Devine Scripture

Galatians 6:5

What does Galatians 6:5 mean?

A plain-English look at Galatians 6:5 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.

What Galatians 6:5 means

Paul affirms personal responsibility: each person will carry his own load. This does not contradict verse 2. There, the focus was on extraordinary burdens that overwhelm; here, it is on the ordinary pack each traveler must bear. Mutual care does not erase accountability. God entrusts to every believer a stewardship—duties, opportunities, and trials—for which he will answer. Recognizing this keeps us from blaming others or leaning idly on the community. It also frees us from unhealthy comparisons, since our calling is not identical. We serve one another in hardship while faithfully attending to the particular responsibilities God has placed on our shoulders.

Parallel translations

WEB

World English Bible · 2000

For each man shall bear his own burden.

KJV

King James Version · 1611

For every man shall bear his own burden.

ASV

American Standard Version · 1901

For each man shall bear his own burden.

BBE

Bible in Basic English · 1949

Because every man is responsible for his part of the work.

YLT

Young's Literal Translation · 1862

for each one his own burden shall bear.

DRA

Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752

For every one shall bear his own burden.

DBY

Darby Bible · 1890

For each shall bear his own burden.

Context

Verse 5 completes the mini-section on humility and responsibility (vv. 3–5). The earlier call to bear each other’s burdens could be misread as dissolving individual duty; Paul now clarifies the balance. With that framework in place, he will turn to practical applications of shared life in Christ—beginning with supporting teachers (v. 6) and then unfolding the sowing-and-reaping principle (vv. 7–9) that governs outcomes in the moral and spiritual realm.

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.

v.5This passage

v.6But let him that is taught in the word communicate unto him that teacheth in all good things.

Cross references

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

  • Jeremiah 32:19

    great in counsel, and mighty in work; whose eyes are open upon all the ways of the sons of men, to give every one according to his ways, and according to the fruit of his doings;

  • Ezekiel 18:4

    Behold, all souls are mine; as the soul of the father, so also the soul of the son is mine: the soul that sinneth, it shall die.

  • Matthew 16:27

    For the Son of man shall come in the glory of his Father with his angels; and then shall he render unto every man according to his deeds.

  • Revelation 22:12

    Behold, I come quickly; and my reward is with me, to render to each man according as his work is.

  • Revelation 2:23

    And I will kill her children with death; and all the churches shall know that I am he that searcheth the reins and hearts: and I will give unto each one of you according to your works.

  • Jeremiah 17:10

    I, Jehovah, search the mind, I try the heart, even to give every man according to his ways, according to the fruit of his doings.

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 6:5.

Browse every hub

BibleTopicsBible answersDevotionalsFamous passagesWord studiesPeoplePlacesVerses for…Reading plansCommentary