Galatians 6:11

Final Instructions and Benediction

6:11 See what big letters I make as I write to you with my own hand!

Galatians 6:1

Support One Another

6:1 Brothers and sisters, ¹  if a person ²  is discovered in some sin, ³  you who are spiritual ⁴  restore such a person in a spirit of gentleness. ⁵  Pay close attention ⁶  to yourselves, so that you are not tempted too.

Galatians 5:12

5:12 I wish those agitators ⁷  would go so far as to ⁸  castrate themselves! ⁹ 

[6:1]  ¹ tn Grk “brothers.” See note on the phrase “brothers and sisters” in 1:11.

[6:1]  ² tn Here ἄνθρωπος (anqrwpo") is used in a generic sense, referring to both men and women.

[6:1]  ³ tn Or “some transgression” (L&N 88.297).

[6:1]  ⁴ sn Who are spiritual refers to people who are controlled and directed by God’s Spirit.

[6:1]  ⁵ tn Or “with a gentle spirit” or “gently.”

[6:1]  ⁶ tn Grk “taking careful notice.”

[5:12]  ⁷ tn Grk “the ones who are upsetting you.” The same verb is used in Acts 21:38 to refer to a person who incited a revolt. Paul could be alluding indirectly to the fact that his opponents are inciting the Galatians to rebel against his teaching with regard to circumcision and the law.

[5:12]  ⁸ tn Grk “would even.”

[5:12]  ⁹ tn Or “make eunuchs of themselves”; Grk “cut themselves off.” This statement is rhetorical hyperbole on Paul’s part. It does strongly suggest, however, that Paul’s adversaries in this case (“those agitators”) were men. Some interpreters (notably Erasmus and the Reformers) have attempted to soften the meaning to a figurative “separate themselves” (meaning the opponents would withdraw from fellowship) but such an understanding dramatically weakens the rhetorical force of Paul’s argument. Although it has been argued that such an act of emasculation would be unthinkable for Paul, it must be noted that Paul’s statement is one of biting sarcasm, obviously not meant to be taken literally. See further G. Stählin, TDNT 3:853-55.