Galatians 6:3 kjv
For if a man think himself to be something, when he is nothing, he deceiveth himself.
Galatians 6:3 nkjv
For if anyone thinks himself to be something, when he is nothing, he deceives himself.
Galatians 6:3 niv
If anyone thinks they are something when they are not, they deceive themselves.
Galatians 6:3 esv
For if anyone thinks he is something, when he is nothing, he deceives himself.
Galatians 6:3 nlt
If you think you are too important to help someone, you are only fooling yourself. You are not that important.
Galatians 6 3 Cross References
| Verse | Text | Reference |
|---|---|---|
| Gal 6:1 | 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. | Guidance for spiritual restoration |
| Rom 15:1 | We who are strong ought to bear with the failings of the weak and not to please ourselves. | Bearing burdens of others |
| 1 Cor 1:10 | I appeal to you, brothers, by the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that all of you agree and that there be no divisions among you, but that you be united in the same mind and the same judgment. | Unity and avoiding divisions |
| 1 Cor 3:3 | for you are still showing that you are of the flesh. For while there is jealousy and strife and divisions among you, are you not of the flesh and behaving only in a human way? | Warning against fleshly behavior |
| 1 Cor 4:4 | For it is not he who commends himself who is approved, but he whom the Lord commends. | True approval from God |
| 1 Cor 8:1 | Now concerning food offered to idols: we know that all of us possess knowledge. This knowledge puffs up, but love builds up. | Knowledge versus love |
| Eph 4:2 | with all humility and gentleness, with patience, bearing with one another in love | Call to humility and gentleness |
| Phil 2:3 | Do nothing from selfish ambition or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves. | Humility and considering others |
| Col 3:12 | Put on then, as God's chosen ones, holy and beloved, compassionate hearts, kindness, humility, meekness, and patience, | Virtues of believers |
| 1 Thes 5:14 | And we urge you, brothers, admonish the idlers, encourage the fainthearted, help the weak, be patient with everyone. | Exhortation to help others |
| Heb 12:15 | See to it that no one fails to obtain the grace of God, that no “root of bitterness” springs up and causes trouble, and through it defiles many— | Warning against bitterness |
| 1 Pet 3:15 | but in your hearts honor Christ the Lord as holy, always being prepared to make a defense to anyone who asks you for a reason for the hope that is in you; yet do it with gentleness and respect, | Defending faith with gentleness |
| 1 John 4:1 | Beloved, do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits to see whether they are from God, for many false prophets have gone out into the world. | Discernment of spirits |
| Prov 16:18 | Pride goes before destruction, and a haughty spirit before a fall. | Warning against pride |
| Matt 7:1 | “Judge not, that you be not judged. | Warning against judgment |
| Rom 14:4 | Who are you to pass judgment on the servant of another? It is before his own master that he stands or falls. And he will be upheld, for the Master is able to uphold him. | Not judging others' servants |
| Rom 14:13 | Let us therefore not pass judgment on one another any longer, but rather decide never to put a stumbling block or hindrance in the way of a brother. | Not judging or causing offense |
| 1 Cor 11:28 | Let a person examine himself, first, and so eat of the bread and drink of the cup. | Self-examination |
| Gal 5:6 | For in Christ Jesus neither circumcision nor uncircumcision counts for anything, but faith working through love. | Faith and love |
| Gal 5:26 | Let us not become conceited, provoking one another, envying one another. | Warning against conceit |
Galatians 6 verses
Galatians 6 3 Meaning
This verse emphasizes humility in judgment. If someone has a spiritual gift, they should use it to build up others in love, not to boast or look down on those with less apparent gifts or perceived spiritual standing. The principle is that spiritual maturity is demonstrated through loving service, not through self-exaltation or condemning others based on outward appearances or performance.
Galatians 6 3 Context
In Galatians chapter 6, Paul addresses how believers should interact with one another, especially in matters of sin and spiritual growth. The preceding verses (Gal 6:1-2) instruct believers who are spiritual to restore gently those caught in sin, bearing each other's burdens. This verse directly follows that teaching, elaborating on the correct attitude when dealing with others, particularly those who might be perceived as less knowledgeable or spiritually mature. Paul contrasts self-importance with humble service, a theme he explores throughout his letters to encourage unity and mutual edification within the church, combating internal divisions and pride that arose from misapplied understanding of the Law or spiritual gifts.
Galatians 6 3 Word Analysis
- εἰ (ei): A conditional particle, meaning "if". It introduces a hypothetical situation.
- δὲ (de): A postpositive conjunction, meaning "but" or "and". It signifies a contrast or continuation.
- ἐν (en): A preposition, meaning "in", "on", or "among". It indicates the sphere or context.
- Χριστῷ (Christō): Dative singular of Χριστός (Christos), meaning "Christ". Refers to union with Christ and living within His sphere.
- Ἰησοῦ (Iēsou): Genitive singular of Ἰησοῦς (Iēsous), meaning "Jesus". Pertaining to Jesus.
- ἔστιν (estin): Third person singular present indicative of εἰμί (eimi), meaning "is". States a fact or condition.
- τί (ti): Interrogative pronoun, meaning "what" or "something". Here, it questions the significance or value of something.
- μεγαλόφρων (megalophron): Adjective, meaning "great-minded", "high-minded", "proud", or "boastful". It is derived from μέγας (megas, "great") and φρήν (phrēn, "mind" or "understanding"). This term can have a negative connotation of arrogance.
Words-group Analysis:
- "If anyone is in Christ Jesus": This phrase signifies not merely belief in Christ but a deep, abiding, and transforming union with Him, placing one under His authority and influence.
- "something": Refers to a specific accomplishment, spiritual gift, or attribute that one might be tempted to be proud of.
- "is nothing": The predicate phrase conveys that if one relies on their own merit or attributes rather than on Christ and His grace, then whatever they possess becomes insignificant in the eyes of God and in its ability to truly edify others.
- "be nothing": The verb indicates a failure to attain or hold onto true significance, a self-nullification through pride.
- "boastful" / "high-minded": This captures the essence of unwarranted pride and arrogance, a self-aggrandizement that alienates others and dishonors God.
Galatians 6 3 Bonus Section
This verse touches on the Greek concept of megalopsychia (greatness of soul), which could be virtuous, but Paul repurposes or redirects it by highlighting the dangers of pride that stems from self-reliance. He emphasizes that any perceived "greatness" or "high-mindedness" that is not rooted in humility before God and service to others in Christ is ultimately vain and detrimental. This concept of being "in Christ" is central to Pauline theology, indicating a profound spiritual reality of belonging and transformation. The "nothingness" that such pride leads to is not an absolute void, but a spiritual emptiness and a lack of true value or standing before God. It signifies an inability to truly build up the body of Christ when one's focus is on self.
Galatians 6 3 Commentary
Paul asserts that self-elevation or boasting based on one's spiritual standing, achievements, or perceived wisdom is ultimately futile. True spiritual significance comes not from what we can achieve or claim for ourselves, but from our genuine union with Christ. When believers base their identity and worth on their gifts or status, it leads to pride and self-reliance, rendering their claims spiritually hollow. Instead of boasting, believers should reflect on their identity in Christ and allow His humility to guide their interactions. The passage contrasts the self-deceptive arrogance of pride with the enduring substance found in Christ. This doesn't mean suppressing all acknowledgment of God-given abilities, but ensuring they are never the basis for exalting oneself above others or for condemning them.