Paragraph 6:18

Verse 6:18 is Paul’s final prayer for the Galatians. He prayed that they would enjoy the gracious presence of Jesus in their lives.

6:18a

The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ: The word grace means “favor” or “good will.” Paul’s prayer for the Galatians was that they would know God’s favor and blessing.

Some other ways to translate this phrase are:

?I pray that? the grace/favor of our Lord Jesus Christ
-or-

?May? Jesus our Lord the Christ/Messiah bless

See grace, Meaning 1 in the Glossary.

our Lord Jesus Christ: This phrase is the same phrase as in 6:14b. As there, the words Lord and Christ are titles. In some language, it will be necessary to make it clear that these words are titles. For example:

our Lord the Christ Jesus
-or-
Jesus our Lord the Christ/Messiah

be with your spirit: The words your spirit refer to the Galatians. In many languages, it will be clearer to simply says “be with you.” For example:

be with you all (Good News Translation)

In some languages, it will be natural to combine this phrase with the word “grace.” For example:

I pray that the Lord Jesus Christ will be kind to you! (Contemporary English Version)

brothers: As in 6:1a, the word brothers refers to all the believers in Galatia. It includes both men and women.

Some other ways to translate this word are:

brothers and sisters (NET Bible)
-or-
my fellow believers
-or-
my friends (Good News Translation)

In some languages, it will be more natural to put this word first in the verse. For example:

My dear brothers and sisters, may the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you all. (New Living Translation (1996))

6:18b

Amen: The word Amen means “let it be so.” Many languages transliterate this word.

Some other ways to translate this word are:

Let it be so.
-or-
May it be so.