Galatians 5:4
What does Galatians 5:4 mean?
A plain-English look at Galatians 5:4 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.
What Galatians 5:4 means
To chase justification by the law is to cut oneself off from Christ as the source of righteousness and to step outside the sphere of grace. Paul’s words are severe because the error is severe. He is not describing a momentary lapse but a settled approach to God that relies on law-keeping. Such an approach abandons the principle of grace, where salvation rests on Christ’s work, not ours. The danger is relational and theological: it separates the person from the very Savior they need. The remedy is to return to grace—trusting Christ alone. Grace and law as means of justification cannot be mixed; one cancels the other.
Parallel translations
WEB
World English Bible · 2000Ye are severed from Christ, ye who would be justified by the law; ye are fallen away from grace.
KJV
King James Version · 1611Christ is become of no effect unto you, whosoever of you are justified by the law; ye are fallen from grace.
ASV
American Standard Version · 1901Ye are severed from Christ, ye who would be justified by the law; ye are fallen away from grace.
BBE
Bible in Basic English · 1949You are cut off from Christ, you who would have righteousness by the law; you are turned away from grace.
YLT
Young's Literal Translation · 1862ye were freed from the Christ, ye who in law are declared righteous; from the grace ye fell away;
DRA
Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752You are made void of Christ, you who are justified in the law: you are fallen from grace.
DBY
Darby Bible · 1890Ye are deprived of all profit from the Christ as separated [from him], as many as are justified by law; ye have fallen from grace.
Context
The logic builds: verse 2 warned of Christ’s profit being nullified; verse 3 showed the total obligation of the law; now verse 4 names the relational rupture with Christ and grace that legalism creates. This sobers the Galatians. Next, in verse 5, Paul contrasts the legal route with the Christian posture—Spirit-empowered faith awaiting righteousness’ hope. Verse 6 then states the governing principle in Christ: outward marks are nothing; faith shows itself through love. The contrast sets the stage for Paul’s pastoral appeals in verses 7–12.
Cross references
Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.
- Romans 11:6
But if it is by grace, it is no more of works: otherwise grace is no more grace.
- Galatians 1:6
I marvel that ye are so quickly removing from him that called you in the grace of Christ unto a different gospel;
- Hebrews 10:38
But my righteous one shall live by faith: And if he shrink back, my soul hath no pleasure in him.
- Revelation 2:5
Remember therefore whence thou art fallen, and repent and do the first works; or else I come to thee, and will move thy candlestick out of its place, except thou repent.
- Hebrews 12:15
looking carefully lestthere beany man that falleth short of the grace of God; lest any root of bitterness springing up trouble you, and thereby the many be defiled;
- Romans 9:31
but Israel, following after a law of righteousness, did not arrive at that law.
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