Galatians 6:6 Meaning: What Does 'Share All Good Things' Mean in ?
But let him who is taught in the word share all good things with him who teaches.
Let him that is taught in the word communicate unto him that teacheth in all good things.
But let him that is taught in the word communicate unto him that teacheth in all good things.
And let him who is instructed in the word share with him who is instructing--in all good things.
Let him that is taught in the word communicate to him that teaches in all good things.
Meaning in one sentence
Paul calls those taught in the Word to share all good things with their teachers. Does this mean only money, or something deeper?
Context
Paul is wrapping up his letter to the Galatians with a string of short, practical commands. Just after telling each person to bear their own burden, he turns to a specific kind of burden-sharing: supporting those who teach the Word. The Galatian church had been troubled by false teachers, so Paul lingers on the topic of instruction. He urges that anyone who receives teaching should also provide for the teacher's needs, whether financial, material, or through partnership. This verse stands as a call to generosity rooted in gratitude for the gospel.
Key Words
Two Greek words open this verse. The person being taught is katēchoumenos, from the verb katēcheō, the root of our word “catechism.” It means to receive oral instruction, to be sounded into the faith like a bell being tuned. It is not a casual listen; it is a shaping of life.
The action required is koinōneitō, from koinōneō, to participate, to share as a partner. This is the same word Paul uses in Philippians for the mutual giving and receiving that happens in the gospel. It is not a one‑way handout. It is shared life.
And what is shared? “All good things” (agathois). The word can mean anything beneficial: money, food, hospitality, encouragement, practical help. Paul leaves it deliberately wide, inviting us to ask what our teacher truly needs.
How Christians Read This Verse
Most older commentators took this as a straightforward command to provide for ministers’ material needs. Adam Clarke and John Calvin wrote forcefully that those who receive spiritual benefits ought to support those who give their time to teaching. Wesley agreed, specifying “temporal good things.”
Vincent’s Word Studies, however, notes that the surrounding verses (1, 5) deal with moral life, so “good things” here likely includes sharing in moral and spiritual goods, making common cause with your teacher in everything that is good. The Cambridge Bible sees it as an exhortation to liberality, while not resolving whether the scope is only material. Christians have held both views; what unites them is the conviction that teaching and receiving teaching create a bond of mutual responsibility.
A common misunderstanding
A common misreading is that this verse only commands paying the pastor a salary. In fact, the Greek word koinōneō means “to share as a partner,” not merely to give money. Paul likely has in mind a fuller fellowship that includes hospitality, encouragement, and shared resources. The phrase “all good things” is deliberately broad, covering whatever the teacher needs to continue in the work.
Living This Out
Think of the person who teaches you the Bible most regularly, a pastor, a small group leader, a parent. This week, ask yourself: What good things could I share with them? It might be a note of thanks, a meal, a gift card, or simply an offer to help with a practical task. The verse invites us to see our teachers not as distant professionals but as partners in the same gospel work. Pick one teacher and share something good with them before Sunday.
Main takeaway: Those who receive the Word are called to share their lives and resources with those who teach it.
For Families
For ages 5, 8
When someone teaches you about God, it is good to be thankful. You can share by giving a drawing, a kind word, or part of your snack. God smiles when we give with a happy heart.
For ages 9, 12
Paul says that if you are learning from a teacher, you should share good things with them. This can be money, but it also means helping out, being kind, and showing respect. This week, think of one person who teaches you about the Bible. What could you do to encourage them? Maybe write a note of thanks or offer to help with a task. Your support helps them keep teaching.
Questions People Ask
Does this verse only mean I should pay my pastor?
It includes material support, but the Greek word for 'share' (koinōneō) implies partnership and fellowship. Paul likely means any good thing that benefits the teacher, including encouragement and practical help.
Why does Paul bring up teachers right after talking about bearing burdens?
One form of burden-bearing is supporting those who teach us. The verse applies the general principle of mutual help to the specific relationship between student and teacher.
What does 'all good things' include?
The Greek word agathois can mean anything beneficial, food, money, shelter, encouragement, help. Paul leaves it broad so that we can apply it generously according to the teacher's needs.
Is this command only for those who are formally taught in the Word?
The word for 'taught' (katēchoumenos) suggests systematic instruction, like a catechumen. But all Christians learn from someone, so the principle applies to anyone who receives teaching from a faithful teacher.
How is this different from just being generous to everyone?
Paul later says to do good to all people, especially believers. Here he singles out teachers because they serve the church in a unique way. They give spiritual nourishment, and we are to respond with practical support.
For pastors & researchers
Greek interlinear, 8 commentaries & word study