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<!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Transitional//EN" "//www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-transitional.dtd"><html xmlns="//www.w3.org/1999/xhtml"><head><meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=utf-8" /><meta name="viewport" content="width=device-width, initial-scale=1" /><title>Galatians 5:2 Take notice: I, Paul, tell you that if you let yourselves be circumcised, Christ will be of no value to you at all.</title><link rel="canonical" href="https://biblehub.com/galatians/5-2.htm" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/new9.css" type="text/css" media="Screen" /><meta property="og:image" content="https://biblehub.com/visuals/6/48_Gal_05_02.jpg" /><meta property="og:title" content="Galatians 5:2 - Freedom in Christ" /><meta property="og:site_name" content="Bible Hub" /><meta property="og:description" content="Take notice: I, Paul, tell you that if you let yourselves be circumcised, Christ will be of no value to you at all." /><script type="application/javascript" src="https://scripts.webcontentassessor.com/scripts/8a2459b64f9cac8122fc7f2eac4409c8555fac9383016db59c4c26e3d5b8b157"></script><script src='https://qd.admetricspro.com/js/biblehub/biblehub-layout-loader-revcatch.js'></script><script id='HyDgbd_1s' src='https://prebidads.revcatch.com/ads.js' type='text/javascript' async></script><script>(function(w,d,b,s,i){var cts=d.createElement(s);cts.async=true;cts.id='catchscript'; cts.dataset.appid=i;cts.src='https://app.protectsubrev.com/catch_rp.js?cb='+Math.random(); document.head.appendChild(cts); }) (window,document,'head','script','rc-anksrH');</script></head><body><div id="fx"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" id="fx2"><tr><td><iframe width="100%" height="30" scrolling="no" src="/vmenus/galatians/5-2.htm" align="left" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div><div id="blnk"></div><div align="center"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" class="maintable"><tr><td><div id="fx5"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" id="fx6"><tr><td><iframe width="100%" height="245" scrolling="no" src="/bmc/galatians/5-2.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></td></tr></table></div><div align="center"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" class="maintable3"><tr><td><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center" id="announce"><tr><td><div id="l1"><div id="breadcrumbs"><a href="/">Bible</a> > <a href="/galatians/">Galatians</a> > <a href="/galatians/5.htm">Chapter 5</a> > Verse 2</div><div id="anc"><iframe src="/anc.htm" width="100%" height="27" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></div><div id="anc2"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><iframe src="/anc2.htm" width="100%" height="27" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></div><div id="ad1"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><iframe src="/ad2.htm" width="100%" height="48" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></td></tr></table><div id="movebox2"><table border="0" align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0"><tr><td><div id="topheading"><a href="/galatians/5-1.htm" title="Galatians 5:1">◄</a> Galatians 5:2 <a href="/galatians/5-3.htm" title="Galatians 5:3">►</a></div></tr></table></div><div align="center" class="maintable2"><table border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><div id="topverse"> <a href="#audio" class="clickchap2" title="Context and Audio Bible"> Audio </a> <a href="#crossref" class="clickchap2" title="Cross References"> Cross </a> <a href="#study" class="clickchap2" title="Study Bible"> Study </a> <a href="#commentary" class="clickchap2" title="Commentary"> Comm </a> <a href="#lexicon" class="clickchap2" title="Lexicon"> Greek </a> </div><div id="leftbox"><div class="padleft"><div class="vheadingv">Verse<a href="/bsb/galatians/5.htm" class="clickchap" style="color:#001320" title="Click any translation name for full chapter">  (Click for Chapter)</a></div><div id="par"><a href="/niv/galatians/5.htm">New International Version</a> Mark my words! I, Paul, tell you that if you let yourselves be circumcised, Christ will be of no value to you at all. <a href="/nlt/galatians/5.htm">New Living Translation</a> Listen! I, Paul, tell you this: If you are counting on circumcision to make you right with God, then Christ will be of no benefit to you. <a href="/esv/galatians/5.htm">English Standard Version</a> Look: I, Paul, say to you that if you accept circumcision, Christ will be of no advantage to you. <a href="/bsb/galatians/5.