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Introduction to Galatians

Part 1: General Introduction

Outline of the Book of Galatians

  1. Paul declares his authority as an apostle of Jesus Christ; he says that he is surprised by the false teachings that the Christians in Galatia have accepted from other people (1:1-10).
  2. Paul says that people are saved by trusting in Christ alone, not by keeping the law (1:11-2:21).
  3. God puts people right with himself only when they trust in Christ; the example of Abraham; the curse which the law brings (and not a means of salvation); slavery and freedom compared and illustrated by Hagar and Sarah (3:1-4:31).
  4. When people are joined to Christ, they become free from having to keep the law of Moses. They are also free to live as the Holy Spirit guides them. They are free to refuse the demands of sin. They are free to bear each others burdens (5:1-6:10).
  5. Paul warns the Christians not to trust in being circumcised and in keeping the law of Moses. Instead, they must trust in Christ (6:11-18).

Who wrote the Book of Galatians?

Paul from the city of Tarsus was the author. He had been known as Saul in his early life. Before becoming a Christian, Paul was a Pharisee. He persecuted Christians. After he began to trust in Jesus Christ, he traveled several times throughout the Roman Empire telling people about Jesus.

It is uncertain when Paul wrote this letter and where he was when he wrote it. Some scholars think Paul was in the city of Ephesus and wrote this letter after the second time he traveled to tell people about Jesus. Other scholars think Paul was in the city of Antioch in Syria and wrote the letter soon after the first time he traveled.

What is the Book of Galatians about?

Paul wrote this letter to both Jewish and non-Jewish Christians in the region of Galatia. He wanted to write against the false teachers who said that Christians need to follow the law of Moses. Paul defended the gospel by explaining that a person is saved by believing in Jesus Christ. People are saved as result of God being kind and not as a result of people doing good works. No person can perfectly obey the law. Any attempt to please God by obeying the law of Moses will only result in God condemning them. (See: [[rc://en/tw/dict/bible/kt/goodnews]], [[rc://en/tw/dict/bible/kt/save]], [[rc://en/tw/dict/bible/kt/faith]] and [[rc://en/tw/dict/bible/kt/lawofmoses]] and [[rc://en/tw/dict/bible/kt/works]])

How should the title of this book be translated?

Translators may choose to call this book by its traditional title, “Galatians.” Or they may choose a clearer title, such as “Pauls Letter to the Church in Galatia.” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names]])

Part 2: Important Religious and Cultural Concepts

What does it mean to “live like Jews” (2:14)?

To “live like Jews” means to obey the law of Moses, even though one trusts in Christ. The people among the early Christians who taught that this was necessary were called “Judaizers.”

Part 3: Important Translation Issues

How did Paul use the terms “law” and “grace” in the Book of Galatians?

These terms are used in a unique way in Galatians. There is an important teaching in Galatians about Christian living. Under the law of Moses, righteous or holy living required a person to obey a set of rules and regulations. As Christians, holy living is now motivated by grace. This means that Christians have freedom in Christ and are not required to obey a specific set of rules. Instead, Christians are to live a holy life because they are thankful that God has been so kind to them. This is called “the law of Christ.” (See: [[rc://en/tw/dict/bible/kt/righteous]] and [[rc://en/tw/dict/bible/kt/holy]])

What did Paul mean by the expression “in Christ,” “in the Lord,” etc.?

This kind of expression occurs in 1:22; 2:4, 17; 3:14, 26, 28; 5:6, 10. Paul meant to express the idea of a very close union with Christ and the believers. At the same time, he often intended other meanings as well. See, for example, “when we seek for God to justify us in Christ” (2:17), where Paul spoke of being justified by means of Christ.

Please see the introduction to the Book of Romans for more details about this kind of expression.

What are the major issues in the text of the Book of Galatians?

  • “Foolish Galatians, whose evil eye has harmed you? Was not Jesus Christ depicted as crucified before your eyes” (3:1)? The ULT, UST, and the other modern versions have this reading. However, older versions of the Bible add, “[so] that ye should not obey the truth.” Translators are advised not to include this expression. However, if in the translators region there are older Bible versions that have the passage, the translators can include it. If it is translated, it should be put inside square brackets ([]) to indicate that it is probably not original to Galatians. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-textvariants]])

(See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-textvariants]])

3GAL1introf3n50

Galatians 01 General Notes

Structure and formatting

Paul started this letter differently than his other letters. He adds that he was “not an apostle from men nor by human agency, but through Jesus Christ and God the Father, who raised him from the dead ones.” Paul probably included these words because false teachers were opposing him and trying to undermine his authority.

Special concepts in this chapter

Heresy

God eternally saves people only through the true, biblical gospel. God condemns any other version of the gospel. Paul asks God to curse those who teach a false gospel. They might not be saved. They should be treated as non-Christians. (See: [[rc://en/tw/dict/bible/kt/save]], [[rc://en/tw/dict/bible/kt/eternity]], [[rc://en/tw/dict/bible/kt/goodnews]] and [[rc://en/tw/dict/bible/kt/condemn]] and [[rc://en/tw/dict/bible/kt/curse]])

Pauls qualifications

Some people in the early church were teaching that Gentiles needed to obey the law of Moses. To refute this teaching, in verses 13-16 Paul explains how he was formerly a zealous Jew. But God still needed to save him and show him the true gospel. As a Jew, and the apostle to Gentile people, Paul was uniquely qualified to address this issue. (See: [[rc://en/tw/dict/bible/kt/lawofmoses]])

Other possible translation difficulties in this chapter

“You are turning so quickly to a different gospel”

The Book of Galatians is one of Pauls earliest letters in Scripture. It shows that heresies troubled even the early church. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])

4GAL11m4ssfigs-you0General Information:

Paul, an apostle, writes this letter to the churches in the area of Galatia. Unless noted otherwise, all instances of “you” and “your” in this letter refer to the Galatians and are plural. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-you]])

5GAL11d1kdτοῦ ἐγείραντος αὐτὸν1who raised him

“who caused him to live again”

6GAL12d737figs-gendernotationsἀδελφοί1brothers

Here this means fellow Christians, including both men and women, since all believers in Christ are members of one spiritual family, with God as their heavenly Father. Alternate translation: “brothers and sisters” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-gendernotations]])

7GAL14yk9gfigs-metonymyπερὶ τῶν ἁμαρτιῶν ἡμῶν1for our sins

“Sins” is a metonym the punishment for sin. Alternate translation: “to take the punishment we deserved because of our sins” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])

8GAL14f6d5figs-metonymyὅπως ἐξέληται ἡμᾶς ἐκ τοῦ αἰῶνος τοῦ ἐνεστῶτος πονηροῦ1that he might deliver us from this present evil age

Here “this…age” represents the powers at work in the age. Alternate translation: “that he might bring us to a place of safety from the evil powers at work in the world today” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])

9GAL14lbb2τοῦ Θεοῦ καὶ Πατρὸς ἡμῶν1our God and Father

This refers to “God our Father.” He is our God and our Father.

10GAL16lf1w0Connecting Statement:

Paul gives his reason for writing this letter: he reminds them to continue to understand the gospel.

11GAL16f74pθαυμάζω1I am amazed

“I am surprised” or “I am shocked.” Paul was disappointed that they were doing this.

12GAL16v438figs-metaphorοὕτως ταχέως, μετατίθεσθε ἀπὸ τοῦ καλέσαντος1you are turning away so quickly from him

Here “turning away…from him” is a metaphor for started to doubt or no longer trust God. Alternate translation: “you are so quickly starting to doubt him” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])

13GAL16x7weτοῦ καλέσαντος ὑμᾶς1him who called you

“God, who called you”

14GAL16fd7aτοῦ καλέσαντος1called

Here this means God has appointed or chosen people to be his children, to serve him, and to proclaim his message of salvation through Jesus.

15GAL16cfr2ἐν χάριτι Χριστοῦ1by the grace of Christ

“because of Christs grace” or “because of Christs gracious sacrifice”

16GAL16n1rdfigs-metaphorμετατίθεσθε…εἰς ἕτερον εὐαγγέλιον1you are turning to a different gospel

Here “turning to” is a metaphor that means to start to believe something. Alternate translation: “you are instead starting to believe a different gospel” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])

17GAL17gy1iοἱ ταράσσοντες1some men

“some people”

18GAL18i82dfigs-hypoεὐαγγελίζηται1should proclaim

This is describing something that has not happened and should not happen. Alternate translation: “would proclaim” or “were to proclaim” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-hypo]])

19GAL18s5uqπαρ’ ὃ εὐηγγελισάμεθα1other than the one

“different from the gospel” or “different from the message”

20GAL18xb2cἀνάθεμα ἔστω1let him be cursed

“God should punish that person forever.” If your language has a common way of calling a curse down on someone, you should use that.

21GAL110b2vcfigs-rquestionἄρτι γὰρ ἀνθρώπους πείθω ἢ τὸν Θεόν? ἢ ζητῶ ἀνθρώποις ἀρέσκειν1For am I now seeking the approval of men or God? Am I seeking to please men?

These rhetorical questions expect the answer “no.” Alternate translation: “I do not seek the approval of men, but instead I seek the approval of God. I am not seeking to please men.” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion]])

22GAL110fl3cεἰ ἔτι ἀνθρώποις ἤρεσκον, Χριστοῦ δοῦλος οὐκ ἂν ἤμην1If I am still trying to please men, I am not a servant of Christ

Both the “if” phrase and the “then” phrase are contrary to fact. “I am not still trying to please men; I am a servant of Christ” or “If I were still trying to please men, then I would not be a servant of Christ”

23GAL111llg60Connecting Statement:

Paul explains that he did not learn the gospel from others; he learned it from Jesus Christ.

