Galatians 6:7
What does Galatians 6:7 mean?
A plain-English look at Galatians 6:7 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.
What Galatians 6:7 means
Paul states a solemn warning: do not fool yourself—God cannot be outwitted or treated lightly. Life operates under a divine moral order: we harvest what we plant. Choices bear fruit in kind. Empty claims of spirituality or attempts to manipulate appearances cannot overturn this reality. The principle applies to many areas—generosity, purity, relationships, and the use of time and resources. Because God is just and attentive, there will be a fitting outcome. This encourages sober reflection and renewal of purpose. It invites believers to align daily habits with the Spirit’s leading, knowing that future results flow from present seeds sown.
Parallel translations
WEB
World English Bible · 2000Be not deceived; God is not mocked: for whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap.
KJV
King James Version · 1611Be not deceived; God is not mocked: for whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap.
ASV
American Standard Version · 1901Be not deceived; God is not mocked: for whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap.
BBE
Bible in Basic English · 1949Be not tricked; God is not made sport of: for whatever seed a man puts in, that will he get back as grain.
YLT
Young's Literal Translation · 1862Be not led astray; God is not mocked; for what a man may sow--that also he shall reap,
DRA
Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752Be not deceived: God is not mocked.
DBY
Darby Bible · 1890Be not deceived:God is not mocked; for whatever a man shall sow, that also shall he reap.
Context
Coming right after the call to support teachers (v. 6), this verse generalizes the logic: what you invest in will yield a corresponding return. It sets the framework for verse 8’s contrast between sowing to the flesh and to the Spirit. The warning against deception echoes earlier cautions (vv. 1, 3) and advances Paul’s effort to ground the Galatians in a gospel-shaped way of life, not mere externals pushed by the Judaizers.
Cross references
Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.
- Romans 2:6
who will render to every man according to his works:
- Jude 1:18
that they said to you, In the last time there shall be mockers, walking after their own ungodly lusts.
- 2 Thessalonians 2:3
let no man beguile you in any wise: for it will not be, except the falling away come first, and the man of sin be revealed, the son of perdition,
- Ephesians 5:6
Let no man deceive you with empty words: for because of these things cometh the wrath of God upon the sons of disobedience.
- Proverbs 6:19
A false witness that uttereth lies, And he that soweth discord among brethren.
- 1 John 1:8
If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us.
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