I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me: and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by the faith of the Son of God, who loved me, and gave himself for me.

GALATIANS 2:20KJV
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Galatians 2:20 (KJV)

What does Galatians 2:20 mean?

Galatians 2:20 describes how the apostle Paul sees his old self as having died with Christ, so that his current life is now shaped and energized by Christ living in him. Paul explains that his daily life is now based on trust in Jesus, who loved him personally and gave himself up for him.

Paul is writing to the churches in Galatia, explaining how faith in Jesus changes a person's deepest identity and way of living. Paul uses strong personal language to show that his connection to Jesus is not just belief, but a total transformation—his old way of life is gone, and his new life is guided by Christ’s presence within him.

The Greek behind Galatians 2:20

  • "Crucified" (συνεσταύρωμαι, synestaurōmai): This word means "I have been crucified together with." Paul is not saying he was literally on the cross, but that he considers his old self as having died with Jesus, showing a deep identification with Christ’s death.
  • "Live" (ζῶ, zō): Used repeatedly, this word highlights the contrast between Paul’s old life and his new life. The Greek emphasizes ongoing, present life, not just a one-time event.
  • "Faith" (πίστις, pistis): This word means trust or reliance. Paul says his life is now lived by trusting the Son of God, not by his own efforts or rule-keeping.
  • "Gave" (παρέδωκεν, paredōken): This word means "handed over" or "gave up." It stresses the voluntary nature of Christ’s sacrifice for Paul personally.

Why Galatians 2:20 matters

  • Galatians 2:20 clears up the idea that Christianity is just about following rules; Paul insists that real Christian life is about a personal, ongoing relationship with Christ living within.
  • The verse emphasizes that faith is not just belief in facts but a daily trust in Jesus, who personally loves and sacrifices for each believer.
  • This verse connects to Paul’s larger argument in Galatians, showing that life with God comes through faith in Christ, not through the old system of law.

Where else these words appear

“crucified” Greek G4957 · used in 5 verses

  • Matthew 27:44 The thieves also, which were crucified with him, cast the same in his teeth.
  • Mark 15:32 Let Christ the King of Israel descend now from the cross, that we may see and believe. And they that were crucified with him reviled him.
  • John 19:32 Then came the soldiers, and brake the legs of the first, and of the other which was crucified with him.

“not” Greek G3765 · used in 43 verses

  • Matthew 19:6 Wherefore they are no more twain, but one flesh. What therefore God hath joined together, let not man put asunder.
  • John 11:54 Jesus therefore walked no more openly among the Jews; but went thence unto a country near to the wilderness, into a city called Ephraim, and there continued with his disciples.
  • Romans 7:20 Now if I do that I would not, it is no more I that do it, but sin that dwelleth in me.

“me” Greek G1698 · used in 87 verses

  • Matthew 10:32 Whosoever therefore shall confess me before men, him will I confess also before my Father which is in heaven.
  • John 15:5 I am the vine, ye are the branches: He that abideth in me, and I in him, the same bringeth forth much fruit: for without me ye can do nothing.
  • 2 Corinthians 9:4 Lest haply if they of Macedonia come with me, and find you unprepared, we(that we say not, ye) should be ashamed in this same confident boasting.

“me” Greek G1700 · used in 104 verses

  • Matthew 5:11 Blessed are ye, when men shall revile you, and persecute you, and shall say all manner of evil against you falsely, for my sake.
  • Luke 22:21 But, behold, the hand of him that betrayeth me is with me on the table.
  • Acts 23:11 And the night following the Lord stood by him, and said, Be of good cheer, Paul: for as thou hast testified of me in Jerusalem, so must thou bear witness also at Rome.