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 uybt figs-abstractnouns ἀποκαλύψεως 1 If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea of **revelation**, you could express the same idea with a verb such as “revealed”, 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 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 this phrase 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 ll4j figs-go ἀνέβην 1 See how you translated the **I went up** in [2:1](../02/01.md). (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-go]])
GAL 2 2 szwl κατὰ ἀποκάλυψιν 1 The phrase **according to** could: (1) indicate that Paul’s reason for going to Jerusalem was the **revelation**. Alternate translation: “because God told me to” or “because God revealed to me that I should” or “because God showed me that I should” (2) indicate Paul’s response to the **revelation**. Alternate translation: “in response to a revelation” or “in accord with what God had revealed to me”
GAL 2 2 zvkg figs-abstractnouns κατὰ ἀποκάλυψιν 1 If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea of **revelation**, you could express the same idea with a verb such as “revealed”, 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 2 2 g384 figs-explicit ἀνεθέμην αὐτοῖς 1 Here, the phrase **set before** means to communicate something to someone for the purpose of receiving their opinion regarding it. If it would be helpful to your readers, you could indicate that explicitly. Alternate translation: “communicated to them” or “related to them” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])
GAL 2 2 ypg1 figs-ellipsis κατ’ ἰδίαν δὲ τοῖς 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 privately I set it before the ones” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-ellipsis]])
GAL 2 2 msv4 τοῖς δοκοῦσιν 1 those who seemed to be important Alternate translation: “to the men who seemed to be influential” or “to those who were recognized as leaders of the believers in Jerusalem” or “to those who were leaders of the church in Jerusalem”
GAL 2 2 t6we figs-doublenegatives μή πως εἰς κενὸν τρέχω ἢ ἔδραμον 1 in vain If your readers would misunderstand this double negative, you could translate it as a positive statement. Alternate translation: “to ensure I was doing profitable work” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-doublenegatives]])
GAL 2 2 ejb8 figs-metaphor τρέχω ἢ ἔδραμον 1 I was not running—or had not run—in vain Here, Paul uses the word **run** to mean “work.” Paul specifically means working for the advancement of the gospel. Paul uses the word **run** to bring to the Galatians’ minds the image of a runner who is running a race in order to win a prize. If this image is familiar to people in your culture, consider using this metaphor. If this image is not familiar to your readers, consider stating this idea in plain language. Alternate translation: “I might work for the advancement of the gospel—or had” or “I might not work for the spread of the good news—or had worked for it” ( See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
GAL 2 3 wyrr grammar-connect-logic-contrast ἀλλ’ 1 Here, the word **But** is introducing an idea that is in contrast to an idea that was presented in [2:2](../02/02.md). Paul is probably presenting the fact that **not even Titus … was forced to be circumcised** as being in contrast to the idea in [2:2](../02/02.md) that he might have “run in vain” (labored in vain). 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 2 3 ybww figs-distinguish ὐδὲ Τίτος ὁ σὺν ἐμοί, Ἕλλην ὤν 1 The phrase **the one with me** and the phrase **being a Greek** both give further information about **Titus**. Neither of these phrases is making a distinction between **Titus** and some other person. If this might confuse your readers, you can make the relationship between these phrases clearer. Alternate translation: “my non-Jewish ministry partner, Titus” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-distinguish]])
GAL 2 3 xs8k figs-activepassive οὐδὲ Τίτος ὁ σὺν ἐμοί, Ἕλλην ὤν, ἠναγκάσθη περιτμηθῆναι 1 to be circumcised The phrase **was forced to be circumcised** is passive. 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 leaders of the church in Jerusalem did not even require my Greek ministry partner, Titus, to be circumcised” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])
GAL 2 4 kwoz διὰ δὲ…ἵνα ἡμᾶς καταδουλώσουσιν 1 The word **But** could: (1) be connected to [2:3](../02/03.md) and be giving the reason why some people were demanding that Titus be circumcised. Alternate translation: “But this issue occurred because of” (2) be connected to [2:1-2](../02/01.md) and be giving the reason why Paul “went up again to Jerusalem” (2:1) and privately “set before” (communicated to) the church leaders in Jerusalem the gospel that he proclaimed among the Gentiles (2:2). Alternate translation: “But I talked to them privately because” or “But we went to Jerusalem because of” (3) be beginning a sentence which Paul never completes. Alternate translation (notice that only the punctuation differs from the ULT, the closing “—” indicates that Paul does not complete his thought before moving onto the next verse): “But it was because of … so that they will enslave us—”
