Galatians 5:12

They were cut off [α π ο κ ο ψ ο ν τ α ι]. More correctly, would cut themselves off. Perhaps the severest expression in Paul's Epistles. It turns on the practice of circumcision. Paul says in effect : "These people are disturbing you by insisting on circumcision. I would that they would make thorough work of it in their own case, and, instead of merely amputating the foreskin, would castrate themselves, as heathen priests do. Perhaps that would be even a more powerful help to salvation." With this passage should be compared Philippians 3:2; Philippians 3:3, also aimed at the Judaisers : "Beware of the concision" [τ η ν κ α τ α τ ο μ η ν], the word directing attention to the fact that these persons had no right to claim circumcision in the true sense. Unaccompanied by faith, love, and obedience, circumcision was no more than physical mutilation. They belonged in the category of those referred to in Leviticus 21:5. Comp. Paul's words on the true circumcision, Romans 2:28; Romans 2:29; Philippians 3:3; Colossians 2:11.

Which trouble [α ν α σ τ α τ ο υ ν τ ε ς]. Only here in Paul, and twice elsewhere, Acts 17:6; Acts 21:38. o LXX Stronger than tarassein disturb. Rather to upset or overthrow. The usual phrase in Class. is ajnastaton poiein to make an upset. Used of driving out from home, ruining a city or country. See on madest an uproar, Acts 21:38. Rev. unsettle is too weak.