Be not deceived; God is not mocked: for whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap.
What does Galatians 6:7 mean?
Many excuse themselves from the work of religion, though they may make a show, and profess it.
Key themes
Read with
Keep this verse inside Galatians 6:6-9 and alongside a few nearby related passages.
Commentary on Galatians 6:7
Be not deceived - That is, in regard to your character, and your hopes for eternity. This is a formula of introduction to some admonition that is especially weighty and important. It implies that there was danger that they would be deceived in reference to their character. The sources of the danger were the corruption of their own hearts, the difficulty of knowing their true character, the instructions of false teachers, etc.; see the note at 1 Corinthians 6:9 . God is not mocked - He cannot be imposed on, or mocked. He knows what our real character is, and he will judge us accordingly.
Context in Galatians 6
Show chapter context
Galatians 6 belongs to the closing movement of the book, especially the section often described as practical exhortation and final warning. Galatians is Paul’s fierce defense of the gospel of grace, justification by faith, and freedom for life in the Spirit. Read this chapter with the wider themes of grace, justification, and freedom in view so the individual verses keep their proper weight.
Related topics
Explore by topic
Warnings against pride, arrogance, and haughty spirits, and the Bible's consistent teaching that pride leads to destruction.
A collection of passages on hope under pressure, future inheritance, resurrection expectation, and confidence in God’s final faithfulness.
Key passages on God's unmerited favour, the grace of Christ, salvation by grace through faith, and how grace transforms the way believers live.
Who quoted Galatians 6:7?
Find out who used Galatians 6:7 in their speeches and writings. Which famous people quoted Galatians 6:7?
John F. Kennedy used Galatians 6:7 in Excerpts of Remarks by Senator John F. Kennedy at Rock Island, IL.
APP: Excerpts of Remarks by Senator John F. Kennedy at Rock Island, IL »
John F. Kennedy used Galatians 6:7 in Excerpts from Senator John F. Kennedy's Speech Prepared for Delivery at Convention Hall, Philadelphia, PA - (Advance Release Text).
Quotes found on Wikiquote (match for «whatsoever a man soweth»):
Annie Besant · English proverbs (alphabetically by proverb) · Harvest · Initiation (theosophy) · Karma · Mary Livermore · William Quan Judge