Galatians 6 4

Galatians 6:4 kjv

But let every man prove his own work, and then shall he have rejoicing in himself alone, and not in another.

Galatians 6:4 nkjv

But let each one examine his own work, and then he will have rejoicing in himself alone, and not in another.

Galatians 6:4 niv

Each one should test their own actions. Then they can take pride in themselves alone, without comparing themselves to someone else,

Galatians 6:4 esv

But let each one test his own work, and then his reason to boast will be in himself alone and not in his neighbor.

Galatians 6:4 nlt

Pay careful attention to your own work, for then you will get the satisfaction of a job well done, and you won't need to compare yourself to anyone else.

Galatians 6 verses

Galatians 6 4 Meaning

This verse instructs believers to examine their own work and actions, rather than comparing themselves to or judging others. It emphasizes self-reflection and taking personal responsibility for one's conduct and spiritual progress. The focus should be on presenting one's own actions as satisfactory to God, not on seeking approval or superiority over others.

Galatians 6 4 Context

Galatians 6:4 is situated in the final chapter of Paul’s letter to the Galatians. The epistle addresses a severe crisis within the Galatian churches, where Judaizers were insisting that Gentile believers must be circumcised and adhere to the Law of Moses to be truly saved and to be recognized as part of God’s people. Paul strongly refutes this legalistic teaching, emphasizing salvation by grace through faith in Jesus Christ alone.

In this concluding section (Galatians 6:1-18), Paul provides practical instructions for living out the Christian faith in light of his theological arguments. He discusses restoring those who have fallen into sin with gentleness (6:1), bearing one another’s burdens (6:2), and the importance of self-examination (6:4-5) as a counterpoint to judging others. This specific verse directly follows the call to bear one another’s burdens, ensuring that such mutual support doesn’t lead to pride or comparison, but rather to personal responsibility and diligence in one's own spiritual walk. The preceding verses speak about carrying each other’s burdens, which could easily devolve into judging how well others are carrying theirs, or judging the burden itself. Paul redirects the focus inward.

Galatians 6 4 Word Analysis

• δοκιμάζω (dokimazo)

  • Meaning: To test, to prove, to approve, to examine.
  • Significance: This word is used in contexts of testing metals to ascertain their quality and worth. Here, it refers to a rigorous and honest self-examination, akin to an assaying process for one's own character and actions, discerning their true value in God’s sight. It’s not a casual glance but a serious, critical appraisal.

• ἔργον (ergon)

  • Meaning: Work, deed, action, accomplishment.
  • Significance: This refers to one's labor, tasks, and the results of one's efforts. In the context of Galatians, it encompasses the believer's outward actions and inward motivations stemming from their faith. It contrasts with the external rituals being imposed by the Judaizers.

• ἑαυτοῦ (heautou)

  • Meaning: Himself, herself, itself (reflexive pronoun).
  • Significance: This pronoun emphasizes the personal and individual nature of the examination. The focus is strictly on one’s own work, disallowing introspection on the faults or successes of others.

• γάρ (gar)

  • Meaning: For, because.
  • Significance: This conjunction links verse 4 to the preceding instruction about bearing burdens. It provides a reason or rationale for self-examination: to ensure that bearing burdens doesn't lead to pride or faulty judgment of others, but is grounded in an assessment of one's own capacity and commitment.

• κἀν (kan)

  • Meaning: Contraction of και (kai) - and, but, also + ἐὰν (ean) - if. It forms a concessive clause, meaning "but if" or "even if."
  • Significance: This introduces a conditional element. While encouraging self-examination, it acknowledges that this might be a challenge. The particle also carries the sense of "even if," suggesting that the act of self-examination is valuable regardless of the outcome, or in contrast to other actions.

• ἔχει (echei)

  • Meaning: To have, to hold, to possess.
  • Significance: This verb indicates possessing or holding something. Here, it relates to having or presenting one’s own work.

• ἐν (en)

  • Meaning: In, by, with.
  • Significance: Preposition indicating the sphere or manner of possessing the work.

