What does it mean that neither circumcision nor uncircumcision counts for anything (Galatians 5:6)?

In Galatians 5:6, the apostle Paul writes, “For in Christ Jesus neither circumcision nor uncircumcision counts for anything, but only faith working through love” (ESV). Here, Paul argues that external religious observances are secondary to what is of primary importance: faith working through love. Circumcision or uncircumcision is irrelevant compared to the “surpassing worth of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord” (Philippians 3:8, ESV). Moreover, sinners are justified by faith and not by works of the law (see Romans 3:20). Circumcision is one such work of the law.

The book of Galatians relates the freedom we have in Christ from the Old Testament Law. The Galatian believers were struggling with the theological question of whether Gentile Christians should be circumcised to be justified before God. Paul rejected the idea of demanding Gentiles be circumcised and argued that salvation is by grace through faith rather than observance of the Mosaic Law (Galatians 2:16). Under the New Covenant, circumcision is irrelevant.

Paul is not dismissing Jewish identity or culture. Rather, he argues that outward signs do not determine one’s standing before God. For centuries, circumcision symbolized God’s covenant with Israel (Genesis 17:10–14). However, in Christ, “circumcision is a matter of the heart, by the Spirit, not by the letter” (Romans 2:29, ESV). That is why “neither circumcision [of the flesh] nor uncircumcision counts for anything, but only faith working through love” (Galatians 5:6, ESV).

Galatians 5:6 also addresses the danger of legalism and religious pride. Legalism reduces faith to a checklist of rules and rituals, and pride derives self-worth from external obedience. When Paul says, “Neither circumcision nor uncircumcision counts for anything,” he dismantles any basis for boasting about human achievements (see Ephesians 2:8–9). Christ is the source of our salvation. Whether circumcised or uncircumcised, Jews and Gentiles are equal in Christ (Colossians 3:11).

Moreover, the fact that neither circumcision nor uncircumcision counts for anything highlights the gospel’s universal offer. Many Jewish Christians struggled with how to integrate Gentile Christians into the church. However, Galatians 5:6 assures readers that justification depends not on nationality, ethnicity, or observance of the Mosaic Law but on faith in the Lord Jesus Christ. God’s promise to Abraham was, “In you, all the families of the earth shall be blessed” (Genesis 12:3, ESV). That blessing comes to us with or without physical circumcision.

Galatians 5:6 compels believers to evaluate the substance of their faith. Do we believe salvation is based on obedience to a certain law? Or do we believe we are secure in God’s grace as shown in the finished work of Christ?

What counts is “faith working through love” (Galatians 5:6, ESV). Notice that faith works. Faith is active rather than passive (Ephesians 2:10). The apostle James writes, “Faith by itself, if it does not have works, is dead” (James 2:17, ESV). Loving God and others is how we demonstrate genuine faith (Matthew 22:37–39).

Paul’s teaching in Galatians 5:6 is relevant today. Christians sometimes prioritize external expressions of faith, such as church attendance or denominational affiliations, over “faith working through love.” Some Christians still place themselves under laws governing food or Sabbath observance. But the apostle’s teaching that “neither circumcision nor uncircumcision counts for anything” reminds us that external obedience is not what counts. In fact, “You who are trying to be justified by the law have been alienated from Christ; you have fallen away from grace” (verse 4).

Believers must examine their motives. Are we pursuing spiritual disciplines out of love for God or trying to earn His favor? Is our love for others an outflow of genuine faith, or are we trying to gain their approval?

The reminder that neither circumcision nor uncircumcision counts for anything reorients believers to the heart of the gospel. The gospel calls us to abandon superficial markers of righteousness to embrace a faith expressed in love. As Paul wrote in 1 Corinthians 13:2, “If I have all faith, so as to remove mountains, but have not love, I am nothing” (ESV).