And I, brethren, if I yet preach circumcision, why do I yet suffer persecution? then is the offence of the cross ceased.

GALATIANS 5:11KJV
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Galatians 5:11 (KJV)

What does Galatians 5:11 mean?

Galatians 5:11 describes Paul explaining that if he were still preaching the need for circumcision, he would not be facing persecution, and the message of the cross would no longer be offensive to others. Paul is making it clear that his suffering is evidence that he is not teaching people to follow old requirements like circumcision.

Paul is writing to the Galatian believers, addressing confusion caused by some who claimed that Christians must follow Jewish practices, especially circumcision. Paul points out that if he were teaching what his critics say, he would not be persecuted by those who oppose his message. The "offence of the cross" refers to the idea that the message of Jesus' death on the cross, not human effort or rituals, is what brings people to God—a message that some found deeply troubling.

The Greek behind Galatians 5:11

  • σκάνδαλον (skandalon, "offence"): This word means a stumbling block or something that causes people to trip up. Here, it highlights how the message of the cross challenges and offends those who want to rely on religious rituals.
  • σταυρός (stauros, "cross"): This refers specifically to the cross as the instrument of Jesus' death. In Paul's context, it stands for the whole message of salvation through Jesus' sacrifice, not through following the law.
  • διώκω (diōkō, "persecution"): This word means to pursue or harass. Paul uses it to show that his suffering is a direct result of preaching a message that goes against what some religious leaders wanted to hear.

Why Galatians 5:11 matters

  • Galatians 5:11 clears up the misunderstanding that Paul supported the requirement of circumcision for Christians; his ongoing persecution proves otherwise.
  • The verse emphasizes that the core of Paul's message is the cross, which was offensive to those who wanted to keep old religious boundaries.
  • This verse helps the reader see the tension in the early church between faith in Christ alone and the pressure to add extra requirements, setting the stage for the rest of Paul's argument in Galatians.

Where else these words appear

“offence” Greek G4625 · used in 13 verses

  • Matthew 13:41 The Son of man shall send forth his angels, and they shall gather out of his kingdom all things that offend, and them which do iniquity;
  • Romans 9:33 As it is written, Behold, I lay in Sion a stumblingstone and rock of offence: and whosoever believeth on him shall not be ashamed.
  • 1 Corinthians 1:23 But we preach Christ crucified, unto the Jews a stumblingblock, and unto the Greeks foolishness;

“is” Greek G2673 · used in 26 verses

  • Luke 13:7 Then said he unto the dresser of his vineyard, Behold, these three years I come seeking fruit on this fig tree, and find none: cut it down; why cumbereth it the ground?
  • 1 Corinthians 2:6 Howbeit we speak wisdom among them that are perfect: yet not the wisdom of this world, nor of the princes of this world, that come to nought:
  • 2 Corinthians 3:11 For if that which is done away was glorious, much more that which remaineth is glorious.

“cross” Greek G4716 · used in 28 verses

  • Matthew 10:38 And he that taketh not his cross, and followeth after me, is not worthy of me.
  • 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.
  • 1 Corinthians 1:18 For the preaching of the cross is to them that perish foolishness; but unto us which are saved it is the power of God.

“circumcision” Greek G4061 · used in 32 verses

  • John 7:22 Moses therefore gave unto you circumcision;(not because it is of Moses, but of the fathers;) and ye on the sabbath day circumcise a man.
  • Romans 3:1 What advantage then hath the Jew? or what profit is there of circumcision?
  • Galatians 2:9 And when James, Cephas, and John, who seemed to be pillars, perceived the grace that was given unto me, they gave to me and Barnabas the right hands of fellowship; that we should go unto the heathen, and they unto the circumcision.