6:16

In 6:16, the Berean Standard Bible does not follow the order of the Greek clauses. Other versions, such as the English Standard Version, do follow the Greek order. In some languages it will be more natural to follow the Greek clause order and in some languages it will be more natural to use the same clause order as the Berean Standard Bible. Compare the order of the Berean Standard Bible and English Standard Version below.

b Peace and mercy a to all who walk by this rule, c even to the Israel of God. (Berean Standard Bible)

a And as for all who walk by this rule, b peace and mercy be upon them, c and upon the Israel of God. (English Standard Version)

6:16a

Peace and mercy to all: In this clause, Paul wished/prayed that God would bless those who live as a new creation in Christ. The word Peace refers to God’s gift of wholeness and well-being. The word mercy refers to God’s kindness and compassion.

Some other ways to translate this clause are:

may ?God? show them undeserved kindness and bless them with peace
-or-
peace be on them, and mercy (King James Version)
-or-

?God’s? peace and mercy be upon them
-or-

?I ask God to? give them peace ?in their hearts? and pity/mercy

Peace: The Jewish concept of Peace includes both an absence of war and a state of well-being, safety, health, and economic prosperity. All this comes from God for those who are in a relationship with him.

Few languages will have a word for “peace” that is as broad as the Jewish concept. Some languages will have a word to describe the absence of war or conflict and a different word to describe a general state of well-being. If possible, choose your word that has the broadest range of meaning. (If you must make a choice, a word that describes a state of well-being is preferable in this context.)

Some other ways to translate this word are:

well-being
-or-
good situation
-or-
harmony

The word for Peace first occurs in 1:3.

mercy: The Greek word that the Berean Standard Bible translates as mercy refers to God showing kindness, compassion, or pity on people because they suffer or are needy. Mercy has a similar meaning to the word “grace.” But “grace” focuses more on the goodness of God towards people even when they do not deserve it.

Some other ways to translate this word are:

pity
-or-
compassion

This is the only time in Galatians that the word “mercy” occurs.

6:16b

who walk by this rule: This clause refers to “everyone who follows this rule/principle.” This is the rule/principle that is in 6:15: what is important is the new creation, not circumcision.

Here the word rule does not refer to a rule or commandment in the law of Moses.

Some other ways to translate this clause are:

As for those who follow this rule in their lives (Good News Translation)
-or-
all those who live by this principle (New Living Translation (1996))
-or-
Everyone who follows what I just said
-or-
All who walk according to this teaching

6:16c

even to the Israel of God: There are two ways to interpret the Greek word that the Berean Standard Bible translates as even.

(1) It means even or that is. According to this interpretation, the phrase the Israel of God is another way to talk about “those who walk by this rule.” It is the same group of people described in two ways. Believers are the spiritual Israel. For example:

They are the Israel of God. (God’s Word)

(2) It means and or also. According to this interpretation, the phrase the Israel of God refers to a different group of people than “those who walk by this rule.” There are two groups. For example:

may peace and mercy be with them—with them and with all of God’s people (Good News Translation)

It is recommended that you follow interpretation (1). This is the most common interpretation of this verse.

the Israel of God: This phrase refers to those who are children of Abraham by faith. It includes all Jews and Gentiles who believe in Jesus Christ for salvation. These believers are those who walk as a new creation in Christ. These people are the true sons of Abraham and thus the true Israel. (See 3:29.)

Some other ways to translate this phrase are:

the true Israel of God (Phillips’ New Testament in Modern English)
-or-
to God’s true people (Contemporary English Version)
-or-
the ?true? Israel, ?the people? of God ?who believe in Christ?

Israel: The word Israel refers to God’s chosen people. Abraham had a son named Jacob. Jacob was also called Israel. God gave Israel twelve sons who became the twelve tribes of Israel, that is, the Jewish nation. This nation was also called Israel. God set that nation apart as his people.

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