GAL front intro i6u9 0 # Introduction to Galatians\n\n## Part 1: General Introduction\n\n### Outline of the Book of Galatians\n\n1. 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).\n1. Paul says that people are saved by trusting in Christ alone, not by keeping the law (1:11-2:21).\n1. 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).\n1. 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).\n1. 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).\n\n### Who wrote the Book of Galatians?\n\nPaul wrote the book of Galatians. 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 and establishing churches.\n\nIt is uncertain when Paul wrote this letter and where he was when he wrote it. Some Bible scholars think Paul was in the city of Ephesus and wrote this letter after the second time he traveled to tell people about Jesus and establish churches. Other scholars think Paul was in the city of Antioch in Syria and wrote the letter soon after the first time he traveled.\n\n### What is the Book of Galatians about?\n\nPaul 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. In the book of Galatians Paul explains that people are saved as result of believing in Jesus and not as a result of obeying the law of Moses and he proves this by using various Old Testament passages to illustrate this truth. (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]])\n\n### How should the title of this book be translated?\n\nTranslators 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]])\n\n## Part 2: Important Religious and Cultural Concepts\n\n### What does it mean to “live like Jews” (2:14)?\n\nTo “live like Jews” means to obey the law of Moses, even though one trusts in Christ. The people who taught that it was necessary to follow the law of Moses in addition to believing in Jesus were called “Judaizers.”\n\n## Part 3: Important Translation Issues\n\n### How did Paul use the terms “law” and “grace” in the Book of Galatians?\n\nThese 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]])\n\n### What did Paul mean by the expressions “in Christ,” and “in Christ Jesus?” \n\nPaul uses the spatial metaphor “in Christ” or the related phrase “in Christ Jesus” very frequently
GAL 1 intro f3n5 0 # Galatians 1 General Notes\n\n## Structure and formatting\n\nPaul 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.\n\n## Special concepts in this chapter\n\n### Heresy\n\nGod 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. (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]])\n\n### Paul’s qualifications\n\nSome 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 Paul still needed God to save him through believing in Jesus. 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]])\n\n## Other possible translation difficulties in this chapter\n\n### “You are turning so quickly to a different gospel”\n\nThe 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]])
GAL 1 1 o4ns Παῦλος 1 Here, Paul is introducing himself as the author of this letter. Your language may have a particular way of introducing the author of a letter. Use that here. Alternate translation: “This letter is from me, Paul”
GAL 1 1 uhhp figs-123person Παῦλος 1 Paul is speaking of himself in the third person. If this is confusing in your language, you can use the first person. Alternate translation: “This letter is from me, Paul” or “I, Paul” (See: rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-123person)
GAL 1 1 m4ss figs-doublenegatives οὐκ ἀπ’ ἀνθρώπων, οὐδὲ δι’ ἀνθρώπου 1 General Information: If your readers would misunderstand this double negative, you could translate this phrase using only one negative word. Alternate translation: “not from men or through man” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-doublenegatives]])
GAL 1 1 rcnw figs-explicit οὐκ ἀπ’ ἀνθρώπων 1 Here, the word **from** indicates source. The phrase **not from men** means that humans are not the source of Paul’s apostleship and that he was not commissioned or appointed an apostle by humans. If it would help your readers, you could express that explicitly. Alternate translation: “not through the commissioning of humans” or “not through human commission” or “not sent out by people” or “not because I was appointed and sent by a group of people” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])
GAL 1 1 yqma figs-gendernotations ἀνθρώπων…ἀνθρώπου 1 Although the terms **men**and **man** are masculine, Paul uses them here in a generic sense to refer to humans in general. Alternate translation: “humans … humans” or “people … a person” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-gendernotations]])
GAL 1 1 k2dw δι’ ἀνθρώπου, ἀλλὰ διὰ Ἰησοῦ Χριστοῦ, καὶ Θεοῦ Πατρὸς 1 Both times that the word **through** is used in this verse it indicates agency/means and refers to the agency/means by which Paul’s was commissioned as an apostle. Choose the best word in your language to indicate the meaning of the word **through** here. Alternate translation: “through the agency of man, but through the agency of Jesus Christ and God the Father”
GAL 1 1 pvdp grammar-connect-logic-contrast ἀλλὰ 1 Here, the word **but** introduces a contrast between different potential agents or means of Paul’s commission. The word **but** is introducing a contrast between Paul’s apostleship being **not through man** but rather being **through Jesus Christ and God the Father**. Use a natural way in your language for introducing a contrast. Alternate translation: “but rather” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-logic-contrast]])
GAL 1 1 fyu8 figs-distinguish Θεοῦ Πατρὸς τοῦ ἐγείραντος αὐτὸν ἐκ νεκρῶν 1 The phrase **the one having raised him from the dead** gives further information about **God the Father**. It is not making a distinction between **God the Father** and **the one having raised him from the dead** as if they are two separate entities. If this is not understood in your language, you can make the relationship between these phrases more clear. Alternate translation: “God the Father who is the same one who made Jesus Christ live again after he died” or “God the Father who caused Jesus Christ to live again after he had died” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-distinguish]])
GAL 1 1 wmlj figs-extrainfo Θεοῦ Πατρὸς 1 Here, the phrase **the Father** could be (1) a general title for God whichidentifies him as the first person in the Christian Trinity. If you choose this option then you should not define whose **Father** God is in your translation but rather you should use a more an expression like the ULT does. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-extrainfo]]) (2) referring to God’s relationship to those who believe in Christ. Alternate translation: “God our Father”
GAL 1 1 w3gr figs-nominaladj ἐκ νεκρῶν 1 Paul is using the adjective **dead** as a noun in order to indicate a group of people. Your language may use adjectives in the same way. If not, you can translate this with an equivalent expression. Alternate translation: “from among the people who have died” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-nominaladj]])
GAL 1 1 g5as figs-metonymy ἐκ νεκρῶν 1 Here, the phrase **the dead** could be a figurative way of referring to a place, in which case it would be referring to “the place of the dead” or “the realm of the dead.”If your readers would not understand this, you could use an equivalent expression or plain language. Alternate translation: “from the place of the dead” or “from the realm of the dead” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])
GAL 1 2 d737 figs-gendernotations ἀδελφοί 1 brothers Here, although the term **brothers** is masculine, Paul is using it in a generic sense to refer to fellow Christians, which includes both men and women. Paul views all those who believe in Jesus, as members of one spiritual family, with God as their heavenly Father. If your readers would misunderstand the use of **brothers** in this context, you can indicate explicitly what it means. Alternate translation: “fellow believers” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-gendernotations]])
GAL 1 2 wmd2 figs-explicit Γαλατίας 1 Here, the word **Galatia** could refer to: (1) the Roman political province called **Galatia**. Alternate translation: “in the province of Galatia” or (2) the geographical region known as **Galatia**. Alternate translation: “in the region of Galatia” If it would help your readers you could state explicitly what the word **Galatia** refers to here. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])
GAL 1 2 aa9v figs-possession τῆς Γαλατίας 1 Paul uses the possessive form here to describe churches that are in Roman political province called **Galatia** or in the geographical region known as **Galatia**. If this use of the possessive form is not clear in your language, you could clarify the meaning using a form that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “in the province of Galatia” or “in the region of Galatia” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-possession]])
GAL 1 3 nxtz translate-blessing χάρις ὑμῖν καὶ εἰρήνη 1 This is a common blessing that Paul often uses in the beginning of his letters. Use a form that people would recognize as a blessing in your language. Alternate translation: “May God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ give you grace and peace.” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-blessing]])
GAL 1 3 psjz figs-abstractnouns χάρις ὑμῖν καὶ εἰρήνη ἀπὸ Θεοῦ Πατρὸς καὶ Κυρίου ἡμῶν Ἰησοῦ Χριστοῦ 1 If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea of **Grace** and **peace**, you could express the idea behind the abstract nouns **grace** and **peace** with adjectives such as “gracious” and “peaceful.” Alternate translation: “May God our Father and our Lord Jesus Christ be gracious to you and make you peaceful” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns]])
GAL 1 3 nykr figs-you ὑμῖν 1 Here, the word **you** is plural and refers to the Galatians. 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 3 eivd figs-exclusive ἡμῶν 1 Here, the word **our** refers to Paul, the believers in Galatia, and all believers in Jesus and so is inclusive. Your language may require you to mark this form. In this book, unless otherwise stated, the word “our” refers to Paul, the believers in Galatia, and all believers and is inclusive. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-exclusive]])
