King James Version

What Does Galatians 2:5 Mean?

“To whom we gave place by subjection, no, not for an hour; that the truth of the gospel might continue with you.”

Context

But neither Titus, who was with me, being a Greek, was compelled to be circumcised:

And that because of false brethren unawares brought in, who came in privily to spy out our liberty which we have in Christ Jesus, that they might bring us into bondage:

To whom we gave place by subjection, no, not for an hour; that the truth of the gospel might continue with you.

But of these who seemed to be somewhat, (whatsoever they were, it maketh no matter to me: God accepteth no man's person:) for they who seemed to be somewhat in conference added nothing to me:

But contrariwise, when they saw that the gospel of the uncircumcision was committed unto me, as the gospel of the circumcision was unto Peter;

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Topics in This Verse

Truth

Commentary

Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers

(5) **To whom**—*i.e.,* to the Jewish agitators, though probably not so much in their own persons as through the Apostles who advocated concession to their views. **We gave place.**—St. Paul himself, with Barnabas and Titus. **By subjection.**—By yielding to them the submission which they claimed of us. **No, not for an hour.**—It is strange that the negative here and the relative at the beginning of the verse are wanting in some Latin authorities, including Irenæus and (partially, at least) Tertullian. This, however, is only interesting as pointing to a very early corruption of the text, and not for any bearing that it has on the exegesis of the passage. **The truth of the gospel.**—The gospel in its true form, with all the liberty which its essential doctrine of justification by faith involves, not mutilated or restricted by any false conditions. **Might continue with you.**—The words used in the Greek are expressive of undiminished continuance: “Might reach to you and persist among you in its full extent.”

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 2:5 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.