Galatians 5:7
New International Version
You were running a good race. Who cut in on you to keep you from obeying the truth?

New Living Translation
You were running the race so well. Who has held you back from following the truth?

English Standard Version
You were running well. Who hindered you from obeying the truth?

Berean Standard Bible
You were running so well. Who has obstructed you from obeying the truth?

Berean Literal Bible
You were running well. Who hindered you, not to obey the truth?

King James Bible
Ye did run well; who did hinder you that ye should not obey the truth?

New King James Version
You ran well. Who hindered you from obeying the truth?

New American Standard Bible
You were running well; who hindered you from obeying the truth?

NASB 1995
You were running well; who hindered you from obeying the truth?

NASB 1977
You were running well; who hindered you from obeying the truth?

Legacy Standard Bible
You were running well; who hindered you from obeying the truth?

Amplified Bible
You were running [the race] well; who has interfered and prevented you from obeying the truth?

Christian Standard Bible
You were running well. Who prevented you from being persuaded regarding the truth?

Holman Christian Standard Bible
You were running well. Who prevented you from obeying the truth?

American Standard Version
Ye were running well; who hindered you that ye should not obey the truth?

Contemporary English Version
You were doing so well until someone made you turn from the truth.

English Revised Version
Ye were running well; who did hinder you that ye should not obey the truth?

GOD'S WORD® Translation
You were doing so well. Who stopped you from being influenced by the truth?

Good News Translation
You were doing so well! Who made you stop obeying the truth? How did he persuade you?

International Standard Version
You were running the race beautifully. Who cut in on you and stopped you from obeying the truth?

Majority Standard Bible
You were running so well. Who has obstructed you from obeying the truth?

NET Bible
You were running well; who prevented you from obeying the truth?

New Heart English Bible
You were running well. Who interfered with you that you should not obey the truth?

Webster's Bible Translation
Ye did run well, who hindered you that ye should not obey the truth?

Weymouth New Testament
You were running the race nobly! Who has interfered and caused you to swerve from the truth?

World English Bible
You were running well! Who interfered with you that you should not obey the truth?
Literal Translations
Literal Standard Version
You were running well; who hindered you [so as] not to obey the truth?

Berean Literal Bible
You were running well. Who hindered you, not to obey the truth?

Young's Literal Translation
Ye were running well; who did hinder you -- not to obey the truth?

Smith's Literal Translation
Ye were running well; who hindered you not to obey the truth?
Catholic Translations
Douay-Rheims Bible
You did run well, who hath hindered you, that you should not obey the truth?

Catholic Public Domain Version
You have run well. So what has impeded you, that you would not obey the truth?

New American Bible
You were running well; who hindered you from following [the] truth?

New Revised Standard Version
You were running well; who prevented you from obeying the truth?
Translations from Aramaic
Lamsa Bible
You were progressing well; who confused you that you should not obey the truth?

Aramaic Bible in Plain English
You were running well. Who agitated you to disobey the truth?
NT Translations
Anderson New Testament
You were running well; who kept you back from obedience to the truth?

Godbey New Testament
You were running well; who did hinder you that you should not obey the truth?

Haweis New Testament
Ye were running well: who hath hindered you that ye should not obey the truth?

Mace New Testament
You set out well in your course: who hath obstructed your progress in the truth?

Weymouth New Testament
You were running the race nobly! Who has interfered and caused you to swerve from the truth?

Worrell New Testament
Ye were running well; who hindered you, that ye should not obey the truth,

Worsley New Testament
Ye did run well: who hindered you from obeying the truth?

Additional Translations ...
Audio Bible



Context
Freedom in Christ
6For in Christ Jesus neither circumcision nor uncircumcision has any value. All that matters is faith, expressed through love. 7You were running so well. Who has obstructed you from obeying the truth? 8Such persuasion does not come from the One who calls you.…

Cross References
1 Corinthians 9:24
Do you not know that in a race all the runners run, but only one receives the prize? Run in such a way as to take the prize.

Hebrews 12:1
Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off every encumbrance and the sin that so easily entangles, and let us run with endurance the race set out for us.

Philippians 3:13-14
Brothers, I do not consider myself yet to have taken hold of it. But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, / I press on toward the goal to win the prize of God’s heavenly calling in Christ Jesus.