GAL 1 4 onj6 figs-distinguish τοῦ δόντος ἑαυτὸν περὶ τῶν ἁμαρτιῶν ἡμῶν, ὅπως ἐξέληται ἡμᾶς ἐκ τοῦ αἰῶνος τοῦ ἐνεστῶτος πονηροῦ 1 The phrase **the one having given himself for our sins so that he might deliver us from the present evil age** gives us further information about “our Lord Jesus Christ.” It is not making a distinction between them as if they were two different entities. If this might confuse your readers, you can make the relationship between these phrases clearer. Alternate translation: “who is the one having given himself for our sins so that he might deliver us from the present evil age” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-distinguish]])
GAL 1 4 yk9g figs-metonymy περὶ τῶν ἁμαρτιῶν ἡμῶν 1 for our sins Here, **sins** figuratively refers to the punishment for sin and the phrase **for our sins** refers to Christ giving his life “as a substitution for the punishment that our sins deserved.” If your readers would not understand this, you could use an equivalent expression or plain language. Alternate translation: “as a substitution for the punishment that our sins deserved” or “to take the punishment we deserved because of our sins” or “to take the punishment for our sins” or “as a substitution for the punishment that our sins deserved” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])
GAL 1 4 haib figs-abstractnouns τῶν ἁμαρτιῶν ἡμῶν 1 If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea of **sins**, you could express the same idea with an adjective such as “sinful,” as modeled by the UST, or you could express the meaning in some other way that is natural in your language. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns]])
GAL 1 4 d8m2 grammar-connect-logic-goal ὅπως 1 The phrase **so that** introduces a purpose clause. Paul is stating the purpose for which Christ gave himself for our sins. Use a natural way in your language for introducing a purpose clause. Alternate translation: “in order that” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-logic-goal]])
GAL 1 4 f6d5 figs-metonymy ἐκ τοῦ αἰῶνος τοῦ ἐνεστῶτος πονηροῦ 1 that he might deliver us from this present evil age Here, the phrase **the present evil age**, refers not only to a time period but also refers to the sinful attitudes and actions that characterize **the present evil age**. If your readers would not understand this, you could use an equivalent expression or plain language. Alternate translation: “from this present time that is dominated by sinfulness” or “from this present evil age with it’s evil attitudes and desires” or “from the evil powers at work in the world today” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])
GAL 1 4 mg01 figs-distinguish τοῦ Θεοῦ καὶ Πατρὸς ἡμῶν 1 The phrase **and Father** gives further information about **our God**. It is not making a distinction between **God** and **Father** as if they are two separate entities. If this is not understood in your language, you can make the relationship between these words more clear. Alternate translation: “of our God who is our Father” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-distinguish]])
GAL 1 5 y7mj figs-abstractnouns ἡ δόξα 1 The phrase **be the glory** is an expression of praise. If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea of **glory**, you could express the same idea with a verbal form such as “praise”, as modeled by the UST, or you could express the meaning in some other way that is natural in your language. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns]])
GAL 1 5 miju translate-transliterate ἀμήν 1 **Amen** is a Hebrew word. Paul spelled it out using Greek letters so his readers would know how it sounded. He assumes that they know that it means “so be it” or “yes indeed.” In your translation, you can spell it the way it sounds in your language. If your readers would not know what **Amen** means, you could also explain its meaning. Alternate translation: “Amen, which means, ‘So be it!’” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-transliterate]])
GAL 1 6 v438 figs-explicit οὕτως ταχέως, μετατίθεσθε 1 you are turning away so quickly from him Here, the phrase **turning away** means “to desert” and refers to turning ones heart or mind away from believing and following something. If it would help your readers, you could express that explicitly. Alternate translation: “you are so quickly deserting” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])
GAL 1 6 ficf figs-explicit μετατίθεσθε 1 The phrase **you are turning away** is in the present tense and is portraying the action of **turning away** as in process, but not yet completed. Make sure that you express this phrase in your language in a way that shows that the Galatians **turning away** is currently happening but not complete. (Paul is writing this letter in order to encourage the Galatians to not turn away to **a different gospel**).
GAL 1 6 cw1j figs-explicit οὕτως ταχέως 1 Here, the phrase **so quickly** means that the Galatians were turning away from faith in the true gospel shortly after they accepted it. If it would help your readers, you could express that explicitly. Alternate translation: “from the true gospel so soon after accepting it” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])
GAL 1 6 ht94 figs-explicit ἀπὸ τοῦ καλέσαντος ὑμᾶς 1 Here, the phrase **the one** refers to “God.” If it would be helpful to your readers, you could indicate that explicitly. Alternate translation: “and from God, who is the one who has called you” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])
GAL 1 6 qy93 figs-explicit καλέσαντος 1 Here, the phrase **called** refers to being “chosen” by God. If it would help your readers, you could express that explicitly. Alternate translation: “having chosen” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])
GAL 1 6 ghhs ἐν 1 Here, the word **in** could (1) refer to the Galatians being called “into” the sphere or realm of grace. Alternate translation: “into” or “to live in” (2) refer to the means by which the Galatians were saved. Alternate translation: “by” or “through”
GAL 1 6 cizk figs-abstractnouns χάριτι 1 If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea of **grace**, you could express the same idea with an adverb such as “graciously”, as modeled by the UST, or you could express the meaning in some other way that is natural in your language. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns]])
GAL 1 7 l5ep figs-ellipsis ἄλλο 1 Paul is leaving out some of the words that a sentence would need in many languages to be complete. If your readers might misunderstand this, you could supply these words from the context. Alternate translation: “another gospel” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-ellipsis]])
GAL 1 7 rg69 grammar-connect-exceptions εἰ μή τινές εἰσιν οἱ ταράσσοντες ὑμᾶς, καὶ θέλοντες μεταστρέψαι τὸ εὐαγγέλιον τοῦ Χριστοῦ 1 If, in your language, the use of the word **except** makes it appear as if Paul is making a statement and then contradicting it, you could reword this to avoid using an exception clause. Alternate translation: “instead certain people are causing you trouble and want to pervert the gospel of Christ” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-exceptions]])
GAL 1 7 kswu figs-abstractnouns ταράσσοντες ὑμᾶς 1 If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea of **trouble**, you could express the same idea with a verbal form such as “troubling,” or you could express the meaning in some other way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “troubling you” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns]])
GAL 1 7 k9d1 figs-possession τὸ εὐαγγέλιον τοῦ Χριστοῦ 1 By using the possessive form here, Paul is either using it to: (1) describe the gospel that is about Christ, in which case the possessive form is being used to describe the content of the gospel. Alternate translation: “the gospel about Christ” (2) designate Christ as the one who proclaimed the gospel message he is referring to in which case Paul is referring to the gospel message that Christ preached. Alternate translation: “the gospel that Christ proclaimed” or “the gospel that Christ preached” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-possession]])
GAL 1 8 rltx grammar-connect-condition-hypothetical καὶ ἐὰν ἡμεῖς ἢ ἄγγελος ἐξ οὐρανοῦ εὐαγγελίζηται ὑμῖν παρ’ ὃ εὐηγγελισάμεθα ὑμῖν, ἀνάθεμα ἔστω 1 The word **if** introduces a hypothetical situation. Paul is using a hypothetical situation to warn the Galatians against any teaching that is contrary to the original gospel message that they were taught. Use a natural form in your language for introducing a hypothetical situation. Alternate translation: “if it were to happen that we or an angel from heaven might proclaim to you a gospel other than the one we proclaimed to you, let whoever would do that be cursed” or “suppose it were to happen that we or an angel from heaven might proclaim to you a gospel other than the one we proclaimed to you, let whoever would do that be cursed” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-condition-hypothetical]])
GAL 1 8 wnx5 figs-exclusive ἡμεῖς 1 When Paul says **we**, he is not including the Galatians, so **we** would be exclusive. Your language may require you to mark these forms. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-exclusive]])
GAL 1 8 s5uq figs-explicit παρ’ ὃ εὐηγγελισάμεθα 1 other than the one Here, the phrase **the one** refers to the gospel message that Paul and his co-laborers had proclaimed to the Galatians. If your readers might misunderstand this you can state this explicitly. Alternate translation: “different from the gospel we proclaimed” or “different from the message we proclaimed” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])
GAL 1 8 xb2c ἀνάθεμα ἔστω 1 let him be cursed If your language has a common way of asking God to curse someone, or of calling down a curse on someone, and it would be appropriate to use in this context, consider using it here.