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a> Take notice: I, Paul, tell you that if you let yourselves be circumcised, Christ will be of no value to you at all. <a href="/blb/galatians/5.htm">Berean Literal Bible</a> Behold, I Paul say to you that if you shall become circumcised, Christ will profit you nothing. <a href="/kjv/galatians/5.htm">King James Bible</a> Behold, I Paul say unto you, that if ye be circumcised, Christ shall profit you nothing. <a href="/nkjv/galatians/5.htm">New King James Version</a> Indeed I, Paul, say to you that if you become circumcised, Christ will profit you nothing. <a href="/nasb_/galatians/5.htm">New American Standard Bible</a> Look! I, Paul, tell you that if you have yourselves circumcised, Christ will be of no benefit to you. <a href="/nasb/galatians/5.htm">NASB 1995</a> Behold I, Paul, say to you that if you receive circumcision, Christ will be of no benefit to you. <a href="/nasb77/galatians/5.htm">NASB 1977 </a> Behold I, Paul, say to you that if you receive circumcision, Christ will be of no benefit to you. <a href="/lsb/galatians/5.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a> Behold I, Paul, say to you that if you receive circumcision, Christ will be of no benefit to you. <a href="/amp/galatians/5.htm">Amplified Bible</a> Notice, it is I, Paul, who tells you that if you receive circumcision [as a supposed requirement of salvation], Christ will be of no benefit to you [for you will lack the faith in Christ that is necessary for salvation]. <a href="/csb/galatians/5.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a> Take note! I, Paul, am telling you that if you get yourselves circumcised, Christ will not benefit you at all. <a href="/hcsb/galatians/5.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a> Take note! I, Paul, tell you that if you get yourselves circumcised, Christ will not benefit you at all. <a href="/asv/galatians/5.htm">American Standard Version</a> Behold, I Paul say unto you, that, if ye receive circumcision, Christ will profit you nothing. <a href="/cev/galatians/5.htm">Contemporary English Version</a> I, Paul, promise you that Christ won't do you any good if you get circumcised. <a href="/erv/galatians/5.htm">English Revised Version</a> Behold, I Paul say unto you, that, if ye receive circumcision, Christ will profit you nothing. <a href="/gwt/galatians/5.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a> I, Paul, can guarantee that if you allow yourselves to be circumcised, Christ will be of no benefit to you. <a href="/gnt/galatians/5.htm">Good News Translation</a> Listen! I, Paul, tell you that if you allow yourselves to be circumcised, it means that Christ is of no use to you at all. <a href="/isv/galatians/5.htm">International Standard Version</a> Listen! I, Paul, am telling you that if you allow yourselves to be circumcised, the Messiah will be of no benefit to you. <a href="/msb/galatians/5.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a> Take notice: I, Paul, tell you that if you let yourselves be circumcised, Christ will be of no value to you at all. <a href="/net/galatians/5.htm">NET Bible</a> Listen! I, Paul, tell you that if you let yourselves be circumcised, Christ will be of no benefit to you at all! <a href="/nheb/galatians/5.htm">New Heart English Bible</a> Listen, I, Paul, tell you that if you receive circumcision, Christ will profit you nothing. <a href="/wbt/galatians/5.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a> Behold, I Paul say to you, that if ye be circumcised, Christ will profit you nothing. <a href="/wey/galatians/5.htm">Weymouth New Testament</a> Remember that it is I Paul who tell you that if you receive circumcision Christ will avail you nothing. <a href="/web/galatians/5.htm">World English Bible</a> Behold, I, Paul, tell you that if you receive circumcision, Christ will profit you nothing. <div class="vheading2">Literal Translations</div><a href="/lsv/galatians/5.htm">Literal Standard Version</a> Behold! I, Paul, say to you, that if you are [to be] circumcised, Christ will profit you nothing; <a href="/blb/galatians/5.htm">Berean Literal Bible</a> Behold, I Paul say to you that if you shall become circumcised, Christ will profit you nothing. <a href="/ylt/galatians/5.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a> lo, I Paul do say to you, that if ye be circumcised, Christ shall profit you nothing; <a href="/slt/galatians/5.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a> Behold, I Paul say to you, that if ye be circumcised, Christ shall profit you nothing.<div class="vheading2">Catholic Translations</div><a href="/drb/galatians/5.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a> Behold, I Paul tell you, that if you be circumcised, Christ shall profit you nothing. <a href="/cpdv/galatians/5.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a> Behold, I, Paul, say to you, that if you have been circumcised, Christ will be of no benefit to you. <a href="/nabre/galatians/5.htm">New American Bible</a> It is I, Paul, who am telling you that if you have yourselves circumcised, Christ will be of no benefit to you. <a href="/nrsvce/galatians/5.