GAL front intro i6u9 0 # Introduction to Galatians<br>## Part 1: General Introduction<br><br>### Outline of the Book of Galatians<br><br>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).<br>1. Paul says that people are saved by trusting in Christ alone, not by keeping the law (1:11-2:21).<br>1. 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).<br>1. 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 other’s burdens (5:1-6:10).<br>1. 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).<br><br>### Who wrote the Book of Galatians?<br><br>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.<br><br>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.<br><br>### What is the Book of Galatians about?<br><br>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]])<br><br>### How should the title of this book be translated?<br><br>Translators may choose to call this book by its traditional title, “Galatians.” Or they may choose a clearer title, such as “Paul’s Letter to the Church in Galatia.” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names]])<br><br>## Part 2: Important Religious and Cultural Concepts<br><br>### What does it mean to “live like Jews” (2:14)?<br><br>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.”<br><br>## Part 3: Important Translation Issues<br><br>### How did Paul use the terms “law” and “grace” in the Book of Galatians?<br><br>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]])<br><br>### What did Paul mean by the expression “in Christ,” “in the Lord,” etc.?<br><br>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 ve
GAL 1 intro f3n5 0 # Galatians 01 General Notes<br>## Structure and formatting<br><br>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.<br><br>## Special concepts in this chapter<br><br>### Heresy<br>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]])<br><br>### Paul’s qualifications<br><br>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]])<br><br>## Other possible translation difficulties in this chapter<br><br>### “You are turning so quickly to a different gospel”<br>The Book of Galatians is one of Paul’s earliest letters in Scripture. It shows that heresies troubled even the early church. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])<br>
GAL 1 1 m4ss figs-you 0 General 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]])
GAL 1 1 d1kd τοῦ ἐγείραντος αὐτὸν 1 who raised him “who caused him to live again”
GAL 1 2 d737 figs-gendernotations ἀδελφοί 1 brothers 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]])
GAL 1 4 yk9g figs-metonymy περὶ τῶν ἁμαρτιῶν ἡμῶν 1 for 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]])
GAL 1 4 f6d5 figs-metonymy ὅπως ἐξέληται ἡμᾶς ἐκ τοῦ αἰῶνος τοῦ ἐνεστῶτος πονηροῦ 1 that 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]])
GAL 1 4 lbb2 τοῦ Θεοῦ καὶ Πατρὸς ἡμῶν 1 our God and Father This refers to “God our Father.” He is our God and our Father.
GAL 1 6 f74p θαυμάζω 1 I am amazed “I am surprised” or “I am shocked.” Paul was disappointed that they were doing this.
GAL 1 6 v438 figs-metaphor οὕτως ταχέως, μετατίθεσθε ἀπὸ τοῦ καλέσαντος 1 you 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]])
GAL 1 6 x7we τοῦ καλέσαντος ὑμᾶς 1 him who called you “God, who called you”
GAL 1 6 fd7a τοῦ καλέσαντος 1 called 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.
GAL 1 6 cfr2 ἐν χάριτι Χριστοῦ 1 by the grace of Christ “because of Christ’s grace” or “because of Christ’s gracious sacrifice”
GAL 1 6 n1rd figs-metaphor μετατίθεσθε ... εἰς ἕτερον εὐαγγέλιον 1 you 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]])
GAL 1 7 gy1i οἱ ταράσσοντες 1 some men “some people”
GAL 1 8 i82d figs-hypo εὐαγγελίζηται 1 should 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]])
GAL 1 8 s5uq παρ’ ὃ εὐηγγελισάμεθα 1 other than the one “different from the gospel” or “different from the message”
GAL 1 8 xb2c ἀνάθεμα ἔστω 1 let 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.
GAL 1 10 b2vc figs-rquestion ἄρτι γὰρ ἀνθρώπους πείθω ἢ τὸν Θεόν? ἢ ζητῶ ἀνθρώποις ἀρέσκειν 1 For 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]])
GAL 1 10 fl3c εἰ ἔτι ἀνθρώποις ἤρεσκον, Χριστοῦ δοῦλος οὐκ ἂν ἤμην 1 If 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”
GAL 1 11 k33s ὅτι οὐκ ἔστιν κατὰ ἄνθρωπον 1 not man’s 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.
GAL 1 12 wed1 δι’ ἀποκαλύψεως Ἰησοῦ Χριστοῦ 1 it 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.”
GAL 1 13 f3gl ἀναστροφήν ποτε 1 former life “behavior at one time” or “prior life” or “earlier life”
GAL 1 14 s81t συνηλικιώτας 1 those who were my own age “the Jewish people who are the same age as I am”
GAL 1 14 f1z8 τῶν πατρικῶν μου 1 my fathers “my ancestors”
GAL 1 15 wd26 καλέσας διὰ τῆς χάριτος αὐτοῦ 1 who 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.”
GAL 1 16 l97h ἀποκαλύψαι τὸν Υἱὸν αὐτοῦ ἐν ἐμοὶ 1 to 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 God’s Son.”
GAL 1 16 l5bb guidelines-sonofgodprinciples τὸν Υἱὸν 1 Son This is an important title for Jesus, the Son of God. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/guidelines-sonofgodprinciples]])
GAL 1 16 xx4c εὐαγγελίζωμαι αὐτὸν 1 preach him “proclaim that he is God’s Son” or “preach the good news about God’s Son”
GAL 1 16 qme5 figs-idiom προσανεθέμην σαρκὶ καὶ αἵματι 1 consult 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]])
GAL 1 17 qh88 ἀνῆλθον εἰς Ἱεροσόλυμα 1 go 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.”
