Devine Scripture

Galatians 2:3

What does Galatians 2:3 mean?

A plain-English look at Galatians 2:3 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.

What Galatians 2:3 means

Titus, an uncircumcised Greek Christian, was not compelled to be circumcised by the Jerusalem leaders. This outcome is crucial: it shows that those recognized as pillars did not require Gentiles to adopt Jewish boundary markers to belong to God’s people. Titus stands as living proof that faith in Christ, not circumcision, defines inclusion in the new covenant community. Paul highlights this result to reassure the Galatians that their freedom in Christ is not a fringe idea but affirmed at the church’s center. The acceptance of Titus undermines the claims of those teaching that Gentiles must submit to the Mosaic Law to be fully accepted.

Parallel translations

WEB

World English Bible · 2000

But not even Titus who was with me, being a Greek, was compelled to be circumcised:

KJV

King James Version · 1611

But neither Titus, who was with me, being a Greek, was compelled to be circumcised:

ASV

American Standard Version · 1901

But not even Titus who was with me, being a Greek, was compelled to be circumcised:

BBE

Bible in Basic English · 1949

But not even Titus who was with me, being a Greek, was made to undergo circumcision:

YLT

Young's Literal Translation · 1862

but not even Titus, who <FI>is<Fi> with me, being a Greek, was compelled to be circumcised--

DRA

Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752

But neither Titus, who was with me, being a Gentile, was compelled to be circumcised.

DBY

Darby Bible · 1890

(but neither was Titus, who was with me, being a Greek, compelled to be circumcised;)

Context

Verse 2 set up a private meeting about Paul’s gospel. Verse 3 gives the decisive practical verdict: no compulsion for Titus. This affirms that the apostolic leadership did not add law-keeping requirements to faith in Christ. Yet, Paul will show the decision did not come without pressure. Verse 4 introduces the opposition—false brothers who tried to curtail Christian liberty—while verse 5 explains Paul’s unwavering resistance for the sake of the gospel’s continuance among the Galatians.

v.2And I went up by revelation; and I laid before them the gospel which I preach among the Gentiles but privately before them who were of repute, lest by any means I should be running, or had run, in vain.

v.3This passage

v.4and that because of the false brethren privily brought in, who came in privily to spy out our liberty which we have in Christ Jesus, that they might bring us into bondage:

Cross references

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

  • 2 Corinthians 2:13

    I had no relief for my spirit, because I found not Titus my brother: but taking my leave of them, I went forth into Macedonia.

  • Acts 15:24

    Forasmuch as we have heard that certain who went out from us have troubled you with words, subverting your souls; to whom we gave no commandment;

  • Acts 16:3

    Him would Paul have to go forth with him; and he took and circumcised him because of the Jews that were in those parts: for they all knew that his father was a Greek.

  • Galatians 5:2

    Behold, I Paul say unto you, that, if ye receive circumcision, Christ will profit you nothing.

  • 1 Corinthians 9:20

    And to the Jews I became as a Jew, that I might gain Jews; to them that are under the law, as under the law, not being myself under the law, that I might gain them that are under the law;

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