King James Version

What Does Galatians 6:7 Mean?

Galatians 6:7 in the King James Version says “Be not deceived; God is not mocked: for whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap.” — study this verse from Galatians chapter 6 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

“Be not deceived; God is not mocked: for whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap.”

Galatians 6:7 · KJV

Context

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.

7

Be not deceived; God is not mocked: for whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap.

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.

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Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Be not deceived; God is not mocked: for whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap. Paul states universal spiritual law. "Be not deceived" (mē planasthe, μὴ πλανᾶσθε)—don't be led astray, don't wander from truth. Present imperative: stop being deceived. "God is not mocked" (theos ou mukhtērizetai, θεὸς οὐ μυκτηρίζεται)—God is not sneered at, not treated with contempt, not trifled with. Muktērizō literally means to turn up the nose at, sneer. People may mock God's law of sowing and reaping, but reality doesn't change.

"For whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap" (ho gar ean speirē anthrōpos, touto kai therisei, ὃ γὰρ ἐὰν σπείρῃ ἄνθρωπος, τοῦτο καὶ θερίσει)—whatever anyone sows, this he'll also reap. Agricultural metaphor: seed determines crop. Sow corn, reap corn; sow weeds, reap weeds. Spiritually: sow to flesh, reap corruption; sow to Spirit, reap eternal life (verse 8). This law operates morally and spiritually. Actions have consequences. You can't sow sin and reap righteousness, or sow selfishness and reap blessing. God's moral order is fixed; mocking it doesn't change it.

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Historical & Cultural Context

The sowing/reaping principle appears throughout Scripture (Job 4:8, Proverbs 22:8, Hosea 8:7, 2 Corinthians 9:6). Jesus used agricultural parables constantly (Matthew 13). Ancient audiences understood: farmers can't cheat harvest—seed determines crop. Paul applies this to Christian life: moral/spiritual sowing determines eschatological harvest. This warns both against sin's consequences (don't deceive yourself that you can sin without reaping) and encourages righteousness (your faithful sowing will yield harvest). God's justice ensures alignment between sowing and reaping; His timing may delay but not prevent harvest.

Reflection Questions

  1. What are you currently sowing in your life—to flesh or to Spirit—and what harvest should you expect?
  2. How does recognizing that 'God is not mocked' affect your choices when you're tempted to think you can avoid consequences?
  3. In what areas are you deceiving yourself that you can sow one thing but reap something different?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 13 words
Μὴ1 of 13

“not”

G3361

(adverb) not, (conjunction) lest; also (as an interrogative implying a negative answer (whereas g3756 expects an affirmative one)) whether

πλανᾶσθε2 of 13

“Be”

G4105

to (properly, cause to) roam (from safety, truth, or virtue)

θεὸς3 of 13

“God”

G2316

a deity, especially (with g3588) the supreme divinity; figuratively, a magistrate; exceedingly (by hebraism)

οὐ4 of 13

“not”

G3756

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

μυκτηρίζεται5 of 13

“is”

G3456

to make mouths at, i.e., ridicule

ὃ6 of 13
G3739

the relatively (sometimes demonstrative) pronoun, who, which, what, that

γὰρ7 of 13

“for”

G1063

properly, assigning a reason (used in argument, explanation or intensification; often with other particles)

ἐὰν8 of 13

“whatsoever”

G1437

a conditional particle; in case that, provided, etc.; often used in connection with other particles to denote indefiniteness or uncertainty

σπείρῃ9 of 13

“soweth”

G4687

to scatter, i.e., sow (literally or figuratively)

ἄνθρωπος10 of 13

“a man”

G444

man-faced, i.e., a human being

τοῦτο11 of 13

“that”

G5124

that thing

καὶ12 of 13

“also”

G2532

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

θερίσει·13 of 13

“reap”

G2325

to harvest

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 6:7 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 6:7 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

2 Corinthians 9:6Hosea 10:12Job 4:8Romans 2:6-101 Corinthians 15:33Proverbs 11:18

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