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<!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Transitional//EN" "//www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-transitional.dtd"><html xmlns="//www.w3.org/1999/xhtml"><head><meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=utf-8" /><meta name="viewport" content="width=device-width, initial-scale=1" /><title>Galatians 6:16 Peace and mercy to all who walk by this rule, even to the Israel of God.</title><link rel="canonical" href="https://biblehub.com/galatians/6-16.htm" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/new9.css" type="text/css" media="Screen" /><meta property="og:image" content="https://biblehub.com/visuals/10/48_Gal_06_16.jpg" /><meta property="og:title" content="Galatians 6:16 - Benediction" /><meta property="og:site_name" content="Bible Hub" /><meta property="og:description" content="Peace and mercy to all who walk by this rule, even to the Israel of God." /><script type="application/javascript" src="https://scripts.webcontentassessor.com/scripts/8a2459b64f9cac8122fc7f2eac4409c8555fac9383016db59c4c26e3d5b8b157"></script><script src='https://qd.admetricspro.com/js/biblehub/biblehub-layout-loader-revcatch.js'></script><script id='HyDgbd_1s' src='https://prebidads.revcatch.com/ads.js' type='text/javascript' async></script><script>(function(w,d,b,s,i){var cts=d.createElement(s);cts.async=true;cts.id='catchscript'; 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they are the new people of God. <a href="/esv/galatians/6.htm">English Standard Version</a> And as for all who walk by this rule, peace and mercy be upon them, and upon the Israel of God. <a href="/bsb/galatians/6.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a> Peace and mercy to all who walk by this rule, even to the Israel of God. <a href="/blb/galatians/6.htm">Berean Literal Bible</a> And as many as those who will walk by this rule, peace and mercy be upon them, and upon the Israel of God. <a href="/kjv/galatians/6.htm">King James Bible</a> And as many as walk according to this rule, peace be on them, and mercy, and upon the Israel of God. <a href="/nkjv/galatians/6.htm">New King James Version</a> And as many as walk according to this rule, peace and mercy be upon them, and upon the Israel of God. <a href="/nasb_/galatians/6.htm">New American Standard Bible</a> And all who will follow this rule, peace and mercy be upon them, and upon the Israel of God. <a href="/nasb/galatians/6.htm">NASB 1995</a> And those who will walk by this rule, peace and mercy be upon them, and upon the Israel of God. <a href="/nasb77/galatians/6.htm">NASB 1977 </a> And those who will walk by this rule, peace and mercy be upon them, and upon the Israel of God. <a href="/lsb/galatians/6.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a> And those who will walk in step with this rule, peace and mercy be upon them, and upon the Israel of God. <a href="/amp/galatians/6.htm">Amplified Bible</a> Peace and mercy be upon all who walk by this rule [who discipline themselves and conduct their lives by this principle], and upon the [true] Israel of God (Jewish believers). <a href="/csb/galatians/6.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a> May peace come to all those who follow this standard, and mercy even to the Israel of God! <a href="/hcsb/galatians/6.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a> May peace come to all those who follow this standard, and mercy to the Israel of God! <a href="/asv/galatians/6.htm">American Standard Version</a> And as many as shall walk by this rule, peace be upon them, and mercy, and upon the Israel of God. <a href="/cev/galatians/6.htm">Contemporary English Version</a> If you follow this rule, you will belong to God's true people. God will treat you with undeserved kindness and will bless you with peace. <a href="/erv/galatians/6.htm">English Revised Version</a> And as many as shall walk by this rule, peace be upon them, and mercy, and upon the Israel of God. <a href="/gwt/galatians/6.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a> Peace and mercy will come to rest on all those who conform to this principle. They are the Israel of God. <a href="/gnt/galatians/6.htm">Good News Translation</a> As for those who follow this rule in their lives, may peace and mercy be with them--with them and with all of God's people! <a href="/isv/galatians/6.htm">International Standard Version</a> Now may peace be on all those who live by this principle, and may mercy be on the Israel of God. <a href="/msb/galatians/6.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a> Peace and mercy to all who walk by this rule, even to the Israel of God. <a href="/net/galatians/6.htm">NET Bible</a> And all who will behave in accordance with this rule, peace and mercy be on them, and on the Israel of God. <a href="/nheb/galatians/6.htm">New Heart English Bible</a> As many as walk by this rule, peace and mercy be on them, and on God's Israel. <a href="/wbt/galatians/6.