King James Version

What Does Galatians 5:8 Mean?

Galatians 5:8 in the King James Version says “This persuasion cometh not of him that calleth you.” — study this verse from Galatians chapter 5 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

“This persuasion cometh not of him that calleth you.”

Galatians 5:8 · KJV

Context

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.

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 .

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Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
This persuasion cometh not of him that calleth you. Paul identifies the source of their deception. "This persuasion" (hē peismonē, ἡ πεισμονή)—this persuasive influence, this convincing that led them to embrace Judaizers' teaching. The word can mean persuasion or obedience. "Cometh not of" (ouk ek, οὐκ ἐκ)—doesn't originate from, doesn't have as its source. "Him that calleth you" (tou kalountos hymas, τοῦ καλοῦντος ὑμᾶς)—the one calling you, God who called them to salvation through the gospel (1:6).

Present tense "calleth" emphasizes God's ongoing call. Their persuasion to embrace law didn't come from God. Since God authored the gospel of grace they initially believed, any teaching contradicting it has a different source. Implicitly: demonic or human origin, not divine. This tests all teaching: does it align with God's revealed gospel, or does it originate elsewhere? The Judaizers claimed divine authority for their message; Paul declares it's not from God who called the Galatians. True calls from God are consistent with His revealed truth in Christ.

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Historical & Cultural Context

False teachers always claim divine authority—"God showed me," "The Spirit led me," "This is deeper revelation." Paul insists on consistency: God doesn't contradict Himself. If teaching conflicts with the gospel of grace, it's not from God regardless of claimed authority. This principle guards against mystical deception and authoritarian control. Test everything against Scripture (Acts 17:11, 1 John 4:1). The Bereans were noble for examining Paul's teaching; the Galatians were foolish for accepting the Judaizers' without scrutiny.

Reflection Questions

  1. How do you test teaching and spiritual experience to determine if it's truly from God or from another source?
  2. What role does consistency with the gospel play in evaluating new teachings, prophecies, or spiritual insights?
  3. Have you been persuaded by teaching that, while seemingly spiritual, doesn't align with God's revealed truth in Christ?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 7 words
ἡ1 of 7
G3588

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

πεισμονὴ2 of 7

“This persuasion”

G3988

persuadableness, i.e., credulity

οὐκ3 of 7

“cometh not”

G3756

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

ἐκ4 of 7

“of”

G1537

a primary preposition denoting origin (the point whence action or motion proceeds), from, out (of place, time, or cause literal or figurative; direct

τοῦ5 of 7
G3588

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

καλοῦντος6 of 7

“him that calleth”

G2564

to "call" (properly, aloud, but used in a variety of applications, directly or otherwise)

ὑμᾶς7 of 7

“you”

G5209

you (as the objective of a verb or preposition)

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 5:8 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 5:8 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Galatians 1:6Romans 8:28

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