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Galatians 1-6
Darby Translation
Galatians 1-6
Darby Translation
1 Paul, apostle, not from men nor through man, but through Jesus Christ, and God [the] Father who raised him from among [the] dead,
2 and all the brethren with me, to the assemblies of Galatia.
3 Grace to you, and peace, from God [the] Father, and our Lord Jesus Christ,
4 who gave himself for our sins, so that he should deliver us out of the present evil world, according to the will of our God and Father;
5 to whom [be] glory to the ages of ages. Amen.
6 I wonder that ye thus quickly change, from him that called you in Christ's grace, to a different gospel,
7 which is not another [one]; but there are some that trouble you, and desire to pervert the glad tidings of the Christ.
8 But if even *we* or an angel out of heaven announce as glad tidings to you [anything] besides what we have announced as glad tidings to you, let him be accursed.
9 As we have said before, now also again I say, If any one announce to you as glad tidings [anything] besides what ye have received, let him be accursed.
10 For do I now seek to satisfy men or God? or do I seek to please men? If I were yet pleasing men, I were not Christ's bondman.
11 But I let you know, brethren, [as to] the glad tidings which were announced by me, that they are not according to man.
12 For neither did I receive them from man, neither was I taught [them], but by revelation of Jesus Christ.
13 For ye have heard [what was] my conversation formerly in Judaism, that I excessively persecuted the assembly of God, and ravaged it;
14 and advanced in Judaism beyond many [my] contemporaries in my nation, being exceedingly zealous of the doctrines of my fathers.
15 But when God, who set me apart [even] from my mother's womb, and called [me] by his grace,
16 was pleased to reveal his Son in me, that I may announce him as glad tidings among the nations, immediately I took not counsel with flesh and blood,
17 nor went I up to Jerusalem to those [who were] apostles before me; but I went to Arabia, and again returned to Damascus.
18 Then after three years I went up to Jerusalem to make acquaintance with Peter, and I remained with him fifteen days;
19 but I saw none other of the apostles, but James the brother of the Lord.
20 Now what I write to you, behold, before God, I do not lie.
21 Then I came into the regions of Syria and Cilicia.
22 But I was unknown personally to the assemblies of Judaea which [are] in Christ;
23 only they were hearing that he who persecuted us formerly now announces the glad tidings of the faith which formerly he ravaged:
24 and they glorified God in me.
2 Then after a lapse of fourteen years I went up again to Jerusalem with Barnabas, taking Titus also with [me];
2 and I went up according to revelation, and I laid before them the glad tidings which I preach among the nations, but privately to those conspicuous [among them], lest in any way I run or had run in vain;
3 (but neither was Titus, who was with me, being a Greek, compelled to be circumcised;)
4 and [it was] on account of the false brethren brought in surreptitiously, who came in surreptitiously to spy out our liberty which we have in Christ Jesus, that they might bring us into bondage;
5 to whom we yielded in subjection not even for an hour, that the truth of the glad tidings might remain with you.
6 But from those who were conspicuous as being somewhat—whatsoever they were, it makes no difference to me: God does not accept man's person; for to me those who were conspicuous communicated nothing;
7 but, on the contrary, seeing that the glad tidings of the uncircumcision were confided to me, even as to Peter that of the circumcision,
8 (for he that wrought in Peter for [the] apostleship of the circumcision wrought also in me towards the Gentiles,)
9 and recognising the grace given to me, James and Cephas and John, who were conspicuous as being pillars, gave to me and Barnabas [the] right hands of fellowship, that *we* [should go] to the nations, and *they* to the circumcision;
10 only that we should remember the poor, which same thing also I was diligent to do.
11 But when Peter came to Antioch, I withstood him to [the] face, because he was to be condemned:
12 for before that certain came from James, he ate with [those of] the nations; but when they came, he drew back and separated himself, fearing those of [the] circumcision;
13 and the rest of the Jews also played the same dissembling part with him; so that even Barnabas was carried away too by their dissimulation.
14 But when I saw that they do not walk straightforwardly, according to the truth of the glad tidings, I said to Peter before all, If *thou*, being a Jew, livest as the nations and not as the Jews, how dost thou compel the nations to Judaize?
