Galatians 5:11
What does Galatians 5:11 mean?
A plain-English look at Galatians 5:11 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.
What Galatians 5:11 means
Paul counters any claim that he still preaches circumcision. If he did, why is he still persecuted by those offended by the gospel? The stumbling-block of the cross remains precisely because it teaches salvation by Christ’s work, not human works. To add circumcision as necessary would neutralize that offense and likely end much opposition. Paul’s point is that his sufferings prove his message: he is not promoting legalism. The cross stands as God’s decisive verdict against human boasting and as the sole ground of acceptance. Where the cross is preached, human pride rebels—but salvation shines.
Parallel translations
WEB
World English Bible · 2000But I, brethren, if I still preach circumcision, why am I still persecuted? then hath the stumbling-block of the cross been done away.
KJV
King James Version · 1611And I, brethren, if I yet preach circumcision, why do I yet suffer persecution? then is the offence of the cross ceased.
ASV
American Standard Version · 1901But I, brethren, if I still preach circumcision, why am I still persecuted? then hath the stumbling-block of the cross been done away.
BBE
Bible in Basic English · 1949But I, brothers, if I am still preaching circumcision, why am I still attacked? then has the shame of the cross been taken away.
YLT
Young's Literal Translation · 1862And I, brethren, if uncircumcision I yet preach, why yet am I persecuted? then hath the stumbling-block of the cross been done away;
DRA
Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752And I, brethren, if I yet preach circumcision, why do I yet suffer persecution? Then is the scandal of the cross made void.
DBY
Darby Bible · 1890But I, brethren, if I yet preach circumcision, why am I yet persecuted? Then the scandal of the cross has been done away.
Context
After expressing confidence and warning of judgment (v.10), Paul defends his own record. Verse 11 shows that accusations of inconsistency are unfounded; his persecution testifies that he preaches the offensive cross, not a palatable legalism. This paves the way for the biting remark in verse 12 toward the agitators, and then clears space for the constructive appeal in verses 13–15 to use freedom to serve others in love. The argument transitions from polemic defense to positive instruction.
Cross references
Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.
- 1 Peter 2:8
and, A stone of stumbling, and a rock of offence; for they stumble at the word, being disobedient: whereunto also they were appointed.
- 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 4:29
But as then he that was born after the flesh persecuted himthat was bornafter the Spirit, so also it is now.
- Acts 23:13
And they were more than forty that made this conspiracy.
- 1 Corinthians 1:23
but we preach Christ crucified, unto Jews a stumblingblock, and unto Gentiles foolishness;
- Isaiah 8:14
And he shall be for a sanctuary; but for a stone of stumbling and for a rock of offence to both the houses of Israel, for a gin and for a snare to the inhabitants of Jerusalem.
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