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):

Explore This Verse Across Other Resources:

BibleHub.com BibleRef.com

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).