Galatians 6:1

KJV

¶ 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.

KJV (with Strong's)

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}.

Complete Jewish Bible

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.

Berean Standard Bible

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.

American Standard Version

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

### SUMMARY
Galatians 6:1 provides essential guidance for Christian community life, instructing believers who are spiritually mature to gently and humbly restore a fellow believer who has been caught in a sin or transgression. This restorative action is to be undertaken with self-awareness and humility, recognizing one's own vulnerability to temptation, thereby fostering a spirit of grace, empathy, and mutual accountability within the body of Christ.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Galatians 6:1 transitions Paul's letter from deep theological exposition to practical ethical instruction, serving as the opening verse of the concluding chapter. Chapters 3 and 4 meticulously argue for justification by faith apart from works of the law, while chapter 5 contrasts walking by the Spirit with walking by the flesh, culminating in the [fruit of the Spirit](/galatians/5-22-23 "Galatians 5:22-23 - The Fruit of the Spirit"). This verse directly applies the principles of Spirit-led living, particularly love, gentleness, and self-control, to the concrete scenario of a brother or sister in Christ stumbling. It is immediately followed by an exhortation to [bear one another's burdens](/galatians/6-2 "Galatians 6:2 - Bearing Burdens"), which is presented as fulfilling the law of Christ, further emphasizing communal responsibility and love.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Paul is writing to the churches in Galatia, which were being influenced by Judaizers who insisted on the necessity of circumcision and adherence to the Mosaic Law for salvation. While the primary theological battle concerned justification, Paul understood that true faith always expresses itself in love and ethical conduct. The Jewish legal tradition often emphasized public shaming or expulsion for transgressions, but Paul's instruction here reflects a distinctly Christian ethos of restoration rooted in grace, contrasting with a purely legalistic approach. The early Christian communities were tight-knit, and maintaining fellowship and purity was paramount, yet the method of dealing with sin was to be guided by the Spirit, not by human pride or rigid legalism.
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully contributes to several overarching themes in Galatians and Pauline theology. It underscores the theme of **Spirit-led living**, demonstrating how the fruit of the Spirit, especially gentleness and self-control, is vital in interpersonal relationships within the church. It highlights **communal responsibility** and **mutual care** among believers, emphasizing that spiritual maturity is not just about personal piety but also about actively participating in the spiritual well-being of others. The instruction to "restore" rather than condemn reinforces the theme of **grace and redemption**, even for those who falter. Finally, the concluding admonition, "considering thyself, lest thou also be tempted," introduces the crucial theme of **humility and self-awareness**, echoing Jesus' teaching on judging others in [Matthew 7:3-5](/matthew/7-3-5 "Matthew 7:3-5 - The Speck and the Plank"), thereby safeguarding against self-righteousness.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Overtaken (Greek, _prolambánō_):** From the Greek G4301, this verb means "to take in advance," "to anticipate," or "to surprise." In this context, it suggests being caught unawares or apprehended by a fault before one fully realizes the depth of the transgression or its implications. It implies a slip, a stumble, or being ensnared by sin rather than a deliberate, premeditated act of rebellion. This nuance encourages compassion and understanding, as it speaks to human frailty and the insidious nature of temptation.
* **Restore (Greek, _katartízō_):** Derived from G2675, this word means "to complete thoroughly," "to repair," "to mend," or "to adjust." It was used in various contexts, such as mending fishing nets (as in [Matthew 4:21](/matthew/4-21 "Matthew 4:21 - Mending Nets")), setting a broken bone, or preparing something for its proper function. The imagery is one of careful, gentle, and skillful work aimed at bringing something back to its original, healthy, and functional state. It implies a process of healing, reconciliation, and reintegration, not punishment or condemnation.
* **Meekness (Greek, _praiótēs_):** From G4236, this term signifies "gentleness" or "humility." It is a key aspect of the [fruit of the Spirit](/galatians/5-23 "Galatians 5:23 - Meekness as a Fruit of the Spirit") and a characteristic of Christ (as seen in [Matthew 11:29](/matthew/11-29 "Matthew 11:29 - Jesus' Meekness")). It describes a disposition of controlled strength, not weakness; power under submission to God. In the context of restoration, it means approaching the erring person with humility, patience, and a lack of self-righteousness, motivated by love rather than a desire to assert superiority or inflict shame.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Brethren, if a man be overtaken in a fault":** Paul addresses the community as "brethren" (G80, _adelphós_), establishing a familial context of mutual care and love. The phrase "if a man be overtaken in a fault" (G1437 _eán_, G444 _ánthrōpos_, G4301 _prolambánō_, G3900 _paráptōma_) introduces a conditional scenario where a person has "slipped aside" or committed a "transgression" (G3900 _paráptōma_). The term "overtaken" suggests that the fault was not necessarily premeditated but perhaps a lapse due to weakness, temptation, or being caught off guard, evoking a compassionate response.
* **"ye which are spiritual, restore such an one in the spirit of meekness":** This clause directs the responsibility to "ye which are spiritual" (G5210 _hymeîs_, G3588 _ho_, G4152 _pneumatikós_). These are believers who are walking in step with the Holy Spirit (as discussed in [Galatians 5:16](/galatians/5-16 "Galatians 5:16 - Walk by the Spirit")), demonstrating spiritual maturity, discernment, and the fruit of the Spirit. Their task is to "restore" (G2675 _katartízō_) the erring individual, implying a process of mending, setting right, or bringing back to proper alignment. Crucially, this must be done "in the spirit of meekness" (G1722 _en_, G4151 _pneûma_, G4236 _praiótēs_), emphasizing a gentle, humble, and non-judgmental approach, devoid of pride or harshness.
* **"considering thyself, lest thou also be tempted":** The final phrase serves as a vital safeguard against self-righteousness and a call to profound humility. The one undertaking the restoration is commanded to be "considering thyself" (G4648 _skopéō_, G4572 _seautoû_), meaning to "look carefully at" or "examine" oneself. The purpose is "lest thou also be tempted" (G3361 _mḗ_, G4771 _sý_, G2532 _kaí_, G3985 _peirázō_), acknowledging the universal human susceptibility to sin. This self-reflection fosters empathy, humility, and prevents the restorer from falling into the very pride or judgmentalism that could lead to their own downfall.

