Devine Scripture

Galatians 6:4

What does Galatians 6:4 mean?

A plain-English look at Galatians 6:4 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.

What Galatians 6:4 means

Instead of measuring ourselves against others, each person should test his own work—examining motives, methods, and outcomes before God. Proper self-assessment leads to a humble, appropriate sense of satisfaction in faithful labor without feeding superiority over a neighbor. Paul allows a right kind of “boasting”: a quiet rejoicing in having done what was entrusted to you, under God’s eye, not at someone else’s expense. This practice protects the community from envy and pride. It calls believers to focus on their calling and obedience, recognizing that spiritual integrity is not proven by outshining others but by steady faithfulness in the tasks God puts before them.

Parallel translations

WEB

World English Bible · 2000

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

KJV

King James Version · 1611

But let every man prove his own work, and then shall he have rejoicing in himself alone, and not in another.

ASV

American Standard Version · 1901

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

BBE

Bible in Basic English · 1949

But let every man make test of his work, and then will his cause for glory be in himself only, and not in his neighbour.

YLT

Young's Literal Translation · 1862

and his own work let each one prove, and then in regard to himself alone the glorying he shall have, and not in regard to the other,

DRA

Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752

But let every one prove his own work: and so he shall have glory in himself only and not in another.

DBY

Darby Bible · 1890

but let each prove his own work, and then he will have his boast in what belongs to himself alone, and not in what belongs to another.

Context

This follows the warning against self-deception (v. 3) and provides the antidote—personal examination. In the flow of the chapter, Paul is building a balanced ethic: bear others’ burdens (v. 2), but do not become proud (v. 3); evaluate yourself honestly (v. 4), because, as verse 5 will add, each person is finally responsible for his own load. These verses aim to stabilize relationships in the church so that service is sincere and comparisons do not fracture unity.

v.3For if a man thinketh himself to be something when he is nothing, he deceiveth himself.

v.4This passage

v.5For each man shall bear his own burden.

Cross references

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

  • Psalms 26:2

    Examine me, O Jehovah, and prove me; Try my heart and my mind.

  • 1 Corinthians 4:3

    But with me it is a very small thing that I should be judged of you, or of man’s judgment: yea, I judge not mine own self.

  • 1 John 3:19

    Hereby shall we know that we are of the truth, and shall assure our heart before him:

  • 1 Corinthians 3:21

    Wherefore let no one glory in men. For all things are yours;

  • 1 Corinthians 11:28

    But let a man prove himself, and so let him eat of the bread, and drink of the cup.

  • 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.

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