ὅσοι θέλουσιν εὐπροσωπῆσαι ἐν σαρκί, οὗτοι ἀναγκάζουσιν ὑμᾶς περιτέμνεσθαι, μόνον ἵνα μὴ τῷ σταυρῷ τοῦ Χριστοῦ διώκωνται.
(Galatians 6:12)
When Religious Appearance Masks Spiritual Evasion
In Galatians 6:12, Paul exposes the true motive of those pressuring Gentile believers to adopt circumcision: not theological conviction, but fear of persecution. The verse is loaded with participles, causal clauses, and a striking purpose clause, unmasking a superficial religiosity driven by self-preservation rather than cross-shaped courage.
This article explores:
- The relative clause ὅσοι θέλουσιν εὐπροσωπῆσαι ἐν σαρκί and the language of public image
- The forceful verb ἀναγκάζουσιν and manipulative compulsion
- The purpose clause μόνον ἵνα μὴ… διώκωνται as the real motive
ὅσοι θέλουσιν εὐπροσωπῆσαι ἐν σαρκί – All Who Want to Look Good
This relative clause sets up the identity and motive of the legalists.
Phrase Analysis:
- ὅσοι – relative pronoun, nominative masculine plural: “all who”
- θέλουσιν – present active indicative, 3rd person plural of θέλω, “they desire”
- εὐπροσωπῆσαι – aorist active infinitive of εὐπροσωπέω, “to make a good showing / have a good face”
- ἐν σαρκί – “in the flesh,” referring to external, physical appearance
The grammar signals their obsession with outward form—a desire to “look good” in the realm of the flesh, likely meaning religious externals like circumcision.
οὗτοι ἀναγκάζουσιν ὑμᾶς περιτέμνεσθαι – Pressuring You into Circumcision
The main clause reveals their action:
Key Components:
- οὗτοι – demonstrative pronoun, “these are the ones”
- ἀναγκάζουσιν – present active indicative, 3rd plural of ἀναγκάζω, “they compel, pressure”
- ὑμᾶς – accusative plural, “you” (the Galatians)
- περιτέμνεσθαι – present passive infinitive of περιτέμνω, “to be circumcised”
The present tenses signal ongoing behavior: these men are persistently pressuring Gentile believers to accept circumcision—not from concern for the law, but for their own status.
μόνον ἵνα μὴ τῷ σταυρῷ τοῦ Χριστοῦ διώκωνται – The True Motive Unveiled
Paul now unmasks their real reason.
Clause Breakdown:
- μόνον ἵνα μή – “only in order that not…” introduces a negative purpose clause
- τῷ σταυρῷ τοῦ Χριστοῦ – dative of cause or association, “because of the cross of Christ”
- διώκωνται – present passive subjunctive, 3rd person plural from διώκω, “they may be persecuted”
Their aim is clear: avoid persecution by removing the offense of the cross. Instead of bearing its reproach, they dress themselves in acceptable religious forms.
Exposing the Flesh-Driven Agenda
| Greek Expression | Grammatical Form | Function | Theological Insight |
|---|---|---|---|
| ὅσοι θέλουσιν εὐπροσωπῆσαι | Relative clause with infinitive | Identifies motive to maintain appearances | Religious vanity masquerades as devotion |
| ἀναγκάζουσιν ὑμᾶς περιτέμνεσθαι | Main clause with compulsion verb + infinitive | Ongoing pressure to conform externally | Law is weaponized for social convenience |
| μόνον ἵνα μὴ… διώκωνται | Negative purpose clause | Reveals fear-driven motive | The cross offends; legalism deflects that offense |
The Cross or the Mask
Paul’s Greek here is not verbose—it is surgical. The participles and clauses slice through the pretense of religious performance and expose the fear of shame. Those who pressure others into externals do so not from conviction but from cowardice. They fear the cross, so they substitute ritual. They fear disgrace, so they seek euprosōpia—a good face in the flesh.
Yet for Paul, the only glory is in the cross of Christ (Gal 6:14), not in the applause of those who demand circumcision but avoid suffering.
The grammar exposes this choice: perform or suffer. The cross strips us of pretense. Legalism stitches it back on. But in the syntax of Galatians, freedom and authenticity are always cruciform.