24GAL111g1qgἀδελφοί1brothers

See how you translated this in Galatians 1:2.

25GAL111k33sὅτι οὐκ ἔστιν κατὰ ἄνθρωπον1not mans gospel

By using this phrase, Paul was not trying to say that Jesus Christ is not himself human. Because Christ is both man and God, however, he is not a sinful human being. Paul is writing about where the gospel came from; that it did not come from other sinful human beings, but it came from Jesus Christ.

26GAL112wed1δι’ ἀποκαλύψεως Ἰησοῦ Χριστοῦ1it was by revelation of Jesus Christ to me

Possible meanings are (1) “Jesus Christ himself revealed the gospel to me” or (2) “God made me know the gospel when he showed me who Jesus Christ was.”

27GAL113f3glἀναστροφήν ποτε1former life

“behavior at one time” or “prior life” or “earlier life”

28GAL114r44zκαὶ προέκοπτον1I advanced

This metaphor pictures Paul as being ahead of other Jews his age in their goal to be perfect Jews.

29GAL114s81tσυνηλικιώτας1those who were my own age

“the Jewish people who are the same age as I am”

30GAL114f1z8τῶν πατρικῶν μου1my fathers

“my ancestors”

31GAL115wd26καλέσας διὰ τῆς χάριτος αὐτοῦ1who called me through his grace

Possible meanings are (1) “God called me to serve him because he is gracious” or (2) “He called me by means of his grace.”

32GAL116l97hἀποκαλύψαι τὸν Υἱὸν αὐτοῦ ἐν ἐμοὶ1to reveal his Son in me

Possible meanings are (1) “to allow me to know his Son” or (2) “to show the world through me that Jesus is Gods Son.”

33GAL116l5bbguidelines-sonofgodprinciplesτὸν Υἱὸν1Son

This is an important title for Jesus, the Son of God. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/guidelines-sonofgodprinciples]])

34GAL116xx4cεὐαγγελίζωμαι αὐτὸν1preach him

“proclaim that he is Gods Son” or “preach the good news about Gods Son”

35GAL116qme5figs-idiomπροσανεθέμην σαρκὶ καὶ αἵματι1consult with flesh and blood

This is an expression that means talking with other people. Alternate translation: “ask people to help me understand the message” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]])

36GAL117qh88ἀνῆλθον εἰς Ἱεροσόλυμα1go up to Jerusalem

“go to Jerusalem.” Jerusalem was in a region of high hills, making it necessary to climb many hills in order to get there, and so it was common to describe travel to Jerusalem as “going up to Jerusalem.”

37GAL119av43figs-doublenegativesἕτερον…τῶν ἀποστόλων οὐκ εἶδον, εἰ μὴ Ἰάκωβον1I saw none of the other apostles except James

This double negative emphasizes that James was the only apostle whom Paul saw. Alternate translation: “the only other apostle I saw was James” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-doublenegatives]])

38GAL120lh36ἐνώπιον τοῦ Θεοῦ1before God

Paul wants the Galatians to understand that Paul is completely serious and that he knows that God hears what he says and will judge him if he does not tell the truth.

39GAL120h3cbfigs-litotesἃ δὲ γράφω ὑμῖν, ἰδοὺ, ἐνώπιον τοῦ Θεοῦ ὅτι οὐ ψεύδομαι1In what I write to you, I assure you before God, that I am not lying

Paul uses litotes to emphasize that he is telling the truth. Alternate translation: “I am not lying to you in the messages I write to you” or “in the things I write to you I am telling you the truth” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-litotes]])

40GAL121m25aκλίματα τῆς Συρίας1regions of

“part of the world called”

41GAL122y6l4ἤμην δὲ ἀγνοούμενος τῷ προσώπῳ ταῖς ἐκκλησίαις τῆς Ἰουδαίας, ταῖς ἐν Χριστῷ1I was still not personally known to the churches of Judea that are in Christ

“None of the people in the churches of Judea that are in Christ had ever met me”

42GAL123z8qtμόνον δὲ ἀκούοντες ἦσαν1They only heard it being said

“but they only knew what they heard others saying about me”

43GAL2introxe280

Galatians 02 General Notes

Structure and formatting

Paul continues to defend the true gospel. This began in Galatians 1:11.

Special concepts in this chapter

Freedom and slavery

Throughout this letter, Paul contrasts freedom and slavery. The Christian is free in Christ to do many different things. But the Christian who attempts to follow the law of Moses needs to follow the whole law. Paul describes trying to follow the law as a type of slavery. (See: [[rc://en/tw/dict/bible/kt/lawofmoses]])

Other possible translation difficulties in this chapter

“I do not negate the grace of God”

Paul teaches that, if a Christian attempts to follow the law of Moses, they do not understand the grace God has shown to them. This is a fundamental error. But Paul uses the words “I do not negate the grace of God” as a type of hypothetical situation. The purpose of this statement could be seen as, “If you could be saved by following the law, then it would negate the grace of God.” (See: [[rc://en/tw/dict/bible/kt/grace]] and [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-hypo]])

44GAL21zt610Connecting Statement:

Paul continues to give the history of how he learned the gospel from God, not the apostles.

45GAL21zth5ἀνέβην1went up

“traveled.” Jerusalem is located in hilly country. The Jews also viewed Jerusalem as the place on earth that is closest to heaven, so Paul may have been speaking figuratively, or it may be that it was reflecting the difficult, uphill, journey to get to Jerusalem.

46GAL22msv4τοῖς δοκοῦσιν1those who seemed to be important

“the most important leaders among the believers”

47GAL22ejb8figs-doublenegativesμή πως εἰς κενὸν τρέχω ἢ ἔδραμον1I was not running—or had not run—in vain

Paul uses running as a metaphor for work, and he uses a double negative to emphasize that the work he had done was profitable. Alternate translation: “I was doing, or had done, profitable work” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-doublenegatives]] and [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])

48GAL22t6weεἰς κενὸν1in vain

“for no benefit” or “for nothing”

49GAL23xs8kfigs-activepassiveπεριτμηθῆναι1to be circumcised

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “to have someone circumcise him” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])

50GAL24j5kaτοὺς παρεισάκτους ψευδαδέλφους1The false brothers came in secretly

“People who pretended to be Christians came into the church,” or “People who pretended to be Christians came among us”

51GAL24x1mxκατασκοπῆσαι τὴν ἐλευθερίαν ἡμῶν1spy on the liberty

secretly watch people to see how they live in liberty

52GAL24m1alτὴν ἐλευθερίαν1liberty

freedom

53GAL24l7n7figs-explicitἵνα ἡμᾶς καταδουλώσουσιν1to make us slaves

“to make us slaves to the law.” Paul is speaking about being forced to follow the Jewish rituals that the law commanded. He is speaking about this as if it were slavery. The most important ritual was circumcision. Alternate translation: “to force us to obey the law” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]] and [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])

54GAL25bba7εἴξαμεν τῇ ὑποταγῇ1yield in submission

“submit” or “listen”

55GAL26afy6figs-metonymyἐμοὶ…οὐδὲν προσανέθεντο1added nothing to me

The word “me” here represents what Paul was teaching. Alternate translation: “added nothing to what I teach” or “did not tell me to add anything to what I teach” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])

56GAL27cps6ἀλλὰ τοὐναντίον1On the contrary

“Instead” or “Rather”

57GAL27spa9figs-activepassiveπεπίστευμαι1I had been entrusted

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “God trusted me” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])

58GAL29he6qfigs-metaphorδοκοῦντες στῦλοι εἶναι1built up the church

They were men who taught people about Jesus and convinced people to believe in Jesus. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])

59GAL29ie72figs-abstractnounsγνόντες τὴν χάριν τὴν δοθεῖσάν μοι1understood the grace that had been given to me

The abstract noun “grace” can be translated as the verb “be kind.” Alternate translation: “understood that God had been kind to me” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns]])

60GAL29kz2mfigs-activepassiveτὴν χάριν τὴν δοθεῖσάν μοι1the grace that had been given to me

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “the grace that God had given to me” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])

61GAL29e5rmtranslate-symactionδεξιὰς ἔδωκαν…κοινωνίας1gave…the right hand of fellowship

Grasping and shaking the right hand was a symbol of fellowship. Alternate translation: “welcomed…as fellow workers” or “welcomed…with honor” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-symaction]])

62GAL29gi7gδεξιὰς1the right hand

“their right hands”

63GAL210kqq6figs-explicitτῶν πτωχῶν…μνημονεύωμεν1remember the poor

You may need to make explicit what about the poor he was to remember. Alternate translation: “remember to take care of the needs of the poor” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])

64GAL211c9h4figs-metonymyκατὰ πρόσωπον αὐτῷ ἀντέστην1I opposed him to his face

The words “to his face” are a metonym for “where he could see and hear me.” Alternate translation: “I confronted him in person” or “I challenged his actions in person” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])

65GAL212xym6πρὸ1Before

in relation to time

66GAL212s18yὑπέστελλεν1he stopped

“he stopped eating with them”

67GAL212z1kgfigs-explicitφοβούμενος τοὺς ἐκ περιτομῆς1He was afraid of those who were demanding circumcision

The reason Cephas was afraid can be stated explicitly. Alternate translation: “He was afraid that these men who required circumcision would judge that he was doing something wrong” or “He was afraid that these men who required circumcision would blame him for doing something wrong” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])

68GAL212fy79τοὺς ἐκ περιτομῆς1those who were demanding circumcision

Jews who had become Christians, but who demanded that those who believe in Christ live according to Jewish customs

69GAL212a6gvἀφώριζεν ἑαυτόν1kept away from

“stayed away from” or “avoided”

70GAL214sg53οὐκ ὀρθοποδοῦσιν πρὸς τὴν ἀλήθειαν τοῦ εὐαγγελίου1not following the truth of the gospel

“they were not living like people who believe the gospel” or “they were living as though they did not believe the gospel”

71GAL214z4fpfigs-rquestionπῶς τὰ ἔθνη ἀναγκάζεις Ἰουδαΐζειν1how can you force the Gentiles to live like Jews?

