From henceforth let no man trouble me: for I bear in my body the marks of the Lord Jesus.

GALATIANS 6:17KJV
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Galatians 6:17 (KJV)

What does Galatians 6:17 mean?

Galatians 6:17 means that Paul is asking others to stop bothering or opposing him, because he carries in his own body the physical scars or marks that show he belongs to Jesus Christ. Paul is pointing to his suffering as proof of his commitment and authority as an apostle of Jesus.

Paul is writing to the Christians in Galatia, wrapping up his letter by defending his ministry and authority. He refers to the "marks" on his body, likely scars from being persecuted for his faith, as visible evidence of his loyalty to Jesus. Paul’s statement is both a personal appeal and a final reminder that his dedication to Christ is genuine and costly.

The Greek behind Galatians 6:17

  • "marks" (στίγματα, stigmata): This word means marks or scars, and in ancient times it could refer to brands put on slaves or soldiers to show ownership or allegiance. Paul uses it to describe the wounds he has received for following Jesus, suggesting these are like badges of honor showing he belongs to Christ.
  • "trouble" (κοπιάτω, kopiatō): The Greek word here means to cause difficulty or harassment. Paul is telling others to stop causing him trouble, especially those questioning his authority or message.
  • "body" (σῶμα, sōma): Paul specifically says these marks are "in my body," emphasizing that his suffering for Christ is not just emotional or spiritual, but physical and visible.

Why Galatians 6:17 matters

  • This verse clarifies that Paul’s authority comes not from status or human approval, but from his willingness to suffer for Jesus, which sets him apart from false teachers.
  • Paul’s mention of physical marks connects to the wider letter, where he has argued against those who want to impose outward religious signs (like circumcision) as proof of faith; Paul’s “marks” are the result of following Christ, not human tradition.
  • The verse helps readers see that following Jesus can involve real, personal cost, and that such suffering can be a sign of true commitment rather than something to be ashamed of.

Where else these words appear

“let” Greek G3930 · used in 16 verses

  • Matthew 26:10 When Jesus understood it, he said unto them, Why trouble ye the woman? for she hath wrought a good work upon me.
  • Luke 18:5 Yet because this widow troubleth me, I will avenge her, lest by her continual coming she weary me.
  • Acts 28:2 And the barbarous people shewed us no little kindness: for they kindled a fire, and received us every one, because of the present rain, and because of the cold.

“me” Greek G2873 · used in 19 verses

  • Matthew 26:10 When Jesus understood it, he said unto them, Why trouble ye the woman? for she hath wrought a good work upon me.
  • 1 Corinthians 15:58 Therefore, my beloved brethren, be ye stedfast, unmoveable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, forasmuch as ye know that your labour is not in vain in the Lord.
  • 1 Thessalonians 2:9 For ye remember, brethren, our labour and travail: for labouring night and day, because we would not be chargeable unto any of you, we preached unto you the gospel of God.

“bear” Greek G941 · used in 27 verses

  • Matthew 3:11 I indeed baptize you with water unto repentance: but he that cometh after me is mightier than I, whose shoes I am not worthy to bear: he shall baptize you with the Holy Ghost, and with fire:
  • Luke 22:10 And he said unto them, Behold, when ye are entered into the city, there shall a man meet you, bearing a pitcher of water; follow him into the house where he entereth in.
  • Acts 21:35 And when he came upon the stairs, so it was, that he was borne of the soldiers for the violence of the people.

“man” Greek G3367 · used in 88 verses

  • Matthew 8:4 And Jesus saith unto him, See thou tell no man; but go thy way, shew thyself to the priest, and offer the gift that Moses commanded, for a testimony unto them.
  • Acts 11:12 And the Spirit bade me go with them, nothing doubting. Moreover these six brethren accompanied me, and we entered into the man's house:
  • 2 Corinthians 13:7 Now I pray to God that ye do no evil; not that we should appear approved, but that ye should do that which is honest, though we be as reprobates.