Galatians 6 16

Galatians 6:16 kjv

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

Galatians 6:16 nkjv

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

Galatians 6:16 niv

Peace and mercy to all who follow this rule?to the Israel of God.

Galatians 6:16 esv

And as for all who walk by this rule, peace and mercy be upon them, and upon the Israel of God.

Galatians 6:16 nlt

May God's peace and mercy be upon all who live by this principle; they are the new people of God.

Galatians 6 verses

Galatians 6 16 Meaning

Peace and mercy will be upon all who walk by this rule, the Israel of God. This statement serves as a concluding benediction, emphasizing the source of spiritual well-being. It clarifies that true peace and divine favor are not earned through outward practices but are bestowed upon those who live according to a specific principle of faith. This principle unites all genuine believers, signifying their shared identity in God.

Galatians 6 16 Context

This verse concludes the epistle of Galatians. The apostle Paul has been passionately addressing the Galatian churches who were being swayed by a group promoting circumcision and adherence to the Law of Moses for salvation and spiritual standing. Paul forcefully argues that salvation comes by grace through faith in Jesus Christ alone. He contrasts the bondage of the Law with the freedom found in the Spirit. The final chapter offers practical exhortations on living in the Spirit, such as bearing one another’s burdens, testing one’s own work, and sowing to the Spirit. This verse acts as a final benediction and summary statement, pronouncing blessing upon those who live according to the principles he has laid out – specifically, the principle of faith in Christ and the resulting new creation.

Galatians 6 16 Word Analysis

• "Peace" (eirene - εἰρήνη): Implies wholeness, well-being, completeness, and tranquility, not just an absence of conflict, but a positive state of flourishing, extending to internal peace with God and outward peace with others. It's the fulfillment of all that God intends for His people.
• "and" (kai - καί): Connects "peace" with "mercy." Both are divine blessings.
• "mercy" (eleos - ἔλεος): Denotes compassion, kindness, and pity shown to the needy or suffering. In this context, it refers to God's gracious compassion and undeserved favor towards humanity, especially in providing salvation.
• "upon all" (epi tous pas - ἐπὶ τοὺς πᾶς): "Upon" signifies direction or bestowal. "All" refers inclusively to everyone who meets the preceding condition.
• "who" (hoitines - οἵτινες): A relative pronoun indicating the group being blessed.
• "walk" (stoichontes - στοιχοῦντα): Present active participle of "stoicheo" (στοιχέω). Means to walk in agreement with, conform to, follow, or keep in step with. It implies a continuous, active lifestyle, aligning one's actions and conduct with a guiding principle.
• "by" (tōi - τῷ): Dative case, indicating the means or standard by which they walk.
• "this" (houtōi - οὕτῳ): Demonstrative pronoun, referring to the rule or principle just described in the preceding verses, particularly the emphasis on being a "new creation" and living by faith, not the Mosaic Law.
• "rule" (kanon - κανών): Originally a straight staff or measuring rod; figuratively, a standard, norm, or principle. Here it refers to the fundamental, unwavering principle of the Gospel: justification by faith and the resultant transformation into a new creation, superseding the Old Testament ceremonial laws. It is the norm for Christian living and doctrine.
• "and" (kai - καί): Connects the "rule" with the subsequent designation.
• "mercy" (eleos - ἔλεος): Repetition emphasizes God's merciful disposition towards this group.
• "upon" (epi - ἐπί): Continues the idea of divine bestowal.
• "Israel" (Israel - Ἰσραηλίτης): Literally means "one who strives with God." Here, it refers to the true spiritual Israel, not necessarily the physical nation of Israel, but all who are part of God's redeemed people through faith in Christ. This is a redefinition of Israel in light of the new covenant.
• "of God" (tou Theou - τοῦ Θεοῦ): Possessive genitive, indicating belonging to God or originating from God. The Israel of God is God's true people.

Words-Group By Words-Group Analysis

• "Peace and mercy": Together represent the fullness of God's salvific blessings. These are not merely wished but are stated as certainties upon the specified group.
• "walk by this rule": This phrase encapsulates the entirety of Paul's Gospel message to the Galatians – living consistently according to the truth of justification by faith and the Spirit's empowering, rather than by external religious observances.
• "the Israel of God": This is a crucial identification. It signifies a spiritual lineage, encompassing both believing Jews and Gentiles who are united in Christ. It denotes those who, by faith, are truly God's people, inheriting the promises of Abraham and participating in the new covenant. It transcends ethnic or national identity.

Galatians 6 16 Bonus Section

The designation "Israel of God" is particularly significant. In the Old Testament, Israel was God's chosen people, but their history was often marked by failure to live by God's covenant. Paul consistently points to a new spiritual reality in Christ. He contrasts those "of the flesh" with those "of the Spirit" and emphasizes that true Israel belongs to the latter category. The identification of believers as "the Israel of God" asserts that the promises made to Israel are now fulfilled in Christ and extended to all who are united with Him by faith. This unified body, the Church, is the spiritual descendant of Abraham, heirs according to the promise. This redefinition combats any exclusivist ethnic claims to God's favor.

Galatians 6 16 Commentary

Paul concludes his letter with a profound benediction. The "rule" is the Gospel itself, particularly the emphasis on the new creation in Christ, apart from the works of the law. This rule, when internalized and lived out through faith, secures for its adherents not just an abstract "peace" with God but a dynamic experience of divine "mercy." The term "Israel of God" is key. Paul redefined "Israel" not by physical descent but by spiritual reality. Believers in Christ, regardless of their ethnic background, constitute the true Israel, the continuation and fulfillment of God's covenant promises. Thus, peace and mercy are guaranteed to all who live according to this spiritual truth of newness in Christ.

• Practical Usage: Live each day by the unchanging truth of the Gospel: you are forgiven and accepted by God because of Jesus' sacrifice. Let this truth shape your interactions with others, extending the same grace and mercy you have received. Focus on internal transformation by the Spirit, not outward religious performance.