The Meaning of Galatians 6:2 Explained

Galatians 6:2

KJV: Bear ye one another's burdens, and so fulfil the law of Christ.

YLT: of one another the burdens bear ye, and so fill up the law of the Christ,

Darby: Bear one another's burdens, and thus fulfil the law of the Christ.

ASV: Bear ye one another's burdens, and so fulfil the law of Christ.

KJV Reverse Interlinear

Bear ye  one another's  burdens,  and  so  fulfil  the law  of Christ. 

What does Galatians 6:2 Mean?

Verse Meaning

In view of the context probably the burden Paul had in mind was an excessive burden of particular temptation and struggle with the flesh (cf. Romans 15:1). This could be a burden caused by social, economic, spiritual, or other conditions. Galatians 6:1 deals with restoration and this section ( Galatians 6:2-5) with prevention. We can bear by praying and perhaps counseling together.
"Human friendship, in which we bear one another"s burdens, is part of the purpose of God for his people. So we should not keep our burdens to ourselves, but rather seek a Christian friend who will help to bear them with us." [1]
Paul probably referred to the "law of Christ" (cf. Galatians 5:14; John 13:34; 1 Corinthians 9:21) to help his readers realize that freedom from the Mosaic Law does not mean freedom from all responsibility. The "law of Christ" encompasses the whole of Jesus" teaching personally while He was on earth and through His apostles and prophets from heaven following His ascension (cf. Acts 1:1-2). It boils down to the command to love God wholeheartedly and one"s neighbor as oneself ( Matthew 22:36-40; John 13:34-35; John 15:12; 1 John 3:23).
" Galatians , which in attacking "Jewish" legalism proclaims the true freedom based on Christ, consequently contains more exhortation, admonition, and summons to obey the "law of Christ" ... than any other letter, and to quite a remarkable degree-a third of the whole letter." [2]
The law of Christ is the code of commandments under which Christians live. It is the same as New Covenant responsibility. [3] Some of the commandments Christ and His apostles gave us are the same as those that Moses gave the Israelites. However this does not mean that we are under the Mosaic Code. Residents of the United States live under a code of laws that is similar to, but different from, the code of laws that govern residents of England. Some of our laws are the same as theirs, and others are different. Because some laws are the same we should not conclude that the codes are the same. Christians no longer live under the Mosaic Law; we live under a new code, the law of Christ (cf. Galatians 5:1).
This may at first sound as if we are under law as Christians after all. Paul contrasted law with grace because the primary characteristic of the Mosaic Law was its legal character whereas the primary characteristic of the law of Christ is its gracious character. He did not mean that there is no law under grace any more than he meant that there was no grace under the Mosaic Law. The motivation for keeping the Mosaic Law was external for the Old Testament believer, but the motivation for keeping the law of Christ is internal. Our motivation comes from the indwelling Holy Spirit ( Philippians 2:13), though Paul did not emphasize this motivation in chapter6.

Context Summary

Galatians 6:1-10 - Our Own And Others' Burdens
The spirit of the world gloats over sin; the Spirit of Christ leads us to restore the sinner. Our first thought should never be of revenge or contempt, or of the adjustment of our own claims, but rather of how to help our fallen brother to regain his old place in the love of God. The memory of our own temptations and failures should make us very pitiful and tender. The Apostle does not speak, in this place, of premeditated sin, but of that by which we are entrapped and taken unawares.
The most spiritual men in the Church are needed for this holy work of restoration, and they must do it with great meekness and humility. It is thus that we bear one another's burdens; but there are some burdens that each must bear for himself alone, such as his own existence and personal accountability to God.
Life is a seedtime. It is the opportunity of preparing for heavenly harvests. The open furrows invite the seed, and every moment, in some form, we scatter seeds that we shall inevitably meet again in their fruition. Let us remember especially our obligations to God's own children. [source]

Chapter Summary: Galatians 6

1  He moves them to deal mildly with a brother who has slipped,
2  and to bear one another's burden;
6  to be generous to their teachers,
9  and not weary of well-doing
12  He shows what they intend that preach circumcision
14  He glories in nothing, save in the cross of Christ

