I
King James Version — 1611
In Plain English
Greeting from an Apostle Sent by God
1Paul, an apostle, (not of men, neither by man, but by Jesus Christ, and God the Father, who raised him from the dead;)
1Paul, an apostle—sent not from men nor by a man, but by Jesus Christ and God the Father, who raised him from the dead—
2And all the brethren which are with me, unto the churches of Galatia:
2and all the brothers and sisters with me, To the churches in Galatia:
3Grace be to you and peace from God the Father, and from our Lord Jesus Christ,
3Grace and peace to you from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ,
4Who gave himself for our sins, that he might deliver us from this present evil world, according to the will of God and our Father:
4who gave himself for our sins to rescue us from the present evil age, according to the will of our God and Father,
5To whom be glory for ever and ever. Amen.
5to whom be glory for ever and ever. Amen.
No Other Gospel
6I marvel that ye are so soon removed from him that called you into the grace of Christ unto another gospel:
6I am astonished that you are so quickly deserting the one who called you to live in the grace of Christ and are turning to a different gospel—
7Which is not another; but there be some that trouble you, and would pervert the gospel of Christ.
7which is really no gospel at all. Evidently some people are throwing you into confusion and are trying to pervert the gospel of Christ.
8But though we, or an angel from heaven, preach any other gospel unto you than that which we have preached unto you, let him be accursed.
8But even if we or an angel from heaven should preach a gospel other than the one we preached to you, let them be under God's curse!
9As we said before, so say I now again, If any man preach any other gospel unto you than that ye have received, let him be accursed.
9As we have already said, so now I say again: If anybody is preaching to you a gospel other than what you accepted, let them be under God's curse!
10For do I now persuade men, or God? or do I seek to please men? for if I yet pleased men, I should not be the servant of Christ.
10Am I now trying to win the approval of human beings, or of God? Or am I trying to please people? If I were still trying to please people, I would not be a servant of Christ.
A Gospel Received by Revelation
11But I certify you, brethren, that the gospel which was preached of me is not after man.
11I want you to know, brothers and sisters, that the gospel I preached is not of human origin.
12For I neither received it of man, neither was I taught it, but by the revelation of Jesus Christ.
12I did not receive it from any man, nor was I taught it; rather, I received it by revelation from Jesus Christ.
13For ye have heard of my conversation in time past in the Jews’ religion, how that beyond measure I persecuted the church of God, and wasted it:
13For you have heard of my previous way of life in Judaism, how intensely I persecuted the church of God and tried to destroy it.
14And profited in the Jews’ religion above many my equals in mine own nation, being more exceedingly zealous of the traditions of my fathers.
14I was advancing in Judaism beyond many of my own age among my people and was extremely zealous for the traditions of my fathers.
15But when it pleased God, who separated me from my mother’s womb, and called me by his grace,
15But when God, who set me apart from my mother's womb and called me by his grace, was pleased
16To reveal his Son in me, that I might preach him among the heathen; immediately I conferred not with flesh and blood:
16to reveal his Son in me so that I might preach him among the Gentiles, my immediate response was not to consult any human being.
17Neither went I up to Jerusalem to them which were apostles before me; but I went into Arabia, and returned again unto Damascus.
17I did not go up to Jerusalem to see those who were apostles before I was, but I went into Arabia. Later I returned to Damascus.
Paul's Early Contact with Jerusalem
18Then after three years I went up to Jerusalem to see Peter, and abode with him fifteen days.
18Then after three years, I went up to Jerusalem to get acquainted with Cephas and stayed with him fifteen days.
19But other of the apostles saw I none, save James the Lord’s brother.
19I saw none of the other apostles—only James, the Lord's brother.
20Now the things which I write unto you, behold, before God, I lie not.
20I assure you before God that what I am writing you is no lie.
21Afterwards I came into the regions of Syria and Cilicia;
21Then I went to Syria and Cilicia.
22And was unknown by face unto the churches of Judaea which were in Christ:
22I was personally unknown to the churches of Judea that are in Christ.
23But they had heard only, That he which persecuted us in times past now preacheth the faith which once he destroyed.
