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Galatians 6:5

Galatians 6:5 in Multiple Translations

For each one should carry his own load.

For every man shall bear his own burden.

For each man shall bear his own burden.

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

We have to take responsibility for ourselves.

For euery man shall beare his owne burden.

for each one his own burden shall bear.

For each man will bear his own burden.

For every man shall bear his own burden.

For every one shall bear his own burden.

Keep in mind that you must each perform your own individual tasks.

Each of you have to live your own life the right way. If you go wrong, you can’t blame anyone else.

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Berean Amplified Bible — Galatians 6:5

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Galatians 6:5 Interlinear (Deep Study)

BIB
GRK εκαστος γαρ το ιδιον φορτιον βαστασει
εκαστος hekastos G1538 each Adj-NSM
γαρ gar G1063 for Conj
το ho G3588 the/this/who Art-ASN
ιδιον idios G2398 one's own/private Adj-ASN
φορτιον phortion G5413 burden Noun-ASN
βαστασει bastazō G941 to carry Verb-FAI-3S
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Greek Word Reference — Galatians 6:5

εκαστος hekastos G1538 "each" Adj-NSM
The word 'each' or 'every' refers to individual things or people, like in Xenophon's writings and the Iliad by Homer. It helps us understand when all people or things are included in a group.
Definition: 1. every, every one, each, each one , Lat. quisque, (Homer), etc.; the singular is often joined with a pl. Verb, ἔβαν οἴκονδε ἕκαστος they went home every one of them , (Iliad by Homer); ἕκαστος ἐπίστασθε (Xenophon Historicus):—;the singular is also put in apposition with a pl. Noun, Τρῶας ἕκαστον ὑπήλυθε τρόμος (for Τρώων ἕκαστον)) fear seized them every one , (Iliad by Homer) 2. in plural all and each one , (Homer) 3. more definitely, εἷς ἕκαστος, Lat. unusquisque, every single one, (Herdotus Historicus), etc.:—; καθ᾽ ἕκαστον singly, by itself , Lat. singulatim, (Plato Philosophus), etc. 4. ὡς ἕκαστοι each by himself , (Herdotus Historicus), etc. (ML)
Usage: Occurs in 78 NT verses. KJV: any, both, each (one), every (man, one, woman), particularly See also: 1 Corinthians 1:12; Ephesians 4:7; 1 Peter 1:17.
γαρ gar G1063 "for" Conj
For is a word used to explain or give a reason, often introducing a justification or clarification, as seen in Matthew 4:18 and Romans 7:1. It's a conjunction that connects ideas and provides additional information.
Definition: γάρ, co-ordinating particle, contr. of γε ἄρα, verily then, hence, in truth, indeed, yea, then, why, and when giving a reason or explanation, for, the usage in NT being in general accord with that of cl.; __1. explicative and epexegetic: Mat.4:18 19:12, Mrk.1:16 5:42 16:4, Luk.11:3o, Rom.7:1, 1Co.16:5, al. __2. Conclusive, in questions, answers and exclamations: Mat.9:5 27:23, Luk.9:25 22:27, Jhn.9:30, Act.8:31 16:37 19:35, Rom.15:26, 1Co.9:10, Php.1:18 (Ellic., in l.), 1Th.2:20, al. __3. Causal: Mat.1:21 2:2, 5, 6, 3:23, Mrk.1:22, 9:6, Luk.1:15, 18, Jhn.2:25, Act.2:25, Rom.1:9, 11, 1Co.11:5, Rev.1:3, al.; giving the reason for a command or prohibition, Mat.2:20 3:9, Rom.13:11, Col.3:3, 1Th.4:3, al.; where the cause is contained in an interrog. statement, Luk.22:27, Rom.3:3 4:3, 1Co.10:29; καὶ γάρ, for also, Mrk.10:45, Luk.6:32, 1Co.5:7, al. id. as in cl. = etenim, where the καί loses its connective force (Bl., §78, 6; Kühner 3, ii, 854f.), Mrk.14:70, Luk.1:66 22:37, 2Co.13:4. The proper place of γάρ is after the first word in a clause, but in poets it often comes third or fourth, and so in late prose: 2Co.1:19. Yet "not the number but the nature of the word after which it stands is the point to be noticed" (see Thayer, see word). (AS)