Greek Commentary for Galatians 6:2

Bear ye one another‘s burdens [αλληλων τα βαρη βασταζετε]
Keep on bearing (present active imperative of βασταζω — bastazō old word, used of Jesus bearing his Cross in John 19:17. αρος — Baros means weight as in Matthew 20:12; 2 Corinthians 4:17. It is when one‘s load (πορτιον — phortion Galatians 6:5) is about to press one down. Then give help in carrying it. [source]
Fulfil [αναπληρωσατε]
First aorist active imperative of αναπληροω — anaplēroō to fill up, old word, and see note on Matthew 23:32; note 1 Thessalonians 2:16; and note 1 Corinthians 14:16. Some MSS. have future indicative (αναπληρωσετε — anaplērōsete). [source]
One another's burdens [ἀλλήλων τὰ βάρη]
The emphasis is on one another's, in contrast with the selfishness which leaves others to take care of themselves. The primary reference in burdens is to moral infirmities and errors, and the sorrow and shame and remorse which they awaken in the offender. [source]
So [οὗτως]
By observing this injunction. [source]
Fulfill [ἀναπληρώσατε]
The verb denotes, not the filling up of a perfect vacancy, as the simple πληροῦν , but the supplying of what is lacking to fulness; the filling up of a partial void. Comp. 1 Corinthians 16:17; Philemon 2:30; 1 Thessalonians 2:16. [source]