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a> And as many as walk according to this rule, peace be on them, and mercy, and upon the Israel of God. <a href="/wey/galatians/6.htm">Weymouth New Testament</a> And all who shall regulate their lives by this principle--may peace and mercy be given to them--and to the true Israel of God. <a href="/web/galatians/6.htm">World English Bible</a> As many as walk by this rule, peace and mercy be on them, and on God’s Israel. <div class="vheading2">Literal Translations</div><a href="/lsv/galatians/6.htm">Literal Standard Version</a> and as many as walk by this rule—peace on them, and kindness, and on the Israel of God! <a href="/blb/galatians/6.htm">Berean Literal Bible</a> And as many as those who will walk by this rule, peace and mercy be upon them, and upon the Israel of God. <a href="/ylt/galatians/6.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a> and as many as by this rule do walk -- peace upon them, and kindness, and on the Israel of God! <a href="/slt/galatians/6.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a> And as many as walk by this model, place upon them, and mercy, and upon the Israel of God.<div class="vheading2">Catholic Translations</div><a href="/drb/galatians/6.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a> And whosoever shall follow this rule, peace on them, and mercy, and upon the Israel of God. <a href="/cpdv/galatians/6.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a> And whoever follows this rule: may peace and mercy be upon them, and upon the Israel of God. <a href="/nabre/galatians/6.htm">New American Bible</a> Peace and mercy be to all who follow this rule and to the Israel of God. <a href="/nrsvce/galatians/6.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a> As for those who will follow this rule—peace be upon them, and mercy, and upon the Israel of God.<div class="vheading2">Translations from Aramaic</div><a href="/lamsa/galatians/6.htm">Lamsa Bible</a> And upon those who follow this path be peace and mercy; and upon the Israel of God, be peace and mercy. <a href="/aramaic-plain-english/galatians/6.htm">Aramaic Bible in Plain English</a> And those who agree to this path shall have peace and affection upon them and upon the Israel of God.<div class="vheading2">NT Translations</div><a href="/anderson/galatians/6.htm">Anderson New Testament</a> And as many as walk by this rule, peace and mercy be upon them, and upon the Israel of God.<CM> <a href="/godbey/galatians/6.htm">Godbey New Testament</a> And so many as shall walk by this rule, peace and mercy be unto them, and unto the Israel of God. <a href="/haweis/galatians/6.htm">Haweis New Testament</a> And as many as shall walk after this rule, peace be upon them, and mercy, and upon the Israel of God.<CM> <a href="/mace/galatians/6.htm">Mace New Testament</a> as many as walk by this rule, peace and mercy be on them, even upon the Israel of God. <a href="/wey/galatians/6.htm">Weymouth New Testament</a> And all who shall regulate their lives by this principle--may peace and mercy be given to them--and to the true Israel of God. <a href="/worrell/galatians/6.htm">Worrell New Testament</a> And as many as shall walk by this rule, peace be upon them, and mercy, and upon the Israel of God. <a href="/worsley/galatians/6.htm">Worsley New Testament</a> And as many as shall walk according to this rule, peace and mercy be on them, even upon all the Israel of God. <a href="/parallel/galatians/6-16.htm">Additional Translations ...</a></div></div></div><div id="centbox"><div class="padcent"><a name="audio" id="audio"></a><div class="vheadingv">Audio Bible</div><iframe width="100%" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/Jv8Ri4CeT34?start=1318" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe> <div class="vheadingv">Context</div><a href="/bsb/galatians/6.htm">Benediction</a> 15For neither circumcision nor uncircumcision means anything. What counts is a new creation. 16<a href="/greek/2532.htm" title="2532: Kai (Conj) -- And, even, also, namely. "></a> <a href="/greek/1515.htm" title="1515: eirēnē (N-NFS) -- Probably from a primary verb eiro; peace; by implication, prosperity.">Peace</a> <a href="/greek/2532.htm" title="2532: kai (Conj) -- And, even, also, namely. ">and</a> <a href="/greek/1656.htm" title="1656: eleos (N-NNS) -- Pity, mercy, compassion. Of uncertain affinity; compassion.">mercy</a> <a href="/greek/1909.htm" title="1909: ep’ (Prep) -- On, to, against, on the basis of, at. ">to</a> <a href="/greek/846.htm" title="846: autous (PPro-AM3P) -- He, she, it, they, them, same. From the particle au; the reflexive pronoun self, used of the third person, and of the other persons."