GAL 1 8 kv9h figs-abstractnouns ἀνάθεμα ἔστω 1 If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea of someone being **cursed**, you could express the same idea with a verbal form such as “curse.” Alternate translation: “let God curse him” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns]])
GAL 1 8 pifk figs-activepassive ἀνάθεμα ἔστω 1 If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. If you must state who did the action, Paul implies that “God” is the one who will do it. Alternate translation: “let God curse him” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])
GAL 1 8 g7zz figs-gendernotations ἀνάθεμα ἔστω 1 Although the term **him** is masculine, Paul is using the word here in a generic sense that includes both men and women. Alternate translation: “let God curse that person” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-gendernotations]])
GAL 1 9 anxe figs-exclusive προειρήκαμεν 1 When Paul says **we**, he is not including the Galatians, so **we** would be exclusive. Your language may require you to mark these forms. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-exclusive]])
GAL 1 9 h1ht grammar-connect-condition-hypothetical εἴ τις ὑμᾶς εὐαγγελίζεται 1 The word **If** introduces a hypothetical situation. Paul is using a hypothetical situation to warn the Galatians against any teaching that is contrary to the original gospel message that they were taught. Use a natural form in your language for introducing a hypothetical situation. Alternate translation: “If it were to happen that someone proclaims to you a gospel” or “Suppose it were to happen that someone proclaims to you a gospel” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-condition-hypothetical]])
GAL 1 9 i2wk figs-explicit παρ’ ὃ 1 See how you translated the phrase **other than the one** in [1:8](../01/08.md). (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])
GAL 1 9 mrv9 figs-activepassive ἀνάθεμα ἔστω 1 See how you translated the phrase **let him be cursed** in [1:8](../01/08.md). (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])
GAL 1 9 eta3 figs-gendernotations ἀνάθεμα ἔστω 1 Although the term **him** is masculine, Paul is using the word here in a generic sense that includes both men and women. See how you translated the phrase **let him be cursed** in [1:8](../01/08.md). Alternate translation: “let God curse that person” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-gendernotations]])
GAL 1 10 ifod grammar-connect-words-phrases γὰρ 1 Here, the word **For** is being used to introduce Paul’s argument against an implied assertion that he altered the content of his gospel message in order to make it more acceptable to people. If it would help your readers, you could express the implied assertion explicitly as modeled by the UST. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-words-phrases]])
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? By using these two rhetorical questions Paul is not asking the Galatians for information, but is using the question form for emphasis and to engage his readers thinking. If you would not use a rhetorical question for this purpose in your language, you could translate his words as a statement or an exclamation and communicate the emphasis in another way. Alternate translation: “For I do not seek to persuade men, but instead I only seek the approval of God! I am not seeking to please men!” or “For I do not seek the approval of men, but instead I only seek the approval of God! I am not seeking to please men!” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion]])
GAL 1 10 xhrn figs-gendernotations ἄρτι…ἀνθρώπους πείθω ἢ τὸν Θεόν? ἢ ζητῶ ἀνθρώποις ἀρέσκειν? εἰ ἔτι ἀνθρώποις ἤρεσκον 1 Although the term **men** is masculine, Paul is using the word here in a generic sense that includes both men and women, and refers to “people” in general. Alternate translation: “do I now persuade people, or God? Or do I seek to please people? If I were still pleasing people” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-gendernotations]])
GAL 1 10 fl3c grammar-connect-condition-hypothetical 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 The word **if** introduces a hypothetical condition. Paul is using a hypothetical situation to teach the Galatians. Use the natural form in your language for introducing a hypothetical situation or if it would help your readers you can state Paul’s meaning in plain language. Alternate translation: “I am not still trying to please men because I am a servant of Christ” or “If I were still pleasing people, then I would not be serving Christ” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-condition-hypothetical]])
GAL 1 11 xve4 grammar-connect-words-phrases γὰρ 1 Here, the word **For** is used to introduce a supporting statement that further supports and gives reason for Paul’s prior statement. Use a form that would be natural in your language for introducing a statement that supports a prior statement. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-words-phrases]])
GAL 1 11 cnic figs-gendernotations ἀδελφοί 1 Although the term **brothers** is masculine, Paul is using the word here in a generic sense that includes both men and women and refers to those who believe in Jesus. Alternate translation: “fellow believers” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-gendernotations]])
GAL 1 11 o5cu figs-activepassive τὸ εὐαγγελισθὲν ὑπ’ ἐμοῦ 1 If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “that I proclaimed” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])
GAL 1 11 hew1 figs-gendernotations ὅτι οὐκ ἔστιν κατὰ ἄνθρωπον 1 Although the term **man** is masculine, Paul is using the word here in a generic sense that includes both men and women, and refers to “humans.” Alternate translation: “did not come from a human” or “is not a human message” or “is not a message that people made up” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-gendernotations]])
GAL 1 12 zfxj grammar-connect-words-phrases γὰρ 1 Here, the word **For** could be being used to introduce: (1) the grounds or basis for Paul’s assertion in [1:11](../01/11.md), in which case what follows the word **For** is support for what Paul said in [1:11](../01/11.md). Use a form that would be natural for introducing a statement which gives supporting evidence. Alternate translation: “In support of my claim that the gospel I proclaimed is not according to man, I want you to know that” (2) a statement which explains and builds on Paul’s assertion in [1:11](../01/11.md). Use a form that would be natural for introducing a statement which further clarifies and explains a prior statement. Alternate translation: “To explain further, I want you to know” or “That is” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-words-phrases]])
GAL 1 12 kdol figs-parallelism οὐδὲ…ἐγὼ παρὰ ἀνθρώπου παρέλαβον αὐτό, οὔτε ἐδιδάχθην 1 The phrase **I did not receive it from man** and the phrase **nor was I taught it** mean basically the same thing. If saying the same thing twice might be confusing for your readers, you can combine the phrases into one. Alternate translation: “I did not receive the gospel that I proclaim from any person” or “no human being taught me the gospel that I proclaim” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-parallelism]])
GAL 1 12 er9c figs-gendernotations ἀνθρώπου 1 Although the term **man** is masculine, Paul is using the word here in a generic sense that includes both men and women, and refers to “humans.” See how you translated the word **man** in [1:11](../01/11.md) where it is used with a similar meaning. Alternate translation: “people” or “humans” or “a human source” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-gendernotations]])
GAL 1 12 y2am figs-activepassive ἐδιδάχθην 1 If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form, as modeled by the UST, or in another way that is natural in your language. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])
GAL 1 12 hlg6 figs-explicit αὐτό…ἐδιδάχθην 1 Here, both occurrences of the word **it** refer back to “the gospel” which Paul “proclaimed” which he mentioned in [1:11](../01/11.md). If it would help your readers, you could express that explicitly. Alternate translation: “the gospel that I proclaimed … was I taught the gospel that I proclaimed” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])
GAL 1 12 qohz figs-ellipsis ἐδιδάχθην 1 Paul is leaving out some of the words that a sentence would need in many languages to be complete. If your readers might misunderstand this, you could supply these words from the context. Alternate translation: “was I taught it by any person” or “was I taught it by man” or “was I taught it by a human being” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-ellipsis]])
GAL 1 12 g1o6 grammar-connect-logic-contrast ἀλλὰ 1 What follows the word **but** is in contrast to the phrases **receive it from man** and **taught it**. In contrast to Paul receiving the message he proclaimed from a human source or being **taught it** Paul received it from a divine source. Use a natural way in your language for introducing a contrast. Alternate translation: “rather” or “instead” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-logic-contrast]])
GAL 1 12 wed1 figs-possession δι’ ἀποκαλύψεως Ἰησοῦ Χριστοῦ 1 it was by revelation of Jesus Christ to me Paul could be using the possessive form here to mean: (1) that God revealed Jesus Christ to Paul. This would mean that God is the one who did the revealing and Jesus Christ is the one who God revealed. See the phrase “to reveal his Son in me” in [1:16](../01/16.md). Alternate translation: “God revealed Jesus Christ to me” or “God made me know the gospel when he showed Jesus Christ to me” (2) that it was Jesus Christ who made the revelation to Paul. Alternate translation: “by what Jesus Christ revealed to me” (3) both option 1 and 2 together. Alternate translation: “Jesus Christ revealed himself to me and taught me the gospel about himself” or “Jesus Christ revealed himself to me and taught me the gospel concerning himself”(See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-possession]])
GAL 1 12 nee4 figs-ellipsis ἀλλὰ δι’ ἀποκαλύψεως Ἰησοῦ Χριστοῦ 1 Paul is leaving out some of the words that a sentence would need in many languages to be complete. If your readers might misunderstand this, you could supply these words from the context. Alternate translation: “but I received it by a revelation of Jesus Christ” or “but I was taught it by a revelation of Jesus Christ” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-ellipsis]])
