Galatians 6:15

KJV

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

KJV (with Strong's)

For {G1063} in {G1722} Christ {G5547} Jesus {G2424} neither {G3777} circumcision {G4061} availeth {G2480} any thing {G5100}, nor {G3777} uncircumcision {G203}, but {G235} a new {G2537} creature {G2937}.

Complete Jewish Bible

For neither being circumcised nor being uncircumcised matters; what matters is being a new creation.

Berean Standard Bible

For neither circumcision nor uncircumcision means anything. What counts is a new creation.

American Standard Version

For neither is circumcision anything, nor uncircumcision, but a new creature.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Galatians 6:15 encapsulates a foundational truth of the New Covenant: spiritual standing and acceptance before God are not determined by external religious markers or ethnic distinctions, such as circumcision or uncircumcision. Instead, the sole criterion for genuine belonging and spiritual efficacy in Christ Jesus is the radical, divine transformation into a "new creature," signifying an inward, qualitative renewal of one's entire being by the power of God.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse serves as a powerful summary statement near the conclusion of Paul's letter to the Galatian churches. It immediately follows Paul's profound declaration in [Galatians 6:14](/galatians/6-14 "Galatians 6:14 - Glorying in the Cross"), where he asserts that his only boast is in the cross of Jesus Christ, through which he has been crucified to the world and the world to him. This preceding verse establishes the radical reorientation of values and identity that occurs in Christ, setting the stage for the irrelevance of external distinctions like circumcision. The broader context of [Galatians](/galatians/1 "The Book of Galatians - Justification by Faith") is Paul's fervent defense of justification by faith alone against the "Judaizers," who insisted that Gentile converts must adopt Jewish customs, particularly circumcision, to be truly saved. Galatians 6:15 thus functions as a climactic theological pronouncement, distilling the core message of the entire epistle.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Circumcision was the covenant sign given to Abraham and his descendants, marking them as God's chosen people ([Genesis 17:9-14](/genesis/17-9-14 "Genesis 17:9-14 - The Covenant of Circumcision")). By the time of the New Testament, it had become a deeply ingrained and highly revered symbol of Jewish identity, righteousness, and separation from the Gentiles. The "Judaizers" were Jewish Christians who believed that Gentile converts needed to be circumcised and observe the Mosaic Law to be full members of God's people and to truly inherit salvation. This teaching directly contradicted Paul's gospel of grace through faith. For Gentiles, "uncircumcision" represented their outsider status, their lack of covenant relationship with God according to Jewish understanding. Paul's statement in [Galatians 6:15](/galatians/6-15 "Galatians 6:15 - New Creation in Christ") directly challenges these deeply held cultural and religious assumptions, asserting that in the new era inaugurated by Christ, these physical markers are utterly devoid of spiritual value.
* **Key Themes:** Galatians 6:15 powerfully contributes to several overarching themes in Paul's theology and the book of Galatians. Primarily, it underscores the theme of **Justification by Faith Alone**, emphasizing that salvation is not earned through human works or adherence to ritual law, but is a gift received through faith in Christ. It highlights the **Irrelevance of External Rituals** for salvation and spiritual standing, dismantling the notion that physical acts or ethnic identity could commend one to God. Most significantly, it introduces and champions the theme of **New Creation (or New Creature)**, positing that true transformation in Christ involves a radical, internal, spiritual rebirth that transcends all previous human distinctions. This "new creature" concept is central to understanding the nature of Christian identity and the transformative power of the Gospel, as seen in passages like [2 Corinthians 5:17](/2_corinthians/5-17 "2 Corinthians 5:17 - New Creation in Christ"). The verse also implicitly reinforces the theme of **Grace Over Law**, demonstrating that God's redemptive plan operates on the basis of His unmerited favor rather than human achievement.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **availeth (Greek, _ischýō'_):** This word means "to have (or exercise) force," "to be able," "to be of strength," or "to prevail." In this context, Paul uses it to emphatically declare that neither circumcision nor uncircumcision possesses any spiritual efficacy, power, or advantage in the context of salvation or one's standing before God in Christ. They are utterly powerless to contribute to or detract from one's spiritual condition.
* **new (Greek, _kainós'_):** This adjective signifies "new" in a qualitative sense, referring to something fresh, unprecedented, or of a different kind, rather than merely new in terms of time (for which the Greek word _néos_ would be used). When applied to "creature," it implies a radical, qualitative renovation and spiritual transformation, indicating a fundamental change in nature and character, not just a chronological update.
* **creature (Greek, _ktísis'_):** Derived from the verb "to create," this noun refers to "original formation," "the act of creation," or "the thing created." In conjunction with _kainós_, it powerfully conveys the idea of a completely new creation, a being fundamentally re-formed and transformed by divine power. It speaks to a radical re-genesis of the individual, not merely a modification of the old self.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"For in Christ Jesus":** This opening phrase establishes the sphere or realm in which the subsequent truth operates. It signifies that this principle is true only within the context of a saving relationship with Jesus Christ, where His finished work is the foundation. It is a statement about the reality of the New Covenant inaugurated by Christ.
* **"neither circumcision availeth any thing, nor uncircumcision":** This clause directly addresses the core controversy in Galatia. Paul asserts that the physical act of circumcision, so central to Jewish identity and the Judaizers' message, holds no spiritual value or advantage for salvation. Likewise, the state of uncircumcision (being a Gentile) offers no disadvantage. Both external statuses are rendered spiritually null and void in the economy of Christ's salvation.
* **"but a new creature":** This is the emphatic contrast and the positive declaration of what truly matters. Instead of external markers, what "availeth" is a radical, internal transformation. To be a "new creature" signifies a spiritual rebirth, a fundamental re-creation of one's inner being by God's Spirit. This new identity, characterized by a renewed heart, mind, and purpose, is the sole distinguishing mark of those who truly belong to Christ.

#### Literary Devices
Paul employs several potent literary devices in [Galatians 6:15](/galatians/6-15 "Galatians 6:15 - New Creation in Christ") to convey his message with clarity and force. The most prominent is **Antithesis**, where he sets up a direct opposition between "circumcision" and "uncircumcision" as things that "avail nothing," contrasting them sharply with "a new creature" as the sole thing that truly matters. This stark contrast highlights the radical shift from external, human-made distinctions to internal, divinely-wrought transformation. Furthermore, the phrase "a new creature" functions as a powerful **Metaphor** for spiritual regeneration. It's not a literal new biological entity, but a profound spiritual reality that likens the believer's transformation to an act of divine creation, akin to God's original work in Genesis. This metaphor emphasizes the comprehensive and supernatural nature of the change. Finally, the concise and declarative nature of the verse, especially with the use of "but" (_allá_), lends it an air of **Emphasis**, drawing the reader's attention directly to the pivotal truth of the new creation as the ultimate criterion.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Galatians 6:15 is a theological cornerstone, underscoring the radical discontinuity between the Old Covenant's emphasis on external markers and the New Covenant's focus on internal, spiritual transformation. It declares that God's saving work in Christ transcends all human distinctions—ethnic, social, or religious—and establishes a new basis for belonging: a spiritual rebirth that re-creates the individual at their core. This "new creature" is not merely an improved version of the old self but a fundamentally re-oriented being, living under the reign of grace rather than the law. This concept profoundly shapes our understanding of Christian identity, unity, and the nature of true righteousness, shifting the focus from human effort and lineage to divine initiative and radical spiritual renewal.

* [2 Corinthians 5:17](/2_corinthians/5-17 "The New Creation in Christ")
* [Romans 2:28-29](/romans/2-28-29 "Romans 2:28-29 - True Circumcision of the Heart")
* [Colossians 3:10-11](/colossians/3-10-11 "Colossians 3:10-11 - Putting on the New Self")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Galatians 6:15 provides a timeless and profoundly liberating truth for believers today, urging us to look beyond superficial religious practices and external affiliations to the heart of what truly defines a follower of Christ. In a world often preoccupied with outward appearances, denominational labels, or cultural traditions, this verse calls us back to the essential: a genuine, Spirit-wrought transformation of our inner being. It challenges us to examine whether our faith is merely a set of rules we adhere to or a vibrant, living relationship with Christ that has fundamentally reshaped who we are. The call to be a "new creature" means that our desires, motivations, values, and actions should increasingly reflect the character of Christ, demonstrating that we are indeed "born again" not of human will, but of God ([John 1:13](/john/1-13 "John 1:13 - Born of God")). This transformation fosters unity within the body of Christ, reminding us that our shared identity in Him transcends all earthly distinctions, whether they be race, gender, socio-economic status, or even our specific church traditions.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of my life do I tend to rely on external markers or human efforts rather than God's transformative work?**
* **What does it practically mean for me to live as a "new creature" in my daily interactions and decisions?**
* **How can the truth of "a new creature" foster greater unity and diminish divisions within my local church or the broader Christian community?**
* **Am I prioritizing internal spiritual renewal over outward religious performance?**