This rhetorical question is a rebuke and can be translated as a statement. The word “you” is singular and refers to Peter. Alternate translation: “you are wrong to force the Gentiles to live like Jews.” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion]] and [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-you]])

72GAL214y1zwἀναγκάζεις1force

Possible meanings are (1) force by using words or (2) persuade .

73GAL215p3x80Connecting Statement:

Paul tells the believers that Jews who know the law, as well as Gentiles who do not know the law, are saved only by faith in Christ and not by keeping the law.

74GAL215tz45οὐκ ἐξ ἐθνῶν ἁμαρτωλοί1not Gentile sinners

“not those whom the Jews call Gentile sinners”

75GAL216zy8pκαὶ ἡμεῖς εἰς Χριστὸν Ἰησοῦν ἐπιστεύσαμεν1We also came to faith in Christ Jesus

“We believed in Christ Jesus”

76GAL216j6l1figs-exclusiveεἰδότες1we

This probably refers to Paul and others but not to the Galatians, who were primarily Gentiles. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-exclusive]])

77GAL216j7g5figs-synecdocheοὐ…σάρξ1no flesh

The word “flesh” is a synecdoche for the whole person. Alternate translation: “no person” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche]])

78GAL217vnp6ζητοῦντες δικαιωθῆναι ἐν Χριστῷ1while we seek to be justified in Christ

The phrase “justified in Christ” means justified because we are united with Christ and justified by means of Christ.

79GAL217sge2figs-idiomεὑρέθημεν καὶ αὐτοὶ ἁμαρτωλοί1we too, were found to be sinners

The words “were found to be” are an idiom that emphasizes that “we are” certainly sinners. Alternate translation: “we see that we also certainly are sinners” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]])

80GAL217yy9sfigs-rquestionμὴ γένοιτο1Absolutely not!

“Of course, that is not true!” This expression gives the strongest possible negative answer to the preceding rhetorical question “Does Christ become a servant of sin?” You may have a similar expression in your language that you could use here. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion]])

81GAL220bb2xguidelines-sonofgodprinciplesΥἱοῦ τοῦ Θεοῦ1Son of God

This is an important title for Jesus. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/guidelines-sonofgodprinciples]])

82GAL221tj6lfigs-litotesοὐκ ἀθετῶ1I do not set aside

Paul states a negative to emphasize the positive. Alternate translation: “I confirm the value of” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-litotes]])

83GAL221yl3cfigs-hypoεἰ…διὰ νόμου δικαιοσύνη, ἄρα Χριστὸς δωρεὰν ἀπέθανεν1if righteousness could be gained through the law, then Christ died for nothing

Paul is describing a situation that never existed. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-hypo]])

84GAL221k6bgεἰ…διὰ νόμου δικαιοσύνη1if righteousness could be gained through the law

“if people could become righteous by obeying the law”

85GAL221rku5ἄρα Χριστὸς δωρεὰν ἀπέθανεν1then Christ died for nothing

“then Christ would have accomplished nothing by dying”

86GAL3introxd920

Galatians 03 General Notes

Special concepts in this chapter

Equality in Christ

All Christians are equally united to Christ. Ancestry, gender, and status do not matter. All are equal with each other. All are equal in the eyes of God.

Important figures of speech in this chapter

Rhetorical Questions

Paul uses many different rhetorical questions in this chapter. He uses them to convince the Galatians of their sin. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion]] and [[rc://en/tw/dict/bible/kt/sin]])

Other possible translation difficulties in this chapter

Flesh

This is a complex issue. “Flesh” is possibly a metaphor for our sinful nature. Paul is not teaching that the physical part of man is sinful. “Flesh” is used in this chapter to contrast with that which is spiritual. (See: [[rc://en/tw/dict/bible/kt/flesh]])

“Those of faith are children of Abraham”

Scholars are divided on what this means. Some believe Christians inherit the promises that God gave to Abraham, so Christians replace the physical descendants of Israel. Others believe Christians spiritually follow Abraham, but they do not inherit the promises that God gave to Abraham. In light of Pauls other teachings and the context here, Paul is probably writing about the Jewish and Gentile Christians sharing the same faith as Abraham did. (See: [[rc://en/tw/dict/bible/kt/spirit]] and [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])

87GAL31p7uw0General Information:

Paul is rebuking the Galatians by asking rhetorical questions.

88GAL31x4gd0Connecting Statement:

Paul reminds the believers in Galatia that God gave them Gods Spirit when they believed the gospel by faith, not by their doing Gods law.

89GAL31ryu7figs-ironyτίς ὑμᾶς ἐβάσκανεν1Who has put a spell on you?

Paul is using irony and a rhetorical question to say that the Galatians are acting as though someone has put a spell on them. He does not really believe that someone has put a spell on them. Alternate translation: “You behave as if someone has put a spell on you!” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-irony]] and [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion]])

90GAL31dc2jὑμᾶς ἐβάσκανεν1put a spell on you

“done magic on you” or “done witchcraft on you”

91GAL31gwv2figs-metaphorοἷς κατ’ ὀφθαλμοὺς Ἰησοῦς Χριστὸς προεγράφη ἐσταυρωμένος1It was before your eyes that Jesus Christ was publicly displayed as crucified

Paul speaks of his clear teaching of Jesus being crucified as if he had put on public display a picture of Jesus being crucified. And he speaks of the Galatians having heard his teaching as if they had seen the picture. Alternate translation: “You yourselves heard the clear teaching about Jesus being crucified” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])

92GAL32m1zdfigs-ironyτοῦτο μόνον θέλω μαθεῖν ἀφ’ ὑμῶν1This is the only thing I want to learn from you

This continues the irony from verse 1. Paul knows the answers to the rhetorical questions he is about to ask. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-irony]])

93GAL32wq9gfigs-rquestionἐξ ἔργων νόμου τὸ Πνεῦμα ἐλάβετε, ἢ ἐξ ἀκοῆς πίστεως1Did you receive the Spirit by the works of the law or by believing what you heard?

Translate this rhetorical question as a question if you can, because the reader will be expecting a question here. Also, be sure that the reader knows that the answer to the question is “by believing what you heard,” not “by doing what the law says.” Alternate translation: “You received the Spirit, not by doing what the law says, but by believing what you heard.” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion]])

94GAL33f96ufigs-rquestionοὕτως ἀνόητοί ἐστε1Are you so foolish?

This rhetorical question shows that Paul is surprised and even angry that the Galatians are foolish. Alternate translation: “You are very foolish!” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion]])

95GAL33xu4dfigs-metonymyσαρκὶ1by the flesh

The word “flesh” is a metonym for effort. Alternate translation: “by your own effort” or “by your own work” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])

96GAL34iyj1figs-rquestionτοσαῦτα ἐπάθετε εἰκῇ1Have you suffered so many things for nothing…?

Paul uses this question to remind the Galatians that when they were suffering, they believed that they would receive some benefit. Alternate translation: “Surely you did not think that you were suffering so many things for nothing…!” or “Surely you knew that there was some good purpose for suffering so many things…!” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion]])

97GAL34qn1afigs-explicitτοσαῦτα ἐπάθετε εἰκῇ1Have you suffered so many things for nothing

It can be stated clearly that they had suffered these things because of people who opposed them for their faith in Christ. Alternate translation: “Have you suffered so many things by those who opposed you for your faith in Christ for nothing” or “You believed in Christ, and you suffered many things by those who oppose Christ. Were your belief and suffering for nothing” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])

98GAL34nq68εἰκῇ1for nothing

“uselessly” or “without the hope of receiving something good”

99GAL34xl9lfigs-rquestionεἴ γε καὶ εἰκῇ1if indeed it was for nothing?

Possible meanings are (1) Paul uses this rhetorical question to warn them not to let their experiences be for nothing. Alternate translation: “Do not let it be for nothing!” or “Do not stop believing in Jesus Christ and let your suffering be for nothing.” or (2) Paul uses this question to assure them that their suffering was not for nothing. Alternate translation: “It was certainly not for nothing!” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion]])

100GAL35s3bcfigs-rquestionἐξ ἔργων νόμου ἢ ἐξ ἀκοῆς πίστεως1Does he…do so by the works of the law, or by hearing with faith?

Paul asks another rhetorical question to remind the Galatians how people receive the Spirit. Alternate translation: “He…does not do it by the works of the law; he does it by hearing with faith.” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion]])

101GAL35j4vzἐξ ἔργων νόμου1by the works of the law

This represents people doing the works that the law requires. Alternate translation: “because you do what the law tells us to do”

102GAL35e17qfigs-explicitἐξ ἀκοῆς πίστεως1by hearing with faith

Your language may require that what the people heard and whom they trusted be stated explicitly. Alternate translation: “because you heard the message and had faith in Jesus” or “because you listened to the message and trusted in Jesus” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])

103GAL36ahy90Connecting Statement:

Paul reminds the Galatian believers that even Abraham received righteousness by faith and not by the law.

104GAL36f7svἐλογίσθη αὐτῷ εἰς δικαιοσύνην1it was credited to him as righteousness

God saw Abrahams faith in God, so then God considered Abraham righteous.

