Galatians 6:16
What does Galatians 6:16 mean?
A plain-English look at Galatians 6:16 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.
What Galatians 6:16 means
Paul pronounces peace and mercy on all who live by this rule—the principle that new creation in Christ, not external marks, defines God’s people—and also “upon the Israel of God.” This blessing embraces those aligned with the gospel’s core and acknowledges God’s covenant people as He recognizes them. The emphasis rests on God’s gracious favor—peace to settle their troubled hearts and mercy to cover their need. In a controversy fueled by boasting and division, Paul calls down God’s reconciling gifts on those who walk the path marked out by the cross and new creation.
Parallel translations
WEB
World English Bible · 2000And as many as shall walk by this rule, peace be upon them, and mercy, and upon the Israel of God.
KJV
King James Version · 1611And as many as walk according to this rule, peace be on them, and mercy, and upon the Israel of God.
ASV
American Standard Version · 1901And as many as shall walk by this rule, peace be upon them, and mercy, and upon the Israel of God.
BBE
Bible in Basic English · 1949And on all who are guided by this rule be peace and mercy, and on the Israel of God.
YLT
Young's Literal Translation · 1862and as many as by this rule do walk--peace upon them, and kindness, and on the Israel of God!
DRA
Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752And whosoever shall follow this rule, peace on them and mercy: and upon the Israel of God.
DBY
Darby Bible · 1890And as many as shall walk by this rule, peace upon them and mercy, and upon the Israel ofGod.
Context
Following the declaration that new creation is what counts (v. 15), Paul gives a corresponding benediction. It signals the end of argument and the beginning of rest for those who receive the gospel’s rule. The phrase “the Israel of God” further situates identity within God’s saving plan. With the blessing pronounced, Paul will assert his apostolic credibility in verse 17 by pointing to his scars for Jesus, then close the letter with a final word of grace (v. 18).
Cross references
Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.
- Psalms 125:4
Do good, O Jehovah, unto those that are good, And to them that are upright in their hearts.
- Philippians 4:7
And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall guard your hearts and your thoughts in Christ Jesus.
- Philippians 3:16
only, whereunto we have attained, by that same rule let us walk.
- Hosea 1:10
Yet the number of the children of Israel shall be as the sand of the sea, which cannot be measured nor numbered; and it shall come to pass that, in the place where it was said unto them, Ye are not my people, it shall be said unto them, Ye are the sons of the living God.
- 1 Chronicles 12:18
Then the Spirit came upon Amasai, who was chief of the thirty, and he said, Thine are we, David, and on thy side, thou son of Jesse: peace, peace be unto thee, and peace be to thy helpers; for thy God helpeth thee. Then David received them, and made them captains of the band.
- John 16:33
These things have I spoken unto you, that in me ye may have peace. In the world ye have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world.
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