Galatians 6:5 kjv
For every man shall bear his own burden.
Galatians 6:5 nkjv
For each one shall bear his own load.
Galatians 6:5 niv
for each one should carry their own load.
Galatians 6:5 esv
For each will have to bear his own load.
Galatians 6:5 nlt
For we are each responsible for our own conduct.
Galatians 6 5 Cross References
| Verse | Text | Reference |
|---|---|---|
| Gal 6:4 | But let each one test his own work | Galatians 6:4 (Self-responsibility) |
| Gal 6:7 | For whatever one sows, that will he also reap | Galatians 6:7 (Law of sowing and reaping) |
| Rom 14:10 | For we will all stand before the judgment seat of God | Romans 14:10 (Individual accountability) |
| Rom 14:12 | So then each of us will give an account of himself to God | Romans 14:12 (Personal account) |
| 2 Cor 5:10 | For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ | 2 Corinthians 5:10 (Christ's judgment seat) |
| Heb 4:13 | And no creature is hidden from his sight, but all things are naked and exposed to the eyes of him to whom we must give account | Hebrews 4:13 (God sees everything) |
| Luke 10:35 | He answered, 'Who is this neighbor of yours?' | Luke 10:35 (Parable of the Good Samaritan) |
| Prov 24:29 | Do not say, “I will do to him as he has done to me | Proverbs 24:29 (Don't retaliate) |
| Prov 26:4-5 | Answer not a fool according to his folly...Answer a fool according to his folly | Proverbs 26:4-5 (Wisdom in response) |
| Matt 12:36 | And I tell you, on judgment day people will give account for every careless word they speak | Matthew 12:36 (Accountability for words) |
| John 1:14 | And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us | John 1:14 (The Incarnation) |
| Acts 4:12 | And there is salvation in no one else | Acts 4:12 (Salvation in Christ alone) |
| Phil 2:4 | Let each of you look not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others | Philippians 2:4 (Consider others) |
| Phil 2:5 | Have this mind among yourselves, which is yours in Christ Jesus | Philippians 2:5 (Christ's mind) |
| Eph 4:25 | Therefore, having put away falsehood, let each one of you speak the truth with his neighbor | Ephesians 4:25 (Speak truth) |
| Eph 4:28 | Let the thief no longer steal, but rather let him labor, doing honest work with his own hands, so that he may have something to share with anyone in need | Ephesians 4:28 (Honest work) |
| 1 Thess 4:11 | and to aspire to live quietly, and to mind your own affairs, and to work with your hands, as we instructed you | 1 Thessalonians 4:11 (Quiet life) |
| 1 Tim 5:13 | Besides that, they learn to be idlers,}]$. | 1 Timothy 5:13 (Warning against idleness) |
| 1 Pet 4:8 | Above all, keep loving one another earnestly, since love covers a multitude of sins | 1 Peter 4:8 (Love covers) |
| Rom 12:21 | Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good | Romans 12:21 (Overcome evil with good) |
| James 1:22 | But be doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving yourselves | James 1:22 (Be doers) |
| Rev 22:12 | Behold, I am coming soon, bringing my recompense with me, to pay every man for what he has done | Revelation 22:12 (Recompense for deeds) |
Galatians 6 verses
Galatians 6 5 Meaning
Each person will bear his own load.
Galatians 6 5 Context
This verse appears at the end of the Epistle to the Galatians, following an extended discussion on Christian liberty and the dangers of reverting to legalism. Paul is providing practical instructions for living out the faith. Immediately preceding this verse, Paul addresses mutual encouragement and support within the community. He encourages believers to share their burdens and to build each other up (Galatians 6:1-2, 5). The immediate context emphasizes both bearing one another's burdens and, as a consequence or parallel instruction, bearing one's own load. This speaks to a balanced approach to community responsibility and personal accountability. Historically, the Galatian churches were facing pressure from Judaizers who insisted on circumcision and adherence to the Mosaic Law for salvation, compromising the freedom found in Christ. Paul's exhortation here reinforces individual responsibility before God for one's choices and actions.
Galatians 6 5 Word Analysis
- ἕκαστος (hekastos): "each," "every one." This word emphasizes individual responsibility. It points to each person as a distinct unit, accountable for their own life and actions.
- ἀρθήσεται (arthesetai): Future passive indicative of ἀραῖ (airō), meaning "to lift," "to carry," "to bear." It can be interpreted as "will be borne" or "will carry." In the passive voice, it implies something that will be supported or carried.
- ἴδιον (idion): "own," "proper," "particular." This adjective highlights possession or personal ownership. It contrasts with a communal or shared load; it is his own load.
- φορτίον (phortion): "load," "burden," "weight." This term often refers to a burden that is carried, such as the cargo of a ship or the load on a beast of burden. It can also signify a burden of duty or responsibility.
- Paul's contrasting usage: It is noteworthy that Paul uses two different words for "burden" in consecutive verses: βάρος (baros - Gal 6:2) and φορτίον (phortion - Gal 6:5). While both mean "burden," βάρος can sometimes imply a heavier, more significant burden, perhaps one that genuinely requires the assistance of others. φορτίον, on the other hand, can refer to one's own specific load, task, or even a general state of responsibility that is personal.
- Word Group Analysis: The phrase "each one will bear his own load" functions as a principle of personal accountability. It does not negate the instruction to "bear one another's burdens" (Gal 6:2) but clarifies that personal responsibility before God remains paramount. It’s a call to individual diligence and accountability in living out the Christian faith.
Galatians 6 5 Bonus Section
The concept of bearing one's own load is foundational to the Christian life. It underscores the individual nature of faith and salvation. While the church is a body and we are interconnected, our primary relationship is with Christ, and our ultimate accountability is to Him. This personal accountability is often referred to in theological terms as the "believer's personal responsibility" or the "accounting to God for one's actions." The Greek word φορτίον (phortion) can also have implications for the ordinary duties and tasks of life that each person must carry out. This isn't about avoiding helping others but about ensuring that each individual is not shirking their own fundamental responsibilities.
Galatians 6 5 Commentary
Paul concludes his teaching on mutual relationships within the church with a statement on personal responsibility. While believers are called to support each other and bear each other's burdens, particularly significant ones, each individual is ultimately accountable for their own actions, choices, and spiritual condition. This "own load" refers to the duties, responsibilities, and consequences inherent in one's individual walk with God. It means that ultimately, each person stands before God and will give an account for their own life. This doesn't contradict the call for communal support but ensures that personal commitment and diligence are not neglected. We help each other, but we are responsible for our own part in the journey.
Practical Usage Examples:
- A student is responsible for completing their own homework, even if friends help explain difficult concepts.
- An employee is responsible for performing their job duties, even when colleagues offer assistance.
- In faith, each believer must study Scripture, pray, and live according to God's commands, taking personal ownership of their spiritual growth and conduct.