15 We, Jews by nature, and not sinners of [the] nations,
16 but knowing that a man is not justified on the principle of works of law [nor] but by the faith of Jesus Christ, *we* also have believed on Christ Jesus, that we might be justified on the principle of [the] faith of Christ; and not of works of law; because on the principle of works of law no flesh shall be justified.
17 Now if in seeking to be justified in Christ we also have been found sinners, then [is] Christ minister of sin? Far be the thought.
18 For if the things I have thrown down, these I build again, I constitute myself a transgressor.
19 For *I*, through law, have died to law, that I may live to God.
20 I am crucified with Christ, and no longer live, *I*, but Christ lives in me; but [in] that I now live in flesh, I live by faith, the [faith] of the Son of God, who has loved me and given himself for me.
21 I do not set aside the grace of God; for if righteousness [is] by law, then Christ has died for nothing.
3 O senseless Galatians, who has bewitched you; to whom, as before your very eyes, Jesus Christ has been portrayed, crucified [among you]?
2 This only I wish to learn of you, Have ye received the Spirit on the principle of works of law, or of [the] report of faith?
3 Are ye so senseless? having begun in Spirit, are ye going to be made perfect in flesh?
4 Have ye suffered so many things in vain, if indeed also in vain?
5 He therefore who ministers to you the Spirit, and works miracles among you, [is it] on the principle of works of law, or of [the] report of faith?
6 Even as Abraham believed God, and it was reckoned to him as righteousness.
7 Know then that they that are on the principle of faith, these are Abraham's sons;
8 and the scripture, foreseeing that God would justify the nations on the principle of faith, announced beforehand the glad tidings to Abraham: In thee all the nations shall be blessed.
9 So that they who are on the principle of faith are blessed with believing Abraham.
10 For as many as are on the principle of works of law are under curse. For it is written, Cursed is every one who does not continue in all things which [are] written in the book of the law to do them;
11 but that by law no one is justified with God [is] evident, because The just shall live on the principle of faith;
12 but the law is not on the principle of faith; but, He that shall have done these things shall live by them.
13 Christ has redeemed us out of the curse of the law, having become a curse for us, (for it is written, Cursed [is] every one hanged upon a tree,)
14 that the blessing of Abraham might come to the nations in Christ Jesus, that we might receive the promise of the Spirit through faith.
15 Brethren, (I speak according to man,) even man's confirmed covenant no one sets aside, or adds other dispositions to.
16 But to Abraham were the promises addressed, and to his seed: he does not say, And to seeds, as of many; but as of one, And to thy seed; which is Christ.
17 Now I say this, A covenant confirmed beforehand by God, the law, which took place four hundred and thirty years after, does not annul, so as to make the promise of no effect.
18 For if the inheritance [be] on the principle of law, [it is] no longer on the principle of promise; but God gave it in grace to Abraham by promise.
19 Why then the law? It was added for the sake of transgressions, until the seed came to whom the promise was made, ordained through angels in [the] hand of a mediator.
20 But a mediator is not of one, but God is one.
21 [Is] then the law against the promises of God? Far be the thought. For if a law had been given able to quicken, then indeed righteousness were on the principle of law;
22 but the scripture has shut up all things under sin, that the promise, on the principle of faith of Jesus Christ, should be given to those that believe.
23 But before faith came, we were guarded under law, shut up to faith [which was] about to be revealed.
24 So that the law has been our tutor up to Christ, that we might be justified on the principle of faith.
25 But, faith having come, we are no longer under a tutor;
26 for ye are all God's sons by faith in Christ Jesus.
27 For ye, as many as have been baptised unto Christ, have put on Christ.
28 There is no Jew nor Greek; there is no bondman nor freeman; there is no male and female; for ye are all one in Christ Jesus:
29 but if *ye* [are] of Christ, then ye are Abraham's seed, heirs according to promise.
4 Now I say, As long as the heir is a child, he differs nothing from a bondman, though he be lord of all;
2 but he is under guardians and stewards until the period fixed by the father.
3 So we also, when we were children, were held in bondage under the principles of the world;
4 but when the fulness of the time was come, God sent forth his Son, come of woman, come under law,
5 that he might redeem those under law, that we might receive sonship.
6 But because ye are sons, God has sent out the Spirit of his Son into our hearts, crying, Abba, Father.
7 So thou art no longer bondman, but son; but if son, heir also through God.
8 But then indeed, not knowing God, ye were in bondage to those who by nature are not gods;
9 but now, knowing God, but rather being known by God, how do ye turn again to the weak and beggarly principles to which ye desire to be again anew in bondage?
