King James Version

What Does Galatians 6:4 Mean?

Galatians 6:4 in the King James Version says “But let every man prove his own work, and then shall he have rejoicing in himself alone, and not in another.” — study this verse from Galatians chapter 6 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

“But let every man prove his own work, and then shall he have rejoicing in himself alone, and not in another.”

Galatians 6:4 · KJV

Context

2

Bear ye one another's burdens, and so fulfil the law of Christ.

3

For if a man think himself to be something, when he is nothing, he deceiveth himself.

4

But let every man prove his own work, and then shall he have rejoicing in himself alone, and not in another.

5

For every man shall bear his own burden.

6

Let him that is taught in the word communicate unto him that teacheth in all good things.

Read Galatians 6 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
But let every man prove his own work, and then shall he have rejoicing in himself alone, and not in another. Paul prescribes self-examination. "But let every man prove his own work" (to de ergon heautou dokimazeto hekastos, τὸ δὲ ἔργον ἑαυτοῦ δοκιμαζέτω ἕκαστος)—let each person test, examine, approve his own work. Dokimazō (δοκιμάζω) means to test for genuineness, examine critically, prove. We're to examine our own lives, not others'. "And then shall he have rejoicing in himself alone" (kai tote eis heauton monon to kauchēma hexei, καὶ τότε εἰς ἑαυτὸν μόνον τὸ καύχημα ἕξει)—and then his boasting/rejoicing will be in himself alone, regarding his own work.

"And not in another" (kai ouk eis ton heteron, καὶ οὐκ εἰς τὸν ἕτερον)—not in comparison to another. Paul forbids comparative religion: measuring yourself against others to feel superior or inferior. Examine your work before God; if it's genuine, you can have quiet satisfaction. This isn't prideful boasting but sober self-assessment: am I faithfully doing what God called me to do? The standard is God's calling for me, not comparison with others' callings or achievements. This prevents both pride (I'm better than him) and despair (I'm worse than her).

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Historical & Cultural Context

Comparison was epidemic in the Galatian churches: Judaizers compared themselves favorably to Paul and other apostles; factions compared their leaders ("I follow Paul," "I follow Apollos," 1 Corinthians 3:4); believers measured circumcision status. Paul commands: stop comparing! Examine your own work before God. God calls each uniquely; we'll answer for our stewardship, not others' (Romans 14:12, 2 Corinthians 5:10). Contemporary social media culture exacerbates comparison's toxicity. Paul's remedy: test your work against God's calling, find satisfaction in faithfulness, cease comparing.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does comparing yourself to others (favorably or unfavorably) distort your self-understanding and relationship with God?
  2. What does it mean to 'prove your own work'—examining your life honestly before God rather than in comparison to others?
  3. How can you find legitimate rejoicing in faithful service without falling into either pride or comparison?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 19 words
τὸ1 of 19
G3588

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

δὲ2 of 19

“But”

G1161

but, and, etc

ἔργον3 of 19

“work”

G2041

toil (as an effort or occupation); by implication, an act

ἑαυτὸν4 of 19

“himself”

G1438

(him- her-, it-, them-, my-, thy-, our-, your-)self (selves), etc

δοκιμαζέτω5 of 19

“let”

G1381

to test (literally or figuratively); by implication, to approve

ἕκαστος6 of 19

“every man”

G1538

each or every

καὶ7 of 19

“and”

G2532

and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words

τότε8 of 19

“then”

G5119

the when, i.e., at the time that (of the past or future, also in consecution)

εἰς9 of 19

“in”

G1519

to or into (indicating the point reached or entered), of place, time, or (figuratively) purpose (result, etc.); also in adverbial phrases

ἑαυτὸν10 of 19

“himself”

G1438

(him- her-, it-, them-, my-, thy-, our-, your-)self (selves), etc

μόνον11 of 19

“alone”

G3441

remaining, i.e., sole or single; by implication, mere

τὸ12 of 19
G3588

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

καύχημα13 of 19

“rejoicing”

G2745

a boast (properly, the object; by implication, the act) in a good or a bad sense

ἕξει14 of 19

“shall he have”

G2192

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

καὶ15 of 19

“and”

G2532

and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words

οὐκ16 of 19

“not”

G3756

the absolute negative (compare g3361) adverb; no or not

εἰς17 of 19

“in”

G1519

to or into (indicating the point reached or entered), of place, time, or (figuratively) purpose (result, etc.); also in adverbial phrases

τὸν18 of 19
G3588

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

ἕτερον·19 of 19

“another”

G2087

(an-, the) other or different

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 6:4 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 6:4 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

2 Corinthians 13:5Psalms 26:21 Corinthians 11:282 Corinthians 1:122 Corinthians 11:12-131 John 3:19-22

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