The Bible — World English Bible

Galatians 6

In brief

Galatians 6 ends the letter with practical advice for life in community. Paul asks us to restore gently the one who stumbles, to bear one another's burdens, and not to think ourselves superior. He then states the principle of the sower: what we sow, we reap, depending on whether we sow to the flesh or to the Spirit. He encourages us not to grow weary of doing good, then sums up his message: only the cross of Christ and the new creation matter.

The chapter in 4 parts

  1. v. 1-5Restoring gently and bearing burdens
  2. v. 6-10Sowing and reaping: do not grow weary of doing good
  3. v. 11-15Boasting in the cross, not in circumcision
  4. v. 16-18Closing peace, mercy and grace

1Brothers, even if a man is caught in some fault, you who are spiritual must restore such a one in a spirit of gentleness; looking to yourself so that you also aren’t tempted.

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

3For if a man thinks himself to be something when he is nothing, he deceives himself.

4But let each man examine his own work, and then he will have reason to boast in himself, and not in someone else.

5For each man will bear his own burden.

6But let him who is taught in the word share all good things with him who teaches.

7Don’t be deceived. God is not mocked, for whatever a man sows, that he will also reap.

8For he who sows to his own flesh will from the flesh reap corruption. But he who sows to the Spirit will from the Spirit reap eternal life.

9Let’s not be weary in doing good, for we will reap in due season, if we don’t give up.

10So then, as we have opportunity, let’s do what is good toward all men, and especially toward those who are of the household of the faith.

11See with what large letters I write to you with my own hand.

12As many as desire to make a good impression in the flesh compel you to be circumcised; just so they may not be persecuted for the cross of Christ.

13For even they who receive circumcision don’t keep the law themselves, but they desire to have you circumcised, that they may boast in your flesh.

14But far be it from me to 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 in Christ Jesus neither is circumcision anything, nor uncircumcision, but a new creation.

16As many as walk by this rule, peace and mercy be on them, and on God’s Israel.

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

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

Key verses

Verse 1
Brothers, even if a man is caught in some fault, you who are spiritual must restore such a one in a spirit of gentleness; looking to yourself so that you also aren’t tempted.

Faced with a brother's fault, Paul asks us to restore him gently, staying aware of our own frailty. Correcting without humility is not what he describes.

Verse 2
Bear one another’s burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ.

Bearing one another's burdens fulfills the law of Christ. Verse 5 then adds that each person also has their own responsibility to carry.

Verse 7-8
Don’t be deceived. God is not mocked, for whatever a man sows, that he will also reap. For he who sows to his own flesh will from the flesh reap corruption. But he who sows to the Spirit will from the Spirit reap eternal life.

Paul states a principle of cause and effect: we reap what we sow. Sowing to the flesh leads to corruption, sowing to the Spirit leads to eternal life.

Verse 9
Let’s not be weary in doing good, for we will reap in due season, if we don’t give up.

Doing good takes perseverance. Paul promises a harvest in due season to those who do not give up, without fixing the date or the form of that harvest.

Test your knowledge

All Bible quizzes →

What the sermons say

Pentecost 2026: What You Sow MattersDaniel Pottier cites Galatians 6:9 to say that the buried seed is not dead: God works in the unseen, and the Spirit gives strength not to give up before the harvest.Read the summary →Forgiving What You Can't ForgetThis message by Lysa TerKeurst draws on Galatians 6:7 to invite us to leave to God what belongs to him, justice, rather than staying a prisoner of bitterness.Read the summary →Mother's Day: The God Who Sees Your TearsStarting from Galatians 6:9, a speaker encourages mothers who do good without seeing the fruit: what we see differs from what we believe, and faith does not walk by sight.Read the summary →Put God's Talents to Work in Your LifeCharles Kay, speaking about the talents God has entrusted to us, cites Galatians 6:6: taking a practical part in the life of the church and supporting those who teach.Read the summary →

Frequently asked questions about Galatians 6

What does “Bear one another’s burdens” mean?

Paul asks believers to support each other in difficulties, notably failure, weariness and trials. A few verses later, he also says that each person will carry their own load. The two ideas complete each other: we help without taking the other's place and without dodging our own responsibility. This, Paul says, is how we fulfill the law of Christ.

What does Galatians 6:7 mean by “God is not mocked”?

Paul reminds us that our choices produce consequences, and that we cannot sow one thing and hope for another. The next verse applies it: sowing to the flesh leads to corruption, sowing to the Spirit leads to eternal life. This is not an empty threat but a call to be clear-eyed about the direction we are taking.

What does Galatians 6:9 promise to those who do good?

The verse promises a harvest in due season to those who do not grow weary. It does not guarantee an immediate reward or a particular kind. It invites us to persevere in doing good, even when results are slow, counting on the faithfulness of God.

Articles quoting Galatians 6

← All chapters

World English Bible translation — public domain.