Galatians Chapter 5 · Verse 6
For in Jesus Christ neither circumcision availeth any thing, nor uncircumcision; but faith which worketh by love.
Original Language Analysis
γὰρ
For
G1063
γὰρ
For
Strong's:
G1063
Word #:
2 of 15
properly, assigning a reason (used in argument, explanation or intensification; often with other particles)
Ἰησοῦ
Jesus
G2424
Ἰησοῦ
Jesus
Strong's:
G2424
Word #:
4 of 15
jesus (i.e., jehoshua), the name of our lord and two (three) other israelites
περιτομή
circumcision
G4061
περιτομή
circumcision
Strong's:
G4061
Word #:
6 of 15
circumcision (the rite, the condition or the people, literally or figuratively)
ἰσχύει
availeth
G2480
ἰσχύει
availeth
Strong's:
G2480
Word #:
8 of 15
to have (or exercise) force (literally or figuratively)
ἀκροβυστία
uncircumcision
G203
ἀκροβυστία
uncircumcision
Strong's:
G203
Word #:
10 of 15
the prepuce; by implication, an uncircumcised (i.e., gentile, figuratively, unregenerate) state or person
ἀλλὰ
but
G235
ἀλλὰ
but
Strong's:
G235
Word #:
11 of 15
properly, other things, i.e., (adverbially) contrariwise (in many relations)
πίστις
faith
G4102
πίστις
faith
Strong's:
G4102
Word #:
12 of 15
persuasion, i.e., credence; moral conviction (of religious truth, or the truthfulness of god or a religious teacher), especially reliance upon christ
δι'
by
G1223
δι'
by
Strong's:
G1223
Word #:
13 of 15
through (in very wide applications, local, causal, or occasional)
Cross References
Galatians 6:15For in Christ Jesus neither circumcision availeth any thing, nor uncircumcision, but a new creature.1 Corinthians 7:19Circumcision is nothing, and uncircumcision is nothing, but the keeping of the commandments of God.1 Thessalonians 1:3Remembering without ceasing your work of faith, and labour of love, and patience of hope in our Lord Jesus Christ, in the sight of God and our Father;2 Corinthians 5:14For the love of Christ constraineth us; because we thus judge, that if one died for all, then were all dead:Galatians 3:28There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither bond nor free, there is neither male nor female: for ye are all one in Christ Jesus.1 Peter 1:8Whom having not seen, ye love; in whom, though now ye see him not, yet believing, ye rejoice with joy unspeakable and full of glory:
Historical Context
This verse summarizes Paul's entire argument: external religious markers (circumcision) are irrelevant; internal spiritual reality (faith expressing itself in love) is everything. The Reformation formula "faith alone" must be understood correctly: faith is the sole instrument of justification, but true faith produces love and obedience. Paul isn't contradicting sola fide but clarifying: genuine faith works through love. Dead, fruitless "faith" isn't saving faith. The Holy Spirit produces both faith and the love that flows from it.
Questions for Reflection
- Is your faith merely intellectual assent, or does it actively work through love toward God and others?
- How do you balance the truth that faith alone justifies with the reality that true faith produces loving works?
- What evidence of faith working through love is visible in your daily life and relationships?
Analysis & Commentary
For in Jesus Christ neither circumcision availeth any thing, nor uncircumcision; but faith which worketh by love. The great equalizer and true requirement. "For in Jesus Christ" (en gar Christō Iēsou, ἐν γὰρ Χριστῷ Ἰησοῦ)—in the sphere of union with Christ. "Neither circumcision availeth any thing, nor uncircumcision" (oute peritomē ti ischyei oute akrobystia)—neither circumcision has power/value, nor uncircumcision. Both are spiritually neutral, indifferent. External religious rituals don't matter for relationship with God.
"But faith which worketh by love" (alla pistis di' agapēs energoumenē, ἀλλὰ πίστις δι' ἀγάπης ἐνεργουμένη)—but faith working/operating through love. Energeō means to work, be effective, be operative. True, saving faith isn't dead orthodoxy but living reality that expresses itself through love (James 2:14-26). This isn't faith plus works as grounds for justification but faith that inevitably produces works as evidence of justification. Love is faith's fruit, not its root. Faith alone justifies, but justifying faith is never alone—it works through love empowered by the Spirit.