></a> <a href="/greek/3745.htm" title="3745: hosoi (RelPro-NMP) -- How much, how great, how many, as great as, as much. By reduplication from hos; as As.">all</a> <a href="/greek/3588.htm" title="3588: tō (Art-DMS) -- The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.">who</a> <a href="/greek/4748.htm" title="4748: stoichēsousin (V-FIA-3P) -- To walk in, walk by. From a derivative of steicho; to march in rank, i.e. to conform to virtue and piety.">walk</a> <a href="/greek/3778.htm" title="3778: toutō (DPro-DMS) -- This; he, she, it. ">by this</a> <a href="/greek/2583.htm" title="2583: kanoni (N-DMS) -- From kane; a rule, i.e. a standard; by implication, a boundary, i.e. a sphere.">rule,</a> <a href="/greek/2532.htm" title="2532: kai (Conj) -- And, even, also, namely. ">even</a> <a href="/greek/1909.htm" title="1909: epi (Prep) -- On, to, against, on the basis of, at. ">to</a> <a href="/greek/3588.htm" title="3588: ton (Art-AMS) -- The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.">the</a> <a href="/greek/2474.htm" title="2474: Israēl (N-AMS) -- Of Hebrew origin; Israel, the adopted name of Jacob, including his descendants.">Israel</a> <a href="/greek/3588.htm" title="3588: tou (Art-GMS) -- The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the."></a> <a href="/greek/2316.htm" title="2316: Theou (N-GMS) -- A deity, especially the supreme Divinity; figuratively, a magistrate; by Hebraism, very.">of God.</a> 17From now on let no one cause me trouble, for I bear on my body the marks of Jesus.…<div class="cred"><a href="//berean.bible">Berean Standard Bible</a> · <a href="//berean.bible/downloads.htm">Download</a></div> <a name="crossref" id="crossref"></a><div class="vheading">Cross References</div><div id="crf"><a href="/romans/9-6.htm">Romans 9:6-8</a> It is not as though God’s word has failed. For not all who are descended from Israel are Israel. / Nor because they are Abraham’s descendants are they all his children. On the contrary, “Through Isaac your offspring will be reckoned.” / So it is not the children of the flesh who are God’s children, but it is the children of the promise who are regarded as offspring. <a href="/philippians/3-3.htm">Philippians 3:3</a> For it is we who are the circumcision, we who worship by the Spirit of God, who glory in Christ Jesus, and who put no confidence in the flesh— <a href="/ephesians/2-14.htm">Ephesians 2:14-16</a> For He Himself is our peace, who has made the two one and has torn down the dividing wall of hostility / by abolishing in His flesh the law of commandments and decrees. He did this to create in Himself one new man out of the two, thus making peace / and reconciling both of them to God in one body through the cross, by which He put to death their hostility. <a href="/romans/2-28.htm">Romans 2:28-29</a> A man is not a Jew because he is one outwardly, nor is circumcision only outward and physical. / No, a man is a Jew because he is one inwardly, and circumcision is a matter of the heart, by the Spirit, not by the written code. Such a man’s praise does not come from men, but from God. <a href="/colossians/3-15.htm">Colossians 3:15</a> Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, for to this you were called as members of one body. And be thankful. <a href="/isaiah/57-19.htm">Isaiah 57:19</a> bringing praise to their lips. Peace, peace to those far and near,” says the LORD, “and I will heal them.” <a href="/romans/11-26.htm">Romans 11:26-27</a> And so all Israel will be saved, as it is written: “The Deliverer will come from Zion; He will remove godlessness from Jacob. / And this is My covenant with them when I take away their sins.” <a href="/ephesians/4-3.htm">Ephesians 4:3</a> and with diligence to preserve the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace. <a href="/isaiah/54-10.htm">Isaiah 54:10</a> Though the mountains may be removed and the hills may be shaken, My loving devotion will not depart from you, and My covenant of peace will not be broken,” says the LORD, who has compassion on you. <a href="/romans/4-11.htm">Romans 4:11-12</a> And he received the sign of circumcision as a seal of the righteousness that he had by faith while he was still uncircumcised. So then, he is the father of all who believe but are not circumcised, in order that righteousness might be credited to them. / And he is also the father of the circumcised who not only are circumcised, but who also walk in the footsteps of the faith that our father Abraham had before he was circumcised. <a href="/1_corinthians/7-19.htm">1 Corinthians 7:19</a> Circumcision is nothing and uncircumcision is nothing. Keeping God’s commandments is what counts. <a href="/isaiah/26-12.htm">Isaiah 26:12</a> O LORD, You will establish peace for us. For all that we have accomplished, You have done for us. <a href="/2_corinthians/5-17.htm">2 Corinthians 5:17</a> Therefore if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away. Behold, the new has come! <a href="/isaiah/32-17.htm">Isaiah 32:17</a> The work of righteousness will be peace; the service of righteousness will be quiet confidence forever. <a href="/romans/15-33.htm">Romans 15:33</a> The God of peace be with all of you. Amen.</div> <a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div>And as many as walk according to this rule, peace be on them, and mercy, and on the Israel of God.walk.