Galatians 5:2

Behold [ι δ ε]. Imperative singular, appealing to each individual reader. I Paul. Comp. 2 Corinthians 10:1; Ephesians 3:1; Colossians 1:23. Asserting his personal authority.

If ye be circumcised [ε α ν π ε ρ ι τ ε μ ν η σ θ ε]. Better, receive circumcision. The verb does not mean that they have already been circumcised. It states the case as supposable, implying that they were in danger of allowing themselves to be circumcised.

Christ will profit you nothing. Circumcision is the sign of subjection to the Jewish "yoke" - the economy of the law. The question with the Galatians was circumcision as a condition of salvation. See chapter Galatians 2:3; Galatians 2:5; Acts 14:1. It was a choice between salvation by law and salvation by Christ. The choice of the law involved the relinquishment of Christ. Comp. chapter Galatians 2:21. Chrysostom says : "He who is circumcised is circumcised as fearing the law : but he who fears the law distrusts the power of grace : and he who distrusts gains nothing from that which he distrusts."