King James Version

What Does Galatians 6:10 Mean?

Galatians 6:10 in the King James Version says “As we have therefore opportunity, let us do good unto all men, especially unto them who are of the household of faith.” — study this verse from Galatians chapter 6 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

“As we have therefore opportunity, let us do good unto all men, especially unto them who are of the household of faith.”

Galatians 6:10 · King James Version

Faith

Context

8

For he that soweth to his flesh shall of the flesh reap corruption; but he that soweth to the Spirit shall of the Spirit reap life everlasting.

9

And let us not be weary in well doing: for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not.

10

As we have therefore opportunity, let us do good unto all men, especially unto them who are of the household of faith.

11

Ye see how large a letter I have written unto you with mine own hand.

12

As many as desire to make a fair shew in the flesh, they constrain you to be circumcised; only lest they should suffer persecution for the cross of Christ.

Read Galatians 6 full chapter

Commentaries4 scholars

KJV Study CommentaryPublic Domain
As we have therefore opportunity, let us do good unto all men, especially unto them who are of the household of faith. Paul applies the sowing principle practically. "As we have therefore opportunity" (ara oun hōs kairon echomen, ἄρα οὖν ὡς καιρὸν ἔχομεν)—so then, as we have opportune time. Kairos again: the right season, timely opportunity. Opportunities for good works are limited; we must seize them. "Let us do good unto all men" (ergazōmetha to agathon pros pantas, ἐργαζώμεθα τὸ ἀγαθὸν πρὸς πάντας)—let us work the good toward all people. Present subjunctive: continuous action. Believers should actively do good to everyone, regardless of their response or belief.

"Especially unto them who are of the household of faith" (malista de pros tous oikeious tēs pisteōs, μάλιστα δὲ πρὸς τοὺς οἰκείους τῆς πίστεως)—especially to the family members of the faith. Oikeios (οἰκεῖος) means household members, relatives, family. While doing good to all, believers have special responsibility to fellow Christians. This isn't exclusive tribalism but priority ordering: love extends to all, with special care for the family of God. Jesus loved all but gave particular attention to His disciples. The church is covenant family requiring mutual care.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

Early Christianity's social ethic was revolutionary: care for all people (the good Samaritan principle, Luke 10:25-37) with special provision for Christian community (Acts 2:44-45, 4:32-37). This challenged both Jewish tribalism (care only for fellow Jews) and Greco-Roman patronage (care only for those who could reciprocate). Christians cared for plague victims, exposed infants, widows, orphans—shocking pagan society. This demonstrated gospel reality. Contemporary application: Christians should pursue universal human flourishing while prioritizing care within the church. Kingdom ethic is both/and: love for neighbor and special provision for brothers/sisters in Christ.

Reflection Questions

  1. How do you balance doing good to 'all men' with 'especially' caring for fellow believers?
  2. What specific opportunities for doing good are currently available to you that you're not seizing?
  3. How does viewing the church as 'household of faith'—family—shape your commitment to fellow believers?

Compare 4 commentaries from different scholars and time periods for a richer understanding.

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 17 words
ἄρα1 of 17

“therefore”

G686

a particle denoting an inference more or less decisive (as follows)

οὖν2 of 17
G3767

(adverbially) certainly, or (conjunctionally) accordingly

ὡς3 of 17

“As”

G5613

which how, i.e., in that manner (very variously used, as follows)

καιρὸν4 of 17

“opportunity”

G2540

an occasion, i.e., set or proper time

ἔχομεν5 of 17

“we have”

G2192

to hold (used in very various applications, literally or figuratively, direct or remote; such as possession; ability, contiuity, relation, or conditio

ἐργαζώμεθα6 of 17

“let us do”

G2038

to toil (as a task, occupation, etc.), (by implication) effect, be engaged in or with, etc

τὸ7 of 17
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

ἀγαθὸν8 of 17

“good”

G18

"good" (in any sense, often as noun)

πρὸς9 of 17

“unto”

G4314

a preposition of direction; forward to, i.e., toward (with the genitive case, the side of, i.e., pertaining to; with the dative case, by the side of,

πάντας10 of 17

“all”

G3956

all, any, every, the whole

μάλιστα11 of 17
G3122

(adverbially) most (in the greatest degree) or particularly

δὲ12 of 17

“men especially”

G1161

but, and, etc

πρὸς13 of 17

“unto”

G4314

a preposition of direction; forward to, i.e., toward (with the genitive case, the side of, i.e., pertaining to; with the dative case, by the side of,

τοὺς14 of 17
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

οἰκείους15 of 17

“them who are of the household”

G3609

domestic, i.e., (as noun), a relative, adherent

τῆς16 of 17
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

πίστεως17 of 17

“of faith”

G4102

persuasion, i.e., credence; moral conviction (of religious truth, or the truthfulness of god or a religious teacher), especially reliance upon christ

Study Guide

Historical Context

This verse is found in the book of Galatians. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.

Theological Significance

Galatians 6:10 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

Cross-References

Verses related to Galatians 6:10 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Hebrews 13:16Proverbs 3:271 Thessalonians 5:15Titus 3:8Matthew 25:40Luke 6:35

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