Galatians 6:10
What does Galatians 6:10 mean?
A plain-English look at Galatians 6:10 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.
What Galatians 6:10 means
Paul broadens the horizon: whenever opportunities arise, believers should actively do good to everyone. Love is not selective or seasonal. Yet there is a special obligation to those in “the household of the faith,” the family bound together in Christ. Prioritizing the church family does not cancel concern for the world; it orders our responsibilities, ensuring that the community of faith remains healthy and able to serve others. Readiness to seize opportunities implies attentiveness and initiative. The good envisioned includes practical help, generosity, advocacy, and kindness—all consistent with sowing to the Spirit and reflecting the character of Christ to a watching world.
Parallel translations
WEB
World English Bible · 2000So then, as we have opportunity, let us work that which is good toward all men, and especially toward them that are of the household of the faith.
KJV
King James Version · 1611As we have therefore opportunity, let us do good unto all men, especially unto them who are of the household of faith.
ASV
American Standard Version · 1901So then, as we have opportunity, let us work that which is good toward all men, and especially toward them that are of the household of the faith.
BBE
Bible in Basic English · 1949So then, as we have the chance, let us do good to all men, and specially to those who are of the family of the faith.
YLT
Young's Literal Translation · 1862therefore, then, as we have opportunity, may we work the good to all, and especially unto those of the household of the faith.
DRA
Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752Therefore, whilst we have time, let us work good to all men, but especially to those who are of the household of the faith.
DBY
Darby Bible · 1890So then, as we have occasion, let us do good towards all, and specially towards those of the household of faith.
Context
This verse concludes the section on perseverance in well-doing (vv. 7–10) with a concrete, outward-facing charge. It caps the earlier commands about mutual care (vv. 1–6) and keeps the Galatians from turning inward under pressure. With the ethical exhortations given, Paul now moves to personal closing remarks (v. 11) and a final contrast between the motives of the circumcision promoters and his own boasting only in the cross (vv. 12–14), before summarizing the gospel’s true mark (v. 15).
Cross references
Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.
- Matthew 10:25
It is enough for the disciple that he be as his teacher, and the servant as his lord. If they have called the master of the house Beelzebub, how much more them of his household!
- Mark 3:4
And he saith unto them, Is it lawful on the sabbath day to do good, or to do harm? to save a life, or to kill? But they held their peace.
- Ephesians 5:16
redeeming the time, because the days are evil.
- Proverbs 3:27
Withhold not good from them to whom it is due, When it is in the power of thy hand to do it.
- Psalms 37:3
Trust in Jehovah, and do good; Dwell in the land, and feed onhisfaithfulness.
- Psalms 37:27
Depart from evil, and do good; And dwell for evermore.
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