• καινότητι (kainotei)

  • Meaning: Novelty, newness, freshness. This is in the dative case, suggesting "in newness."
  • Significance: This word is deeply significant in Pauline theology, especially in relation to Romans 6. It speaks of the new spiritual life received in Christ, a life characterized by renewal and freshness, not bound by the old ways of the flesh or legalism. It implies examining one's walk to see if it aligns with this new, Spirit-empowered reality.

• καυχάσθαι (kauchasthai)

  • Meaning: To boast, to exult, to glory in.
  • Significance: This verb carries a negative connotation when directed towards self-exaltation or pride, particularly in contrast to others (as opposed to boasting in the Lord or in one's sufferings for Christ). Paul directs believers here to boast, not in a comparison that elevates oneself above others, but in their own work as it stands approved before God. The context implies boasting is permissible when it's about presenting something commendable to God, not self-aggrandizement against brothers.

• εἰς (eis)

  • Meaning: Into, in, unto.
  • Significance: This preposition indicates the direction or reference point of the boasting – in oneself, rather than in another.

• ἕτερον (heteron)

  • Meaning: Other, different.
  • Significance: Refers to another person. The boasting should be in oneself, not in another person.

• τὸ κλῆμα (to klema) - This part seems to be an error in some textual representations or a misunderstanding of the flow. The common and more accepted Greek text here is "ἑαυτοῦ καυχῆμα, ἀλλ’ οὐκ εἰς τὸν πλησίον." meaning "boasting in oneself, but not in another."

  • Assuming the intended meaning relates to self-evaluation versus comparison: The contrast is stark. Paul prohibits boasting about one's achievements or spiritual status in relation to others.

• Paul's emphasis on contrasting internal disposition with external comparison: The verse’s placement and vocabulary (δοκιμάζω, καυχάσθαι) highlight the shift from dealing with another’s faltering brother (6:1) or burden (6:2) to introspection. The Galatians were struggling with pride and judgment over who was "more spiritual" or "more correct" in their adherence to the Law. Paul redirects this competitive spirit inwards.

Galatians 6 4 Bonus Section

The concept of "boasting" (καυχάσθαι - kauchasthai) is complex in Paul's writings. He often warns against boasting in human achievements, lineage, or wisdom (1 Cor 1:29-31; 2 Cor 10:12, 17). However, he also speaks of boasting in sufferings (Rom 5:3), in the Lord (1 Cor 1:31; 2 Cor 10:17), or in weaknesses for Christ's sake (2 Cor 12:9-10). Here, Paul's directive to "boast in yourself" needs to be understood in the light of the preceding admonitions. It's not an endorsement of arrogant self-confidence but a command to find satisfaction and present one's own genuine work before God, as having met the divine standard in a renewed life. This stands in contrast to boasting in a perceived status relative to another, a practice fueled by legalism and pride, which the Galatians were succumbing to. The "newness" (kainotes) implies the freshness and transformation brought by the Gospel and the Holy Spirit, which should be the basis of one's stable, inward-focused confidence.

Galatians 6 4 Commentary

Paul urges believers to conduct a thorough and honest personal appraisal of their own spiritual condition and conduct. This self-examination is to be undertaken with diligence, much like a craftsman testing their own work to ensure its quality. The aim is to see if one's actions and motives are pleasing to God, demonstrated through a life lived in the newness of the Spirit, not in proud comparison with others.

The caution against boasting in another person underscores the danger of spiritual pride and rivalry. Instead of critiquing or looking down on fellow believers, the focus should be on ensuring one's own spiritual "performance" meets the standard of Christ and is a product of God's grace. This self-reflection allows for accountability to oneself and, more importantly, to God, fostering humility and a genuine desire for spiritual growth rather than superiority. This diligent self-assessment is foundational for truly helping others bear their burdens in love, without hypocrisy or condescension.

• When tempted to judge another's progress, ask yourself, "How am I doing in my walk with God?"
• Focus on developing your own character and service to Christ.
• Ensure your actions reflect the new life you have in the Spirit.