Reverse Greek Commentary Search for Galatians 6:2

Luke 11:46 Grievous to be borne [δυσβαστακτα]
A late word in lxx and Plutarch Here alone in text of Westcott and Hort who reject it in Matthew 23:4 where we have “heavy burdens” In Galatians 6:2 we have βαρη — barē with a distinction drawn. Here we have πορτιζετε — phortizete (here only in the N.T. and Matthew 11:28) for “lade,” πορτια — phortia as cognate accusative and then πορτιοις — phortiois (dative after ου προσπσαυετε — ou prospsauete touch not). It is a fierce indictment of scribes (lawyers) for their pettifogging interpretations of the written law in their oral teaching (later written down as Mishna and then as Gemarah), a terrible load which these lawyers did not pretend to carry themselves, not even “with one of their fingers” to “touch” (προσπσαυω — prospsauō old verb but only here in the N.T.), touch with the view to remove. Matthew 23:4 has κινησαι — kinēsai to move. A physician would understand the meaning of προσπαυω — prospauō for feeling gently a sore spot or the pulse. [source]
Luke 9:32 Were heavy with sleep [ησαν βεβαρημενοι υπνωι]
Periphrastic past perfect of βαρεω — bareō a late form for the ancient βαρυνω — barunō (not in N.T. save Textus Receptus in Luke 21:34). This form, rare and only in passive (present, aorist, perfect) in the N.T., is like βαρυνω — barunō from βαρυς — barus and that from βαρος — baros weight, burden (Galatians 6:2). υπνωι — Hupnōi is in the instrumental case. They had apparently climbed the mountain in the early part of the night and were now overcome with sleep as Jesus prolonged his prayer. Luke alone tells of their sleep. The same word is used of the eyes of these three disciples in the Garden of Gethsemane (Matthew 26:43) and of the hearts of many (Luke 21:34). [source]
Romans 15:1 The infirmities [τα αστενηματα]
“The weaknesses” (cf. αστενων — asthenōn in Romans 14:1, Romans 14:2), the scruples “of the not strong” See note on Acts 14:8 where it is used of the man weak in his feet (impotent). To bear (βασταζειν — bastazein). As in Galatians 6:2, common in the figurative sense. Not to please ourselves Precisely Paul‘s picture of his own conduct in 1 Corinthians 10:33. [source]
Romans 15:1 To bear [βασταζειν]
As in Galatians 6:2, common in the figurative sense. [source]
1 Corinthians 10:24 Let no man seek his own [μηδεις το εαυτου ζητειτω]
This is Paul‘s rule for social relations (1 Corinthians 13:5; Galatians 6:2; Romans 14:7; Romans 15:2; Philemon 2:1.) and is the way to do what is expedient and what builds up. [source]
Galatians 6:5 His own burden [τὸ ἴδιον φορτίον]
For ἴδιον ownsee on 1 Timothy 6:1. With φορτίον burdencomp. βάρη burdens Galatians 6:2. It is doubtful whether any different shade of meaning is intended. Originally βάρη emphasizes the weight of the burden, φορτίον simply notes the fact that it is something to be born ( φέρειν ), which may be either light or heavy. See Matthew 11:30; Matthew 23:4; Psalm 37:4; Luke 11:46. Comp. Acts 27:10, the lading of a ship. [source]
Galatians 6:10 Let us do good [ἐργαζώμεθα τὸ ἀγαθὸν]
Let us work the good. For the distinctive force of ἐργάζεσθαι see on 3 John 1:5; and for ποιεῖν todo, see on John 3:21. Comp. Colossians 3:23where both verbs occur. Τὸ ἀγαθὸν is, of course, the morally good as distinguished from what is merely useful or profitable, but includes what is beneficent or kindly. See Philemon 1:14; Ephesians 4:28; 1 Thessalonians 3:6; Romans 5:7. Here, in a general sense, embracing all that is specified in Galatians 6:1, Galatians 6:2, Galatians 6:3, Galatians 6:10. [source]
Galatians 5:3 To do the law [ποιῆσαι]
Rare in N.T. See John 7:19; Romans 2:13, Romans 2:25( πράσσῃς ). Τηρεῖν toobserve the law, the tradition, the commandment, Matthew 19:17; Mark 7:9; John 14:15; Acts 15:5James 2:10: πληροῦν tofulfill the law, Romans 13:8; Galatians 5:14; comp. ἀναπληροῦν Galatians 6:2: φυλάσσειν tokeep or guard the law, Acts 7:53; Acts 21:24; Galatians 6:13: also with commandments, word of God or of Christ, ordinances of the law, Matthew 19:20; Mark 10:20; Luke 11:28; John 12:47; Romans 2:26. Τελεῖν tocarry out the law, Romans 2:27; James 2:8. Ποιῆσαι is to perform what the law commands: τηρεῖν toobserve, keep an eye on with the result of performing: φυλάσσειν toguard against violation: τελεῖν tobring to fulfillment in action. [source]
Galatians 6:5 Each shall bear his own burden [το ιδιον πορτιον βαστασει]
Πορτιον — Phortion is old word for ship‘s cargo (Acts 27:10). Christ calls his πορτιον — phortion light, though he terms those of the Pharisees heavy (Matthew 23:4), meant for other people. The terms are thus not always kept distinct, though Paul does make a distinction here from the βαρη — barē in Galatians 6:2. [source]
Colossians 1:24 Fill up [ἀνταναπληρῶ]
Only here in the New Testament. Lit., fill up in turn. Rev., on my part ( ἀντί ) Ἁναπληρόω tofill up occurs 1 Corinthians 14:16; 1 Corinthians 16:17; Galatians 6:2, and elsewhere. The double compound προσαναπληρόω tofill up by adding, 2 Corinthians 9:12(note); 2 Corinthians 11:9. Ἁντί onmy part offsets Christ in the next clause. Lightfoot explains well: “It signifies that the supply comes from an opposite quarter to the deficiency, and so describes the correspondence of the personal agents,” and not merely the correspondence of the supply with the deficiency. [source]
James 1:25 The perfect law [νομον τελειον]
For τελειον — teleion see James 1:17. See Romans 7:12 for Paul‘s idea of the law of God. James here refers to the word of truth (James 1:18), the gospel of grace (Galatians 6:2; Romans 12:2).The law of liberty (τον της ελευτεριας — ton tēs eleutherias). “That of liberty,” explaining why it is “perfect” (James 2:12 also), rests on the work of Christ, whose truth sets us free (John 8:32; 2 Corinthians 3:16; Romans 8:2).And so continueth First aorist active articular participle again of παραμενω — paramenō parallel with παρακυπσας — parakupsas Παραμενω — Paramenō is to stay beside, and see Philemon 1:25 for contrast with the simplex μενω — menō Rather, “having become” (second aorist middle participle of γινομαι — ginomai to become).Not a hearer that forgetteth (ουκ ακροατης επιλησμονης — ouk akroatēs epilēsmonēs). “Not a hearer of forgetfulness” (descriptive genitive, marked by forgetfulness). Επιλησμονη — Epilēsmonē is a late and rare word (from επιλησμων — epilēsmōn forgetful, from επιλαντομαι — epilanthomai to forget, as in James 1:24), here only in N.T.But a doer that worketh “But a doer of work,” a doer marked by work (descriptive genitive εργου — ergou), not by mere listening or mere talk.In his doing (εν τηι ποιησει αυτου — en tēi poiēsei autou). Another beatitude with μακαριος — makarios as in James 1:12, like the Beatitudes in Matthew 5:3-12. Ποιησις — Poiēsis is an old word (from ποιεω — poieō for the act of doing), only here in N.T. [source]