10 Ye observe days and months and times and years.
11 I am afraid of you, lest indeed I have laboured in vain as to you.
12 Be as *I* [am], for *I* also [am] as *ye*, brethren, I beseech you: ye have not at all wronged me.
13 But ye know that in weakness of the flesh I announced the glad tidings to you at the first;
14 and my temptation, which [was] in my flesh, ye did not slight nor reject with contempt; but ye received me as an angel of God, as Christ Jesus.
15 What then [was] your blessedness? for I bear you witness that, if possible, plucking out your own eyes ye would have given [them] to me.
16 So I have become your enemy in speaking the truth to you?
17 They are not rightly zealous after you, but desire to shut you out [from us], that ye may be zealous after them.
18 But [it is] right to be zealous at all times in what is right, and not only when I am present with you—
19 my children, of whom I again travail in birth until Christ shall have been formed in you:
20 and I should wish to be present with you now, and change my voice, for I am perplexed as to you.
21 Tell me, ye who are desirous of being under law, do ye not listen to the law?
22 For it is written that Abraham had two sons; one of the maid servant, and one of the free woman.
23 But he [that was] of the maid servant was born according to flesh, and he [that was] of the free woman through the promise.
24 Which things have an allegorical sense; for these are two covenants: one from mount Sinai, gendering to bondage, which is Hagar.
25 For Hagar is mount Sinai in Arabia, and corresponds to Jerusalem which [is] now, for she is in bondage with her children;
26 but the Jerusalem above is free, which is our mother.
27 For it is written, Rejoice, thou barren that bearest not; break out and cry, thou that travailest not; because the children of the desolate are more numerous than [those] of her that has a husband.
28 But *ye*, brethren, after the pattern of Isaac, are children of promise.
29 But as then he that was born according to flesh persecuted him [that was born] according to Spirit, so also [it is] now.
30 But what says the scripture? Cast out the maid servant and her son; for the son of the maid servant shall not inherit with the son of the free woman.
31 So then, brethren, we are not maid servant's children, but [children] of the free woman.
5 Christ has set us free in freedom; stand fast therefore, and be not held again in a yoke of bondage.
2 Behold, I, Paul, say to you, that if ye are circumcised, Christ shall profit you nothing.
3 And I witness again to every man [who is] circumcised, that he is debtor to do the whole law.
4 Ye are deprived of all profit from the Christ as separated [from him], as many as are justified by law; ye have fallen from grace.
5 For we, by [the] Spirit, on the principle of faith, await the hope of righteousness.
6 For in Christ Jesus neither circumcision has any force, nor uncircumcision; but faith working through love.
7 Ye ran well; who has stopped you that ye should not obey the truth?
8 The persuasibleness [is] not of him that calls you.
9 A little leaven leavens the whole lump.
10 *I* have confidence as to you in [the] Lord, that ye will have no other mind; and he that is troubling you shall bear the guilt [of it], whosoever he may be.
11 But *I*, brethren, if I yet preach circumcision, why am I yet persecuted? Then the scandal of the cross has been done away.
12 I would that they would even cut themselves off who throw you into confusion.
13 For *ye* have been called to liberty, brethren; only [do] not [turn] liberty into an opportunity to the flesh, but by love serve one another.
14 For the whole law is fulfilled in one word, in Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself;
15 but if ye bite and devour one another, see that ye are not consumed one of another.
16 But I say, Walk in [the] Spirit, and ye shall no way fulfil flesh's lust.
17 For the flesh lusts against the Spirit, and the Spirit against the flesh: and these things are opposed one to the other, that ye should not do those things which ye desire;
18 but if ye are led by the Spirit, ye are not under law.
19 Now the works of the flesh are manifest, which are fornication, uncleanness, licentiousness,
20 idolatry, sorcery, hatred, strifes, jealousies, angers, contentions, disputes, schools of opinion,
21 envyings, murders, drunkennesses, revels, and things like these; as to which I tell you beforehand, even as I also have said before, that they who do such things shall not inherit God's kingdom.
22 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, long-suffering, kindness, goodness, fidelity,
23 meekness, self-control: against such things there is no law.
