Galatians 6 1

Galatians 6:1 kjv

Brethren, 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.

Galatians 6:1 nkjv

Brethren, if a man is overtaken in any trespass, you who are spiritual restore such a one in a spirit of gentleness, considering yourself lest you also be tempted.

Galatians 6:1 niv

Brothers and sisters, if someone is caught in a sin, you who live by the Spirit should restore that person gently. But watch yourselves, or you also may be tempted.

Galatians 6:1 esv

Brothers, if anyone is caught in any transgression, you who are spiritual should restore him in a spirit of gentleness. Keep watch on yourself, lest you too be tempted.

Galatians 6:1 nlt

Dear brothers and sisters, if another believer is overcome by some sin, you who are godly should gently and humbly help that person back onto the right path. And be careful not to fall into the same temptation yourself.

Galatians 6 verses

Galatians 6 1 Meaning

Brothers and sisters, if someone is caught in a sin, you who are spiritual should restore that person gently.

Galatians 6 1 Context

• The Nature of Restoration: The verse emphasizes restoration, not condemnation. The goal is to "mend" or "set right" a person who has stumbled, returning them to a right relationship with God and the community.

• The Agent of Restoration: The action is to be undertaken by "you who are spiritual." This doesn't imply absolute perfection, but rather those who are habitually walking in dependence on the Holy Spirit and demonstrating its fruits, such as gentleness.

• The Manner of Restoration: "Gently" or "with meekness" (praÿtēs) is crucial. This contrasts with harshness, self-righteousness, or judgment. It’s a tender, humble approach born out of love and recognition of one's own potential vulnerability.

• The Warning: "Look to yourself, lest you also be tempted" is a sobering reminder. The person who is intervening must maintain their own spiritual integrity and guard against temptation. Self-awareness and dependence on God are essential.

• Unity in the Body: The concept of "members" highlights the interconnectedness of believers. What affects one member affects the whole body of Christ. Restoration upholds the health and integrity of the church community.

Galatians 6 1 Word Analysis

• Adelphoi (ἀδελφοί): Brothers. This term is used commonly in the New Testament to refer to fellow believers, emphasizing their spiritual kinship and familial relationship in Christ, united under God the Father. It implies a close, loving, and supportive connection.

• ean (ἐὰν): If. A conditional particle introducing a hypothetical situation.

• prolēmphthē (προλημφθῇ): Is overtaken. The passive voice, perfect tense form of prolambano (προλαμβάνω). It signifies being caught or apprehended, suggesting a sudden or unexpected ensnarement in sin. This implies that even mature believers can be susceptible to falling. It doesn't necessarily mean willful, continuous sin, but a moment of succumbing.

• hypo (ὑπὸ): By, from. A preposition indicating the agent or source.

• paraptōmati (παραπτώματι): Transgression, fault, trespass, falling. The dative singular of paraptōma (παράπτωμα). It can refer to a slip, a mistake, an error, or a moral failing. It's often seen as less severe than "sin" (hamartia, ἁμαρτία), though the distinction isn't always sharp. It suggests a stumbling, a deviation from the right path.

• pneumatikoi (πνευματικοὶ): Spiritual persons. The nominative plural masculine of pneumatikos (πνευματικός). This refers to those who are led and empowered by the Holy Spirit. In the context of Galatians, it highlights those who are walking by the Spirit, contrasting with those bound by the flesh or the law. It's important to note this doesn't imply sinless perfection but rather a state of being guided by the Spirit.

• Katalambanō (καταλάβη): Overtaken, seized, apprehended. The present subjunctive active form of katalambano (καταλαμβάνω). When used with the preceding "hypo," it emphasizes the act of being caught or captured by sin.

• tois_ toioytois (τοῖς τοιούτοις): Such persons, those like these. Refers to individuals characterized by their spiritual nature.

• em' (ἐν): In.

• to' toioytō (τῷ τοιούτῳ): Such a one. Refers to the individual who has been overtaken by sin.

• kat' em' (κατ' ἐν): In the spirit of. Or possibly "in gentleness." The phrasing here can be interpreted in relation to the character of the restoration.

• pneymatos (πνεύματος): Spirit. The genitive singular of pneuma (πνεῦμα). This can refer to the human spirit, but more likely here refers to the disposition or manner of the action – done "in a spirit of meekness" or gentleness.

• praÿtēs (πραϋτῆτος): Meekness, gentleness, humility. The genitive singular of praÿtēs (πραΰτης). This is a key characteristic, indicating a strength under control, a tenderness and lowliness of mind that doesn't retaliate or assert itself aggressively. It’s a disposition opposite to arrogance or harshness.

• Blepo (βλέπε): Consider, look to, take heed. The imperative singular active of blepo (βλέπω). It's a strong warning, urging self-examination and caution.

• mnē (μή): Lest, lest somehow. A negative particle used with the subjunctive to express a negative purpose or fear.

• kai_ sy (καί σύ): You also. The conjunction "kai" (καί - and) coupled with "sy" (σύ - you). This implies that the one restoring must also be mindful of their own potential to fall into temptation. It is a warning for self-preservation.

• peirazōm' (πειρασθῇς): Tempted, tested. The passive subjunctive second person singular of peirazo (πειράζω). It means to be enticed into wrongdoing or to be tested.

• prós (πρός): Towards. A preposition indicating direction or opposition.

• mêlon' (μέλος): A member (of the body). Refers to a fellow member of the body of Christ, someone who is part of the same spiritual organism.

• tyrō (τυπῶ): struck. The aorist passive subjunctive of typto (τύπτω). This word implies a blow, a wound, or a negative impact.

Galatians 6 1 Bonus Section

The Greek word for "overtaken" (prolēmphthē) can imply being "caught unprepared," suggesting that the sin was perhaps a sudden lapse rather than a pre-meditated act, underscoring the need for a compassionate response. The word for "spiritual" (pneumatikoi) is a qualitative adjective describing those who are controlled by the Spirit, not necessarily sinless. It’s a constant state of reliance and yieldedness to the Holy Spirit. The directive to "restore" comes from the Greek verb "katartizō" (καταρτίζω), which has broader meanings including "to mend," "to complete," "to prepare," or "to fit." In a medical context, it could mean to set a broken bone. Here, it implies bringing back into proper condition and wholeness.

Galatians 6 1 Commentary

This verse provides essential guidance for how believers should respond to one another when sin occurs. The emphasis is on a spirit of restoration, not retribution. Those who are walking in the Spirit are called to help those who have stumbled, doing so with profound gentleness, humility, and self-awareness. It's a call to recognize our shared humanity and our equal dependence on God's grace, always guarding ourselves against the same temptations. True spiritual maturity manifests in restorative love rather than harsh judgment.

Practical Examples:

• If a fellow believer is struggling with addiction, gently approaching them to offer support and prayer, not with public shaming.
• When someone makes a significant error in judgment, offering constructive feedback and a path forward, rather than immediately ostracizing them.
• A leader gently correcting a subordinate for a mistake, ensuring they understand the issue and feel supported to improve.