<a href="/galatians/5-16.htm">Galatians 5:16,25</a> This I say then, Walk in the Spirit, and ye shall not fulfil the lust of the flesh… <a href="/psalms/125-4.htm">Psalm 125:4,5</a> Do good, O LORD, unto those that be good, and to them that are upright in their hearts… <a href="/philippians/3-16.htm">Philippians 3:16</a> Nevertheless, whereto we have already attained, let us walk by the same rule, let us mind the same thing.peace.<a href="/galatians/1-3.htm">Galatians 1:3</a> Grace be to you and peace from God the Father, and from our Lord Jesus Christ,<a href="/numbers/6-23.htm">Numbers 6:23-27</a> Speak unto Aaron and unto his sons, saying, On this wise ye shall bless the children of Israel, saying unto them, … <a href="/1_chronicles/12-18.htm">1 Chronicles 12:18</a> Then the spirit came upon Amasai, who was chief of the captains, and he said, Thine are we, David, and on thy side, thou son of Jesse: peace, peace be unto thee, and peace be to thine helpers; for thy God helpeth thee. Then David received them, and made them captains of the band.See on<a href="/romans/1-7.htm">Romans 1:7</a> To all that be in Rome, beloved of God, called to be saints: Grace to you and peace from God our Father, and the Lord Jesus Christ.<a href="/philippians/4-7.htm">Philippians 4:7</a> And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.the Israel.<a href="/galatians/3-7.htm">Galatians 3:7-9,29</a> Know ye therefore that they which are of faith, the same are the children of Abraham… <a href="/psalms/73-1.htm">Psalm 73:1</a> A Psalm of Asaph. Truly God is good to Israel, even to such as are of a clean heart.<a href="/isaiah/45-25.htm">Isaiah 45:25</a> In the LORD shall all the seed of Israel be justified, and shall glory.<div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/galatians/2-14.htm">Follow</a> <a href="/galatians/5-21.htm">God's</a> <a href="/galatians/5-25.htm">Guided</a> <a href="/2_corinthians/11-22.htm">Israel</a> <a href="/galatians/5-22.htm">Kindness</a> <a href="/2_corinthians/4-1.htm">Mercy</a> <a href="/galatians/5-22.htm">Peace</a> <a href="/galatians/5-5.htm">Principle</a> <a href="/genesis/41-40.htm">Regulate</a> <a href="/galatians/5-16.htm">Rule</a> <a href="/galatians/5-7.htm">True.</a> <a href="/galatians/5-25.htm">Walk</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/philippians/3-12.htm">Follow</a> <a href="/ephesians/1-1.htm">God's</a> <a href="/philippians/3-16.htm">Guided</a> <a href="/ephesians/2-12.htm">Israel</a> <a href="/ephesians/2-4.htm">Kindness</a> <a href="/ephesians/2-4.htm">Mercy</a> <a href="/ephesians/1-2.htm">Peace</a> <a href="/ephesians/2-9.htm">Principle</a> <a href="/genesis/41-40.htm">Regulate</a> <a href="/ephesians/1-21.htm">Rule</a> <a href="/ephesians/1-13.htm">True.</a> <a href="/ephesians/2-2.htm">Walk</a><div class="vheading2">Galatians 6</div>1. <a href="/galatians/6-1.htm">He moves them to deal mildly with a brother who has slipped,</a> 2. <a href="/galatians/6-2.htm">and to bear one another's burden;</a> 6. <a href="/galatians/6-6.htm">to be generous to their teachers,</a> 9. <a href="/galatians/6-9.htm">and not weary of well-doing.</a> 12. <a href="/galatians/6-12.htm">He shows what they intend that preach circumcision.</a> 14. <a href="/galatians/6-14.htm">He glories in nothing, save in the cross of Christ.</a> </div></div><div id="mdd"><div align="center"><div class="bot2"><table align="center" width="100%"><tr><td><div align="center"> <script id="3d27ed63fc4348d5b062c4527ae09445"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=51ce25d5-1a8c-424a-8695-4bd48c750f35&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script> <script id="b817b7107f1d4a7997da1b3c33457e03"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=cb0edd8b-b416-47eb-8c6d-3cc96561f7e8&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-2'> </div>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-0' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-3'> </div>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-1' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div>  <div align="center" id='div-gpt-ad-1531425649696-0'> </div> <ins class="adsbygoogle" style="display:inline-block;width:200px;height:200px" data-ad-client="ca-pub-3753401421161123" data-ad-slot="3592799687"></ins> <script> (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); </script> </div> </td></tr></table></div></div></div><div id="combox"><div class="padcom"><a name="study" id="study"></a><div class="vheading"><table width="100%"><tr><td width="99%" valign="top"><a href="/study/galatians/6.htm">Study Bible</a></td><td width="1%" valign="top"><a href="/study/galatians/" title="Book Summary and Study">Book ◦</a> <a href="/study/chapters/galatians/6.htm" title="Chapter summary and Study">Chapter </a></tr></table></div>Peace and mercy to all who walk by this rule This phrase emphasizes the blessings of peace and mercy, which are often associated with God's covenantal promises throughout Scripture. The "rule" refers to the principle of living by faith and the new creation in Christ, as discussed earlier in Galatians. This aligns with the teachings of Jesus in the Gospels, where He emphasizes the