Galatians 5:7

7 You were running a good race. Who cut in on you to keep you from obeying the truth?

Images for Galatians 5:7

Galatians 5:7 in Other Translations

King James Version (KJV)
7 Ye did run well; who did hinder you that ye should not obey the truth?
English Standard Version (ESV)
7 You were running well. Who hindered you from obeying the truth?
New Living Translation (NLT)
7 You were running the race so well. Who has held you back from following the truth?
The Message Bible (MSG)
7 You were running superbly! Who cut in on you, deflecting you from the true course of obedience?
American Standard Version (ASV)
7 Ye were running well; who hindered you that ye should not obey the truth?
GOD'S WORD Translation (GW)
7 You were doing so well. Who stopped you from being influenced by the truth?
Holman Christian Standard Bible (CSB)
7 You were running well. Who prevented you from obeying the truth?
New International Reader's Version (NIRV)
7 You were running a good race. Who cut in on you and kept you from obeying the truth?

Galatians 5:7 Meaning and Commentary

Galatians 5:7

Ye did run well
In the Christian race; when they first set out in a profession of religion, they embraced and held fast, and were zealously attached to the truths of the Gospel; they were in the lively exercise of grace on its proper object, and very diligent in the discharge of duty; they made great proficiency in the knowledge of divine things, and ran with cheerfulness and without weariness in the ways of Christ, and in the paths of truth and holiness. The metaphor is taken from runners in a race; see ( 1 Corinthians 9:24 ) so far this is said to their commendation, but this should have been persisted in:

who did hinder you;
not the apostle, or any of his brethren; no, they encouraged them to go on, and gave them all the assistance they could, to help them forward; but it was the false apostles that hindered them, who did all they could to remove them to another Gospel, and turn them aside out of the right way:

that ye should not obey the truth?
of the Gospel, particularly the truth of justification by the righteousness of Christ; which they did not so cheerfully embrace, and show such a respect unto, as they had formerly done; see ( Galatians 3:1 ) , and which he says not by way of inquiry, but of complaint and concern; and with some indignation against the persons who had been the means of hindering their Christian progress, and with a view to reclaim the Galatians if possible.

Galatians 5:7 In-Context

5 For through the Spirit we eagerly await by faith the righteousness for which we hope.
6 For in Christ Jesus neither circumcision nor uncircumcision has any value. The only thing that counts is faith expressing itself through love.
7 You were running a good race. Who cut in on you to keep you from obeying the truth?
8 That kind of persuasion does not come from the one who calls you.
9 “A little yeast works through the whole batch of dough.”

Cross References 2

  • 1. S 1 Corinthians 9:24
  • 2. Galatians 3:1
Scripture quoted by permission.  Quotations designated (NIV) are from THE HOLY BIBLE: NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION®.  NIV®.  Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica.  All rights reserved worldwide.