24 But they that [are] of the Christ have crucified the flesh with the passions and the lusts.
25 If we live by the Spirit, let us walk also by the Spirit.
26 Let us not become vain-glorious, provoking one another, envying one another.
6 Brethren, if even a man be taken in some fault, ye who are spiritual restore such a one in a spirit of meekness, considering thyself lest *thou* also be tempted.
2 Bear one another's burdens, and thus fulfil the law of the Christ.
3 For if any man reputes himself to be something, being nothing, he deceives himself;
4 but let each prove his own work, and then he will have his boast in what belongs to himself alone, and not in what belongs to another.
5 For each shall bear his own burden.
6 Let him that is taught in the word communicate to him that teaches in all good things.
7 Be not deceived: God is not mocked; for whatever a man shall sow, that also shall he reap.
8 For he that sows to his own flesh, shall reap corruption from the flesh; but he that sows to the Spirit, from the Spirit shall reap eternal life:
9 but let us not lose heart in doing good; for in due time, if we do not faint, we shall reap.
10 So then, as we have occasion, let us do good towards all, and specially towards those of the household of faith.
11 See how long a letter I have written to you with my own hand.
12 As many as desire to have a fair appearance in [the] flesh, these compel you to be circumcised, only that they may not be persecuted because of the cross of Christ.
13 For neither do they that are circumcised themselves keep the law; but they wish you to be circumcised, that they may boast in your flesh.
14 But far be it from me to boast save in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom [the] world is crucified to me, and I to the world.
15 For [in Christ Jesus] neither is circumcision anything, nor uncircumcision; but new creation.
16 And as many as shall walk by this rule, peace upon them and mercy, and upon the Israel of God.
17 For the rest let no one trouble me, for *I* bear in my body the brands of the Lord Jesus.
18 The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ [be] with your spirit, brethren. Amen.
Galatians 1-6
New International Version
Galatians 1-6
New International Version
1 Paul, an apostle(A)—sent not from men nor by a man,(B) but by Jesus Christ(C) and God the Father,(D) who raised him from the dead(E)— 2 and all the brothers and sisters[a] with me,(F)
To the churches in Galatia:(G)
3 Grace and peace to you from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ,(H) 4 who gave himself for our sins(I) to rescue us from the present evil age,(J) according to the will of our God and Father,(K) 5 to whom be glory for ever and ever. Amen.(L)
No Other Gospel
6 I am astonished that you are so quickly deserting the one who called(M) you to live in the grace of Christ and are turning to a different gospel(N)— 7 which is really no gospel at all. Evidently some people are throwing you into confusion(O) and are trying to pervert(P) the gospel of Christ. 8 But even if we or an angel from heaven should preach a gospel other than the one we preached to you,(Q) let them be under God’s curse!(R) 9 As we have already said, so now I say again: If anybody is preaching to you a gospel other than what you accepted,(S) let them be under God’s curse!
10 Am I now trying to win the approval of human beings, or of God? Or am I trying to please people?(T) If I were still trying to please people, I would not be a servant of Christ.
Paul Called by God
11 I want you to know, brothers and sisters,(U) that the gospel I preached(V) is not of human origin. 12 I did not receive it from any man,(W) nor was I taught it; rather, I received it by revelation(X) from Jesus Christ.(Y)
13 For you have heard of my previous way of life in Judaism,(Z) how intensely I persecuted the church of God(AA) and tried to destroy it.(AB) 14 I was advancing in Judaism beyond many of my own age among my people and was extremely zealous(AC) for the traditions of my fathers.(AD) 15 But when God, who set me apart from my mother’s womb(AE) and called me(AF) by his grace, was pleased 16 to reveal his Son in me so that I might preach him among the Gentiles,(AG) my immediate response was not to consult any human being.(AH) 17 I did not go up to Jerusalem to see those who were apostles before I was, but I went into Arabia. Later I returned to Damascus.(AI)
18 Then after three years,(AJ) I went up to Jerusalem(AK) to get acquainted with Cephas[b] and stayed with him fifteen days. 19 I saw none of the other apostles—only James,(AL) the Lord’s brother. 20 I assure you before God(AM) that what I am writing you is no lie.(AN)
21 Then I went to Syria(AO) and Cilicia.(AP) 22 I was personally unknown to the churches of Judea(AQ) that are in Christ.(AR) 23 They only heard the report: “The man who formerly persecuted us is now preaching the faith(AS) he once tried to destroy.”(AT) 24 And they praised God(AU) because of me.