importance of faith and love over legalistic adherence to the law (<a href="/matthew/22-37.htm">Matthew 22:37-40</a>). The peace mentioned here is not merely the absence of conflict but a profound sense of well-being and reconciliation with God, as seen in <a href="/philippians/4-7.htm">Philippians 4:7</a>. Mercy, a key attribute of God, is frequently highlighted in the Old Testament, such as in <a href="/micah/6-8.htm">Micah 6:8</a>, where it is paired with justice and humility.even to the Israel of God This phrase has been the subject of much theological discussion. In the context of Galatians, Paul is addressing both Jewish and Gentile believers, emphasizing that true membership in God's people is not based on ethnic lineage but on faith in Christ. The "Israel of God" can be understood as the spiritual Israel, comprising all who are in Christ, as Paul elaborates in <a href="/romans/9-6.htm">Romans 9:6-8</a>. This concept is rooted in the Old Testament, where the prophets often spoke of a faithful remnant within Israel (<a href="/isaiah/10-20.htm">Isaiah 10:20-22</a>). The idea of a spiritual Israel aligns with the New Testament teaching that believers are grafted into the promises given to Abraham (<a href="/romans/11-17.htm">Romans 11:17-24</a>). This phrase underscores the unity of believers in Christ, transcending ethnic and cultural boundaries, and fulfilling the promise of a new covenant community.<div class="vheading2">Persons / Places / Events</div>1. <a href="/topical/p/paul_the_apostle.htm">Paul the Apostle</a> The author of the letter to the Galatians, Paul was a key figure in the early Christian church, known for his missionary journeys and theological teachings. In Galatians, he addresses the churches in the region of Galatia, emphasizing the importance of faith in Christ over adherence to the Jewish law. 2. <a href="/topical/g/galatia.htm">Galatia</a> A region in modern-day Turkey where Paul established several churches. The Galatians were primarily Gentile converts who were being influenced by Judaizers, who insisted on the necessity of following Jewish law for salvation. 3. <a href="/topical/t/the_israel_of_god.htm">The Israel of God</a> A term used by Paul in <a href="/galatians/6-16.htm">Galatians 6:16</a>, which has been interpreted in various ways. Some see it as referring to Jewish Christians, while others interpret it as the church as a whole, including both Jews and Gentiles who follow Christ.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><a href="/topical/p/peace_and_mercy_as_marks_of_the_new_creation.htm">Peace and Mercy as Marks of the New Creation</a> Paul emphasizes that peace and mercy are granted to those who follow the rule of the new creation in Christ. Believers are called to live out these virtues as evidence of their transformation. <a href="/topical/u/understanding_the_israel_of_god.htm">Understanding The Israel of God</a> The term "the Israel of God" can be understood as the collective body of believers, both Jew and Gentile, who are united in Christ. This challenges us to see the church as a diverse yet unified family. <a href="/topical/w/walking_by_the_rule_of_faith.htm">Walking by the Rule of Faith</a> Paul encourages believers to walk by the rule of faith, which is centered on the cross of Christ and the new creation. This calls for a life of faith and obedience, not adherence to the law. <a href="/topical/u/unity_in_diversity.htm">Unity in Diversity</a> The passage calls for unity among believers, transcending ethnic and cultural boundaries. This unity is grounded in our shared identity in Christ. <a href="/topical/l/living_out_our_identity_in_christ.htm">Living Out Our Identity in Christ</a> As members of "the Israel of God," believers are called to live in a way that reflects their identity in Christ, characterized by love, peace, and mercy.<div class="vheading2">Lists and Questions</div><a href="/top10/lessons_from_galatians_6.htm">Top 10 Lessons from Galatians 6</a> <a href="/q/how_to_interpret_'israel_of_god'_in_gal._6_16.htm">How do we interpret the phrase “the Israel of God” (Galatians 6:16) without contradicting Old Testament references to Israel’s unique covenant?</a> <a href="/q/what_does_'spiritual_israel'_mean.htm">What does "spiritual Israel" mean?</a> <a href="/q/why_does_numbers_33_50-56_endorse_war.htm">Numbers 33:50-56: Why does the text insist on divinely sanctioned warfare for taking the land when later prophets and passages emphasize peace, suggesting an inconsistency in divine commands?</a> <a href="/q/how_reconcile_isaiah_57_1-2_with_suffering.htm">Isaiah 57:1-2: How can the claim that righteous people are taken away to be spared from evil be reconciled with the historical suffering of the faithful throughout Israel's history?</a><a name="commentary" id="commentary"></a><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/ellicott/galatians/6.htm">Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers</a></div>(16) According to this rule.