105GAL37i9x4figs-abstractnounsοἱ ἐκ πίστεως1those of faith

“those who have faith.” The meaning of the noun “faith” can be expressed with the verb “believe.” Alternate translation: “those who believe” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns]])

106GAL37kq1hfigs-metaphorυἱοί…Ἀβραὰμ1children of Abraham

This represents people whom God views as he viewed Abraham. Alternate translation: “righteous in the same way as Abraham” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])

107GAL38vs1mfigs-personificationπροϊδοῦσα δὲ1foreseeing

Because God made the promise to Abraham and they wrote it down before the promise came through Christ, the scripture is like someone who knows the future before it happens. Alternate translation: “predicted” or “saw before it happened” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-personification]])

108GAL38k9tpfigs-youἐν σοὶ1In you

“Because of what you have done” or “Because I have blessed you.” The word “you” refers to Abraham and is singular. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-you]])

109GAL38j83jπάντα τὰ ἔθνη1all the nations

“all the people-groups in the world.” God was emphasizing that he was not favoring only the Jewish people, his chosen group. His plan of salvation was for both Jews and non-Jews.

110GAL310jhr2figs-metaphorὅσοι γὰρ ἐξ ἔργων νόμου εἰσὶν ὑπὸ κατάραν εἰσίν1All who rely on…the law are under a curse

Being under a curse represents being cursed. Here it refers to being eternally punished. “Those who rely on…the law are cursed” or “God will eternally punish those who rely on…the law” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]] and [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])

111GAL310mxe7ἔργων νόμου1the works of the law

“what the law says we must do”

112GAL311sn9hfigs-explicitδὲ…δῆλον1Now it is clear

What is clear can be stated explicitly. AT “The scriptures are clear” or “The scriptures teach clearly” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])

113GAL311k6k5ἐν νόμῳ, οὐδεὶς δικαιοῦται παρὰ τῷ Θεῷ1no one is justified before God by the law

This can be stated with an active verb. Alternate translation: “God justifies no one by the law”

114GAL311k1pqfigs-explicitἐν νόμῳ, οὐδεὶς δικαιοῦται παρὰ τῷ Θεῷ1no one is justified before God by the law

Paul is correcting their believe that if they obeyed the law, God would justify them. Alternate translation: “no one is justified before God by obeying the law” or “God does not justify anyone for their obedience to the law” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])

115GAL311i537figs-nominaladjὁ δίκαιος ἐκ πίστεως ζήσεται1the righteous will live by faith

The nominal adjective “righteous” refers to righteous people. Alternate translation: “righteous people will live by faith” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-nominaladj]])

116GAL312rep5ζήσεται ἐν αὐτοῖς1must live by them

Possible meanings are (1) “must obey them all” or (2) “will be judged by his ability to do what the law demands.”

117GAL313x2lc0Connecting Statement:

Paul reminds these believers again that keeping the law could not save a person and that the law did not add a new condition to the promise by faith given to Abraham.

118GAL313ml63ἐκ τῆς κατάρας τοῦ νόμου1from the curse of the law

The noun “curse” can be expressed with the verb “curse.” Alternate translation: “from being cursed because of the law” or “from being cursed for not obeying the law”

119GAL313mp4pfigs-metonymyἐκ τῆς κατάρας τοῦ νόμου, γενόμενος ὑπὲρ ἡμῶν κατάρα…ἐπικατάρατος πᾶς1from the curse of the law…becoming a curse for us…Cursed is everyone

The word “curse” here is a metonym for God condemning the person whom he has cursed. Alternate translation: “from us having God condemn us because we broke the law…having God condemn him instead of us…God condemns everyone” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])

120GAL313mt6zὁ κρεμάμενος ἐπὶ ξύλου1hangs on a tree

Paul expected his audience to understand that he was referring to Jesus hanging on the cross.

121GAL314brf7ἵνα…ἡ εὐλογία τοῦ Ἀβραὰμ γένηται1so that the blessing of Abraham might come

“because Christ became a curse for us, the blessing of Abraham will come”

122GAL314fa98ἵνα…λάβωμεν διὰ τῆς πίστεως1so that by faith we might receive

“because Christ became a curse for us, by faith we will receive”

123GAL314h46qfigs-exclusiveλάβωμεν1we

The word “we” includes the people who would read the letter and so is inclusive. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-exclusive]])

124GAL315al9bἀδελφοί1Brothers

See how you translated this in Galatians 1:2.

125GAL315c3gsκατὰ ἄνθρωπον1in human terms

“as a person” or “of things most people understand”

126GAL316f1xuδὲ1Now

This word shows that Paul has stated a general principle and is now beginning to introduce a specific case.

127GAL316w3wlὡς ἐπὶ πολλῶν1referring to many

“referring to many descendants”

128GAL316t25efigs-youτῷ…σπέρματί σου1to your descendant

The word “your” is singular and refers to a specific person, who is a particular descendant of Abraham (and that descendant is identified as “Christ”). (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-you]])

129GAL317h36mtranslate-numbersὁ μετὰ τετρακόσια καὶ τριάκοντα ἔτη1430 years

“four hundred and thirty years” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-numbers]])

130GAL318ujg2figs-hypoεἰ γὰρ ἐκ νόμου ἡ κληρονομία, οὐκέτι ἐξ ἐπαγγελίας1For if the inheritance comes by the law, then it no longer comes by promise

Paul is speaking of a situation that did not exist to emphasize that the inheritance came only by means of the promise. Alternate translation: “the inheritance comes to us by means of the promise, because we could not keep the demands of Gods law” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-hypo]])

131GAL318c8fufigs-metaphorκληρονομία1inheritance

Receiving what God has promised believers is spoken of as if it were an inheritance of property and wealth from a family member, and eternal blessings and redemption. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])

132GAL319fr5t0Connecting Statement:

Paul tells the believers in Galatia why God gave the law.

133GAL319kx2efigs-rquestionτί οὖν ὁ νόμος1What, then, was the purpose of the law?

Paul uses a rhetorical question to introduce the next topic he wants to discuss. It can also be translated as a statement. Alternate translation: “I will tell you what the purpose of the law is.” or “Let me tell you why God gave the law.” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion]])

134GAL319uk9mfigs-activepassiveπροσετέθη1It was added

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “God added it” or “God added the law” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])

135GAL319cf66figs-activepassiveδιαταγεὶς δι’ ἀγγέλων ἐν χειρὶ μεσίτου1The law was put into force through angels by a mediator

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “God issued the law with the help of angels, and a mediator put it into force” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])

136GAL319bgi6χειρὶ μεσίτου1a mediator

“a representative”

137GAL320x9l1ὁ δὲ μεσίτης ἑνὸς οὐκ ἔστιν, ὁ δὲ Θεὸς εἷς ἐστιν1Now a mediator implies more than one person, but God is one

God gave his promise to Abraham without a mediator, but he gave the law to Moses with a mediator. As a result, Pauls readers may have thought that the law somehow made the promise to no effect. Paul is stating what his readers might have thought here, and he will respond to them in the verses that follow.

138GAL321wes3figs-exclusive0General Information:

The word “us” in this section refers to all Christians. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-exclusive]])

139GAL321e43uκατὰ τῶν ἐπαγγελιῶν1against the promises

“opposed to the promises” or “in conflict with the promises”

140GAL321b8xxfigs-activepassiveεἰ…ἐδόθη νόμος ὁ δυνάμενος ζῳοποιῆσαι1if a law had been given that could give life

This can be stated in active form, and the abstract noun “life” can be translated with the verb “live.” Alternate translation: “if God had given a law that enabled those who kept it to live” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]] and [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns]])

141GAL321iyg9ἐν νόμου ἂν ἦν ἡ δικαιοσύνη1righteousness would certainly have come by the law

“we could have become righteous by obeying that law”

142GAL322n5jsσυνέκλεισεν ἡ Γραφὴ τὰ πάντα ὑπὸ ἁμαρτίαν, ἵνα ἡ ἐπαγγελία ἐκ πίστεως Ἰησοῦ Χριστοῦ δοθῇ τοῖς πιστεύουσιν1scripture imprisoned everything under sin. God did this so that the promise to save us by faith in Jesus Christ might be given to those who believe

Other possible meanings are (1) “because we all sin, God put all things under the control of the law, like putting them in prison, so that what he has promised to those who have faith in Christ Jesus he might give to those who believe” or (2) “because we sin, God put all things under the control of the law, like putting them in prison. He did this because what he has promised to those who have faith in Christ Jesus he wants to give to those who believe.”

143GAL322jbn7figs-personificationΓραφὴ1scripture

Paul is treating scripture as though it were a person and is speaking of God, who wrote scripture. Alternate translation: “God” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-personification]])

144GAL323rch20Connecting Statement:

Paul reminds those in Galatia that believers are free in Gods family, not slaves under the law.

145GAL323su16figs-activepassiveὑπὸ νόμον ἐφρουρούμεθα, συνκλειόμενοι1we were held captive under the law, imprisoned

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “the law held us captive and we were in prison” or “the law held us captive in prison” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])

146GAL323bs6ifigs-metaphorὑπὸ νόμον ἐφρουρούμεθα, συνκλειόμενοι1we were held captive under the law, imprisoned

The way the law controlled us is spoken of as if the law were a prison guard holding us as captives. Alternate translation: “the law controlled us like a prison guard” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])

147GAL323t32jfigs-activepassiveεἰς τὴν μέλλουσαν πίστιν ἀποκαλυφθῆναι1until faith should be revealed

This can be stated in active form, and who this faith is in can be stated clearly. Alternate translation: “until God would reveal that he justifies those who have faith in Christ” or “until God would reveal that he justifies those who trust in Christ” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]] and [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])

148GAL324ln1sπαιδαγωγὸς1guardian

More than simply “one who gives oversight to a child,” this was usually a slave who was responsible for enforcing rules and behaviors given by the parent and would report to the parent on the childs actions.

