What does Galatians 2:20 mean?

“I have been crucified with Christ, and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me. The life I live in the body, I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself up for me.”

Galatians 2:20 → BSB · Public Domain (CC0)
Quick answer

Paul says his old self was crucified with Christ, and now Christ lives in him. The Christian life is no longer self-powered but lived by faith in the Son of God who loved us.

What it means

United to Jesus, the believer shares in his death and new life—‘I no longer live, but Christ lives in me.’ The old self-ruled identity has died.

The life now lived ‘in the body’ is lived ‘by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me.’ It is deeply personal: Christ’s love and sacrifice are for each believer.

Common questions
What does ‘crucified with Christ’ mean?

It means our old life under sin’s rule ended at the cross with Jesus, so we now live a new life empowered by him, received through faith.

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Original BibleDawn explanation · reviewed 2026-06. Drafted with AI assistance and reviewed for accuracy.