Galatians 6:1
What does Galatians 6:1 mean?
A plain-English look at Galatians 6:1 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.
What Galatians 6:1 means
Paul envisions a believer unexpectedly caught in a sin. Those who are “spiritual”—that is, walking under the Spirit’s guidance—are to bring the person back, not by harshness but with gentle care. Restoration, not humiliation, is the goal. At the same time, the restorer must stay alert to his own weakness, knowing temptation can take many forms, including pride while correcting others. The verse combines realism about sin with hope for renewal, and it promotes a community life where truth and tenderness meet. Christlike gentleness is the mark of maturity, and humility protects both the fallen and the helper from further harm.
Parallel translations
WEB
World English Bible · 2000Brethren, even if a man be overtaken in any trespass, ye who are spiritual, restore such a one in a spirit of gentleness; looking to thyself, lest thou also be tempted.
KJV
King James Version · 1611Brethren, if a man be overtaken in a fault, ye which are spiritual, restore such an one in the spirit of meekness; considering thyself, lest thou also be tempted.
ASV
American Standard Version · 1901Brethren, even if a man be overtaken in any trespass, ye who are spiritual, restore such a one in a spirit of gentleness; looking to thyself, lest thou also be tempted.
BBE
Bible in Basic English · 1949Brothers, if a man is taken in any wrongdoing, you who are of the Spirit will put such a one right in a spirit of love; keeping watch on yourself, for fear that you yourself may be tested.
YLT
Young's Literal Translation · 1862Brethren, if a man also may be overtaken in any trespass, ye who <FI>are<Fi> spiritual restore such a one in a spirit of meekness, considering thyself--lest thou also may be tempted;
DRA
Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752Brethren, and if a man be overtaken in any fault, you, who are spiritual, instruct such a one in the spirit of meekness, considering thyself, lest thou also be tempted.
DBY
Darby Bible · 1890Brethren, if even a man be taken in some fault, ye who are spiritual restore such a one in a spirit of meekness, considering thyself lest thou also be tempted.
Context
This instruction follows Paul’s call in the prior chapter to live by the Spirit rather than the flesh. Now he shows what Spirit-shaped community looks like when someone fails. Verse 1 sets the tone for the chapter’s practical exhortations about mutual care, humility, and responsibility. It introduces themes of burden-bearing and self-watchfulness that will be developed in verses 2–5. The balance between compassion and caution prepares readers for Paul’s broader teaching that Christian freedom expresses itself not in self-indulgence but in loving service within the church.
v.1This passage
v.2Bear ye one another’s burdens, and so fulfil the law of Christ.
Cross references
Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.
- 1 Corinthians 2:15
But he that is spiritual judgeth all things, and he himself is judged of no man.
- 2 Corinthians 2:7
so that contrariwise ye should rather forgive him and comfort him, lest by any means such a one should be swallowed up with his overmuch sorrow.
- Jude 1:22
And on some have mercy, who are in doubt;
- Galatians 2:11
But when Cephas came to Antioch, I resisted him to the face, because he stood condemned.
- Isaiah 35:3
Strengthen ye the weak hands, and confirm the feeble knees.
- Galatians 5:23
meekness, self-control; against such there is no law.
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