Galatians 6 15

Galatians 6:15 kjv

For in Christ Jesus neither circumcision availeth any thing, nor uncircumcision, but a new creature.

Galatians 6:15 nkjv

For in Christ Jesus neither circumcision nor uncircumcision avails anything, but a new creation.

Galatians 6:15 niv

Neither circumcision nor uncircumcision means anything; what counts is the new creation.

Galatians 6:15 esv

For neither circumcision counts for anything, nor uncircumcision, but a new creation.

Galatians 6:15 nlt

It doesn't matter whether we have been circumcised or not. What counts is whether we have been transformed into a new creation.

Galatians 6 verses

Galatians 6 15 Meaning

This verse emphasizes that outward rituals like circumcision are irrelevant to a true spiritual transformation. What matters is a new creation in Christ, characterized by faith and a life lived according to the Spirit.

Galatians 6 15 Context

Galatians 6:15 comes at the conclusion of Paul's letter to the churches in Galatia. The chapter deals with themes of spiritual maturity, bearing one another's burdens, and dealing with false teachers who were insisting on Jewish legalistic practices, particularly circumcision, as necessary for salvation. Paul had been strongly arguing against this in the preceding chapters. The letter's central tension is between justification by faith in Christ and justification by adherence to the Mosaic Law. This verse serves as a powerful summary statement, drawing a sharp contrast between outward, physical practices and the inward, transformative reality of faith in Christ.

Galatians 6 15 Word Analysis

• For (ou<k) - Primarily indicates negation.
• in (en) - Preposition showing presence within a sphere or means.
• Christ (Cristw/ | Christō) - Greek for Messiah. Refers to Jesus Christ, the Anointed One.
• Jesus (I)hsou/ | Iēsou) - Greek for Joshua or Jeshua, meaning "Yahweh is salvation." The name of the Son of God.
• is (estin) - Third person singular present indicative of "to be."
• neither (oute) - A coordinating conjunction used for negative clauses.
• circumcision (peritomh/ | peritomē) - Greek for "cutting around." Refers to the physical act of circumcision, a covenant sign for Abrahamic males.
• nor (oute) - Repeats the negative conjunction.
• uncircumcision (apokropusth / apokopē) - Literally "cutting off." Refers to the state of not being circumcised.
• that (touto) - Demonstrative pronoun, referring to what follows.
• which (esti) - Can mean "is" or introduce a clause.
• is (aorist of 'be') - Signifies existence.
• of (en) - Indicates inward reality or sphere of operation.
• any (paj) - Denotes "any" or "every."
• account (lo>goj | logos) - Greek for "word," "reason," "reckoning," or "principle." Here, "value" or "account."
• but (alla) - A conjunction indicating a strong contrast.
• new (kainh) - Greek for "new in kind" or "freshly made."
• creation (ktisij) - Greek for "creation," "creature," or "creaturely existence." Implies something brought into being.

Group Analysis:

• "neither circumcision nor uncircumcision" (oute peritomē oute apokropusth): This phrase directly addresses the central debate in Galatia, highlighting the futility of the physical rite versus its absence. Both are placed on the same level of irrelevance for true spiritual standing.
• "but a new creation" (alla kainh ktisij): This is the decisive contrast. The focus shifts from an outward, ritualistic state (circumcision or its absence) to an inward, radical transformation that only God can effect.
• "in Christ Jesus" (en Cristw/ I)hsou/): This establishes the sphere or source of this new creation. It is not an inherent human capacity but something received through union with Christ Jesus.

Galatians 6 15 Bonus Section

This verse strongly refutes any form of religious exclusivism based on ritual or heritage. The emphasis on "new creation in Christ Jesus" universally embraces all who believe, regardless of their previous religious affiliation or background (Galatians 3:28). The concept of "new creation" echoes themes found in both Old and New Testaments concerning God's power to remake and redeem (e.g., creation account in Genesis, prophetic visions of a new heaven and earth). It is a divine re-origination of the believer's life.

Galatians 6 15 Commentary

Paul argues that the crucial factor for spiritual standing and identity is not participation in outward religious rituals, but a profound inward transformation that occurs through faith in Jesus Christ. Circumcision, a sign of the Old Covenant, or its absence, holds no salvific merit. What truly matters is becoming a "new creation," signifying a radical renewal of one's entire being – spirit, mind, and will. This newness is not achieved through human effort or observance of law, but is a supernatural work of God by the power of the Holy Spirit, accomplished through one's union with Christ Jesus. This new creation manifests in a life characterized by the fruit of the Spirit, not the works of the flesh or legalistic adherence to rituals.

Practical Usage:

• Do not place your eternal security or identity in external religious activities or traditions.
• Seek an authentic, inner transformation by faith in Jesus, which will naturally lead to outward changes in character and behavior.
• Recognize that true Christianity is about a renewed heart and mind, empowered by the Holy Spirit.