King James Version

What Does Galatians 2:13 Mean?

Galatians 2:13 in the King James Version says “And the other Jews dissembled likewise with him; insomuch that Barnabas also was carried away with their dissimulation.” — study this verse from Galatians chapter 2 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

“And the other Jews dissembled likewise with him; insomuch that Barnabas also was carried away with their dissimulation.”

Galatians 2:13 · KJV

Context

11

But when Peter was come to Antioch, I withstood him to the face, because he was to be blamed.

12

For before that certain came from James, he did eat with the Gentiles: but when they were come, he withdrew and separated himself, fearing them which were of the circumcision.

13

And the other Jews dissembled likewise with him; insomuch that Barnabas also was carried away with their dissimulation.

14

But when I saw that they walked not uprightly according to the truth of the gospel, I said unto Peter before them all, If thou, being a Jew, livest after the manner of Gentiles, and not as do the Jews, why compellest thou the Gentiles to live as do the Jews?

15

We who are Jews by nature, and not sinners of the Gentiles,

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Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
And the other Jews dissembled likewise with him; insomuch that Barnabas also was carried away with their dissimulation. The verb synypekrithēsan (συνυπεκρίθησαν, "joined in hypocrisy") uses the compound hypokrinomai (ὑποκρίνομαι, "to play-act, pretend")—the same word for actors wearing masks. Hoi loipoi Ioudaioi (οἱ λοιποὶ Ἰουδαῖοι, "the rest of the Jews") indicates Peter's influence spread—other Jewish believers followed his example in withdrawing from Gentile fellowship.

Most shocking: hōste kai Barnabas synapēchthē autōn tē hypokrisei (ὥστε καὶ Βαρναβᾶς συναπήχθη αὐτῶν τῇ ὑποκρίσει, "so that even Barnabas was carried away with their hypocrisy"). The intensive kai Barnabas (καὶ Βαρναβᾶς, "even Barnabas") emphasizes the tragedy—Barnabas, Paul's longtime ministry partner who had defended Gentile freedom at the Jerusalem Council, was swept along (synapagō, συναπάγω, "to lead away together"). The dative tē hypokrisei (τῇ ὑποκρίσει) identifies the instrument of their being carried away: hypokrisis (ὑπόκρισις, "hypocrisy, play-acting").

This verse reveals sin's contagious nature and leadership's amplified influence. One apostle's fear-driven compromise infected the entire Jewish Christian community, even ensnaring Paul's closest partner. When leaders model gospel-contradicting behavior, the damage multiplies exponentially through those who follow their example rather than their doctrine.

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Historical & Cultural Context

Antioch's church had pioneered Gentile-Jewish unity, sending out the first missionary journey (Acts 13:1-3) and modeling integrated fellowship. Peter's withdrawal and the subsequent mass defection by Jewish Christians threatened to destroy this unity, creating separate Jewish and Gentile congregations. Such division would have invalidated Paul's entire Gentile mission and suggested the cross failed to create one new humanity in Christ (Ephesians 2:15).

Reflection Questions

  1. How does the sinful example of respected leaders exponentially multiply temptation for others?
  2. What does Barnabas's capitulation teach about the danger of people-pleasing even among mature believers?
  3. In what church contexts might you be participating in subtle forms of segregation that contradict gospel unity?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 14 words
καὶ1 of 14

“And”

G2532

and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words

συνυπεκρίθησαν2 of 14

“dissembled”

G4942

to act hypocritically in concert with

αὐτῶν3 of 14

“with him”

G846

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

καὶ4 of 14

“And”

G2532

and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words

οἱ5 of 14
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

λοιποὶ6 of 14

“the other”

G3062

remaining ones

Ἰουδαῖοι7 of 14

“Jews”

G2453

judaean, i.e., belonging to jehudah

ὥστε8 of 14

“insomuch”

G5620

so too, i.e., thus therefore (in various relations of consecution, as follow)

καὶ9 of 14

“And”

G2532

and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words

Βαρναβᾶς10 of 14

“that Barnabas”

G921

son of nabas (i.e., prophecy); barnabas, an israelite

συναπήχθη11 of 14

“was carried away”

G4879

to take off together, i.e., transport with (seduce, passively, yield)

αὐτῶν12 of 14

“with him”

G846

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

τῇ13 of 14
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

ὑποκρίσει14 of 14

“dissimulation”

G5272

acting under a feigned part, i.e., (figuratively) deceit ("hypocrisy")

Study Guide

Historical Context

This verse is found in the book of Galatians. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.

Theological Significance

Galatians 2:13 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

Cross-References

Verses related to Galatians 2:13 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

1 Corinthians 15:33Hebrews 13:9Ephesians 4:14Ecclesiastes 10:1Acts 4:36Genesis 12:11-13

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