Galatians 6:7

KJV

Be not deceived; God is not mocked: for whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap.

KJV (with Strong's)

Be {G4105} not {G3361} deceived {G4105}; God {G2316} is {G3456} not {G3756} mocked {G3456}: for {G1063} whatsoever {G3739}{G1437} a man {G444} soweth {G4687}, that {G5124} shall he {G2325} also {G2532} reap {G2325}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Don’t delude yourselves: no one makes a fool of God! A person reaps what he sows.

Berean Standard Bible

Do not be deceived: God is not to be mocked. Whatever a man sows, he will reap in return.

American Standard Version

Be not deceived; God is not mocked: for whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Galatians 6:7 delivers a profound and unyielding truth: one cannot deceive God or treat His divine order with contempt, for the universal principle of sowing and reaping applies irrevocably to all human conduct. This verse serves as a solemn warning that every action, thought, and choice—whether good or ill—will inevitably yield corresponding consequences, underscoring the spiritual reality that God's moral governance cannot be circumvented or mocked.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is situated within the final, hortatory section of Paul's letter to the Galatians, where he transitions from theological exposition to practical Christian living. Having vigorously defended the doctrine of justification by faith apart from works of the law in chapters 1-5, Paul now applies this freedom to ethical responsibilities. Chapter 6 opens with exhortations to restore fallen believers gently, bear one another's burdens, and support those who teach the Word. Verse 7, with its stark warning, undergirds these practical commands by establishing the foundational principle of divine accountability. It serves as a crucial bridge, immediately preceding the contrast between "sowing to the flesh" and "sowing to the Spirit" in [Galatians 6:8](/galatians/6-8 "Galatians 6:8 - Sowing to the Flesh vs. Sowing to the Spirit"), making it clear that the choices made in light of Christian liberty have tangible, spiritual consequences.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The agricultural metaphor of sowing and reaping was deeply ingrained in the agrarian societies of the ancient world, including first-century Galatia. People understood intimately that the type of seed sown determined the harvest, and that a harvest was inevitable. Paul leverages this universally recognized principle to explain spiritual realities. Furthermore, the Galatian churches were grappling with the influence of Judaizers who advocated for adherence to the Mosaic Law for salvation, potentially leading some to believe that external observances or a superficial religiosity could appease God while living contrary to the Spirit. Paul's warning against being "deceived" and "mocking God" directly addresses any such presumption, emphasizing that God sees beyond outward appearances and cannot be fooled by hypocrisy or a casual disregard for His moral standards.
* **Key Themes:** Galatians 6:7 powerfully reinforces several key themes prevalent in the letter and broader Pauline theology. Firstly, it underscores the theme of **Divine Accountability**, asserting God's absolute sovereignty and unyielding justice, which cannot be circumvented by human pretense or disregard. The phrase "God is not mocked" highlights His omniscience and unwavering moral governance. Secondly, it articulates the **Principle of Consequences**, a universal law that extends beyond the physical realm into the spiritual and moral dimensions of life. This principle is deeply echoed in other biblical passages, such as [Job 4:8](/job/4-8 "Job 4:8 - Those who sow trouble reap it") and [Proverbs 22:8](/proverbs/22-8 "Proverbs 22:8 - He who sows injustice will reap calamity"). Thirdly, the verse implicitly touches on the theme of **Authentic Christian Living**, challenging believers to live consistently with their profession of faith, understanding that true freedom in Christ does not equate to license for sin but rather empowerment for righteous living, as further expounded in [Galatians 5:16-26](/galatians/5-16-26 "Galatians 5:16-26 - Living by the Spirit").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **deceived (Greek, _planáō'_):** From G4105, meaning "to (properly, cause to) roam (from safety, truth, or virtue); to go astray, deceive, err, seduce, wander, be out of the way." Paul's initial imperative, "Be not deceived," warns against self-deception. It implies a tendency for humans to delude themselves into believing that their actions might escape divine notice or consequence, or that grace somehow nullifies moral responsibility. This deception leads one astray from truth and virtue.
* **mocked (Greek, _myktērízō'_):** From G3456, literally "to make mouths at, i.e. ridicule." This strong verb conveys the idea of treating God with contempt, scorn, or sneering disregard. To "mock God" is to treat His commands, His character, or the reality of His justice as trivial, irrelevant, or something that can be flouted without repercussion. It's an attitude of disdainful defiance, as if God is unaware, indifferent, or easily fooled by superficial religiosity.
* **soweth (Greek, _speírō'_):** From G4687, meaning "to scatter, i.e. sow (literally or figuratively)." This agricultural term is used metaphorically to represent one's actions, choices, and investments in life. What a person "sows" refers to their deeds, words, thoughts, and the overall direction of their life—whether they are aligned with the Spirit or with the desires of the flesh. The act of sowing implies intentionality and effort, leading to an inevitable outcome.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Be not deceived":** This is a present passive imperative, meaning "Stop being deceived" or "Do not allow yourselves to be deceived." It serves as a direct and urgent warning against a dangerous self-delusion that might lead one to believe they can escape the consequences of their actions, especially within the context of Christian liberty. Paul addresses a potential misconception that grace provides a license for ungodly living without accountability.
* **"God is not mocked":** This declarative statement provides the immutable reason for the preceding warning. It asserts God's absolute sovereignty, omniscience, and unyielding justice. God cannot be treated with contempt, ridiculed, or outsmarted. He perceives the true intentions and character behind every action, and His moral order cannot be circumvented or defied without consequence. This phrase underscores the seriousness of one's conduct before a holy God.
* **"for whatsoever a man soweth":** The conjunction "for" (Greek: _gar_) introduces the foundational principle that explains *why* God cannot be mocked. This clause uses the vivid agricultural metaphor to illustrate that every human action, choice, or investment (the "sowing") has an inherent nature and direction. Whether one sows good seeds (righteousness, kindness, faithfulness) or bad seeds (sin, selfishness, rebellion), the act of sowing itself sets in motion an inevitable process.
* **"that shall he also reap":** This final clause completes the agricultural metaphor, declaring the unavoidable consequence of the sowing. The "reaping" refers to the inevitable outcome or harvest that corresponds directly to what was sown. This is a divine law of cause and effect, applicable to all aspects of life—spiritual, moral, and even practical. Good seeds yield a good harvest, and bad seeds yield a corrupt harvest, emphasizing the direct correlation between actions and their results.