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a> Listen! I, Paul, am telling you that if you let yourselves be circumcised, Christ will be of no benefit to you.<div class="vheading2">Translations from Aramaic</div><a href="/lamsa/galatians/5.htm">Lamsa Bible</a> Behold, I, Paul, tell you that if you be circumcised, then Christ is of no benefit to you. <a href="/aramaic-plain-english/galatians/5.htm">Aramaic Bible in Plain English</a> Behold, I Paul say to you that if you will be circumcised, The Messiah profits you nothing.<div class="vheading2">NT Translations</div><a href="/anderson/galatians/5.htm">Anderson New Testament</a> Behold, I Paul say to you, that if you be circumcised, Christ will profit you nothing. <a href="/godbey/galatians/5.htm">Godbey New Testament</a> Behold I Paul say unto you, that, if you may be circumcised, Christ shall profit you nothing. <a href="/haweis/galatians/5.htm">Haweis New Testament</a> Behold, I Paul declare to you, that if ye be circumcised, Christ will be of no advantage to you. <a href="/mace/galatians/5.htm">Mace New Testament</a> take notice, 'tis I Paul declare it to you, that if you are circumcised, Christ shall be of no advantage to you. <a href="/wey/galatians/5.htm">Weymouth New Testament</a> Remember that it is I Paul who tell you that if you receive circumcision Christ will avail you nothing. <a href="/worrell/galatians/5.htm">Worrell New Testament</a> Behold, I, Paul, say to you, that, if ye be circumcised, Christ will profit you nothing. <a href="/worsley/galatians/5.htm">Worsley New Testament</a> Behold, I Paul say unto you, that if ye be circumcised, Christ will profit you nothing. <a href="/parallel/galatians/5-2.htm">Additional Translations ...</a></div></div></div><div id="centbox"><div class="padcent"><a name="audio" id="audio"></a><div class="vheadingv">Audio Bible</div><iframe width="100%" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/Jv8Ri4CeT34?start=984" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe> <div class="vheadingv">Context</div><a href="/bsb/galatians/5.htm">Freedom in Christ</a> 1It is for freedom that Christ has set us free. Stand firm, then, and do not be encumbered once more by a yoke of slavery. 2<a href="/greek/2400.htm" title="2400: Ide (V-AMA-2S) -- See! Lo! Behold! Look! Second person singular imperative middle voice of eido; used as imperative lo!">Take notice:</a> <a href="/greek/1473.htm" title="1473: egō (PPro-N1S) -- I, the first-person pronoun. A primary pronoun of the first person I.">I,</a> <a href="/greek/3972.htm" title="3972: Paulos (N-NMS) -- Paul, Paulus. Of Latin origin; Paulus, the name of a Roman and of an apostle.">Paul,</a> <a href="/greek/3004.htm" title="3004: legō (V-PIA-1S) -- (a) I say, speak; I mean, mention, tell, (b) I call, name, especially in the pass., (c) I tell, command. ">tell</a> <a href="/greek/4771.htm" title="4771: hymin (PPro-D2P) -- You. The person pronoun of the second person singular; thou.">you</a> <a href="/greek/3754.htm" title="3754: hoti (Conj) -- Neuter of hostis as conjunction; demonstrative, that; causative, because.">that</a> <a href="/greek/1437.htm" title="1437: ean (Conj) -- If. From ei and an; a conditional particle; in case that, provided, etc.">if</a> <a href="/greek/4059.htm" title="4059: peritemnēsthe (V-PSM/P-2P) -- To cut around, circumcise. From peri and the base of tomoteros; to cut around, i.e. to circumcise.">you let yourselves be circumcised,</a> <a href="/greek/5547.htm" title="5547: Christos (N-NMS) -- Anointed One; the Messiah, the Christ. From chrio; Anointed One, i.e. The Messiah, an epithet of Jesus.">Christ</a> <a href="/greek/5623.htm" title="5623: ōphelēsei (V-FIA-3S) -- To help, benefit, do good, be useful (to), profit. From the same as opheleia; to be useful, i.e. To benefit.">will be of no value</a> <a href="/greek/3762.htm" title="3762: ouden (Adj-ANS) -- No one, none, nothing. "></a> <a href="/greek/4771.htm" title="4771: hymas (PPro-A2P) -- You. The person pronoun of the second person singular; thou.">to you at all.</a> 3Again I testify to every man who gets himself circumcised that he is obligated to obey the whole law.