Galatians Chapter 5 · Verse 11
And I, brethren, if I yet preach circumcision, why do I yet suffer persecution? then is the offence of the cross ceased.
Original Language Analysis
ἀδελφοί
brethren
G80
ἀδελφοί
brethren
Strong's:
G80
Word #:
3 of 16
a brother (literally or figuratively) near or remote (much like g0001)
περιτομὴν
circumcision
G4061
περιτομὴν
circumcision
Strong's:
G4061
Word #:
5 of 16
circumcision (the rite, the condition or the people, literally or figuratively)
κηρύσσω
I
G2784
κηρύσσω
I
Strong's:
G2784
Word #:
7 of 16
to herald (as a public crier), especially divine truth (the gospel)
τί
why
G5101
τί
why
Strong's:
G5101
Word #:
8 of 16
an interrogative pronoun, who, which or what (in direct or indirect questions)
διώκομαι
do I
G1377
διώκομαι
do I
Strong's:
G1377
Word #:
10 of 16
compare the base of g1169 and g1249); to pursue (literally or figuratively); by implication, to persecute
ἄρα
then
G686
ἄρα
then
Strong's:
G686
Word #:
11 of 16
a particle denoting an inference more or less decisive (as follows)
κατήργηται
ceased
G2673
κατήργηται
ceased
Strong's:
G2673
Word #:
12 of 16
to be (render) entirely idle (useless), literally or figuratively
τὸ
G3588
τὸ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
13 of 16
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
σκάνδαλον
the offence
G4625
σκάνδαλον
the offence
Strong's:
G4625
Word #:
14 of 16
a trap-stick (bent sapling), i.e., snare (figuratively, cause of displeasure or sin)
Cross References
1 Corinthians 1:23But we preach Christ crucified, unto the Jews a stumblingblock, and unto the Greeks foolishness;Galatians 6:12As many as desire to make a fair shew in the flesh, they constrain you to be circumcised; only lest they should suffer persecution for the cross of Christ.Galatians 4:29But as then he that was born after the flesh persecuted him that was born after the Spirit, even so it is now.Acts 21:21And they are informed of thee, that thou teachest all the Jews which are among the Gentiles to forsake Moses, saying that they ought not to circumcise their children, neither to walk after the customs.1 Corinthians 15:30And why stand we in jeopardy every hour?Galatians 2:3But neither Titus, who was with me, being a Greek, was compelled to be circumcised:
Historical Context
Paul faced constant persecution from Jews offended by his gospel of grace apart from law (Acts 13:45, 14:19, 17:5, 2 Corinthians 11:24-26). If he'd compromised by requiring circumcision, Jewish opposition would have ceased—they'd see him as bringing Gentiles into proper Torah observance. His persecution proved gospel integrity. The cross remains offensive: it humbles human pride, declares works useless, credits all to God. Any gospel that doesn't offend human pride probably isn't the biblical gospel. Comfortable, popular Christianity usually involves compromise.
Questions for Reflection
- Does your presentation of the gospel retain the 'offense of the cross'—that human righteousness is worthless and salvation is entirely God's work?
- How do you recognize when you've compromised the gospel to make it more palatable or avoid opposition?
- What persecution or opposition do you face for holding to the biblical gospel without compromise?
Analysis & Commentary
And I, brethren, if I yet preach circumcision, why do I yet suffer persecution? then is the offence of the cross ceased. Paul addresses false claim. "And I, brethren" (egō de, adelphoi, ἐγὼ δέ, ἀδελφοί)—as for me, brothers. "If I yet preach circumcision" (ei peritomēn eti kēryssō)—if I still proclaim circumcision as necessary. Apparently the Judaizers claimed Paul taught circumcision when among Jews, only omitting it with Gentiles—convenient inconsistency. Paul denies this: if I preached circumcision for righteousness, persecution would cease!
"Why do I yet suffer persecution?" (ti eti diōkomai, τί ἔτι διώκομαι)—why am I still being persecuted? Present tense: ongoing persecution. His suffering proved he didn't preach circumcision. "Then is the offence of the cross ceased" (ara katērgētai to skandalon tou staurou, ἄρα κατήργηται τὸ σκάνδαλον τοῦ σταυροῦ)—then the stumbling block of the cross is removed. Skandalon (σκάνδαλον) is offense, stumbling block. The cross offends because it declares human righteousness worthless—salvation is entirely God's work. Adding circumcision removes this offense, making salvation partly human achievement. Paul won't compromise to avoid persecution.