GAL 1 13 f3gl figs-abstractnouns τὴν ἐμὴν ἀναστροφήν ποτε 1 former life If your language does not use abstract nouns for the ideas of **manner** and **life**, you could express the same idea with a verbal phrase such as “how I formerly lived”, or you could express the meaning in some other way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “how I formerly lived” or “how I formerly conducted myself” or “how I formerly behaved” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns]])
GAL 1 13 r8ol figs-explicit ἐν τῷ Ἰουδαϊσμῷ 1 Here, the phrase **in Judaism** refers to following the Jewish religious guidelines. If it would help your readers, you could express that explicitly. Alternate translation: “following the Jewish religion” or “following the Jewish religious guidelines” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])
GAL 1 13 ydx9 figs-idiom καθ’ ὑπερβολὴν 1 The phrase **beyond measure** is an idiom meaning “excessively.” If your readers would not understand this, you could use an equivalent idiom or use plain language. Alternate translation: “excessively” or “to an extreme degree” or “intensely” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]])
GAL 1 14 vtug figs-explicit ἐν τῷ Ἰουδαϊσμῷ 1 See how you translated the phrase **in Judaism** in [1:13](../01/13.md) where it is used with a similar meaning. Alternate translation: “in the Jewish religion” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])
GAL 1 14 gdwi grammar-collectivenouns τῷ γένει μου 1 The word **race** is a singular noun that refers to a group of people. If your language does not use singular nouns in that way, you can use a different expression. Alternate translation: “my ethnic group the Jews” or “my people the Jews” or “the Jewish people” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/grammar-collectivenouns]])
GAL 1 14 bcdo figs-metaphor τῶν πατρικῶν μου 1 Here, the word **fathers** figuratively means “ancestors.” If your readers would not understand what **fathers** means in this context, you could use an equivalent metaphor from your culture. Alternatively, you could express the meaning in a non-figurative way. Alternate translation: “of my ancestors” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
GAL 1 15 w6zi grammar-connect-logic-contrast δὲ 1 What follows the word **But** here is in contrast to what was expected. What would be expected is that Paul would continue thinking and acting according to the way he formerly did as described in [1:14](../01/14.md). Instead, God **called** Paul, and as the next verse says, God revealed Jesus to him, so that he might teach the Gentiles about Jesus. Use a natural way in your language for introducing a contrast. Alternate translation: “But then” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-logic-contrast]])
GAL 1 15 ofqm figs-explicit ὁ 1 Here, the phrase **the one** refers to God. If it would help your readers, you could express that explicitly. Alternate translation: “God” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])
GAL 1 15 qu8s figs-distinguish ὅτε…εὐδόκησεν ὁ, ἀφορίσας με ἐκ κοιλίας μητρός μου, καὶ καλέσας διὰ τῆς χάριτος αὐτοῦ 1 The statement **having set me apart from the womb of my mother and having called {me} through his grace** gives us further information about the **the one** (God). It is not making a distinction. If this might confuse your readers, you can make the relationship between these phrases clearer. Alternate translation: “when God, who is the one who set me apart from my mother’s womb and called me through his grace, was pleased” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-distinguish]])
GAL 1 15 iyc1 figs-idiom ἐκ κοιλίας μητρός μου 1 The phrase **from the womb of my mother** is a Hebrew idiom which means either “from the day of my birth” or “from before birth.” If your readers would not understand this, you could use an equivalent idiom or use plain language. Alternate translation: “from the day I was born” or “from before I was born.” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]])
GAL 1 15 wd26 figs-explicit καλέσας 1 who called me through his grace Here, the word **called** means “to choose and summon.” If it would be helpful to your readers, you could indicate that explicitly. Alternate translation: “having chosen and summoned me” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])
GAL 1 15 wlph figs-abstractnouns τῆς χάριτος 1 If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea of **grace**, you could express the same idea with an adverb such as “kindly”, as modeled by the UST, or you could express the meaning in some other way that is natural in your language. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns]])
GAL 1 16 l97h ἀποκαλύψαι τὸν Υἱὸν αὐτοῦ ἐν ἐμοὶ 1 to reveal his Son in me The phrase **reveal his Son in me** could mean: (1) that God revealed his Son “to” Paul and refer to God revealing to Paul who Jesus really was so that Paul had an inward knowledge of who Jesus really was. Alternate translation: “to reveal to me his Son” (2) that God revealed his Son to others “through” Paul. Alternate translation: “to reveal his Son to others through me” or “to reveal his Son to others by me”
GAL 1 16 z800 grammar-connect-logic-goal ἵνα 1 The phrase **so that** introduces a purpose clause. After the phrase **so that** Paul states the purpose for which God revealed his Son to Paul, namely so that he **might preach him among the Gentiles**. Use a natural way in your language for introducing a purpose clause. Alternate translation: “in order that” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-logic-goal]])
GAL 1 16 qme5 figs-synecdoche σαρκὶ καὶ αἵματι 1 consult with flesh and blood Paul refers figuratively to “human beings” by naming a few of the things that a human being is made of, specifically **flesh and blood**. If your readers would misunderstand this, you could use an equivalent expression from your culture or plain language as modeled by the UST. Alternate translation: “any human being” or “any person” or “anyone” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche]])
GAL 1 17 qh88 figs-go ἀνῆλθον εἰς Ἱεροσόλυμα 1 go up to Jerusalem **Jerusalem** was higher than almost any other place in Israel, so it was normal for people to speak of going **up** to Jerusalem and going down from it. Your language may say “come” rather than **go** in contexts such as this. Use whichever is more natural. Alternate translation: “did I come up to Jerusalem” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-go]])
GAL 1 17 w82a grammar-connect-logic-contrast ἀλλὰ 1 What follows the word **Instead** is in contrast to what was expected. Use a natural way in your language for introducing a contrast. Alternate translation: “Rather” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-logic-contrast]])
GAL 1 17 zqih figs-go ἀπῆλθον εἰς 1 Your language may say “came” rather than **went** in contexts such as this. Use whichever is more natural. Alternate translation: “I came to” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-go]])
GAL 1 18 c7gb grammar-connect-time-sequential ἔπειτα 1 The word **Then** indicates that the events Paul will now relate came after the events just described. Use a natural form in your language for indicating this. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-time-sequential]])
GAL 1 18 rej5 figs-go ἀνῆλθον εἰς Ἱεροσόλυμα 1 **Jerusalem** was higher than almost any other place in Israel, so it was normal for people to speak of going **up** to Jerusalem and going down from it. Your language may say “came” rather than **went** in contexts such as this. Use whichever is more natural. Alternate translation: “I came up to Jerusalem” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-go]])
GAL 1 19 av43 grammar-connect-exceptions ἕτερον…τῶν ἀποστόλων οὐκ εἶδον, εἰ μὴ Ἰάκωβον 1 I saw none of the other apostles except James If it would appear in your language that Paul was making a statement here and then contradicting it, you could reword this to avoid using an exception clause. Alternate translation: “the only other apostles I saw were James” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-exceptions]])
GAL 1 20 d9yv figs-exclamations ἰδοὺ 1 **behold** is an exclamation word which is used to draw attention to the words that come next. Use an exclamation that is natural in your language for communicating this. Alternate translation: “pay attention to this” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-exclamations]])
GAL 1 20 h3cb figs-litotes οὐ ψεύδομαι 1 In what I write to you, I assure you before God, that I am not lying Here, Paul uses a phrase that expresses a strong positive meaning by using a negative word together with a word that is the opposite of the intended meaning. If this is confusing in your language, you can express the meaning positively. Alternate translation: “I am telling you the truth” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-litotes]])
GAL 1 20 pp11 figs-explicit ἐνώπιον τοῦ Θεοῦ 1 Here, the phrase **before God** is an oath. If your readers would not understand this, you could use an oath from your language that would be appropriate in this context or you could make it clear in your translation that Paul is making an oath. Alternate translation: “I solemnly testify before God” or “in God’s presence I testify” or “I swear with God as my witness” or “I swear before God” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])
GAL 1 21 ny6z grammar-connect-time-sequential ἔπειτα ἦλθον εἰς 1 The word **then** indicates that the events Paul will now relate came after the events Paul has just described in [1:18-19](../01/18.md). If it would be helpful to your readers, you could show this relationship by using a fuller phrase or by expressing the meaning in some other way that is natural to your readers. Alternate translation: “After I left Jerusalem I went to” or “After that I went to” or “Afterwards I went to” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-time-sequential]])
GAL 1 22 y6l4 figs-activepassive ἤμην…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 If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “none of the people in the churches of Judea that are in Christ had ever met me” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])
GAL 1 22 wleq figs-synecdoche ἤμην…ἀγνοούμενος τῷ προσώπῳ ταῖς ἐκκλησίαις τῆς Ἰουδαίας, ταῖς ἐν Χριστῷ 1 Paul uses the main feature of his appearance, his **face**, to refer figuratively to seeing his entire person. If your readers would misunderstand this, you could use an equivalent expression from your culture or plain language as modeled by the UST. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche]])
GAL 1 22 sr0y figs-metaphor ἐν Χριστῷ 1 Paul uses the spatial metaphor **in Christ** to describe the union believers have with Christ and here it is specifically describing/modifying **the churches of Judea**. If it would help your readers you could use a fuller phrase to describe what the phrase “in Christ” means here. See the discussion of the phrase “in Christ” in “Part 3: Important Translation Issues” in the “Introduction to 1 Corinthians” section. Alternate translation: “in union with Christ” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
