King James Version

What Does Galatians 5:11 Mean?

Galatians 5:11 in the King James Version says “And I, brethren, if I yet preach circumcision, why do I yet suffer persecution? then is the offence of the cross ceased.” — study this verse from Galatians chapter 5 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

“And I, brethren, if I yet preach circumcision, why do I yet suffer persecution? then is the offence of the cross ceased.”

Galatians 5:11 · KJV

Context

9

A little leaven leaveneth the whole lump.

10

I have confidence in you through the Lord, that ye will be none otherwise minded: but he that troubleth you shall bear his judgment, whosoever he be .

11

And I, brethren, if I yet preach circumcision, why do I yet suffer persecution? then is the offence of the cross ceased.

12

I would they were even cut off which trouble you.

13

For, brethren, ye have been called unto liberty; only use not liberty for an occasion to the flesh, but by love serve one another.

Read Galatians 5 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
And I, brethren, if I yet preach circumcision, why do I yet suffer persecution? then is the offence of the cross ceased. Paul addresses false claim. "And I, brethren" (egō de, adelphoi, ἐγὼ δέ, ἀδελφοί)—as for me, brothers. "If I yet preach circumcision" (ei peritomēn eti kēryssō)—if I still proclaim circumcision as necessary. Apparently the Judaizers claimed Paul taught circumcision when among Jews, only omitting it with Gentiles—convenient inconsistency. Paul denies this: if I preached circumcision for righteousness, persecution would cease!

"Why do I yet suffer persecution?" (ti eti diōkomai, τί ἔτι διώκομαι)—why am I still being persecuted? Present tense: ongoing persecution. His suffering proved he didn't preach circumcision. "Then is the offence of the cross ceased" (ara katērgētai to skandalon tou staurou, ἄρα κατήργηται τὸ σκάνδαλον τοῦ σταυροῦ)—then the stumbling block of the cross is removed. Skandalon (σκάνδαλον) is offense, stumbling block. The cross offends because it declares human righteousness worthless—salvation is entirely God's work. Adding circumcision removes this offense, making salvation partly human achievement. Paul won't compromise to avoid persecution.

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Historical & Cultural Context

Paul faced constant persecution from Jews offended by his gospel of grace apart from law (Acts 13:45, 14:19, 17:5, 2 Corinthians 11:24-26). If he'd compromised by requiring circumcision, Jewish opposition would have ceased—they'd see him as bringing Gentiles into proper Torah observance. His persecution proved gospel integrity. The cross remains offensive: it humbles human pride, declares works useless, credits all to God. Any gospel that doesn't offend human pride probably isn't the biblical gospel. Comfortable, popular Christianity usually involves compromise.

Reflection Questions

  1. Does your presentation of the gospel retain the 'offense of the cross'—that human righteousness is worthless and salvation is entirely God's work?
  2. How do you recognize when you've compromised the gospel to make it more palatable or avoid opposition?
  3. What persecution or opposition do you face for holding to the biblical gospel without compromise?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 16 words
ἐγὼ1 of 16

“I”

G1473

i, me

δέ2 of 16

“And”

G1161

but, and, etc

ἀδελφοί3 of 16

“brethren”

G80

a brother (literally or figuratively) near or remote (much like g0001)

εἰ4 of 16

“if”

G1487

if, whether, that, etc

περιτομὴν5 of 16

“circumcision”

G4061

circumcision (the rite, the condition or the people, literally or figuratively)

ἔτι6 of 16

“yet”

G2089

"yet," still (of time or degree)

κηρύσσω7 of 16

“I”

G2784

to herald (as a public crier), especially divine truth (the gospel)

τί8 of 16

“why”

G5101

an interrogative pronoun, who, which or what (in direct or indirect questions)

ἔτι9 of 16

“yet”

G2089

"yet," still (of time or degree)

διώκομαι10 of 16

“do I”

G1377

compare the base of g1169 and g1249); to pursue (literally or figuratively); by implication, to persecute

ἄρα11 of 16

“then”

G686

a particle denoting an inference more or less decisive (as follows)

κατήργηται12 of 16

“ceased”

G2673

to be (render) entirely idle (useless), literally or figuratively

τὸ13 of 16
G3588

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

σκάνδαλον14 of 16

“the offence”

G4625

a trap-stick (bent sapling), i.e., snare (figuratively, cause of displeasure or sin)

τοῦ15 of 16
G3588

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

σταυροῦ16 of 16

“of the cross”

G4716

a stake or post (as set upright), i.e., (specially), a pole or cross (as an instrument of capital punishment); figuratively, exposure to death, i.e.,

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 5:11 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 5:11 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

1 Corinthians 1:23Galatians 6:12Galatians 4:29Acts 21:21Galatians 2:31 Corinthians 15:30

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