Galatians 5:1

Modern

It is for freedom that Christ has set us free. Stand firm, then, and do not be encumbered once more by a yoke of slavery.

Traditional

Stand fast therefore in the liberty wherewith Christ hath made us free, and be not entangled again with the yoke of bondage.

Literal

In freedom Christ set us free. Stand firm, therefore, and do not be entangled again in a yoke of slavery.

Latin

State, et nolite iterum jugo servitutis contineri.

Greek

English

It is for freedom that Christ has set us free. Stand firm, then, and do not be encumbered once more by a yoke of slavery.

Paul clearly explains his message to the Galatians. He criticizes their unwise behavior and offers a better choice. That choice is freedom.
Christ has set us free: Christians are free to live by faith in Christ alone (see Romans 8).
do not be encumbered once more (literally do not take on a yoke): A yoke is a heavy wooden bar that joins two farm animals together, like oxen, so they can pull heavy loads. In the Jewish tradition, people used the word "yoke" to talk about following religious laws. It was a duty and honor to "take the yoke of the law." God's children in Jesus Christ are not meant to carry this heavy burden (see Luke 11:46; Acts 15:10). Instead, they follow the gentle guidance of Jesus, which brings freedom instead of heavy demands (Matthew 11:28–30).

Theme notes and profiles

2 Corinthians 3:17
Now the Lord is the Spirit, and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom.
Galatians 5:13
For you, brothers, were called to freedom; but do not use your freedom as an opportunity for the flesh. Rather, serve one another in love.
1 Peter 2:16
Live in freedom, but do not use your freedom as a cover-up for evil; live as servants of God.
Romans 6:14
For sin shall not be your master, because you are not under law, but under grace.
John 8:32–36
Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.”
Romans 8:2
For in Christ Jesus the law of the Spirit of life set you free from the law of sin and death.
Galatians 4:9
But now that you know God, or rather are known by God, how is it that you are turning back to those weak and worthless principles? Do you wish to be enslaved by them all over again?
Hebrews 10:23
Let us hold resolutely to the hope we profess, for He who promised is faithful.
Galatians 4:31
Therefore, brothers, we are not children of the slave woman, but of the free woman.
Jude 1:20–21
But you, beloved, by building yourselves up in your most holy faith and praying in the Holy Spirit,
Galatians 2:4
This issue arose because some false brothers had come in under false pretenses to spy on our freedom in Christ Jesus, in order to enslave us.
Revelation 3:3
Remember, then, what you have received and heard. Keep it and repent. If you do not wake up, I will come like a thief, and you will not know the hour when I will come upon you.

Jesus: The Son of God and Savior of the world