Carry one another’s burdensThis phrase emphasizes the importance of mutual support within the Christian community. In the context of the early church, believers often faced persecution and hardship, making communal support essential. The Greek word for "burdens" (barē) implies heavy loads or difficulties that are too challenging to bear alone. This concept is rooted in the Old Testament, where community and mutual aid were vital for survival (e.g.,
Exodus 23:5). The idea of bearing one another's burdens reflects the teachings of Jesus, who often spoke of love and service to others (
John 13:34-35). It also echoes the principle of loving one's neighbor as oneself, a central tenet of the Mosaic Law (
Leviticus 19:18).
and in this way you will fulfill
The act of carrying each other's burdens is not just a suggestion but a fulfillment of a greater command. The term "fulfill" suggests completion or bringing to fruition. This reflects the New Testament's emphasis on living out one's faith through actions, as seen inJames 2:14-17, where faith without works is described as dead. The early church was characterized by its communal living and sharing of resources, as depicted inActs 2:44-45, which serves as a practical example of fulfilling this command.
the law of Christ.
The "law of Christ" refers to the teachings and commandments of Jesus, particularly the command to love one another (John 15:12). This law supersedes the Mosaic Law, focusing on the spirit rather than the letter. It is a law of grace and love, encapsulated in Jesus' life and ministry. The concept of a new law is also seen inJeremiah 31:31-34, where a new covenant is promised, written on the hearts of believers. This law is not about legalistic adherence but about embodying the love and sacrifice of Christ, who bore the ultimate burden for humanity's sin (Isaiah 53:4-5). The law of Christ calls believers to emulate Jesus' selflessness and compassion, serving as a type of Christ in their own communities.
Persons / Places / Events
1.
Paul the ApostleThe author of the letter to the Galatians, Paul was a key figure in the early Christian church, known for his missionary journeys and theological teachings.
2.
The Galatian ChurchesThe recipients of the letter, these were early Christian communities in the region of Galatia, which is in modern-day Turkey. They were dealing with issues related to Jewish law and Christian freedom.
3.
The Law of ChristThis refers to the teachings and commandments of Jesus Christ, emphasizing love and service to others as central to Christian living.
Teaching Points
Understanding the Law of ChristThe "law of Christ" is centered on love and service, reflecting Jesus' teachings and example. It transcends the Old Testament law by focusing on the heart and relationships.
The Importance of CommunityCarrying one another's burdens emphasizes the need for a supportive Christian community where believers actively help and support each other.
Practical Love in ActionThis verse calls for practical expressions of love, such as helping those in need, offering emotional support, and being present in times of difficulty.
Spiritual Growth through ServiceServing others and bearing their burdens is a means of spiritual growth, as it aligns believers with Christ's example and deepens their faith.
Reflecting Christ's LoveBy fulfilling the law of Christ, believers become a testimony of Christ's love to the world, drawing others to Him through their actions.
Bible Study Questions and Answers
1.What is the meaning of Galatians 6:2?
2.How can we "carry one another's burdens" in our daily church community?
3.What does fulfilling "the law of Christ" mean in Galatians 6:2?
4.How does Galatians 6:2 connect with Jesus' commandment to love one another?
5.In what ways can you personally help others with their burdens this week?
6.Why is bearing others' burdens essential for spiritual growth and unity in Christ?
7.How does Galatians 6:2 define the concept of "bearing one another's burdens" in Christian life?
8.What historical context influenced Paul's message in Galatians 6:2?
9.How does Galatians 6:2 relate to the overall theme of community in the New Testament?
10.What are the top 10 Lessons from Galatians 6?
11.How can I empathize with the weak?
12.How do you fulfill your responsibilities to others?
13.How do we reconcile “Carry each other’s burdens” (Galatians 6:2) with “Each one should carry their own load” (Galatians 6:5)?
14.What is Kwanzaa, and can Christians celebrate it?What Does Galatians 6:2 Mean
CarryWhen Paul says, “Carry,” he calls for deliberate, hands-on involvement. Love is not merely felt; it is shown.