23They only heard the report: "The man who formerly persecuted us is now preaching the faith he once tried to destroy."
24And they glorified God in me.
24And they praised God because of me.
II
King James Version — 1611
In Plain English
Titus Not Compelled to Be Circumcised
1Then fourteen years after I went up again to Jerusalem with Barnabas, and took Titus with me also.
1Then after fourteen years, I went up again to Jerusalem, this time with Barnabas. I took Titus along also.
2And I went up by revelation, and communicated unto them that gospel which I preach among the Gentiles, but privately to them which were of reputation, lest by any means I should run, or had run, in vain.
2I went in response to a revelation and, meeting privately with those esteemed as leaders, I presented to them the gospel that I preach among the Gentiles. I wanted to be sure I was not running and had not been running my race in vain.
3But neither Titus, who was with me, being a Greek, was compelled to be circumcised:
3Yet not even Titus, who was with me, was compelled to be circumcised, even though he was a Greek.
4And that because of false brethren unawares brought in, who came in privily to spy out our liberty which we have in Christ Jesus, that they might bring us into bondage:
4This matter arose because some false believers had infiltrated our ranks to spy on the freedom we have in Christ Jesus and to make us slaves.
5To whom we gave place by subjection, no, not for an hour; that the truth of the gospel might continue with you.
5We did not give in to them for a moment, so that the truth of the gospel might be preserved for you.
The Pillars Recognize Paul's Mission
6But of these who seemed to be somewhat, (whatsoever they were, it maketh no matter to me: God accepteth no man’s person:) for they who seemed to be somewhat in conference added nothing to me:
6As for those who were held in high esteem—whatever they were makes no difference to me; God does not show favoritism—they added nothing to my message.
7But contrariwise, when they saw that the gospel of the uncircumcision was committed unto me, as the gospel of the circumcision was unto Peter;
7On the contrary, they recognized that I had been entrusted with the task of preaching the gospel to the uncircumcised, just as Peter had been to the circumcised.
8(For he that wrought effectually in Peter to the apostleship of the circumcision, the same was mighty in me toward the Gentiles:)
8For God, who was at work in Peter as an apostle to the circumcised, was also at work in me as an apostle to the Gentiles.
9And when James, Cephas, and John, who seemed to be pillars, perceived the grace that was given unto me, they gave to me and Barnabas the right hands of fellowship; that we should go unto the heathen, and they unto the circumcision.
9James, Cephas, and John, those esteemed as pillars, gave me and Barnabas the right hand of fellowship when they recognized the grace given to me. They agreed that we should go to the Gentiles, and they to the circumcised.
10Only they would that we should remember the poor; the same which I also was forward to do.
10All they asked was that we should continue to remember the poor, the very thing I had been eager to do all along.
Confronting Peter at Antioch
11But when Peter was come to Antioch, I withstood him to the face, because he was to be blamed.
11When Cephas came to Antioch, I opposed him to his face, because he stood condemned.
12For before that certain came from James, he did eat with the Gentiles: but when they were come, he withdrew and separated himself, fearing them which were of the circumcision.
12For before certain men came from James, he used to eat with the Gentiles. But when they arrived, he began to draw back and separate himself from the Gentiles because he was afraid of those who belonged to the circumcision group.
13And the other Jews dissembled likewise with him; insomuch that Barnabas also was carried away with their dissimulation.
13The other Jews joined him in his hypocrisy, so that by their hypocrisy even Barnabas was led astray.
14But when I saw that they walked not uprightly according to the truth of the gospel, I said unto Peter before them all, If thou, being a Jew, livest after the manner of Gentiles, and not as do the Jews, why compellest thou the Gentiles to live as do the Jews?
14When I saw that they were not acting in line with the truth of the gospel, I said to Cephas in front of them all, "You are a Jew, yet you live like a Gentile and not like a Jew. How is it, then, that you force Gentiles to follow Jewish customs?