149GAL324m7jyεἰς Χριστόν1until Christ came

“until the time when Christ came”

150GAL324s8g5figs-activepassiveἵνα…δικαιωθῶμεν1so that we might be justified

Before Christ came, God had planned to justify us. When Christ came, he carried out his plan to justify us. This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “so that God would declare us to be righteous” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])

151GAL327v6n1ὅσοι γὰρ εἰς Χριστὸν ἐβαπτίσθητε1For as many of you who were baptized into Christ

“For all of you who were baptized into Christ”

152GAL327di9vfigs-metaphorΧριστὸν…ἐνεδύσασθε1have clothed yourselves with Christ

Possible meanings are (1) this is a metaphor meaning that they have been united to Christ. Alternate translation: “have become united with Christ” or “belong to Christ” or (2) this is a metaphor meaning that they have become like Christ. Alternate translation: “have become like Christ” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])

153GAL328tyb8οὐκ ἔνι Ἰουδαῖος οὐδὲ Ἕλλην, οὐκ ἔνι δοῦλος οὐδὲ ἐλεύθερος, οὐκ ἔνι ἄρσεν καὶ θῆλυ1There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither slave nor free, there is neither male nor female

“God sees no difference between Jew and Greek, slave and free, male and female”

154GAL329qp4zfigs-metaphorκληρονόμοι1heirs

The people to whom God has made promises are spoken of as if they were to inherit property and wealth from a family member. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])

155GAL4introh6gw0

Galatians 04 General Notes

Structure and formatting

Some translations set each line of poetry farther to the right than the rest of the text to make it easier to read. The ULT does this with verse 27, which is quoted from the Old Testament.

Special concepts in this chapter

Sonship

Sonship is a complex issue. Scholars have many views on Israels sonship. Paul uses sonship to teach how being under the law differs from being free in Christ. Not all of Abrahams physical descendants inherited Gods promises to him. Only his descendants through Isaac and Jacob inherited the promises. And God only adopts into his family those who follow Abraham spiritually through faith. They are children of God with an inheritance. Paul calls them “children of promise.” (See: [[rc://en/tw/dict/bible/kt/inherit]], [[rc://en/tw/dict/bible/kt/promise]], [[rc://en/tw/dict/bible/kt/spirit]] and [[rc://en/tw/dict/bible/kt/faith]] and [[rc://en/tw/dict/bible/kt/adoption]])

Other possible translation difficulties in this chapter

Abba, Father

“Abba” is an Aramaic word. In ancient Israel, people used it to informally refer to their fathers. Paul “transliterates” its sounds by writing them with Greek letters. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-transliterate]])

156GAL41fr5u0Connecting Statement:

Paul continues to remind the Galatian believers that Christ came to redeem those who were under the law, and that he made them no more slaves but sons.

157GAL41n5ybοὐδὲν διαφέρει1no different from

“the same as”

158GAL42bd5aἐπιτρόπους1guardians

people with legal responsibility for children

159GAL42v5g9οἰκονόμους1trustees

people whom others trust to keep valuable items safe

160GAL43d6v9figs-exclusive0General Information:

The word “we” here refers to all Christians, including Pauls readers. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-exclusive]])

161GAL43n21qfigs-metaphorὅτε ἦμεν νήπιοι1when we were children

Here “children” is a metaphor for being spiritually immature. Alternate translation: “when we were like children” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])

162GAL43cd2wfigs-metaphorἡμεῖς…ὑπὸ τὰ στοιχεῖα τοῦ κόσμου ἤμεθα δεδουλωμένοι1we were enslaved to the elemental principles of the world

Here “enslaved” is a metaphor being unable to stop ones self from doing something. This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “the elemental principles of the world controlled us” or “we had to obey the elemental principles of the world as if we were slaves” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]] and [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])

163GAL43u462τὰ στοιχεῖα τοῦ κόσμου1the elemental principles of the world

Possible meanings are (1) this refers to the laws or moral principles of the world, or (2) this refers to spiritual powers, which some people thought control what happens on earth.

164GAL44l5tfguidelines-sonofgodprinciplesτὸν Υἱὸν1Son

This is an important title for Jesus, the Son of God. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/guidelines-sonofgodprinciples]])

165GAL45v5cbfigs-metaphorἐξαγοράσῃ1redeem

Paul uses the metaphor of a person buying back lost property or buying the freedom of a slave as a picture of Jesus paying for his peoples sins by dying on the cross. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])

166GAL46a274ἐστε υἱοί1you are sons

Paul uses the word for male child here because the subject is inheritance. In his culture and that of his readers, inheritance passed most commonly, but not always, to male children. He was neither specifying nor excluding female children here.

167GAL46eqx5ἐξαπέστειλεν ὁ Θεὸς τὸ Πνεῦμα τοῦ υἱοῦ αὐτοῦ εἰς τὰς καρδίας ἡμῶν κρᾶζον, Ἀββά, ὁ Πατήρ1God has sent the Spirit of his Son into our hearts, who calls out, “Abba, Father.”

By calling out “Abba, Father” the Spirit assures us that we are Gods children and he loves us.

168GAL46nei3figs-metonymyἐξαπέστειλεν…τὸ Πνεῦμα τοῦ υἱοῦ αὐτοῦ εἰς τὰς καρδίας ἡμῶν1sent the Spirit of his Son into our hearts

The heart is metonym for the part of a person that thinks and feels. Alternate translation: “sent his Sons Spirit to show us how to think and act” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])

169GAL46xhe6guidelines-sonofgodprinciplesτοῦ υἱοῦ αὐτοῦ1his Son

This is an important title for Jesus, the Son of God. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/guidelines-sonofgodprinciples]])

170GAL46s54rκρᾶζον1who calls

The Spirit is the one who calls.

171GAL46mlg1Ἀββά, ὁ Πατήρ1Abba, Father

This is the way a young child would address his father in Pauls home language, but not in the language of the Galatian readers. To keep the sense of a foreign language, translate this as a word that sounds as much like “Abba” as your language allows.

172GAL47e7tcοὐκέτι εἶ δοῦλος, ἀλλὰ υἱός1you are no longer a slave, but a son

Paul uses the word for male child here because the subject is inheritance. In his culture and that of his readers, inheritance passed most commonly, but not always, to male children. He was neither specifying nor excluding female children here.

173GAL47akb8figs-youοὐκέτι εἶ δοῦλος…καὶ κληρονόμος1you are no longer a slave…you are also an heir

Paul is addressing his readers as though they are one person, so “you” here is singular. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-you]])

174GAL47d5hufigs-metaphorκληρονόμος1heir

The people to whom God has made promises are spoken of as if they were to inherit property and wealth from a family member. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])

175GAL48s4ic0General Information:

He continues to rebuke the Galatians by asking rhetorical questions.

176GAL48ukf50Connecting Statement:

Paul reminds the Galatian believers that they are again trying to live under Gods laws rather than living by faith.

177GAL48cj5iτοῖς φύσει μὴ οὖσι θεοῖς1those who are

“those things that are” or “those spirits who are”

178GAL49ghx1figs-activepassiveγνωσθέντες ὑπὸ Θεοῦ1you are known by God

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “God knows you” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])

179GAL49b8uefigs-metaphorπῶς ἐπιστρέφετε πάλιν ἐπὶ τὰ ἀσθενῆ καὶ πτωχὰ στοιχεῖα1how is it that you are turning back to…principles?

Here “turning back to” is a metaphor for starting to pay attention to something again. This is the first of two rhetorical questions. Alternate translation: “you should not start paying attention to the weak and worthless elemental principles.” or “you should not be concerned with the weak and worthless elemental principles.” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]] and [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion]])

180GAL49n5ieτὰ ἀσθενῆ καὶ πτωχὰ στοιχεῖα1elemental principles

See how you translated this phrase in Galatians 4:3.

181GAL49w28kfigs-rquestionοἷς πάλιν ἄνωθεν δουλεύειν θέλετε1Do you want to be enslaved all over again?

Paul uses this question to rebuke the people for behaving in a way that would make them like slaves. Alternate translation: “It seems that you want to be slaves again.” or “You behave as though you wanted to be like slaves again.”(See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion]])

182GAL49s77efigs-metaphorοἷς πάλιν ἄνωθεν δουλεύειν θέλετε1Do you want to be enslaved all over again?

Here being “enslaved” is a metaphor for being obligated to obey certain rules or customs. Alternate translation: “Do you want to have to obey rules again like a slave has to obey his master?” or “It seems that you want to be controlled all over again!” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])

183GAL410w7d5ἡμέρας παρατηρεῖσθε, καὶ μῆνας, καὶ καιροὺς, καὶ ἐνιαυτούς1You observe days and new moons and seasons and years

Paul is speaking of their being careful to celebrate certain times, thinking that doing that will make them right with God. Alternate translation: “You carefully celebrate days and new moons and seasons and years”

184GAL411bsv1εἰκῇ1may have been for nothing

“may have been useless” or “has not had any effect”

185GAL412ql140Connecting Statement:

Paul reminds the Galatian believers how kindly they treated him when he was with them, and he encourages them to continue to trust him while he is not there with them.

186GAL412sx9vδέομαι1beg

Here this means to ask or urge strongly. This is not the word used to ask for money or food or physical objects.

187GAL412p9gnἀδελφοί1brothers

See how you translated this in Galatians 1:2.