2 Timothy 4:7
I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith.

1 Corinthians 5:6-7
Your boasting is not good. Do you not know that a little leaven works through the whole batch of dough? / Get rid of the old leaven, that you may be a new unleavened batch, as you really are. For Christ, our Passover lamb, has been sacrificed.

1 Corinthians 15:33
Do not be deceived: “Bad company corrupts good character.”

Romans 7:19-21
For I do not do the good I want to do. Instead, I keep on doing the evil I do not want to do. / And if I do what I do not want, it is no longer I who do it, but it is sin living in me that does it. / So this is the principle I have discovered: When I want to do good, evil is right there with me.

2 Corinthians 11:3
I am afraid, however, that just as Eve was deceived by the serpent’s cunning, your minds may be led astray from your simple and pure devotion to Christ.

Matthew 13:21
But since he has no root, he remains for only a season. When trouble or persecution comes because of the word, he quickly falls away.

Mark 4:17
But they themselves have no root, and they remain for only a season. When trouble or persecution comes because of the word, they quickly fall away.

John 8:44
You belong to your father, the devil, and you want to carry out his desires. He was a murderer from the beginning, refusing to uphold the truth, because there is no truth in him. When he lies, he speaks his native language, because he is a liar and the father of lies.

Acts 20:30
Even from your own number, men will rise up and distort the truth to draw away disciples after them.

2 Peter 2:1
Now there were also false prophets among the people, just as there will be false teachers among you. They will secretly introduce destructive heresies, even denying the Master who bought them—bringing swift destruction on themselves.

Jeremiah 12:5
“If you have raced with men on foot and they have worn you out, how can you compete with horses? If you stumble in a peaceful land, how will you do in the thickets of the Jordan?

Isaiah 40:31
But those who wait upon the LORD will renew their strength; they will mount up with wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not faint.


Treasury of Scripture

You did run well; who did hinder you that you should not obey the truth?

run.

Matthew 13:21
Yet hath he not root in himself, but dureth for a while: for when tribulation or persecution ariseth because of the word, by and by he is offended.

1 Corinthians 9:24
Know ye not that they which run in a race run all, but one receiveth the prize? So run, that ye may obtain.

Hebrews 12:1
Wherefore seeing we also are compassed about with so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which doth so easily beset us, and let us run with patience the race that is set before us,

hinder you.

Galatians 3:1
O foolish Galatians, who hath bewitched you, that ye should not obey the truth, before whose eyes Jesus Christ hath been evidently set forth, crucified among you?

obey.

Acts 6:7
And the word of God increased; and the number of the disciples multiplied in Jerusalem greatly; and a great company of the priests were obedient to the faith.

Romans 2:8
But unto them that are contentious, and do not obey the truth, but obey unrighteousness, indignation and wrath,

Romans 6:17
But God be thanked, that ye were the servants of sin, but ye have obeyed from the heart that form of doctrine which was delivered you.

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Cause Caused Cut Ear Good Hinder Hindered Interfered Kept Nobly Obey Obeying Race Ran Run Running Swerve True. Truth
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Cause Caused Cut Ear Good Hinder Hindered Interfered Kept Nobly Obey Obeying Race Ran Run Running Swerve True. Truth
Galatians 5
1. He wills them to stand in their liberty,
3. and not to observe circumcision;
13. but rather love, which is the sum of the law.
19. He lists the works of the flesh,
22. and the fruits of the Spirit,
25. and exhorts to walk in the Spirit.














You were running well
This phrase uses the metaphor of a race, which is a common motif in Paul's writings. The Greek word for "running" is "τρέχω" (trechō), which implies not just movement, but purposeful and vigorous effort. In the context of the Galatian church, Paul is acknowledging their initial enthusiasm and commitment to the Gospel. Historically, the early Christian communities faced numerous challenges, including persecution and doctrinal confusion. The "running well" suggests that the Galatians had started their Christian journey with zeal and adherence to the truth of the Gospel, much like an athlete who begins a race with energy and focus.

