Galatians 6:17
What does Galatians 6:17 mean?
A plain-English look at Galatians 6:17 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.
What Galatians 6:17 means
Paul asks to be troubled no more by challenges to his message or authority, because he carries on his body the “marks of Jesus”—scars from suffering in His service. These wounds function like branding, showing he belongs to Christ. Unlike the outward mark of circumcision sought by the false teachers, Paul’s marks were received through costly faithfulness, not as a badge of human glory. His life bears the imprint of union with the crucified Lord. The statement gently but firmly settles the dispute: his authority is authenticated not by applause but by suffering for the gospel he proclaims.
Parallel translations
WEB
World English Bible · 2000Henceforth let no man trouble me; for I bear branded on my body the marks of Jesus.
KJV
King James Version · 1611From henceforth let no man trouble me: for I bear in my body the marks of the Lord Jesus.
ASV
American Standard Version · 1901Henceforth let no man trouble me; for I bear branded on my body the marks of Jesus.
BBE
Bible in Basic English · 1949From this time on let no man be a trouble to me; because my body is marked with the marks of Jesus.
YLT
Young's Literal Translation · 1862Henceforth, let no one give me trouble, for I the scars of the Lord Jesus in my body do bear.
DRA
Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752From henceforth let no man be troublesome to me: for I bear the marks of the Lord Jesus in my body.
DBY
Darby Bible · 1890For the rest let no one trouble me, for I bear in my body the brands of the Lord Jesus.
Context
After bestowing peace and mercy (v. 16), Paul turns to a personal closing assertion. In contrast to the Judaizers’ desire to “glory in your flesh” (v. 13), he presents his own body as proof of allegiance to Jesus. This prepares for the final benediction (v. 18), which returns the focus to grace—the note on which the letter began and ends. The flow moves from principle (new creation) to blessing to personal credential to grace-laden farewell.
Cross references
Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.
- 2 Corinthians 4:10
always bearing about in the body the dying of Jesus, that the life also of Jesus may be manifested in our body.
- 2 Corinthians 11:23
Are they ministers of Christ? (I speak as one beside himself) I more; in labors more abundantly, in prisons more abundantly, in stripes above measure, in deaths oft.
- Galatians 5:11
But I, brethren, if I still preach circumcision, why am I still persecuted? then hath the stumbling-block of the cross been done away.
- Isaiah 44:5
One shall say, I am Jehovah’s; and another shall call himself by the name of Jacob; and another shall subscribe with his hand unto Jehovah, and surname himself by the name of Israel.
- Acts 15:24
Forasmuch as we have heard that certain who went out from us have troubled you with words, subverting your souls; to whom we gave no commandment;
- Hebrews 12:15
looking carefully lestthere beany man that falleth short of the grace of God; lest any root of bitterness springing up trouble you, and thereby the many be defiled;
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