188GAL412n3wfοὐδέν με ἠδικήσατε1You did me no wrong

This can be stated in positive form. Alternate translation: “You treated me well” or “You treated me as you should have”

189GAL414tk1lκαὶ τὸν πειρασμὸν ὑμῶν ἐν τῇ σαρκί μου1Though my physical condition put you to the test

“Though it was difficult for you to see me so physically ill”

190GAL414v9xaἐξουθενήσατε1despise

hate very much

191GAL417t1ftζηλοῦσιν ὑμᾶς1to win you over

“to convince you to join them”

192GAL417s9knἀλλὰ ἐκκλεῖσαι ὑμᾶς1to shut you out

“to shut you out from us” or “to make you stop being loyal to us”

193GAL417iv1dαὐτοὺς ζηλοῦτε1zealous for them

“zealous to do what they tell you to do”

194GAL419zhv90Connecting Statement:

Paul tells believers that grace and law cannot work together.

195GAL419u3ebfigs-metaphorτέκνα μου1My little children

This is a metaphor for disciples or followers. Alternate translation: “You who are disciples because of me” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])

196GAL419yf9efigs-metaphorοὓς…ὠδίνω, μέχρις οὗ μορφωθῇ Χριστὸς ἐν ὑμῖν1I am in the pains of childbirth for you until Christ is formed in you

Paul uses childbirth as a metaphor for his concern about the Galatians. Alternate translation: “I am in pain as though I were a woman having to give birth to you, and I will continue to be in pain until Christ truly controls you” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])

197GAL421z1umλέγετέ μοι1Tell me

“I want to ask a question” or “I want to tell you something”

198GAL421u6fsfigs-rquestionτὸν νόμον οὐκ ἀκούετε1do you not listen to the law?

Paul is introducing what he will say next. Alternate translation: “you need to learn what the law really says.” or “let me tell you what the law really says.” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion]])

199GAL424iit50Connecting Statement:

Paul begins a story to illustrate a truth—that law and grace cannot exist together.

200GAL424bu23ἅτινά ἐστιν ἀλληγορούμενα1These things may be interpreted as an allegory

“This story of the two sons is like a picture of what I will tell you now”

201GAL424k5quἀλληγορούμενα1as an allegory

An “allegory” is a story in which the people and things in it represent other things. In Pauls allegory, the two women referred to in Galatians 4:22 represent two covenants.

202GAL424ruw4αὗται…εἰσιν1women represent

“women are a picture of”

203GAL424u4hrfigs-synecdocheὌρους Σινά1Mount Sinai

“Mount Sinai” here is a synecdoche for the law that Moses gave to the Israelites there. Alternate translation: “Mount Sinai, where Moses gave the law to Israel” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche]])

204GAL424u3u9figs-metaphorδουλείαν γεννῶσα1she gives birth to children who are slaves

Paul treats the law as if it were a person. Alternate translation: “The people under this covenant are like slaves who have to obey the law” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]] and [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-personification]])

205GAL425u1ccσυνστοιχεῖ1she represents

“she is a picture of”

206GAL425ck7vfigs-metaphorδουλεύει…μετὰ τῶν τέκνων αὐτῆς1she is in slavery with her children

Hagar is a slave and her children are slaves with her. Alternate translation: “Jerusalem, like Hagar, is a slave, and her children are slaves with her” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])

207GAL426wa1uἐλευθέρα ἐστίν1is free

“is not bound” or “is not a slave”

208GAL427jql2εὐφράνθητι1Rejoice

be happy

209GAL427ih2ffigs-youστεῖρα…ἡ οὐκ ὠδίνουσα1you barren one…you who are not suffering

Here “you” refers to the barren woman and is singular. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-you]])

210GAL428ad75ἀδελφοί1brothers

See how you translated this in Galatians 1:2.

211GAL428ct63ἐπαγγελίας τέκνα1children of promise

Possible meanings are that the Galatians have become Gods children (1) by believing Gods promise or (2) because God worked miracles to fulfill his promises to Abraham, first by giving Abraham a son and then by making the Galatians children of Abraham and thus sons of God.

212GAL429c9lffigs-metaphorκατὰ σάρκα1according to the flesh

This refers to Abrahams becoming Ishmaels father by taking Hagar as a wife. Alternate translation: “by means of human action” or “because of what people did” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])

213GAL429gt1eκατὰ Πνεῦμα1according to the Spirit

“because of something the Spirit did”

214GAL431sy8uἀδελφοί1brothers

See how you translated this in Galatians 1:2.

215GAL431y3c2figs-ellipsisἀλλὰ τῆς ἐλευθέρας1but of the free woman

The words “we are children” are understood from the previous phrase. This can be translated as a separate sentence. Alternate translation: “Rather, we are children of the free woman” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-ellipsis]])

216GAL5introbcg30

Galatians 05 General Notes

Structure and formatting

Paul continues writing about the law of Moses as something that traps or enslaves a person. (See: [[rc://en/tw/dict/bible/kt/lawofmoses]])

Special concepts in this chapter

Fruit of the Spirit

The phrase “the fruit of the Spirit” is not plural, even though it begins a list of several things. Translators should keep the singular form if possible. (See: [[rc://en/tw/dict/bible/other/fruit]])

Important figures of speech in this chapter

Illustrations

Paul uses several metaphors in this chapter to illustrate his points and help explain complicated issues. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])

Other possible translation difficulties in this chapter

“You are cut off from Christ, you who would be justified by the law; you no longer experience grace.”

Some scholars think Paul teaches that being circumcised causes a person to lose their salvation. Other scholars think Paul means that obeying the law to try to get right with God will keep a person from being saved by grace. (See: [[rc://en/tw/dict/bible/kt/grace]])

217GAL51up160Connecting Statement:

Paul applies the allegory by reminding the believers to use their liberty in Christ because all the law is fulfilled in loving neighbors as ourselves.

218GAL51kuu9figs-explicitτῇ ἐλευθερίᾳ, ἡμᾶς Χριστὸς ἠλευθέρωσεν1For freedom Christ has set us free

“It is so that we can be free that Christ has set us free.” It is implied that Christ sets believers free from the old covenant. Here freedom from the old covenant is a metaphor for not being obligated to obey it. Alternate translation: “Christ has set us free from the old covenant so that we might be free” or “Christ has set us free so that we might live as free poeple” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]] and [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])

219GAL51j679figs-metaphorστήκετε1Stand firm

Standing firm here represents being determined not to change. How they are not to change can be stated clearly. Alternate translation: “Do not give in to the arguments of people who teach something else” or “Be determined to stay free” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]] and [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])

220GAL51usl9figs-metaphorμὴ πάλιν ζυγῷ δουλείας ἐνέχεσθε1do not again be put under the control of a yoke of slavery

Here being under control of a yoke of slavery represents being obligated to obey the law. Alternate translation: “do not live like one who is under the control of a yoke of slavery to the law” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]] and [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])

221GAL52bg6bfigs-metonymyἐὰν περιτέμνησθε1if you let yourselves be circumcised

Paul is using circumcision as a metonym for Judaism. Alternate translation: “if you turn to the Jewish religion” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])

222GAL53h4q5μαρτύρομαι δὲ1I testify

“I declare” or “I serve as a witness”

223GAL53s1affigs-metonymyπαντὶ ἀνθρώπῳ περιτεμνομένῳ1to every man who lets himself be circumcised

Paul is using circumcision as a metonym for being Jewish. Alternate translation: “to every person who has become a Jew” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])

224GAL53j88pὀφειλέτης ἐστὶν…ποιῆσαι1he is obligated to obey

“he must obey”

225GAL54h4yufigs-metaphorκατηργήθητε ἀπὸ Χριστοῦ1You are cut off from Christ

Here “cut off” is a metaphor for separation from Christ. Alternate translation: “You have ended your relationship with Christ” or “You are no longer united with Christ” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])

226GAL54ipf7figs-ironyοἵτινες ἐν νόμῳ δικαιοῦσθε1you who would be justified by the law

Paul is speaking ironically here. He actually teaches that no one can be justified by trying to do the deeds required by the law. Alternate translation: “all you who think you can be justified by doing the deeds required by the law” or “you who want to be justified by the law” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-irony]])

227GAL54k6xefigs-explicitτῆς χάριτος ἐξεπέσατε1you no longer experience grace

Who that grace comes from can be stated clearly. Alternate translation: “God will not be gracious to you” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])

228GAL55pdm1figs-exclusive0General Information:

Here the word “we” refers to Paul and those who oppose the circumcision of Christians. He is probably including the Galatians. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-exclusive]])

229GAL55vvk6γὰρ Πνεύματι1For through the Spirit

“This is because through the Spirit”

230GAL55qg9mἡμεῖς…ἐκ πίστεως ἐλπίδα δικαιοσύνης ἀπεκδεχόμεθα1by faith, we eagerly wait for the hope of righteousness

Possible meanings are (1) “we are waiting by faith for the hope of righteousness” or (2) “we are waiting for the hope of righteousness that comes by faith.”

231GAL55z3gaἡμεῖς…ἐλπίδα δικαιοσύνης ἀπεκδεχόμεθα1we eagerly wait for the hope of righteousness

“we are waiting patiently and with excitement for God to put us right with himself forever, and we expect him to do it”

232GAL56y2wwfigs-metonymyοὔτε περιτομή…οὔτε ἀκροβυστία1neither circumcision nor uncircumcision

These are metonymy for being a Jew or a non-Jew. Alternate translation: “neither being a Jew nor not being a Jew” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])

233GAL56n1hcἀλλὰ πίστις δι’ ἀγάπης ἐνεργουμένη1but only faith working through love

“Rather, God is concerned with our faith in him, which we show by loving others”

234GAL56qp6bτι ἰσχύει1means anything

is worthwhile

235GAL57jj48ἐτρέχετε1You were running

“You were practicing what Jesus taught”

236GAL58ct7gἡ πεισμονὴ οὐκ ἐκ τοῦ καλοῦντος ὑμᾶς1This persuasion does not come from him who calls you

“The one who persuades you to do that is not God, the one who calls you”

237GAL58j7f8figs-explicitτοῦ καλοῦντος ὑμᾶς1him who calls you

What he calls them to can be stated clearly. Alternate translation: “the one who calls you to be his people” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])

238GAL58sx6uπεισμονὴ1persuasion

To persuade someone is to get that person to change what he believes and so to act differently.

