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.

King James Version BSB KJV

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1Brethren, 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.

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

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

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

5For every man shall bear his own burden.

6Let 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 to his flesh shall of the flesh reap corruption; but he that soweth to the Spirit shall of the Spirit reap life everlasting.

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

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

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

12As 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.

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

14But 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.

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

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

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

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

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: King James Version — public domain.