Who hindered you
The Greek word for "hindered" is "ἐνέκοψεν" (enekopsen), which can mean to cut in or impede. This suggests an external force or influence that has disrupted their progress. In the historical context of Galatians, this refers to the Judaizers, who were advocating for adherence to Jewish law as necessary for salvation. This hindrance is not just a minor distraction but a significant obstacle that has altered their course. The imagery here is of a runner being cut off or blocked, which would have been a vivid picture for the Galatians, who were familiar with athletic competitions.

from obeying the truth
The phrase "obeying the truth" underscores the importance of adherence to the Gospel message. The Greek word for "obeying" is "πειθαρχεῖν" (peitharchein), which implies a willingness to be persuaded or to follow. The "truth" here is the core message of salvation through faith in Jesus Christ, apart from the works of the law. In the scriptural context, truth is not just a set of beliefs but a way of life that aligns with God's revelation in Christ. The Galatians' deviation from this truth indicates a serious theological and spiritual issue, as they were being led away from the simplicity and purity of the Gospel. This phrase serves as a call to return to the foundational truths of the Christian faith, emphasizing the necessity of faith and grace over legalistic practices.

(7-12) All was going well at first. What sudden intruder has stopped your path and led you astray? Certainly it is not God, to whom you owe your calling, that has persuaded you to such a course. You tell me that not many have fallen away. But those few are enough to infect the whole. Not that I wish to implicate all in the sin of some. Most of you I can trust to be true to me. The author of your troubles, whoever he is, shall not escape. God shall judge him. Do you turn round on me and say that I, too, have preached circumcision? The persecutions that I have to undergo from the Jews are proof that I preach it no longer. If I do preach circumcision then the other stumbling-blocks in the way of my teaching are removed. I have no need to lay stress upon a crucified Messiah. The advocates of circumcision may carry their self-mutilation a step further if they please.

This section is very abrupt in style. The thought bounds from subject to subject, not stopping to insert links of connection. At the end of the passage there is a vein of severe irony.

(7) Ye did run well.--Again, as in Galatians 2:2, a metaphor from foot racing. The Galatians had made a good start, but suddenly changed their course.

Who did hinder you?--The metaphor here is not quite the same, but is somewhat akin to that just used. The original meaning of the word translated "hinder" is to "break up a road," as an army before the advance of hostile forces.

The truth--i.e., the doctrine taught by St. Paul in opposition to the Judaising tenets which had been introduced into the Galatian Church.