…<div class="cred"><a href="//berean.bible">Berean Standard Bible</a> · <a href="//berean.bible/downloads.htm">Download</a></div> <a name="crossref" id="crossref"></a><div class="vheading">Cross References</div><div id="crf"><a href="/acts/15-1.htm">Acts 15:1-11</a> Then some men came down from Judea and were teaching the brothers, “Unless you are circumcised according to the custom of Moses, you cannot be saved.” / And after engaging these men in sharp debate, Paul and Barnabas were appointed, along with some other believers, to go up to Jerusalem to see the apostles and elders about this question. / Sent on their way by the church, they passed through Phoenicia and Samaria, recounting the conversion of the Gentiles and bringing great joy to all the brothers. ... <a href="/romans/2-25.htm">Romans 2:25-29</a> Circumcision has value if you observe the law, but if you break the law, your circumcision has become uncircumcision. / If a man who is not circumcised keeps the requirements of the law, will not his uncircumcision be regarded as circumcision? / The one who is physically uncircumcised yet keeps the law will condemn you who, even though you have the written code and circumcision, are a lawbreaker. ... <a href="/philippians/3-2.htm">Philippians 3:2-3</a> Watch out for those dogs, those workers of evil, those mutilators of the flesh! / For it is we who are the circumcision, we who worship by the Spirit of God, who glory in Christ Jesus, and who put no confidence in the flesh— <a href="/1_corinthians/7-18.htm">1 Corinthians 7:18-19</a> Was a man already circumcised when he was called? He should not become uncircumcised. Was a man still uncircumcised when called? He should not be circumcised. / Circumcision is nothing and uncircumcision is nothing. Keeping God’s commandments is what counts. <a href="/galatians/6-12.htm">Galatians 6:12-15</a> Those who want to make a good impression outwardly are trying to compel you to be circumcised. They only do this to avoid persecution for the cross of Christ. / For the circumcised do not even keep the law themselves, yet they want you to be circumcised that they may boast in your flesh. / But as for me, may I never boast, except in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, through which the world has been crucified to me, and I to the world. ... <a href="/colossians/2-11.htm">Colossians 2:11-14</a> In Him you were also circumcised, in the putting off of your sinful nature, with the circumcision performed by Christ and not by human hands. / And having been buried with Him in baptism, you were raised with Him through your faith in the power of God, who raised Him from the dead. / When you were dead in your trespasses and in the uncircumcision of your sinful nature, God made you alive with Christ. He forgave us all our trespasses, ... <a href="/romans/4-9.htm">Romans 4:9-12</a> Is this blessing only on the circumcised, or also on the uncircumcised? We have been saying that Abraham’s faith was credited to him as righteousness. / In what context was it credited? Was it after his circumcision, or before? It was not after, but before. / And he received the sign of circumcision as a seal of the righteousness that he had by faith while he was still uncircumcised. So then, he is the father of all who believe but are not circumcised, in order that righteousness might be credited to them. ... <a href="/ephesians/2-11.htm">Ephesians 2:11-13</a> Therefore remember that formerly you who are Gentiles in the flesh and called uncircumcised by the so-called circumcision (that done in the body by human hands)— / remember that at that time you were separate from Christ, alienated from the commonwealth of Israel, and strangers to the covenants of the promise, without hope and without God in the world. / But now in Christ Jesus you who once were far away have been brought near through the blood of Christ. <a href="/romans/3-28.htm">Romans 3:28-30</a> For we maintain that a man is justified by faith apart from works of the law. / Is God the God of Jews only? Is He not the God of Gentiles too? Yes, of Gentiles too, / since there is only one God, who will justify the circumcised by faith and the uncircumcised through that same faith. <a href="/romans/5-1.htm">Romans 5:1-2</a> Therefore, since we have been justified through faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, / through whom we have gained access by faith into this grace in which we stand. And we rejoice in the hope of the glory of God. <a href="/genesis/17-10.htm">Genesis 17:10-14</a> This is My covenant with you and your descendants after you, which you are to keep: Every male among you must be circumcised. / You are to circumcise the flesh of your foreskin, and this will be a sign of the covenant between Me and you. / Generation after generation, every male must be circumcised when he is eight days old, including those born in your household and those purchased from a foreigner—even those who are not your offspring. ... <a href="/deuteronomy/10-16.htm">Deuteronomy 10:16</a> Circumcise your hearts, therefore, and stiffen your necks no more. <a href="/jeremiah/4-4.htm">Jeremiah 4:4</a> Circumcise yourselves to the LORD, and remove the foreskins of your hearts, O men of Judah and people of Jerusalem. Otherwise, My wrath will break out like fire and burn with no one to extinguish it, because of your evil deeds.” <a href="/isaiah/52-1.htm">Isaiah 52:1</a> Awake, awake, clothe yourself with strength, O Zion! Put on your garments of splendor, O Jerusalem, holy city! For the uncircumcised and unclean will no longer enter you. <a href="/ezekiel/44-7.htm">Ezekiel 44:7-9</a> In addition to all your other abominations, you brought in foreigners uncircumcised in both heart and flesh to occupy My sanctuary; you defiled My temple when you offered My food—the fat and the blood; you broke My covenant. / And you have not kept charge of My holy things, but have appointed others to keep charge of My sanctuary for you.’ / This is what the Lord GOD says: No foreigner uncircumcised in heart and flesh may enter My sanctuary—not even a foreigner who lives among the Israelites.</div> <a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div>Behold, I Paul say to you, that if you be circumcised, Christ shall profit you nothing.I Paul.<a href="/1_corinthians/16-21.htm">1 Corinthians 16:21</a> The salutation of me Paul with mine own hand.<a href="/2_corinthians/10-1.htm">2 Corinthians 10:1</a> Now I Paul myself beseech you by the meekness and gentleness of Christ, who in presence am base among you, but being absent am bold toward you:<a href="/1_thessalonians/2-18.htm">1 Thessalonians 2:18</a> Wherefore we would have come unto you, even I Paul, once and again; but Satan hindered us.that.<a href="/galatians/5-4.htm">Galatians 5:4,6</a> Christ is become of no effect unto you, whosoever of you are justified by the law; ye are fallen from grace… <a href="/galatians/2-3.htm">Galatians 2:3-5</a> But neither Titus, who was with me, being a Greek, was compelled to be circumcised: … <a href="/acts/15-1.htm">Acts 15:1,24</a> And certain men which came down from Judaea taught the brethren, and said, Except ye be circumcised after the manner of Moses, ye cannot be saved… <div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/2_corinthians/12-18.htm">Advantage</a> <a href="/1_corinthians/7-21.htm">Avail</a> <a href="/2_corinthians/4-15.htm">Benefit</a> <a href="/galatians/5-1.htm">Christ</a> <a href="/galatians/2-9.htm">Circumcised</a> <a href="/galatians/2-12.htm">Circumcision</a> <a href="/2_corinthians/12-12.htm">Mark</a> <a href="/galatians/1-1.htm">Paul</a> <a href="/2_corinthians/12-19.htm">Profit</a> <a href="/galatians/4-14.htm">Receive</a> <a href="/galatians/2-10.htm">Remember</a> <a href="/galatians/3-4.htm">Undergo</a> <a href="/2_corinthians/13-10.htm">Use</a> <a href="/2_corinthians/2-14.htm">Value</a> <a href="/galatians/4-16.htm">Words</a> <a href="/galatians/5-1.htm">Yourselves</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/1_thessalonians/4-6.htm">Advantage</a> <a href="/galatians/5-6.htm">Avail</a> <a href="/ephesians/3-2.htm">Benefit</a> <a href="/galatians/5-4.htm">Christ</a> <a href="/galatians/5-3.htm">Circumcised</a> <a href="/galatians/5-3.htm">Circumcision</a> <a href="/ephesians/5-27.htm">Mark</a> <a href="/ephesians/1-1.htm">Paul</a> <a href="/galatians/5-4.htm">Profit</a> <a href="/galatians/6-6.htm">Receive</a> <a href="/ephesians/2-11.htm">Remember</a> <a href="/philippians/1-29.htm">Undergo</a> <a href="/galatians/5-13.htm">Use</a> <a href="/galatians/5-6.htm">Value</a> <a href="/ephesians/3-3.htm">Words</a> <a href="/galatians/6-2.htm">Yourselves</a><div class="vheading2">Galatians 5</div>1. <a href="/galatians/5-1.htm">He wills them to stand in their liberty,</a> 3. <a href="/galatians/5-3.htm">and not to observe circumcision;</a> 13. <a href="/galatians/5-13.htm">but rather love, which is the sum of the law.</a> 19. <a href="/galatians/5-19.htm">He lists the works of the flesh,</a> 22. <a href="/galatians/5-22.htm">and the fruits of the Spirit,</a> 25. <a href="/galatians/5-25.htm">and exhorts to walk in the Spirit.</a> </div></div><div id="mdd"><div align="center"><div class="bot2"><table align="center" width="100%"><tr><td><div align="center"> <script id="3d27ed63fc4348d5b062c4527ae09445"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=51ce25d5-1a8c-424a-8695-4bd48c750f35&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; 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Paul often uses such expressions to highlight critical teachings or warnings. In the context of Galatians, he is addressing a serious theological issue that could affect the salvation of the believers.I, Paul, tell you: Paul asserts his authority as an apostle, reminding the Galatians of his direct commission from Christ (<a href="/galatians/1.htm">Galatians 1:1</a>). His personal involvement underscores the gravity of the situation. Paul’s authorship and personal appeal add weight to his message, as he had a foundational role in establishing the Galatian churches.that if you let yourselves be circumcised: Circumcision was a sign of the Abrahamic covenant (<a href="/genesis/17-10.htm">Genesis 17:10-14</a>) and a significant aspect of Jewish identity. In the early church, some Jewish Christians insisted that Gentile converts must be circumcised to be fully accepted (<a href="/acts/15.htm">Acts 15:1</a>). Paul argues against this requirement, emphasizing that faith in Christ, not adherence to the law, is the basis of salvation (<a href="/galatians/2-16.htm">Galatians 2:16</a>).Christ will be of no value to you at all: Paul warns that relying on circumcision for justification nullifies the grace of Christ. This statement highlights the incompatibility of law-based righteousness with the gospel of grace. By seeking justification through the law, believers would be rejecting the sufficiency of Christ’s sacrifice (<a href="/galatians/2-21.htm">Galatians 2:21</a>). This echoes the theme of freedom in Christ, contrasting with the bondage of legalism (<a href="/galatians/5.htm">Galatians 5:1</a>).