Paul Accepted by the Apostles
2 Then after fourteen years, I went up again to Jerusalem,(AV) this time with Barnabas.(AW) I took Titus(AX) along also. 2 I went in response to a revelation(AY) and, meeting privately with those esteemed as leaders, I presented to them the gospel that I preach among the Gentiles.(AZ) I wanted to be sure I was not running and had not been running my race(BA) in vain. 3 Yet not even Titus,(BB) who was with me, was compelled to be circumcised, even though he was a Greek.(BC) 4 This matter arose because some false believers(BD) had infiltrated our ranks to spy on(BE) the freedom(BF) we have in Christ Jesus and to make us slaves. 5 We did not give in to them for a moment, so that the truth of the gospel(BG) might be preserved for you.
6 As for those who were held in high esteem(BH)—whatever they were makes no difference to me; God does not show favoritism(BI)—they added nothing to my message.(BJ) 7 On the contrary, they recognized that I had been entrusted with the task(BK) of preaching the gospel to the uncircumcised,[c](BL) just as Peter(BM) had been to the circumcised.[d] 8 For God, who was at work in Peter as an apostle(BN) to the circumcised, was also at work in me as an apostle(BO) to the Gentiles. 9 James,(BP) Cephas[e](BQ) and John, those esteemed as pillars,(BR) gave me and Barnabas(BS) the right hand of fellowship when they recognized the grace given to me.(BT) They agreed that we should go to the Gentiles,(BU) and they to the circumcised. 10 All they asked was that we should continue to remember the poor,(BV) the very thing I had been eager to do all along.
Paul Opposes Cephas
11 When Cephas(BW) came to Antioch,(BX) I opposed him to his face, because he stood condemned. 12 For before certain men came from James,(BY) he used to eat with the Gentiles.(BZ) But when they arrived, he began to draw back and separate himself from the Gentiles because he was afraid of those who belonged to the circumcision group.(CA) 13 The other Jews joined him in his hypocrisy, so that by their hypocrisy even Barnabas(CB) was led astray.
14 When I saw that they were not acting in line with the truth of the gospel,(CC) I said to Cephas(CD) in front of them all, “You are a Jew, yet you live like a Gentile and not like a Jew.(CE) How is it, then, that you force Gentiles to follow Jewish customs?(CF)
15 “We who are Jews by birth(CG) and not sinful Gentiles(CH) 16 know that a person is not justified by the works of the law,(CI) but by faith in Jesus Christ.(CJ) So we, too, have put our faith in Christ Jesus that we may be justified by faith in[f] Christ and not by the works of the law, because by the works of the law no one will be justified.(CK)
17 “But if, in seeking to be justified in Christ, we Jews find ourselves also among the sinners,(CL) doesn’t that mean that Christ promotes sin? Absolutely not!(CM) 18 If I rebuild what I destroyed, then I really would be a lawbreaker.
