Galatians 5:3 (KJV) says, "For I testify again to every man that is circumcised, that he is a debtor to do the whole law." This verse comes from the book of Galatians in the New Testament and is part of a larger passage in which the apostle Paul addresses the Galatian Christians on the topic of circumcision and the law.

To truly understand the meaning of this verse, it is important to look at the context in which it was written. The Galatians were a group of early Christians who had been influenced by a group of Jewish Christians known as "Judaizers". These Judaizers believed that in order to be saved, one must not only have faith in Jesus Christ but also follow the Jewish law, including the rite of circumcision.

In Galatians 5, Paul is addressing the importance of freedom in Christ and the danger of falling back into legalistic practices. He is reminding the Galatians that by seeking justification through circumcision and the keeping of the law, they are aligning themselves with a legalistic mentality that goes against the freedom and grace found in Christ.

The verse begins with Paul's emphatic declaration, "For I testify again to every man that is circumcised." This phrase is a reminder that Paul has already testified and spoken to the Galatians on this issue before. It shows the urgency and seriousness with which he is addressing the matter.

Paul then states that "he is a debtor to do the whole law." This means that if someone seeks justification through circumcision and the law, they are bound to keep the entire law perfectly. This highlights the impossibility of attaining salvation through the law, as no one can perfectly fulfill all the requirements of the law. In this context, circumcision becomes a symbol for legalistic practices and a focus on outward rituals rather than true faith in Christ.

The theme of freedom in Christ is central to this passage. Paul is emphasizing that true freedom comes from faith in Christ, not through adherence to the law. He warns against the dangers of legalism and works-based salvation, reminding the Galatians that their focus should be on faith expressing itself through love (Galatians 5:6).

The verse also highlights the contrast between the old covenant of the law and the new covenant of grace. In the Old Testament, circumcision was a physical sign of the covenant between God and the people of Israel. However, in the New Testament, Paul is teaching that true salvation and righteousness come through faith in Christ, not through adherence to the Mosaic law.

Overall, Galatians 5:3 serves as a poignant reminder of the centrality of faith in Christ for salvation. It warns against the dangers of legalism and works-based righteousness, and points to the freedom and grace found in Christ. It is a call for believers to live by faith, expressing that faith through love and avoiding the trap of relying on outward rituals or adherence to the law for salvation. This verse continues to be a powerful reminder for Christians today to focus on the gospel of grace and to walk in the freedom that comes from faith in Christ.