King James Version

What Does Galatians 5:7 Mean?

Galatians 5:7 in the King James Version says “Ye did run well; who did hinder you that ye should not obey the truth? hinder you: or, drive you back” — study this verse from Galatians chapter 5 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

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

Galatians 5:7 · KJV

Truth

Context

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.

9

A little leaven leaveneth the whole lump.

Read Galatians 5 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Ye did run well; who did hinder you that ye should not obey the truth? Paul's pathos-filled questions. "Ye did run well" (etrochete kalōs, ἐτρέχετε καλῶς)—you were running excellently. Athletic imagery: Christian life as race (1 Corinthians 9:24, Philippians 2:16, Hebrews 12:1). Imperfect tense suggests continuous past action: you were running well for a time. They started strongly, making gospel progress, growing in grace and truth. Then something changed.

"Who did hinder you" (tis hymas enekopsen, τίς ὑμᾶς ἐνέκοψεν)—who cut in on you, obstructed you? Enkoptō (ἐγκόπτω) means to cut into, impede, hinder—like cutting into a runner's lane, blocking their path. The Judaizers disrupted their progress. "That ye should not obey the truth" (tē alētheia mē peithesthai)—so that you don't obey/trust the truth. The gospel truth they initially embraced, they now disobey by embracing false teaching. Paul's grief is palpable: you were doing so well! What happened? Implied answer: the Judaizers happened, cutting in, leading you astray.

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Historical & Cultural Context

The Galatians' rapid apostasy from clear gospel teaching troubled Paul deeply (1:6). Athletic metaphors were common in Greco-Roman culture and Paul's writings. The Christian race requires perseverance, focus, stripping off hindrances (Hebrews 12:1-2). The Galatians stumbled because false teachers deliberately obstructed them. This pattern continues: promising young Christians often derailed by plausible-sounding but false teaching. The remedy: know the truth well enough to recognize error, and run with enduring focus on Christ.

Reflection Questions

  1. Who or what has 'hindered' your spiritual race, causing you to slow down or veer off course?
  2. How do you maintain spiritual momentum and resist those who would obstruct your progress in the gospel?
  3. What does it mean practically to 'obey the truth' versus merely knowing or agreeing with it?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 9 words
Ἐτρέχετε1 of 9

“Ye did run”

G5143

which uses ????? <pronunciation strongs="drem'-o"/> (the base of g1408) as alternate in certain tenses; to run or walk hastily (literally or figurativ

καλῶς·2 of 9

“well”

G2573

well (usually morally)

τίς3 of 9

“who”

G5101

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

ὑμᾶς4 of 9

“you”

G5209

you (as the objective of a verb or preposition)

ἀνέκοψεν5 of 9

“did hinder”

G348

to beat back, i.e., check

τῇ6 of 9
G3588

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

ἀληθείᾳ7 of 9

“the truth”

G225

truth

μὴ8 of 9

“not”

G3361

(adverb) not, (conjunction) lest; also (as an interrogative implying a negative answer (whereas g3756 expects an affirmative one)) whether

πείθεσθαι9 of 9

“obey”

G3982

to convince (by argument, true or false); by analogy, to pacify or conciliate (by other fair means); reflexively or passively, to assent (to evidence

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 5:7 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 5:7 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

1 Corinthians 9:24Galatians 3:1Hebrews 12:1Matthew 13:211 Peter 1:22Hebrews 5:9

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