Keraia
Galatians 6

Galatians 6:16

Final Warnings and Blessings · Galatians 6:11–18
Read Galatians 6

Translations

Modern
Peace and mercy to all who walk by this rule, even to the Israel of God.
Traditional
And as many as walk according to this rule, peace be on them, and mercy, and upon the Israel of God.
Literal
And as many as those who will walk by this rule, peace and mercy be upon them, and upon the Israel of God.
Latin
Et quicumque hanc regulam secuti fuerint, pax super illos, et misericordia, et super Israël Dei.

Original

Greek
English
Peace and mercy to all who walk by this rule, even to the Israel of God.

Notes

Galatians 6:16

  • This rule is trusting Jesus for salvation (6:14–15).

  • even to the Israel of God: The Greek word kai is usually translated as "and." It can also mean "even." If it means "and," then the Israel of God is a different group from all who walk by this rule. If it means "even," then they are the same group.

    The Jewish people still have a special identity before God (Romans 9:1–5; 10:1–4; 11:1–32). Gentiles (non-Jewish people) who believe have been included, and Jews who do not believe have been removed from spiritual Israel (Romans 11:17–24; compare Philippians 3:2–3; Colossians 2:11–12). Paul sees all Christians as the true Israel (see Romans 2:28–29; 9:6–8; compare Galatians 4:21–31).

    The phrase the Israel of God is not found elsewhere in the New Testament or other writings. Perhaps false teachers promised this identity to Gentiles who accepted circumcision. If so, Paul shows why their argument was wrong: The non-Jewish Christians in Galatia did not need circumcision, as they were already God's Israel—his true people—through faith in Christ.

Galatians 6:11–18

Paul picked up the writing tool from his amanuensis (secretary) and wrote a postscript himself. He did this to prove the letter was truly his and to make a final appeal.

Theme notes and profiles

Paul (Saul) Circumcision The Church

People

Israel: Patriarch, son of Isaac, father of twelve tribes

Glossary

Bible, Manuscripts and Text of the (New Testament) Church Congregation Elder Letter to the Galatians Peace Peter, First Letter of

Topics

Benedictions: Apostolic, Forms of Church: Israel of God Intercession: Exemplified Spiritual Peace: Saints: Wish, to Each Other The Mercy of God: should be Sought for Others Titles and Names of the Church: Israel of God