GAL 1 19 av43 figs-doublenegatives ἕτερον ... τῶν ἀποστόλων οὐκ εἶδον, εἰ μὴ Ἰάκωβον 1 I 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]])
GAL 1 20 lh36 ἐνώπιον τοῦ Θεοῦ 1 before 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.
GAL 1 20 h3cb figs-litotes ἃ δὲ γράφω ὑμῖν, ἰδοὺ, ἐνώπιον τοῦ Θεοῦ ὅτι οὐ ψεύδομαι 1 In 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]])
GAL 1 21 m25a κλίματα τῆς Συρίας 1 regions of “part of the world called”
GAL 1 22 y6l4 ἤμην δὲ ἀγνοούμενος τῷ προσώπῳ ταῖς ἐκκλησίαις τῆς Ἰουδαίας, ταῖς ἐν Χριστῷ 1 I 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”
GAL 1 23 z8qt μόνον δὲ ἀκούοντες ἦσαν 1 They only heard it being said “but they only knew what they heard others saying about me”
GAL 2 intro xe28 0 # Galatians 02 General Notes<br>## Structure and formatting<br><br>Paul continues to defend the true gospel. This began in [Galatians 1:11](../../gal/01/11.md).<br><br>## Special concepts in this chapter<br><br>### Freedom and slavery<br><br>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]])<br><br>## Other possible translation difficulties in this chapter<br><br>### “I do not negate the grace of God”<br><br>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]])<br>
GAL 2 1 zth5 ἀνέβην 1 went 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.
GAL 2 2 msv4 τοῖς δοκοῦσιν 1 those who seemed to be important “the most important leaders among the believers”
GAL 2 2 ejb8 figs-doublenegatives μή πως εἰς κενὸν τρέχω ἢ ἔδραμον 1 I 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]])
GAL 2 2 t6we εἰς κενὸν 1 in vain “for no benefit” or “for nothing”
GAL 2 3 xs8k figs-activepassive περιτμηθῆναι 1 to be circumcised This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “to have someone circumcise him” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])
GAL 2 4 j5ka τοὺς παρεισάκτους ψευδαδέλφους 1 The 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”
GAL 2 4 l7n7 figs-explicit ἵνα ἡμᾶς καταδουλώσουσιν 1 to 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]])
GAL 2 5 bba7 εἴξαμεν τῇ ὑποταγῇ 1 yield in submission “submit” or “listen”
GAL 2 6 afy6 figs-metonymy ἐμοὶ ... οὐδὲν προσανέθεντο 1 added 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]])
GAL 2 7 cps6 ἀλλὰ τοὐναντίον 1 On the contrary “Instead” or “Rather”
GAL 2 7 spa9 figs-activepassive πεπίστευμαι 1 I had been entrusted This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “God trusted me” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])
GAL 2 9 he6q figs-metaphor δοκοῦντες στῦλοι εἶναι 1 built 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]])
GAL 2 9 ie72 figs-abstractnouns γνόντες τὴν χάριν τὴν δοθεῖσάν μοι 1 understood 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]])
GAL 2 9 kz2m figs-activepassive τὴν χάριν τὴν δοθεῖσάν μοι 1 the 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]])
GAL 2 9 e5rm translate-symaction δεξιὰς ἔδωκαν ... κοινωνίας 1 gave ... 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]])
GAL 2 9 gi7g δεξιὰς 1 the right hand “their right hands”
GAL 2 10 kqq6 figs-explicit τῶν πτωχῶν ... μνημονεύωμεν 1 remember 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]])
GAL 2 11 c9h4 figs-metonymy κατὰ πρόσωπον αὐτῷ ἀντέστην 1 I 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]])
GAL 2 12 s18y ὑπέστελλεν 1 he stopped “he stopped eating with them”
GAL 2 12 z1kg figs-explicit φοβούμενος τοὺς ἐκ περιτομῆς 1 He 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]])
GAL 2 12 fy79 τοὺς ἐκ περιτομῆς 1 those who were demanding circumcision Jews who had become Christians, but who demanded that those who believe in Christ live according to Jewish customs
GAL 2 12 a6gv ἀφώριζεν ἑαυτόν 1 kept away from “stayed away from” or “avoided”
GAL 2 14 sg53 οὐκ ὀρθοποδοῦσιν πρὸς τὴν ἀλήθειαν τοῦ εὐαγγελίου 1 not 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”
GAL 2 14 z4fp figs-rquestion πῶς τὰ ἔθνη ἀναγκάζεις Ἰουδαΐζειν 1 how 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]])
GAL 2 15 p3x8 0 Connecting 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.
GAL 2 16 j6l1 figs-exclusive εἰδότες 1 we This probably refers to Paul and others but not to the Galatians, who were primarily Gentiles. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-exclusive]])
GAL 2 16 j7g5 figs-synecdoche οὐ ... σάρξ 1 no flesh The word “flesh” is a synecdoche for the whole person. Alternate translation: “no person” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche]])
GAL 2 17 vnp6 ζητοῦντες δικαιωθῆναι ἐν Χριστῷ 1 while 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.
