Galatians 6 10

Galatians 6:10 kjv

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

Galatians 6:10 nkjv

Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all, especially to those who are of the household of faith.

Galatians 6:10 niv

Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all people, especially to those who belong to the family of believers.

Galatians 6:10 esv

So then, as we have opportunity, let us do good to everyone, and especially to those who are of the household of faith.

Galatians 6:10 nlt

Therefore, whenever we have the opportunity, we should do good to everyone ? especially to those in the family of faith.

Galatians 6 verses

Galatians 6 10 Meaning

The core message is an encouragement for believers to continually engage in doing good, particularly towards fellow Christians, as they are part of God's household. This sustained effort in good works, especially within the fellowship of faith, is the fruitful ground where believers will reap an eternal harvest.

Galatians 6 10 Context

This verse is found at the end of the Epistle to the Galatians, a letter written by the Apostle Paul. Paul is addressing a crucial theological issue: the conflict between justification by faith in Jesus Christ and the attempt by some to justify themselves through adherence to the Mosaic Law, particularly circumcision. He has been arguing forcefully for freedom in Christ, emphasizing that true transformation comes from the Holy Spirit, not legalistic observance. In chapter 6, Paul offers practical instruction for living out this freedom. He discusses bearing one another's burdens, living by the Spirit, and not growing weary in doing good. Verse 10 directly follows this exhortation, summarizing the importance of a consistent, faith-driven lifestyle of good deeds, especially within the community of believers. The immediate context involves Paul's own commitment to humility and dependence on Christ's cross (v. 14) and his encouragement for others to reflect the same through actionable love and service.

Galatians 6 10 Word Analysis

• Therefore (Greek: ἄρα - ara): This conjunctive adverb signifies a logical consequence. It links the instruction that follows to the preceding exhortations about living by the Spirit and not yielding to legalistic or fleshly desires. It implies, "given all that we've discussed about grace and freedom in Christ, this is what naturally follows."
• as we have (Greek: ἐάν ἔχωμεν - ean echōmen): Literally "if we have." However, in this context, it's better understood as "while we have opportunity" or "as opportunity is presented." It speaks to timing and available moments, indicating a proactive and continuous engagement. It’s not about waiting for a perfect moment but seizing the current chances.
• opportunity (Greek: καιρόν - kairon): This refers to a fitting, opportune time or season. It's not merely a span of time, but a window of opportunity given by God for action. It suggests a providentially arranged moment for doing good, implying that believers should be discerning of these opportune moments.
• let us do (Greek: ποιῶμεν - poiōmen): This is a present active subjunctive of ποιέω (poieō), meaning "to do," "to make," "to perform." The subjunctive mood expresses exhortation or a hopeful command, essentially a plea or strong encouragement: "let us continually be doing."
• good (Greek: καλόν - kalon): This refers to that which is morally excellent, beautiful, intrinsically good, and beneficial. It encompasses kind deeds, generous actions, and anything that aligns with God's character and will. It is a positive, outward expression of faith.
• to all (Greek: πᾶσιν - pasin): The dative plural of πᾶς (pas), meaning "all" or "every." This broad scope emphasizes that the outworking of our faith should extend beyond our immediate circle, reaching to everyone encountered, reflecting God's universal love.
• especially (Greek: μάλιστα - malista): This adverb means "most of all" or "chiefly." It introduces a specific emphasis, highlighting a primary group towards whom this "doing good" should be prioritized. It doesn't negate the "to all," but sharpens the focus.
• those who are of the household of faith (Greek: τοὺς οἰκείους τῆς πίστεως - tous oikeious tēs pisteōs): This phrase is crucial.
  • οἰκείους (oikeious): Refers to household members, relatives, people within one's own dwelling or family.
  • τῆς πίστεως (tēs pisteōs): "of the faith," meaning those who share the same faith, i.e., fellow believers in Christ.
  • The combined phrase "household of faith" vividly portrays the church as a spiritual family. The instruction is to show a particular and tender care for those within this spiritual family, mirroring the obligations within a physical family.

Words-group by words-group analysis

• "as we have opportunity, let us do good": This emphasizes the practical, active, and continuous nature of Christian conduct. It’s not a passive waiting but an engaged pursuit of opportunities to perform good deeds, reflecting a life powered by the Spirit and love.
• "to all, especially to those who are of the household of faith": This dual focus highlights both universal love for humanity (reflecting God’s common grace) and a special, prioritized care for fellow believers. The "household of faith" identifies the church as a sacred community with reciprocal responsibilities for mutual support and edification.

Galatians 6 10 Bonus Section

The concept of "reaping a harvest" (mentioned in the concluding part of v. 9, "for at the proper time we will reap a glorious harvest") ties directly into this instruction in verse 10. The "doing good" is the seed sown, and the "harvest" refers to the eternal reward and fruitfulness that God ensures for those who faithfully obey Him. This imagery is deeply rooted in Old Testament agricultural metaphors and continues throughout the New Testament to describe the results of obedience and service to God (e.g., Proverbs 11:30, John 4:36). The emphasis on the "household of faith" is consistent with the New Testament teaching on the church as a redeemed family (Ephesians 2:19). Paul's concluding remarks reinforce that genuine freedom in Christ is not license for anarchy but empowers a transformed life characterized by purposeful, loving obedience.

Galatians 6 10 Commentary

Paul's concluding counsel in Galatians 6:10 urges believers to be actively engaged in beneficial actions, seizing every available moment. While this benevolence should broadly encompass all people, showing particular diligence and love to fellow Christians is stressed. This preferential love stems from the intimate spiritual kinship believers share as part of God's household, unified by a common faith. Such a lifestyle of purposeful, Spirit-guided goodness serves as tangible evidence of one's faith and positions them for an eternal harvest. It’s about making our faith visible and impactful, especially within the body of Christ, a core expression of Christian discipleship.

• When a fellow believer needs help with moving, offer assistance.
• When a member of your church community faces financial hardship, contribute what you can.
• Encourage and support those within your spiritual family who are laboring for the Gospel.