19 “For through the law I died to the law(CN) so that I might live for God.(CO) 20 I have been crucified with Christ(CP) and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me.(CQ) The life I now live in the body, I live by faith in the Son of God,(CR) who loved me(CS) and gave himself for me.(CT) 21 I do not set aside the grace of God, for if righteousness could be gained through the law,(CU) Christ died for nothing!”[g]
Faith or Works of the Law
3 You foolish(CV) Galatians!(CW) Who has bewitched you?(CX) Before your very eyes Jesus Christ was clearly portrayed as crucified.(CY) 2 I would like to learn just one thing from you: Did you receive the Spirit(CZ) by the works of the law,(DA) or by believing what you heard?(DB) 3 Are you so foolish? After beginning by means of the Spirit, are you now trying to finish by means of the flesh?[h] 4 Have you experienced[i] so much in vain—if it really was in vain? 5 So again I ask, does God give you his Spirit and work miracles(DC) among you by the works of the law, or by your believing what you heard?(DD) 6 So also Abraham “believed God, and it was credited to him as righteousness.”[j](DE)
7 Understand, then, that those who have faith(DF) are children of Abraham.(DG) 8 Scripture foresaw that God would justify the Gentiles by faith, and announced the gospel in advance to Abraham: “All nations will be blessed through you.”[k](DH) 9 So those who rely on faith(DI) are blessed along with Abraham, the man of faith.(DJ)
10 For all who rely on the works of the law(DK) are under a curse,(DL) as it is written: “Cursed is everyone who does not continue to do everything written in the Book of the Law.”[l](DM) 11 Clearly no one who relies on the law is justified before God,(DN) because “the righteous will live by faith.”[m](DO) 12 The law is not based on faith; on the contrary, it says, “The person who does these things will live by them.”[n](DP) 13 Christ redeemed us from the curse of the law(DQ) by becoming a curse for us, for it is written: “Cursed is everyone who is hung on a pole.”[o](DR) 14 He redeemed us in order that the blessing given to Abraham might come to the Gentiles through Christ Jesus,(DS) so that by faith we might receive the promise of the Spirit.(DT)
The Law and the Promise
15 Brothers and sisters,(DU) let me take an example from everyday life. Just as no one can set aside or add to a human covenant that has been duly established, so it is in this case. 16 The promises were spoken to Abraham and to his seed.(DV) Scripture does not say “and to seeds,” meaning many people, but “and to your seed,”[p](DW) meaning one person, who is Christ. 17 What I mean is this: The law, introduced 430 years(DX) later, does not set aside the covenant previously established by God and thus do away with the promise. 18 For if the inheritance depends on the law, then it no longer depends on the promise;(DY) but God in his grace gave it to Abraham through a promise.
19 Why, then, was the law given at all? It was added because of transgressions(DZ) until the Seed(EA) to whom the promise referred had come. The law was given through angels(EB) and entrusted to a mediator.(EC) 20 A mediator,(ED) however, implies more than one party; but God is one.
21 Is the law, therefore, opposed to the promises of God? Absolutely not!(EE) For if a law had been given that could impart life, then righteousness would certainly have come by the law.(EF) 22 But Scripture has locked up everything under the control of sin,(EG) so that what was promised, being given through faith in Jesus Christ, might be given to those who believe.
Children of God
23 Before the coming of this faith,[q] we were held in custody(EH) under the law, locked up until the faith that was to come would be revealed.(EI) 24 So the law was our guardian until Christ came(EJ) that we might be justified by faith.(EK) 25 Now that this faith has come, we are no longer under a guardian.(EL)
26 So in Christ Jesus you are all children of God(EM) through faith, 27 for all of you who were baptized into Christ(EN) have clothed yourselves with Christ.(EO) 28 There is neither Jew nor Gentile, neither slave nor free,(EP) nor is there male and female,(EQ) for you are all one in Christ Jesus.(ER) 29 If you belong to Christ,(ES) then you are Abraham’s seed,(ET) and heirs(EU) according to the promise.(EV)
4 What I am saying is that as long as an heir is underage, he is no different from a slave, although he owns the whole estate. 2 The heir is subject to guardians and trustees until the time set by his father. 3 So also, when we were underage, we were in slavery(EW) under the elemental spiritual forces[r] of the world.(EX) 4 But when the set time had fully come,(EY) God sent his Son,(EZ) born of a woman,(FA) born under the law,(FB) 5 to redeem(FC) those under the law, that we might receive adoption(FD) to sonship.[s](FE) 6 Because you are his sons, God sent the Spirit of his Son(FF) into our hearts,(FG) the Spirit who calls out, “Abba,[t] Father.”(FH) 7 So you are no longer a slave, but God’s child; and since you are his child, God has made you also an heir.(FI)
Paul’s Concern for the Galatians
8 Formerly, when you did not know God,(FJ) you were slaves(FK) to those who by nature are not gods.(FL) 9 But now that you know God—or rather are known by God(FM)—how is it that you are turning back to those weak and miserable forces[u]? Do you wish to be enslaved(FN) by them all over again?(FO) 10 You are observing special days and months and seasons and years!(FP) 11 I fear for you, that somehow I have wasted my efforts on you.(FQ)
12 I plead with you, brothers and sisters,(FR) become like me, for I became like you. You did me no wrong. 13 As you know, it was because of an illness(FS) that I first preached the gospel to you, 14 and even though my illness was a trial to you, you did not treat me with contempt or scorn. Instead, you welcomed me as if I were an angel of God, as if I were Christ Jesus himself.(FT) 15 Where, then, is your blessing of me now? I can testify that, if you could have done so, you would have torn out your eyes and given them to me. 16 Have I now become your enemy by telling you the truth?(FU)
17 Those people are zealous to win you over, but for no good. What they want is to alienate you from us, so that you may have zeal for them.(FV) 18 It is fine to be zealous, provided the purpose is good, and to be so always, not just when I am with you.(FW) 19 My dear children,(FX) for whom I am again in the pains of childbirth until Christ is formed in you,(FY) 20 how I wish I could be with you now and change my tone, because I am perplexed about you!