### FAQ
**What does Paul mean by "availeth any thing" in Galatians 6:15?**

Answer: When Paul states that "neither circumcision availeth any thing, nor uncircumcision," he is asserting that these external conditions or religious practices have no spiritual power, efficacy, or advantage whatsoever in the context of salvation or one's standing before God. The Greek word translated "availeth" (_ischýō_) means to "have force" or "be strong." Paul's point is that in the new covenant reality established by Christ, God no longer evaluates individuals based on their adherence to ritual law or their ethnic background. These things are spiritually null and void; they cannot contribute to or detract from one's righteousness or acceptance with God. The only thing that truly "avails" or has spiritual force is the internal transformation into a "new creature," which is a work of God's grace through faith in Jesus Christ ([Galatians 5:6](/galatians/5-6 "Galatians 5:6 - Faith Working Through Love") also makes a similar point, emphasizing "faith which worketh by love").

**What is a "new creature" and how does one become one?**

Answer: A "new creature" (_kainē ktísis_ in Greek) refers to a radical, spiritual transformation of an individual, akin to a new act of creation by God. It signifies a complete renewal of one's inner being, where old ways of thinking, desiring, and living are replaced by new ones aligned with God's will. This is not merely an improvement of the old self but a fundamental re-genesis, a spiritual rebirth. One becomes a "new creature" through faith in Jesus Christ, as the Holy Spirit regenerates the heart and mind. This concept is beautifully articulated in [2 Corinthians 5:17](/2_corinthians/5-17 "2 Corinthians 5:17 - New Creation in Christ"): "Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new." It is a work of divine grace, not human effort, and it marks the true beginning of a life lived in union with Christ.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Galatians 6:15 finds its profound Christ-centered fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus, for it is "in Christ Jesus" that the old distinctions lose their power and the new creation becomes a reality. Christ's perfect life, atoning death on the cross, and glorious resurrection are the very means by which this radical transformation is made possible. He is the template for this "new creature," the firstborn of a new humanity ([Colossians 1:15](/colossians/1-15 "Colossians 1:15 - Christ, the Image of the Invisible God")). Through His sacrifice, Christ has rendered the Old Covenant system, with its emphasis on external rituals like circumcision, obsolete as a means of righteousness, ushering in a New Covenant based on grace and an internal work of the Spirit ([Hebrews 8:6-13](/hebrews/8-6-13 "Hebrews 8:6-13 - The New Covenant")). When we are united with Christ by faith, we participate in His death to the old self and His resurrection to a new life ([Romans 6:3-11](/romans/6-3-11 "Romans 6:3-11 - Dead to Sin, Alive in Christ")). Thus, the "new creature" is not merely a theological concept but a living reality forged in union with the resurrected Christ, whose Spirit indwells believers, empowering them to walk in newness of life and bear the fruit of righteousness ([Galatians 5:22-23](/galatians/5-22-23 "Galatians 5:22-23 - The Fruit of the Spirit")). The ultimate "avail" is found not in human performance, but in Christ's finished work, which creates a people transformed from within, reflecting His glory.

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

2 Corinthians 5:17

Therefore if any man [be] in Christ, [he is] a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new.

Colossians 3:10

And have put on the new [man], which is renewed in knowledge after the image of him that created him:

Colossians 3:11

Where there is neither Greek nor Jew, circumcision nor uncircumcision, Barbarian, Scythian, bond [nor] free: but Christ [is] all, and in all.

Ephesians 4:24

And that ye put on the new man, which after God is created in righteousness and true holiness.

Galatians 5:6

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

Ephesians 2:10

For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them.

Romans 2:28

For he is not a Jew, which is one outwardly; neither [is that] circumcision, which is outward in the flesh: