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Galatians 5:3

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Again I testify to every man who gets himself circumcised that he is obligated to obey the whole law.

Commentaries

Excerpts gathered from published commentaries to ground the reading.

Jamieson-Fausset-Brownv. 3

For--Greek, "Yea, more"; "Moreover." I testify . . . to every man--as well as "unto you" (Gal 5:2). that is circumcised--that submits to be circumcised. Such a one became a "proselyte of righteousness." the whole law--impossible for man to keep even in part, much less wholly (Jam 2:10); yet none can be justified by the law, unless he keep it wholly (Gal 3:10).

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Matthew Henry Bible Commentaryv. 3

In this chapter the apostle comes to make application of his foregoing discourse. He begins it with a general caution, or exhortation (Gal 5:1), which he afterwards enforces by several considerations (Gal 5:2-12). He then presses them to serious practical godliness, which would be the best antidote against the snares of their false teachers; particularly, I. That they should not strive with one another (Gal 5:13-15). II. That they would strive against sin, where he shows, 1. That there is in every one a struggle between flesh and spirit (Gal 5:17). 2. That it is our duty and interest, in this struggle, to side with the better part (Gal 5:16, Gal 5:18). 3. He specifies the works of the flesh, which must be watched against and mortified, and the fruits of the Spirit, which must be brought forth and cherished, and shows of what importance it is that they be so (Gal 5:19-24). And then concludes the chapter with a caution against pride and envy.

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Tyndale Open Study Notesv. 3

5:3 Those who seek righteousness through the law must obey every regulation of it (see 2:15-16; cp. Jas 2:10).

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Cross-references

Other passages the community most often connects to this one. Tap to read.

Romans 2:25rank 14

Circumcision has value if you observe the law, but if you break the law, your circumcision has become uncircumcision.

Galatians 3:10rank 14

All who rely on works of the law are under a curse. For it is written: “Cursed is everyone who does not continue to do everything written in the Book of the Law.”

Deuteronomy 27:26rank 5

‘Cursed is he who does not put the words of this law into practice.’ And let all the people say, ‘Amen!’

Ephesians 4:17rank 4

So I tell you this, and insist on it in the Lord, that you must no longer walk as the Gentiles do, in the futility of their thinking.

Deuteronomy 31:21rank 4

And when many troubles and afflictions have come upon them, this song will testify against them, because it will not be forgotten from the lips of their descendants. For I know their inclination, even before I bring them into the land that I swore to give them.”

Deuteronomy 8:19rank 4

If you ever forget the LORD your God and go after other gods to worship and bow down to them, I testify against you today that you will surely perish.

Matthew 23:18rank 3

And you say, ‘If anyone swears by the altar, it means nothing; but if anyone swears by the gift on it, he is bound by his oath.’

Luke 16:28rank 2

for I have five brothers. Let him warn them, so that they will not also end up in this place of torment.’

Acts 20:21rank 2

testifying to Jews and Greeks alike about repentance to God and faith in our Lord Jesus Christ.

I John 4:14rank 2

And we have seen and testify that the Father has sent His Son to be the Savior of the world.

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