Usage: Occurs in 1011 NT verses. KJV: and, as, because (that), but, even, for, indeed, no doubt, seeing, then, therefore, verily, what, why, yet See also: 1 Corinthians 1:11; 1 John 2:19; 1 Peter 2:19.
το ho G3588 "the/this/who" Art-ASN
The Greek word for 'the' or 'this', used to point out a specific person or thing, like in Acts 17:28. It can also mean 'he', 'she', or 'it'.
Definition: ὁ, ἡ, τό, the prepositive article (ἄρθρον προτακτικόν), originally a demonstr. pron. (so usually in Hom.), in general corresponding to the Eng. definite article. __I. As demonstr. pron. __1. As frequently in Hom., absol., he (she, it), his (etc.): Act.17:28 (quoted from the poet Aratus). __2. Distributive, ὁ μὲν . . . ὁ δέ, the one . . . the other: 1Co.7:7, Gal.4:22; pl., Act.14:4, 17:32, Php.1:16, al.; οἱ μὲν . . . ἄλλοι δέ, Mat.16:14, Jhn.7:12; οἱ μεν̀ . . . ὁδέ, Heb.7:21, 23. __3. In narration (without ὁ μὲν preceding), ὁ δέ, but he: Mat.2:14, Mrk.1:45, Luk.8:21, Jhn.9:38, al. mult. __II. As prepositive article, the, prefixed, __1. to nouns unmodified: ὁ θεός, τὸ φῶς, etc.; to abstract nouns, ἡ σοφία, etc., to pl. nouns which indicate a class, οἱ ἀλώπεκες, foxes, Mat.8:20, al.; to an individual as representing a class, ὁ ἐργάτης, Luk.10:7; with nom. = voc. in addresses, Mat.11:26, Jhn.19:3, Jas.5:1, al.; to things which pertain to one, ἡ χεῖρ, his hand, Mrk.3:1; to names of persons well known or already mentioned; usually to names of countries (originally adjectives), ἡ Ἰουδαία, etc. __2. To modified nouns: with of person(s) pron. genitive, μοῦ, σοῦ, etc.; with poss. pron., ἐμός, σός, etc.; with adj. between the art. and the noun, ὁ ἀγαθὸς ἄνθρωπος, Mat.12:35; the noun foll, by adj., both with art., ὁ ποιμὴν ὁ καλός, Jhn.10:11 (on ὁ ὄχλος πολύς, Jhn.12:9, see M, Pr., 84); before adjectival phrases, ἡ κατ᾽ ἐκλογὴν πρόθεσις, Rom.9:11. __3. To Other parts of speech used as substantives; __(a) neuter adjectives: τ. ἀγαθόν, etc.; __(b) cardinal numerals: ὁ εἶς, οἷ δύο, etc.; __(with) participles: ὁ βαπτίζων (= ὁ Βαπτιστής, Mat.14:2), Mrk.6:14; πᾶς ὁ, with ptcp., every one who, etc.; __(d) adverbs: τὸ πέραν, τὰ νῦν, ὁ ἔσω ἄνθρωπος; __(e) infinitives: nom., τὸ θέλειν, Rom.7:18, al.; genitive, τοῦ, after adjectives, ἄξιον τοῦ πορεύεσθαι, 1Co.16:4; verbs, ἐλαχεν τοῦ θυμιᾶσαι, Luk.1:9; and frequently in a final sense, ἐξῆλθεν ὁ σπείρειν, Mat.13:3 (on the artic. inf., see Bl., §71). __4. In the neut. to sentences, phrases or single words treated as a quotation: τὸ Ἐι δύνῃ, Mrk.9:23; τὸ ἔτι ἅπαξ, Heb.12:27; τὸ ἀνέβη, Eph.4:9, al. __5. To prepositional phrases: οἱ ἀπὸ Ἰταλίας, Heb.13:24; οἱ ἐκ νόμου, Rom.4:14; neut. accusative absol., in adverbial phrases, τὸ καθ᾽ ἡμέραν, daily, Luk.11:3; τὸ κατὰ σάρκα, as regards the flesh, Rom.9:5. __6. To nouns in the genitive, denoting kinship, association, etc.: ὁ τοῦ, the son of (unless context indicates a different relationship), Mat.10:2, al.; τὰ τοῦ θεοῦ, the things that pertain to God, Mat.16:23; τὰ τῆς εἰρήνης, Rom.14:19 (cf. M, Pr., 81ff.; Bl, §§46, 47). (AS)
