Galatians 6:14
What does Galatians 6:14 mean?
A plain-English look at Galatians 6:14 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.
What Galatians 6:14 means
Paul refuses to boast in anything except the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ. There, God accomplished salvation, and there, Paul’s relation to the world was decisively changed: the world system, with its values and approvals, is dead to him, and he to it. This is not ascetic contempt but liberation by union with the crucified Lord. The cross levels pride, silences ritual boasting, and becomes the sole ground of confidence. In Christ’s death and resurrection, believers find their identity and hope. The Christian’s only claim is Jesus crucified for sinners—a message the world scorns but by which God brings life.
Parallel translations
WEB
World English Bible · 2000But far be it from me to glory, save in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, through which the world hath been crucified unto me, and I unto the world.
KJV
King James Version · 1611But God forbid that I should glory, save in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, by whom the world is crucified unto me, and I unto the world.
ASV
American Standard Version · 1901But far be it from me to glory, save in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, through which the world hath been crucified unto me, and I unto the world.
BBE
Bible in Basic English · 1949But far be it from me to have glory in anything, but only in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, through which this world has come to an end on the cross for me, and I for it.
YLT
Young's Literal Translation · 1862And for me, let it not be--to glory, except in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, through which to me the world hath been crucified, and I to the world;
DRA
Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752But God forbid that I should glory, save in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ: by whom the world is crucified to me, and I to the world.
DBY
Darby Bible · 1890But far be it from me to boast save in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom [the] world is crucified to me, and I to the world.
Context
After exposing the motives of the circumcision advocates (vv. 12–13), Paul states his own center. This climactic confession reframes everything: true standing with God is not gained by outward badges but through Christ’s cross. The next verse will draw out the implication: what counts is new creation, not circumcision or uncircumcision. Verses 16–18 will then pronounce blessing on those who walk by this rule, assert Paul’s credentials marked by suffering, and end with a grace-filled benediction.
Cross references
Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.
- Philippians 3:7
Howbeit what things were gain to me, these have I counted loss for Christ.
- 2 Corinthians 5:14
For the love of Christ constraineth us; because we thus judge, that one died for all, therefore all died;
- 2 Kings 14:9
And Jehoash the king of Israel sent to Amaziah king of Judah, saying, The thistle that was in Lebanon sent to the cedar that was in Lebanon, saying, Give thy daughter to my son to wife: and there passed by a wild beast that was in Lebanon, and trod down the thistle.
- Acts 20:23
save that the Holy Spirit testifieth unto me in every city, saying that bonds and afflictions abide me.
- Jeremiah 9:23
Thus saith Jehovah, Let not the wise man glory in his wisdom, neither let the mighty man glory in his might, let not the rich man glory in his riches;
- Psalms 49:6
They that trust in their wealth, And boast themselves in the multitude of their riches;
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