• The verb pictures lending your shoulder so another can keep moving (compareRomans 15:1-2, “We who are strong ought to bear with the shortcomings of the weak…”).
• It includes practical help—sharing time, money, skills, a listening ear (James 2:15-16).
• It also includes gentle spiritual rescue when a brother is caught in sin, as Paul just mentioned (Galatians 6:1).
one another’sThe burden-bearing goes in every direction. No believer is exempt—either from helping or from needing help.
• Mutual care keeps pride in check and breeds gratitude (1 Corinthians 12:25-26).
• “Love one another” appears repeatedly as Christ’s family badge (John 13:34-35).
• Even leaders need lifting at times (Acts 20:36-38 shows Paul himself surrounded by supportive saints).
burdensBurdens are whatever weighs a person down beyond his present strength.
• Moral failures: if a sister stumbles, come alongside in restoration, not condemnation (Galatians 6:1).
• Physical or financial pressures: meet tangible needs (1 John 3:17).
• Emotional griefs: weep with those who weep (Romans 12:15).
• Ongoing hardships: illness, persecution, weary caregiving—none of these were meant to be carried solo (Matthew 11:28 reminds us Jesus shares the load).
in this wayThe phrase ties the action to a guaranteed outcome: obey the command and you hit the target.
• Love proves itself through service, not sentiment (1 John 3:18).
• Faith shows life “in this way,” through works that match its confession (James 2:17).
you will fulfill the law of ChristThe Mosaic law pointed ahead; Christ’s law of love is its fulfillment (Galatians 5:14).
• Jesus set the standard: “As I have loved you, so also you must love one another” (John 13:34).
• When believers shoulder each other’s loads, they display the very character of their Lord (John 15:12-13).
• Love sums up every divine expectation (Romans 13:8-10).
summaryGalatians 6:2 teaches that Christians actively lift the crushing weights others cannot carry alone. This mutual, practical, visible love is the pathway God has designed for us to live out the command of Christ. Carry someone’s burden today, and you will find yourself squarely inside the law of love Jesus wrote with His own life.
(2)
Bear yo one another's burdens.--Take them upon yourselves by kindly sympathy. Our Lord Himself was said to "bear" the physical infirmities of those whom He healed. (
Matthew 8:17 : "He bare our sicknesses.")
So fulfil.--The reading here is somewhat doubtful, and the balance of authorities interesting. On the one hand, for the Received text adopted in our version is a large majority of the MSS.; on the other hand, the reading,ye shall fulfil, is found in the Vatican and two good Graeco-Latin[62] MSS., but has besidesan almost unanimous support from the versions. As several of these were composed at a very early date, and as they necessarily represent a wide geographical dispersion; as, further, the MS. authority for the reading--though small in quantity is good in quality--also representing the evidence of widely separated regions; and as, finally, the internal evidence or probabilities of corruption are also in favour of the same reading, it would seem, on the whole, to have the greater claim to acceptance. The meaning is that by showing sympathy to others in their distress, of whatever kind that distress may be--whether physical, mental, or moral--the Christian will best fulfil that "new commandment" bequeathed to him by his Master, the "law of love." (SeeJohn 13:34;1John 3:23.)
