


Galatians 6:17
Bible Versions
From henceforth let no man trouble me: for I bear in my body the marks of the Lord Jesus.
From now on, I don’t want anyone to give me any more tsuris, because I have scars on my body to prove that I belong to Yeshua!
From now on let no one cause me trouble, for I bear on my body the marks of Jesus.
Henceforth let no man trouble me; for I bear branded on my body the marks of Jesus.
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2 Corinthians 1:5
For as the sufferings of Christ abound in us, so our consolation also aboundeth by Christ. -
Colossians 1:24
Who now rejoice in my sufferings for you, and fill up that which is behind of the afflictions of Christ in my flesh for his body's sake, which is the church: -
2 Corinthians 11:23
Are they ministers of Christ? (I speak as a fool) I [am] more; in labours more abundant, in stripes above measure, in prisons more frequent, in deaths oft. -
2 Corinthians 11:25
Thrice was I beaten with rods, once was I stoned, thrice I suffered shipwreck, a night and a day I have been in the deep; -
2 Corinthians 4:10
Always bearing about in the body the dying of the Lord Jesus, that the life also of Jesus might be made manifest in our body. -
Galatians 5:11
And I, brethren, if I yet preach circumcision, why do I yet suffer persecution? then is the offence of the cross ceased. -
Galatians 5:12
I would they were even cut off which trouble you.
Commentary on Galatians 6:17 KJV
Galatians 6:17 declares Paul's final, emphatic statement in his letter to the Galatians: "From henceforth let no man trouble me: for I bear in my body the marks of the Lord Jesus." This verse serves as a powerful conclusion to his defense of the true Gospel of grace.
Context
This verse comes at the very end of Paul's epistle to the Galatians, a letter fiercely defending the doctrine of justification by faith alone, apart from the works of the Mosaic Law, particularly circumcision. Paul has spent the entire letter confronting false teachers, known as Judaizers, who insisted that Gentile converts must be circumcised and adhere to Jewish customs to be truly saved. Having just pronounced a blessing on those who walk according to the rule of the new creation (Galatians 6:16), Paul now asserts his apostolic authority and integrity, effectively telling his detractors to cease their accusations and challenges against his ministry and message.
Key Themes
Linguistic Insights
The key word in this verse is "marks," translated from the Greek word stigmata (στίγματα). In the ancient world, stigmata referred to brand marks or tattoos used for various purposes:
Paul's use of stigmata here powerfully conveys that his scars and physical ailments, incurred through beatings, stonings, and other persecutions (see 2 Corinthians 11:23-27), are not marks of shame but rather glorious badges of honor. They are proof that he is owned by Christ, a loyal soldier of Christ, and completely devoted to the Lord Jesus. These marks validate his message and his ministry, silencing any doubts about his authority or sincerity.
Practical Application
For believers today, Galatians 6:17 reminds us: