King James Version

What Does Galatians 2:6 Mean?

Galatians 2:6 in the King James Version says “But of these who seemed to be somewhat, (whatsoever they were, it maketh no matter to me: God accepteth no man's person:...” — study this verse from Galatians chapter 2 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

“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:”

Galatians 2:6 · KJV

Context

4

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:

5

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

6

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:

7

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

8

(For he that wrought effectually in Peter to the apostleship of the circumcision, the same was mighty in me toward the Gentiles:)

Read Galatians 2 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
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. The repeated phrase hoi dokountes einai ti (οἱ δοκοῦντες εἶναί τι, "those reputed to be something") refers to the Jerusalem apostles—Peter, James, and John. Paul's parenthetical hopoioi pote ēsan ouden moi diapherei (ὁποῖοί ποτε ἦσαν οὐδέν μοι διαφέρει, "what they once were makes no difference to me") isn't dismissive but establishes spiritual equality.

The theological principle: prosōpon ho theos anthrōpou ou lambanei (πρόσωπον ὁ θεὸς ἀνθρώπου οὐ λαμβάνει, "God accepts no man's person/face"). The idiom prosōpon lambanō means showing favoritism based on external status—God doesn't privilege some apostles over others based on their relationship with the earthly Jesus. Paul walked with the risen Christ; his apostolic authority was equally direct and valid.

The result: ouden prosanethento (οὐδὲν προσανέθεντο, "they added nothing"). The Jerusalem apostles couldn't improve Paul's gospel because it came by revelation from Christ himself. This verse demolishes hierarchical claims—no human authority, however impressive, can validate or modify the gospel received by divine revelation. Truth isn't determined by credentials but by conformity to Christ's finished work.

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Historical & Cultural Context

The "pillar" apostles had walked with Jesus for three years, witnessed His resurrection, and led the Jerusalem church. In ancient honor-shame culture, their status was unassailable. Paul's claim to equal authority despite his past as a persecutor and his lack of time with the earthly Jesus was shocking. Yet he insists God's calling, not human pedigree, establishes apostolic authority—a radically counter-cultural claim.

Reflection Questions

  1. Why might impressive religious credentials or spiritual pedigree actually hinder dependence on God's grace?
  2. In what ways do modern Christians show favoritism based on external status rather than God's impartial calling?
  3. What human authorities in your life do you rely on more than direct relationship with Christ through His word?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 23 words
ἀπὸ1 of 23

“of”

G575

"off," i.e., away (from something near), in various senses (of place, time, or relation; literal or figurative)

δὲ2 of 23

“But”

G1161

but, and, etc

τῶν3 of 23
G3588

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

δοκοῦντες4 of 23

“these who seemed”

G1380

compare the base of g1166) of the same meaning; to think; by implication, to seem (truthfully or uncertainly)

εἶναί5 of 23

“to be”

G1511

to exist

τι6 of 23

“somewhat”

G5100

some or any person or object

ὁποῖοί7 of 23

“(whatsoever”

G3697

of what kind that, i.e., how (as) great (excellent) (specially, as an indefinite correlative to the definite antecedent g5108 of quality)

ποτε8 of 23
G4218

indefinite adverb, at some time, ever

ἦσαν9 of 23

“they were”

G2258

i (thou, etc.) was (wast or were)

οὐδὲν10 of 23

“no”

G3762

not even one (man, woman or thing), i.e., none, nobody, nothing

μοι11 of 23

“to me”

G3427

to me

διαφέρει·12 of 23

“it maketh”

G1308

to bear through, i.e., (literally) transport; usually to bear apart, i.e., (objectively) to toss about (figuratively, report); subjectively, to "diffe

πρόσωπον13 of 23

“person”

G4383

the front (as being towards view), i.e., the countenance, aspect, appearance, surface; by implication, presence, person

θεὸς14 of 23

“God”

G2316

a deity, especially (with g3588) the supreme divinity; figuratively, a magistrate; exceedingly (by hebraism)

ἀνθρώπου15 of 23

“man's”

G444

man-faced, i.e., a human being

οὐ16 of 23

“no”

G3756

the absolute negative (compare g3361) adverb; no or not

λαμβάνει17 of 23

“accepteth”

G2983

while g0138 is more violent, to seize or remove))

ἐμοὶ18 of 23

“to me”

G1698

to me

γὰρ19 of 23

“for”

G1063

properly, assigning a reason (used in argument, explanation or intensification; often with other particles)

οἱ20 of 23
G3588

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

δοκοῦντες21 of 23

“these who seemed”

G1380

compare the base of g1166) of the same meaning; to think; by implication, to seem (truthfully or uncertainly)

οὐδὲν22 of 23

“no”

G3762

not even one (man, woman or thing), i.e., none, nobody, nothing

προσανέθεντο23 of 23

“to be somewhat in conference added”

G4323

to lay up in addition, i.e., (middle voice and figuratively) to impart or (by implication) to consult

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 2:6 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 2:6 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Galatians 2:2Acts 10:34Romans 2:112 Corinthians 12:112 Corinthians 11:5Galatians 6:3

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