--The word for "rule" is the same that afterwards received a special application in the phrase, "Canon of Scripture." It meant originally a carpenter's rule, or the line that a carpenter works by--hence, a rule or standard; and, from that, the list of books coming up to a certain standard--not (as might be thought) which themselves supplied a standard.The Apostle confines his benediction to those who hold the fundamental truths of Christianity--i.e., here more especially, the doctrine of justification by faith and the spiritual view of Christianity connected with it, as opposed to the merely external and mechanical system of the Judaisers.And upon the Israel of God.--The benediction is addressed, not to two distinct sets of persons ("those who walk by this rule" and "the Israel of God"), but to the same set of persons described in different ways. "And" is therefore equivalent to "namely:" Yea, upon the Israel of God. By the "Israel of God" is here meant the "spiritual Israel;" not converts from Judaism alone, but all who prove their real affinity to Abraham by a faith like Abraham's. (Comp. <a href="/context/galatians/3-7.htm" title="Know you therefore that they which are of faith, the same are the children of Abraham.">Galatians 3:7-9</a>; <a href="/galatians/3-14.htm" title="That the blessing of Abraham might come on the Gentiles through Jesus Christ; that we might receive the promise of the Spirit through faith.">Galatians 3:14</a>; <a href="/galatians/3-29.htm" title="And if you be Christ's, then are you Abraham's seed, and heirs according to the promise.">Galatians 3:29</a>; <a href="/context/romans/4-11.htm" title="And he received the sign of circumcision, a seal of the righteousness of the faith which he had yet being uncircumcised: that he might be the father of all them that believe, though they be not circumcised; that righteousness might be imputed to them also:">Romans 4:11-12</a>; <a href="/context/romans/9-6.htm" title="Not as though the word of God has taken none effect. For they are not all Israel, which are of Israel:">Romans 9:6-8</a>.) . . . <div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/galatians/6.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div>Verse 16. - And as many as walk according to this rule (καὶ ὅσοι τῷ κανόνι τούτῳ στοιχήσουσιν); and as many as shall be walking by this rule. The word κανών, properly a workman's rule, according to Liddell and Scott, but according to Bishop Lightfoot, who, refers to Dr. Westcott, 'On the Canon,' App. A, the carpenter's or surveyor's line by which a direction is taken, is used in <a href="/2_corinthians/10-13.htm">2 Corinthians 10:13, 15, 16</a> of the measurements and delimitation of districts; here, with reference apparently to a surveyor's measuring-line, as marking out a path or road. So that τῷ κανόνι τούτῳ στοιχεῖν means "walking on orderly" (see note on στοιχεῖν, <a href="/galatians/5-25.htm">Galatians 5:25</a>) in the line marked out by what has now been said. The future tense appears to point forward to what should be the case among the Galatians when the letter now going to them should have had time to do its work. But what in the preceding context does the apostle refer to as supplying "this rule"? Many think that he points to the aphorism in ver. 15, affirming the utter indifferency of circumcision or uncircumcision, and the all-importance of a "new creature;" in which case the stress would lie mainly upon the latter point, the "new all-importance of a creature," which was of perpetual interest, rather than on the indiffereney of circumcision which in itself was a matter of but passing concern. It may be fairly questioned, however, whether the apostle does not rather point to the description which in ver. 14 he has given of the manner in which he himself regarded the cross of Christ, as a pattern to the Galatian Churchmen of the manner in which they also should be affected by it. It was customary with the apostle to present himself to his converts as the model to which they should conform themselves. Thus he commends the Thessalonians for that on their conversion they proved themselves imitators of him (<a href="/1_thessalonians/1-6.htm">1 Thessalonians 1:6</a>). When discoursing to the Corinthians of his manifold afflictions and of his self-humbling, men-loving demeanour under them all, he besought them to be imitators of him (<a href="/1_corinthians/4-9.htm">1 Corinthians 4:9-16</a>), which entreaty he renews with a similar reference in 1 Corinthians 9:1. So he exhorts the Philippians to unite with one another in imitating him, and to fix their regards upon such as walked as they had him and those with him for a pattern (<a href="/philippians/3-17.htm">Philippians 3:17</a>), and again repeats to them (Philippians 4:9), "Those things which ye, moreover, learned, and received, and heard, and saw in me, do," - all which clauses refer to his own character and doings as seen by themselves or as reported to them by others (see Alford, in loc.). This purpose, of propounding his sentiments and course of action as a model for the guidance of his converts, no doubt underlies very many of those