Galatians 6:7-9
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The word "mocked" here is far more potent than we might assume; it carries the sense of contempt, like sneering or turning up one's nose in disdain. Paul uses this strong imagery to show that trying to get away with selfish actions while appearing godly is not just self-deception, but an active insult to God that He will not overlook.
Do not be deceived: God is not mocked, for whatever one sows, that will he also reap. For the one who sows to his own flesh will from the flesh reap corruption, but the one who sows to the Spirit will from the Spirit reap eternal life. And let us not grow weary of doing good, for in due season we will reap, if we do not give up.
English Standard Version (ESV)
Paul is addressing the Galatians about the dangers of following false teachers and the consequences of their choices. He’s just spoken about restoring those who fall into sin and the importance of carrying burdens, but now he pivots to a more fundamental principle of God's justice. He warns them not to be deceived into thinking they can act contrary to God's will and still expect His favor, because the spiritual harvest will always match the seeds they've sown.
Ever felt like you could pull the wool over someone's eyes? Paul warns against thinking we can do the same with God.
Paul starts this verse with a strong warning: 'Do not be deceived.' The Galatians were tempted by false teachers, perhaps leading them to think they could get away with certain actions or beliefs. But Paul reminds them that God is not someone to be fooled.
The word used for 'mocked' literally means to sneer or scorn, suggesting an act of contempt. When we try to present a false image of ourselves to God, or when our actions don't match our words, we aren't fooling Him. We're actually showing contempt for His all-seeing nature and His righteous standards. He sees the heart behind our actions, not just the outward show.
Paul uses a common, down-to-earth proverb here. What does this agricultural metaphor tell us about spiritual realities?
The second part of the verse, 'for whatever one sows, that will he also reap,' is a timeless principle. It's a universal law of cause and effect, applied to our moral and spiritual lives.
Think of it like farming: you plant wheat, you get wheat. You plant weeds, you get weeds. You can't plant bitter seeds and expect sweet fruit. Similarly, our actions, attitudes, and choices are seeds we are planting.
Paul connects this directly to supporting spiritual leaders and the work of God. If we 'sow' generously into God's kingdom and His servants, we will 'reap' blessings and a harvest. If we 'sow' selfishly, or neglect the needs of others and God's work, our 'reap' will reflect that.
This isn't about earning salvation, but about the natural consequences of how we live out our faith. It's a call to intentionality in our spiritual 'gardening.'
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Understand the original words
planaō · Greek Verb
To be led astray from truth, truthfulness, or right conduct; in a biblical context, it frequently refers to being misled by false teachings or self-deception regarding one's spiritual condition.
myktērizō · Greek Verb
To treat with contempt, to sneer at, or to insult; in this context, it implies that one cannot treat God's moral order or His judgment as insignificant or avoidable.
sarx · Greek Noun
In biblical theology, this refers to the fallen human nature or the seat of sinful desires in a person, which is in direct conflict with the Holy Spirit.
phthora · Greek Noun
Destruction, decay, or ruin, often used to describe the consequences of living apart from God, culminating in physical and spiritual death.
pneuma · Greek Noun
The third person of the Trinity, the Holy Spirit, who indwells the believer, enables holiness, and imparts the life of the age to come.
aiōnios zōē · Greek Noun phrase
The quality of life belonging to the age to come, granted by God to the believer, which is characterized by fellowship with Him and continues forever.
ekkakeō · Greek Verb
To lose heart, become discouraged, or falter in one's commitment to godly living or mission, often due to trials or the delay of expected outcomes.
kairos · Greek Noun
The God-ordained timeframe or specific moment when His purposes and promises are fulfilled according to His sovereign plan.