GAL 1 23 bdmz grammar-connect-logic-contrast δὲ 1 Here, the word **But** is introducing a contrast between what the Judean believers did know about Paul (they were **hearing** that he was **now proclaiming the faith**) with what they did not know about Paul (how he looked, [1:22](../01/22.md)). Use a natural way in your language for introducing a contrast. Alternate translation: “Rather” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-logic-contrast]])
GAL 1 23 hw08 μόνον…ἀκούοντες ἦσαν 1 Alternate translation: “all that the believers in the region of Judea knew about me was that people were saying” or “all that the people belonging to the churches in the region of Judea knew about me was that people were saying”
GAL 1 23 ss1e figs-explicit ὁ 1 Here, the phrase **The one** refers to Paul. If it would help your readers, you could express that explicitly as modeled by the UST. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])
GAL 1 23 bh1m figs-abstractnouns τὴν πίστιν 1 If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea of **faith**, you could express the same idea in some other way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “the message about Jesus” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns]])
GAL 1 23 lo0r figs-metonymy τὴν πίστιν 1 Paul is figuratively describing the message about Jesus (the gospel) by association with **faith**, which is the response that the message about Jesus requires or solicits. If your readers would not understand this, you could use an equivalent expression or plain language. Alternate translation: “the good news about Jesus” or “the message about Jesus” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])
GAL 1 23 y5ud figs-explicit ἐπόρθει 1 Here, the word **destroying** refers to trying to stop the spread of the Christian message. If it would help your readers, you could express that explicitly as modeled by the UST. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])
GAL 1 24 qp4t grammar-connect-logic-result ἐν ἐμοὶ 1 Here, the phrase **in me** means “because of me” and is giving the reason why the Judean believers were praising God, namely because of Paul. If it would help your readers, you could express that explicitly. Alternate translation: “because of me” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-logic-result]])
GAL 1 24 cpni ἐν ἐμοὶ 1 The phrase **in me** means “because of me” and the phrase “because of me” could mean: (1) both option 2 and 3 at the same time, in which case “because of me” would mean both that the Judean believers were praising God because God had caused Paul to believe in Jesus and because Paul was now proclaiming the good news about Jesus. If you decide to use this meaning you could use a general phrase that allows for both meanings at the same time such as “because of me.” Alternatively you could clarify in your translation that “because of me” refers to both meanings simultaneously as modeled by the UST. Alternate translation: “because of me” or “because of what God had done in me and was doing through me” or “because God had caused me to believe in Jesus and was now using me to proclaim the good news about Jesus” (2) because of what God was doing through Paul, that he was proclaiming the gospel. Alternate translation: “because of what God is doing through me” or “because I am now proclaiming the good news about Jesus” or “because I am now proclaiming the faith which I formerly tried to destroy” (3) because of what happened to Paul, that God caused him to believe in Jesus. Alternate translation: “because of what God has done in me” or “because God caused me to believe in his son” or “because of what had happened to me”
GAL 2 intro xe28 0 # Galatians 2 General Notes\n\n## Structure and formatting\n\nPaul continues to defend the true gospel. This began in [Galatians 1:11](../../gal/01/11.md).\n\n## Special concepts in this chapter\n\n### Freedom and slavery\n\nThroughout 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]])\n\n## Other possible translation difficulties in this chapter\n\n### “I do not negate the grace of God”\n\nPaul teaches that, if a Christian attempts to follow the law of Moses, they do not understand the grace God has shown to them through the work of Christ. 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]])
GAL 2 1 mtgj grammar-connect-time-sequential ἔπειτα 1 The word **Then** indicates that the events Paul will now relate came after the events just described. See how you translated the word **Then** in [1:18](../01/18.md) where it is used with the same meaning. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-time-sequential]])
GAL 2 1 zth5 ἀνέβην 1 went up Your language may say “came” rather than **went** in contexts such as this. Use whichever is more natural. Alternate translation: “I came up” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-go]])
GAL 2 2 e8xu grammar-connect-time-background]]) δὲ 1 Here, the word **Now** introduces background information. Use a natural way in your language for introducing background information. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-time-background]])
GAL 2 2 msv4 τοῖς δοκοῦσιν 1 those who seemed to be important Alternate translation: “to those who were recognized as the important overseers of the believers” or “with those who were considered leaders of the church”
GAL 2 2 ejb8 figs-doublenegatives τρέχω ἢ ἔδραμον 1 I was not running—or had not run—in vain Paul uses running as a metaphor to compare his work of preaching the gospel to a person running a race. Paul worked hard to preach the gospel. He wanted the gospel that he preached to have lasting effects. Alternate translation: “I did not want to work hard for God uselessly” or “I did not want my hard work to be wasted”
GAL 2 2 t6we μή πως εἰς κενὸν 1 in vain Paul feared that if he did not explain the gospel privately to the leaders, they could misunderstand the gospel, or others would misrepresent him. The double negative can be represented positively: “I was doing profitable work” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-doublenegatives]] and [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]]) Alternate translation: “for no benefit” or “for nothing”
GAL 2 3 xs8k figs-activepassive περιτμηθῆναι 1 to be circumcised If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. 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 Alternate translation: “People who pretended to be Christians came into the church,” or “People who said they were Christians but were not came into our group”
GAL 2 4 mzx0 διὰ δὲ 1 **But is was because of** could be: (1) connected to v. 1, which gives the reason for why Paul explained the gospel privately to the leaders in Jerusalem (2) connected to v. 3, which explains why people wanted to circumcise Titus (3) unconnected and begins an unfinished sentence.
GAL 2 4 l7n7 figs-explicit ἵνα ἡμᾶς καταδουλώσουσιν 1 to make us slaves Paul is speaking about how these people wanted to force the Galatian believers to follow the Jewish rituals that the law commanded. He is speaking about following the law as if it were slavery. Alternate translation: “to force us to obey the law”or “in order to make us slaves to 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 Alternate translation: “submit,” or “listen,” or “accept what they were saying,” or “agreed with that they wanted to do”
GAL 2 6 afy6 figs-metonymy ἐμοὶ…οὐδὲν προσανέθεντο 1 added nothing to me Here, **me** represents what Paul was teaching. Alternate translation: “added nothing to what I teach” or “did not add anything to my message” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])
GAL 2 9 he6q figs-metaphor δοκοῦντες στῦλοι εἶναι 1 built up the church Here, **pillars** refers to men who were leaders of the believers in Jerusalem and taught people the word of God. Alternate translation: “who were like pillars of the church” or “who were recognized as important leaders” or “who were considered to have authority” (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** refers to how God gave Paul the task to proclaim the gospel to the non-Jews. Alternate translation: “understood that God had been kind to me and gave me this work” or “understood the work God was kind to give me” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns]])
GAL 2 9 e5rm translate-symaction δεξιὰς ἔδωκαν…κοινωνίας 1 gave…the right hand of fellowship Here, **gave the right hand of fellowship** is an action that symbolizes a pledge of friendship or agreement. Alternate translation: “welcomed…as fellow workers” or “welcomed…with honor” or “shook hands...as a sign that they agreed with us” or “agreed that were partners in this work”(See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-symaction]])
GAL 2 10 kqq6 figs-explicit τῶν πτωχῶν…μνημονεύωμεν 1 remember the poor You may need to make explicit how they were to **remember the poor**. 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 phrase **to his face** is a metonym. Alternate translation: “I confronted him in person” or “I challenged his actions in person” or “I opposed him in front of everyone” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])
GAL 2 12 z1kg figs-explicit φοβούμενος τοὺς ἐκ περιτομῆς 1 He was afraid of those who were demanding circumcision The reason Peter 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” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])
GAL 2 12 fy79 τοὺς ἐκ περιτομῆς 1 those who were demanding circumcision Here, **those from the circumcision** represents Jews who had become Christians, but who demanded that those who believe in Christ live according to Jewish customs like circumcision.
GAL 2 12 a6gv ἀφώριζεν ἑαυτόν 1 kept away from Alternate translation: “stayed away from” or “avoided”
GAL 2 14 sg53 οὐκ ὀρθοποδοῦσιν πρὸς τὴν ἀλήθειαν τοῦ εὐαγγελίου 1 not following the truth of the gospel Alternate translation: “they were not living like people who believe the true gospel” or “they were not obeying the true 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 tz45 οὐκ ἐξ ἐθνῶν ἁμαρτωλοί 1 not Gentile sinners The term **sinners** was used by Jews as a synonym for non-Jews. Alternate translation: “We are not Gentiles, those people who do not know God” or “We are not people who do not follow the law”
GAL 2 16 j6l1 figs-exclusive εἰδότες 1 we The word **knowing** could refer to: (1) Paul and others, but not the Galatians (exclusive), who were primarily Gentiles (2) Paul and includes the Galatians. (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 **to be justified in Christ** means justified because we are united with Christ and justified by means of what Christ has done.
