Galatians 6:15

Authorized King James Version

For in Christ Jesus neither circumcision availeth any thing, nor uncircumcision, but a new creature.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
ἐν
G1722
in
"in," at, (up-)on, by, etc
#2
γὰρ
G1063
For
properly, assigning a reason (used in argument, explanation or intensification; often with other particles)
#3
Χριστῷ
G5547
Christ
anointed, i.e., the messiah, an epithet of jesus
#4
Ἰησοῦ
G2424
Jesus
jesus (i.e., jehoshua), the name of our lord and two (three) other israelites
#5
οὔτε
G3777
neither
not too, i.e., neither or nor; by analogy, not even
#6
περιτομή
G4061
circumcision
circumcision (the rite, the condition or the people, literally or figuratively)
#7
τί
G5100
any thing
some or any person or object
#8
ἰσχύει,
G2480
availeth
to have (or exercise) force (literally or figuratively)
#9
οὔτε
G3777
neither
not too, i.e., neither or nor; by analogy, not even
#10
ἀκροβυστία
G203
uncircumcision
the prepuce; by implication, an uncircumcised (i.e., gentile, figuratively, unregenerate) state or person
#11
ἀλλὰ
G235
but
properly, other things, i.e., (adverbially) contrariwise (in many relations)
#12
καινὴ
G2537
a new
new (especially in freshness; while g3501 is properly so with respect to age
#13
κτίσις
G2937
creature
original formation (properly, the act; by implication, the thing, literally or figuratively)

Analysis

The salvation theme here intersects with the metanarrative of redemption running from Genesis to Revelation. Biblical theology recognizes this as part of a unified storyline from the promise in Genesis 3:15 to its fulfillment in Christ. The phrase emphasizing divine revelation contributes to our systematic understanding of Christian doctrine and connects to the broader scriptural witness about God's saving work from the Exodus to the cross.

Historical Context

The literary and historical milieu of the literary conventions and historical circumstances of biblical literature shapes this text's meaning. The historical development of salvation within the theological tradition of Galatians Understanding the ancient worldview that shaped the author's theological expression helps modern readers appreciate why the author emphasizes divine revelation in this particular way.

Questions for Reflection