Galatians 6:4

But let every man prove his own work, and then shall he have rejoicing in himself alone, and not in another.

But {G1161} let {G1381} every man {G1538} prove {G1381} his own {G1438} work {G2041}, and {G2532} then {G5119} shall he have {G2192} rejoicing {G2745} in {G1519} himself {G1438} alone {G3441}, and {G2532} not {G3756} in {G1519} another {G2087}.

So let each of you scrutinize his own actions. Then if you do find something to boast about, at least the boasting will be based on what you have actually done and not merely on a judgment that you are better than someone else;

Each one should test his own work. Then he will have reason to boast in himself alone, and not in someone else.

But let each man prove his own work, and then shall he have his glorying in regard of himself alone, and not of his neighbor.

Commentary

Commentary on Galatians 6:4 KJV

The Apostle Paul, in his letter to the Galatians, addresses the vital concept of individual accountability and self-assessment within the Christian community. Galatians 6:4 encourages believers to focus on their own spiritual walk and actions rather than engaging in comparisons with others.

Context

This verse is nestled within a section of practical exhortations in Galatians 6. It follows Paul's instruction to bear one another's burdens (Galatians 6:2), which speaks to communal responsibility. However, Galatians 6:4 provides a necessary balance, emphasizing that while we help each other, each person is ultimately responsible for their own conduct before God. This passage also precedes the warning about sowing and reaping (Galatians 6:7), reinforcing the idea that our personal actions have consequences. The broader context of Galatians highlights salvation by faith, not works of the law, but this verse clarifies that genuine faith produces good works worthy of examination.

Key Themes

  • Personal Responsibility: Each individual is held accountable for their own deeds and spiritual integrity. The Christian life is not a group project where one can rely solely on the spiritual efforts of others.
  • Self-Examination: The command to "prove his own work" (from the Greek word dokimazō) implies a rigorous, honest self-assessment. It means to test, examine, or discern the quality and authenticity of one's actions, motives, and spiritual fruit before God, not before human judges.
  • Authentic Rejoicing: True satisfaction and confidence ("rejoicing" or "boasting" from kauchēma) come from a clear conscience and the knowledge that one's own work is pleasing to God, independent of what others are doing or how they perform.
  • Avoiding Comparison: The phrase "and not in another" directly warns against the common human tendency to compare oneself to others. Such comparisons often lead to pride (if one feels superior) or despair (if one feels inferior), neither of which fosters genuine spiritual growth.

Linguistic Insights

The Greek word translated "prove" is dokimazō, which means to test, examine, or discern, with the aim of approving or demonstrating genuineness. It's not about putting on a show for others, but about an internal, rigorous evaluation of one's actions and character. The "rejoicing" (kauchēma) here is not a worldly boast of self-sufficiency, but a legitimate confidence and satisfaction that comes from living a life consistent with one's faith, as assessed by God.

Practical Application

Galatians 6:4 offers profound guidance for daily Christian living:

  1. Focus Inward, Not Outward: Instead of being preoccupied with the perceived successes or failures of others, we are called to concentrate on our own spiritual journey and ensure our actions align with God's will. This helps combat envy, jealousy, and self-righteousness.
  2. Embrace Accountability: Understand that ultimately, each person will give an account of their life to God (Romans 14:12). This encourages diligence and integrity in all we do.
  3. Cultivate Genuine Joy: Seek satisfaction and peace from living a life that honors God, rather than seeking validation from human applause or the misfortune of others. True joy is found in God's approval of our faithful service.
  4. Promote Humility: By focusing on our own walk, we avoid the pitfalls of judging others and maintain a humble posture, recognizing our own need for grace.

This verse serves as a powerful reminder that while community is vital, our personal relationship with Christ and the integrity of our individual walk are paramount.

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Cross-References

  • 2 Corinthians 13:5

    Examine yourselves, whether ye be in the faith; prove your own selves. Know ye not your own selves, how that Jesus Christ is in you, except ye be reprobates?

  • Psalms 26:2

    Examine me, O LORD, and prove me; try my reins and my heart.

  • 1 Corinthians 11:28

    But let a man examine himself, and so let him eat of [that] bread, and drink of [that] cup.

  • 2 Corinthians 11:12

    But what I do, that I will do, that I may cut off occasion from them which desire occasion; that wherein they glory, they may be found even as we.

  • 2 Corinthians 11:13

    For such [are] false apostles, deceitful workers, transforming themselves into the apostles of Christ.

  • 2 Corinthians 1:12

    ¶ For our rejoicing is this, the testimony of our conscience, that in simplicity and godly sincerity, not with fleshly wisdom, but by the grace of God, we have had our conversation in the world, and more abundantly to you-ward.

  • 1 John 3:19

    And hereby we know that we are of the truth, and shall assure our hearts before him.