Usage: Occurs in 7033 NT verses. KJV: the, this, that, one, he, she, it, etc See also: 1 Corinthians 1:1; 1 Corinthians 7:16; 1 Corinthians 11:24.
ιδιον idios G2398 "one's own/private" Adj-ASN
Something that is one's own is private or personal, like in Matthew where Jesus is alone with his disciples.
Definition: ἴδιος, -α, -ον (in Attic usually -ος, -ον), [in LXX chiefly for of person(s) suff., also for לָהֶם, etc.; (τὰ ἴ.) בֵּיתוֹ ;] __1. one's own; __(a) of that which is private and personal (in cl. opposite to κοινός, δημόσιος; cf. infr. 3); __(b) of property, friends, home, country, etc. (in cl. opposite to ἀλλότριος; in late writers often, like ἑαυτοῦ, with weakened sense, see M, Pr., 87ff.; Deiss., BS, 123f.): Luk.6:41, Jhn.1:42 5:43, Act.2:6 20:28, 1Co.11:21, Gal.6:5, 2Ti.1:9, Heb.7:27, Ju 6, al.; πράσσειν τὰ ἴ., 1Th.4:11; κατὰ τὰς ἰ. ἐπιθυμίας, 2Ti.4:3; οἱ ἴδιοι, Jhn.1:11 (M, Pr., 90f.; Field, Notes, 84) 13:1, Act.4:23, 1Ti.5:8; τὰ ἴδια, one's home (Field, Notes, l.with), Luk.18:28, Jhn.1:11 16:32 19:27. __2. peculiar, distinct, appropriate, proper: τὸ ἴ. σῶμα, 1Co.15:38; ἐν τ. ἰ. τάγματι, 1Co.15:23; εἰς τ. τόπον τ. ἴ., Act.1:25; = αὐτοῦ (see Deiss., ut. supr.), Mat.22:5, Jhn.1:42 (cf. Wis.10:1). __3. Adverbially (see supr., 1 (a); and cf. WM, 739:2); __(a) ἰδίᾳ, severally, separately: 1Co.12:11; __(b) κατ᾽ ἰδίαν, apart, privately, in private: Mat.14:13, 23 20:17, Mrk.4:34 7:33, Luk.10:23, Act.23:19, al. (AS)
Usage: Occurs in 109 NT verses. KJV: X his acquaintance, when they were alone, apart, aside, due, his (own, proper, several), home, (her, our, thine, your) own (business), private(-ly), proper, severally, their (own) See also: 1 Corinthians 3:8; Galatians 6:5; 1 Peter 3:1.
φορτιον phortion G5413 "burden" Noun-ASN
A burden or load, like the cargo of a ship in Acts 27:10, or a task given to someone, as in Matthew 11:30 and Galatians 6:5. This word refers to something carried or borne. It is used to describe a weight or responsibility.
Definition: φορτίον, -ου, τό (dimin. of φόρτος), [in LXX chiefly for מַשָּׂא ;] a burden, load: of the cargo of a ship (Hdt., al.), Act.27:10; metaphorically, Mat.11:30 23:4, Luk.11:46, Gal.6:5.† SYN.: βάρος (which see), ὄγκος (AS)
Usage: Occurs in 5 NT verses. KJV: burden See also: Acts 27:10; Luke 11:46; Matthew 23:4.
βαστασει bastazō G941 "to carry" Verb-FAI-3S
To carry means to lift or bear something, and is used in many passages, including John 10:31 and Matthew 3:11, to describe physical and metaphorical burdens.
Definition: βαστάζω, [in LXX: Jdg.16:30 (נטה), Rut.2:16, 2Ki.23:5, 4Ki.18:14 and Job.21:3 (נשׂא), Sir.6:25, Da TH Bel 36 * ;] __1. to take up with the hands, to lift: λίθους, Jhn.10:31. __2. to bear, to carry, as a burden, and metaphorically, to endure; Mat.3:11 20:12, Mrk.14:13, Luk.7:14 10:7 11:27 14:27 22:10, Jhn.16:12 19:17, Act.3:2 9:15 15:1 21:35, Rom.11:18 15:1, Gal.5:10 6:2, 5 17, Rev.2:2, 3 17:7. __3. In late writers (MM, Exp., ii, iii, x), __(a) to take away; Mat.8:17 (Isa.53:4, Heb.); __(b) to carry off, steal: Jhn.12:6 20:15. † (AS)
Usage: Occurs in 27 NT verses. KJV: bear, carry, take up See also: Acts 3:2; Luke 7:14; Revelation 2:2.