Justified by Faith, Not Law
15We who are Jews by nature, and not sinners of the Gentiles,
15We who are Jews by birth and not sinful Gentiles
16Knowing that a man is not justified by the works of the law, but by the faith of Jesus Christ, even we have believed in Jesus Christ, that we might be justified by the faith of Christ, and not by the works of the law: for by the works of the law shall no flesh be justified.
16know that a person is not justified by the works of the law, but by faith in Jesus Christ. So we, too, have put our faith in Christ Jesus that we may be justified by faith in Christ and not by the works of the law, because by the works of the law no one will be justified.
17But if, while we seek to be justified by Christ, we ourselves also are found sinners, is therefore Christ the minister of sin? God forbid.
17But if, in seeking to be justified in Christ, we Jews find ourselves also among the sinners, doesn't that mean that Christ promotes sin? Absolutely not!
18For if I build again the things which I destroyed, I make myself a transgressor.
18If I rebuild what I destroyed, then I really would be a lawbreaker.
19For I through the law am dead to the law, that I might live unto God.
19For through the law I died to the law so that I might live for God.
20I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me: and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by the faith of the Son of God, who loved me, and gave himself for me.
20I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me. The life I now live in the body, I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me.
21I do not frustrate the grace of God: for if righteousness come by the law, then Christ is dead in vain.
21I do not set aside the grace of God, for if righteousness could be gained through the law, Christ died for nothing!"
III
King James Version — 1611
In Plain English
How Did You Receive the Spirit?
1O foolish Galatians, who hath bewitched you, that ye should not obey the truth, before whose eyes Jesus Christ hath been evidently set forth, crucified among you?
1You foolish Galatians! Who has bewitched you? Before your very eyes Jesus Christ was clearly portrayed as crucified.
2This only would I learn of you, Received ye the Spirit by the works of the law, or by the hearing of faith?
2I would like to learn just one thing from you: Did you receive the Spirit by the works of the law, or by believing what you heard?
3Are ye so foolish? having begun in the Spirit, are ye now made perfect by the flesh?
3Are you so foolish? After beginning by means of the Spirit, are you now trying to finish by means of the flesh?
4Have ye suffered so many things in vain? if it be yet in vain.
4Have you experienced so much in vain—if it really was in vain?
5He therefore that ministereth to you the Spirit, and worketh miracles among you, doeth he it by the works of the law, or by the hearing of faith?
5So again I ask, does God give you his Spirit and work miracles among you by the works of the law, or by your believing what you heard?
Abraham's Children by Faith
6Even as Abraham believed God, and it was accounted to him for righteousness.
6So also Abraham "believed God, and it was credited to him as righteousness."
7Know ye therefore that they which are of faith, the same are the children of Abraham.
7Understand, then, that those who have faith are children of Abraham.
8And the scripture, foreseeing that God would justify the heathen through faith, preached before the gospel unto Abraham, saying, In thee shall all nations be blessed.
8Scripture foresaw that God would justify the Gentiles by faith, and announced the gospel in advance to Abraham: "All nations will be blessed through you."
9So then they which be of faith are blessed with faithful Abraham.
9So those who rely on faith are blessed along with Abraham, the man of faith.
Redeemed from the Law's Curse
10For as many as are of the works of the law are under the curse: for it is written, Cursed is every one that continueth not in all things which are written in the book of the law to do them.
10For all who rely on the works of the law are under a curse, as it is written: "Cursed is everyone who does not continue to do everything written in the Book of the Law."
11But that no man is justified by the law in the sight of God, it is evident: for, The just shall live by faith.
11Clearly no one who relies on the law is justified before God, because "the righteous will live by faith."
12And the law is not of faith: but, The man that doeth them shall live in them.
12The law is not based on faith; on the contrary, it says, "The person who does these things will live by them."
13Christ hath redeemed us from the curse of the law, being made a curse for us: for it is written, Cursed is every one that hangeth on a tree:
13Christ redeemed us from the curse of the law by becoming a curse for us, for it is written: "Cursed is everyone who is hung on a pole."
14That the blessing of Abraham might come on the Gentiles through Jesus Christ; that we might receive the promise of the Spirit through faith.