GAL 2 17 sge2 figs-idiom εὑρέθημεν καὶ αὐτοὶ ἁμαρτωλοί 1 we 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]])
GAL 2 17 yy9s figs-rquestion μὴ γένοιτο 1 Absolutely 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]])
GAL 2 20 bb2x guidelines-sonofgodprinciples Υἱοῦ τοῦ Θεοῦ 1 Son of God This is an important title for Jesus. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/guidelines-sonofgodprinciples]])
GAL 2 21 tj6l figs-litotes οὐκ ἀθετῶ 1 I 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]])
GAL 2 21 yl3c figs-hypo εἰ ... διὰ νόμου δικαιοσύνη, ἄρα Χριστὸς δωρεὰν ἀπέθανεν 1 if 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]])
GAL 2 21 k6bg εἰ ... διὰ νόμου δικαιοσύνη 1 if righteousness could be gained through the law “if people could become righteous by obeying the law”
GAL 2 21 rku5 ἄρα Χριστὸς δωρεὰν ἀπέθανεν 1 then Christ died for nothing “then Christ would have accomplished nothing by dying”
GAL 3 intro xd92 0 # Galatians 03 General Notes<br>## Special concepts in this chapter<br><br>### Equality in Christ<br>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.<br><br>## Important figures of speech in this chapter<br><br>### Rhetorical Questions<br>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]])<br><br>## Other possible translation difficulties in this chapter<br><br>### Flesh<br>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]])<br><br>### “Those of faith are children of Abraham”<br>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 Paul’s 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]])<br>
GAL 3 1 x4gd 0 Connecting Statement: Paul reminds the believers in Galatia that God gave them God’s Spirit when they believed the gospel by faith, not by their doing God’s law.
GAL 3 1 ryu7 figs-irony τίς ὑμᾶς ἐβάσκανεν 1 Who 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]])
GAL 3 1 dc2j ὑμᾶς ἐβάσκανεν 1 put a spell on you “done magic on you” or “done witchcraft on you”
GAL 3 1 gwv2 figs-metaphor οἷς κατ’ ὀφθαλμοὺς Ἰησοῦς Χριστὸς προεγράφη ἐσταυρωμένος 1 It 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]])
GAL 3 2 m1zd figs-irony τοῦτο μόνον θέλω μαθεῖν ἀφ’ ὑμῶν 1 This 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]])
GAL 3 2 wq9g figs-rquestion ἐξ ἔργων νόμου τὸ Πνεῦμα ἐλάβετε, ἢ ἐξ ἀκοῆς πίστεως 1 Did 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]])
GAL 3 3 f96u figs-rquestion οὕτως ἀνόητοί ἐστε 1 Are 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]])
GAL 3 3 xu4d figs-metonymy σαρκὶ 1 by 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]])
GAL 3 4 iyj1 figs-rquestion τοσαῦτα ἐπάθετε εἰκῇ 1 Have 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]])
GAL 3 4 qn1a figs-explicit τοσαῦτα ἐπάθετε εἰκῇ 1 Have 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]])
GAL 3 4 nq68 εἰκῇ 1 for nothing “uselessly” or “without the hope of receiving something good”
GAL 3 4 xl9l figs-rquestion εἴ γε καὶ εἰκῇ 1 if 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]])
GAL 3 5 s3bc figs-rquestion ἐξ ἔργων νόμου ἢ ἐξ ἀκοῆς πίστεως 1 Does 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]])
GAL 3 5 j4vz ἐξ ἔργων νόμου 1 by 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”
GAL 3 5 e17q figs-explicit ἐξ ἀκοῆς πίστεως 1 by 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]])
GAL 3 6 f7sv ἐλογίσθη αὐτῷ εἰς δικαιοσύνην 1 it was credited to him as righteousness God saw Abraham’s faith in God, so then God considered Abraham righteous.
GAL 3 7 i9x4 figs-abstractnouns οἱ ἐκ πίστεως 1 those 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]])
GAL 3 7 kq1h figs-metaphor υἱοί ... Ἀβραὰμ 1 children 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]])
GAL 3 8 vs1m figs-personification προϊδοῦσα δὲ 1 foreseeing 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]])
GAL 3 8 k9tp figs-you ἐν σοὶ 1 In 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]])
GAL 3 8 j83j πάντα τὰ ἔθνη 1 all 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.
GAL 3 10 jhr2 figs-metaphor ὅσοι γὰρ ἐξ ἔργων νόμου εἰσὶν ὑπὸ κατάραν εἰσίν 1 All 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]])
GAL 3 10 mxe7 ἔργων νόμου 1 the works of the law “what the law says we must do”
GAL 3 11 sn9h figs-explicit δὲ ... δῆλον 1 Now 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]])
GAL 3 11 k6k5 ἐν νόμῳ, οὐδεὶς δικαιοῦται παρὰ τῷ Θεῷ 1 no 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”
GAL 3 11 k1pq figs-explicit ἐν νόμῳ, οὐδεὶς δικαιοῦται παρὰ τῷ Θεῷ 1 no 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]])
GAL 3 11 i537 figs-nominaladj ὁ δίκαιος ἐκ πίστεως ζήσεται 1 the 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]])
GAL 3 12 rep5 ζήσεται ἐν αὐτοῖς 1 must 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.”
GAL 3 13 x2lc 0 Connecting 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.
GAL 3 13 ml63 ἐκ τῆς κατάρας τοῦ νόμου 1 from 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”
GAL 3 13 mp4p figs-metonymy ἐκ τῆς κατάρας τοῦ νόμου, γενόμενος ὑπὲρ ἡμῶν κατάρα ... ἐπικατάρατος πᾶς 1 from 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]])
GAL 3 14 brf7 ἵνα ... ἡ εὐλογία τοῦ Ἀβραὰμ γένηται 1 so that the blessing of Abraham might come “because Christ became a curse for us, the blessing of Abraham will come”
GAL 3 14 fa98 ἵνα ... λάβωμεν διὰ τῆς πίστεως 1 so that by faith we might receive “because Christ became a curse for us, by faith we will receive”
GAL 3 14 h46q figs-inclusive λάβωμεν 1 we The word “we” includes the people who would read the letter and so is inclusive. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-inclusive]])
GAL 3 16 w3wl ὡς ἐπὶ πολλῶν 1 referring to many “referring to many descendants”
GAL 3 16 t25e figs-you τῷ ... σπέρματί σου 1 to 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]])
GAL 3 17 h36m translate-numbers ὁ μετὰ τετρακόσια καὶ τριάκοντα ἔτη 1 430 years “four hundred and thirty years” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-numbers]])
GAL 3 18 ujg2 figs-hypo εἰ γὰρ ἐκ νόμου ἡ κληρονομία, οὐκέτι ἐξ ἐπαγγελίας 1 For 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 God’s law” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-hypo]])
GAL 3 18 c8fu figs-metaphor κληρονομία 1 inheritance 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]])
GAL 3 19 kx2e figs-rquestion τί οὖν ὁ νόμος 1 What, 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]])
GAL 3 19 uk9m figs-activepassive προσετέθη 1 It 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]])
GAL 3 19 cf66 figs-activepassive διαταγεὶς δι’ ἀγγέλων ἐν χειρὶ μεσίτου 1 The 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]])
GAL 3 19 bgi6 χειρὶ μεσίτου 1 a mediator “a representative”
GAL 3 20 x9l1 ὁ δὲ μεσίτης ἑνὸς οὐκ ἔστιν, ὁ δὲ Θεὸς εἷς ἐστιν 1 Now 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, Paul’s 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.
GAL 3 21 wes3 figs-inclusive 0 General Information: The word “us” in this section refers to all Christians. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-inclusive]])
GAL 3 21 e43u κατὰ τῶν ἐπαγγελιῶν 1 against the promises “opposed to the promises” or “in conflict with the promises”
GAL 3 21 b8xx figs-activepassive εἰ ... ἐδόθη νόμος ὁ δυνάμενος ζῳοποιῆσαι 1 if 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]])
GAL 3 21 iyg9 ἐν νόμου ἂν ἦν ἡ δικαιοσύνη 1 righteousness would certainly have come by the law “we could have become righteous by obeying that law”
GAL 3 22 n5js συνέκλεισεν ἡ Γραφὴ τὰ πάντα ὑπὸ ἁμαρτίαν, ἵνα ἡ ἐπαγγελία ἐκ πίστεως Ἰησοῦ Χριστοῦ δοθῇ τοῖς πιστεύουσιν 1 scripture 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.”
GAL 3 22 jbn7 figs-personification Γραφὴ 1 scripture 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]])
GAL 3 23 rch2 0 Connecting Statement: Paul reminds those in Galatia that believers are free in God’s family, not slaves under the law.
GAL 3 23 su16 figs-activepassive ὑπὸ νόμον ἐφρουρούμεθα, συνκλειόμενοι 1 we 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]])
GAL 3 23 bs6i figs-metaphor ὑπὸ νόμον ἐφρουρούμεθα, συνκλειόμενοι 1 we 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]])
GAL 3 23 t32j figs-activepassive εἰς τὴν μέλλουσαν πίστιν ἀποκαλυφθῆναι 1 until 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]])
GAL 3 24 ln1s παιδαγωγὸς 1 guardian 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 child’s actions.
GAL 3 24 m7jy εἰς Χριστόν 1 until Christ came “until the time when Christ came”
GAL 3 24 s8g5 figs-activepassive ἵνα ... δικαιωθῶμεν 1 so 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]])
GAL 3 27 v6n1 ὅσοι γὰρ εἰς Χριστὸν ἐβαπτίσθητε 1 For as many of you who were baptized into Christ “For all of you who were baptized into Christ”
GAL 3 27 di9v figs-metaphor Χριστὸν ... ἐνεδύσασθε 1 have 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]])
GAL 3 28 tyb8 οὐκ ἔνι Ἰουδαῖος οὐδὲ Ἕλλην, οὐκ ἔνι δοῦλος οὐδὲ ἐλεύθερος, οὐκ ἔνι ἄρσεν καὶ θῆλυ 1 There 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”
GAL 3 29 qp4z figs-metaphor κληρονόμοι 1 heirs 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]])
GAL 4 intro h6gw 0 # Galatians 04 General Notes<br>## Structure and formatting<br><br>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.<br><br>## Special concepts in this chapter<br><br>### Sonship<br>Sonship is a complex issue. Scholars have many views on Israel’s sonship. Paul uses sonship to teach how being under the law differs from being free in Christ. Not all of Abraham’s physical descendants inherited God’s 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]])<br><br>## Other possible translation difficulties in this chapter<br><br>### Abba, Father<br>“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]])
GAL 4 1 fr5u 0 Connecting 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.