#### Literary Devices
Paul employs several effective literary devices in Galatians 6:1. The use of **Admonition** is clear, as Paul directly instructs the Galatian believers on how to act. The phrase "ye which are spiritual, restore such an one" functions as a direct command, albeit softened by the preceding conditional clause. The **Metaphor** of "restoring" (Greek _katartízō_) is particularly potent, drawing on the imagery of mending something broken, like a fishing net or a dislocated limb. This metaphor vividly conveys the gentle, careful, and healing nature of the process, contrasting sharply with punitive or destructive actions. Furthermore, Paul uses **Ethos** by appealing to the "spiritual" among them, implying that those who genuinely walk in the Spirit are uniquely qualified and obligated to perform this act of restoration. Finally, the concluding warning, "considering thyself, lest thou also be tempted," serves as a powerful **Prolepsis** or **Anticipation**, addressing a potential pitfall (pride, judgmentalism) before it arises, thereby reinforcing the necessity of humility and self-awareness in the act of restoration.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Galatians 6:1 is a profound theological statement on the nature of Christian fellowship and the practical outworking of grace. It underscores that the Christian life is not merely individualistic but deeply communal, demanding active participation in the spiritual well-being of others. The command to "restore" rather than condemn reflects God's own character of patient love and redemptive grace towards His erring children. It is a call to embody the very spirit of Christ, who came not to condemn the world but to save it, and who consistently extended mercy to sinners. The emphasis on meekness and self-awareness highlights that true spiritual maturity is characterized by humility and empathy, recognizing our shared fallenness and dependence on God's grace. This verse challenges believers to create church environments where stumbling is met with compassionate support and a pathway back to wholeness, rather than with harsh judgment or isolation, thus demonstrating the transforming power of the Gospel in community.

