Galations 6:2-5 Burdens

[jeffnevins]

I may have asked this before. Sorry for not remembering.

I was wondering why v.2 says we should carry each others burdens, and v.5 says each man should carry his own.

The Word is vital to me. I hope you all continue in it as well.

Thanks very much.

[BlindSeeker]

I may have asked this before. Sorry for not remembering.

I was wondering why v.2 says we should carry each others burdens, and v.5 says each man should carry his own.

The Word is vital to me. I hope you all continue in it as well.

Thanks very much.

Verse 2 is dealing with the burdens of life in general, verse 5 is dealing with the consequences of ones actions.

We visit, feed, clothe and help those in need, but our sins are between us and God alone. At best, we can pray for each other.

[desi2007]

In our Christian walk there is a need to first take care of our own responsibilities before we can begin to help others. Obviously, if we are all taking care of our own responsibilities, then there will be no need to help each other. But reality is that there are always going to be ways that we can assist one another.

[paul1149]

The first instance of 'burden' is in the Greek 'baros', and refers to a heavy load. Thus when one of us has an extraordinary load the others should want to help that person bear it. This is consistent with the central principle of love that unifies the Body of Christ.

The second instance, which the ESV translates as 'load', presumably to accent the difference, is in the Greek 'phortion'. This is a normal load, like a ship's lading. Each one of us has normal responsibilities that conscience demands we carry ourselves without burdening anyone else.

So the balanced teaching of the two verses is that each person should be responsible for himself, but when someone for some reason has a really heavy burden the others should come alongside in love and lend a hand.

BB,

Paul

[OneLight]

I agree with Blinkseekeer.

Galatians 6:1-5

Brethren, if a man is overtaken in any trespass, you who are spiritual restore such a one in a spirit of gentleness, considering yourself lest you also be tempted. Bear one another

[Guest man]

I may have asked this before. Sorry for not remembering.

I was wondering why v.2 says we should carry each others burdens, and v.5 says each man should carry his own.

The Word is vital to me. I hope you all continue in it as well.

Thanks very much.

The answers to your question can be found in the verse prior to the questioned verse.

1 Brethren, if a man is overtaken in any trespass, you who are spiritual restore such a one in a spirit of gentleness, considering yourself lest you also be tempted.

2 Bear one another

[Hunterpoet]

According to the commentaries I read,

Galations 6:2--this suggests the end of rebukes, to support one another in trials and sorrows, to do unto others as we would have done unto us, I would ad that mercy and compassion would be part of this.

Galations6:5--this is a caution to watch yourself, to continue to evaluate yourself as is suggested in other scripture. All must answer to God for himself and his deeds.

[EricH]

The first instance of 'burden' is in the Greek 'baros', and refers to a heavy load. Thus when one of us has an extraordinary load the others should want to help that person bear it. This is consistent with the central principle of love that unifies the Body of Christ.

The second instance, which the ESV translates as 'load', presumably to accent the difference, is in the Greek 'phortion'. This is a normal load, like a ship's lading. Each one of us has normal responsibilities that conscience demands we carry ourselves without burdening anyone else.

So the balanced teaching of the two verses is that each person should be responsible for himself, but when someone for some reason has a really heavy burden the others should come alongside in love and lend a hand.

BB,

Paul

Exactly

[jeffnevins]

OK- that helps quite a bit.

Thanks so much-