Galatians 2:3

Authorized King James Version

But neither Titus, who was with me, being a Greek, was compelled to be circumcised:

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
ἀλλ'
G235
But
properly, other things, i.e., (adverbially) contrariwise (in many relations)
#2
οὐδὲ
G3761
neither
not however, i.e., neither, nor, not even
#3
Τίτος
G5103
Titus
titus, a christian
#4
ὁ
G3588
who
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#5
σὺν
G4862
was with
with or together (but much closer than g3326 or g3844), i.e., by association, companionship, process, resemblance, possession, instrumentality, additi
#6
ἐμοί
G1698
me
to me
#7
Ἕλλην
G1672
a Greek
a hellen (grecian) or inhabitant of hellas; by extension a greek-speaking person, especially a non-jew
#8
ὤν
G5607
being
being
#9
ἠναγκάσθη
G315
was compelled
to necessitate
#10
περιτμηθῆναι·
G4059
to be circumcised
to cut around, i.e., (specially) to circumcise

Analysis

The salvation theme here intersects with the metanarrative of redemption running from Genesis to Revelation. Biblical theology recognizes this as part of a unified storyline from the promise in Genesis 3:15 to its fulfillment in Christ. The phrase emphasizing divine revelation contributes to our systematic understanding of Christian doctrine and connects to the broader scriptural witness about God's saving work from the Exodus to the cross.

Historical Context

This passage must be understood within the political and social structures of the biblical period. The author writes to address believers seeking to understand God's will and purposes, making the emphasis on salvation particularly relevant. Historical documents from this period show cultural practices and social structures that would have been familiar to the original readers, illuminating the verse's original impact.

Questions for Reflection