GAL 4 3 d6v9 figs-inclusive 0 General Information: The word “we” here refers to all Christians, including Paul’s readers. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-inclusive]])
GAL 4 3 n21q figs-metaphor ὅτε ἦμεν νήπιοι 1 when 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]])
GAL 4 3 cd2w figs-metaphor ἡμεῖς ... ὑπὸ τὰ στοιχεῖα τοῦ κόσμου ἤμεθα δεδουλωμένοι 1 we were enslaved to the elemental principles of the world Here “enslaved” is a metaphor being unable to stop one’s 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]])
GAL 4 3 u462 τὰ στοιχεῖα τοῦ κόσμου 1 the 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.
GAL 4 4 l5tf guidelines-sonofgodprinciples τὸν Υἱὸν 1 Son This is an important title for Jesus, the Son of God. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/guidelines-sonofgodprinciples]])
GAL 4 5 v5cb figs-metaphor ἐξαγοράσῃ 1 redeem 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 people’s sins by dying on the cross. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
GAL 4 6 a274 ἐστε υἱοί 1 you 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.
GAL 4 6 eqx5 ἐξαπέστειλεν ὁ Θεὸς τὸ Πνεῦμα τοῦ υἱοῦ αὐτοῦ εἰς τὰς καρδίας ἡμῶν κρᾶζον, Ἀββά, ὁ Πατήρ 1 God 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 God’s children and he loves us.
GAL 4 6 nei3 figs-metonymy ἐξαπέστειλεν ... τὸ Πνεῦμα τοῦ υἱοῦ αὐτοῦ εἰς τὰς καρδίας ἡμῶν 1 sent 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 Son’s Spirit to show us how to think and act” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])
GAL 4 6 xhe6 guidelines-sonofgodprinciples τοῦ υἱοῦ αὐτοῦ 1 his Son This is an important title for Jesus, the Son of God. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/guidelines-sonofgodprinciples]])
GAL 4 6 mlg1 Ἀββά, ὁ Πατήρ 1 Abba, Father This is the way a young child would address his father in Paul’s 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.
GAL 4 7 e7tc οὐκέτι εἶ δοῦλος, ἀλλὰ υἱός 1 you 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.
GAL 4 7 akb8 figs-you οὐκέτι εἶ δοῦλος ... καὶ κληρονόμος 1 you 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]])
GAL 4 7 d5hu figs-metaphor κληρονόμος 1 heir 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]])
GAL 4 8 ukf5 0 Connecting Statement: Paul reminds the Galatian believers that they are again trying to live under God’s laws rather than living by faith.
GAL 4 8 cj5i τοῖς φύσει μὴ οὖσι θεοῖς 1 those who are “those things that are” or “those spirits who are”
GAL 4 9 ghx1 figs-activepassive γνωσθέντες ὑπὸ Θεοῦ 1 you are known by God This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “God knows you” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])
GAL 4 9 b8ue figs-metaphor πῶς ἐπιστρέφετε πάλιν ἐπὶ τὰ ἀσθενῆ καὶ πτωχὰ στοιχεῖα 1 how 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]])
GAL 4 9 w28k figs-rquestion οἷς πάλιν ἄνωθεν δουλεύειν θέλετε 1 Do 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]])
GAL 4 9 s77e figs-metaphor οἷς πάλιν ἄνωθεν δουλεύειν θέλετε 1 Do 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]])
GAL 4 10 w7d5 ἡμέρας παρατηρεῖσθε, καὶ μῆνας, καὶ καιροὺς, καὶ ἐνιαυτούς 1 You 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”
GAL 4 11 bsv1 εἰκῇ 1 may have been for nothing “may have been useless” or “has not had any effect”
GAL 4 12 ql14 0 Connecting 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.
GAL 4 12 n3wf οὐδέν με ἠδικήσατε 1 You 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”
GAL 4 14 tk1l καὶ τὸν πειρασμὸν ὑμῶν ἐν τῇ σαρκί μου 1 Though my physical condition put you to the test “Though it was difficult for you to see me so physically ill”
GAL 4 19 u3eb figs-metaphor τέκνα μου 1 My 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]])
GAL 4 19 yf9e figs-metaphor οὓς ... ὠδίνω, μέχρις οὗ μορφωθῇ Χριστὸς ἐν ὑμῖν 1 I 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]])
GAL 4 21 z1um λέγετέ μοι 1 Tell me “I want to ask a question” or “I want to tell you something”
GAL 4 21 u6fs figs-rquestion τὸν νόμον οὐκ ἀκούετε 1 do 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]])
GAL 4 24 bu23 ἅτινά ἐστιν ἀλληγορούμενα 1 These things may be interpreted as an allegory “This story of the two sons is like a picture of what I will tell you now”
GAL 4 24 k5qu ἀλληγορούμενα 1 as an allegory An “allegory” is a story in which the people and things in it represent other things. In Paul’s allegory, the two women referred to in [Galatians 4:22](../04/22.md) represent two covenants.
