Galatians Chapter 6 · Verse 17
From henceforth let no man trouble me: for I bear in my body the marks of the Lord Jesus.
Original Language Analysis
Τοῦ
G3588
Τοῦ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
1 of 18
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
κόπους
me
G2873
κόπους
me
Strong's:
G2873
Word #:
3 of 18
a cut, i.e., (by analogy) toil (as reducing the strength), literally or figuratively; by implication, pains
παρεχέτω·
let
G3930
παρεχέτω·
let
Strong's:
G3930
Word #:
6 of 18
to hold near, i.e., present, afford, exhibit, furnish occasion
γὰρ
for
G1063
γὰρ
for
Strong's:
G1063
Word #:
8 of 18
properly, assigning a reason (used in argument, explanation or intensification; often with other particles)
τὰ
G3588
τὰ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
9 of 18
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
στίγματα
the marks
G4742
στίγματα
the marks
Strong's:
G4742
Word #:
10 of 18
a mark incised or punched (for recognition of ownership), i.e., (figuratively) scar of service
τοῦ
G3588
τοῦ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
11 of 18
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
Κυριοῦ
of the Lord
G2962
Κυριοῦ
of the Lord
Strong's:
G2962
Word #:
12 of 18
supreme in authority, i.e., (as noun) controller; by implication, master (as a respectful title)
Ἰησοῦ
Jesus
G2424
Ἰησοῦ
Jesus
Strong's:
G2424
Word #:
13 of 18
jesus (i.e., jehoshua), the name of our lord and two (three) other israelites
τῷ
G3588
τῷ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
15 of 18
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
Cross References
2 Corinthians 1:5For as the sufferings of Christ abound in us, so our consolation also aboundeth by Christ.Colossians 1:24Who now rejoice in my sufferings for you, and fill up that which is behind of the afflictions of Christ in my flesh for his body's sake, which is the church:2 Corinthians 4:10Always bearing about in the body the dying of the Lord Jesus, that the life also of Jesus might be made manifest in our body.Hebrews 12:15Looking diligently lest any man fail of the grace of God; lest any root of bitterness springing up trouble you, and thereby many be defiled;Acts 15:24Forasmuch as we have heard, that certain which went out from us have troubled you with words, subverting your souls, saying, Ye must be circumcised, and keep the law: to whom we gave no such commandment:Joshua 7:25And Joshua said, Why hast thou troubled us? the LORD shall trouble thee this day. And all Israel stoned him with stones, and burned them with fire, after they had stoned them with stones.
Historical Context
Paul suffered extensively for the gospel: beaten with rods, stoned, whipped, imprisoned (Acts 14:19, 16:22-23, 2 Corinthians 11:23-27). These left permanent scars—his "stigmata." In Greco-Roman culture, slaves and soldiers bore literal brands identifying ownership. Paul uses this imagery: his scars brand him as Jesus's slave. The contrast with circumcision is striking: Judaizers valued one small ceremonial cut; Paul bore body-covering wounds from gospel ministry. His scars testified louder than their circumcisions. Throughout church history, martyrs' scars and deaths testified powerfully to gospel reality.
Questions for Reflection
- What 'marks' in your life demonstrate your belonging to Jesus and devotion to Him?
- How does Paul's appeal to scars versus the Judaizers' appeal to circumcision illustrate the difference between true and false discipleship?
- What would you be willing to suffer for Christ that would leave 'marks' testifying to your loyalty to Him?
Analysis & Commentary
From henceforth let no man trouble me: for I bear in my body the marks of the Lord Jesus. Paul's personal appeal for cessation of opposition. "From henceforth let no man trouble me" (tou loipou kopous moi mēdeis parechetō, τοῦ λοιποῦ κόπους μοι μηδεὶς παρεχέτω)—from now on, let no one cause me trouble, toil, difficulty. Kopos (κόπος) means labor, trouble, difficulty. Paul is exhausted from fighting this battle and commands: stop troubling me with circumcision controversies!
"For I bear in my body the marks of the Lord Jesus" (egō gar ta stigmata tou Iēsou en tō sōmati mou bastazō, ἐγὼ γὰρ τὰ στίγματα τοῦ Ἰησοῦ ἐν τῷ σώματι μου βαστάζω)—for I carry in my body the brand marks of Jesus. Stigmata (στίγματα) were brand marks burned into slaves or soldiers identifying their master/commander. Paul's scars from beatings, stonings, floggings (2 Corinthians 11:23-27) marked him as Jesus's slave. The Judaizers boasted in converts' circumcision marks; Paul points to his scars from suffering for Christ. These authenticating marks prove his devotion and authority. Circumcision is mere flesh-marking; Paul's wounds demonstrate genuine discipleship.