Revelation 2:24 Other burden [ἄλλο βάτος]
The words for burden in the New Testament are ὄγκος (only in Hebrews 12:1), βάρος (Matthew 20:12; Galatians 6:2), and φορτίον (Matthew 11:30; Matthew 23:4; Galatians 6:5). ὄγκος refers to bulk, βάρος to weight, φορτίον to a burden so far as it is born ( φέρω ). Thus in Hebrews 12:1, “lay aside every weight ( ὄγκος ),” the figure being that of runners in the race-course, and the word appropriate as denoting the bulky robes and the accoutrements of the ordinary dress which might impede the freedom of the limbs. In Matthew 20:12, “the burden ( βάρος ) and heat of the day,” the idea is that of heavy toil pressing like a weight. So Galatians 6:2, “Bear ye one another's burdens.” But in Galatians 6:5, the emphasis is on the act of bearing; and therefore φορτίον is used: “Every man shall bear his own burden;” i.e., every man shall carry that which it is appointed him to bear. The reference in that passage is probably to the prohibition enjoined by the apostolic council of Jerusalem, which concerned the very things which are rebuked here - fornication and abstinence from idol-meats. In the narrative of that council the phrase occurs “to lay upon you no greater burden ” (Acts 15:28). The meaning accordingly will be, “I put upon you no other burden than abstinence from and protest against these abominations.” [source]
Revelation 2:2 Bear [βαστάσαι]
See on John 10:31; see on John 12:6. Compare Galatians 6:2, where the word is used of Christians bearing each others' burdens. [source]
Revelation 2:2 Works [εργα]
The whole life and conduct as in John 6:29.And thy toil and patience (και τον κοπον και την υπομονην σου — kai ton kopon kai tēn hupomonēn sou). “Both thy toil and patience,” in explanation of εργα — erga and see 1 Thessalonians 1:3, where all three words (εργον κοποσ υπομονη — ergonεργα — koposκοποι — hupomonē) occur together as here. See Revelation 14:13 for sharp distinction between υπομονη — erga (activities) and κοπος — kopoi (toils, with weariness). Endurance (και οτι — hupomonē) in hard toil (κοπος — kopos).And that Further explanation of δυνασαι — kopos (hard toil).Not able (βαστασαι — ou dunēi). This Koiné form for the Attic βασταζω — dunasai (second person singular indicative middle) occurs also in Mark 9:22; Luke 16:2.Bear First aorist active infinitive of πειραζω — bastazō for which verb see John 10:31; John 12:6; Galatians 6:2. These evil men were indeed a heavy burden.And didst try (δυνηι εχεις — kai epeirasas). First aorist active indicative of τους λεγοντας εαυτους αποστολους — peirazō to test, a reference to a recent crisis when these Nicolaitans (Revelation 2:6) were condemned. The present tenses (και ουκ εισιν — dunēiκαι ουκ οντας — echeis) indicate the continuance of this attitude. Cf. 1 John 4:1.Which call themselves apostles Perhaps itinerant missionaries of these Nicolaitans who posed as equal to or even superior to the original apostles, like the Judaizers so described by Paul (2 Corinthians 11:5, 2 Corinthians 11:13; 2 Corinthians 12:11). Paul had foretold such false teachers (Gnostics), grievous wolves, in Acts 20:29; in sheep‘s clothing, Jesus had said (Matthew 7:15).And they are not (και ευρες — kai ouk eisin). A parenthesis in Johannine style (John 2:9; John 3:9; 1 John 3:1) for ευρισκω — kai ouk ontas to correspond to επειρασας — legontas didst find (πσευδεις — kai heures). Second aorist active indicative of πσευδης — heuriskō Dropping back to the regular structure parallel with epeirasas (pseudeis). Predicate accusative plural of pseudēs self-deceived deceivers as in Revelation 21:8. [source]
Revelation 2:2 And that [ου δυνηι]
Further explanation of δυνασαι — kopos (hard toil).Not able (βαστασαι — ou dunēi). This Koiné form for the Attic βασταζω — dunasai (second person singular indicative middle) occurs also in Mark 9:22; Luke 16:2.Bear First aorist active infinitive of πειραζω — bastazō for which verb see John 10:31; John 12:6; Galatians 6:2. These evil men were indeed a heavy burden.And didst try (δυνηι εχεις — kai epeirasas). First aorist active indicative of τους λεγοντας εαυτους αποστολους — peirazō to test, a reference to a recent crisis when these Nicolaitans (Revelation 2:6) were condemned. The present tenses (και ουκ εισιν — dunēiκαι ουκ οντας — echeis) indicate the continuance of this attitude. Cf. 1 John 4:1.Which call themselves apostles Perhaps itinerant missionaries of these Nicolaitans who posed as equal to or even superior to the original apostles, like the Judaizers so described by Paul (2 Corinthians 11:5, 2 Corinthians 11:13; 2 Corinthians 12:11). Paul had foretold such false teachers (Gnostics), grievous wolves, in Acts 20:29; in sheep‘s clothing, Jesus had said (Matthew 7:15).And they are not (και ευρες — kai ouk eisin). A parenthesis in Johannine style (John 2:9; John 3:9; 1 John 3:1) for ευρισκω — kai ouk ontas to correspond to επειρασας — legontas didst find (πσευδεις — kai heures). Second aorist active indicative of πσευδης — heuriskō Dropping back to the regular structure parallel with epeirasas (pseudeis). Predicate accusative plural of pseudēs self-deceived deceivers as in Revelation 21:8. [source]
Revelation 2:2 Bear [και επειρασας]
First aorist active infinitive of πειραζω — bastazō for which verb see John 10:31; John 12:6; Galatians 6:2. These evil men were indeed a heavy burden.And didst try (δυνηι εχεις — kai epeirasas). First aorist active indicative of τους λεγοντας εαυτους αποστολους — peirazō to test, a reference to a recent crisis when these Nicolaitans (Revelation 2:6) were condemned. The present tenses (και ουκ εισιν — dunēiκαι ουκ οντας — echeis) indicate the continuance of this attitude. Cf. 1 John 4:1.Which call themselves apostles Perhaps itinerant missionaries of these Nicolaitans who posed as equal to or even superior to the original apostles, like the Judaizers so described by Paul (2 Corinthians 11:5, 2 Corinthians 11:13; 2 Corinthians 12:11). Paul had foretold such false teachers (Gnostics), grievous wolves, in Acts 20:29; in sheep‘s clothing, Jesus had said (Matthew 7:15).And they are not (και ευρες — kai ouk eisin). A parenthesis in Johannine style (John 2:9; John 3:9; 1 John 3:1) for ευρισκω — kai ouk ontas to correspond to επειρασας — legontas didst find (πσευδεις — kai heures). Second aorist active indicative of πσευδης — heuriskō Dropping back to the regular structure parallel with epeirasas (pseudeis). Predicate accusative plural of pseudēs self-deceived deceivers as in Revelation 21:8. [source]

