Devine Scripture

Galatians 2:13

What does Galatians 2:13 mean?

A plain-English look at Galatians 2:13 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.

What Galatians 2:13 means

Cephas’s withdrawal did not remain a private inconsistency; it influenced others. The rest of the Jews joined in the hypocrisy, and even Barnabas—Paul’s close partner—was swept along. This shows how powerful example is, for good or ill. When leaders act contrary to the gospel, communities follow. The term hypocrisy fits because outward behavior denied inward conviction about the gospel’s inclusivity. The damage was communal: division returned where Christ had made peace. Paul underscores this to show that the issue was not minor etiquette but a betrayal of the cross’s reconciling work across Jew and Gentile.

Parallel translations

WEB

World English Bible · 2000

And the rest of the Jews dissembled likewise with him; insomuch that even Barnabas was carried away with their dissimulation.

KJV

King James Version · 1611

And the other Jews dissembled likewise with him; insomuch that Barnabas also was carried away with their dissimulation.

ASV

American Standard Version · 1901

And the rest of the Jews dissembled likewise with him; insomuch that even Barnabas was carried away with their dissimulation.

BBE

Bible in Basic English · 1949

And the rest of the Jews went after him, so that even Barnabas was overcome by their false ways.

YLT

Young's Literal Translation · 1862

and dissemble with him also did the other Jews, so that also Barnabas was carried away by their dissimulation.

DRA

Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752

And to his dissimulation the rest of the Jews consented: so that Barnabas also was led by them into that dissimulation.

DBY

Darby Bible · 1890

and the rest of the Jews also played the same dissembling part with him; so that even Barnabas was carried away too by their dissimulation.

Context

Having shown the cause of Cephas’s retreat, Paul now reports its contagious effect, heightening the urgency. With Barnabas affected, Paul’s own mission risked being compromised among the Gentiles. Therefore, verse 14 records a public confrontation aimed at restoring alignment with the gospel. Following that narrative moment, verses 15–21 unpack the doctrinal heart of Paul’s rebuke: justification by faith in Christ alone, not by works of the law, for Jew and Gentile alike.

v.12For before that certain came from James, he ate with the Gentiles; but when they came, he drew back and separated himself, fearing them that were of the circumcision.

v.13This passage

v.14But when I saw that they walked not uprightly according to the truth of the gospel, I said unto Cephas before them all, If thou, being a Jew, livest as do the Gentiles, and not as do the Jews, how compellest thou the Gentiles to live as do the Jews?

Cross references

Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.

  • Genesis 26:6

    And Isaac dwelt in Gerar:

  • Job 15:12

    Why doth thy heart carry thee away? And why do thine eyes flash,

  • Hebrews 13:9

    Be not carried away by divers and strange teachings: for it is good that the heart be established by grace; not by meats, wherein they that occupied themselves were not profited.

  • 1 Corinthians 5:6

    Your glorying is not good. Know ye not that a little leaven leaveneth the whole lump?

  • Acts 4:36

    And Joseph, who by the apostles was surnamed Barnabas (which is, being interpreted, Son of exhortation), a Levite, a man of Cyprus by race,

  • 1 Corinthians 8:9

    But take heed lest by any means this liberty of yours become a stumblingblock to the weak.

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