Galatians 5:6

KJV

For in Jesus Christ neither circumcision availeth any thing, nor uncircumcision; but faith which worketh by love.

KJV (with Strong's)

For {G1063} in {G1722} Jesus {G2424} Christ {G5547} neither {G3777} circumcision {G4061} availeth {G2480} any thing {G5100}, nor {G3777} uncircumcision {G203}; but {G235} faith {G4102} which worketh {G1754} by {G1223} love {G26}.

Complete Jewish Bible

When we are united with the Messiah Yeshua, neither being circumcised nor being uncircumcised matters; what matters is trusting faithfulness expressing itself through love.

Berean Standard Bible

For in Christ Jesus neither circumcision nor uncircumcision has any value. All that matters is faith, expressed through love.

American Standard Version

For in Christ Jesus neither circumcision availeth anything, nor uncircumcision; but faith working through love.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Galatians 5:6 succinctly encapsulates the core of the Christian gospel as articulated by the Apostle Paul, asserting that in the new covenant reality established by Jesus Christ, external religious markers like circumcision or their absence hold no spiritual efficacy. Instead, what truly matters for one's standing before God and for genuine Christian living is an authentic faith that is not static but dynamically expressed and made active through divine love. This verse serves as a powerful theological declaration, redirecting focus from human performance and ritual to the transformative power of a faith energized by love.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Galatians 5:6 is a pivotal statement within Paul's impassioned defense of the gospel against the Judaizers, who insisted that Gentile converts needed to be circumcised and observe the Mosaic Law for salvation. The preceding verses in [Galatians 5](/galatians/5 "Galatians 5 - Freedom in Christ") emphasize the freedom believers have in Christ, warning against returning to a "yoke of bondage" ([Galatians 5:1](/galatians/5-1 "Galatians 5:1 - Stand Firm in Freedom")). Paul argues that if salvation were dependent on circumcision, Christ would be of no benefit ([Galatians 5:2](/galatians/5-2 "Galatians 5:2 - Christ of No Benefit if Circumcised")). He highlights that those who seek justification by the Law have fallen from grace ([Galatians 5:4](/galatians/5-4 "Galatians 5:4 - Fallen from Grace")). Verse 6, therefore, acts as a concise summary of Paul's argument, contrasting the futility of legalistic adherence with the vital essence of true Christian experience. It sets the stage for Paul's subsequent exhortations to live by the Spirit and to manifest the "fruit of the Spirit," particularly love, as seen in [Galatians 5:22-23](/galatians/5-22-23 "Galatians 5:22-23 - The Fruit of the Spirit").
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The letter to the Galatians was written to churches in the Roman province of Galatia, where Jewish Christians (Judaizers) were actively undermining Paul's gospel by teaching that Gentile converts must undergo circumcision and adhere to Mosaic Law for full salvation and acceptance. Circumcision was the covenant sign given to Abraham ([Genesis 17:9-14](/genesis/17-9-14 "Genesis 17:9-14 - The Covenant of Circumcision")) and a core identity marker for Jews. The Judaizers believed it was still necessary, even for those who believed in Christ. Paul’s strong stance directly challenged this deeply ingrained cultural and religious practice, asserting that the new covenant in Christ transcended ethnic and ceremonial distinctions. The controversy was not merely theological but also had significant social implications, as it questioned the basis of fellowship between Jewish and Gentile believers within the early church.
* **Key Themes:** This verse contributes significantly to several major theological themes throughout Galatians and Paul's broader theology. Firstly, it underscores the theme of **justification by faith alone**, apart from works of the Law, a central tenet of Paul's gospel articulated earlier in [Galatians 2:16](/galatians/2-16 "Galatians 2:16 - Justification by Faith"). Secondly, it highlights the **irrelevance of external rituals** for salvation or spiritual standing in the new covenant, directly challenging the legalistic tendencies of the Judaizers. This theme extends beyond circumcision to any human effort or religious performance relied upon for righteousness. Thirdly, it defines the **nature of true Christian faith** as an active, dynamic force, not merely intellectual assent. This "faith which worketh by love" points to the transformative power of the Holy Spirit, who produces love as the primary fruit ([Galatians 5:22](/galatians/5-22 "Galatians 5:22 - The Fruit of the Spirit")). Finally, it emphasizes **Christian freedom** from the Mosaic Law's ceremonial requirements, while simultaneously defining this freedom not as license for sin, but as a call to serve one another through love, as Paul states in [Galatians 5:13](/galatians/5-13 "Galatians 5:13 - Freedom to Serve").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **availeth (Greek, _ischýō'_):** This word means "to have or exercise force," "to be able," "to be strong," or "to prevail." In this context, it signifies efficacy, power, or value. Paul declares that neither circumcision nor uncircumcision possesses any inherent power or spiritual benefit whatsoever in the context of one's standing with God through Christ. They are utterly without spiritual force or advantage.
* **worketh (Greek, _energéō'_):** Derived from which we get "energy," this verb means "to be active," "to be efficient," or "to work effectually in." It describes an internal, dynamic, and powerful operation. Here, it indicates that true faith is not passive or inert, but is an active, living force that manifests its reality through its outward expression. It is a faith that is energized and made effective by love.
* **love (Greek, _agápē'_):** This term refers to divine, unconditional, self-sacrificial love. It is not merely human affection or sentiment but a profound commitment and benevolent action towards others, reflecting God's own character. In this verse, _agápē_ is presented as the medium or channel through which genuine faith operates and demonstrates its authenticity. It is the defining characteristic and outward manifestation of a living faith.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"For in Jesus Christ":** This opening phrase establishes the new spiritual reality and sphere of existence for believers. It signifies that the principles Paul is about to state are true specifically within the context of union with Christ, apart from the old covenant system. It is in Christ that the old distinctions and requirements lose their salvific significance.
* **"neither circumcision availeth any thing":** Paul directly addresses the core issue dividing the Galatian churches. He asserts that the physical rite of circumcision, a central marker of Jewish identity and covenant membership under the Mosaic Law, has no spiritual value or efficacy for salvation or righteousness in Christ. It provides no advantage whatsoever.
* **"nor uncircumcision":** This clause provides a crucial balance, ensuring that Paul's argument is not misunderstood as elevating uncircumcision to a position of spiritual merit. Just as circumcision is valueless, so too is the absence of circumcision. Neither external status, whether Jewish or Gentile, confers any spiritual advantage or disadvantage in Christ.
* **"but faith":** Having dismissed the efficacy of external markers, Paul pivots to declare what truly matters. "Faith" (Greek: _pistis_) here refers to a deep, abiding trust and reliance upon Jesus Christ and His finished work on the cross for salvation and justification. It is the sole means by which one enters into a right relationship with God.
* **"which worketh by love.":** This final, crucial phrase defines the nature of the saving faith Paul extols. It is not a dead, intellectual assent, but a vibrant, active, and dynamic faith. The preposition "by" (Greek: _dia_) indicates the channel or means through which this faith operates. True faith is energized, expressed, and made manifest through _agápē_ love—a love for God and for neighbor that is a fruit of the Spirit and the fulfillment of the law.