#### Literary Devices
Galatians 6:7 is a powerful **Aphorism**, a concise statement of a universal truth, presented with the authority of divine revelation. The central literary device is **Metaphor**, specifically the agricultural imagery of "sowing and reaping." This vivid and relatable comparison effectively communicates the principle of cause and effect, translating a natural law into a spiritual reality. The verse also employs **Antithesis** by contrasting human attempts at self-deception or mocking God with God's unyielding nature and the certainty of His justice. The initial **Warning** ("Be not deceived") sets a serious tone, immediately followed by a declarative statement of divine truth ("God is not mocked"), which grounds the subsequent metaphorical explanation in an immutable reality. The structure moves from a direct admonition to a theological assertion, then to a universally understood illustration, making the message both profound and accessible.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
The principle of sowing and reaping articulated in Galatians 6:7 is a foundational theological truth that permeates Scripture, extending far beyond agricultural contexts to encompass moral, spiritual, and even eschatological dimensions. It underscores God's consistent governance of His creation, where actions inevitably lead to corresponding consequences. This is not a legalistic threat, but a statement of divine order and justice, affirming that God is not capricious but operates according to righteous principles. It reminds believers that while salvation is by grace through faith, the Christian life is one of active obedience and stewardship, where choices have eternal ramifications. The verse serves as a powerful call to intentional living, recognizing that every thought, word, and deed contributes to a spiritual harvest.

* [Job 4:8](/job/4-8 "Job 4:8 - Those who sow trouble reap it")
* [Proverbs 22:8](/proverbs/22-8 "Proverbs 22:8 - He who sows injustice will reap calamity")
* [2 Corinthians 9:6](/2_corinthians/9-6 "2 Corinthians 9:6 - Sowing generously, reaping generously")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Galatians 6:7 challenges us to a profound self-examination, urging us to consider the "seeds" we are sowing daily through our attitudes, words, actions, and even our unspoken intentions. This verse is not meant to induce fear or legalism, but rather to cultivate a profound sense of spiritual responsibility and sober-mindedness. It reminds us that authentic faith is not passive, but active, manifesting in choices that align with God's character and purposes. If we sow seeds of kindness, integrity, faithfulness, and love, we can anticipate a harvest of blessing, both in this life and eternally. Conversely, if we sow seeds of selfishness, deceit, bitterness, or rebellion, the inevitable harvest will be corruption and sorrow. This principle calls us to live with intentionality, acknowledging that our lives are not lived in a vacuum but under the watchful eye of a just and holy God who cannot be deceived. It encourages us to leverage the freedom we have in Christ to sow generously to the Spirit, knowing that our efforts are seen and will yield a harvest of eternal life.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What "seeds" am I currently sowing in my daily life, relationships, and spiritual walk?**
* **In what areas of my life might I be subtly or overtly "deceiving" myself about the consequences of my choices?**
* **How does the truth that "God is not mocked" impact my view of accountability and integrity in my private life?**
* **What practical steps can I take today to begin sowing more intentionally to the Spirit, anticipating a harvest of righteousness?**

