Galatians 2:20

KJV

I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me: and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by the faith of the Son of God, who loved me, and gave himself for me.

KJV (with Strong's)

I am crucified {G4957} with Christ {G5547}: nevertheless {G1161} I live {G2198}; yet not {G3765} I {G1473}, but {G1161} Christ {G5547} liveth {G2198} in {G1722} me {G1698}: and {G1161} the life which {G3739} I {G2198} now {G3568} live {G2198} in {G1722} the flesh {G4561} I live {G2198} by {G1722} the faith {G4102} of the Son {G5207} of God {G2316}, who {G3588} loved {G25} me {G3165}, and {G2532} gave {G3860} himself {G1438} for {G5228} me {G1700}.

Complete Jewish Bible

When the Messiah was executed on the stake as a criminal, I was too; so that my proud ego no longer lives. But the Messiah lives in me, and the life I now live in my body I live by the same trusting faithfulness that the Son of God had, who loved me and gave himself up for me.

Berean Standard Bible

I have been crucified with Christ, and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me. The life I live in the body, I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself up for me.

American Standard Version

I have been crucified with Christ; and it is no longer I that live, but Christ liveth in me: and that life which I now live in the flesh I live in faith, the faith which is in the Son of God, who loved me, and gave himself up for me.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Galatians 2:20 encapsulates the profound theological truth of a believer's radical transformation through union with Christ. Paul declares that his old self has been put to death with Christ on the cross, yet paradoxically, he now lives a new life. This life is not his own, but Christ Himself living within him, enabling him to navigate his earthly existence by a deep, abiding faith in the Son of God, whose ultimate act of love—giving Himself sacrificially—forms the very foundation of this new identity and existence.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Galatians 2:20 is a pivotal statement within Paul's defense of the gospel of grace against the Judaizers, who insisted that Gentile believers must adhere to the Mosaic Law, including circumcision, for salvation and justification. This verse immediately follows Paul's sharp confrontation with Peter in Antioch ([Galatians 2:11-14](/galatians/2-11-14 "Galatians 2:11-14 - Paul Confronts Peter at Antioch")), where Peter had compromised the truth of the gospel by withdrawing from Gentile believers due to pressure from Jewish Christians. Paul then transitions into a theological explanation of justification by faith apart from works of the law, asserting that "a person is not justified by works of the law but by faith in Jesus Christ" ([Galatians 2:16](/galatians/2-16 "Galatians 2:16 - Justification by Faith")). Verse 20 serves as the climax of this argument, illustrating the personal, transformative reality of this justification and the source of the new life in Christ. It explains *how* one is no longer under the law but lives by faith.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The letter to the Galatians was written to churches in the Roman province of Galatia, likely in response to the infiltration of "Judaizers"—Jewish Christians who taught that Gentile converts needed to be circumcised and observe the Mosaic Law to be truly saved and righteous. This teaching directly contradicted Paul's gospel of salvation by grace through faith alone. The cultural context involved a clash between Jewish identity, deeply rooted in the Law and covenant markers like circumcision, and the radical inclusivity of the gospel, which offered salvation to all, Jew and Gentile, on the same terms. Paul's emphasis on being "crucified with Christ" directly challenges the notion that one's identity or righteousness is found in adherence to external legal codes, instead rooting it in a spiritual union with Christ's death and resurrection, which transcends ethnic and cultural distinctions.