passages in which he so frankly and (we might but for this be tempted to think) so sell:approvingly dilates upon them. In those days we must remember there was no "Canon "of New Testament Scripture which might serve for the guidance of the newly gained converts from heathenism; for practical guidance in the Christian life, besides the Old Testament Scriptures (<a href="/2_timothy/3-15.htm">2 Timothy 3:15-17</a>), they had, perforce, to be referred partly to their own moral sense, partly to the inward teachings of the Holy Spirit, and partly, and this to a very important extent, to the living examples of eminently Spirit-taught men. This purpose, of propounding himself as an example, evidently underlay the writing of ver. 14; and it is the consciousness that it was so that now leads him to use the phrase, "by this rule," in reference, as seems most probable, to that very description of his own life. It is noticeable that, after having exhorted the Philippians to do all the things which they had seen and known him to do, he adds (<a href="/philippians/4-9.htm">Philippians 4:9</a>). "And the God of peace shall be with you;" just as he here says, "As many as shall be walking orderly by this rule, peace upon them, and mercy!" We are now brought into a position to see clearly the force of the conjunction "and," with which he introduces this verse. It connects it closely with ver. 14. "I myself glory in the cross of Christ, and to that cross have sacrificed all I held dear; and for all that shall be found walking in that same path - upon them shall rest my hearty sympathy and my pastoral benediction." It is further deserving of notice that in <a href="/philippians/3.htm">Philippians 3</a>, when presenting himself to the Philippians as their examplar, the apostle speaks of "many" - no doubt with inclusive reference to those Judaizing advocates of circumcision whose circumcision he scornfully styles a concision - as being "the enemies of the cross of Christ." This was written some years after the Epistle to the Galatians; but it shows that it was a common experience with the apostle to find among the Gentile Churches two classes in particular of Christians: one, consisting of his own adherents and followers in the spirit and life of the gospel; another, of those who (either because as born Jews or Gentile Judaizers, they eschewed the pollution of the cross and its aspect towards the ceremonial Law, or because they were Gentiles, ashamed before their countrymen of trusting in a Jew who had been crucified), were fain to the utmost of their power to thrust the crucifixion of Christ out of sight - "the enemies of the cross of Christ?" Peace be on them, and mercy, and upon the Israel of God (εἰρήνη ἐπ αὐτούς καὶ ἔλεος καὶ ἐπὶ τὸν Ἰσραὴλ τοῦ Θεοῦ). The suppletion of "be" in the Authorized Version, in preference to "shall be" or "is," is borne out by the fact that the language of benediction, both in the greeting at the beginning of the Epistles and in their close, ordinarily omits the copula verb, which in such cases must be what is here supplied. We may compare in particular <a href="/ephesians/6-24.htm">Ephesians 6:24</a>, "Grace be with all them that love our Lord Jesus Christ in uncorruptness," not only as similar in construction, requiring the like suppletion of "be," but also as another instance in which the apostle pronounces his pastoral benediction with a certain limitation, specifying those only who sincerely love Jesus Christ. The limitation in these two cases only implied is in <a href="/1_corinthians/16-22.htm">1 Corinthians 16:22</a> converted into a distinctly expressed anathema upon those who do not love Christ. The present passage makes the implied limitation without even that measure of stern precision which would have been marked by his writing ἐπὶ τούτους ("upon these") instead of ἐπ αὐτούς ("upon them"). It seems as if he would fain allure back to the gospel blessing those of his readers who might feel themselves as not now coming within its range. Perhaps in the addition of the words, "and mercy," we may detect a sympathizing sense in the mind of the apostle of the mental suffering, which those in Galatia sincerely devoted to the crucified Christ had and would still have to encounter, in contending for the truth of the gospel against fellow Churchmen of their own. They would probably be no mere hard-minded controversialists, but humble, loving believers, to whom the mercy of God would be very dear. The apostle adds it to his greeting only in writing to Timothy (<a href="/1_timothy/1-2.htm">1 Timothy 1:2</a>; <a href="/2_timothy/1-2.htm">2 Timothy 1:2</a>), distinguished apparently for the affectionateness and feminine-heartedness of his character. In <a href="/titus/1-4.htm">Titus 1:4</a> the addition is not genuine. The words, "and upon the Israel of God," seem to be an echo of the "peace upon Israel (εἰρήνη ἐπὶ τὸν Ἰσραήλ)," which, in the Septuagint, closes the hundred and twenty-fifth and hundred and twenty-eighth psalms. The addition of the words, "of God," seems intended pointedly