5:3 5:3

Galatians 5:4

5:5 5:5

Bible Versions

Christ is become of no effect unto you, whosoever of you are justified by the law; ye are fallen from grace.
Christ {G5547} is become of no effect unto you {G575}{G2673}, whosoever of you {G3748} are justified {G1344} by {G1722} the law {G3551}; ye are fallen from {G1601} grace {G5485}.
You who are trying to be declared righteous by God through legalism have severed yourselves from the Messiah! You have fallen away from God’s grace!
You who are trying to be justified by the law have been severed from Christ; you have fallen away from grace.
Ye are severed from Christ, ye who would be justified by the law; ye are fallen away from grace.

Context of Galatians 5:4

The Apostle Paul, in his Epistle to the Galatians, passionately defends the doctrine of justification by faith alone against false teachers (Judaizers) who insisted that Gentile believers must be circumcised and observe the Mosaic Law to be truly saved or perfected. This verse, Galatians 5:4, serves as a stark warning within this larger argument, coming after Paul's exhortation to stand firm in the liberty of Christ (Galatians 5:1) and his declaration that circumcision is of no value if one seeks justification through the law (Galatians 5:2).

Key Themes and Messages

  • Incompatibility of Law and Grace: This verse powerfully asserts that attempting to be justified by adherence to the law makes Christ's sacrifice "of no effect" for the individual. It highlights that grace and law are mutually exclusive as methods of justification. You cannot combine them; choosing one system necessarily rejects the other.
  • Justification by Faith Alone: The core message is that salvation and right standing with God are achieved solely through faith in Jesus Christ, not by human effort or obedience to religious laws. To seek righteousness through legalistic practices is to abandon the unique and sufficient work of Christ.
  • "Fallen from Grace": This phrase does not necessarily imply a loss of salvation for a truly regenerate believer, but rather a departure from the *principle* or *system* of grace as the means of justification. It means abandoning the foundational truth of the gospel—that God's favor is unmerited and freely given through Christ—and reverting to a system of works-righteousness. It is a severe spiritual misdirection, effectively cutting oneself off from the benefit of Christ's saving work by seeking it elsewhere.

Linguistic Insights

The phrase "of no effect" comes from the Greek word katargeō (καταργέω), which means to render idle, inactive, inoperative, or to abolish and make void. Here, it emphasizes that if one seeks to be justified by adhering to the law, they have effectively nullified the benefit of Christ's sacrifice for them. It's as if Christ's work is made useless or irrelevant to their salvation. The phrase "fallen from grace" translates the Greek ekpiptō (ἐκπίπτω), meaning "to fall out of" or "to fall from." In this context, it signifies a conceptual and spiritual departure from the sphere and principle of God's unmerited favor.

Practical Application

Galatians 5:4 serves as a timeless warning against legalism in any form. It reminds believers that salvation is entirely a gift of God's grace, received through faith in Jesus Christ, and not by any human effort, ritual, or adherence to rules. Any attempt to add works to Christ's finished work for justification diminishes and effectively nullifies the power of the cross for oneself. This verse calls Christians to:

  • Guard against Legalism: Be wary of any teaching that suggests salvation or spiritual standing can be earned or maintained through adherence to a set of rules, traditions, or human-made regulations beyond faith in Christ.
  • Embrace God's Grace: Continuously rely on the sufficiency of Christ's sacrifice for righteousness, freedom, and spiritual growth.
  • Cherish Christian Liberty: Understand that true freedom in Christ means liberation from the burden of earning salvation and the condemnation of the law, allowing one to serve God out of love and gratitude, not fear or obligation. Paul states elsewhere in Galatians that if righteousness comes by the law, then Christ died in vain.
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.

  • 2 Peter 2:20

    For if after they have escaped the pollutions of the world through the knowledge of the Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ, they are again entangled therein, and overcome, the latter end is worse with them than the beginning.

  • 2 Peter 2:22

    But it is happened unto them according to the true proverb, The dog [is] turned to his own vomit again; and the sow that was washed to her wallowing in the mire.

  • Romans 9:31

    But Israel, which followed after the law of righteousness, hath not attained to the law of righteousness.

  • Romans 9:32

    Wherefore? Because [they sought it] not by faith, but as it were by the works of the law. For they stumbled at that stumblingstone;

  • Romans 11:6

    And if by grace, then [is it] no more of works: otherwise grace is no more grace. But if [it be] of works, then is it no more grace: otherwise work is no more work.

  • Hebrews 12:15

    Looking diligently lest any man fail of the grace of God; lest any root of bitterness springing up trouble [you], and thereby many be defiled;

  • Galatians 2:21

    I do not frustrate the grace of God: for if righteousness [come] by the law, then Christ is dead in vain.
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