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully contributes to several overarching themes in Galatians. Firstly, it underscores the theme of **Justification by Faith** ([Galatians 2:16](/galatians/2-16 "Galatians 2:16 - Justification by Faith")), demonstrating that righteousness comes not from human effort or adherence to the Law, but from a radical union with Christ. Secondly, it highlights the **New Creation** or **New Identity in Christ**, where the old self, bound by sin and law, dies, and a new life, empowered by Christ, emerges ([Galatians 6:15](/galatians/6-15 "Galatians 6:15 - New Creation in Christ")). Thirdly, the verse emphasizes the **Indwelling Christ** and the **Spirit's Role** in the believer's life, showing that the Christian life is not lived by self-effort but by the dynamic presence of Christ within ([Galatians 3:3](/galatians/3-3 "Galatians 3:3 - Beginning by the Spirit")). Finally, it powerfully articulates the **Sacrificial Love of Christ** as the foundational act that enables this entire transformation, shifting the focus from human performance to divine grace.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **crucified (Greek, _systauróō'_):** From G4957, meaning "to impale in company with (literally or figuratively)." This word vividly conveys the believer's spiritual identification with Christ's death on the cross. It signifies a radical break from the old life, the "old self," and its dominion by sin and the Law. It's not merely a metaphor for suffering, but a declaration of a definitive, shared death with Christ, leading to a new existence.
* **live (Greek, _záō'_):** From G2198, meaning "to live (literally or figuratively); life(-time), (a-)live(-ly), quick." This term appears multiple times in the verse, highlighting the paradox of death leading to true life. It refers to a spiritual vitality and existence that is qualitatively different from the former life, now empowered and sustained by Christ Himself.
* **faith (Greek, _pístis'_):** From G4102, meaning "persuasion, i.e. credence; moral conviction (of religious truth, or the truthfulness of God or a religious teacher), especially reliance upon Christ for salvation; abstractly, constancy in such profession; by extension, the system of religious (Gospel) truth itself." In this context, it denotes both the act of believing and the object of that belief (Christ). It is the means by which the believer appropriates the reality of their union with Christ and lives out their new identity.
* **gave himself (Greek, _paradídōmi'_):** From G3860, meaning "to surrender, i.e. yield up, intrust, transmit." This verb, combined with the reflexive pronoun _heautoû_ (G1438, "himself"), powerfully describes Christ's voluntary and sacrificial act of self-giving. It underscores the active, intentional nature of His atonement, emphasizing that His love was not passive but manifested in a decisive, redemptive surrender unto death for the benefit of others.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"I am crucified with Christ:"** Paul begins with a profound declaration of spiritual union. This is not a future event or a mere aspiration, but a present reality for the believer. Through faith, the "old I," characterized by its identity under the Law and its bondage to sin, has been decisively put to death with Christ on the cross. This crucifixion signifies a complete break from the former way of life and its condemnation, establishing a new, definitive identity in union with Christ's atoning work.
* **"nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me:"** This clause presents a glorious paradox. Despite the crucifixion of the old self, a new, true life has emerged. However, Paul immediately clarifies that this new life is not a resuscitation of the old self or a renewed effort by human will. Instead, the very essence and power of this life come from Christ Himself, who indwells the believer through His Spirit. The emphasis shifts from human agency to divine indwelling, asserting that the believer's life is now animated and directed by Christ.
* **"and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by the faith of the Son of God,"** Paul addresses the practical outworking of this Christ-indwelt life in the physical realm ("in the flesh"). This is not a disembodied spiritual existence, but a tangible, daily reality. The means by which this life is lived is "by the faith of the Son of God." This phrase carries a dual meaning: it encompasses both the faithfulness of Christ (His finished work and ongoing reliability) and the believer's active trust and reliance *in* Him. The Christian life is therefore sustained not by legalistic adherence or self-effort, but by continuous dependence on Christ's perfect work and character.
* **"who loved me, and gave himself for me."** The verse culminates in the ultimate foundation for this radical transformation: Christ's personal, sacrificial love. The phrase "who loved me" highlights the intimate and individual nature of Christ's affection, while "and gave himself for me" points to the voluntary, substitutionary nature of His atoning death. This selfless act of divine love is the ultimate basis for the believer's crucifixion with Christ, the indwelling life, and the life lived by faith. It underscores that salvation and new life are entirely a gift, rooted in Christ's initiative and sacrifice.

