Bible Strands
Galatians 6:5
For each one should carry his own load.
Berean Standard Bible
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Study note
Setting — Paul addresses the Galatian churches to correct their tendency toward comparison and legalism. He issues this command immediately after instructing believers to examine their own work rather than measure themselves against others.
The words — The Greek noun φορτὸν (phortion) refers to a soldier’s pack or heavy burden, while the verb βαστήσῃ (bastēsei) means to carry or bear. Together they frame personal responsibility as a weight each individual must manage independently.
The thread — This emphasis on individual accountability runs through Romans 14:10 and 2 Corinthians 5:10, where each person stands before God’s judgment seat for their own deeds. It aligns with Jeremiah 32:19, which describes God rewarding each person according to their ways.
Why it lands — The text requires readers to stop comparing their conduct to others and instead examine their own actions. It demands that each person take direct responsibility for their spiritual obligations without shifting the burden to or away from others.
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
For every man shall bear his own burden.
Cross-references
- Jeremiah 32:19 the One great in counsel and mighty in deed, whose eyes are on all the ways of the sons of men, to reward each one according to his ways and according to the fruit of his deeds.
- Romans 14:10 Why, then, do you judge your brother? Or why do you belittle your brother? For we will all stand before God’s judgment seat.
- 2 Corinthians 5:10 For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ, that each one may receive his due for the things done in the body, whether good or bad.
- Romans 2:6 God “will repay each one according to his deeds.”
- Revelation 2:23 Then I will strike her children dead, and all the churches will know that I am the One who searches minds and hearts, and I will repay each of you according to your deeds.
- Matthew 16:27 For the Son of Man will come in His Father’s glory with His angels, and then He will repay each one according to what he has done.
- 1 Corinthians 3:8 He who plants and he who waters are one in purpose, and each will be rewarded according to his own labor.
- 1 Corinthians 4:5 Therefore judge nothing before the appointed time; wait until the Lord comes. He will bring to light what is hidden in darkness and will expose the motives of men’s hearts. At that time each will receive his praise from God.
- Revelation 20:12 And I saw the dead, great and small, standing before the throne. And books were opened, and one of them was the Book of Life. And the dead were judged according to their deeds, as recorded in the books.
- Isaiah 3:10 Tell the righteous it will be well with them, for they will enjoy the fruit of their labor.