<div class="vheading2">Persons / Places / Events</div>1. <a href="/topical/p/paul.htm">Paul</a> The apostle who wrote the letter to the Galatians. He was a key figure in the early Christian church and a strong advocate for the doctrine of salvation by faith in Jesus Christ alone. 2. <a href="/topical/g/galatians.htm">Galatians</a> The recipients of the letter, a group of churches in the region of Galatia. They were being influenced by Judaizers who insisted on the necessity of following Jewish law, including circumcision, for salvation. 3. <a href="/topical/c/circumcision.htm">Circumcision</a> A physical act required by Jewish law as a sign of the covenant between God and Abraham. In the context of Galatians, it represents adherence to the Old Covenant law. 4. <a href="/topical/c/christ.htm">Christ</a> Central to the Christian faith, Jesus Christ is the Son of God whose life, death, and resurrection provide the basis for salvation. 5. <a href="/topical/j/judaizers.htm">Judaizers</a> A group within the early church that taught that Gentile converts to Christianity must adopt Jewish customs and laws, including circumcision, to be truly saved.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><a href="/topical/s/salvation_by_faith_alone.htm">Salvation by Faith Alone</a> Paul emphasizes that salvation is through faith in Christ alone, not by adherence to the law or physical rituals like circumcision. <a href="/topical/t/the_sufficiency_of_christ.htm">The Sufficiency of Christ</a> If believers rely on the law for salvation, they undermine the sufficiency of Christ's sacrifice. Christ's work is complete and sufficient for salvation. <a href="/topical/f/freedom_in_christ.htm">Freedom in Christ</a> Believers are called to live in the freedom that Christ provides, not to be burdened again by the yoke of the law. <a href="/topical/g/guard_against_legalism.htm">Guard Against Legalism</a> Christians must be vigilant against teachings that add requirements to the gospel, which can lead to legalism and a departure from grace. <a href="/topical/i/identity_in_christ.htm">Identity in Christ</a> Our identity and righteousness come from being in Christ, not from external observances or adherence to the law.<div class="vheading2">Lists and Questions</div><a href="/top10/lessons_from_galatians_5.htm">Top 10 Lessons from Galatians 5</a> <a href="/q/why_does_galatians_5_dismiss_circumcision.htm">Why does Galatians 5:2–3 appear to dismiss circumcision, conflicting with the Old Testament’s emphasis on the practice? </a> <a href="/q/what_does_'fall_from_grace'_mean.htm">What does "fall from grace" mean?</a> <a href="/q/how_does_acts_24_10-15_align_with_paul's_conflicts.htm">In Acts 24:10–15, Paul insists he adheres to Jewish tradition while also preaching resurrection; how does this align with his earlier conflicts over the Law? </a> <a href="/q/what_does_'all_things_to_all'_mean.htm">What does "all things to all people" mean?</a><a name="commentary" id="commentary"></a><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/ellicott/galatians/5.htm">Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers</a></div>(2-6) There can be no compromise between Christianity and Judaism. If you accept the one you must give up the other. Circumcision is a pledge or engagement to live by the rule of the Law. That rule must be taken as a whole. You are committed to the practice of the whole Law, and in that way alone you must seek for justification. Our position is something quite different. We hope to be admitted into a state of righteousness through the action of the Spirit on God's side, and through faith on our own. The Christian owes the righteousness attributed to him, not to circumcision, but to a life of which faith is the motive and love the law.The whole tenor of the Epistle shows that the Apostle viewed the attempts of the Judaising party with indignation; and at this point his language takes a more than usually stern and imperative tone. He speaks with the full weight of his apostolic authority, and warns the Galatians that no half-measures will avail, but that they must decide, once for all, either to give up Judaism or Christ.This is one of the passages which have been insisted on as proving a direct antagonism between St. Paul and the other Apostles; but any one who enters into the thought of the Apostle, and follows the course of his impassioned reasoning, will see how unnecessary any such assumption is. Nothing is more in accordance with human nature than that the same man should at one time agree to the amicable compromise of Acts 15, and at another, some years later, with the field all to himself, and only his own converts to deal with, should allow freer scope to his own convictions. He is speaking with feelings highly roused, and with less regard to considerations of policy. Besides, the march of events had been rapid, and the principles of policy themselves would naturally change.