Galatians 5:12

Translations

Modern

As for those who are agitating you, I wish they would proceed to emasculate themselves!

Traditional

I would they were even cut off which trouble you.

Literal

I wish those upsetting you also will cut themselves off!

Latin

Utinam et abscindantur qui vos conturbant.

Original

Greek

English

As for those who are agitating you, I wish they would proceed to emasculate themselves!

Notes

Galatians 5:12

emasculate themselves (literally cut themselves off; compare Philippians 3:2): Paul uses strong words to criticize people who demanded circumcision (cutting off the foreskin from the male sex organ).

Paul might refer to pagan priests in Galatia who castrated themselves (removed their testicles) for their gods. Insisting on circumcision for Christians is similar. It involved cutting the flesh to please God through physical actions instead of faith in Christ.
Relying on circumcision harmed the false teachers' relationship with God, so they might as well harm themselves physically.
In the old covenant, emasculated men could not join the congregation (Deuteronomy 23:1). Similarly, those who depend on circumcision have no place in the new covenant community. Paul likely wished the Judaizers would cut themselves off by leaving the community.

Theme notes and profiles

Paul (Saul) Circumcision Oppression of God’s People The Purpose of the Sinai Covenant

Related verses

Galatians 5:10
I am confident in the Lord that you will take no other view. The one who is troubling you will bear the judgment, whoever he may be.
1 Corinthians 5:13
God will judge those outside. “Expel the wicked man from among you.”
Leviticus 22:3
Tell them that for the generations to come, if any of their descendants in a state of uncleanness approaches the sacred offerings that the Israelites consecrate to the LORD, that person must be cut off from My presence. I am the LORD.
Joshua 7:25
“Why have you brought this trouble upon us?” said Joshua. “Today the LORD will bring trouble upon you!” And all Israel stoned him to death. Then they stoned the others and burned their bodies.
Titus 3:10
Reject a divisive man after a first and second admonition,
Genesis 17:14
But if any male is not circumcised, he will be cut off from his people; he has broken My covenant.”
Exodus 30:33
Anyone who mixes perfume like it or puts it on an outsider shall be cut off from his people.’”
Exodus 12:15
For seven days you must eat unleavened bread. On the first day you are to remove the leaven from your houses. Whoever eats anything leavened from the first day through the seventh must be cut off from Israel.
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.
Acts 15:24
It has come to our attention that some went out from us without our authorization and unsettled you, troubling your minds by what they said.
Joshua 7:12
This is why the Israelites cannot stand against their enemies. They will turn their backs and run from their enemies, because they themselves have been set apart for destruction. I will no longer be with you unless you remove from among you whatever is devoted to destruction.
Acts 5:9
“How could you agree to test the Spirit of the Lord?” Peter replied. “Look, the feet of the men who buried your husband are at the door, and they will carry you out also.”

Glossary

Bible, Manuscripts and Text of the (New Testament) Circumcision Fruit of the Spirit Judaizers Letter to the Galatians Peter, Second Letter of

Topics

Church: Rules of Discipline In, Mosaic and Christian

Galatians 5:12

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