Study Notes — Galatians 6:5

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Cross References

ReferenceText (BSB)
1 Jeremiah 32:19 the One great in counsel and mighty in deed, whose eyes are on all the ways of the sons of men, to reward each one according to his ways and according to the fruit of his deeds.
2 Romans 14:10–12 Why, then, do you judge your brother? Or why do you belittle your brother? For we will all stand before God’s judgment seat. It is written: “As surely as I live, says the Lord, every knee will bow before Me; every tongue will confess to God.” So then, each of us will give an account of himself to God.
3 2 Corinthians 5:10–11 For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ, that each one may receive his due for the things done in the body, whether good or bad. Therefore, since we know what it means to fear the Lord, we try to persuade men. What we are is clear to God, and I hope it is clear to your conscience as well.
4 Revelation 2:23 Then I will strike her children dead, and all the churches will know that I am the One who searches minds and hearts, and I will repay each of you according to your deeds.
5 Romans 2:6–9 God “will repay each one according to his deeds.” To those who by perseverance in doing good seek glory, honor, and immortality, He will give eternal life. But for those who are self-seeking and who reject the truth and follow wickedness, there will be wrath and anger. There will be trouble and distress for every human being who does evil, first for the Jew, then for the Greek;
6 Isaiah 3:10–11 Tell the righteous it will be well with them, for they will enjoy the fruit of their labor. Woe to the wicked; disaster is upon them! For they will be repaid with what their hands have done.
7 Jeremiah 17:10 I, the LORD, search the heart; I examine the mind to reward a man according to his way, by what his deeds deserve.
8 Matthew 16:27 For the Son of Man will come in His Father’s glory with His angels, and then He will repay each one according to what he has done.
9 1 Corinthians 3:8 He who plants and he who waters are one in purpose, and each will be rewarded according to his own labor.
10 1 Corinthians 4:5 Therefore judge nothing before the appointed time; wait until the Lord comes. He will bring to light what is hidden in darkness and will expose the motives of men’s hearts. At that time each will receive his praise from God.

Galatians 6:5 Summary

[Galatians 6:5 means that each person should take care of their own responsibilities and not expect others to do it for them. This is similar to what we see in Proverbs 22:8, where it says that a man will reap what he has sown. It's like carrying your own backpack on a hike - you can't expect someone else to carry it for you. By taking care of our own responsibilities, we can also be more free to help others, as seen in Galatians 6:2, where we are called to bear one another's burdens.]

Frequently Asked Questions

What does it mean to 'carry his own load' in Galatians 6:5?

In Galatians 6:5, carrying one's own load means taking personal responsibility for one's actions and their consequences, as seen in Proverbs 22:8, where it says that a man will reap what he has sown.

Does this verse mean we should never help others?

No, this verse does not mean we should never help others, but rather that each person should be responsible for their own life and actions, as instructed in Galatians 6:2 to bear one another's burdens, and as seen in Acts 20:35, where it is more blessed to give than to receive.

How does this verse relate to the concept of community in the church?

This verse emphasizes the importance of personal responsibility within the context of community, as seen in Romans 14:12, where each one will give an account of himself to God, and in Galatians 6:2, where we are called to bear one another's burdens.

What is the relationship between this verse and the idea of accountability?

This verse highlights the importance of personal accountability, as each person will be responsible for their own actions and their consequences, as seen in Matthew 25:14-30, where each servant is held accountable for their stewardship.

Reflection Questions

  1. What are some areas in my life where I need to take more personal responsibility and 'carry my own load'?
  2. How can I balance the need for personal responsibility with the importance of community and helping others?
  3. What are some ways I can make sure I am not putting unnecessary burdens on others, and instead taking care of my own responsibilities?
  4. In what ways can I use my gifts and talents to help others, while still being mindful of my own personal responsibilities?

Gill's Exposition on Galatians 6:5

For every man shall bear his own burden. That is, either do his own work, which God has allotted him to do, whether in a more public or private station of life; which, because it is generally

Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Galatians 6:5

For every man shall bear his own burden. Reason why a man has no ground for claiming superiority in regard to his neighbour (Galatians 6:4, end).

Matthew Poole's Commentary on Galatians 6:5

That is, God will judge every man in the last day, according not to what others have done, but to what he himself hath done, . Therefore every one is concerned to prove his own work; for at last his eternal joy and rejoicing, or sorrow and mourning, shall be according to what he himself hath wrought, not according to what others have wrought. If ever they enter into the joy of heaven, they shall rejoice in their own work. And if eternal sorrow be their portion, they shall groan under their own burdens; they will not be the sins of others, but their own sins, which will sink them into eternal misery. For though superiors shall answer to God for the sins of their inferiors, yet it shall not properly be for their inferiors’ sins, but for their own sins, in neglecting to warn and to reprove them, and to do what in them lay to have hindered them in their sinful courses.

