Galatians 6:2
Bear ye one another's burdens, and so fulfil the law of Christ.
Bear ye {G941} one another's {G240} burdens {G922}, and {G2532} so {G3779} fulfil {G378} the law {G3551} of Christ {G5547}.
Bear one another’s burdens — in this way you will be fulfilling the Torah’s true meaning, which the Messiah upholds.
Carry one another’s burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ.
Bear ye one another’s burdens, and so fulfil the law of Christ.
Cross-References
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Romans 15:1
¶ We then that are strong ought to bear the infirmities of the weak, and not to please ourselves. -
1 Thessalonians 5:14
Now we exhort you, brethren, warn them that are unruly, comfort the feebleminded, support the weak, be patient toward all [men]. -
John 13:34
A new commandment I give unto you, That ye love one another; as I have loved you, that ye also love one another. -
1 John 4:21
And this commandment have we from him, That he who loveth God love his brother also. -
James 2:8
¶ If ye fulfil the royal law according to the scripture, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself, ye do well: -
John 15:12
This is my commandment, That ye love one another, as I have loved you. -
Galatians 5:13
¶ For, brethren, ye have been called unto liberty; only [use] not liberty for an occasion to the flesh, but by love serve one another.
Commentary
Galatians 6:2 is a powerful call to Christian community and mutual support, urging believers to share in each other's difficulties and, in doing so, fulfill the core principle of Christ's teaching.
Context
The Apostle Paul’s letter to the Galatians is a fervent defense of salvation by grace through faith in Jesus Christ, contrasting it sharply with reliance on adherence to the Mosaic Law. After establishing this foundational theological truth in earlier chapters, Paul transitions in Chapter 6 to practical implications for Christian living. Verse 2 immediately follows an instruction to gently restore a brother caught in a fault (Galatians 6:1), setting the stage for a broader discussion on mutual responsibility and humility within the Christian community. It emphasizes that true spiritual freedom in Christ leads to active love and service, not passive individualism.
Key Themes and Messages
Linguistic Insights
The Greek word for "burdens" here is barē (βάρη), which refers to heavy, oppressive loads or weights that are difficult or impossible for one person to carry alone. This is distinct from the word phortion (φορτίον) used in Galatians 6:5, which means a "task" or "load" that each individual is expected to carry for themselves (e.g., their own accountability or specific responsibilities). The contrast suggests that while each person has their own responsibilities, we are called to alleviate the truly crushing burdens of others. The phrase "fulfil the law of Christ" points directly to Christ's new commandment of love, as seen in John 13:34, emphasizing that love is the ultimate fulfillment of divine law.
Practical Application
Galatians 6:2 challenges believers today to live out their faith in tangible ways:
In essence, bearing one another's burdens is a practical demonstration of Christian love, reflecting the very heart of Jesus, who bore the ultimate burden of sin for humanity.
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