Galatians 6:1

¶ Brethren, if a man be overtaken in a fault, ye which are spiritual, restore such an one in the spirit of meekness; considering thyself, lest thou also be tempted.

Brethren {G80}, if {G1437}{G2532} a man {G444} be overtaken {G4301} in {G1722} a {G5100} fault {G3900}, ye {G5210} which {G3588} are spiritual {G4152}, restore {G2675} such an one {G5108} in {G1722} the spirit {G4151} of meekness {G4236}; considering {G4648} thyself {G4572}, lest {G3361} thou {G4771} also {G2532} be tempted {G3985}.

Brothers, suppose someone is caught doing something wrong. You who have the Spirit should set him right, but in a spirit of humility, keeping an eye on yourselves so that you won’t be tempted too.

Brothers, if someone is caught in a trespass, you who are spiritual should restore him with a spirit of gentleness. But watch yourself, or you also may be tempted.

Brethren, even if a man be overtaken in any trespass, ye who are spiritual, restore such a one in a spirit of gentleness; looking to thyself, lest thou also be tempted.

Commentary

Context

Galatians 6:1 opens the final chapter of Paul's letter to the Galatians, transitioning from theological arguments about justification by faith—not by works of the law—to practical exhortations for Christian living. Following his passionate defense of freedom in Christ and the contrast between walking in the flesh and walking in the Spirit (Galatians 5), Paul now provides specific instructions on how believers should interact within the community. This verse serves as a crucial bridge, applying the principles of Spirit-filled living and the fruit of the Spirit to the sensitive issue of dealing with a fellow believer who has stumbled.

Key Themes

  • Restoration, Not Condemnation: The primary instruction is to "restore" the one who has erred, emphasizing healing and reconciliation rather than harsh judgment or expulsion. The goal is to bring the person back into fellowship and spiritual health.
  • Spiritual Maturity and Responsibility: The task of restoration is given to "ye which are spiritual." This refers to believers who are walking in the Spirit, demonstrating spiritual discernment and the qualities of Christlikeness, particularly humility and love. It highlights the responsibility of mature believers to care for the less mature or those who have fallen.
  • The Spirit of Meekness: The manner of restoration is crucial. It must be done "in the spirit of meekness." This implies gentleness, humility, and a lack of self-righteousness. It is strength under control, born out of love and a desire to help, not to condemn.
  • Humility and Self-Awareness: The concluding phrase, "considering thyself, lest thou also be tempted," serves as a vital safeguard against pride and judgmentalism. It reminds the restorer of their own vulnerability to sin and temptation, fostering empathy and preventing a holier-than-thou attitude. This echoes Jesus' teaching on removing the plank from one's own eye.

Linguistic Insights

  • "Overtaken" (Greek: prolambanō): This word suggests being caught unawares, surprised by a fault, or apprehended before one realizes it. It implies a situation where a person might have slipped into sin rather than deliberately planning it. This nuance encourages a compassionate and understanding approach.
  • "Restore" (Greek: katartizō): This term means to mend, repair, or set a broken bone. It was used for mending nets or setting dislocated limbs. It conveys the idea of bringing something back to its proper, functional state, implying a gentle, careful, and healing process, not a punitive one.
  • "Meekness" (Greek: prautēs): Often translated as gentleness, this is one of the fruits of the Spirit. It describes a humble and mild disposition, characterized by controlled strength rather than weakness. It is the opposite of harshness or arrogance.

Practical Application

Galatians 6:1 provides timeless guidance for how Christians should respond to sin within their community. It calls for a compassionate and humble approach to those who stumble, focusing on their spiritual restoration rather than their public shaming. For leaders and mature believers, it emphasizes the pastoral responsibility to care for the flock with gentleness and discernment. For all believers, it serves as a powerful reminder of our shared human frailty and the need for mutual support, forgiveness, and the love that bears one another's burdens. This verse encourages a church culture where grace abounds, and genuine repentance leads to healing and renewed fellowship.

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Cross-References

  • Romans 15:1

    ¶ We then that are strong ought to bear the infirmities of the weak, and not to please ourselves.

  • 2 Thessalonians 3:15

    Yet count [him] not as an enemy, but admonish [him] as a brother.

  • 2 Timothy 2:25

    In meekness instructing those that oppose themselves; if God peradventure will give them repentance to the acknowledging of the truth;

  • James 5:19

    Brethren, if any of you do err from the truth, and one convert him;

  • James 5:20

    Let him know, that he which converteth the sinner from the error of his way shall save a soul from death, and shall hide a multitude of sins.

  • Jude 1:22

    And of some have compassion, making a difference:

  • Jude 1:23

    And others save with fear, pulling [them] out of the fire; hating even the garment spotted by the flesh.