Galatians Chapter 6 · Verse 7

Authorized King James Version

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Be not deceived; God is not mocked: for whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap.

Original Language Analysis

Μὴ not G3361
Μὴ not
Strong's: G3361
Word #: 1 of 13
(adverb) not, (conjunction) lest; also (as an interrogative implying a negative answer (whereas g3756 expects an affirmative one)) whether
πλανᾶσθε Be G4105
πλανᾶσθε Be
Strong's: G4105
Word #: 2 of 13
to (properly, cause to) roam (from safety, truth, or virtue)
θεὸς God G2316
θεὸς God
Strong's: G2316
Word #: 3 of 13
a deity, especially (with g3588) the supreme divinity; figuratively, a magistrate; exceedingly (by hebraism)
οὐ not G3756
οὐ not
Strong's: G3756
Word #: 4 of 13
the absolute negative (compare g3361) adverb; no or not
μυκτηρίζεται is G3456
μυκτηρίζεται is
Strong's: G3456
Word #: 5 of 13
to make mouths at, i.e., ridicule
ὃ G3739
ὃ
Strong's: G3739
Word #: 6 of 13
the relatively (sometimes demonstrative) pronoun, who, which, what, that
γὰρ for G1063
γὰρ for
Strong's: G1063
Word #: 7 of 13
properly, assigning a reason (used in argument, explanation or intensification; often with other particles)
ἐὰν whatsoever G1437
ἐὰν whatsoever
Strong's: G1437
Word #: 8 of 13
a conditional particle; in case that, provided, etc.; often used in connection with other particles to denote indefiniteness or uncertainty
σπείρῃ soweth G4687
σπείρῃ soweth
Strong's: G4687
Word #: 9 of 13
to scatter, i.e., sow (literally or figuratively)
ἄνθρωπος a man G444
ἄνθρωπος a man
Strong's: G444
Word #: 10 of 13
man-faced, i.e., a human being
τοῦτο that G5124
τοῦτο that
Strong's: G5124
Word #: 11 of 13
that thing
καὶ also G2532
καὶ also
Strong's: G2532
Word #: 12 of 13
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
θερίσει· reap G2325
θερίσει· reap
Strong's: G2325
Word #: 13 of 13
to harvest

Analysis & Commentary

Be not deceived; God is not mocked: for whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap. Paul states universal spiritual law. "Be not deceived" (mē planasthe, μὴ πλανᾶσθε)—don't be led astray, don't wander from truth. Present imperative: stop being deceived. "God is not mocked" (theos ou mukhtērizetai, θεὸς οὐ μυκτηρίζεται)—God is not sneered at, not treated with contempt, not trifled with. Muktērizō literally means to turn up the nose at, sneer. People may mock God's law of sowing and reaping, but reality doesn't change.

"For whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap" (ho gar ean speirē anthrōpos, touto kai therisei, ὃ γὰρ ἐὰν σπείρῃ ἄνθρωπος, τοῦτο καὶ θερίσει)—whatever anyone sows, this he'll also reap. Agricultural metaphor: seed determines crop. Sow corn, reap corn; sow weeds, reap weeds. Spiritually: sow to flesh, reap corruption; sow to Spirit, reap eternal life (verse 8). This law operates morally and spiritually. Actions have consequences. You can't sow sin and reap righteousness, or sow selfishness and reap blessing. God's moral order is fixed; mocking it doesn't change it.

Historical Context

The sowing/reaping principle appears throughout Scripture (Job 4:8, Proverbs 22:8, Hosea 8:7, 2 Corinthians 9:6). Jesus used agricultural parables constantly (Matthew 13). Ancient audiences understood: farmers can't cheat harvest—seed determines crop. Paul applies this to Christian life: moral/spiritual sowing determines eschatological harvest. This warns both against sin's consequences (don't deceive yourself that you can sin without reaping) and encourages righteousness (your faithful sowing will yield harvest). God's justice ensures alignment between sowing and reaping; His timing may delay but not prevent harvest.

Questions for Reflection