Galatians 6:8

Authorized King James Version

For he that soweth to his flesh shall of the flesh reap corruption; but he that soweth to the Spirit shall of the Spirit reap life everlasting.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
ὅτι
For
demonstrative, that (sometimes redundant); causative, because
#2
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#3
σπείρων
he that soweth
to scatter, i.e., sow (literally or figuratively)
#4
εἰς
to
to or into (indicating the point reached or entered), of place, time, or (figuratively) purpose (result, etc.); also in adverbial phrases
#5
τὴν
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#6
σαρκὸς
flesh
flesh (as stripped of the skin), i.e., (strictly) the meat of an animal (as food), or (by extension) the body (as opposed to the soul (or spirit), or
#7
ἑαυτοῦ
his
(him- her-, it-, them-, my-, thy-, our-, your-)self (selves), etc
#8
ἐκ
of
a primary preposition denoting origin (the point whence action or motion proceeds), from, out (of place, time, or cause literal or figurative; direct
#9
τῆς
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#10
σαρκὸς
flesh
flesh (as stripped of the skin), i.e., (strictly) the meat of an animal (as food), or (by extension) the body (as opposed to the soul (or spirit), or
#11
θερίσει
reap
to harvest
#12
φθοράν
corruption
decay, i.e., ruin (spontaneous or inflicted, literally or figuratively)
#13
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#14
δὲ
but
but, and, etc
#15
σπείρων
he that soweth
to scatter, i.e., sow (literally or figuratively)
#16
εἰς
to
to or into (indicating the point reached or entered), of place, time, or (figuratively) purpose (result, etc.); also in adverbial phrases
#17
τὸ
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#18
πνεύματος
the Spirit
a current of air, i.e., breath (blast) or a breeze; by analogy or figuratively, a spirit, i.e., (human) the rational soul, (by implication) vital prin
#19
ἐκ
of
a primary preposition denoting origin (the point whence action or motion proceeds), from, out (of place, time, or cause literal or figurative; direct
#20
τοῦ
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#21
πνεύματος
the Spirit
a current of air, i.e., breath (blast) or a breeze; by analogy or figuratively, a spirit, i.e., (human) the rational soul, (by implication) vital prin
#22
θερίσει
reap
to harvest
#23
ζωὴν
life
life (literally or figuratively)
#24
αἰώνιον
everlasting
perpetual (also used of past time, or past and future as well)

Analysis

Within the broader context of Galatians, this passage highlights salvation through simile or metaphorical language. The theological weight of life connects to fundamental Christian doctrine about life, contributing to our understanding of God's nature and relationship with humanity. This verse contributes to the book's overall argument by building upon previous themes while advancing the overall message of Galatians.

Historical Context

The historical context of the biblical period relevant to this book's composition provides crucial background for understanding this verse. The historical and cultural milieu of the biblical world informed the author's theological expression and the audience's understanding. The the cultural context of the biblical world would have shaped how the original audience understood life. Archaeological and historical evidence reveals Archaeological discoveries continue to illuminate the historical context of biblical texts.

Questions for Reflection