#### Literary Devices
Paul employs several potent **literary devices** in Galatians 5:6 to convey his theological argument with clarity and force. The most prominent is **Antithesis**, where he contrasts "circumcision" with "uncircumcision," and then contrasts both with "faith which worketh by love." This stark opposition highlights the irrelevance of external religious markers versus the supreme importance of an internal, active faith. The phrase "neither...nor...but" functions as a powerful **negation and affirmation**, systematically dismissing what is not essential ("circumcision," "uncircumcision") to emphatically affirm what is ("faith which worketh by love"). This creates a strong sense of **emphasis** on the true nature of Christian life. Furthermore, the verse functions as a **theological declaration**, a concise and authoritative statement of doctrine that summarizes the core of Paul's argument throughout the letter, serving as a memorable and foundational truth for believers.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Galatians 5:6 stands as a cornerstone of Pauline theology, profoundly shaping our understanding of justification, the nature of true faith, and the essence of Christian living. It unequivocally declares that salvation and spiritual standing are not achieved through adherence to external rituals or ethnic identity, but solely through a living faith in Jesus Christ. This faith, however, is never barren; it is intrinsically dynamic and finds its ultimate expression and authentic validation in _agápē_ love. This concept harmonizes the seemingly disparate emphases of Paul and James, showing that while justification is by faith alone, true faith is never alone, but always accompanied by the fruit of love, demonstrating its genuineness in action. The verse thus serves as a powerful reminder that the new covenant's focus is on internal transformation and the Spirit's work, rather than outward conformity to legal codes.

* [Galatians 2:16](/galatians/2-16 "Galatians 2:16 - Justification by Faith") - "knowing that a man is not justified by the works of the law, but by the faith of Jesus Christ, even we have believed in Jesus Christ, that we might be justified by the faith of Christ, and not by the works of the law: for by the works of the law shall no flesh be justified."
* [James 2:17](/james/2-17 "James 2:17 - Faith Without Works is Dead") - "Even so faith, if it hath not works, is dead, being alone."
* [1 Corinthians 13:1-3](/1_corinthians/13-1-3 "1 Corinthians 13:1-3 - The Supremacy of Love") - "Though I speak with the tongues of men and of angels, and have not charity, I am become as sounding brass, or a tinkling cymbal. And though I have the gift of prophecy, and understand all mysteries, and all knowledge; and though I have all faith, so that I could remove mountains, and have not charity, I am nothing. And though I bestow all my goods to feed the poor, and though I give my body to be burned, and have not charity, it profiteth me nothing."

