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Galatians 6:15

New Testament Epistle (Pauline) ASV (1901)

What does Galatians 6:15 say?

The American Standard Version records this verse as: “For neither is circumcision anything, nor uncircumcision, but a new creature.” Read the surrounding verses and the named sources below before drawing broader conclusions.

The verse

For neither is circumcision anything, nor uncircumcision, but a new creature.
Galatians 6:15 — American Standard Version

Context — Galatians 6

American Standard Version (1901) — public domain. Click any verse for its study page.
12As many as desire to make a fair show in the flesh, they compel you to be circumcised; only that they may not be persecuted for the cross of Christ.
13For not even they who receive circumcision do themselves keep the law; but they desire to have you circumcised, that they may glory in your flesh.
14But far be it from me to glory, save in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, through which the world hath been crucified unto me, and I unto the world.
15For neither is circumcision anything, nor uncircumcision, but a new creature.
16And as many as shall walk by this rule, peace [be] upon them, and mercy, and upon the Israel of God.
17Henceforth, let no man trouble me; for I bear branded on my body the marks of Jesus.
18The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit, brethren. Amen.
← Galatians 6:14Galatians 6:16 →
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What do historical commentaries say?

John Gill's Exposition
John Gill (1697–1771) · Exposition of the Old and New Testament · 18th-century historical commentary
“For in Christ Jesus, etc..] These words are omitted in the Syriac and Ethiopic versions; (see Gill on “<480506>Galatians 5:6”), (see Gill on “<460719>1 Corinthians 7:19”), they contain a reason why the apostle gloried in a crucified Christ, and looked upon the world as dead to him, and he to that, in every state of it; particularly as it may design “the worldly sanctuary” of the Jews, and all the rites and ceremonies appertaining to it; and among the rest circumcision, which availeth not anything; neither as a command, type, or privilege; or in the business of salvation, being abolished by Christ: nor uncircumcision; being now no bar to the Gospel, Gospel ordinances, or a Gospel church…”
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Jamieson, Fausset & Brown
Robert Jamieson, A. R. Fausset & David Brown · Commentary Critical and Explanatory on the Whole Bible · 19th-century historical commentary
“availeth--The oldest manuscripts read, "is" (compare Gal 5:6). Not only are they of no avail, but they are nothing. So far are they from being matter for "glorying," that they are "nothing." But Christ's cross is "all in all," as a subject for glorying, in "the new creature" (Eph 2:10, Eph 2:15-16). new creature-- (Co2 5:17). A transformation by the renewal of the mind (Rom 12:2).”
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Barnes' Notes
Albert Barnes (1798–1870) · Notes on the Whole Bible · 19th-century historical commentary
“For in Christ Jesus - In his religion; see the note at Galatians 5:6. But a new creature - The fact that a man is created anew, or born again, constitutes the real difference between him and other people. This is what Christ requires; this is the distinction which he designs to make. It is not by conformity to certain rites and customs that a man is to be accepted; it is not by elevated rank, or by wealth, or beauty, or blood; it is not by the color of the complexion; but the grand inquiry is, whether a man is born again, and is in fact a new creature in Christ Jesus; see the note at 2 Corinthians 5:17, for an explanation of the phrase “a new creature.” return to 'Top of Page'”
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Wesley's Explanatory Notes
John Wesley (1703–1791) · Explanatory Notes upon the New Testament and Old Testament notes · 18th-century historical commentary
“For neither circumcision is anything, nor uncircumcision - Neither of these is of any account. But a new creation - Whereby all things in us become new. Galatians 6:16”
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Tyndale Open Study Notes
Tyndale House Publishers · Tyndale Open Study Notes · Modern study notes
“6:15 The Galatians had missed the point of the Good News, that a new creation has come in Christ by the Spirit, not by human effort (cp. 2 Cor 5:16-17).”
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Treasury of Scriptural Knowledge
R. A. Torrey and contributors · The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge · Cross-reference reference work
“in: Gal 5:6; Rom 8:1; Co2 5:17 neither: Co1 7:19 but: Co2 5:17; Eph 2:10, Eph 4:24; Col 3:10, Col 3:11; Rev 21:5 Galatians 6:16”
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Related study paths

Read Galatians 6 in contextBrowse Greek word studiesOpen this verse in the study reader

Sources and verification