(2) Behold, I Paul.--The strong personality of the Apostle asserts itself; instead of going into an elaborate proof, he speaks with dogmatic authority, as though his bare word were enough.Shall profit you nothing.--"Profit," i.e., in the way of justification, as producing that state of righteousness in the sight of God by virtue of which the believer is released from wrath and received into the divine favour. The Apostle says that if this state of justification is sought through circumcision, it cannot be sought through Christ at the same time.<div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/galatians/5.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div>Verse 2. - Behold, I Paul say unto you (ἴδε, ἐγὼ Παῦλος λώγω ὑμῖν); lo, I Paul say unto you. The adverbial exclamation ἴδε, found in St. Paul's writings only here (in <a href="/romans/2-17.htm">Romans 2:17</a> it should be εἰ δὲ), seems to be more abrupt than ἰδού, pointing to the immense importance and yet possibly unexpected character of what follows. The Galatians might be surprised to hear it; but that which they seemed disposed to take in hand was fraught with utter ruin. "I, Paul:" he thus puts forward his personality, as solemnly gaging his whole credit and responsibility upon the truth of that which he is about to affirm. The turn of thought is somewhat different in <a href="/2_corinthians/10-1.htm">2 Corinthians 10:1</a> and <a href="/ephesians/3-1.htm">Ephesians 3:1</a>. There is no reason to suppose that he is glancing at the use which might have already been made or might be made of the fact of his having himself circumcised Timothy. That if ye be circumcised (ὅτι ἐὰν περιτέμνησθε); that if ye set about having yourselves circumcised. The present tense is used also in the next verse and in <a href="/galatians/6-12.htm">Galatians 6:12, 13</a>; <a href="/1_corinthians/7-18.htm">1 Corinthians 7:18</a>. Compare the present tense, δικαιοῦσθε, in ver. 4. In <a href="/acts/15-1.htm">Acts 15:1</a> the πωειτέμνηαθε of the Textus Receptus is replaced by recent editors by περιτμηθῆτε, which is better suited to the posture of mind of those Pharisee Christians who had in view the abhorrent uncleanness attaching, as they considered, to those described as ἀκροβυστίαν ἔχοντες (<a href="/acts/11-3.htm">Acts 11:3</a>); upon whom themselves the Jews fastened the epithet of ἀκροβυστία, not as a mere colourless anti-theton to περιτομή, but as a selected term of reproach as objects of offence and disgust. The apostle, on the other hand, is here not thinking of outward corporeal condition; for he presently (ver. 6) affirms that in Christ Jesus it mattered nothing whether a man were in περιτομὴ or in ἀκροβυστία, as indeed he proved to be his feeling by circumcising Timothy (<a href="/acts/16-3.htm">Acts 16:3</a>). It is the posture of mind that the apostle-is thinking of exclusively. What was this? The very warning of this verse shows, that, in wishing for circumcision, these Galatians did not intend to withdraw from Christ; and it appears from the next verse that they did not, either, contemplate the doing of the whole Law. But then, too, the fourth verse, in which apparently the apostle means to explain and justify the assertion of this second verse, indicates that they sought circumcision with the view of being justified by the Law; not, as has just been remarked, by obeying the whole Law, but by submitting themselves to the Law so far as undergoing this one rite prescribed by it. The conclusion to be drawn from these premisses is that what the apostle means is this: If ye have yourselves circumcised with the view of thereby obtaining righteousness before God, ye forfeit all hope of receiving benefit from Christ (see note on Galatians 4:10). In comparing the present passage with <a href="/galatians/6-12.htm">Galatians 6:12, 13</a>, we observe that, while here he is dealing with those who sought circumcision with the view of assuring their righteousness before God, he is there referring to persons actuated by an altogether different set of motives. Christ shall profit you nothing (Ξριστὸς ὑμᾶς οὐδὲν ὠφωλήσει). "The future tense marks the certain