Galatians 5 11

Galatians 5:11 kjv

And I, brethren, if I yet preach circumcision, why do I yet suffer persecution? then is the offence of the cross ceased.

Galatians 5:11 nkjv

And I, brethren, if I still preach circumcision, why do I still suffer persecution? Then the offense of the cross has ceased.

Galatians 5:11 niv

Brothers and sisters, if I am still preaching circumcision, why am I still being persecuted? In that case the offense of the cross has been abolished.

Galatians 5:11 esv

But if I, brothers, still preach circumcision, why am I still being persecuted? In that case the offense of the cross has been removed.

Galatians 5:11 nlt

Dear brothers and sisters, if I were still preaching that you must be circumcised ? as some say I do ? why am I still being persecuted? If I were no longer preaching salvation through the cross of Christ, no one would be offended.

Galatians 5 verses

Galatians 5 11 Meaning

The verse highlights the potential consequence of preaching a message that still relies on circumcision, which Paul strongly opposed. If Paul, or those like him, were still advocating for circumcision, the offense of the cross would be removed. This implies that the offense of the cross—its foolishness to the world and its challenging message of salvation through faith alone—was central to Paul's ministry. Preaching anything that diluted this message, like emphasizing works or ritualistic requirements such as circumcision, would render the power and offense of the cross ineffective.

Galatians 5 11 Context

This verse is found in Galatians chapter 5, a chapter that fiercely advocates for Christian freedom from the bondage of the Mosaic Law, particularly the requirement of circumcision for Gentile believers. Paul is contrasting the life of faith empowered by the Holy Spirit with a return to legalism. The preceding verses discuss those who seek to be justified by the law and warn of the spiritual dangers of succumbing to such teachings. This particular verse directly addresses the consequences of continuing to preach circumcision as a necessary element for salvation or spiritual standing before God.

Galatians 5 11 Word Analysis

• εἰ οὖν (ei oun): "if therefore" or "so then." Connects this statement logically to the preceding discussion about those seeking justification by law. It draws a conclusion from what Paul has argued.

• κἀγὼ (kagō): "and I." Paul includes himself in the potential scenario. This personal inclusion underscores the gravity of the issue and the integrity of his own message.

• περιτομὴν (peritomen): "circumcision." The physical rite mandated by the Law of Moses, which had become a focal point of contention regarding Gentile inclusion and salvation.

• κηρύσσω (kēryssō): "preach" or "proclaim." The active dissemination of the Gospel message.

• πάλιν (paling): "again." Suggests a potential regression to former errors or a re-emphasis on a disallowed practice.

• γάρ (gar): "for." Introduces the reason for the preceding statement, explaining the consequence.

• σκάνδαλον (skandalon): "stumbling-block" or "offense." Anything that causes spiritual hindrance, offense, or is a source of sin. In this context, it means removing the reason for the Gospel to be challenging or even foolish to the ungodly.

• τοῦ σταυροῦ (tou staurou): "of the cross." Refers to the atoning sacrifice of Jesus Christ.

• καταργεῖται (katargeitai): "is nullified," "is made ineffective," "is abolished." The cross's power to save and its provocative message lose their force.

• Words-group analysis:

  • "If therefore I also am still preaching circumcision, why am I still being persecuted?" This rhetorical question implies that if Paul were still teaching circumcision, he wouldn't be persecuted by the Judaizers because he would be in agreement with them on a fundamental point of contention. The persecution he faces is a direct result of his teaching against circumcision and for salvation by faith alone.
  • "If this is true, then the stumbling-block of the cross is nullified." Preaching circumcision as necessary for salvation would effectively negate the core, offensive message of the cross. The "offense of the cross" is that salvation comes not through human effort or ritual, but through faith in a crucified Messiah, which was considered folly by many in the Hellenistic world and a stumbling block to many Jews.

Galatians 5 11 Bonus Section

The persecution Paul mentions here is deeply connected to the rejection he experienced throughout his ministry. This verse echoes the broader theme of the apostles facing opposition for proclaiming a Gospel that transcended ethnic and ritualistic boundaries. The pressure to conform to Jewish practices, particularly circumcision, was intense, as seen in the Jerusalem Council's deliberations (Acts 15). Paul's steadfastness on this issue was crucial for establishing the universal nature of the Gospel. The "stumbling-block" of the cross is still relevant today; it challenges any attempt to domesticate or dilute the Gospel into something that appeasible to secular sensibilities or human works. The integrity of the message demands that it remain centered on Christ's finished work.

Galatians 5 11 Commentary

The persecution Paul faced was a testament to the radical nature of his Gospel. By rejecting circumcision as a requirement, he was undermining the exclusivity and the self-reliance that some in Judaism clung to. If he compromised this truth by still preaching circumcision, he would remove the very point of conflict that highlighted the uniqueness of Christ's sacrifice. This means that the "offense" is not an accident, but an integral part of the Gospel's power to save. It offends human pride and self-sufficiency, pointing to complete reliance on God's grace through faith in the crucified Christ. To preach anything that diminishes this offense, like requiring works or rituals for salvation, robs the cross of its divine effectiveness.