Trapp's Commentary on Galatians 6:5

5 For every man shall bear his own burden. Ver. 5. For every man shall bear] Be thorough therefore in the work of self-examination. Sparing a little pains at first, doubles it in the end; as he who will not cast up his books, his books wilt cast up him at length. The misery of most men is, that their minds are as ill set as their eyes, neither of them look inwards. How few are there that turn short again upon themselves so as to say, What have I done? Woe to all such when God shall send out summons for sleepers, when he comes to search Jerusalem with candles, and punish the men that are settled on their lees, &c., Zephaniah 1:12.

Ellicott's Commentary on Galatians 6:5

(5) Every man shall bear his own burden.—The word for “burden” here is different from that which had been used above, though its meaning is very much the same. The distinction would be sufficiently represented if we were to translate in the one case burden, in the other load. The context, however, is quite different. In Galatians 6:2 the Christian is bidden to “bear the burdens” of others, in the sense of sympathising with them in their troubles. Here he is told that he must “bear his own load,” in the sense that he must answer directly to God for his own actions. His responsibility cannot be shifted on to others. It will make him no better that there are others worse than himself.

Adam Clarke's Commentary on Galatians 6:5

Verse 5. Every man shall bear his own burden.] All must answer for themselves, not for their neighbours. And every man must expect to be dealt with by the Divine Judge, as his character and conduct have been. The greater offences of another will not excuse thy smaller crimes. Every man must give account of himself to God.

Cambridge Bible on Galatians 6:5

5. For every man … burden] For no man can escape from his own moral responsibility. The verse reads like a proverb. The ‘burden’ is the ‘load’ of accoutrements and provisions assigned to each soldier to carry on a march. Others regard the metaphor as taken from shipping affairs, and render the word ‘freight’. This is quite admissible as a verbal translation; but the phrase, ‘each man shall carry his own cargo’ may appear less satisfactory. There is no paradox or contradiction to the precept of Gal 6:2 except in the English version which renders two distinct words in the original by the same English word ‘burden’.

Barnes' Notes on Galatians 6:5

For every man shall bear his own burden - This seems to be a kind of proverbial saying; and it means here, every man shall have his proper reward. If he is a virtuous man, he will be happy; if a vicious man, he will be miserable.

Whedon's Commentary on Galatians 6:5

5. Prove your own work, for each one has a responsibility laid upon him for his own work. You are as responsible for the style and spirit in which you restore him, as he is for the fault from which you work to restore him.

Sermons on Galatians 6:5

SermonDescription
J. Glyn Owen A Working Faith: Arrogant Presumption Exposed by J. Glyn Owen In this sermon on James 4:11-12, the preacher emphasizes the ongoing battle against sin in the Christian life. He warns against the arrogance and presumption that can lead to offen
Gareth Evans Tactics of Satan by Gareth Evans In this sermon, the speaker shares his experience of seeing over 100 young adults come to Christ in his small town. He emphasizes the joy of serving God and witnessing His anointin
A.W. Tozer What to Do With Burdens by A.W. Tozer A.W. Tozer discusses the nature of burdens in life, referencing Meister Eckhart's insight that the weight of burdens is irrelevant if the Lord carries them for us. He identifies th
John Gill 1 Peter 4:15 by John Gill John Gill emphasizes that Christians should not suffer for wrongdoing, such as murder, theft, or being a busybody in others' affairs. He explains that the consequences of such acti
Zac Poonen Pharisees Bind Heavy Burdens on Others by Zac Poonen Zac Poonen addresses the hypocrisy of Pharisaical preachers who impose heavy burdens on others while failing to uphold the same standards themselves. He shares a personal experienc
J.R. Miller The Value and Responsibility of One Life by J.R. Miller J.R. Miller emphasizes the profound value and responsibility of each individual life in his sermon, drawing parallels to Elijah's stand for God amidst widespread apostasy. He illus
J.R. Miller The Hallowing of Our Burden by J.R. Miller J.R. Miller emphasizes the significance of recognizing our burdens as gifts from God, rather than mere weights to bear. He explains that while we all carry burdens of care, sorrow,

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