* [James 5:19-20](/james/5-19-20 "James 5:19-20 - Restoring a Sinner")
* [Matthew 18:15-17](/matthew/18-15-17 "Matthew 18:15-17 - Dealing with a Sinning Brother")
* [Romans 15:1](/romans/15-1 "Romans 15:1 - Bearing with the Weak")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Galatians 6:1 presents a challenging yet beautiful vision for how believers should interact when sin occurs within the community. It calls us away from self-righteous judgment and towards compassionate, humble restoration. For those who are "spiritual," this means taking proactive, gentle steps to help a brother or sister caught in a fault, remembering that our ultimate goal is their spiritual healing and reintegration, not their condemnation or public shaming. This requires discernment, patience, and a deep well of grace. For all believers, the verse serves as a powerful reminder of our shared human frailty. We are all susceptible to temptation and sin, and therefore, we should approach others with the same mercy and understanding we hope to receive. This fosters a church culture where vulnerability is met with support, where repentance leads to reconciliation, and where love truly covers a multitude of sins, building up the body of Christ in unity and grace.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does my initial reaction to someone else's sin align with the "spirit of meekness" described in this verse?**
* **In what ways can I cultivate a greater sense of self-awareness and humility, "considering myself, lest I also be tempted"?**
* **What practical steps can I take to be an instrument of restoration rather than condemnation in my Christian community?**
* **How does this verse challenge my understanding of spiritual maturity and my responsibility towards others in the church?**

### FAQ

**What does it mean to be "overtaken in a fault"?**

Answer: To be "overtaken in a fault" (Greek: _prolambánō_ in a _paráptōma_) suggests that a person has been caught off guard, surprised, or ensnared by a transgression rather than having deliberately and willfully planned to sin. It implies a stumble or a lapse due to weakness, temptation, or an unexpected circumstance. This nuance encourages a compassionate and understanding response, recognizing the human propensity to fall even when one's heart is generally inclined towards God. It contrasts with a defiant, unrepentant rebellion, which might require a different approach (though still rooted in a desire for restoration, as seen in [2 Thessalonians 3:14-15](/2_thessalonians/3-14-15 "2 Thessalonians 3:14-15 - Admonishing the Disorderly")).

**Who are "ye which are spiritual" and why are they given this responsibility?**

Answer: "Ye which are spiritual" (Greek: _pneumatikós_) refers to believers who are walking in step with the Holy Spirit, demonstrating spiritual maturity, discernment, and the fruit of the Spirit (as outlined in [Galatians 5:22-23](/galatians/5-22-23 "Galatians 5:22-23 - The Fruit of the Spirit")). They are not necessarily a special class of super-Christians, but rather those who are consistently submitting to the Spirit's leading, allowing His character to be formed in them. They are given this responsibility because they possess the spiritual wisdom, humility, and love necessary to approach an erring brother or sister with the right attitude and method—one of restoration, not condemnation—and to avoid the pitfalls of pride or self-righteousness. Their spiritual maturity equips them to be instruments of God's grace.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Galatians 6:1 finds its ultimate fulfillment and deepest meaning in the person and work of Jesus Christ. He is the supreme example of one who came not to condemn the world but to restore it ([John 3:17](/john/3-17 "John 3:17 - Jesus Did Not Come to Condemn")). Jesus consistently demonstrated a spirit of meekness and humility, even while possessing all divine authority ([Matthew 11:29](/matthew/11-29 "Matthew 11:29 - Jesus' Meekness and Humility")). He sought out the lost, ate with sinners, and extended grace to those "overtaken in a fault," such as the woman caught in adultery ([John 8:1-11](/john/8-1-11 "John 8:1-11 - The Woman Caught in Adultery")), offering forgiveness and a call to new life rather than harsh judgment. His entire ministry was one of "restoration" (Greek _katartízō_), not just mending broken lives but reconciling humanity to God through His sacrificial death and resurrection ([2 Corinthians 5:18-19](/2_corinthians/5-18-19 "2 Corinthians 5:18-19 - Ministry of Reconciliation")). Moreover, Jesus' warning about "considering thyself, lest thou also be tempted" resonates with His teaching on removing the plank from one's own eye before attempting to remove the speck from another's ([Matthew 7:3-5](/matthew/7-3-5 "Matthew 7:3-5 - The Plank and the Speck")), underscoring the universal need for humility and self-awareness in all acts of service and discipline. Thus, Galatians 6:1 calls believers to imitate Christ, embodying His restorative love, meekness, and humble self-awareness in their interactions within the community of faith.

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

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.