Galatians 6:3

For if a man think himself to be something, when he is nothing, he deceiveth himself.

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}.

For if anyone thinks he is something when he is really nothing, he is fooling himself.

If anyone thinks he is something when he is nothing, he deceives himself.

For if a man thinketh himself to be something when he is nothing, he deceiveth himself.

Commentary

Galatians 6:3 is a poignant warning from the Apostle Paul, nestled within a section of his letter that encourages believers to live out their freedom in Christ through practical acts of love and humility. Following his instruction to bear one another's burdens (Galatians 6:2), Paul addresses a potential pitfall: spiritual pride or self-importance. This verse serves as a crucial counterbalance to the natural human tendency towards self-exaltation, especially in the context of spiritual gifts or perceived righteousness within the Christian community.

Key Themes

  • Humility vs. Self-Deception: The core message emphasizes the danger of an inflated self-perception. Paul warns that believing oneself to be significant when one is not, leads to profound self-deception. This contrasts sharply with the humility exemplified by Christ, who made himself of no reputation. It also echoes Paul's warning that knowledge can puff up, but charity edifieth.
  • Accurate Self-Assessment: The verse calls for a realistic and honest evaluation of one's spiritual standing and capabilities. True self-knowledge, from a biblical perspective, acknowledges our dependence on God and our inherent limitations without Him.
  • The Danger of Spiritual Arrogance: In the church, there can be a subtle temptation to compare oneself with others or to boast in one's spiritual achievements. This verse directly confronts such unhealthy self-estimation, reminding us that any good we possess comes from God.

Linguistic Insights

The Greek phrase translated "think himself to be something" is dokéō einai ti (δοκῶ εἶναί τι), which can mean "to seem to be something" or "to suppose oneself to be somebody of importance." The word for "nothing" is ouden (οὐδέν), emphasizing absolute insignificance. The critical phrase "deceiveth himself" comes from the Greek phrenapataō (φρεναπατάω), a strong compound word meaning "to deceive one's mind" or "to delude oneself." It implies a deep, internal self-delusion, where one's own thoughts lead them astray from reality. This isn't just a simple mistake but an active process of self-misguidance, often rooted in pride.

Practical Application

Galatians 6:3 serves as a timeless mirror for believers. It challenges us to:

  • Cultivate Humility: Recognize that all our abilities, talents, and spiritual insights are gifts from God (1 Corinthians 4:7). Our worth is in Christ, not in what we achieve or possess.
  • Practice Self-Examination: Regularly assess our motives, attitudes, and spiritual state before God. This isn't about morbid introspection but honest reflection, asking if our actions truly align with God's will or if they are driven by self-aggrandizement. As Paul urges, "Examine yourselves, whether ye be in the faith."
  • Serve Others: The antidote to self-importance is often outward focus and service. When we are busy bearing one another's burdens and considering others better than ourselves, there is little room for pride.

Ultimately, this verse reminds us that true spiritual maturity is marked by a deep sense of dependence on God and an honest, humble assessment of ourselves in light of His grace, rather than a puffed-up view of our own importance.

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Cross-References

  • Proverbs 26:12

    ¶ Seest thou a man wise in his own conceit? [there is] more hope of a fool than of him.

  • 1 Corinthians 3:18

    ¶ Let no man deceive himself. If any man among you seemeth to be wise in this world, let him become a fool, that he may be wise.

  • 1 Corinthians 8:2

    And if any man think that he knoweth any thing, he knoweth nothing yet as he ought to know.

  • Romans 12:3

    For I say, through the grace given unto me, to every man that is among you, not to think [of himself] more highly than he ought to think; but to think soberly, according as God hath dealt to every man the measure of faith.

  • 1 Corinthians 13:2

    And though I have [the gift of] prophecy, and understand all mysteries, and all knowledge; and though I have all faith, so that I could remove mountains, and have not charity, I am nothing.

  • 2 Corinthians 3:5

    Not that we are sufficient of ourselves to think any thing as of ourselves; but our sufficiency [is] of God;

  • Romans 12:16

    [Be] of the same mind one toward another. Mind not high things, but condescend to men of low estate. Be not wise in your own conceits.