For each one
This phrase emphasizes individual responsibility. In the Greek, "ἕκαστος" (hekastos) means "each" or "every," underscoring the personal nature of the instruction. In the context of the early Christian community, this would have been a call to personal accountability in one's spiritual journey. Historically, the early church was a collective body, yet Paul reminds believers that their faith and actions are personal and individual before God.

should carry
The Greek word "βαστάσει" (bastasei) is used here, meaning "to bear" or "to carry." This implies an active, ongoing effort. The term suggests not a passive acceptance but an active engagement in one's responsibilities. In the historical context of the Roman Empire, where burdens were often literal and heavy, this metaphor would resonate deeply, encouraging believers to take ownership of their spiritual and moral duties.

his own load
The word "load" is translated from the Greek "φορτίον" (phortion), which refers to a burden or cargo. Unlike the "burdens" mentioned earlier in Galatians 6:2, which are shared among believers, this "load" is personal and non-transferable. It signifies the unique responsibilities and challenges each believer faces. In a scriptural context, this can be seen as the personal calling or mission God has given to each individual. Historically, this would remind the Galatians of the personal nature of their faith journey, distinct from the collective struggles they shared as a community.

(5) Every man shall bear his own burden.--The word for "burden" here is different from that which had been used above, though its meaning is very much the same. The distinction would be sufficiently represented if we were to translate in the one case burden, in the other load. The context, however, is quite different. In Galatians 6:2 the Christian is bidden to "bear the burdens" of others, in the sense of sympathising with them in their troubles. Here he is told that he must "bear his own load," in the sense that he must answer directly to God for his own actions. His responsibility cannot be shifted on to others. It will make him no better that there are others worse than himself.

Verse 5. - For every man shall bear his own burden (ἕκαστος γὰρ τὸ ἴδιον φορτίον βαστάσει); for each man shall carry his own pack. A man's business is with his own pack; and all depends upon his carrying that, not putting it down. This "pack" (φορτίον) is the whole of the duties for the discharge of which each man is responsible. It is thus that the image is employed by our Lord (Matthew 11:30), "My yoke is easy, and my pack is light." So also in Matthew 23:4, "For they tie up packs heavy and hard to carry, and lay them upon men's shoulders." The phrase, τὸ ἴδιον φορτίον, "the pack which is individually his own," implies that men's responsibilities vary, each one having such as are peculiar to himself. This "pack" is to be carefully distinguished from the "heavy loads" (βάρη) of ver. 2, Our Christian obligations Christ makes, to them who serve him well, light; but our burdens of remorse, shame, grief, loss, which are of our own wilful procuring, these may be, must needs be, heavy. One part of our "pack" of obligation is to help each other in bearing these "heavy loads;" and we shall find our joy and crown of glorying in doing so; not only in the approval of our own consciences and in the consciousness of Christ's approval, but also in the manifold refreshments of mutual Christian sympathy. On the other hand, our Christian responsibilities, including these of mutual sympathy and succour, we must not attempt to evade. One man is able to do more for others than another man can; the truly "spiritual" man, for example, can do that which others may not even attempt to touch: each one has his own part and duty. And Christ's mot d'ordre to all his workmen, or possibly the apostle means to all his soldiers, is this: "Every man carry his own pack!" The future tense of the verb "shall carry" does not point to some future time, but to the absoluteness of the law for all time; as in Galatians 2:16 (see Winer, 'Gram. N. T.,' § 40, p. 251, 6th edit.). The varying turn given to the same general image of carrying burdens in ver. 2 and here is quite in St. Paul's manner. Compare, for example, in 2 Corinthians 3. the varying turn given to the images of "epistle" and "veil."

Parallel Commentaries ...


For
γὰρ (gar)
Conjunction
Strong's 1063: For. A primary particle; properly, assigning a reason.

each one
ἕκαστος (hekastos)
Adjective - Nominative Masculine Singular
Strong's 1538: Each (of more than two), every one. As if a superlative of hekas; each or every.

should carry
βαστάσει (bastasei)
Verb - Future Indicative Active - 3rd Person Singular
Strong's 941: Perhaps remotely derived from the base of basis; to lift, literally or figuratively.

his own
ἴδιον (idion)
Adjective - Accusative Neuter Singular
Strong's 2398: Pertaining to self, i.e. One's own; by implication, private or separate.

load.
φορτίον (phortion)
Noun - Accusative Neuter Singular
Strong's 5413: A burden; the freight of a ship. Diminutive of phortos; an invoice, i.e. a task or service.


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NT Letters: Galatians 6:5 For each man will bear his own (Gal. Ga)