Galatians 5:3

3. Galatians 5:3-4 are at once a solemn reiteration of the truth stated in Galatians 5:2, and an explanation of it.

μαρτύρομαι δὲ. The δέ suggests a contrast to ὠφελήσει. So far from receiving advantage from Christ you will fall under obligation to the Law. μαρτύρομαι, “I protest,” strengthening the preceding λέγω, very nearly as in Ephesians 4:17. On μαρτ. see Milligan, 1 Thessalonians 2:12.

πάλιν. Referring to Galatians 5:2, the ὑμῖν of which is expanded to παντὶ�. It can hardly refer to the last occasion when he was with them.

παντὶ�. Colossians 1:28. Perhaps suggesting the superior station etc. of some who were being led astray; cf. Galatians 5:10.

περιτεμνομένῳ, cf. Galatians 6:13. The present suggests a process in mind and act, still uncompleted. The Apostle will wean the man from it.

ὀφειλέτης. Elsewhere in St Paul’s Epp. only Romans 1:14; Romans 8:12; Romans 15:27. The circumcised man pledges himself to keep the whole Law; which, as we all know, he cannot do. He loses Christ and does not even gain the blessings of the Law. Further, if the Galatians had received teaching similar to that recorded for us in the First Gospel, ὀφειλέτης would have a very serious connotation for them, Matthew 6:12; Matthew 18:24.

ὅλον τὸν νόμον. James 2:10. No doubt the Gentile Galatian Christians did not realize all that circumcision would mean to them now.