#### Literary Devices
Paul masterfully employs several literary devices to convey the profound truths of Galatians 2:20. The most prominent is **Paradox**, evident in the juxtaposition of "I am crucified with Christ" and "nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me." This creates a tension that highlights the supernatural nature of the Christian life: death to self leads to true life, a life not of one's own making but of Christ's indwelling. The phrase "Christ liveth in me" also utilizes **Personification**, attributing the active quality of living directly to Christ within the believer, emphasizing His dynamic presence as the source of life. There is also significant **Emphasis** through repetition of the verb "live" (_záō_), which appears four times, underscoring the central theme of new life and how it is sustained. Furthermore, Paul's use of the first-person singular pronoun ("I," "me") throughout the verse, culminating in "who loved **me**, and gave himself for **me**," is a powerful example of **Personalization**. This makes the theological truths deeply relatable and impactful, transforming abstract doctrines into a personal testimony of radical transformation and divine love.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Galatians 2:20 stands as a foundational text for understanding the doctrine of **union with Christ**. It articulates that salvation is not merely a legal transaction (justification) but a profound, mystical identification with Christ in His death, burial, and resurrection. This union means that the believer's old identity, marked by sin and the Law's condemnation, is decisively terminated, and a new identity, characterized by Christ's indwelling life, is inaugurated. This truth underpins the entire Christian life, shifting the focus from human effort to divine enablement. It emphasizes that the Christian life is not about trying to live *for* Christ, but allowing Christ to live *through* the believer by faith, rooted in His unconditional, sacrificial love. This active indwelling of Christ is the power source for sanctification and righteous living, freeing believers from legalism and self-reliance.

* [Romans 6:3-4](/romans/6-3-4 "Romans 6:3-4 - United with Christ in Death and Resurrection")
* [Colossians 3:3-4](/colossians/3-3-4 "Colossians 3:3-4 - Your Life is Hidden with Christ")
* [Philippians 1:21](/philippians/1-21 "Philippians 1:21 - To Live is Christ")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Galatians 2:20 calls every believer to a radical re-evaluation of their identity and the source of their spiritual life. It challenges the common tendency to rely on self-effort, good works, or adherence to external rules for righteousness and spiritual growth. Instead, it invites us into the liberating truth that our old self, with its striving and failures, has been crucified with Christ. The Christian life is not about trying harder to be good, but about recognizing that Christ Himself lives within, empowering, guiding, and sustaining us. This means daily surrendering our will, our anxieties, and our perceived inadequacies to His indwelling presence. It encourages a life of profound dependence, where our faith is not merely a mental assent but an active, moment-by-moment reliance on the Son of God who loved us so personally and gave Himself so completely. Embracing this truth fosters humility, deepens our worship, and liberates us to live authentically by His power, rather than our own.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of your life are you still trying to live by your own strength or effort, rather than by Christ living in you?**
* **How does the truth of being "crucified with Christ" change your perception of past failures or sins?**
* **What does it practically mean for you to "live by the faith of the Son of God" in your daily decisions and relationships?**
* **How does reflecting on Christ's personal love for you ("loved me, and gave himself for me") deepen your trust and surrender to Him?**

### FAQ
**Does "I am crucified with Christ" mean I no longer struggle with sin?**

Answer: No, "I am crucified with Christ" (Galatians 2:20) does not mean a believer instantly achieves sinless perfection or that the struggle with sin ceases. Rather, it signifies a decisive break from the *dominion* and *condemnation* of sin and the Law. In union with Christ's death, the believer's old identity, which was enslaved to sin, is put to death. This is a positional truth: in God's eyes, the believer is no longer defined by their former sinful nature but by their new identity in Christ. However, the *presence* of sin (what Paul calls "the flesh" in [Galatians 5:17](/galatians/5-17 "Galatians 5:17 - The Conflict of Flesh and Spirit")) remains a reality in this life. The ongoing Christian walk involves learning to "walk by the Spirit" ([Galatians 5:16](/galatians/5-16 "Galatians 5:16 - Walk by the Spirit")) and "put to death the deeds of the body" ([Romans 8:13](/romans/8-13 "Romans 8:13 - Life by the Spirit")), relying on Christ's indwelling power to overcome temptation. The crucifixion of the old self is a past event that empowers a present, ongoing process of sanctification.