14He redeemed us in order that the blessing given to Abraham might come to the Gentiles through Christ Jesus, so that by faith we might receive the promise of the Spirit.
The Promise Precedes the Law
15Brethren, I speak after the manner of men; Though it be but a man’s covenant, yet if it be confirmed, no man disannulleth, or addeth thereto.
15Brothers and sisters, let me take an example from everyday life. Just as no one can set aside or add to a human covenant that has been duly established, so it is in this case.
16Now to Abraham and his seed were the promises made. He saith not, And to seeds, as of many; but as of one, And to thy seed, which is Christ.
16The promises were spoken to Abraham and to his seed. Scripture does not say "and to seeds," meaning many people, but "and to your seed," meaning one person, who is Christ.
17And this I say, that the covenant, that was confirmed before of God in Christ, the law, which was four hundred and thirty years after, cannot disannul, that it should make the promise of none effect.
17What I mean is this: The law, introduced 430 years later, does not set aside the covenant previously established by God and thus do away with the promise.
18For if the inheritance be of the law, it is no more of promise: but God gave it to Abraham by promise.
18For if the inheritance depends on the law, then it no longer depends on the promise; but God in his grace gave it to Abraham through a promise.
Why Then the Law?
19Wherefore then serveth the law? It was added because of transgressions, till the seed should come to whom the promise was made; and it was ordained by angels in the hand of a mediator.
19Why, then, was the law given at all? It was added because of transgressions until the Seed to whom the promise referred had come. The law was given through angels and entrusted to a mediator.
20Now a mediator is not a mediator of one, but God is one.
20A mediator, however, implies more than one party; but God is one.
21Is the law then against the promises of God? God forbid: for if there had been a law given which could have given life, verily righteousness should have been by the law.
21Is the law, therefore, opposed to the promises of God? Absolutely not! For if a law had been given that could impart life, then righteousness would certainly have come by the law.
22But the scripture hath concluded all under sin, that the promise by faith of Jesus Christ might be given to them that believe.
22But Scripture has locked up everything under the control of sin, so that what was promised, being given through faith in Jesus Christ, might be given to those who believe.
No Longer Under a Guardian
23But before faith came, we were kept under the law, shut up unto the faith which should afterwards be revealed.
23Before the coming of this faith, we were held in custody under the law, locked up until the faith that was to come would be revealed.
24Wherefore the law was our schoolmaster to bring us unto Christ, that we might be justified by faith.
24So the law was our guardian until Christ came that we might be justified by faith.
25But after that faith is come, we are no longer under a schoolmaster.
25Now that this faith has come, we are no longer under a guardian.
26For ye are all the children of God by faith in Christ Jesus.
26So in Christ Jesus you are all children of God through faith,
27For as many of you as have been baptized into Christ have put on Christ.
27for all of you who were baptized into Christ have clothed yourselves with Christ.
28There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither bond nor free, there is neither male nor female: for ye are all one in Christ Jesus.
28There is neither Jew nor Gentile, neither slave nor free, nor is there male and female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus.
29And if ye be Christ’s, then are ye Abraham’s seed, and heirs according to the promise.
29If you belong to Christ, then you are Abraham's seed, and heirs according to the promise.
IV
King James Version — 1611
In Plain English
From Slaves to Sons
1Now I say, That the heir, as long as he is a child, differeth nothing from a servant, though he be lord of all;
1What I am saying is that as long as an heir is underage, he is no different from a slave, although he owns the whole estate.
2But is under tutors and governors until the time appointed of the father.
2The heir is subject to guardians and trustees until the time set by his father.
3Even so we, when we were children, were in bondage under the elements of the world:
3So also, when we were underage, we were in slavery under the elemental spiritual forces of the world.
4But when the fulness of the time was come, God sent forth his Son, made of a woman, made under the law,
4But when the set time had fully come, God sent his Son, born of a woman, born under the law,
5To redeem them that were under the law, that we might receive the adoption of sons.
5to redeem those under the law, that we might receive adoption to sonship.
6And because ye are sons, God hath sent forth the Spirit of his Son into your hearts, crying, Abba, Father.
