Galatians 6:3

King James Version:

(The Lord speaking is red text)

For if a man think himself to be something, when he is nothing, he deceiveth himself.

Complete Jewish Bible:

For if anyone thinks he is something when he is really nothing, he is fooling himself.

Berean Standard Bible:

If anyone thinks he is something when he is nothing, he deceives himself.

American Standard Version:

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

KJV with Strong’s Numbers:

For{G1063} if a man{G1536} think himself{G1380} to be{G1511} something{G5100}, when he is{G5607} nothing{G3367}, he deceiveth{G5422} himself{G1438}.

Cross-References (KJV):

Proverbs 26:12

  • ¶ Seest thou a man wise in his own conceit? [there is] more hope of a fool than of him.

1 Corinthians 3:18

  • ¶ Let no man deceive himself. If any man among you seemeth to be wise in this world, let him become a fool, that he may be wise.

1 Corinthians 8:2

  • And if any man think that he knoweth any thing, he knoweth nothing yet as he ought to know.

Romans 12:3

  • For I say, through the grace given unto me, to every man that is among you, not to think [of himself] more highly than he ought to think; but to think soberly, according as God hath dealt to every man the measure of faith.

1 Corinthians 13:2

  • And though I have [the gift of] prophecy, and understand all mysteries, and all knowledge; and though I have all faith, so that I could remove mountains, and have not charity, I am nothing.

2 Corinthians 3:5

  • Not that we are sufficient of ourselves to think any thing as of ourselves; but our sufficiency [is] of God;

Romans 12:16

  • [Be] of the same mind one toward another. Mind not high things, but condescend to men of low estate. Be not wise in your own conceits.

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Commentary for Galatians 6:3

Galatians 6:3, "For if a man think himself to be something, when he is nothing, he deceiveth himself," is a verse found within the New Testament of the Christian Bible. This verse is part of the Apostle Paul's letter to the churches in the region of Galatia, which today is part of modern-day Turkey. The letter addresses issues that had arisen in these early Christian communities, particularly concerning the relationship between Jewish law and the grace of Christ.

In this verse, Paul is addressing the problem of pride and self-deception. The historical context suggests that some of the Galatian believers, likely influenced by Jewish Christians, were boasting about their adherence to the law, particularly circumcision, as a means of justification before God. Paul warns that anyone who considers themselves superior or righteous based on their own efforts or status is mistaken. This was a critical point of contention in the early church, as some Jewish Christians found it difficult to let go of the Mosaic Law's requirements as a basis for salvation.

The themes of Galatians 6:3 include humility, self-awareness, and the proper understanding of one's standing before God. Paul emphasizes that righteousness is not achieved through human efforts or merit but is a gift of grace through faith in Christ (Ephesians 2:8-9). The verse serves as a caution against self-righteousness and a reminder that true wisdom and maturity in the faith are characterized by an accurate self-assessment and an acknowledgment of one's complete dependence on God's grace. This message is as relevant today as it was in the first century, challenging believers to live authentically in light of the gospel's transformative power, rather than falling into the trap of self-delusion and pride.

*This commentary is produced by Microsoft/WizardLM-2-8x22B AI model

Strong's Numbers and Definitions:

Note: H = Hebrew (OT), G = Greek (NT)

  1. Strong's Number: G1063
    There are 1016 instances of this translation in the Bible
    Lemma: γάρ
    Transliteration: gár
    Pronunciation: gar
    Description: a primary particle; properly, assigning a reason (used in argument, explanation or intensification; often with other particles):--and, as, because (that), but, even, for, indeed, no doubt, seeing, then, therefore, verily, what, why, yet.
  2. Strong's Number: G1536
    There are 68 instances of this translation in the Bible
    Lemma: εἴ τις
    Transliteration: eí tis
    Pronunciation: i tis
    Description: from εἰ and τὶς; if any:--he that, if a(-ny) man('s thing, from any, ought), whether any, whosoever.
  3. Strong's Number: G1380
    There are 62 instances of this translation in the Bible
    Lemma: δοκέω
    Transliteration: dokéō
    Pronunciation: dok'-o
    Description: a prolonged form of a primary verb, (used only in an alternate in certain tenses; compare the base of δεικνύω) of the same meaning; to think; by implication, to seem (truthfully or uncertainly):--be accounted, (of own) please(-ure), be of reputation, seem (good), suppose, think, trow.
  4. Strong's Number: G1511
    There are 124 instances of this translation in the Bible
    Lemma: εἶναι
    Transliteration: eînai
    Pronunciation: i'-nahee
    Description: present infinitive from εἰμί; to exist:--am, was. come, is, X lust after, X please well, there is, to be, was.
  5. Strong's Number: G5100
    There are 419 instances of this translation in the Bible
    Lemma: τὶς
    Transliteration: tìs
    Pronunciation: tis
    Description: an enclitic indefinite pronoun; some or any person or object:--a (kind of), any (man, thing, thing at all), certain (thing), divers, he (every) man, one (X thing), ought, + partly, some (man, -body, - thing, -what), (+ that no-)thing, what(-soever), X wherewith, whom(-soever), whose(-soever).
  6. Strong's Number: G5607
    There are 154 instances of this translation in the Bible
    Lemma: ὤν
    Transliteration: ṓn
    Pronunciation: on
    Description: present participle of εἰμί; being:--be, come, have.
  7. Strong's Number: G3367
    There are 88 instances of this translation in the Bible
    Lemma: μηδείς
    Transliteration: mēdeís
    Pronunciation: may-den'
    Description: from μή and εἷς; not even one (man, woman, thing):--any (man, thing), no (man), none, not (at all, any man, a whit), nothing, + without delay.
  8. Strong's Number: G5422
    There are 1 instances of this translation in the Bible
    Lemma: φρεναπατάω
    Transliteration: phrenapatáō
    Pronunciation: fren-ap-at-ah'-o
    Description: from φρεναπάτης; to be a mind-misleader, i.e. delude:--deceive.
  9. Strong's Number: G1438
    There are 312 instances of this translation in the Bible
    Lemma: ἑαυτοῦ
    Transliteration: heautoû
    Pronunciation: heh-ow-too'
    Description: from a reflexive pronoun otherwise obsolete and the genitive case (dative case or accusative case) of αὐτός; him- (her-, it-, them-, also (in conjunction with the personal pronoun of the other persons) my-, thy-, our-, your-) self (selves), etc.:--alone, her (own, -self), (he) himself, his (own), itself, one (to) another, our (thine) own(-selves), + that she had, their (own, own selves), (of) them(-selves), they, thyself, you, your (own, own conceits, own selves, -selves).