King James Version

What Does Galatians 2:14 Mean?

“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?”

Context

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.

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

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?

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

Knowing that a man is not justified by the works of the law, but by the faith of Jesus Christ, even we have believed in Jesus Christ, that we might be justified by the faith of Christ, and not by the works of the law: for by the works of the law shall no flesh be justified.

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Topics in This Verse

Truth

Commentary

Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers

(14) **Walked not uprightly.**—This is a single word in the Greek, and found here alone in the New Testament. It means, literally, “to walk on straight feet”—*i.e.,* erect and straightforwardly, as opposed to “shuffling.” **Unto** **Peter before them all.**—The true reading is again *Cephas.* The Apostle lays stress upon the publicity of his remonstrance, as showing that in his controversy with the Apostles of the circumcision he did something more than hold his own. **Being a Jew.**—“Being” is here emphatic, and means, “with all the antecedents of a Jew.” It is implied that a different rule must be applied to the Gentiles, with totally different antecedents. **Livest after the manner of Gentiles**—*i.e.,* in the matter of eating promiscuously with those whom the Law (or rather, the Pharisaic tradition) forbids you to eat with. **Why.**—The great preponderance of MSS. is here in favour of the reading *how*—*i.e.,* how does it come about that? **Compellest.**—Do what you can to compel.

Charles John Ellicott (1819–1905). Public Domain.

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 2:14 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.