result of their being circumcised: 'Christ (as you will find) will never profit you anything'" (Bishop Ellicott). The future time is not, in particular, for example, the time of Christ's second coming; but that which follows upon their receiving circumcision - the hour in which their distrust in Christ eventuated in the overt act of having themselves circumcised for the purpose of gaining righteousness thereby, would decisively cut them off from Christ. Their circumcision would be for them the sacrament of excision from Christ. We may compare with this the awful passage referring to the consequences accruing to Jewish Christians from their relapsing to Judaism, in <a href="/hebrews/10-26.htm">Hebrews 10:26-30</a>. It is difficult to overestimate the importance of this passage, in determining the relation between trust in Christ's atonement and participation in the benefits of that atonement. It is at his extreme peril that a Christian allows himself in misgivings as to whether Christ's mediation is all-sufficient for the securing of his peace with God and his part in God's kingdom. It is by reliance upon Christ's work that his salvation through Christ is secured; by distrust in it his salvation is brought into peril; by definite unbelief his salvation is forfeited. This is in perfect accordance with the apostolic doctrine in general; but rarely is it so strongly and incisively asserted as it is here. <a href="/commentaries/galatians/5-2.htm">Parallel Commentaries ...</a> <a name="lexicon" id="lexicon"></a><div class="vheading">Greek</div>Take notice: Ἴδε (Ide) Verb - Aorist Imperative Active - 2nd Person Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_2400.htm">Strong's 2400: </a> See! Lo! Behold! Look! Second person singular imperative middle voice of eido; used as imperative lo! I, ἐγὼ (egō) Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Nominative 1st Person Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_1473.htm">Strong's 1473: </a> I, the first-person pronoun. A primary pronoun of the first person I. Paul, Παῦλος (Paulos) Noun - Nominative Masculine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_3972.htm">Strong's 3972: </a> Paul, Paulus. Of Latin origin; Paulus, the name of a Roman and of an apostle. tell λέγω (legō) Verb - Present Indicative Active - 1st Person Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_3004.htm">Strong's 3004: </a> (a) I say, speak; I mean, mention, tell, (b) I call, name, especially in the pass., (c) I tell, command. you ὑμῖν (hymin) Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Dative 2nd Person Plural <a href="/greek/strongs_4771.htm">Strong's 4771: </a> You. The person pronoun of the second person singular; thou. that ὅτι (hoti) Conjunction <a href="/greek/strongs_3754.htm">Strong's 3754: </a> Neuter of hostis as conjunction; demonstrative, that; causative, because. if ἐὰν (ean) Conjunction <a href="/greek/strongs_1437.htm">Strong's 1437: </a> If. From ei and an; a conditional particle; in case that, provided, etc. you let yourselves be circumcised, περιτέμνησθε (peritemnēsthe) Verb - Present Subjunctive Middle or Passive - 2nd Person Plural <a href="/greek/strongs_4059.htm">Strong's 4059: </a> To cut around, circumcise. From peri and the base of tomoteros; to cut around, i.e. to circumcise. Christ Χριστὸς (Christos) Noun - Nominative Masculine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_5547.htm">Strong's 5547: </a> Anointed One; the Messiah, the Christ. From chrio; Anointed One, i.e. The Messiah, an epithet of Jesus. will be of no value ὠφελήσει (ōphelēsei) Verb - Future Indicative Active - 3rd Person Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_5623.htm">Strong's 5623: </a> To help, benefit, do good, be useful (to), profit. From the same as opheleia; to be useful, i.e. To benefit. to you {at all}. ὑμᾶς (hymas) Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Accusative 2nd Person Plural <a href="/greek/strongs_4771.htm">Strong's 4771: </a> You. The person pronoun of the second person singular; thou. <div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/galatians/5-2.htm">Galatians 5:2 NIV</a> <a href="/nlt/galatians/5-2.htm">Galatians 5:2 NLT</a> <a href="/esv/galatians/5-2.htm">Galatians 5:2 ESV</a> <a href="/nasb/galatians/5-2.htm">Galatians 5:2 NASB</a> <a href="/kjv/galatians/5-2.htm">Galatians 5:2 KJV</a> <a href="//bibleapps.com/galatians/5-2.htm">Galatians 5:2 BibleApps.com</a> <a href="//bibliaparalela.com/galatians/5-2.htm">Galatians 5:2 Biblia Paralela</a> <a href="//holybible.com.cn/galatians/5-2.htm">Galatians 5:2 Chinese Bible</a> <a href="//saintebible.com/galatians/5-2.htm">Galatians 5:2 French Bible</a> <a href="/catholic/galatians/5-2.htm">Galatians 5:2 Catholic Bible</a> <a href="/galatians/5-2.htm">NT Letters: Galatians 5:2 Behold I Paul tell you that if (Gal. 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