Galatians Chapter 3 · Verse 27
For as many of you as have been baptized into Christ have put on Christ.
Original Language Analysis
γὰρ
For
G1063
γὰρ
For
Strong's:
G1063
Word #:
2 of 7
properly, assigning a reason (used in argument, explanation or intensification; often with other particles)
εἰς
into
G1519
εἰς
into
Strong's:
G1519
Word #:
3 of 7
to or into (indicating the point reached or entered), of place, time, or (figuratively) purpose (result, etc.); also in adverbial phrases
ἐβαπτίσθητε
have been baptized
G907
ἐβαπτίσθητε
have been baptized
Strong's:
G907
Word #:
5 of 7
to immerse, submerge; to make whelmed (i.e., fully wet); used only (in the new testament) of ceremonial ablution, especially (technically) of the ordi
Cross References
Romans 13:14But put ye on the Lord Jesus Christ, and make not provision for the flesh, to fulfil the lusts thereof.1 Corinthians 12:13For by one Spirit are we all baptized into one body, whether we be Jews or Gentiles, whether we be bond or free; and have been all made to drink into one Spirit.Colossians 3:10And have put on the new man, which is renewed in knowledge after the image of him that created him:Ephesians 4:24And that ye put on the new man, which after God is created in righteousness and true holiness.Acts 2:38Then Peter said unto them, Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost.1 Peter 3:21The like figure whereunto even baptism doth also now save us (not the putting away of the filth of the flesh, but the answer of a good conscience toward God,) by the resurrection of Jesus Christ:Isaiah 61:10I will greatly rejoice in the LORD, my soul shall be joyful in my God; for he hath clothed me with the garments of salvation, he hath covered me with the robe of righteousness, as a bridegroom decketh himself with ornaments, and as a bride adorneth herself with her jewels.Acts 16:15And when she was baptized, and her household, she besought us, saying, If ye have judged me to be faithful to the Lord, come into my house, and abide there. And she constrained us.Job 29:14I put on righteousness, and it clothed me: my judgment was as a robe and a diadem.Acts 8:16(For as yet he was fallen upon none of them: only they were baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus.)
Historical Context
Baptism was the initiatory rite marking conversion to Christ in the apostolic church (Acts 2:38, 41; 8:12-13, 36-38; 9:18; 10:47-48; 16:15, 33; 18:8; 19:5). Baptism signified repentance, faith, union with Christ, forgiveness of sins, and reception of the Holy Spirit. The imagery of 'putting on Christ' may allude to the practice of new converts wearing white garments after baptism (symbolizing purity and new identity), a practice attested in early church writings. Baptism replaced circumcision as the covenant sign, marking believers as belonging to Christ (Colossians 2:11-12).
Questions for Reflection
- What does it mean to be 'baptized into Christ'? How does baptism signify and seal union with Christ in His death and resurrection?
- How does 'putting on Christ' (being clothed with His righteousness and identity) replace the Judaizers' insistence on 'putting on' circumcision?
- In what practical ways should your baptismal identity (clothed with Christ, united to Him) shape your daily life and self-understanding?
Analysis & Commentary
For as many of you as have been baptized into Christ have put on Christ. Paul grounds verse 26's sonship claim in the baptismal reality: 'as many of you as have been baptized into Christ' (hosoi gar eis Christon ebaptisthēte, ὅσοι γὰρ εἰς Χριστὸν ἐβαπτίσθητε). The aorist passive 'have been baptized' (ebaptisthēte, ἐβαπτίσθητε) points to the definitive moment of conversion when believers were baptized 'into Christ' (eis Christon, εἰς Χριστόν)—into union with Him. Whether Paul primarily means water baptism or Spirit baptism (1 Corinthians 12:13), the two are inseparable in New Testament thought: baptism signifies and seals union with Christ.
The result: 'have put on Christ' (Christon enedysasthe, Χριστὸν ἐνεδύσασθε). The verb endyō (ἐνδύω) means 'to clothe oneself, to put on'—the same verb used for putting on garments. The aorist middle voice indicates a completed action with personal involvement: you clothed yourselves with Christ (though God enabled it). This imagery evokes several associations:
To 'put on Christ' means to be clothed with His righteousness, to be identified with Him, to have one's identity found in Him.
Baptism into Christ signifies union with Christ in His death, burial, and resurrection (Romans 6:3-4), resulting in new identity. The Judaizers wanted Gentiles to 'put on' circumcision; Paul insists they've already 'put on' Christ—nothing more is needed.