Galatians 5:2
What does Galatians 5:2 mean?
A plain-English look at Galatians 5:2 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.
What Galatians 5:2 means
Paul speaks personally and solemnly: if the Galatians receive circumcision as a requirement for standing before God, then Christ will “profit” them nothing. He is not condemning the physical act in every context, but the theological meaning attached to it by the false teachers. To accept circumcision for justification is to shift trust from Christ to human work. That shift drains the cross of its benefit for the one who seeks righteousness by the law. Paul aims to awaken them to the spiritual stakes: either Christ is enough, or He is set aside. There is no saving half-and-half of grace plus law.
Parallel translations
WEB
World English Bible · 2000Behold, I Paul say unto you, that, if ye receive circumcision, Christ will profit you nothing.
KJV
King James Version · 1611Behold, I Paul say unto you, that if ye be circumcised, Christ shall profit you nothing.
ASV
American Standard Version · 1901Behold, I Paul say unto you, that, if ye receive circumcision, Christ will profit you nothing.
BBE
Bible in Basic English · 1949See, I Paul say to you, that if you undergo circumcision, Christ will be of no use to you.
YLT
Young's Literal Translation · 1862lo, I Paul do say to you, that if ye be circumcised, Christ shall profit you nothing;
DRA
Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752Behold, I Paul tell you, that if you be circumcised, Christ shall profit you nothing.
DBY
Darby Bible · 1890Behold, I, Paul, say to you, that if ye are circumcised, Christ shall profit you nothing.
Context
Having called them to stand firm, Paul identifies the presenting issue: circumcision advocated as essential for Gentile believers. Verse 2 raises the alarm with maximum clarity—Christ’s sufficiency is at stake. The argument tightens in verse 3, showing that taking on this one requirement entails obligation to the entire law. Then verse 4 states the relational consequence toward Christ and grace. Verses 5–6 will present the alternative: a Spirit-enabled faith that expresses itself through love, not ritual observance.
Cross references
Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.
- 1 Thessalonians 2:18
because we would fain have come unto you, I Paul once and again; and Satan hindered us.
- 2 Corinthians 10:1
Now I Paul myself entreat you by the meekness and gentleness of Christ, I who in your presence am lowly among you, but being absent am of good courage toward you:
- Galatians 2:3
But not even Titus who was with me, being a Greek, was compelled to be circumcised:
- Romans 10:2
For I bear them witness that they have a zeal for God, but not according to knowledge.
- 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;
- Hebrews 4:2
For indeed we have had good tidings preached unto us, even as also they: but the word of hearing did not profit them, because it was not united by faith with them that heard.
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