to distinguish the "Israel" which the apostle has m view from that which boasted itself as being Israel while it was not, and also from the false brethren (ψευδαδελφοί, <a href="/galatians/2-4.htm">Galatians 2:4</a>) in the Christian Church, who were for linking themselves with the false Israel. The addition is not merely honorific, as in the expression, "the Church of God" (<a href="/1_corinthians/1-2.htm">1 Corinthians 1:2</a>; <a href="/2_corinthians/1-1.htm">2 Corinthians 1:1</a>; 10:32; 11:22; 15:9), but distinctive as well - that which alone God views and loves as "Israel" - to wit, the entire body of real believers in Christ, who, as portrayed in this Epistle, are "children of promise after the fashion of Isaac" (<a href="/galatians/4-28.htm">Galatians 4:28</a>), Abraham's seed and heirs of the promise" (<a href="/galatians/3-29.htm">Galatians 3:29</a>), and the children of "the upper Jerusalem, which is our mother" (<a href="/galatians/4-26.htm">Galatians 4:26</a>). Of that portion of the true Israel which dwelt in Galatia (see <a href="/1_peter/1-1.htm">1 Peter 1:1</a>; <a href="/1_peter/2-10.htm">1 Peter 2:10</a>), those who, like the apostle, consecrated themselves to Christ as crucified, were the guiding and characterizing element; and therefore his blessing shed upon these spreads itself also upon those connected with them. That the apostle is even here still regardful of others among the Galatians, who were themselves" shifting away from the gospel" and were drawing others away too (<a href="/galatians/1-6.htm">Galatians 1:6, 7</a>), is shown by the next verse. <a href="/commentaries/galatians/6-16.htm">Parallel Commentaries ...</a> <a name="lexicon" id="lexicon"></a><div class="vheading">Greek</div>Peace εἰρήνη (eirēnē) Noun - Nominative Feminine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_1515.htm">Strong's 1515: </a> Probably from a primary verb eiro; peace; by implication, prosperity. and καὶ (kai) Conjunction <a href="/greek/strongs_2532.htm">Strong's 2532: </a> And, even, also, namely. mercy ἔλεος (eleos) Noun - Nominative Neuter Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_1656.htm">Strong's 1656: </a> Pity, mercy, compassion. Of uncertain affinity; compassion. to ἐπ’ (ep’) Preposition <a href="/greek/strongs_1909.htm">Strong's 1909: </a> On, to, against, on the basis of, at. all ὅσοι (hosoi) Personal / Relative Pronoun - Nominative Masculine Plural <a href="/greek/strongs_3745.htm">Strong's 3745: </a> How much, how great, how many, as great as, as much. By reduplication from hos; as As. who τῷ (tō) Article - Dative Masculine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_3588.htm">Strong's 3588: </a> The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the. walk στοιχήσουσιν (stoichēsousin) Verb - Future Indicative Active - 3rd Person Plural <a href="/greek/strongs_4748.htm">Strong's 4748: </a> To walk in, walk by. From a derivative of steicho; to march in rank, i.e. to conform to virtue and piety. by this τούτῳ (toutō) Demonstrative Pronoun - Dative Masculine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_3778.htm">Strong's 3778: </a> This; he, she, it. rule, κανόνι (kanoni) Noun - Dative Masculine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_2583.htm">Strong's 2583: </a> From kane; a rule, i.e. a standard; by implication, a boundary, i.e. a sphere. even καὶ (kai) Conjunction <a href="/greek/strongs_2532.htm">Strong's 2532: </a> And, even, also, namely. to ἐπὶ (epi) Preposition <a href="/greek/strongs_1909.htm">Strong's 1909: </a> On, to, against, on the basis of, at. the τὸν (ton) Article - Accusative Masculine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_3588.htm">Strong's 3588: </a> The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the. Israel Ἰσραὴλ (Israēl) Noun - Accusative Masculine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_2474.htm">Strong's 2474: </a> Of Hebrew origin; Israel, the adopted name of Jacob, including his descendants. of God. Θεοῦ (Theou) Noun - Genitive Masculine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_2316.htm">Strong's 2316: </a> A deity, especially the supreme Divinity; figuratively, a magistrate; by Hebraism, very. <div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/galatians/6-16.htm">Galatians 6:16 NIV</a> <a href="/nlt/galatians/6-16.htm">Galatians 6:16 NLT</a> <a href="/esv/galatians/6-16.htm">Galatians 6:16 ESV</a> <a href="/nasb/galatians/6-16.htm">Galatians 6:16 NASB</a> <a href="/kjv/galatians/6-16.htm">Galatians 6:16 KJV</a> <a href="//bibleapps.com/galatians/6-16.htm">Galatians 6:16 BibleApps.com</a> <a href="//bibliaparalela.com/galatians/6-16.htm">Galatians 6:16 Biblia Paralela</a> <a href="//holybible.com.cn/galatians/6-16.htm">Galatians 6:16 Chinese Bible</a> <a href="//saintebible.com/galatians/6-16.htm">Galatians 6:16 French Bible</a> <a href="/catholic/galatians/6-16.htm">Galatians 6:16 Catholic Bible</a> <a href="/galatians/6-16.htm">NT Letters: Galatians 6:16 As many as walk by this rule (Gal. 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