Galatians 6:16

Context

Beginning at Galatians 6:11, Paul writes a closing section that he says he wrote in large letters with his own hand. He criticizes those who were pressing circumcision on the Galatian churches for wanting to glory in the flesh, and he declares that he glories only in the cross of Christ (6:14). He then states that "neither circumcision availeth any thing, nor uncircumcision, but a new creature" (6:15), and in this verse he pronounces his benediction. "This rule" is generally understood to refer to the principle stated in the immediately preceding verse 15. The Greek word translated "rule," kanōn (κανών), originally meant a measuring rod or standard.

Interpretation

The verse raises two questions. The first concerns the identity of "the Israel of God." The second is whether the Greek conjunction kai (καί) that links the two phrases should be read as "and" or as "that is" ("even").

• The whole church: This reading takes kai as "that is." Those who walk according to this rule—the entire community of believers, embracing both Jews and Gentiles—are "the Israel of God." Proponents argue that this fits the line of thought in chapter 3, where those who believe are called the children of Abraham. John Calvin is known to have read the verse this way, and the interpretation is widely accepted in the Reformed and covenant theology traditions.
• Jewish believers: This reading takes kai as "and." In addition to all who walk according to this rule, Paul singles out Jews who believe in Christ. Proponents argue that there is no other clear instance in the New Testament in which "Israel" refers to the church as a whole. This reading is commonly adopted in dispensationalism, which distinguishes between the church and Israel.
• Future Israel: Some scholars connect this verse with "all Israel" in Romans 11, taking it to refer to the nation of Israel, to which God will show mercy in the future.

Debates and Issues

This verse is frequently cited in discussions of the relationship between the church and Israel. Critics of so-called "replacement theology," the view that the church has replaced Israel, appeal to the second reading. Those who hold the first reading respond that it does not mean the church replaces Israel, but rather that Jews and Gentiles become one people in Christ.

Translation is also bound up with this interpretive question. Among English versions, some render the conjunction "and," while others render it in a way closer to "that is" or "even." The Korean Revised Version (Gaeyeok Hangeul), which reads "to those who … and to the Israel of God," appears to place the two groups side by side, but the interpretive question in the original text remains open.

Scholars point out that this benediction echoes the Old Testament phrase "peace shall be upon Israel" (Psalm 125:5; 128:6). They also note that Paul uses the expression "peace and mercy" rather than the "grace and peace" common in his letters.

Related Passages

• Galatians 6:15
• Galatians 3:26-29
• Romans 9:6
• Romans 11:17-24
• Philippians 3:3