Galatians Chapter 6 · Verse 2
Bear ye one another's burdens, and so fulfil the law of Christ.
Original Language Analysis
τὰ
G3588
τὰ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
2 of 11
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
βάρη
burdens
G922
βάρη
burdens
Strong's:
G922
Word #:
3 of 11
weight; in the new testament only, figuratively, a load, abundance, authority
βαστάζετε
Bear ye
G941
βαστάζετε
Bear ye
Strong's:
G941
Word #:
4 of 11
to lift, literally or figuratively (endure, declare, sustain, receive, etc.)
καὶ
and
G2532
καὶ
and
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
5 of 11
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
ἀναπληρώσατε
fulfil
G378
ἀναπληρώσατε
fulfil
Strong's:
G378
Word #:
7 of 11
to complete; by implication, to occupy, supply; figuratively, to accomplish (by coincidence ot obedience)
τὸν
G3588
τὸν
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
8 of 11
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
νόμον
the law
G3551
νόμον
the law
Strong's:
G3551
Word #:
9 of 11
law (through the idea of prescriptive usage), genitive case (regulation), specially, (of moses (including the volume); also of the gospel), or figurat
Cross References
Romans 15:1We then that are strong ought to bear the infirmities of the weak, and not to please ourselves.1 Thessalonians 5:14Now we exhort you, brethren, warn them that are unruly, comfort the feebleminded, support the weak, be patient toward all men.John 13:34A new commandment I give unto you, That ye love one another; as I have loved you, that ye also love one another.1 John 4:21And this commandment have we from him, That he who loveth God love his brother also.John 15:12This is my commandment, That ye love one another, as I have loved you.James 2:8If ye fulfil the royal law according to the scripture, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself, ye do well:Exodus 23:5If thou see the ass of him that hateth thee lying under his burden, and wouldest forbear to help him, thou shalt surely help with him.1 Peter 2:24Who his own self bare our sins in his own body on the tree, that we, being dead to sins, should live unto righteousness: by whose stripes ye were healed.Matthew 8:17That it might be fulfilled which was spoken by Esaias the prophet, saying, Himself took our infirmities, and bare our sicknesses.1 Corinthians 9:21To them that are without law, as without law, (being not without law to God, but under the law to Christ,) that I might gain them that are without law.
Historical Context
Christian community is burden-sharing community. Early church modeled this through economic sharing (Acts 2:44-45, 4:32-37), mutual care (Romans 12:15, 1 Corinthians 12:26), and spiritual encouragement (Hebrews 3:13, 10:24-25). Greco-Roman culture valued independence and self-sufficiency; Christianity valued interdependence. This countercultural ethic continues: Western individualism opposes burden-bearing. But Christian maturity involves both bearing others' burdens (verse 2) and carrying your own load (verse 5)—paradox requiring Spirit-wisdom to navigate. Christ is both model (bearing our sins) and lawgiver of love.
Questions for Reflection
- Whose burdens—practical, emotional, spiritual—are you currently bearing, and whose burdens are you ignoring?
- How does mutual burden-bearing fulfill Christ's law of love rather than imposing legalistic obligation?
- What's the practical difference between the law of Moses (which Paul rejected) and the law of Christ (which he commands)?
Analysis & Commentary
Bear ye one another's burdens, and so fulfil the law of Christ. Paul commands mutual burden-bearing. "Bear ye one another's burdens" (allēlōn ta barē bastazete, ἀλλήλων τὰ βάρη βαστάζετε)—keep on bearing each other's heavy loads. Baros (βάρος) means heavy weight, burden too great for one person. Bastazō (βαστάζω) means to carry, bear weight, endure. Present imperative: continuous action. This includes bearing with others' faults (verse 1), sharing material resources (verse 6), and providing emotional/spiritual support.
"And so fulfil the law of Christ" (kai houtōs anaplērōsete ton nomon tou Christou, καὶ οὕτως ἀναπληρώσετε τὸν νόμον τοῦ Χριστοῦ)—and thus you'll fulfill Christ's law. Anaplēroō (ἀναπληρόω) means to fill up, complete, fulfill. "The law of Christ" is love's law (5:14, John 13:34-35, 15:12)—the new commandment to love as Christ loved us. Mutual burden-bearing fulfills this. The irony: Paul fought the Judaizers' imposition of Mosaic law while commanding obedience to Christ's law. The difference: Mosaic law commands externally and condemns; Christ's law springs from love and is Spirit-enabled.