GAL 2 17 sge2 εὑρέθημεν καὶ αὐτοὶ ἁμαρτωλοί 1 we too, were found to be sinners The phrase **were also found to be sinner** could mean: (1) they admit they are sinners (2) they are no longer following the law (3) others view them as sinners for not following the law or eating with non-Jews.
GAL 2 17 yy9s figs-rquestion μὴ γένοιτο 1 Absolutely not! Alternate translation: “Of course, that is not true!” or “no, never!” This expression gives the strongest possible negative answer to the preceding rhetorical question **is Christ a minister of sin?** (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion]])
GAL 2 18 r52x παραβάτην ἐμαυτὸν συνιστάνω 1 **I prove myself to be a transgressor** could mean: (1) Paul sinned by trying to obey the law again (2) Paul sinned by leaving the law for a time when he believed in the Messiah (3) the law proves Paul is a sinner when he tries to follow it.
GAL 2 18 p6he figs-metaphor εἰ γὰρ ἃ κατέλυσα, ταῦτα πάλιν οἰκοδομῶ 1 **For if I again rebuild those things which I destroyed** is a metaphor for someone who returns to trying to obey the law after they trusted in the Messiah. He compares trying to follow the law with someone trying to build a building. He compares someone who trusts in the Messiah with someone who destroys the building they are trying to build. He compares someone who returns to trying to follow the law after trusting the Messiah with someone who wants to rebuild the building they destroyed. Alternate translation: “If I believe in Christ to be justified before God instead of following the law, and then I change my mind and start following the law again for justification.” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
GAL 2 19 xe23 διὰ νόμου 1 The phrase **through the law** could refer to: (1) Paul’s experience in trying to obey the law (2) how Christ paid the requirements of the law. Alternate translation: “When the Messiah completed the law”
GAL 2 19 r55d figs-rquestion ἐγὼ...νόμῳ ἀπέθανον 1 The phrase, **I...died to the law** means that the law no longer has any power or authority over Paul. Alternate translation: “I am separated from the law”
GAL 2 19 xg5q figs-rquestion Χριστῷ συνεσταύρωμαι; 1 **I have been crucified with Christ** could mean (1) by the Messiah’s death, Paul was now separated from the law (2) Paul died spiritually and escaped the dominion of sin and the law.
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. Paul is defending a charge others made against him. He does not reject God’s grace when he rejects following the law. This phrase can be translated positively. Alternate translation: “I confirm the value of” or “I do not reject God’s kindness” or “I do not ignore God’s kindness.” (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 Alternate translation: “if people could become righteous by obeying the law” or “if it were possible for a person to become righteous in God’s sight by obeying the law”.
GAL 2 21 rku5 ἄρα Χριστὸς δωρεὰν ἀπέθανεν 1 then Christ died for nothing Alternate translation: “then Christ would have accomplished nothing by dying” or “then it was pointless for Christ to die”
GAL 3 intro xd92 0 # Galatians 3 General Notes<br><br>## Special concepts in this chapter<br><br>### Equality in Christ<br><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><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]])
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 Alternate translation: “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 This metaphor describes how the Galatian believers heard the gospel message preached so clearly that it was if Jesus was crucified before their own eyes. 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? 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? Alternate translation: “You are very foolish!” or “Don’t be so foolish!” or “are you crazy” (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 and refers to an independent reliance on one’s own effort through outward deeds . 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 rhetorical 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 Alternate translation: “uselessly” or “in vain”
GAL 3 4 xl9l figs-rquestion εἴ γε καὶ εἰκῇ 1 if indeed it was for nothing? This could mean: (1) Paul warns 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.” (2) their suffering was already in vain. (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. (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 Alternate translation: “those who believe” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns]])
GAL 3 7 kq1h figs-metaphor οὗτοι υἱοί εἰσιν Ἀβραὰμ 1 children of Abraham Since Abraham was saved by faith, Abraham’s true children are those who are also saved by faith as he was.This phrase goes against the opponents who claimed that the Galatian believers mustbe circumcised and obey the law in order to be a genuine son of Abraham. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
GAL 3 8 vs1m figs-personification προϊδοῦσα δὲ ἡ Γραφὴ 1 foreseeing Here, **the scripture** is a personification and is equivalent to saying “the Lord” or “God”. Alternate translation: “God predicted” or “the Lord saw ahead of time” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-personification]])
GAL 3 8 k9tp figs-you ἐν σοὶ 1 In you The word **you** refers to Abraham and is singular. Alternate translation: “Because of you” or “Because of what you have done” or “Because I have blessed you.” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-you]])
GAL 3 8 j83j πάντα τὰ ἔθνη 1 all the nations 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 mxe7 ὅσοι γὰρ ἐξ ἔργων νόμου 1 the works of the law Alternate translation: “All people who follow the law” or “Everyone who tries to be justified through obeying the law”
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 Here, **under a curse** represents being cursed by God. Here it refers to eternal punishment. Alternate translation: “are cursed” or “God will eternally punish” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]] and [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])
GAL 3 11 sn9h δῆλον 1 Now it is clear Alternate translation: “it is obvious that” or “it is evident that”
GAL 3 11 k6k5 ἐν νόμῳ, οὐδεὶς δικαιοῦται παρὰ τῷ Θεῷ 1 no one is justified before God by the law Alternate translation: “God justifies no one by the law”
GAL 3 11 i537 figs-nominaladj ὁ δίκαιος ἐκ πίστεως ζήσεται 1 the righteous will live by faith The nominal adjective **righteous**” refers to people who righteous. Alternate translation: “Righteous people will live by faith” or “The person who is righteous because he believes will live” “It is through believing that a person becomes righteous and obtains eternal life” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-nominaladj]])
GAL 3 13 ml63 ἐκ τῆς κατάρας τοῦ νόμου 1 from the curse of the law The word **curse** is a metonym for God condemning the person whom he has cursed. Alternate translation: “from God condemn us because we broke the law” or “from being cursed because of the law” or “from being cursed for not obeying the law” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])
GAL 3 13 mt6z ὁ κρεμάμενος ἐπὶ ξύλου 1 hangs on a tree Paul expected his audience to understand that he was referring to Jesus hanging on the cross.
GAL 3 14 brf7 ἵνα…ἡ εὐλογία τοῦ Ἀβραὰμ γένηται 1 so that the blessing of Abraham might come Alternate translation: “Because Christ became a curse for us, the blessing of Abraham will come”
GAL 3 14 h46q figs-exclusive λάβωμεν 1 we The word **we** includes the people who would read the letter. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-exclusive]])
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 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 Alternate translation: “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. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
GAL 3 19 kx2e τί οὖν ὁ νόμος 1 What, then, was the purpose of the law? This can 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 If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. 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 God used angels to give the law to Moses. Moses is referred here as a **mediator** between God and the people of Israel. If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. 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 Alternate translation: “given through a middleman”
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, who was a mediator between God and the people of Israel.
GAL 3 21 wes3 figs-exclusive 0 General Information: The word **us** in this section is inclusive and refers to all Christians. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-exclusive]])
GAL 3 21 e43u κατὰ τῶν ἐπαγγελιῶν 1 against the promises Alternate translation: “opposed to the promises” or “in conflict with the promises”
GAL 3 21 iyg9 ἐν νόμου ἂν ἦν ἡ δικαιοσύνη 1 righteousness would certainly have come by the law Alternate translation: “we could have become righteous by obeying that law”
GAL 3 22 jbn7 figs-personification ἡ Γραφὴ 1 scripture This could refer to: (1) a particular passage of Scripture (2) all of scripture (3) a metonymy for God himself. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-personification]] and [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])
GAL 3 23 su16 figs-activepassive 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. If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “the law held us captive in prison” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]] and [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
GAL 3 23 t32j figs-activepassive εἰς τὴν μέλλουσαν πίστιν ἀποκαλυφθῆναι 1 until faith should be revealed If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. 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 figs-personification παιδαγωγὸς 1 guardian A **guardian** 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. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-personification]])
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. If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. 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 Alternate translation: “For all of you who were baptized into Christ”
GAL 3 27 di9v figs-metaphor Χριστὸν ἐνεδύσασθε 1 have clothed yourselves with Christ This is a metaphor that means they have been united to Christ and have put on his character of righteousness and virtue. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
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 4 General Notes<br><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><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 rescued them from their enslavement to the law and to sin and has made them God’s children.
GAL 4 2 bd5a ἐπιτρόπους 1 guardians The word **guardians** refers to people with legal responsibility for the personal life of a child. Alternate translation: “people supervise the child”.
GAL 4 2 v5g9 οἰκονόμους 1 trustees The word **stewards** refers to people who watch over the property and finances of the child. Alternate translation: “people manage the child’s possessions”.