### FAQ

**Does Galatians 6:7 mean that my salvation is based on my works, contradicting salvation by grace?**

Answer: No, Galatians 6:7 does not contradict salvation by grace through faith. Paul has already firmly established in [Galatians 2:16](/galatians/2-16 "Galatians 2:16 - Justification by Faith") that "a person is not justified by works of the law but by faith in Jesus Christ." This verse, instead, addresses the *consequences of living* for those who are already in Christ. It's about sanctification, not justification. Once saved by grace, believers are called to live in a manner consistent with their new identity in Christ. The principle of sowing and reaping here refers to the natural and spiritual outcomes of one's moral choices and stewardship *within* the Christian life, not the means of attaining salvation. It warns against abusing grace as a license for sin, emphasizing that even believers are accountable for their actions and will experience the corresponding results in their lives and potentially in their eternal rewards, as seen in [1 Corinthians 3:12-15](/1_corinthians/3-12-15 "1 Corinthians 3:12-15 - Testing of Works").

**Is this verse a threat from God, or a statement of natural law?**

Answer: While the verse carries a serious warning, it is more accurately understood as a statement of a divine and universal principle, akin to a spiritual law, rather than merely a threat. Just as gravity is a natural law, sowing and reaping is a spiritual law established by God. The phrase "God is not mocked" highlights His unchanging character and the integrity of His moral order. It's a truth that God's justice and omniscience ensure that actions have consequences, whether positive or negative. For believers, this truth serves as a loving admonition to live wisely and righteously, knowing that God sees all and that living in alignment with His will leads to life and blessing, as described in [Galatians 6:8](/galatians/6-8 "Galatians 6:8 - Sowing to the Spirit brings eternal life"). It's a call to responsible freedom, not a fear-mongering decree.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
While Galatians 6:7 speaks to a universal principle of cause and effect, its ultimate fulfillment and most profound meaning are found in Christ. Jesus Himself is the supreme example of one who "sowed" perfectly and reaped gloriously. He "sowed" a life of perfect obedience, selfless love, and sacrificial service, culminating in His death on the cross, where He "sowed" His very life as a seed to die, as foreshadowed in [John 12:24](/john/12-24 "John 12:24 - The Grain of Wheat"). In His resurrection, Jesus "reaped" victory over sin and death, becoming the "firstfruits" of those who sleep, as declared in [1 Corinthians 15:20](/1_corinthians/15-20 "1 Corinthians 15:20 - Christ, the Firstfruits"). For believers, our ability to "sow to the Spirit" and reap eternal life is entirely dependent on Christ's finished work. We reap the benefits of His perfect sowing—righteousness, forgiveness, and eternal life—not by our own merit, but by faith in Him. Furthermore, Jesus' teachings, like the Parable of the Sower in [Matthew 13](/matthew/13 "Matthew 13 - The Parable of the Sower"), illustrate the importance of the "soil" of the heart in receiving the "seed" of God's Word, emphasizing that the quality of our spiritual harvest is directly tied to our response to Christ. Thus, Galatians 6:7 calls us to live out the implications of our union with Christ, empowering us by His Spirit to sow righteous seeds that reflect His life within us, anticipating a harvest that glorifies Him.

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

2 Corinthians 9:6

¶ But this [I say], He which soweth sparingly shall reap also sparingly; and he which soweth bountifully shall reap also bountifully.

Hosea 10:12

Sow to yourselves in righteousness, reap in mercy; break up your fallow ground: for [it is] time to seek the LORD, till he come and rain righteousness upon you.

Job 4:8

Even as I have seen, they that plow iniquity, and sow wickedness, reap the same.

Romans 2:6

Who will render to every man according to his deeds:

Romans 2:10

But glory, honour, and peace, to every man that worketh good, to the Jew first, and also to the Gentile:

1 Corinthians 15:33

Be not deceived: evil communications corrupt good manners.

Proverbs 11:18

¶ The wicked worketh a deceitful work: but to him that soweth righteousness [shall be] a sure reward.