[62] Practically, these two MSS. can only count as one as both seem to have been copied from the same original.Verse 2. -Bear ye one another's burdens (ἀλλήλων τὰ βάρη βαστάζετε);carry ye, or,be ready to carry,the heavy loads of one another. The position ofἀλλήλων gives it especial prominence; as it stands here it seems pregnant with the exhortation, look not every man only at his own griefs, but at the griefs also of others" (cf.Philippians 2:4). The wordβάρος, weight, points to an excessive weight, such as it is a toil to carry.Matthew 20:12, "who have borne the burden (βαστάσασι το, βάρος) and heat of the day." So inActs 15:28. In2 Corinthians 4:17, "weight of glory," the phrase, suggested by the double sense of the Hebrew wordkabhod, indicates the enormous greatness of the future glory. The supposition that the apostle was glancing at the burden of Mosaical observances, superseded as a matter for care on our part by the burdens of our brethren, seems far-fetched. These "heavy loads" are those which a man brings upon himself by acts of transgression: such as an uneasy conscience; difficulties in his domestic, social, or Church relations; pecuniary embarrassments; or other. But the precept seems to go beyond the requirements of the particular case of a peccant brother which has suggested it, and to take in all the needs, spiritual or secular, which we are subject to. (Forβαστάζειν of carrying a toilsome burden, comp.Matthew 8:17;John 19:17;Acts 15:10.)And so fulfil the law of Christ (καὶ ὅτως ἀναπληρώσατε [or,ἀναπληρώσετε]τὸν νόμον τοῦ Ξριστοῦ);and so fulfil (or,ye shall fulfil)the law of Christ. The sense comes to much the same, whether in the Greek we read the future indicative or the aorist imperative. If the imperative be retained, it yet adds no new element of precept to the foregoing; the clause so readprescribes the fulfilment of Christ's law in the particular form of bearing one another's burdens. If we read the future, the clauseaffirms that in so doing we shall fulfil his law; which in the other case is implied. Many have supposed the word "law" to be here used for a specific commandment; as for example Christ's new commandment that we should love one another, So St. James (it. 8) writes of the "royal law." St. Paul, however, never uses the term in this sense in his own writing, though in the Epistle to the Hebrews (Hebrews 8:10; 10:16), the plural "laws" occurs in citation from Jeremiah. It seems better to take it of the whole moral institution of Christ, whether conveyed in distinct precept or in his example and spirit of action. Compare with the present passage the advice which St. Paul gives the "strong" (Romans 15:1-4), that they should bear (βαστάζειν, as here, "carry") the infirmities of the weak, and not wish to please themselves; after Christ's pattern set forth in prophetical Scripture, of old time written in order to instruct us how we should act. It has been often observed that the phrase, "the law of Christ," was selected with allusion to the stir now being made among the Galatians respecting the Law of Moses. "Satisfy ye the requirements of the Law - not of Moses which some are prating about, but the law of Christ, a more perfect law than that other, and more our proper con-corn." Possibly the wordsτοῦ Ξριστοῦ were added as a pointed surprise of style -παρ ὑπόνοιαν, as the scholiasts on Aristophanes are wont to express it - "and thus fulfil the law - of Christ!"
Parallel Commentaries ...
Greek
Carry
βαστάζετε(bastazete)
Verb - Present Imperative Active - 2nd Person Plural
Strong's 941:Perhaps remotely derived from the base of basis; to lift, literally or figuratively.
one another’s
Ἀλλήλων(Allēlōn)
Personal / Reciprocal Pronoun - Genitive Masculine Plural
Strong's 240:One another, each other. Genitive plural from allos reduplicated; one another.
burdens,
βάρη(barē)
Noun - Accusative Neuter Plural
Strong's 922:Probably from the same as basis; weight; in the New Testament only, figuratively, a load, abundance, authority.
and
καὶ(kai)
Conjunction
Strong's 2532:And, even, also, namely.
in this way
οὕτως(houtōs)
Adverb
Strong's 3779:Thus, so, in this manner. Or (referring to what precedes or follows).
you will fulfill
ἀναπληρώσετε(anaplērōsete)
Verb - Future Indicative Active - 2nd Person Plural
Strong's 378:From ana and pleroo; to complete; by implication, to occupy, supply; figuratively, to accomplish.
the
τὸν(ton)
Article - Accusative Masculine Singular
Strong's 3588:The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.
Law
νόμον(nomon)
Noun - Accusative Masculine Singular
Strong's 3551:From a primary nemo; law, genitive case, specially, (including the volume); also of the Gospel), or figuratively.
of Christ.
Χριστοῦ(Christou)
Noun - Genitive Masculine Singular
Strong's 5547:Anointed One; the Messiah, the Christ. From chrio; Anointed One, i.e. The Messiah, an epithet of Jesus.
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NT Letters: Galatians 6:2 Bear one another's burdens and so fulfill (Gal. Ga)