239GAL510enp1οὐδὲν ἄλλο φρονήσετε1you will take no other view

“you will not believe anything different from what I am telling you”

240GAL510rb76ὁ δὲ ταράσσων ὑμᾶς, βαστάσει τὸ κρίμα1The one who is troubling you will pay the penalty

“God will punish the one who is troubling you”

241GAL510jc72ταράσσων ὑμᾶς1is troubling you

“is causing you to be uncertain about what is truth” or “stirs up trouble among you”

242GAL510llh5ὅστις ἐὰν ᾖ1whoever he is

Possible meanings are (1) Paul does not know the names of the people who are telling the Galatians that they need to obey the law of Moses or (2) Paul does not want the Galatians to care about whether those who “confuse” them are rich or poor or great or small or religious or not religious.

243GAL511d4mmfigs-rquestionἐγὼ δέ, ἀδελφοί, εἰ περιτομὴν ἔτι κηρύσσω, τί ἔτι διώκομαι1Brothers, if I still proclaim circumcision, why am I still being persecuted?

Paul is describing a situation that does not exist to emphasize that people are persecuting him because he is not preaching that people need to become Jews. This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “Brothers, you can see that I am not still proclaiming circumcision because the Jews are persecuting me.” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion]] and [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-hypo]])

244GAL511nv5xἀδελφοί1Brothers

See how you translated this in Galatians 1:2.

245GAL511znh3figs-hypoἄρα κατήργηται τὸ σκάνδαλον τοῦ σταυροῦ1In that case the stumbling block of the cross has been removed

Paul is describing a situation that does not exist to emphasize that people persecute him because he is preaching that God forgives people because of Jesus work on the cross. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-hypo]])

246GAL511dtv9ἄρα1In that case

“If I were still saying that people need to become Jews”

247GAL511y3ugfigs-activepassiveκατήργηται τὸ σκάνδαλον τοῦ σταυροῦ1the stumbling block of the cross has been removed

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “the teaching about the cross has no stumbling block” or “there is nothing in the teaching of the cross that would cause people to stumble” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])

248GAL511arj5figs-metaphorκατήργηται τὸ σκάνδαλον τοῦ σταυροῦ1the stumbling block of the cross has been removed

Stumbling represents sinning, and a stumbling block represents something that causes people to sin. In this case the sin is to reject the truth of the teaching that in order to be made right with God, people only need to believe that Jesus died on the cross for us. Alternate translation: “the teaching about the cross that causes people to reject the truth has been removed” or “there is nothing in the teaching about Jesus dying on the cross that would lead people to reject the teaching” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]] and [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])

249GAL512sfl2figs-metaphorἀποκόψονται1castrate themselves

Possible meanings are (1) literal, to cut off their male organs so as to become eunuchs or (2) metaphorical, completely withdraw from the Christian community. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])

250GAL513y1g7γὰρ1For

Paul is giving the reason for his words in Galatians 5:12.

251GAL513v6vsfigs-activepassiveὑμεῖς…ἐπ’ ἐλευθερίᾳ ἐκλήθητε1you were called to freedom

This can be expressed in an active form. Alternate translation: “Christ has called you to freedom” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])

252GAL513ekb2figs-metaphorὑμεῖς…ἐπ’ ἐλευθερίᾳ ἐκλήθητε1you were called to freedom

It is implied that Christ has set believers free from the old covenant. Here freedom from the old covenant is a metaphor for not being obligated to obey it. Alternate translation: “You were called to freedom from the old covenant” or “Christ has chosen you to not be obligated to the old covenant” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])

253GAL513yp6rἀδελφοί1brothers

See how you translated this in Galatians 1:2.

254GAL513viv6figs-explicitἀφορμὴν τῇ σαρκί1an opportunity for the sinful nature

The relationship between the opportunity and the sinful nature can be stated more clearly. Alternate translation: “an opportunity for you to behave according to your sinful nature” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])

255GAL514ct8iὁ…πᾶς νόμος ἐν ἑνὶ λόγῳ πεπλήρωται1the whole law is fulfilled in one command

Possible meanings are (1) “you can state the whole law in just one commandment, which is this” or (2) “by obeying one commandment, you obey all the commandments, and that one commandment is this.”

256GAL514qt9cfigs-youἀγαπήσεις τὸν πλησίον σου ὡς σεαυτόν1You must love your neighbor as yourself

The words “you,” “your,” and “yourself” are all singular. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-you]])

257GAL516q8wk0Connecting Statement:

Paul explains how the Spirit gives control over sin.

258GAL516yb58figs-metaphorΠνεύματι περιπατεῖτε1walk by the Spirit

Walking is a metaphor for living. Alternate translation: “conduct your life in the power of the Holy Spirit” or “live your life in dependence on the Spirit” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])

259GAL516dyj7figs-idiomἐπιθυμίαν σαρκὸς οὐ μὴ τελέσητε1you will not carry out the desires of the sinful nature

The phrase “carry out someones desires” is an idiom meaning “do what someone desires.” Alternate translation: “You will not do what your sinful nature desires” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]])

260GAL516rl5sfigs-personificationἐπιθυμίαν σαρκὸς1the desires of the sinful nature

The sinful nature is spoken of as if it were a person and wanted to sin. Alternate translation: “what you want to do because of your sinful nature” or “the things you want to do because you are sinful” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-personification]])

261GAL518san8οὐκ…ὑπὸ νόμον1not under the law

“not obligated to obey the law of Moses”

262GAL519yf2aτὰ ἔργα τῆς σαρκός1the works of the sinful nature

The abstract noun “works” can be translated with the verb “does.” Alternate translation: “what the sinful nature does”

263GAL519u2pufigs-personificationτὰ ἔργα τῆς σαρκός1the works of the sinful nature

The sinful nature is spoken of as if it were a person who does things. Alternate translation: “what people do because of their sinful nature” or “the things people do because they are sinful” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-personification]])

264GAL521rs9bfigs-metaphorκληρονομήσουσιν1inherit

Receiving what God has promised believers is spoken of as if it were inheriting property and wealth from a family member. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])

265GAL522hez3figs-metaphorὁ…καρπὸς τοῦ Πνεύματός ἐστιν ἀγάπη…πίστις1the fruit of the Spirit is love…faith

Here “fruit” is a metaphor for “result” or “outcome.” Alternate translation: “what the Spirit produces is love…faith” or “the Spirit produces in Gods people love…faith” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])

266GAL523ss5kfigs-metaphorπραΰτης…ἐνκράτεια1gentleness…self-control

The list of “the fruit of the Spirit” that begins with the words “love, joy, peace” ends here. Here “fruit” here is a metaphor for “result” or “outcome.” Alternate translation: “what the Spirit produces is love, joy, peace…gentleness…self-control” or “the Spirit produces in Gods people love, joy, peace…gentleness…self-control” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])

267GAL524l6uxfigs-personificationτὴν σάρκα ἐσταύρωσαν σὺν τοῖς παθήμασιν καὶ ταῖς ἐπιθυμίαις1have crucified the sinful nature with its passions and desires

Paul speaks of Christians who refuse to live according to their sinful nature as if it were a person and they have killed it on a cross. Alternate translation: “refuse to live according the sinful nature with its passions and desires, as if they killed it on a cross” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-personification]] and [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])

268GAL524m3nmfigs-personificationτὴν σάρκα…σὺν τοῖς παθήμασιν καὶ ταῖς ἐπιθυμίαις1the sinful nature with its passions and desires

The sinful nature is spoken of as if it were a person that had passions and desires. Alternate translation: “their sinful nature, and the things they strongly want to do because of it” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-personification]])

269GAL525h9hdεἰ ζῶμεν Πνεύματι1If we live by the Spirit

“Since Gods Spirit has caused us to be alive”

270GAL525sq7bfigs-metaphorΠνεύματι…στοιχῶμεν1walk by the Spirit

“Walk” here is a metaphor for living every day. Alternate translation: “allow the Holy Spirit to guide us so we do things that please and honor God” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])

271GAL526a9x9γινώμεθα1Let us

“We should”

272GAL6introbv8h0

Galatians 06 General Notes

Structure and formatting

This chapter concludes Pauls letter. His final words address some issues that do not seem to be connected to the rest of his letter.

Brothers

Paul writes the words in this chapter to Christians. He calls them “brothers.” This refers to Pauls Christian brothers and not his Jewish brothers.

Special concepts in this chapter

New Creation

People who are born again are a new creation in Christ. Christians have been given new life in Christ. They have a new nature in them after they come to faith in Christ. To Paul, this is more significant than a persons ancestry. (See: [[rc://en/tw/dict/bible/kt/bornagain]] and [[rc://en/tw/dict/bible/kt/faith]])

Other possible translation difficulties in this chapter

Flesh

This is a complex issue. “Flesh” is contrasted with “spirit.” In this chapter, flesh is also used to refer to the physical body. (See: [[rc://en/tw/dict/bible/kt/flesh]] and [[rc://en/tw/dict/bible/kt/sin]] and [[rc://en/tw/dict/bible/kt/spirit]])

273GAL61x8zg0Connecting Statement:

Paul teaches believers how they should treat other believers and how God rewards.

274GAL61ss7lἀδελφοί1Brothers

See how you translated this in Galatians 1:2.

