Bear ye one another's burdens, and so fulfil the law of Christ.

GALATIANS 6:2KJV
Know the Bible

Galatians 6:2 (KJV)

What does Galatians 6:2 mean?

Galatians 6:2 tells believers to help carry each other’s heavy loads, explaining that by doing this, they are living out what Jesus taught. The verse connects practical care for others with following the core teachings of Christ.

Paul is writing to the churches in Galatia, urging them to support one another in times of struggle or difficulty. The idea is not just about physical burdens, but also emotional or spiritual struggles. Paul frames this mutual support as fulfilling “the law of Christ,” pointing to Jesus’ command to love others as He loved.

The Greek behind Galatians 6:2

  • "burdens" (βάρη, barē): This word often refers to something heavy or difficult to carry, not just physically but also emotionally or spiritually. Paul is calling for real, hands-on help with the hard things people face.
  • "law" (νόμος, nomos): Here, “law” is not about Old Testament rules but is often understood as the guiding principle or teaching of Christ—especially His command to love one another.
  • "Christ" (Χριστός, Christos): Naming Christ directly ties this command to Jesus’ own example and teachings, making it clear that this is central to Christian life.

Why Galatians 6:2 matters

  • Galatians 6:2 clarifies that Christian living is not just about personal faith but about active, practical care for others in the community.
  • The verse shows that “the law of Christ” is not a list of rules but a way of life centered on love and support.
  • This teaching connects to the wider message of Galatians, where Paul contrasts the old law with the new way of living by the Spirit, emphasizing relationships over regulations.

Where else these words appear

“burdens” Greek G922 · used in 6 verses

  • Matthew 20:12 Saying, These last have wrought but one hour, and thou hast made them equal unto us, which have borne the burden and heat of the day.
  • Acts 15:28 For it seemed good to the Holy Ghost, and to us, to lay upon you no greater burden than these necessary things;
  • 1 Thessalonians 2:6 Nor of men sought we glory, neither of you, nor yet of others, when we might have been burdensome, as the apostles of Christ.

“fulfil” Greek G378 · used in 6 verses

  • Matthew 13:14 And in them is fulfilled the prophecy of Esaias, which saith, By hearing ye shall hear, and shall not understand; and seeing ye shall see, and shall not perceive:
  • 1 Corinthians 14:16 Else when thou shalt bless with the spirit, how shall he that occupieth the room of the unlearned say Amen at thy giving of thanks, seeing he understandeth not what thou sayest?
  • Philippians 2:30 Because for the work of Christ he was nigh unto death, not regarding his life, to supply your lack of service toward me.

“ye” 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.

“another's” Greek G240 · used in 94 verses

  • Matthew 24:10 And then shall many be offended, and shall betray one another, and shall hate one another.
  • Acts 2:7 And they were all amazed and marvelled, saying one to another, Behold, are not all these which speak Galilaeans?
  • Ephesians 4:2 With all lowliness and meekness, with longsuffering, forbearing one another in love;