6Because you are his sons, God sent the Spirit of his Son into our hearts, the Spirit who calls out, "Abba, Father."
7Wherefore thou art no more a servant, but a son; and if a son, then an heir of God through Christ.
7So you are no longer a slave, but God's child; and since you are his child, God has made you also an heir.
Turning Back to Weak Elements
8Howbeit then, when ye knew not God, ye did service unto them which by nature are no gods.
8Formerly, when you did not know God, you were slaves to those who by nature are not gods.
9But now, after that ye have known God, or rather are known of God, how turn ye again to the weak and beggarly elements, whereunto ye desire again to be in bondage?
9But now that you know God—or rather are known by God—how is it that you are turning back to those weak and miserable forces? Do you wish to be enslaved by them all over again?
10Ye observe days, and months, and times, and years.
10You are observing special days and months and seasons and years!
11I am afraid of you, lest I have bestowed upon you labour in vain.
11I fear for you, that somehow I have wasted my efforts on you.
Paul's Anguish for the Galatians
12Brethren, I beseech you, be as I am; for I am as ye are: ye have not injured me at all.
12I plead with you, brothers and sisters, become like me, for I became like you. You did me no wrong.
13Ye know how through infirmity of the flesh I preached the gospel unto you at the first.
13As you know, it was because of an illness that I first preached the gospel to you,
14And my temptation which was in my flesh ye despised not, nor rejected; but received me as an angel of God, even as Christ Jesus.
14and even though my illness was a trial to you, you did not treat me with contempt or scorn. Instead, you welcomed me as if I were an angel of God, as if I were Christ Jesus himself.
15Where is then the blessedness ye spake of? for I bear you record, that, if it had been possible, ye would have plucked out your own eyes, and have given them to me.
15Where, then, is your blessing of me now? I can testify that, if you could have done so, you would have torn out your eyes and given them to me.
16Am I therefore become your enemy, because I tell you the truth?
16Have I now become your enemy by telling you the truth?
17They zealously affect you, but not well; yea, they would exclude you, that ye might affect them.
17Those people are zealous to win you over, but for no good. What they want is to alienate you from us, so that you may have zeal for them.
18But it is good to be zealously affected always in a good thing, and not only when I am present with you.
18It is fine to be zealous, provided the purpose is good, and to be so always, not just when I am with you.
19My little children, of whom I travail in birth again until Christ be formed in you,
19My dear children, for whom I am again in the pains of childbirth until Christ is formed in you,
20I desire to be present with you now, and to change my voice; for I stand in doubt of you.
20how I wish I could be with you now and change my tone, because I am perplexed about you!
Hagar and Sarah, Two Covenants
21Tell me, ye that desire to be under the law, do ye not hear the law?
21Tell me, you who want to be under the law, are you not aware of what the law says?
22For it is written, that Abraham had two sons, the one by a bondmaid, the other by a freewoman.
22For it is written that Abraham had two sons, one by the slave woman and the other by the free woman.
23But he who was of the bondwoman was born after the flesh; but he of the freewoman was by promise.
23His son by the slave woman was born according to the flesh, but his son by the free woman was born as the result of a divine promise.
24Which things are an allegory: for these are the two covenants; the one from the mount Sinai, which gendereth to bondage, which is Agar.
24These things are being taken figuratively: The women represent two covenants. One covenant is from Mount Sinai and bears children who are to be slaves: This is Hagar.
25For this Agar is mount Sinai in Arabia, and answereth to Jerusalem which now is, and is in bondage with her children.
25Now Hagar stands for Mount Sinai in Arabia and corresponds to the present city of Jerusalem, because she is in slavery with her children.
26But Jerusalem which is above is free, which is the mother of us all.
26But the Jerusalem that is above is free, and she is our mother.
27For it is written, Rejoice, thou barren that bearest not; break forth and cry, thou that travailest not: for the desolate hath many more children than she which hath an husband.
27For it is written: "Be glad, barren woman, you who never bore a child; shout for joy and cry aloud, you who were never in labor; because more are the children of the desolate woman than of her who has a husband."
28Now we, brethren, as Isaac was, are the children of promise.