275GAL61vm8fἐὰν…ἄνθρωπος1if someone

“if anyone among you”

276GAL61vts8ἐὰν καὶ προλημφθῇ ἄνθρωπος ἔν τινι παραπτώματι1if someone is caught in any trespass

Possible meanings are (1) someone else found that person in the act. Alternate translation: “if someone is discovered in an act of sin” or (2) that person committed the sin without intending to do evil. Alternate translation: “if someone gave in and sinned”

277GAL61t4rmὑμεῖς, οἱ πνευματικοὶ1you who are spiritual

“those of you who are guided by the Spirit” or “you who are living in the guidance of the Spirit”

278GAL61hdj8καταρτίζετε τὸν τοιοῦτον1restore him

“correct the person who sinned” or “exhort the person who sinned to return to a correct relationship with God”

279GAL61tr5rἐν πνεύματι πραΰτητος1in a spirit of gentleness

Possible meanings are (1) that the Spirit is directing the one who is offering correction or (2) “with an attitude of gentleness” or “in a kind way.”

280GAL61rrg9figs-youσκοπῶν σεαυτόν1Be concerned about yourself

These words treat the Galatians as though they are all one person to emphasize that he is talking to each of them. Alternate translation: “Be concerned about yourselves” or “I say to each one of you, Be concerned about yourself” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-you]])

281GAL61ljx6figs-activepassiveμὴ καὶ σὺ πειρασθῇς1so you also may not be tempted

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “so that nothing will tempt you also to sin” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])

282GAL63v6tsεἰ γὰρ1For if

“Because if.” The words that follow tell why the Galatians should (1) “carry one others burdens” (Galatians 6:2) or (2) be careful that they themselves are not tempted (Galatians 6:1) or (3) “not become conceited” (Galatians 5:26).

283GAL63m4wkεἶναί τι1he is something

“he is someone important” or “he is better than others”

284GAL63zz1gμηδὲν ὤν1he is nothing

“he is not important” or “he is not better than others”

285GAL64ra85δοκιμαζέτω ἕκαστος1Each one should

“Each person must”

286GAL65ee8vἕκαστος…τὸ ἴδιον φορτίον βαστάσει1each one will carry his own load

“each person will be judged by his own work only” or “each person will be responsible for his own work only”

287GAL65vej6ἕκαστος…βαστάσει1each one will

“each person will”

288GAL66k1n5ὁ κατηχούμενος1The one

“With the he person who teaches”

289GAL66l4vpτὸν λόγον1the word

“the message,” everything God has said or commanded

290GAL67x5pifigs-metaphorὃ γὰρ ἐὰν σπείρῃ ἄνθρωπος, τοῦτο καὶ θερίσει1for whatever a man plants, that he will also gather in

Planting represents doing things that end in some kind of result, and gathering in represents experiencing the results of what one has done. Alternate translation: “for just as a farmer gathers in the fruit of whatever kind of seeds he plants, so everyone experiences the results of whatever he does” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])

291GAL67gii9figs-gendernotationsὃ γὰρ ἐὰν σπείρῃ ἄνθρωπος1whatever a man plants

Paul is not specifying males here. Alternate translation: “whatever a person plants” or “whatever someone plants” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-gendernotations]])

292GAL68lzz8figs-metaphorὁ σπείρων εἰς τὴν σάρκα ἑαυτοῦ1plants seed to his own sinful nature

Planting seeds is a metaphor for doing deeds that will have consequences later. In this case, the person is doing sinful actions because of his sinful nature. Alternate translation: “plants seed according to what he wants because of his sinful nature” or “does the things he wants to do because of his sinful nature” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])

293GAL68dge9figs-metaphorθερίσει φθοράν1will gather in destruction

God punishing the person is spoken of as if the person were harvesting a crop. Alternate translation: “will receive punishment for what he did” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])

294GAL68aqz2figs-metaphorσπείρων εἰς…τὸ Πνεῦμα1plants seed to the Spirit

Planting seeds is a metaphor for doing deeds that will have consequences later. In this case, the person is doing good actions because he is listening to Gods Spirit. Alternate translation: “does the things Gods Spirit loves” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])

295GAL68k1p7ἐκ τοῦ Πνεύματος θερίσει ζωὴν αἰώνιον1will gather in eternal life from the Spirit

“will receive eternal life as a reward from Gods Spirit”

296GAL69pnq1τὸ δὲ καλὸν ποιοῦντες, μὴ ἐνκακῶμεν1Let us not become weary in doing good

“We should continue to do good”

297GAL69a4n4τὸ δὲ καλὸν ποιοῦντες1doing good

doing good to others for their well-being

298GAL69u77cκαιρῷ γὰρ ἰδίῳ1for at the right time

“for in due time” or “because at the time God has chosen”

299GAL610ax66ἄρα οὖν1So then

“As a result of this” or “Because of this”

300GAL610ud5uμάλιστα δὲ πρὸς τοὺς οἰκείους1especially…to those

“most of all…to those” or “in particular…to those”

301GAL610jz9iτοὺς οἰκείους τῆς πίστεως1those who belong to the household of faith

“those who are members of Gods family through faith in Christ”

302GAL611i7ap0Connecting Statement:

As Paul closes this letter, he gives one more reminder that the law does not save and that they should remember the cross of Christ.

303GAL611wti2πηλίκοις…γράμμασιν1large letters

This can mean that Paul wants to emphasize (1) the statements that follow or (2) that this letter came from him.

304GAL611d6rkτῇ ἐμῇ χειρί1with my own hand

Possible meanings are (1) Paul probably had a helper who wrote most of this letter as Paul told him what to write, but Paul himself wrote this last part of the letter or (2) Paul wrote the whole letter himself.

305GAL612kmd7εὐπροσωπῆσαι1make a good impression

“cause others to think well of them” or “cause others to think that they are good people”

306GAL612r5p1ἐν σαρκί1in the flesh

“with visible evidence” or “by their own efforts”

307GAL612jk57οὗτοι ἀναγκάζουσιν1to compel

“to force” or “to strongly influence”

308GAL612hl1rμόνον ἵνα τῷ σταυρῷ τοῦ Χριστοῦ Ἰησοῦ μὴ διώκωνται1only to avoid being persecuted for the cross of Christ

“so that the Jews will not persecute them for claiming that the cross of Christ alone is what saves people”

309GAL612jd4xfigs-metonymyτῷ σταυρῷ1the cross

The cross here represents what Christ did for us when he died on the cross. Alternate translation: “the work Jesus did on the cross” or “the death and resurrection of Jesus” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])

310GAL613zqf5θέλουσιν1they want

“those people who are urging you to be circumcised want”

311GAL613bb5aἵνα ἐν τῇ ὑμετέρᾳ σαρκὶ καυχήσωνται1so that they may boast about your flesh

“so that they may be proud that they have added you to the people who try to keep the law”

312GAL614g7hhἐμοὶ δὲ, μὴ γένοιτο καυχᾶσθαι, εἰ μὴ ἐν τῷ σταυρῷ1But may I never boast except in the cross

“I do not ever want to boast in anything other than the cross” or “May I boast only in the cross”

313GAL614s6icfigs-activepassiveἐμοὶ…κόσμος ἐσταύρωται1the world has been crucified to me

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “I think of the world as already dead” or “I treat the world like a criminal God has killed on a cross” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])

314GAL614v2qsfigs-ellipsisκἀγὼ κόσμῳ1I to the world

The words “have been crucified” are understood from the phrase before this. Alternate translation: “and I have been crucified to the world” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-ellipsis]])

315GAL614m45bκἀγὼ κόσμῳ1I to the world

Possible meanings are (1) “the world thinks of me as already dead” or (2) “the world treats me like a criminal that God has killed on the cross”

316GAL614s9lxκόσμος1the world

Possible meanings are (1) the people of the world, those who care nothing for God or (2) the things that those who care nothing for God think are important.

317GAL615exj8τὶ ἐστιν1counts for anything

“is important to God”

318GAL615n6n7καινὴ κτίσις1a new creation

Possible meanings are (1) a new believer in Jesus Christ or (2) the new life of a believer.

319GAL616b4alεἰρήνη ἐπ’ αὐτοὺς, καὶ ἔλεος, καὶ ἐπὶ τὸν Ἰσραὴλ τοῦ Θεοῦ1peace and mercy be upon them, even upon the Israel of God

Possible meanings are (1) that believers in general are the Israel of God or (2) “may peace and mercy be upon Gentile believers and upon the Israel of God” or (3) “may peace be upon those who follow the rule, and may mercy be upon even the Israel of God.”

320GAL617v963τοῦ λοιποῦ1From now on

This can also mean “Lastly” or “As I end this letter.”

321GAL617dm22κόπους μοι μηδεὶς παρεχέτω1let no one trouble me

Possible meanings are (1) Paul is commanding the Galatians not to trouble him, “I am commanding you this: do not trouble me,” or (2) Paul is telling the Galatians that he is commanding all people not to trouble him, “I am commanding everyone this: do not trouble me,” or (3) Paul is expressing a desire, “I do not want anyone to trouble me.”

322GAL617cz8aκόπους μοι1trouble me

Possible meanings are (1) “speak of these matters to me” or (2) “cause me hardship” or “give me hard work.”

323GAL617j729ἐγὼ γὰρ τὰ στίγματα τοῦ Ἰησοῦ ἐν τῷ σώματί μου βαστάζω1for I carry on my body the marks of Jesus

These marks were scars from people who beat and whipped Paul because they did not like him teaching about Jesus. Alternate translation: “for the scars on my body show that I serve Jesus”

324GAL618b64iἡ χάρις τοῦ Κυρίου ἡμῶν, Ἰησοῦ Χριστοῦ, μετὰ τοῦ πνεύματος ὑμῶν1May the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit

“I pray that the Lord Jesus will be kind to your spirit”

325GAL618pk25ἀδελφοί1brothers

See how you translated this in Galatians 1:2.