Devine Scripture

Galatians 6:3

What does Galatians 6:3 mean?

A plain-English look at Galatians 6:3 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.

What Galatians 6:3 means

Pride blocks burden-bearing. When a person imagines himself significant in his own right, he becomes blind to his need for grace and to others’ needs. Such self-importance is a lie we tell ourselves. Paul exposes this self-deception to cultivate humility, the soil in which gentle restoration and mutual help can grow. Thinking we are “something” isolates us and breeds contempt for the faltering. The gospel teaches that we are needy sinners rescued by Christ; remembering this deflates conceit. Only then can we see others rightly and step toward them in service rather than standing above them in judgment.

Parallel translations

WEB

World English Bible · 2000

For if a man thinketh himself to be something when he is nothing, he deceiveth himself.

KJV

King James Version · 1611

For if a man think himself to be something, when he is nothing, he deceiveth himself.

ASV

American Standard Version · 1901

For if a man thinketh himself to be something when he is nothing, he deceiveth himself.

BBE

Bible in Basic English · 1949

For if a man has an idea that he is something when he is nothing, he is tricked by himself.

YLT

Young's Literal Translation · 1862

for if any one doth think <FI>himself<Fi> to be something--being nothing--himself he doth deceive;

DRA

Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752

For if any man think himself to be some thing, whereas he is nothing, he deceiveth himself.

DBY

Darby Bible · 1890

For if any man reputes himself to be something, being nothing, he deceives himself;

Context

After urging the church to share burdens (v. 2), Paul addresses the inner obstacle that often prevents it: conceit. Verses 3–5 form a tight unit that dismantles pride, redirects attention to personal responsibility, and ends by affirming accountability. This verse introduces the heart-issue; the next verse calls for self-examination, not comparison. Together, they guard the community from corrosive attitudes that would turn mutual care into rivalry or hypocrisy, preserving the loving fellowship envisioned in verses 1–2.

v.2Bear ye one another’s burdens, and so fulfil the law of Christ.

v.3This passage

v.4But let each man prove his own work, and then shall he have his glorying in regard of himself alone, and not of his neighbor.

Cross references

Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.

  • Proverbs 25:14

    As clouds and wind without rain, So ishe that boasteth himself of his gifts falsely.

  • 1 Corinthians 8:2

    If any man thinketh that he knoweth anything, he knoweth not yet as he ought to know;

  • 2 Timothy 3:13

    But evil men and impostors shall wax worse and worse, deceiving and being deceived.

  • 1 John 1:8

    If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us.

  • 2 Corinthians 12:11

    I am become foolish: ye compelled me; for I ought to have been commended of you: for in nothing was I behind the very chiefest apostles, though I am nothing.

  • Luke 18:11

    The Pharisee stood and prayed thus with himself, God, I thank thee, that I am not as the rest of men, extortioners, unjust, adulterers, or even as this publican.

Related questions readers ask

Keep reading

Want to dig deeper? Explore Galatians 6

Hand-picked devotionals, topical studies, and pastoral answers that draw on Galatians 6.

Keep exploring

Follow this verse across Scripture

Topics, devotionals, original-language word studies, and figures connected to Galatians 6:3.

Browse every hub

BibleTopicsBible answersDevotionalsFamous passagesWord studiesPeoplePlacesVerses for…Reading plansCommentary