Hagar and Sarah
21 Tell me, you who want to be under the law,(FZ) are you not aware of what the law says? 22 For it is written that Abraham had two sons, one by the slave woman(GA) and the other by the free woman.(GB) 23 His son by the slave woman was born according to the flesh,(GC) but his son by the free woman was born as the result of a divine promise.(GD)
24 These things are being taken figuratively: The women represent two covenants. One covenant is from Mount Sinai and bears children who are to be slaves: This is Hagar. 25 Now Hagar stands for Mount Sinai in Arabia and corresponds to the present city of Jerusalem, because she is in slavery with her children. 26 But the Jerusalem that is above(GE) is free, and she is our mother. 27 For it is written:
“Be glad, barren woman,
you who never bore a child;
shout for joy and cry aloud,
you who were never in labor;
because more are the children of the desolate woman
than of her who has a husband.”[v](GF)
28 Now you, brothers and sisters, like Isaac, are children of promise.(GG) 29 At that time the son born according to the flesh(GH) persecuted the son born by the power of the Spirit.(GI) It is the same now. 30 But what does Scripture say? “Get rid of the slave woman and her son, for the slave woman’s son will never share in the inheritance with the free woman’s son.”[w](GJ) 31 Therefore, brothers and sisters, we are not children of the slave woman,(GK) but of the free woman.(GL)
Freedom in Christ
5 It is for freedom that Christ has set us free.(GM) Stand firm,(GN) then, and do not let yourselves be burdened again by a yoke of slavery.(GO)
2 Mark my words! I, Paul, tell you that if you let yourselves be circumcised,(GP) Christ will be of no value to you at all. 3 Again I declare to every man who lets himself be circumcised that he is obligated to obey the whole law.(GQ) 4 You who are trying to be justified by the law(GR) have been alienated from Christ; you have fallen away from grace.(GS) 5 For through the Spirit we eagerly await by faith the righteousness for which we hope.(GT) 6 For in Christ Jesus(GU) neither circumcision nor uncircumcision has any value.(GV) The only thing that counts is faith expressing itself through love.(GW)
7 You were running a good race.(GX) Who cut in on you(GY) to keep you from obeying the truth? 8 That kind of persuasion does not come from the one who calls you.(GZ) 9 “A little yeast works through the whole batch of dough.”(HA) 10 I am confident(HB) in the Lord that you will take no other view.(HC) The one who is throwing you into confusion,(HD) whoever that may be, will have to pay the penalty. 11 Brothers and sisters, if I am still preaching circumcision, why am I still being persecuted?(HE) In that case the offense(HF) of the cross has been abolished. 12 As for those agitators,(HG) I wish they would go the whole way and emasculate themselves!
Life by the Spirit
13 You, my brothers and sisters, were called to be free.(HH) But do not use your freedom to indulge the flesh[x];(HI) rather, serve one another(HJ) humbly in love. 14 For the entire law is fulfilled in keeping this one command: “Love your neighbor as yourself.”[y](HK) 15 If you bite and devour each other, watch out or you will be destroyed by each other.
16 So I say, walk by the Spirit,(HL) and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh.(HM) 17 For the flesh desires what is contrary to the Spirit, and the Spirit what is contrary to the flesh.(HN) They are in conflict with each other, so that you are not to do whatever[z] you want.(HO) 18 But if you are led by the Spirit,(HP) you are not under the law.(HQ)
19 The acts of the flesh are obvious: sexual immorality,(HR) impurity and debauchery; 20 idolatry and witchcraft; hatred, discord, jealousy, fits of rage, selfish ambition, dissensions, factions 21 and envy; drunkenness, orgies, and the like.(HS) I warn you, as I did before, that those who live like this will not inherit the kingdom of God.(HT)
22 But the fruit(HU) of the Spirit is love,(HV) joy, peace,(HW) forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, 23 gentleness and self-control.(HX) Against such things there is no law.(HY) 24 Those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the flesh(HZ) with its passions and desires.(IA) 25 Since we live by the Spirit,(IB) let us keep in step with the Spirit. 26 Let us not become conceited,(IC) provoking and envying each other.
Doing Good to All
6 Brothers and sisters, if someone is caught in a sin, you who live by the Spirit(ID) should restore(IE) that person gently. But watch yourselves, or you also may be tempted. 2 Carry each other’s burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ.(IF) 3 If anyone thinks they are something(IG) when they are not, they deceive themselves.(IH) 4 Each one should test their own actions. Then they can take pride in themselves alone,(II) without comparing themselves to someone else,(IJ) 5 for each one should carry their own load.(IK) 6 Nevertheless, the one who receives instruction in the word should share all good things with their instructor.(IL)
7 Do not be deceived:(IM) God cannot be mocked. A man reaps what he sows.(IN) 8 Whoever sows to please their flesh,(IO) from the flesh will reap destruction;(IP) whoever sows to please the Spirit, from the Spirit will reap eternal life.(IQ) 9 Let us not become weary in doing good,(IR) for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up.(IS) 10 Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good(IT) to all people, especially to those who belong to the family(IU) of believers.
Not Circumcision but the New Creation
11 See what large letters I use as I write to you with my own hand!(IV)
12 Those who want to impress people by means of the flesh(IW) are trying to compel you to be circumcised.(IX) The only reason they do this is to avoid being persecuted(IY) for the cross of Christ. 13 Not even those who are circumcised keep the law,(IZ) yet they want you to be circumcised that they may boast about your circumcision in the flesh.(JA) 14 May I never boast except in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ,(JB) through which[aa] the world has been crucified to me, and I to the world.(JC) 15 Neither circumcision nor uncircumcision means anything;(JD) what counts is the new creation.(JE) 16 Peace and mercy to all who follow this rule—to[ab] the Israel of God.
17 From now on, let no one cause me trouble, for I bear on my body the marks(JF) of Jesus.
18 The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ(JG) be with your spirit,(JH) brothers and sisters. Amen.
Footnotes
- Galatians 1:2 The Greek word for brothers and sisters (adelphoi) refers here to believers, both men and women, as part of God’s family; also in verse 11; and in 3:15; 4:12, 28, 31; 5:11, 13; 6:1, 18.
- Galatians 1:18 That is, Peter
- Galatians 2:7 That is, Gentiles
- Galatians 2:7 That is, Jews; also in verses 8 and 9
- Galatians 2:9 That is, Peter; also in verses 11 and 14
- Galatians 2:16 Or but through the faithfulness of … justified on the basis of the faithfulness of
- Galatians 2:21 Some interpreters end the quotation after verse 14.
- Galatians 3:3 In contexts like this, the Greek word for flesh (sarx) refers to the sinful state of human beings, often presented as a power in opposition to the Spirit.
- Galatians 3:4 Or suffered
- Galatians 3:6 Gen. 15:6
- Galatians 3:8 Gen. 12:3; 18:18; 22:18
- Galatians 3:10 Deut. 27:26
- Galatians 3:11 Hab. 2:4
- Galatians 3:12 Lev. 18:5
- Galatians 3:13 Deut. 21:23
- Galatians 3:16 Gen. 12:7; 13:15; 24:7
- Galatians 3:23 Or through the faithfulness of Jesus … 23 Before faith came
- Galatians 4:3 Or under the basic principles
- Galatians 4:5 The Greek word for adoption to sonship is a legal term referring to the full legal standing of an adopted male heir in Roman culture.
- Galatians 4:6 Aramaic for Father
- Galatians 4:9 Or principles
- Galatians 4:27 Isaiah 54:1
- Galatians 4:30 Gen. 21:10
- Galatians 5:13 In contexts like this, the Greek word for flesh (sarx) refers to the sinful state of human beings, often presented as a power in opposition to the Spirit; also in verses 16, 17, 19 and 24; and in 6:8.
- Galatians 5:14 Lev. 19:18
- Galatians 5:17 Or you do not do what
- Galatians 6:14 Or whom
- Galatians 6:16 Or rule and to
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