Verses 7-12. - In these verses the language is remarkably curt and disjointed. Their style seems to betoken, either the mind of the writer musing in painful embarrassment, uncertain how best to grapple with the case before him through imperfect knowledge of the circumstances ("Who did hinder you?" ); or, possibly, the painful effort which it cost the apostle to "write with his own hand." In ver. 13 he at length takes up a line of thought which he is able to follow on with fulness and fluency. Verse 7. - Ye did run well (ἐτρέχετε καλῶς); full well ye were running. "To run" is a favourite figure with St. Paul, drawn from the foot-races of the Isthmian Games or other public games common throughout the Roman empire, and applied above (Galatians 2:2) to his own course of apostolic service, but here, as in 1 Corinthians 9:24-27; 2 Timothy 4:17; and Philippians 3:14, in a wider reference to the course of general Christian obedience. In vers. 5, 6 the apostle has indicated the proper character of a Christian believer's life, as one which is animated by a faith energizing through love, and by the anticipation of attaining hereafter the awards to be rendered to the justified. Compare the general strain of thought, strikingly similar to that in the present context, pursued in Philippians 3:12-15. Obviously, one Important element in the comparison is the Christian's forward advance in self-improvement, as well as his continuing prosecution of work for Christ's cause. These characteristics had, and not long before, marked the manner of life of the Galatian Christians. Upon the recurrence of this recollection, here again, as in Galatians 3:1-4; Galatians 4:13-16, the apostle bewails the change that had taken place. They had been so full of joy and of love in believing (Galatians 4:14, 15). But now an incipient relinquishment of their hope in Christ had left them cheerless, and, in consequence, ready to look abroad in quest of other grounds of assured confidence; while also the thence ensuing conflicts of controversy and faction had marred their once happy mutual concord (ver. 15). The form of Christian life which the Galatian Churchmen had in those days presented to view was apparently similar to that which at an earlier date he had described as marking the Thessalonian Church (1 Thessalonians 1:3), and at a later time applauds in the Colossian (Colossians 1:4-6, 8). Who aid hinder you; or, who did drive you back (τίς ὑμᾶς ἐνέκοψε [Receptus, ἀνέκοψε]). The ἀνέκοψε of the Textus Receptus would mean, as in the margin of our English Bibles, "Who has driven [or, beaten, struck] you back," and would be illustrated by the use of the verb in Wisd. 18:23, "Standing between, he beat back the wrath," as Aaron did. But ἐνέκοψε is the reading of all recent editors. The precise meaning of ἐγκόπτω does not seem to be, as some suppose, "to stop," but rather "to hamper, shackle, impede." It occurs Acts 24:4, "be tedious;" 1 Thessalonians 2:18, "Satan hindered;" Romans 15:22 and 1 Peter 3:7, "hindered." So the substantive ἐγκοπή, 1 Corinthians 9:12, "That we may cause no hindrance to [clog the success of] the gospel." Possibly this sense is derived from the hindrance caused to the traveller by the road being "cut into" or cut up before he goes over it. But it is more probably connected with the use of κόπτω in the sense of "worry," as in Demosthenes, 'Olynth.,' it. p. 22, "Worried from time to time by these expeditions up and down." So here, "Who was it that clogged your steps in running your race?" Not positively "arrested your steps:" this disastrous result, it was to be hoped, was not yet brought about; they were only as yet lagging in their course. This interrogation "who" does not so much demand that the evil worker shall be named and brought to light, as express the pity of it, that any one should have been able to work them so much mischief; as in Galatians 3:1. Nevertheless, the author of the mischief had cause to tremble (see ver. 12, and note). That ye should not obey the truth? (τῇ ἀληθείᾳ [T. Tr., Lightfoot, omit the τῇ] μὴ πείθεσθαι;); that ye should not be hearkening unto the truth (or, unto truth)? "The truth" directly cites the gospel; that is, the gospel which proclaims righteousness as theirs who believe in Christ apart from works of the ceremonial law; comp. Galatians 3:5, "That the truth of the gospel might continue with you," the particular phase of the gospel there intended being clearly evinced from the circumstances referred to. "Truth," without the article, denoting "that which is true," cites the same by implication. The verb πείθομαι, frequently rendered in the Authorized Version by "obey," as Romans 2:8 and Hebrews 13:17, properly means to lend a compliant ear to advice or persuasion; "to hearken," as Acts 5:36, 37, 40; Acts 23:21; Acts 27:11. The apostle means that they were turning their ears away from the truth to listen to pernicious counsels or teaching. The verb is in the present tense with reference to the continued attention which they ought to be now giving to the gospel.

Parallel Commentaries ...


Greek
You were running
Ἐτρέχετε (Etrechete)
Verb - Imperfect Indicative Active - 2nd Person Plural
Strong's 5143: Apparently a primary verb; which uses dremo drem'-o as alternate in certain tenses; to run or walk hastily.

so well.
καλῶς (kalōs)
Adverb
Strong's 2573: Well, nobly, honorably, rightly. Adverb from kalos; well.

Who
τίς (tis)
Interrogative / Indefinite Pronoun - Nominative Masculine Singular
Strong's 5101: Who, which, what, why. Probably emphatic of tis; an interrogative pronoun, who, which or what.

has obstructed
ἐνέκοψεν (enekopsen)
Verb - Aorist Indicative Active - 3rd Person Singular
Strong's 1465: To interrupt, hinder. From en and kopto; to cut into, i.e. impede, detain.

you
ὑμᾶς (hymas)
Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Accusative 2nd Person Plural
Strong's 4771: You. The person pronoun of the second person singular; thou.

from obeying
πείθεσθαι (peithesthai)
Verb - Present Infinitive Middle or Passive
Strong's 3982: A primary verb; to convince; by analogy, to pacify or conciliate; reflexively or passively, to assent, to rely.

the
τῇ (tē)
Article - Dative Feminine Singular
Strong's 3588: The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.

truth?
ἀληθείᾳ (alētheia)
Noun - Dative Feminine Singular
Strong's 225: From alethes; truth.


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NT Letters: Galatians 5:7 You were running well! (Gal. Ga)
Galatians 5:6
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