Galatians 6:5

KJV

For every man shall bear his own burden.

KJV (with Strong's)

For {G1063} every man {G1538} shall bear {G941} his own {G2398} burden {G5413}.

Complete Jewish Bible

for each person will carry his own load.

Berean Standard Bible

For each one should carry his own load.

American Standard Version

For each man shall bear his own burden.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Galatians 6:5, "For every man shall bear his own burden," serves as a crucial counterpoint to the preceding instruction to "bear one another's burdens" in Galatians 6:2. This verse emphasizes the individual's inherent responsibility and accountability before God for their own life, actions, and spiritual walk. It clarifies that while Christians are called to communal support in times of overwhelming difficulty, each person also has a personal "load" or "task" that is uniquely theirs to carry and for which they will ultimately give an account.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Galatians 6 opens with practical instructions for Christian living, building upon Paul's earlier exposition of Christian liberty and walking by the Spirit (Galatians 5). The immediate context begins with a call for spiritual restoration and mutual support among believers: "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. Bear ye one another's burdens, and so fulfil the law of Christ" ([Galatians 6:1-2](/galatians/6-1-2 "Galatians 6:1-2 - Restoring the Erring and Bearing Burdens")). This communal responsibility is then balanced by a strong emphasis on individual accountability in the verses that follow: "For if a man think himself to be something, when he is nothing, he deceiveth himself. But let every man prove his own work, and then shall he have rejoicing in himself alone, and not in another" ([Galatians 6:3-4](/galatians/6-3-4 "Galatians 6:3-4 - Humility and Self-Examination")). Verse 5, therefore, concludes this thought, affirming that despite communal aid, each person has a unique, personal responsibility.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Paul's letter to the Galatians was written to churches in the region of Galatia, likely to counter the influence of "Judaizers" who insisted that Gentile converts must observe aspects of the Mosaic Law, such as circumcision, in addition to faith in Christ for salvation. This theological dispute forms the backbone of the entire epistle, with Paul passionately defending salvation by grace through faith alone. Within this broader theological battle, Paul also provides ethical instructions for how believers, now freed from the law, ought to live by the Spirit. The emphasis on individual responsibility in [Galatians 6:5](/galatians/6-5 "Galatians 6:5 - Individual Responsibility") can be seen as a safeguard against both antinomianism (the idea that grace negates moral law) and a communal complacency where individuals might shirk their personal duties by relying solely on the community. It underscores the personal nature of one's walk with God, even within a supportive community.

