Galatia 6:16-18

6:16 And all who will behave ¹  in accordance with this rule, peace and mercy be on them, and on the Israel of God. ² 

6:17 From now on let no one cause me trouble, for I bear the marks of Jesus on my body. ³ 

6:18 The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be ⁴  with your spirit, brothers and sisters. ⁵  Amen.

[6:16]  ¹ tn The same Greek verb, στοιχέω (stoicew), occurs in Gal 5:25.

[6:16]  ² tn The word “and” (καί) can be interpreted in two ways: (1) It could be rendered as “also” which would indicate that two distinct groups are in view, namely “all who will behave in accordance with this rule” and “the Israel of God.” Or (2) it could be rendered “even,” which would indicate that “all who behave in accordance with this rule” are “the Israel of God.” In other words, in this latter view, “even” = “that is.”

[6:17]  ³ tn Paul is probably referring to scars from wounds received in the service of Jesus, although the term στίγμα (stigma) may imply ownership and suggest these scars served as brands (L&N 8.55; 33.481; 90.84).

[6:18]  ⁴ tn Or “is.” No verb is stated, but a wish (“be”) rather than a declarative statement (“is”) is most likely in a concluding greeting such as this.

[6:18]  ⁵ tn Grk “brothers.” See note on the phrase “brothers and sisters” in 1:11.