Text -- Galatians 6:13-18 (NET)

6:13 For those who are circumcised do not obey the law themselves, but they want you to be circumcised so that they can boast about your flesh. 6:14 But may I never boast except in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, through which the world has been crucified to me, and I to the world. 6:15 For neither circumcision nor uncircumcision counts for anything; the only thing that matters is a new creation! 6:16 And all who will behave in accordance with this rule, peace and mercy be on them, and on the Israel of God. 6:17 From now on let no one cause me trouble, for I bear the marks of Jesus on my body. 6:18 The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit, brothers and sisters. Amen.

Commentary -- Verse Notes / Footnotes

NET Notes: Gal 6:13

¹ tn Or “boast about you in external matters,” “in the outward rite” (cf. v. 12).

NET Notes: Gal 6:14

¹ tn Or perhaps, “through whom,” referring to the Lord Jesus Christ rather than the cross.

NET Notes: Gal 6:15

¹ tc The phrase “in Christ Jesus” is found after “For” in some mss (א A C D F G 0278 1881 Ï lat bo), but lacking in Ì⁴⁶ B Ψ 33 1175 1505 1739* and several fathers. The longer reading probably represents a harmonization to Gal 5:6.

² tn Grk “is.”

³ tn Grk “but a new creation”; the words “the only thing that matters” have been supplied to reflect the implied contrast with the previous clause (see also Gal 5:6).

NET Notes: Gal 6:16

¹ tn The same Greek verb, στοιχέω (stoicew), occurs in Gal 5:25.

² tn The word “and” (καί) can be interpreted in two ways: (1) It could be rendered as “also” which would indicate that two distinct groups are in view, namely “all who will behave in accordance with this rule” and “the Israel of God.” Or (2) it could be rendered “even,” which would indicate that “all who behave in accordance with this rule” are “the Israel of God.” In other words, in this latter view, “even” = “that is.”

NET Notes: Gal 6:17

¹ tn Paul is probably referring to scars from wounds received in the service of Jesus, although the term στίγμα (stigma) may imply ownership and suggest these scars served as brands (L&N 8.55; 33.481; 90.84).

NET Notes: Gal 6:18

¹ tn Or “is.” No verb is stated, but a wish (“be”) rather than a declarative statement (“is”) is most likely in a concluding greeting such as this.

² tn Grk “brothers.” See note on the phrase “brothers and sisters” in 1:11.