* **Key Themes:** This verse contributes significantly to several key themes within Galatians and Pauline theology. Firstly, it highlights **Personal Responsibility and Accountability**, asserting that each believer is ultimately answerable for their own spiritual journey, choices, and obedience before God. This theme is reinforced by the call in [Galatians 6:4](/galatians/6-4 "Galatians 6:4 - Proving One's Own Work") for individuals to "prove his own work." Secondly, it clarifies the **Distinct Kinds of "Burdens"**, resolving the apparent tension with [Galatians 6:2](/galatians/6-2 "Galatians 6:2 - Bearing One Another's Burdens"). Paul uses different Greek words to distinguish between overwhelming, crushing loads that require communal support (βάρη, _barē_) and the manageable, personal "pack" of duties and responsibilities that each individual is expected to carry (φορτίον, _phortíon_). This linguistic precision underscores that while we assist with crushing burdens, we must not neglect our own assigned tasks. This distinction aligns with Jesus' teaching that His "burden" (φορτίον, _phortíon_) is light ([Matthew 11:30](/matthew/11-30 "Matthew 11:30 - Jesus' Easy Yoke and Light Burden")). Finally, the verse reinforces the theme of **Individual Assessment and Judgment**, reminding believers that their spiritual walk is a personal matter for which they will give an account, a concept echoed in other New Testament passages concerning the judgment seat of Christ.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **every man (Greek, _hékastos'_):** Derived from a word implying "afar," this term emphasizes individuality, meaning "each" or "every single one." In this context, it underscores that the principle applies universally to every person, without exception, highlighting the personal and non-transferable nature of the responsibility being discussed.
* **bear (Greek, _bastázō'_):** This verb signifies "to lift," "to carry," or "to sustain." While it can imply a heavy load, its use here, in conjunction with _phortíon_, suggests the act of carrying one's assigned or appropriate load, rather than being crushed by it. It denotes the active engagement in taking up and managing one's responsibilities.
* **burden (Greek, _phortíon'_):** A diminutive of _phórtos_ (a load, cargo), _phortíon_ refers to a lighter, more manageable load, often one's personal pack, task, or assigned duty. It contrasts sharply with _barē_ (βάρη) in [Galatians 6:2](/galatians/6-2 "Galatians 6:2 - Bearing One Another's Burdens"), which denotes an oppressive, crushing weight. Here, _phortíon_ represents the personal responsibilities, duties, and accountability that properly belong to each individual.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"For every man":** This opening phrase, introduced by the conjunction "For" (G1063 _gár_), signals a reason or explanation for the preceding statements, particularly the call for self-examination in [Galatians 6:4](/galatians/6-4 "Galatians 6:4 - Proving One's Own Work"). The term "every man" (G1538 _hékastos_) emphasizes the universal and individual nature of the principle. It means that this truth applies to each and every person without exception, highlighting that personal accountability is not optional or transferable.
* **"shall bear his own":** The verb "shall bear" (G941 _bastázō_) indicates an active and necessary carrying. The possessive "his own" (G2398 _ídios_) further reinforces the personal nature of this action. It signifies that the responsibility is uniquely individual, belonging to oneself and not to another. This is not a burden to be shared or delegated, but one that must be personally taken up and managed.
* **"burden":** The noun "burden" (G5413 _phortíon_) is the crux of the verse's meaning. As distinct from the "heavy burdens" (βάρη, _barē_) of [Galatians 6:2](/galatians/6-2 "Galatians 6:2 - Bearing One Another's Burdens") that necessitate communal help, this "burden" refers to one's personal responsibilities, duties, and the inherent accountability of their own life before God. It is the manageable "pack" or "load" that each individual is equipped to carry as part of their journey and for which they are personally accountable.

#### Literary Devices
Paul employs a significant **Contrast** in this passage, particularly between [Galatians 6:2](/galatians/6-2 "Galatians 6:2 - Bearing One Another's Burdens") and [Galatians 6:5](/galatians/6-5 "Galatians 6:5 - Individual Responsibility"), which is elucidated by his precise use of two distinct Greek words for "burden" (βάρη and φορτίον). This **Juxtaposition** highlights the nuanced balance between communal support and individual responsibility within the Christian life. The "burden" itself serves as a **Metaphor** for the sum of one's personal duties, responsibilities, and the accountability for one's own actions and spiritual walk. The phrase "every man" also provides **Emphasis**, underscoring the universal and inescapable nature of this individual accountability.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Galatians 6:5 profoundly shapes our understanding of Christian responsibility. It asserts that while the body of Christ is called to compassionately assist those overwhelmed by crushing difficulties, there remains a fundamental sphere of personal accountability that cannot be outsourced or ignored. This "burden" is not a punitive weight but the inherent responsibility of managing one's own spiritual life, choices, and duties before God. It underscores the individual's direct relationship with God and the necessity of personal diligence in faith, obedience, and character development. This principle ensures that Christian liberty does not devolve into irresponsibility, but rather empowers individuals to live out their unique calling with integrity.

* [Romans 14:12](/romans/14-12 "Romans 14:12 - Giving Account to God")
* [2 Corinthians 5:10](/2_corinthians/5-10 "2 Corinthians 5:10 - The Bema Seat of Christ")
* [Matthew 16:27](/matthew/16-27 "Matthew 16:27 - Reward According to Deeds")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Galatians 6:5 serves as a vital reminder that while we are part of a supportive community, our spiritual journey and personal accountability before God are ultimately our own. This verse calls us to embrace a healthy sense of personal responsibility for our faith, our actions, and our growth. It challenges us to honestly assess our own "pack" – our unique gifts, callings, and duties – and to diligently carry them, rather than expecting others to do so or becoming complacent in our walk. This balance between communal support and individual diligence is crucial for a mature and thriving Christian life, fostering both interdependence and personal integrity. It encourages us to be proactive stewards of our lives, knowing that we will each stand before God to give an account of how we have lived.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What specific "burdens" (personal responsibilities, duties, or areas of accountability) do you recognize as uniquely yours to bear in your spiritual life?**
* **How might relying too heavily on others' spirituality or efforts prevent you from carrying your own "burden" as described in this verse?**
* **In what ways can you actively and diligently "bear your own burden" this week, ensuring personal growth and accountability before God?**

