Galatians 5:6
What does Galatians 5:6 mean?
A plain-English look at Galatians 5:6 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.
What Galatians 5:6 means
In Christ Jesus, external badges like circumcision or uncircumcision carry no spiritual weight. What counts is faith that is alive and active, expressing itself through love. This statement both protects the gospel and directs Christian ethics. It removes confidence from religious rituals and channels it to the inner work of God that produces outward charity. Love is not a substitute law but the natural fruit of genuine faith working by the Spirit. Thus, true orthodoxy and true love belong together. Legalism cannot create love; grace does. The measure of authentic Christianity is not ceremonial precision but a trusting heart that serves others in love.
Parallel translations
WEB
World English Bible · 2000For in Christ Jesus neither circumcision availeth anything, nor uncircumcision; but faith working through love.
KJV
King James Version · 1611For in Jesus Christ neither circumcision availeth any thing, nor uncircumcision; but faith which worketh by love.
ASV
American Standard Version · 1901For in Christ Jesus neither circumcision availeth anything, nor uncircumcision; but faith working through love.
BBE
Bible in Basic English · 1949Because in Christ Jesus, having circumcision or not having circumcision are equally of no profit; but only faith working through love.
YLT
Young's Literal Translation · 1862for in Christ Jesus neither circumcision availeth anything, nor uncircumcision, but faith through love working.
DRA
Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752For in Christ Jesus neither circumcision availeth any thing nor uncircumcision: but faith that worketh by Charity.
DBY
Darby Bible · 1890For in Christ Jesus neither circumcision has any force, nor uncircumcision; but faith working through love.
Context
Paul has contrasted legal striving with Spirit-borne hope (v.5). Now he states the principle that governs life “in Christ Jesus”: outward distinctions do not confer standing before God. This lands the doctrinal point and introduces the ethical thrust that follows. Verses 7–9 will lament the Galatians’ detour from the truth and warn about the spread of false persuasion. Verses 10–12 will address the agitators directly and defend Paul’s own stance, clearing the ground for the practical call to serve through love in verses 13–15.
Cross references
Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.
- Galatians 3:28
There can be neither Jew nor Greek, there can be neither bond nor free, there can be no male and female; for ye all are one man in Christ Jesus.
- Hebrews 11:8
By faith Abraham, when he was called, obeyed to go out unto a place which he was to receive for an inheritance; and he went out, not knowing whither he went.
- 1 Corinthians 7:19
Circumcision is nothing, and uncircumcision is nothing; but the keeping of the commandments of God.
- Matthew 25:31
But when the Son of man shall come in his glory, and all the angels with him, then shall he sit on the throne of his glory:
- Hebrews 11:17
By faith Abraham, being tried, offered up Isaac: yea, he that had gladly received the promises was offering up his only begotten son;
- Romans 3:29
Or is God the God of Jews only? is he not the God of Gentiles also? Yea, of Gentiles also:
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