What does "the Israel of God" mean in Galatians 6:16?

Whosoever Will, The Names on the Walls: Galatians 6:16, “the Israel of God.” The strongest text, and it is one verse with a disputed conjunction. Paul blesses “as many as walk according to this rule... and upon the Israel of God.” The Greek kai can mean “and” (two groups blessed: Gentile believers, and believing Israel) or “even” (one group, renamed). The KJV reads “and.” The whole letter has been distinguishing Jew and Gentile in the one body while insisting neither is saved by law; a closing blessing on both fits Galatians exactly, and it is the plain reading of the conjunction. One disputed kai in a benediction cannot carry a doctrine that the twelve gates of Revelation contradict. Scripture, King James Version: Galatians 6:16, "And as many as walk according to this rule, peace be on them, and mercy, and upon the Israel of God.".

Verified. Every scripture quotation on this page has been checked word-for-word against the King James text. Last reviewed 2026-10-18.

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This answer is the short form. The argument is made at length in The Names on the Walls: What the other side says.

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