Galatians 2:13
And the other Jews dissembled likewise with him; insomuch that Barnabas also was carried away with their dissimulation.
Original Language Analysis
καὶ
And
G2532
καὶ
And
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
1 of 14
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
αὐτῶν
with him
G846
αὐτῶν
with him
Strong's:
G846
Word #:
3 of 14
the reflexive pronoun self, used (alone or in the comparative g1438) of the third person, and (with the proper personal pronoun) of the other persons
καὶ
And
G2532
καὶ
And
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
4 of 14
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
οἱ
G3588
οἱ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
5 of 14
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
ὥστε
insomuch
G5620
ὥστε
insomuch
Strong's:
G5620
Word #:
8 of 14
so too, i.e., thus therefore (in various relations of consecution, as follow)
καὶ
And
G2532
καὶ
And
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
9 of 14
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
Βαρναβᾶς
that Barnabas
G921
Βαρναβᾶς
that Barnabas
Strong's:
G921
Word #:
10 of 14
son of nabas (i.e., prophecy); barnabas, an israelite
συναπήχθη
was carried away
G4879
συναπήχθη
was carried away
Strong's:
G4879
Word #:
11 of 14
to take off together, i.e., transport with (seduce, passively, yield)
αὐτῶν
with him
G846
αὐτῶν
with him
Strong's:
G846
Word #:
12 of 14
the reflexive pronoun self, used (alone or in the comparative g1438) of the third person, and (with the proper personal pronoun) of the other persons
Cross References
1 Corinthians 15:33Be not deceived: evil communications corrupt good manners.Ephesians 4:14That we henceforth be no more children, tossed to and fro, and carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the sleight of men, and cunning craftiness, whereby they lie in wait to deceive;Hebrews 13:9Be not carried about with divers and strange doctrines. For it is a good thing that the heart be established with grace; not with meats, which have not profited them that have been occupied therein.Acts 4:36And Joses, who by the apostles was surnamed Barnabas, (which is, being interpreted, The son of consolation,) a Levite, and of the country of Cyprus,Ecclesiastes 10:1Dead flies cause the ointment of the apothecary to send forth a stinking savour: so doth a little folly him that is in reputation for wisdom and honour.1 Corinthians 8:9But take heed lest by any means this liberty of your's become a stumblingblock to them that are weak.1 Corinthians 5:6Your glorying is not good. Know ye not that a little leaven leaveneth the whole lump?
Historical Context
Antioch's church had pioneered Gentile-Jewish unity, sending out the first missionary journey (Acts 13:1-3) and modeling integrated fellowship. Peter's withdrawal and the subsequent mass defection by Jewish Christians threatened to destroy this unity, creating separate Jewish and Gentile congregations. Such division would have invalidated Paul's entire Gentile mission and suggested the cross failed to create one new humanity in Christ (Ephesians 2:15).
Questions for Reflection
- How does the sinful example of respected leaders exponentially multiply temptation for others?
- What does Barnabas's capitulation teach about the danger of people-pleasing even among mature believers?
- In what church contexts might you be participating in subtle forms of segregation that contradict gospel unity?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
And the other Jews dissembled likewise with him; insomuch that Barnabas also was carried away with their dissimulation. The verb synypekrithēsan (συνυπεκρίθησαν, "joined in hypocrisy") uses the compound hypokrinomai (ὑποκρίνομαι, "to play-act, pretend")—the same word for actors wearing masks. Hoi loipoi Ioudaioi (οἱ λοιποὶ Ἰουδαῖοι, "the rest of the Jews") indicates Peter's influence spread—other Jewish believers followed his example in withdrawing from Gentile fellowship.
Most shocking: hōste kai Barnabas synapēchthē autōn tē hypokrisei (ὥστε καὶ Βαρναβᾶς συναπήχθη αὐτῶν τῇ ὑποκρίσει, "so that even Barnabas was carried away with their hypocrisy"). The intensive kai Barnabas (καὶ Βαρναβᾶς, "even Barnabas") emphasizes the tragedy—Barnabas, Paul's longtime ministry partner who had defended Gentile freedom at the Jerusalem Council, was swept along (synapagō, συναπάγω, "to lead away together"). The dative tē hypokrisei (τῇ ὑποκρίσει) identifies the instrument of their being carried away: hypokrisis (ὑπόκρισις, "hypocrisy, play-acting").
This verse reveals sin's contagious nature and leadership's amplified influence. One apostle's fear-driven compromise infected the entire Jewish Christian community, even ensnaring Paul's closest partner. When leaders model gospel-contradicting behavior, the damage multiplies exponentially through those who follow their example rather than their doctrine.