What do the individual words in Galatians 6:2 mean?

One another’s - burdens bear you and thus you shall fulfill the law - of Christ
Ἀλλήλων τὰ βάρη βαστάζετε καὶ οὕτως ἀναπληρώσετε τὸν νόμον τοῦ Χριστοῦ

Ἀλλήλων  One  another’s 
Parse: Personal / Reciprocal Pronoun, Genitive Masculine Plural
Root: ἀλλήλων  
Sense: one another, reciprocally, mutually.
τὰ  - 
Parse: Article, Accusative Neuter Plural
Root:  
Sense: this, that, these, etc.
βάρη  burdens 
Parse: Noun, Accusative Neuter Plural
Root: βάρος  
Sense: heaviness, weight, burden, trouble.
βαστάζετε  bear  you 
Parse: Verb, Present Imperative Active, 2nd Person Plural
Root: βαστάζω  
Sense: to take up with the hands.
οὕτως  thus 
Parse: Adverb
Root: οὕτως  
Sense: in this manner, thus, so.
ἀναπληρώσετε  you  shall  fulfill 
Parse: Verb, Future Indicative Active, 2nd Person Plural
Root: ἀναπληρόω  
Sense: to fill up, make full, e.
νόμον  law 
Parse: Noun, Accusative Masculine Singular
Root: νόμος  
Sense: anything established, anything received by usage, a custom, a law, a command.
τοῦ  - 
Parse: Article, Genitive Masculine Singular
Root:  
Sense: this, that, these, etc.
Χριστοῦ  of  Christ 
Parse: Noun, Genitive Masculine Singular
Root: Χριστός  
Sense: Christ was the Messiah, the Son of God.