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Galatians 5:6 offers profound guidance for contemporary believers, urging us to constantly examine the source and expression of our faith. In a world often preoccupied with external appearances, religious performances, or identity markers, this verse calls us back to the heart of the gospel: genuine faith in Christ, which is always active and expressed through love. It challenges us to move beyond superficial religiosity or self-righteousness based on what we do or don't do, and instead to root our identity and security solely in Christ. True faith is not a passive belief system, but a dynamic, living relationship that compels us to love God and our neighbor, demonstrating the transformative power of the Holy Spirit within us. This love is not merely an emotion but a sacrificial, benevolent action that seeks the good of others, fulfilling the "royal law" of Christ.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what ways might I be tempted to rely on external religious practices or my own efforts, rather than solely on faith in Jesus Christ?**
* **How does my daily life demonstrate that my faith is "working by love"? What concrete actions reflect this?**
* **Am I allowing love to be the primary motivator and expression of my faith, or am I driven by other motives like duty, fear, or self-interest?**
* **How can I cultivate a deeper, more active faith that consistently manifests itself through unconditional love for God and others?**

### FAQ

**What does "neither circumcision availeth any thing, nor uncircumcision" mean for Christians today?**

Answer: This phrase means that external religious rites, ethnic backgrounds, or cultural identities have no bearing on a person's salvation or standing before God in Christ. For believers today, this extends beyond circumcision to any outward practice or status that people might rely on for spiritual merit—such as baptism, church membership, dietary laws, specific clothing, or even a lack of such things. Paul's point is that God looks at the heart and the genuine, active faith in Jesus Christ, not at external markers. The focus is shifted from human performance or lineage to divine grace received through faith.

**How does "faith which worketh by love" relate to the doctrine of "faith alone" (sola fide)?**

Answer: This verse beautifully clarifies and complements the doctrine of "faith alone." Paul consistently teaches that salvation is by grace through faith alone, apart from works of the law (e.g., [Ephesians 2:8-9](/ephesians/2-8-9 "Ephesians 2:8-9 - Saved by Grace Through Faith")). "Faith which worketh by love" does not mean that love is a condition for salvation or a work that earns it. Rather, it describes the *nature* of genuine, saving faith. True faith is not a dead, intellectual assent, but a living, dynamic reality that inevitably produces good works, particularly through the expression of _agápē_ love. Love is the fruit and evidence of authentic faith, not its root or cause. As [James 2:26](/james/2-26 "James 2:26 - Faith Without Works is Dead") states, "For as the body without the spirit is dead, so faith without works is dead also." Paul and James are not contradicting each other but emphasizing different aspects: Paul focuses on the *means* of justification (faith alone), while James focuses on the *evidence* of genuine faith (works, especially love).

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Galatians 5:6 finds its ultimate fulfillment in Jesus Christ, who embodies the perfect intersection of faith and love, and through whom the new covenant reality is established. Christ himself is the "in whom" of the verse, the one in whom external distinctions become meaningless because He is the complete and final revelation of God's saving work. His life perfectly demonstrated a faith that "worketh by love"—His entire ministry, culminating in His sacrificial death on the cross, was an act of profound, _agápē_ love, fulfilling the law not by external adherence but by internal, perfect obedience and self-giving ([Romans 5:8](/romans/5-8 "Romans 5:8 - God's Love Demonstrated")). Through His finished work, Christ inaugurated a new way of relating to God, where righteousness is imputed by grace through faith, not earned by works ([Romans 3:21-26](/romans/3-21-26 "Romans 3:21-26 - Righteousness Through Faith")). He is the source of the faith that saves and the love that empowers, for it is His Spirit who indwells believers, producing love as the primary fruit ([Galatians 5:22](/galatians/5-22 "Galatians 5:22 - The Fruit of the Spirit")). Thus, in Christ, the old covenant's emphasis on outward signs is superseded by an inward transformation, where faith in Him expresses itself through His very own divine love, making believers new creations in Him ([2 Corinthians 5:17](/2_corinthians/5-17 "2 Corinthians 5:17 - New Creation in Christ")).

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 6:15

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

1 Corinthians 7:19

Circumcision is nothing, and uncircumcision is nothing, but the keeping of the commandments of God.

1 Thessalonians 1:3

Remembering without ceasing your work of faith, and labour of love, and patience of hope in our Lord Jesus Christ, in the sight of God and our Father;

James 2:14

¶ What [doth it] profit, my brethren, though a man say he hath faith, and have not works? can faith save him?

James 2:26

For as the body without the spirit is dead, so faith without works is dead also.

1 Peter 1:8

Whom having not seen, ye love; in whom, though now ye see [him] not, yet believing, ye rejoice with joy unspeakable and full of glory:

1 John 3:14

¶ We know that we have passed from death unto life, because we love the brethren. He that loveth not [his] brother abideth in death.