has been crucified to me, and I to the world.

15For neither circumcision nor uncircumcision means anything. What counts is a new creation.

16Peace and mercy to all who walk by this rule, even to the Israel of God.

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

18The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit, brothers.

Understand This

Galatians 6, explained

What Galatians 6 is saying

Paul addresses practical community life: restoring the fallen gently, bearing one another's burdens (fulfilling the 'law of Christ'), providing for teachers, and the principle of sowing and reaping. He concludes with a forceful autograph ('see what large letters I use'), exposing the agitators' motivation—avoiding persecution for the cross—and declaring that neither circumcision nor uncircumcision matters, but only 'new creation' (kainē ktisis).

The background behind it

The large letters Paul mentions may indicate poor eyesight (possibly the 'thorn in the flesh'), emotional emphasis, or a common practice of authors adding a personal closing to a dictated letter. The 'marks of Jesus' (stigmata) he bears likely refer to scars from persecution, functioning as counter-credentials to circumcision.

Themes running underneath

The 'law of Christ'—mutual burden-bearing—provides the positive ethical content of freedom. The sowing-reaping principle applies both to moral choices and to financial support of teachers. 'New creation' serves as the ultimate criterion, transcending the circumcision debate entirely. Paul's stigmata replace circumcision as the authentic mark of covenant belonging.

Why it still matters

New creation is the final word: the entire circumcision controversy is rendered obsolete by the inaugurated eschatological reality. The community's vocation is mutual care, generous support, and persistent faithfulness.

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Scripture text: Berean Standard Bible — used by permission, Bible Hub.