**What is the difference between "faith of the Son of God" and "faith in the Son of God"?**

Answer: The Greek phrase "pistis Christou" (rendered "faith of the Son of God" in KJV) is grammatically ambiguous, allowing for two interpretations: the "subjective genitive" (Christ's own faithfulness) or the "objective genitive" (our faith *in* Christ). Many modern translations opt for "faith in Jesus Christ" (e.g., ESV, NIV in [Galatians 2:16](/galatians/2-16 "Galatians 2:16 - Justification by Faith")), emphasizing the believer's active trust. However, a growing number of scholars argue that Paul likely intended both meanings to be present or at least understood Christ's faithfulness as foundational. In Galatians 2:20, "the faith of the Son of God" can be understood as the faithfulness *of* Christ, particularly His faithfulness in going to the cross and fulfilling God's redemptive plan, which then becomes the object and ground of *our* faith *in* Him. Therefore, the life we live is sustained by both Christ's perfect faithfulness and our active reliance upon Him. It's a rich theological concept that highlights the dual nature of faith: both Christ's and ours.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Galatians 2:20 finds its ultimate Christ-centered fulfillment not merely as a description of Paul's personal experience, but as a universal truth for all who are united with Jesus Christ. The "crucifixion with Christ" points directly to His singular, historical crucifixion on Calvary, which fundamentally altered humanity's relationship with sin and death. Christ's death was not just an example, but a substitutionary act, bearing the penalty for sin so that believers could die to their old selves and be raised to new life. The declaration "Christ liveth in me" foreshadows the New Covenant promise of God's Spirit indwelling His people, making Christ's presence a living reality within the believer, as promised by Jesus in [John 14:23](/john/14-23 "John 14:23 - Dwelling with the Father and Son") and fulfilled at Pentecost ([Acts 2:1-4](/acts/2-1-4 "Acts 2:1-4 - The Day of Pentecost")). The life "by the faith of the Son of God" highlights Christ as both the object and the perfect embodiment of faith, the "author and perfecter of our faith" ([Hebrews 12:2](/hebrews/12-2 "Hebrews 12:2 - Jesus, the Author and Perfecter of Faith")). Finally, the profound statement "who loved me, and gave himself for me" encapsulates the very heart of the gospel: Christ's pre-existent, divine love (as seen in [John 3:16](/john/3-16 "John 3:16 - God's Love for the World")) culminating in His voluntary, sacrificial self-giving on the cross ([Ephesians 5:2](/ephesians/5-2 "Ephesians 5:2 - Christ's Sacrificial Love")). Thus, Galatians 2:20 is a microcosm of the entire redemptive story, revealing Christ as the beginning, middle, and end of the believer's new life.

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Galatians 5:24

And they that are Christ's have crucified the flesh with the affections and lusts.

2 Corinthians 5:15

And [that] he died for all, that they which live should not henceforth live unto themselves, but unto him which died for them, and rose again.

Romans 6:4

Therefore we are buried with him by baptism into death: that like as Christ was raised up from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life.

Romans 6:6

Knowing this, that our old man is crucified with [him], that the body of sin might be destroyed, that henceforth we should not serve sin.

Colossians 3:3

For ye are dead, and your life is hid with Christ in God.

Colossians 3:4

When Christ, [who is] our life, shall appear, then shall ye also appear with him in glory.

2 Corinthians 4:10

Always bearing about in the body the dying of the Lord Jesus, that the life also of Jesus might be made manifest in our body.