GAL 4 24 ruw4 αὗται ... εἰσιν 1 women represent “women are a picture of”
GAL 4 24 u4hr figs-synecdoche Ὄρους Σινά 1 Mount 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]])
GAL 4 24 u3u9 figs-metaphor δουλείαν γεννῶσα 1 she 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]])
GAL 4 25 u1cc συνστοιχεῖ 1 she represents “she is a picture of”
GAL 4 25 ck7v figs-metaphor δουλεύει ... μετὰ τῶν τέκνων αὐτῆς 1 she 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]])
GAL 4 26 wa1u ἐλευθέρα ἐστίν 1 is free “is not bound” or “is not a slave”
GAL 4 27 ih2f figs-you στεῖρα ... ἡ οὐκ ὠδίνουσα 1 you 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]])
GAL 4 28 ct63 ἐπαγγελίας τέκνα 1 children of promise Possible meanings are that the Galatians have become God’s children 1) by believing God’s 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.
GAL 4 29 c9lf figs-metaphor κατὰ σάρκα 1 according to the flesh This refers to Abraham’s becoming Ishmael’s 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]])
GAL 4 29 gt1e κατὰ Πνεῦμα 1 according to the Spirit “because of something the Spirit did”
GAL 4 31 y3c2 figs-ellipsis ἀλλὰ τῆς ἐλευθέρας 1 but 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]])
GAL 5 intro bcg3 0 # Galatians 05 General Notes<br>## Structure and formatting<br><br>Paul continues writing about the law of Moses as something that traps or enslaves a person. (See: [[rc://en/tw/dict/bible/kt/lawofmoses]])<br><br>## Special concepts in this chapter<br><br>### Fruit of the Spirit<br>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]])<br><br>## Important figures of speech in this chapter<br><br>### Illustrations<br>Paul uses several metaphors in this chapter to illustrate his points and help explain complicated issues. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])<br><br>## Other possible translation difficulties in this chapter<br><br>### “You are cut off from Christ, you who would be justified by the law; you no longer experience grace.”<br>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]])<br>
GAL 5 1 up16 0 Connecting 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.
GAL 5 1 kuu9 figs-explicit τῇ ἐλευθερίᾳ, ἡμᾶς Χριστὸς ἠλευθέρωσεν 1 For 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]])
GAL 5 1 j679 figs-metaphor στήκετε 1 Stand 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]])
GAL 5 1 usl9 figs-metaphor μὴ πάλιν ζυγῷ δουλείας ἐνέχεσθε 1 do 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]])
GAL 5 2 bg6b figs-metonymy ἐὰν περιτέμνησθε 1 if 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]])
GAL 5 3 h4q5 μαρτύρομαι δὲ 1 I testify “I declare” or “I serve as a witness”
GAL 5 3 s1af figs-metonymy παντὶ ἀνθρώπῳ περιτεμνομένῳ 1 to 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]])
GAL 5 3 j88p ὀφειλέτης ἐστὶν ... ποιῆσαι 1 he is obligated to obey “he must obey”
GAL 5 4 h4yu figs-metaphor κατηργήθητε ἀπὸ Χριστοῦ 1 You 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]])
GAL 5 4 ipf7 figs-irony οἵτινες ἐν νόμῳ δικαιοῦσθε 1 you 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]])
GAL 5 4 k6xe figs-explicit τῆς χάριτος ἐξεπέσατε 1 you 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]])
GAL 5 5 pdm1 figs-inclusive 0 General 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-inclusive]])
GAL 5 5 vvk6 γὰρ Πνεύματι 1 For through the Spirit “This is because through the Spirit”
GAL 5 5 qg9m ἡμεῖς ... ἐκ πίστεως ἐλπίδα δικαιοσύνης ἀπεκδεχόμεθα 1 by 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.”
GAL 5 5 z3ga ἡμεῖς ... ἐλπίδα δικαιοσύνης ἀπεκδεχόμεθα 1 we 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”
GAL 5 6 y2ww figs-metonymy οὔτε περιτομή ... οὔτε ἀκροβυστία 1 neither 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]])
GAL 5 6 n1hc ἀλλὰ πίστις δι’ ἀγάπης ἐνεργουμένη 1 but only faith working through love “Rather, God is concerned with our faith in him, which we show by loving others”
GAL 5 7 jj48 ἐτρέχετε 1 You were running “You were practicing what Jesus taught”
GAL 5 8 ct7g ἡ πεισμονὴ οὐκ ἐκ τοῦ καλοῦντος ὑμᾶς 1 This 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”
GAL 5 8 j7f8 figs-explicit τοῦ καλοῦντος ὑμᾶς 1 him 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]])
GAL 5 10 enp1 οὐδὲν ἄλλο φρονήσετε 1 you will take no other view “you will not believe anything different from what I am telling you”
GAL 5 10 rb76 ὁ δὲ ταράσσων ὑμᾶς, βαστάσει τὸ κρίμα 1 The one who is troubling you will pay the penalty “God will punish the one who is troubling you”
GAL 5 10 jc72 ταράσσων ὑμᾶς 1 is troubling you “is causing you to be uncertain about what is truth” or “stirs up trouble among you”
GAL 5 10 llh5 ὅστις ἐὰν ᾖ 1 whoever 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.
GAL 5 11 d4mm figs-rquestion ἐγὼ δέ, ἀδελφοί, εἰ περιτομὴν ἔτι κηρύσσω, τί ἔτι διώκομαι 1 Brothers, 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]])
GAL 5 11 znh3 figs-hypo ἄρα κατήργηται τὸ σκάνδαλον τοῦ σταυροῦ 1 In 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]])
GAL 5 11 dtv9 ἄρα 1 In that case “If I were still saying that people need to become Jews”
GAL 5 11 y3ug figs-activepassive κατήργηται τὸ σκάνδαλον τοῦ σταυροῦ 1 the 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]])
GAL 5 11 arj5 figs-metaphor κατήργηται τὸ σκάνδαλον τοῦ σταυροῦ 1 the 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]])
GAL 5 12 sfl2 figs-metaphor ἀποκόψονται 1 castrate 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]])
GAL 5 13 y1g7 γὰρ 1 For Paul is giving the reason for his words in [Galatians 5:12](../05/12.md).
GAL 5 13 v6vs figs-activepassive ὑμεῖς ... ἐπ’ ἐλευθερίᾳ ἐκλήθητε 1 you 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]])
GAL 5 13 ekb2 figs-metaphor ὑμεῖς ... ἐπ’ ἐλευθερίᾳ ἐκλήθητε 1 you 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]])
GAL 5 13 viv6 figs-explicit ἀφορμὴν τῇ σαρκί 1 an 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]])
GAL 5 14 ct8i ὁ ... πᾶς νόμος ἐν ἑνὶ λόγῳ πεπλήρωται 1 the 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.”
GAL 5 14 qt9c figs-you ἀγαπήσεις τὸν πλησίον σου ὡς σεαυτόν 1 You must love your neighbor as yourself The words “you,” “your,” and “yourself” are all singular. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-you]])
GAL 5 16 yb58 figs-metaphor Πνεύματι περιπατεῖτε 1 walk 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]])
GAL 5 16 dyj7 figs-idiom ἐπιθυμίαν σαρκὸς οὐ μὴ τελέσητε 1 you will not carry out the desires of the sinful nature The phrase “carry out someone’s 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]])
GAL 5 16 rl5s figs-personification ἐπιθυμίαν σαρκὸς 1 the 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]])
GAL 5 18 san8 οὐκ ... ὑπὸ νόμον 1 not under the law “not obligated to obey the law of Moses”
GAL 5 19 yf2a τὰ ἔργα τῆς σαρκός 1 the works of the sinful nature The abstract noun “works” can be translated with the verb “does.” Alternate translation: “what the sinful nature does”
GAL 5 19 u2pu figs-personification τὰ ἔργα τῆς σαρκός 1 the 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]])
GAL 5 21 rs9b figs-metaphor κληρονομήσουσιν 1 inherit 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]])
GAL 5 22 hez3 figs-metaphor ὁ ... καρπὸς τοῦ Πνεύματός ἐστιν ἀγάπη ... πίστις 1 the fruit of the Spirit is love ... faith Here “fruit” here is a metaphor for “result” or “outcome.” Alternate translation: “what the Spirit produces is love ... faith” or “the Spirit produces in God’s people love ... faith” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
GAL 5 23 ss5k figs-metaphor πραΰτης ... ἐνκράτεια 1 gentleness ... 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 God’s people love, joy, peace ... gentleness ... self-control” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
GAL 5 24 l6ux figs-personification τὴν σάρκα ἐσταύρωσαν σὺν τοῖς παθήμασιν καὶ ταῖς ἐπιθυμίαις 1 have 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]])
GAL 5 24 m3nm figs-personification τὴν σάρκα ... σὺν τοῖς παθήμασιν καὶ ταῖς ἐπιθυμίαις 1 the 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]])
GAL 5 25 h9hd εἰ ζῶμεν Πνεύματι 1 If we live by the Spirit “Since God’s Spirit has caused us to be alive”
GAL 5 25 sq7b figs-metaphor Πνεύματι ... στοιχῶμεν 1 walk 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]])
GAL 5 26 a9x9 γινώμεθα 1 Let us “We should”
GAL 6 intro bv8h 0 # Galatians 06 General Notes<br>## Structure and formatting<br><br>This chapter concludes Paul’s letter. His final words address some issues that do not seem to be connected to the rest of his letter.<br><br>### Brothers<br>Paul writes the words in this chapter to Christians. He calls them “brothers.” This refers to Paul’s Christian brothers and not his Jewish brothers.<br><br>## Special concepts in this chapter<br><br>### New Creation<br><br>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 person’s ancestry. (See: [[rc://en/tw/dict/bible/kt/bornagain]] and [[rc://en/tw/dict/bible/kt/faith]])<br><br>## Other possible translation difficulties in this chapter<br><br>### Flesh<br><br>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]])<br>
GAL 6 1 vm8f ἐὰν ... ἄνθρωπος 1 if someone “if anyone among you”
GAL 6 1 vts8 ἐὰν καὶ προλημφθῇ ἄνθρωπος ἔν τινι παραπτώματι 1 if 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”
GAL 6 1 t4rm ὑμεῖς, οἱ πνευματικοὶ 1 you who are spiritual “those of you who are guided by the Spirit” or “you who are living in the guidance of the Spirit”
GAL 6 1 hdj8 καταρτίζετε τὸν τοιοῦτον 1 restore him “correct the person who sinned” or “exhort the person who sinned to return to a correct relationship with God”
GAL 6 1 tr5r ἐν πνεύματι πραΰτητος 1 in 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.”
GAL 6 1 rrg9 figs-you σκοπῶν σεαυτόν 1 Be 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]])
GAL 6 1 ljx6 figs-activepassive μὴ καὶ σὺ πειρασθῇς 1 so 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]])
GAL 6 3 v6ts εἰ γὰρ 1 For if “Because if.” The words that follow tell why the Galatians should 1) “carry one other’s burdens” ([Galatians 6:2](../06/02.md)) or 2) be careful that they themselves are not tempted ([Galatians 6:1](../06/01.md)) or 3) “not become conceited” ([Galatians 5:26](../05/26.md)).
GAL 6 3 m4wk εἶναί τι 1 he is something “he is someone important” or “he is better than others”
GAL 6 3 zz1g μηδὲν ὤν 1 he is nothing “he is not important” or “he is not better than others”
GAL 6 4 ra85 δοκιμαζέτω ἕκαστος 1 Each one should “Each person must”
GAL 6 5 ee8v ἕκαστος ... τὸ ἴδιον φορτίον βαστάσει 1 each 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”
GAL 6 5 vej6 ἕκαστος ... βαστάσει 1 each one will “each person will”
GAL 6 6 k1n5 ὁ κατηχούμενος 1 The one “With the he person who teaches”
GAL 6 6 l4vp τὸν λόγον 1 the word “the message,” everything God has said or commanded
GAL 6 7 x5pi figs-metaphor ὃ γὰρ ἐὰν σπείρῃ ἄνθρωπος, τοῦτο καὶ θερίσει 1 for 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]])
GAL 6 7 gii9 figs-gendernotations ὃ γὰρ ἐὰν σπείρῃ ἄνθρωπος 1 whatever 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]])
GAL 6 8 lzz8 figs-metaphor ὁ σπείρων εἰς τὴν σάρκα ἑαυτοῦ 1 plants 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]])
GAL 6 8 dge9 figs-metaphor θερίσει φθοράν 1 will 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]])
GAL 6 8 aqz2 figs-metaphor σπείρων εἰς ... τὸ Πνεῦμα 1 plants 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 God’s Spirit. Alternate translation: “does the things God’s Spirit loves” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
GAL 6 8 k1p7 ἐκ τοῦ Πνεύματος θερίσει ζωὴν αἰώνιον 1 will gather in eternal life from the Spirit “will receive eternal life as a reward from God’s Spirit”
GAL 6 9 pnq1 τὸ δὲ καλὸν ποιοῦντες, μὴ ἐνκακῶμεν 1 Let us not become weary in doing good “We should continue to do good”
GAL 6 11 i7ap 0 Connecting 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.
GAL 6 11 wti2 πηλίκοις ... γράμμασιν 1 large letters This can mean that Paul wants to emphasize 1) the statements that follow or 2) that this letter came from him.
GAL 6 11 d6rk τῇ ἐμῇ χειρί 1 with 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.
GAL 6 12 kmd7 εὐπροσωπῆσαι 1 make a good impression “cause others to think well of them” or “cause others to think that they are good people”
GAL 6 12 r5p1 ἐν σαρκί 1 in the flesh “with visible evidence” or “by their own efforts”
GAL 6 12 jk57 οὗτοι ἀναγκάζουσιν 1 to compel “to force” or “to strongly influence”
GAL 6 12 hl1r μόνον ἵνα τῷ σταυρῷ τοῦ Χριστοῦ Ἰησοῦ μὴ διώκωνται 1 only 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”
GAL 6 12 jd4x figs-metonymy τῷ σταυρῷ 1 the 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]])
GAL 6 13 zqf5 θέλουσιν 1 they want “those people who are urging you to be circumcised want”
GAL 6 13 bb5a ἵνα ἐν τῇ ὑμετέρᾳ σαρκὶ καυχήσωνται 1 so 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”
GAL 6 14 g7hh ἐμοὶ δὲ, μὴ γένοιτο καυχᾶσθαι, εἰ μὴ ἐν τῷ σταυρῷ 1 But 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”
GAL 6 14 s6ic figs-activepassive ἐμοὶ ... κόσμος ἐσταύρωται 1 the 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]])
GAL 6 14 v2qs figs-ellipsis κἀγὼ κόσμῳ 1 I 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]])
GAL 6 14 m45b κἀγὼ κόσμῳ 1 I 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”
GAL 6 14 s9lx κόσμος 1 the 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.
GAL 6 16 b4al εἰρήνη ἐπ’ αὐτοὺς, καὶ ἔλεος, καὶ ἐπὶ τὸν Ἰσραὴλ τοῦ Θεοῦ 1 peace 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.”
GAL 6 17 v963 τοῦ λοιποῦ 1 From now on This can also mean “Lastly” or “As I end this letter.”
GAL 6 17 dm22 κόπους μοι μηδεὶς παρεχέτω 1 let 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.”
GAL 6 17 cz8a κόπους μοι 1 trouble me Possible meanings are 1) “speak of these matters to me” or 2) “cause me hardship” or “give me hard work.”
GAL 6 17 j729 ἐγὼ γὰρ τὰ στίγματα τοῦ Ἰησοῦ ἐν τῷ σώματί μου βαστάζω 1 for 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”
GAL 6 18 b64i ἡ χάρις τοῦ Κυρίου ἡμῶν, Ἰησοῦ Χριστοῦ, μετὰ τοῦ πνεύματος ὑμῶν 1 May the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit “I pray that the Lord Jesus will be kind to your spirit”
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