GAL 4 3 d6v9 figs-exclusive ἦμεν 1 General Information: The word **we** here refers to all Christians, including Paul’s readers. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-exclusive]])
GAL 4 3 n21q figs-metaphor ὅτε ἦμεν νήπιοι 1 when we were children Here **children** is a metaphor for the time before someone trusts in the Messiah. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
GAL 4 3 u462 τὰ στοιχεῖα τοῦ κόσμου 1 the elemental principles of the world This could refer to: (1) the laws, knowledge, or moral principles of the world (2) the spiritual beings, which some people thought control what happens on earth (3) the Jewish religion.
GAL 4 3 cd2w figs-metaphor ἤμεθα δεδουλωμένοι 1 we were enslaved to the elemental principles of the world Here, **we were being enslaved** is a metaphor for being unable to stop one’s self from doing something. If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “the spirits that ruled the world had made us their slaves,” or “the spirits that ruled the world had caused us to serve them like slaves.” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]] and [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])
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 4 ujfp τὸ πλήρωμα τοῦ χρόνου 1 Here, **the fullness of time** shows that God was working his purposes throughout history. It emphasizes a time designated by God to deliver people from their helplessness and enslavement to the Law and to those forces that are opposed to God. Alternate translation: “at the proper time” or “at the designated time”
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 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]]) The Holy Spirit is intimately linked to God’s Son. The Spirit was the promise of the Son (Jn. 14) as well as of the Father. It is by the Spirit that Christ lives in our hearts.
GAL 4 6 nei3 figs-metonymy εἰς τὰς καρδίας ἡμῶν 1 sent the Spirit of his Son into our hearts The heart is metonym for the center and source of the whole inner life of a person. It is the source of thinking, feeling, and volition. Alternate translation: “to live in us” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])
GAL 4 6 s54r κρᾶζον 1 who calls The Spirit is the subject of the one “crying out.” Yet this also expresses the believer’s attitude as well. it is important to avoid translating this verb in a way that would suggest either shouting or weeping.
GAL 4 6 eqx5 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. **Abba** is an Aramaic word that was used by a child to address their father.
GAL 4 7 e7tc υἱός 1 you are no longer a slave, but a son Paul uses **son** 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 εἶ 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 word **heir** refers to how believers inherit the promises God made to Abraham like a person inherits 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 The phrase, **those, by nature, not being gods** refers to the beings which the Galatians served when they were pagans and were considered by them to be gods, but they were not really gods
GAL 4 9 b8ue figs-metaphor ἐπιστρέφετε πάλιν 1 how is it that you are turning back to…principles? Here, **turning again** is a metaphor for starting to follow and obey their former false religion practices. This is the first of two rhetorical questions Paul gives. Alternate translation: “you should not start obeying again.” or “you should not follow again.” (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 rhetorical question to rebuke the Galatian believers for behaving in a way that would make them like slaves. (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, **to be enslaved again** 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 must obey his master?” or “It seems that you want to be controlled by these rules 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 Alternate translation: “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 This could mean: (1) they endured the difficulty of welcoming Paul when he was sick (2) they resisted the temptation to reject Paul when he was sick.
GAL 4 19 u3eb figs-metaphor τέκνα μου 1 My little children This is a metaphor and points to the fact that it was through Paul that the Galatians had become Christians. 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 giving 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 Alternate translation: “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 k5qu ἀλληγορούμενα 1 as an allegory An **allegory** is a historical event that represents something else. In Paul’s allegory, the two women referred to in [Galatians 4:22](../04/22.md) represent two different covenants.
GAL 4 24 u4hr figs-synecdoche Ὄρους Σινά 1 Mount Sinai **Mount Sinai** 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 Alternate translation: “represents” or “is similar”.
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 29 c9lf figs-metaphor κατὰ σάρκα 1 according to the flesh This refers to how Abraham became Ishmael’s father by taking Hagar as a wife. Alternate translation: “by means of human action” or “the natural way” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
GAL 4 29 gt1e κατὰ Πνεῦμα 1 according to the Spirit Here, **according to Spirit** means Isaac was born in a supernatural way, through the power of the Holy Spirit. Alternate translation: “because of the Spirit” or “because of the work of the Spirit”
GAL 5 intro bcg3 0 # Galatians 5 General Notes<br><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]])
GAL 5 1 kuu9 figs-explicit τῇ ἐλευθερίᾳ, ἡμᾶς Χριστὸς ἠλευθέρωσεν 1 For freedom Christ has set us free **For freedom Christ set us free** implies that Christ sets believers free from the law and that they are not 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 from the law so that we might live as free people” (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 **Stand firm** figuratively refers to staying strongly resolute for a certain task. Here, it is implied that the Galatian believers are continue to be determined to live a life free from the law. 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 ovu1 figs-metaphor μὴ πάλιν ζυγῷ δουλείας ἐνέχεσθε 1 Here, **do not again be subjected to a yoke of slavery** figuratively refers to being obligated to obey the law. Alternate translation: “do not live like one who is controlled like being under a yoke of slavery to the law” or “do not go back again to being a slave of the law” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
GAL 5 2 lrsx ἐὰν περιτέμνησθε 1 Alternate translation: “if you let someone circumcise you” or “if you receive circumcision”
GAL 5 2 vk9o Χριστὸς ὑμᾶς οὐδὲν ὠφελήσει. 1 Paul means that if a person is circumcised in order to receive salvation, then all that Christ has done for them is for nothing. No one can be justified by faith in Christ and at the same time by their own efforts.
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 οἵτινες ἐν νόμῳ δικαιοῦσθε 1 you who would be justified by the law The phrase **being justified by the law** describes the attempt or pursuit to be justified by the law. Alternate translation: “all of 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”
GAL 5 4 k6xe figs-explicit τῆς χάριτος ἐξεπέσατε 1 you no longer experience grace Alternate translation: “you have turned your back on the grace of God” or “God will not be gracious to you” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])
GAL 5 5 pdm1 figs-exclusive 0 General Information: Here, **we** refers to Paul and those who do not trust in the law, but in the Messiah. And exclusive form of “we” fits the context better in this case. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-exclusive]])
GAL 5 5 vvk6 Πνεύματι 1 For through the Spirit Alternate translation: “by the power of the Spirit” or “by the help of the Spirit”
GAL 5 5 qg9m ἡμεῖς…ἐκ πίστεως ἐλπίδα δικαιοσύνης ἀπεκδεχόμεθα 1 by faith, we eagerly wait for the hope of righteousness This could mean: (1) “we are waiting by faith for the hope of righteousness” (2) “we are waiting for the hope of righteousness that comes by faith”
GAL 5 6 y2ww figs-metonymy οὔτε περιτομή…οὔτε ἀκροβυστία 1 neither circumcision nor uncircumcision The words **circumcision** and **uncircumcision** refer to 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 7 jj48 figs-metaphor ἐτρέχετε 1 You were running Paul uses the metaphor of **running** to describe the spiritual progress the Galatian believers were making. Alternate translation: “You were making excellent progress” or “you were doing so well” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
GAL 5 8 sx6u πεισμονὴ 1 persuasion Here, **persuasion** refers to the idea of getting a person to change what they believe and act differently. Alternate translation: “This teaching which persuaded you to stop trusting in the Messiah” or “This way of thinking”
GAL 5 9 q926 μικρὰ ζύμη 1 **A little leaven** describes the teaching of circumcision, which threaten to ruin the entire lives of the Galatian believers.
GAL 5 10 enp1 οὐδὲν ἄλλο φρονήσετε 1 you will take no other view Alternate translation: “you will not believe anything different from what I am telling you” or “you will not think differently than what I believe”
GAL 5 10 llh5 ὅστις ἐὰν ᾖ 1 whoever he is This could mean: (1) Paul does not know the names of the people who are telling the Galatians that they need to obey the law of Moses (2) Paul does not want the Galatians to care about whether they are important or influential.
GAL 5 11 d4mm figs-hypo 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 the fact that people are persecuting him. If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion]] and [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-hypo]])
GAL 5 11 nv5x ἀδελφοί 1 Brothers See how you translated this in [Galatians 1:2](../01/02.md), [Galatians 3:15](../03/15.md), [Galatians 4:12](../04/12.md).
GAL 5 11 y3ug figs-activepassive κατήργηται τὸ σκάνδαλον τοῦ σταυροῦ 1 the stumbling block of the cross has been removed If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. 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 This could be: (1) literal, to cut off their male organs so as to become eunuchs (2) metaphorical, completely withdraw from the Christian community. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
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 word *flesh** refers to the part of human nature that does not submit to God. This word sums up the impelling motive of the natural man, and is the moral bias of the man who is not ruled by the Holy Spirit. The relationship between **opportunity** and **the flesh** can be stated more clearly. Alternate translation: “an opportunity for you to behave according to your sinful nature” or “an opportunity to follow the evil desires of your hearts” (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 This could mean: (1) “you can state the whole law in just one commandment” (2) “by obeying one commandment, you obey all the commandments”
GAL 5 14 qt9c figs-yousingular ἀγαπήσεις τὸν πλησίον σου ὡς σεαυτόν 1 You must love your neighbor as yourself The words **your** and **yourself** are singular. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-yousingular]])
GAL 5 16 yb58 figs-metaphor Πνεύματι περιπατεῖτε 1 walk by the Spirit Here, **walk** 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 **you would certainly not fulfill the desires of the flesh**” is an idiom that means “to 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]]). See how you translated this **flesh** in [Galatians 5:13].
GAL 5 19 yf2a figs-personification τὰ ἔργα τῆς σαρκός 1 the works of the sinful nature The word **flesh** is used as if it were a person. The abstract noun **works** can be translated with the verb “does.” Alternate translation: “what the sinful nature does” or “the deeds if we follow the sinful desires of our hearts” or “what people do because of their sinful nature.” See how you translated **flesh** in [Galatians 5:13] and [Galatians 5:16].
GAL 5 21 rs9b figs-metaphor κληρονομήσουσιν 1 inherit The word **inherit** figuratively refers to how believers will receive what God has promised believers like someone who inherits property and wealth from a family member. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
GAL 5 22 hez3 figs-metaphor ὁ δὲ καρπὸς τοῦ Πνεύματός 1 the fruit of the Spirit is love…faith Here, **fruit** is a metaphor for “result” or “outcome.” Alternate translation: “But what the Spirit produces” or “But the Spirit makes” (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 how you translated **flesh** in [Galatians 5:13], [Galatians 5:16], and [Galatians 5:19]. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-personification]] and [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
GAL 5 25 sq7b figs-metaphor Πνεύματι καὶ στοιχῶμεν 1 walk by the Spirit Here, **walk** is a metaphor for how a person lives. Alternate translation: “then we should allow the Holy Spirit to guide how we live” or “let us follow the Holy Spirit in every part of our lives” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
GAL 6 intro bv8h 0 # Galatians 6 General Notes<br><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]])
GAL 6 1 ss7l ἀδελφοί 1 Brothers See how you translated **brothers** in [Galatians 1:2](../01/02.md), [Galatians 3:15](../03/15.md), [Galatians 4:12](../04/12.md), and [Galatians 5:11](../05/11.md).
GAL 6 1 vm8f ἐὰν…ἄνθρωπος 1 if someone Alternate translation: “if anyone among you” or “if one of you”
GAL 6 1 vts8 ἐὰν καὶ προλημφθῇ ἄνθρωπος ἔν τινι παραπτώματι 1 if someone is caught in any trespass This could mean: (1) a fellow believers catches the person committing a sin. Alternate translation: “if someone is discovered in an act of sin” (2) a sin overcomes a person so that they sin. Alternate translation: “if someone among you sins” or “if someone is led astray to sin”
GAL 6 1 t4rm ὑμεῖς, οἱ πνευματικοὶ 1 you who are spiritual Alternate translation: “those of you who are guided by the Spirit” or “you who submit to the Spirit”
GAL 6 1 hdj8 καταρτίζετε τὸν τοιοῦτον 1 restore him Alternate translation: “exhort the person who sinned to return to a correct relationship with God” or “you should humbly help bring that person to the right path”
GAL 6 1 tr5r ἐν πνεύματι πραΰτητος 1 in a spirit of gentleness This could refer to: (1) the person’s attitude and disposition. Alternate translation: “with an attitude of gentleness” or “in a kind way” (2) the Holy Spirit who is characterized by gentleness is directing the one offering correction. Alternate translation: “through the Holy Spirit of gentleness” or “by following the Holy Spirit who is gentle”
GAL 6 1 rrg9 figs-yousingular 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 careful for yourself’” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-yousingular]])
GAL 6 1 ljx6 figs-activepassive μὴ καὶ σὺ πειρασθῇς 1 so you also may not be tempted If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “so that you are tempted and also sin” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])
GAL 6 2 m6jz ἀναπληρώσετε τὸν νόμον τοῦ Χριστοῦ 1 Here, **the law of Christ** does not refer to a set of rules, but most likely to the Messiah’s command to love one another in [John 13:34](../1jn/13/34). It involves submission to the person of Jesus and not to a code or list of commandments. This is similar to Paul’s statement that the law can be summarized by loving one another in [Galatians 5:14].
GAL 6 3 v6ts εἰ γὰρ 1 For if **For** could be connected to: (1) **carry one another’s burdens** ([Galatians 6:2](../06/02.md)) (2) **lest you also might be tempted** ([Galatians 6:1](../06/01.md)) (3) *Let us not become conceited** ([Galatians 5:26](../05/26.md)).
GAL 6 5 ee8v τὸ ἴδιον φορτίον βαστάσει 1 each one will carry his own load The could mean: (1) each person has their own responsibilities and tasks. Alternate translation: “each person must do the work that God has given him” or “each person is responsible for only his work” (2) each person is responsible for their own weaknesses and sins. Alternate translation: “each person is responsible for their own weaknesses”
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 Here, **sow** represents doing things that end in some kind of result, and **reap** 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 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 Here, **sowing** is a metaphor for doing deeds that will have consequences later. In this case, **sowing to his own flesh** refers to a person doing sinful actions because of his sinful nature. Alternate translation: “the person who continually does deeds following the evil desires of their heart” or “the person who does the things he wants to do because of his sinful nature” or “the person who does what pleases his sinful self” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
GAL 6 8 dge9 figs-metaphor θερίσει φθοράν 1 will gather in destruction Here, **destruction** refers to God punishing the person as if the person were harvesting a crop. Alternate translation: “will receive punishment for what he did” or “he will harvest death” or “he will harvest punishment that is forever” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
GAL 6 8 aqz2 figs-metaphor ὁ δὲ σπείρων εἰς τὸ Πνεῦμα 1 plants seed to the Spirit Here, **sowing** is a metaphor for doing deeds that will have consequences later. In this case, **sowing to the Spirit** refers to a person who does good actions because he is obeying and following God’s Spirit. Alternate translation: “the person who does the things God’s Spirit loves” or “the person who lives to please the Spirit” (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 Here, **eternal life** refers to God rewarding the person as if the person were harvesting a crop. Alternate translation: “will receive eternal life as a reward from God’s Spirit” or “he will harvest eternal life from the Holy Spirit”
GAL 6 9 u77c καιρῷ γὰρ ἰδίῳ 1 for at the right time Alternate translation: “for at the proper time” or “when the right time arrives”
GAL 6 10 ax66 ἄρα οὖν 1 So then Alternate translation: “As a result of this” or “Because of this”
GAL 6 10 jz9i τοὺς οἰκείους τῆς πίστεως 1 those who belong to the household of faith Alternate translation: “those who are members of God’s family through faith in Christ”
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 d6rk τῇ ἐμῇ χειρί 1 with my own hand This could mean: (1) Paul had someone write most of this letter as Paul told him what to write, but Paul himself wrote this last part of the letter (2) Paul wrote the whole letter himself.
GAL 6 12 kmd7 εὐπροσωπῆσαι ἐν σαρκί 1 make a good impression Alternate translation: “others will think well of them” or “others will think that they are good people”
GAL 6 12 r5p1 ἐν σαρκί 1 in the flesh Here, **in the flesh** refers to their desire to circumcise the Galatian believers. Alternate translation: “outwardly” or “by the way their bodies appear”
GAL 6 12 jd4x figs-metonymy τῷ σταυρῷ 1 the cross Here, **for the cross** represents what Christ did for us when he died on the cross. Alternate translation: “the work Jesus did on the cross” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])
GAL 6 14 v2qs figs-ellipsis κἀγὼ κόσμῳ 1 I to the world The words **has been crucified** are understood from the previous phrase. This means that the natural world has stopped having any claims or influence on Paul. Alternate translation: “and I have been crucified to the world” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-ellipsis]])
GAL 6 15 n6n7 καινὴ κτίσις 1 a new creation Here, **a new creation** refers to the whole process of conversion when someone trusts in the Messiah and the Holy Spirit gives that person new life.
GAL 6 16 b4al τὸν Ἰσραὴλ τοῦ Θεοῦ 1 peace and mercy be upon them, even upon the Israel of God This could refer to: (1) believers in general are the Israel of God (2) Jewish believers are the Israel of God (3) the Jews in general are the Israel of God
GAL 6 17 cz8a κόπους μοι 1 trouble me This means Paul does not want the Galatian believers to doubt his authority or continue to cause him trouble by following teachers who demand them to become circumcised.
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 Here, **the 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”
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