ἄρα οὖν ὡς καιρὸν ἔχομεν, ἐργαζώμεθα τὸ ἀγαθὸν πρὸς πάντας, μάλιστα δὲ πρὸς τοὺς οἰκείους τῆς πίστεως
Galatians 6:10 gives a warm and urgent exhortation to proactive love and goodness. The Greek structure ties opportunity, action, and spiritual family together into a seamless vision of Christian living that is timely, practical, and deeply communal.
Grammatical Foundations
ἄρα οὖν—“Therefore then.” This double particle (ἄρα and οὖν) strengthens the inference: a strong conclusion based on preceding truths about sowing and reaping (Galatians 6:7–9).
ὡς καιρὸν ἔχομεν—”as we have opportunity.”
- ὡς introduces the conditional clause: “inasmuch as,” or “while.”
- καιρόν—accusative singular from καιρός, meaning “an appointed time,” “opportunity,” or “season.”
- ἔχομεν—present active indicative, 1st person plural from ἔχω, “we have.” Indicates ongoing possession of opportunity.
ἐργαζώμεθα τὸ ἀγαθὸν πρὸς πάντας—“let us work the good toward all.”
- ἐργαζώμεθα—present middle/passive subjunctive, 1st person plural from ἐργάζομαι, an exhortative subjunctive meaning “let us work” or “let us do.”
- τὸ ἀγαθόν—accusative neuter singular adjective used substantively: “the good,” meaning good deeds, beneficence, or acts of kindness.
- πρὸς πάντας—prepositional phrase meaning “toward all,” stressing universal generosity.
μάλιστα δὲ πρὸς τοὺς οἰκείους τῆς πίστεως—”and especially toward those of the household of faith.”
- μάλιστα—”especially,” marking particular emphasis.
- τοὺς οἰκείους—accusative masculine plural from οἰκεῖος, meaning “members of one’s household” or “kinsmen.”
- τῆς πίστεως—genitive singular, “of the faith,” identifying the specific “household” as the community of believers.
Exegetical and Theological Implications
This verse calls for deliberate action during the present opportunity (“καιρός“) before it passes. Paul exhorts believers to pursue τὸ ἀγαθόν (“the good”) universally but places special responsibility on care for fellow believers, described as the “household of faith.”
The double emphasis—doing good to all yet prioritizing the community of faith—reflects the New Testament balance between outward mission and inward family life. It also reminds believers that acts of love are the natural fruit of faith, a recurring Pauline theme.
Linguistic and Historical Perspectives
καιρός often refers to a decisive or favorable moment rather than mere chronological time (χρόνος). In the Greco-Roman world, missing a “καιρός” could mean missing critical opportunities for honor, success, or virtue—here Paul uses it for moral action.
οἰκεῖοι were those related by family or household ties. Applying this term to believers strengthens the idea that the church is not simply a gathering of individuals but a family bound by spiritual kinship.
Table: Verbal and Structural Features in Galatians 6:10
| Text | Greek Verb / Phrase | Form | Function / Meaning |
|---|---|---|---|
| Gal 6:10 | ὡς καιρὸν ἔχομεν | Conditional phrase with present indicative verb | “As we have opportunity”; frames the urgency to act |
| Gal 6:10 | ἐργαζώμεθα τὸ ἀγαθόν | Present middle/passive subjunctive + accusative noun | “Let us do the good”; call to continuous moral action |
| Gal 6:10 | πρὸς πάντας / μάλιστα δὲ πρὸς τοὺς οἰκείους τῆς πίστεως | Prepositional phrases | “Toward all / especially toward the household of faith”; scope and priority of action |
The Verse as a Paradigm of Koine Greek Richness
Galatians 6:10 shows how Koine Greek can compress profound ethical teaching into a few flowing clauses. Paul’s use of timing (καιρός), exhortative mood (ἐργαζώμεθα), and familial imagery (οἰκείους τῆς πίστεως) crafts a vibrant summons to seize the moment with lives of overflowing goodness—toward all people, but anchored especially in love for the family of faith.