### FAQ

**What is the difference between "burden" in Galatians 6:5 and "burdens" in Galatians 6:2?**

Answer: The distinction lies in the original Greek words Paul uses. In [Galatians 6:2](/galatians/6-2 "Galatians 6:2 - Bearing One Another's Burdens"), the word for "burdens" is _barē_ (βάρη), which refers to heavy, oppressive, or crushing loads—like overwhelming trials, faults, or severe difficulties that are too much for an individual to bear alone. This necessitates communal help and compassionate support. In contrast, in [Galatians 6:5](/galatians/6-5 "Galatians 6:5 - Individual Responsibility"), the word for "burden" is _phortíon_ (φορτίον). This term denotes a lighter, more manageable load, such as one's personal responsibilities, duties, or the life task assigned by God. It's the "pack" that each individual is expected and able to carry on their own journey. Jesus uses this same word when He says, "For my yoke is easy, and my burden ( _phortíon_) is light" ([Matthew 11:30](/matthew/11-30 "Matthew 11:30 - Jesus' Easy Yoke and Light Burden")). Thus, Paul teaches a beautiful balance: we help each other with crushing weights, but each person must diligently carry their own personal responsibilities and answer for their own life before God.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
While Galatians 6:5 emphasizes individual responsibility, its ultimate fulfillment and deepest meaning are found in Christ. Humanity's greatest "burden" (not a _phortíon_ but an unbearable _barē_) is the crushing weight of sin and its consequence, separation from God. This is a burden no "man" could "bear his own." It is here that Christ steps in, not merely to help us with our _barē_, but to completely take it upon Himself. He bore the ultimate burden of our sin and the judgment it deserved on the cross, becoming "sin for us, who knew no sin" ([2 Corinthians 5:21](/2_corinthians/5-21 "2 Corinthians 5:21 - Christ Our Righteousness")). By His atoning sacrifice, Jesus bore the weight that would have crushed us eternally, fulfilling the prophecies of the suffering servant who "bore our griefs and carried our sorrows" ([Isaiah 53:4](/isaiah/53-4 "Isaiah 53:4 - The Suffering Servant")). Therefore, the "burden" that believers now "bear" in Christ—our personal responsibilities and duties—is transformed. It is no longer a burden of earning salvation or appeasing God, but a "light" and "easy" yoke ([Matthew 11:30](/matthew/11-30 "Matthew 11:30 - Jesus' Easy Yoke and Light Burden")) that we carry in joyful obedience, empowered by the Spirit, knowing that our ultimate burden has been borne by our Savior. Our individual accountability is now lived out in grateful response to the One who bore it all.

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

Jeremiah 32:19

Great in counsel, and mighty in work: for thine eyes [are] open upon all the ways of the sons of men: to give every one according to his ways, and according to the fruit of his doings:

Romans 14:10

But why dost thou judge thy brother? or why dost thou set at nought thy brother? for we shall all stand before the judgment seat of Christ.

Romans 14:12

So then every one of us shall give account of himself to God.

2 Corinthians 5:10

For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ; that every one may receive the things [done] in [his] body, according to that he hath done, whether [it be] good or bad.

2 Corinthians 5:11

Knowing therefore the terror of the Lord, we persuade men; but we are made manifest unto God; and I trust also are made manifest in your consciences.

Revelation 2:23

And I will kill her children with death; and all the churches shall know that I am he which searcheth the reins and hearts: and I will give unto every one of you according to your works.

Romans 2:6

Who will render to every man according to his deeds: