Galatians 5:7-9
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Paul uses the vivid image of a race to highlight that the Galatians weren't just stopped, they were actively impeded or obstructed from continuing on the path of truth. This wasn't a passive failing, but an active interference that threw them off course.
You were running well. Who hindered you from obeying the truth? This persuasion is not from him who calls you. A little leaven leavens the whole lump.
English Standard Version (ESV)
Paul reminds the Galatians of their vibrant start in faith, using a metaphor of a race where they were running nobly. He's asking them directly who or what has thrown obstacles in their path, causing them to stop obeying the truth of the gospel he preached. This abrupt question highlights his concern that some outside influence, likely from the Judaizers, has derailed their spiritual progress.
Imagine crossing the finish line, victory in sight, only to have someone trip you. Paul uses a vivid image of a footrace to describe the Galatians' spiritual journey.
The apostle Paul loved using the metaphor of a footrace for the Christian life. It wasn't just about starting well, but about running with endurance and purpose.
Running the Good Race
Paul poses a pointed question: 'Who hindered you?' This isn't just idle curiosity; it's a challenge to identify the source of their spiritual derailment.
The question 'Who hindered you?' is powerful because it implies an external force at play, but also suggests that the Galatians ultimately themselves to be hindered.
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The Subtle Intruder
Paul links 'obeying the truth' with a stark contrast. Understanding this connection reveals the heart of the Galatian crisis.
The core issue for the Galatians was a deviation from 'obeying the truth.' Paul highlights the subtle shift that occurred, leading them away from genuine faith.
The Meaning of Obedience
Understand the original words
alētheia · Greek Noun
Refers to the objective revelation of God, particularly the Gospel message concerning Jesus Christ, to which believers must submit their hearts and lives.
kalountos · Greek Verb
A term frequently used in the New Testament to describe the divine initiative of God in summoning individuals to salvation and into fellowship with Himself.
zymē · Greek Noun
A substance used in baking that causes dough to rise; biblically, it is frequently used as a metaphor for an encroaching influence—usually sinful or corrupting—that permeates and affects a whole group or body.
This verse uses a metaphor from the Roman athletic games, common in the region. The Galatians had a strong start in their faith journey, but some outside influence, likely Judaizers pushing for adherence to Mosaic law, had disrupted their progress, causing them to stumble in their obedience to the gospel.
c. AD 40-45
Paul's First Missionary Journey
Paul and Barnabas travel through Galatia, establishing churches and preaching the gospel of salvation by faith in Christ.
c. AD 49
Council of Jerusalem
A pivotal gathering where apostles debated and decided that Gentile believers did not need to follow Mosaic law, including circumcision, for salvation.
c. AD 53-55— this verse
Paul Writes Galatians
Paul pens this letter to the Galatian churches to address the serious issue of some believers trying to impose Jewish law, particularly circumcision, on Gentile converts, arguing that this undermines the true gospel.
This passage also uses the metaphor of a race to describe the Christian life, emphasizing the need for discipline and perseverance to win the prize, directly paralleling Paul's imagery in Galatians 5:7.
Philippians 3:14Paul speaks of pressing on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus, echoing the 'running well' and the idea of a continuous pursuit found in Galatians 5:7.
1 Thessalonians 2:18This verse mentions Satan hindering Paul from visiting the Thessalonians, which connects to the idea of an external force or influence 'hindering' the Galatians from obeying the truth.
Romans 2:8This passage contrasts those who obey the truth with those who are factious and disobedient, highlighting the concept of 'obeying the truth' as central to the Christian path, which Paul questions in Galatians 5:7.
cambridgeGalatians 5:7: "Ye did run well; who did hinder you that ye should not obey the truth?"
7 . The abruptness of thought and style is a marked feature of these two chapters. It is not always possible to trace the connexion with certainty. Ye did run well ] ‘You were running nobly’. The metaphor is taken from the stadium—a favourite one with St Paul, c. Galatians 2:2 ; 1 Corinthians 9:24-27 , &c. who did hinder you ] who was it that threw obstacles in your way? There may be a covert allusion here t…
vincentGalatians 5:7: "Ye did run well; who did hinder you that ye should not obey the truth?"
Ye did run (ἐτρέχετε)Better, as giving the force of the imperfect, ye were running. You were on the right road, and were making good progress when this interruption occurred. Comp. Galatians 2:2; 1 Corinthians 9:24-27; Philippians 3:14; 2 Timothy 4:7.Well (καλῶς)Bravely, becomingly, honorably to yourselves and to the church. Often in Paul. See Romans 11:20; 1 Corinthians 7:37, 1 Corinthians 7:38; 2 Corint…
Paul uses the vivid image of a race to highlight that the Galatians weren't just stopped, they were actively impeded or obstructed from continuing on the path of truth. This wasn't a passive failing, but an active interference that threw them off course.
Paul reminds the Galatians of their vibrant start in faith, using a metaphor of a race where they were running nobly. He's asking them directly who or what has thrown obstacles in their path, causing them to stop obeying the truth of the gospel he preached. This abrupt question highlights his concern that some outside influence, likely from the Judaizers, has derailed their spiritual progress.
Paul reminds the Galatians of their vibrant start in faith, using a metaphor of a race where they were running nobly. He's asking them directly who or what has thrown obstacles in their path, causing them to stop obeying the truth of the gospel he preached. This abrupt question highlights his concern that some outside influence, likely from the Judaizers, has derailed their spiritual progress.
"You were running well. Who hindered you from obeying the truth? This persuasion is not from him who calls you. A little leaven leavens the whole lump." — Paul uses the vivid image of a race to highlight that the Galatians weren't just stopped, they were actively impeded or obstructed from continuing on the path of truth. This wasn't a passive fa…
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Last reviewed October 2026
