Bible Strands
Galatians 6:4
Each one should test his own work. Then he will have reason to boast in himself alone, and not in someone else.
Berean Standard Bible
Follow its threads on the canvas →
Study note
Setting — Paul writes to the Galatian churches to correct their pride and mutual comparison. He addresses them directly after warning against self-deception about spiritual standing.
The words — δοκιμαζέτω (dokimazetō) means "should test" or "examine," and ἔργον (ergon) means "work." The text commands each person to examine his own work rather than measuring it against others.
The thread — This self-examination parallels the call to test personal faith in 2 Corinthians 13:5 and the pre-meal self-examination in 1 Corinthians 11:28. It also echoes the psalmist's plea for divine examination in Psalms 26:2.
Why it lands — The text states that testing one's own work provides legitimate grounds for personal boasting. It demands that readers stop comparing themselves to others and evaluate their own labor directly.
Drafted by a language model from the text, its original words and its cross-references, then checked against them. It can still be wrong: open the verse in the app to report it.
The Greek words
King James Version
But let every man prove his own work, and then shall he have rejoicing in himself alone, and not in another.
Cross-references
- 2 Corinthians 13:5 Examine yourselves to see whether you are in the faith; test yourselves. Do you not realize that Jesus Christ is in you—unless you fail the test?
- Psalms 26:2 Test me, O LORD, and try me; examine my heart and mind.
- 1 Corinthians 11:28 Each one must examine himself before he eats of the bread and drinks of the cup.
- 2 Corinthians 1:12 For this is our boast: Our conscience testifies that we have conducted ourselves in the world, and especially in relation to you, in the holiness and sincerity that are from God—not in worldly wisdom, but in the grace of God.
- 2 Corinthians 11:12 But I will keep on doing what I am doing, in order to undercut those who want an opportunity to be regarded as our equals in the things of which they boast.
- 1 John 3:19 And by this we will know that we belong to the truth, and will assure our hearts in His presence:
- Luke 18:11 The Pharisee stood by himself and prayed, ‘God, I thank You that I am not like other men—swindlers, evildoers, adulterers—or even like this tax collector.
- 1 Corinthians 3:21 Therefore, stop boasting in men. All things are yours,
- Proverbs 14:14 The backslider in heart receives the fill of his own ways, but a good man is rewarded for his ways.
- 1 Corinthians 4:3 I care very little, however, if I am judged by you or by any human court. In fact, I do not even judge myself.