Galatians Chapter 5 · Verse 1

Authorized King James Version

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Stand fast therefore in the liberty wherewith Christ hath made us free, and be not entangled again with the yoke of bondage.

Original Language Analysis

τῇ G3588
τῇ
Strong's: G3588
Word #: 1 of 14
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
ἐλευθερίᾳ in the liberty G1657
ἐλευθερίᾳ in the liberty
Strong's: G1657
Word #: 2 of 14
freedom (legitimate or licentious, chiefly moral or ceremonial)
οὖν therefore G3767
οὖν therefore
Strong's: G3767
Word #: 3 of 14
(adverbially) certainly, or (conjunctionally) accordingly
ᾖ wherewith G3739
ᾖ wherewith
Strong's: G3739
Word #: 4 of 14
the relatively (sometimes demonstrative) pronoun, who, which, what, that
Χριστὸς Christ G5547
Χριστὸς Christ
Strong's: G5547
Word #: 5 of 14
anointed, i.e., the messiah, an epithet of jesus
ἡμᾶς us G2248
ἡμᾶς us
Strong's: G2248
Word #: 6 of 14
us
ἠλευθέρωσεν· free G1659
ἠλευθέρωσεν· free
Strong's: G1659
Word #: 7 of 14
to liberate, i.e., (figuratively) to exempt (from moral, ceremonial or mortal liability)
στήκετε Stand fast G4739
στήκετε Stand fast
Strong's: G4739
Word #: 8 of 14
to be stationary, i.e., (figuratively) to persevere
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
μὴ not G3361
μὴ not
Strong's: G3361
Word #: 10 of 14
(adverb) not, (conjunction) lest; also (as an interrogative implying a negative answer (whereas g3756 expects an affirmative one)) whether
πάλιν again G3825
πάλιν again
Strong's: G3825
Word #: 11 of 14
(adverbially) anew, i.e., (of place) back, (of time) once more, or (conjunctionally) furthermore or on the other hand
ζυγῷ with the yoke G2218
ζυγῷ with the yoke
Strong's: G2218
Word #: 12 of 14
a coupling, i.e., (figuratively) servitude (a law or obligation); also (literally) the beam of the balance (as connecting the scales)
δουλείας of bondage G1397
δουλείας of bondage
Strong's: G1397
Word #: 13 of 14
slavery (ceremonially or figuratively)
ἐνέχεσθε be G1758
ἐνέχεσθε be
Strong's: G1758
Word #: 14 of 14
to hold in or upon, i.e., ensnare; by implication, to keep a grudge

Analysis & Commentary

Stand fast therefore in the liberty wherewith Christ hath made us free, and be not entangled again with the yoke of bondage. Paul's battle cry for freedom! "Stand fast" (tē eleutheria hēmin Christos ēleutherōsen; stēkete)—literally "For freedom Christ set us free; stand firm!" Stēkō (στήκω) is military term: hold your ground, don't retreat. "In the liberty wherewith Christ hath made us free" emphasizes that Christ accomplished our liberation. Eleutheria (ἐλευθερία) is freedom, liberty from slavery. Christ freed us from law's condemnation, sin's mastery, death's terror, Satan's dominion.

"And be not entangled again" (kai mē palin zygō douleias enechesthe, καὶ μὴ πάλιν ζυγῷ δουλείας ἐνέχεσθε)—don't be held fast again, don't be ensnared. "With the yoke of bondage" uses zygos (ζυγός), the wooden yoke on oxen for plowing—symbol of heavy burden and slavery. Peter called the law "a yoke...which neither our fathers nor we were able to bear" (Acts 15:10). To embrace law-righteousness after experiencing grace-liberation is to voluntarily re-enslave yourself. Paul commands: resist! Stand firm in Christ-won freedom!

Historical Context

This verse became Reformation battle cry and remains controversial. Luther's commentary on Galatians sparked his breakthrough understanding of justification by faith alone. "Christian liberty" has been misunderstood as license (addressed in 5:13), but Paul means freedom from law as grounds of acceptance with God. Believers aren't under law's condemnation or obligation to keep it for righteousness. This freed Protestant conscience from medieval penitential system while challenging cheap grace and antinomianism.

Questions for Reflection