28Now you, brothers and sisters, like Isaac, are children of promise.
29But as then he that was born after the flesh persecuted him that was born after the Spirit, even so it is now.
29At that time the son born according to the flesh persecuted the son born by the power of the Spirit. It is the same now.
30Nevertheless what saith the scripture? Cast out the bondwoman and her son: for the son of the bondwoman shall not be heir with the son of the freewoman.
30But what does Scripture say? "Get rid of the slave woman and her son, for the slave woman's son will never share in the inheritance with the free woman's son."
31So then, brethren, we are not children of the bondwoman, but of the free.
31Therefore, brothers and sisters, we are not children of the slave woman, but of the free woman.
V
King James Version — 1611
In Plain English
Stand Fast in Freedom
1Stand fast therefore in the liberty wherewith Christ hath made us free, and be not entangled again with the yoke of bondage.
1It is for freedom that Christ has set us free. Stand firm, then, and do not let yourselves be burdened again by a yoke of slavery.
2Behold, I Paul say unto you, that if ye be circumcised, Christ shall profit you nothing.
2Mark my words! I, Paul, tell you that if you let yourselves be circumcised, Christ will be of no value to you at all.
3For I testify again to every man that is circumcised, that he is a debtor to do the whole law.
3Again I declare to every man who lets himself be circumcised that he is obligated to obey the whole law.
4Christ is become of no effect unto you, whosoever of you are justified by the law; ye are fallen from grace.
4You who are trying to be justified by the law have been alienated from Christ; you have fallen away from grace.
5For we through the Spirit wait for the hope of righteousness by faith.
5For through the Spirit we eagerly await by faith the righteousness for which we hope.
6For in Jesus Christ neither circumcision availeth any thing, nor uncircumcision; but faith which worketh by love.
6For in Christ Jesus neither circumcision nor uncircumcision has any value. The only thing that counts is faith expressing itself through love.
Who Hindered You?
7Ye did run well; who did hinder you that ye should not obey the truth?
7You were running a good race. Who cut in on you to keep you from obeying the truth?
8This persuasion cometh not of him that calleth you.
8That kind of persuasion does not come from the one who calls you.
9A little leaven leaveneth the whole lump.
9"A little yeast works through the whole batch of dough."
10I have confidence in you through the Lord, that ye will be none otherwise minded: but he that troubleth you shall bear his judgment, whosoever he be.
10I am confident in the Lord that you will take no other view. The one who is throwing you into confusion, whoever that may be, will have to pay the penalty.
11And I, brethren, if I yet preach circumcision, why do I yet suffer persecution? then is the offence of the cross ceased.
11Brothers and sisters, if I am still preaching circumcision, why am I still being persecuted? In that case the offense of the cross has been abolished.
12I would they were even cut off which trouble you.
12As for those agitators, I wish they would go the whole way and emasculate themselves!
Freedom That Serves in Love
13For, brethren, ye have been called unto liberty; only use not liberty for an occasion to the flesh, but by love serve one another.
13You, my brothers and sisters, were called to be free. But do not use your freedom to indulge the flesh; rather, serve one another humbly in love.
14For all the law is fulfilled in one word, even in this; Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself.
14For the entire law is fulfilled in keeping this one command: "Love your neighbor as yourself."
15But if ye bite and devour one another, take heed that ye be not consumed one of another.
15If you bite and devour each other, watch out or you will be destroyed by each other.
Walk in the Spirit
16This I say then, Walk in the Spirit, and ye shall not fulfil the lust of the flesh.
16So I say, walk by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh.
17For the flesh lusteth against the Spirit, and the Spirit against the flesh: and these are contrary the one to the other: so that ye cannot do the things that ye would.
17For the flesh desires what is contrary to the Spirit, and the Spirit what is contrary to the flesh. They are in conflict with each other, so that you are not to do whatever you want.
18But if ye be led of the Spirit, ye are not under the law.
18But if you are led by the Spirit, you are not under the law.
