Galatians 6:13

Authorized King James Version

For neither they themselves who are circumcised keep the law; but desire to have you circumcised, that they may glory in your flesh.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
οὐδὲ
G3761
neither
not however, i.e., neither, nor, not even
#2
γὰρ
G1063
For
properly, assigning a reason (used in argument, explanation or intensification; often with other particles)
#3
οἱ
G3588
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#4
περιτέμνεσθαι
G4059
circumcised
to cut around, i.e., (specially) to circumcise
#5
αὐτοὶ
G846
they themselves
the reflexive pronoun self, used (alone or in the comparative g1438) of the third person, and (with the proper personal pronoun) of the other persons
#6
νόμον
G3551
the law
law (through the idea of prescriptive usage), genitive case (regulation), specially, (of moses (including the volume); also of the gospel), or figurat
#7
φυλάσσουσιν
G5442
keep
to watch, i.e., be on guard (literally of figuratively); by implication, to preserve, obey, avoid
#8
ἀλλὰ
G235
but
properly, other things, i.e., (adverbially) contrariwise (in many relations)
#9
θέλουσιν
G2309
desire
to determine (as an active option from subjective impulse; whereas g1014 properly denotes rather a passive acquiescence in objective considerations),
#10
ὑμᾶς
G5209
you
you (as the objective of a verb or preposition)
#11
περιτέμνεσθαι
G4059
circumcised
to cut around, i.e., (specially) to circumcise
#12
ἵνα
G2443
that
in order that (denoting the purpose or the result)
#13
ἐν
G1722
in
"in," at, (up-)on, by, etc
#14
τῇ
G3588
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#15
ὑμετέρᾳ
G5212
your
yours, i.e., pertaining to you
#16
σαρκὶ
G4561
flesh
flesh (as stripped of the skin), i.e., (strictly) the meat of an animal (as food), or (by extension) the body (as opposed to the soul (or spirit), or
#17
καυχήσωνται
G2744
they may glory
to vaunt (in a good or a bad sense)

Analysis

This verse develops the salvation theme central to Galatians. The concept of glory reflects the development of salvation within biblical theology. The literary structure and word choice here contribute to biblical literature contributing to the canon's theological witness, advancing the author's theological argument. The original language emphasizes careful word choice that would have carried specific theological weight for the original audience, providing deeper understanding of the author's theological intention.

Historical Context

The historical context of the biblical period relevant to this book's composition provides crucial background for understanding this verse. The historical and cultural milieu of the biblical world informed the author's theological expression and the audience's understanding. The the cultural context of the biblical world would have shaped how the original audience understood glory. Archaeological and historical evidence reveals Archaeological discoveries continue to illuminate the historical context of biblical texts.

Questions for Reflection