Galatians 6:15

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

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}.

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

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

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

Commentary on Galatians 6:15 (KJV)

Galatians 6:15 succinctly summarizes a core theological truth central to Paul's epistle: that salvation and spiritual standing before God are not determined by outward religious observances or ethnic markers, but by an inward, transformative work of the Holy Spirit.

Context

This verse comes at the conclusion of Paul's letter to the churches in Galatia, a region in Asia Minor. The primary issue Paul addresses throughout this epistle is the encroachment of "Judaizers"—individuals who taught that Gentile Christians must be circumcised and adhere to aspects of the Mosaic Law in addition to faith in Christ to be truly saved. Paul vehemently opposes this teaching, arguing for justification by faith alone. Verse 15 follows Paul's strong declaration in Galatians 6:14, where he states that he glories only in the cross of Christ, through which the world has been crucified to him and he to the world. This sets the stage for the irrelevance of external distinctions.

Key Themes

  • Irrelevance of External Rituals: Paul makes it unequivocally clear that neither circumcision (the physical sign of the Old Covenant, heavily emphasized by the Judaizers) nor uncircumcision (the Gentile status) holds any spiritual value or advantage in "Christ Jesus." This theme is consistent with Paul's teachings elsewhere, such as in Galatians 5:6, where he states that "neither circumcision availeth any thing, nor uncircumcision; but faith which worketh by love."
  • The Primacy of Inward Transformation: The crucial element is "a new creature." This signifies a radical, spiritual rebirth and transformation of one's inner being. It's not about what one does externally or what lineage one belongs to, but about who one has become internally through faith in Christ. This spiritual renewal is the true mark of a believer.
  • Grace Over Law: The verse powerfully reinforces the message of salvation by grace through faith, rather than by works of the law. It underscores that God's plan for humanity is not based on adherence to a legal code, but on a spiritual change wrought by His Spirit.

Linguistic Insights

The phrase "a new creature" translates the Greek words kainē ktisis (καινη κτισις).

  • Kainē (καινη): This word means "new" in the sense of fresh, unprecedented, or of a different kind, not merely new in time (which would be neos). It implies a qualitative newness, a spiritual renovation.
  • Ktisis (κτισις): This refers to "creation" or "creature." When combined with kainē, it powerfully conveys the idea of a completely new creation, a being fundamentally transformed by divine power. This concept is beautifully echoed in 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."

Practical Application

Galatians 6:15 remains profoundly relevant for believers today. It calls us to focus on the heart of the Gospel:

  • Beyond Externalities: It challenges us to look past outward forms of religiosity, denominational affiliations, or cultural practices that might be mistaken for true spirituality. What truly matters is a genuine relationship with Christ and the inner change He brings.
  • Emphasis on Spiritual Transformation: The verse reminds us that Christianity is not merely about adhering to a set of rules or traditions, but about being radically transformed by God. This transformation affects our desires, our character, and our purpose, reflecting the life of Christ within us. It is the renewing of the mind and the heart.
  • Unity in Christ: It promotes unity among believers by dissolving distinctions based on background, ethnicity, or religious heritage. In Christ, all who are "new creatures" are one, regardless of what external marks they bear or do not bear.

Ultimately, Galatians 6:15 directs our attention to the essential work of God in creating a new spiritual identity within us, which is the only thing that truly "availeth" for eternity.

Note: Commentary was generated by an advanced AI, utilizing a prompt that emphasized Biblical fidelity over bias. We've found these insights to be consistently reliable, yet we always encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

  • 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:

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