King James Version

What Does Galatians 5:6 Mean?

Galatians 5:6 in the King James Version says “For in Jesus Christ neither circumcision availeth any thing, nor uncircumcision; but faith which worketh by love.” — study this verse from Galatians chapter 5 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

“For in Jesus Christ neither circumcision availeth any thing, nor uncircumcision; but faith which worketh by love.”

Galatians 5:6 · KJV

FaithLove

Context

4

Christ is become of no effect unto you , whosoever of you are justified by the law; ye are fallen from grace.

5

For we through the Spirit wait for the hope of righteousness by faith.

6

For in Jesus Christ neither circumcision availeth any thing, nor uncircumcision; but faith which worketh by love.

7

Ye did run well; who did hinder you that ye should not obey the truth? hinder you: or, drive you back

8

This persuasion cometh not of him that calleth you.

Read Galatians 5 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
For in Jesus Christ neither circumcision availeth any thing, nor uncircumcision; but faith which worketh by love. The great equalizer and true requirement. "For in Jesus Christ" (en gar Christō Iēsou, ἐν γὰρ Χριστῷ Ἰησοῦ)—in the sphere of union with Christ. "Neither circumcision availeth any thing, nor uncircumcision" (oute peritomē ti ischyei oute akrobystia)—neither circumcision has power/value, nor uncircumcision. Both are spiritually neutral, indifferent. External religious rituals don't matter for relationship with God.

"But faith which worketh by love" (alla pistis di' agapēs energoumenē, ἀλλὰ πίστις δι' ἀγάπης ἐνεργουμένη)—but faith working/operating through love. Energeō means to work, be effective, be operative. True, saving faith isn't dead orthodoxy but living reality that expresses itself through love (James 2:14-26). This isn't faith plus works as grounds for justification but faith that inevitably produces works as evidence of justification. Love is faith's fruit, not its root. Faith alone justifies, but justifying faith is never alone—it works through love empowered by the Spirit.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

This verse summarizes Paul's entire argument: external religious markers (circumcision) are irrelevant; internal spiritual reality (faith expressing itself in love) is everything. The Reformation formula "faith alone" must be understood correctly: faith is the sole instrument of justification, but true faith produces love and obedience. Paul isn't contradicting sola fide but clarifying: genuine faith works through love. Dead, fruitless "faith" isn't saving faith. The Holy Spirit produces both faith and the love that flows from it.

Reflection Questions

  1. Is your faith merely intellectual assent, or does it actively work through love toward God and others?
  2. How do you balance the truth that faith alone justifies with the reality that true faith produces loving works?
  3. What evidence of faith working through love is visible in your daily life and relationships?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 15 words
ἐν1 of 15

“in”

G1722

"in," at, (up-)on, by, etc

γὰρ2 of 15

“For”

G1063

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

Χριστῷ3 of 15

“Christ”

G5547

anointed, i.e., the messiah, an epithet of jesus

Ἰησοῦ4 of 15

“Jesus”

G2424

jesus (i.e., jehoshua), the name of our lord and two (three) other israelites

οὔτε5 of 15

“neither”

G3777

not too, i.e., neither or nor; by analogy, not even

περιτομή6 of 15

“circumcision”

G4061

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

τι7 of 15

“any thing”

G5100

some or any person or object

ἰσχύει8 of 15

“availeth”

G2480

to have (or exercise) force (literally or figuratively)

οὔτε9 of 15

“neither”

G3777

not too, i.e., neither or nor; by analogy, not even

ἀκροβυστία10 of 15

“uncircumcision”

G203

the prepuce; by implication, an uncircumcised (i.e., gentile, figuratively, unregenerate) state or person

ἀλλὰ11 of 15

“but”

G235

properly, other things, i.e., (adverbially) contrariwise (in many relations)

πίστις12 of 15

“faith”

G4102

persuasion, i.e., credence; moral conviction (of religious truth, or the truthfulness of god or a religious teacher), especially reliance upon christ

δι'13 of 15

“by”

G1223

through (in very wide applications, local, causal, or occasional)

ἀγάπης14 of 15

“love”

G26

love, i.e., affection or benevolence; specially (plural) a love-feast

ἐνεργουμένη15 of 15

“which worketh”

G1754

to be active, efficient

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 5:6 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 5:6 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Galatians 6:151 Corinthians 7:191 Thessalonians 1:3James 2:14-26Matthew 25:31-401 John 3:14-20

Test Your Knowledge

Galatians 5 QuizTest your knowledge of this chapterGalatians Book QuizComprehensive quiz for the entire book

Continue Your Study

Read Galatians 5 with CommentaryAll Galatians ChaptersComplete Galatians QuizBible CharactersNave's Topical BibleAll Bible Quizzes