Galatians 6:16

Authorized King James Version

And as many as walk according to this rule, peace be on them, and mercy, and upon the Israel of God.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
καὶ
G2532
And
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
#2
ὅσοι
G3745
as many as
as (much, great, long, etc.) as
#3
τῷ
G3588
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#4
κανόνι
G2583
according to
a rule ("canon"), i.e., (figuratively) a standard (of faith and practice); by implication, a boundary, i.e., (figuratively) a sphere (of activity)
#5
τούτῳ
G5129
this
to (in, with or by) this (person or thing)
#6
στοιχήσουσιν
G4748
walk
to march in (military) rank (keep step), i.e., (figuratively) to conform to virtue and piety
#7
εἰρήνη
G1515
peace
peace (literally or figuratively); by implication, prosperity
#8
ἐπὶ
G1909
be on
properly, meaning superimposition (of time, place, order, etc.), as a relation of distribution (with the genitive case), i.e., over, upon, etc.; of re
#9
αὐτοὺς
G846
them
the reflexive pronoun self, used (alone or in the comparative g1438) of the third person, and (with the proper personal pronoun) of the other persons
#10
καὶ
G2532
And
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
#11
ἔλεος
G1656
mercy
compassion (human or divine, especially active)
#12
καὶ
G2532
And
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
#13
ἐπὶ
G1909
be on
properly, meaning superimposition (of time, place, order, etc.), as a relation of distribution (with the genitive case), i.e., over, upon, etc.; of re
#14
τὸν
G3588
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#15
Ἰσραὴλ
G2474
the Israel
israel (i.e., jisrael), the adopted name of jacob, including his descendants (literally or figuratively)
#16
τοῦ
G3588
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#17
θεοῦ
G2316
of God
a deity, especially (with g3588) the supreme divinity; figuratively, a magistrate; exceedingly (by hebraism)

Analysis

The kingdom of God theme here intersects with the progressive revelation of God's rule from creation to consummation. Biblical theology recognizes this as part of development from creation mandate through Davidic kingdom to eschatological fulfillment. The phrase emphasizing peace contributes to our systematic understanding of Christian doctrine and connects to the broader scriptural witness about God's reign from creation through the millennial kingdom.

Historical Context

The literary and historical milieu of the literary conventions and historical circumstances of biblical literature shapes this text's meaning. The historical development of kingdom of God within the theological tradition of Galatians Understanding the ancient worldview that shaped the author's theological expression helps modern readers appreciate why the author emphasizes peace in this particular way.

Questions for Reflection