Works of the Flesh
19Now the works of the flesh are manifest, which are these; Adultery, fornication, uncleanness, lasciviousness,
19The acts of the flesh are obvious: sexual immorality, impurity and debauchery;
20Idolatry, witchcraft, hatred, variance, emulations, wrath, strife, seditions, heresies,
20idolatry and witchcraft; hatred, discord, jealousy, fits of rage, selfish ambition, dissensions, factions
21Envyings, murders, drunkenness, revellings, and such like: of the which I tell you before, as I have also told you in time past, that they which do such things shall not inherit the kingdom of God.
21and envy; drunkenness, orgies, and the like. I warn you, as I did before, that those who live like this will not inherit the kingdom of God.
The Fruit of the Spirit
22But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith,
22But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness,
23Meekness, temperance: against such there is no law.
23gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law.
24And they that are Christ’s have crucified the flesh with the affections and lusts.
24Those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires.
25If we live in the Spirit, let us also walk in the Spirit.
25Since we live by the Spirit, let us keep in step with the Spirit.
26Let us not be desirous of vain glory, provoking one another, envying one another.
26Let us not become conceited, provoking and envying each other.
VI
King James Version — 1611
In Plain English
Bearing One Another's Burdens
1Brethren, if a man be overtaken in a fault, ye which are spiritual, restore such an one in the spirit of meekness; considering thyself, lest thou also be tempted.
1Brothers and sisters, if someone is caught in a sin, you who live by the Spirit should restore that person gently. But watch yourselves, or you also may be tempted.
2Bear ye one another’s burdens, and so fulfil the law of Christ.
2Carry each other's burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ.
3For if a man think himself to be something, when he is nothing, he deceiveth himself.
3If anyone thinks they are something when they are not, they deceive themselves.
4But let every man prove his own work, and then shall he have rejoicing in himself alone, and not in another.
4Each one should test their own actions. Then they can take pride in themselves alone, without comparing themselves to someone else,
5For every man shall bear his own burden.
5for each one should carry their own load.
Sowing and Reaping
6Let him that is taught in the word communicate unto him that teacheth in all good things.
6Nevertheless, the one who receives instruction in the word should share all good things with their instructor.
7Be not deceived; God is not mocked: for whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap.
7Do not be deceived: God cannot be mocked. A man reaps what he sows.
8For he that soweth to his flesh shall of the flesh reap corruption; but he that soweth to the Spirit shall of the Spirit reap life everlasting.
8Whoever sows to please their flesh, from the flesh will reap destruction; whoever sows to please the Spirit, from the Spirit will reap eternal life.
9And let us not be weary in well doing: for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not.
9Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up.
10As we have therefore opportunity, let us do good unto all men, especially unto them who are of the household of faith.
10Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all people, especially to those who belong to the family of believers.
Boasting Only in the Cross
11Ye see how large a letter I have written unto you with mine own hand.
11See what large letters I use as I write to you with my own hand!
12As many as desire to make a fair shew in the flesh, they constrain you to be circumcised; only lest they should suffer persecution for the cross of Christ.
12Those who want to impress people by means of the flesh are trying to compel you to be circumcised. The only reason they do this is to avoid being persecuted for the cross of Christ.
13For neither they themselves who are circumcised keep the law; but desire to have you circumcised, that they may glory in your flesh.
13Not even those who are circumcised keep the law, yet they want you to be circumcised that they may boast about your circumcision in the flesh.
14But God forbid that I should glory, save in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, by whom the world is crucified unto me, and I unto the world.
14May I never boast except in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, through which the world has been crucified to me, and I to the world.
15For in Christ Jesus neither circumcision availeth any thing, nor uncircumcision, but a new creature.
15Neither circumcision nor uncircumcision means anything; what counts is the new creation.
16And as many as walk according to this rule, peace be on them, and mercy, and upon the Israel of God.
16Peace and mercy to all who follow this rule—to the Israel of God.
Final Words and Blessing
17From henceforth let no man trouble me: for I bear in my body the marks of the Lord Jesus.
17From now on, let no one cause me trouble, for I bear on my body the marks of Jesus.
18Brethren, the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit. Amen.
18The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit, brothers and sisters. Amen.