Paul's warning in Galatians 6:7 is deeply rooted in the tension between true faith in Christ and the legalistic demands of the Judaizers. The proverb emphasizes that actions have inevitable consequences, and attempting to earn God's favor through self-effort or hypocrisy is a futile and deceptive path.
c. 50-55 AD— this verse
Paul Writes Galatians
The Apostle Paul writes his letter to the churches in Galatia, addressing significant theological and practical issues, including the importance of living by faith and the proper conduct of believers.
c. 40-50 AD
Rise of Judaizing Teachers
False teachers, known as Judaizers, began to infiltrate early Christian communities, insisting that believers must follow Jewish law (like circumcision) to be truly saved. This caused division and confusion.
c. 49 AD
Council of Jerusalem
A pivotal council convened by the apostles and elders in Jerusalem to address the controversy over requiring Gentile believers to follow the Law of Moses. The council affirmed that salvation is by grace through faith, not by adherence to the Law.
c. 30 AD
Crucifixion of Jesus
The foundational event of Christianity, Jesus' death on the cross, which Paul and other apostles taught as the means of atonement for sin and reconciliation with God.
This passage directly echoes the same agricultural metaphor, emphasizing that generosity in giving will lead to a bountiful harvest, reinforcing the principle of sowing and reaping in the context of generosity.
Hosea 8:7This verse highlights the futility of expecting a good outcome when the foundation is flawed, stating 'For they have sown the wind, and they shall reap the whirlwind,' which powerfully illustrates the principle that corrupt actions lead to destructive consequences.
Proverbs 22:8This proverb directly states, 'Whoever sows injustice will reap trouble, and the rod of his fury will fail,' aligning with Galatians 6:7 by warning that sowing wickedness inevitably results in reaping trouble.
Matthew 7:16Jesus' teaching in the Sermon on the Mount, 'By their fruits you will recognize them,' connects to the idea that the outcomes of our lives (the 'fruits') will reveal the nature of what we have 'sown' through our actions and character.
Romans 8:5This verse contrasts those who 'set their minds on the flesh' with those who set their minds on the Spirit, illustrating how the 'sowing' of our focus and desires determines the 'reap' of our spiritual condition and destiny.
cambridgeGalatians 6:7: "Be not deceived; God is not mocked: for whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap."
7 . Men who, like Ananias and Sapphira, seek to obtain credit for liberality, while keeping back that which is due to the Church and cause of God, may impose on their fellow-men, and may fancy that they can impose upon God. But they are themselves the victims of self-deception. They are moreover treating God with contempt. Yet He is not deceived, nor will He relax in their favour the unive…
wesleyGalatians 6:7: "Be not deceived; God is not mocked: for whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap."
6:7 God is not mocked - Although they attempt to mock him, who think to reap otherwise than they sow.
The word "mocked" here is far more potent than we might assume; it carries the sense of contempt, like sneering or turning up one's nose in disdain. Paul uses this strong imagery to show that trying to get away with selfish actions while appearing godly is not just self-deception, but an active insult to God that He will not overlook.
Paul is addressing the Galatians about the dangers of following false teachers and the consequences of their choices. He’s just spoken about restoring those who fall into sin and the importance of carrying burdens, but now he pivots to a more fundamental principle of God's justice. He warns them not to be deceived into thinking they can act contrary to God's will and still expect His favor, because the spiritual harvest will always match the seeds they've sown.
Paul is addressing the Galatians about the dangers of following false teachers and the consequences of their choices. He’s just spoken about restoring those who fall into sin and the importance of carrying burdens, but now he pivots to a more fundamental principle of God's justice. He warns them not to be deceived into thinking they can act contrary to God's will and still expect His favor, because the spiritual harvest will always match the seeds they've sown.
"Do not be deceived: God is not mocked, for whatever one sows, that will he also reap. For the one who sows to his own flesh will from the flesh reap corruption, but the one who sows to the Spirit will from the Spirit reap eternal life. And…" — The word "mocked" here is far more potent than we might assume; it carries the sense of contempt, like sneering or turning up one's nose in disdain. Paul uses this strong imagery to show that trying…
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Last reviewed October 2026