GAL 2 4 j5ka figs-metaphor παρεισάκτους ψευδαδέλφους, οἵτινες παρεισῆλθον κατασκοπῆσαι 1 The false brothers came in secretly Paul speaks figuratively of these people as if they were spies. He means that they came pretending to be fellow believers with the intent of observing what Paul and the other believers were doing. By using this metaphor Paul means that these people had bad motives for wanting to observe the believers. If your readers would not understand what **spy on** 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: “people who pretended to be Christians, who came into our midst in order to watch us closely,” or “people who said they were Christians but were not, who came into our group to view closely” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
GAL 2 4 jx0q παρεισάκτους 1 In the language that Paul wrote this letter in the phrase **brought in** could mean: (1) that these **false brothers** were invited in by someone. Alternate translation: “secretly invited” or (2) that they came into the midst of the believers by their own initiative. Alternate translation: “deceptive coming of”
GAL 2 4 fpkc figs-explicit ψευδαδέλφους 1 Here, the word **brothers** does not refer to biological brothers but rather to believers in Jesus. The phrase **false brothers** refers to those who pretended to be fellow believers in Jesus. If it would be helpful to your readers, you could indicate that explicitly as modeled by the UST. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])
GAL 2 4 etlo figs-abstractnouns κατασκοπῆσαι τὴν ἐλευθερίαν ἡμῶν, ἣν ἔχομεν ἐν Χριστῷ Ἰησοῦ 1 If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea of **freedom**, you could express the same idea with an adjective such as “free,” or with a verb such as **freed** as modeled by the UST. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns]])
GAL 2 4 lyqj figs-exclusive ἔχομεν 1 When Paul says **we**, he is speaking of himself, his traveling companions, and the Galatian believers, so **we** would be inclusive. Your language may require you to mark these forms. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-exclusive]])
GAL 2 4 uvjw figs-metaphor ἐν Χριστῷ Ἰησοῦ 1 Paul uses the spatial metaphor **in Christ** to describe the union that believers have with Christ. See the discussion of this phrase in “Part 3: Important Translation Issues” in the “Introduction to 1 Corinthians” section. If it would help your readers you could use a fuller phrase to describe Paul’s meaning. Alternate translation: “in union with Christ Jesus” or “through our union with Christ Jesus” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
GAL 2 4 v9fp grammar-connect-logic-goal ἵνα 1 The phrase **so that** introduces a purpose clause. Paul is stating the purpose for which the **false brothers** spied on their freedom, to **enslave them**. 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 2 4 l7n7 figs-metaphor 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. If your readers would not understand what **enslave** 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: “to force us to obey the law”or “in order to make us slaves to the law” [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
GAL 2 5 pow3 figs-exclusive εἴξαμεν 1 When Paul says **we**, he is not including the Galatian Christians, so **we** would be exclusive. Your language may require you to mark these forms. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-exclusive]])
GAL 2 5 w6dm figs-explicit οἷς οὐδὲ…εἴξαμεν τῇ ὑποταγῇ 1 Here, to **not … yield in submission** means “to not agree with and comply with the demands of” the people who said that Titus needed to be circumcised. If it would be helpful to your readers, you could indicate that explicitly as modeled by the UST. Alternate translation: “we did not give in to their demands” or “we did not comply with what they wanted us to do” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])
GAL 2 5 bba7 figs-abstractnouns εἴξαμεν τῇ ὑποταγῇ 1 yield in submission If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea of **submission**, you could express the same idea with a verbal phrase 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 2 5 smpn figs-idiom ὥραν 1 Here, the phrase **an hour** refers to a short period of time. If you have an equivalent expression in your culture you could use that or if it would be helpful to your readers, you could indicate Paul’s meaning in plain language. Alternate translation: “a short period of time” or “a short amount of time” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]])
GAL 2 5 a3hr grammar-connect-logic-goal ἵνα 1 The phrase **so that** introduces a purpose clause. Paul is stating the purpose for which Paul and his ministry partners **did not … yield in submission** to those who taught that circumcision was necessary. 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 2 5 k61r figs-abstractnouns ἡ ἀλήθεια τοῦ εὐαγγελίου 1 If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea of **truth**, you could express the same idea with an adjective such as “true” and/or “correct,” 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 2 5 bqqq figs-possession ἡ ἀλήθεια τοῦ εὐαγγελίου 1 Here, the possessive form is used to describe the **truth** that belongs to and is contained within **the gospel** message. It is also being used to contrast the genuine and correct gospel with “false gospels” such as the one Paul is refuting in this letter. If this is not clear in your language, you could clarify the relationship for your readers as modeled by the UST. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-possession]])
GAL 2 6 xcdh grammar-connect-logic-contrast δὲ 1 Here, Paul uses the word **But** to introduce something that is in contrast to what the “false brothers” in [2:4](../02/04.md) wanted to do. The “false brothers” wanted to “enslave” the believers by adding the requirement of circumcision to the gospel message. Beginning in this verse Paul explains (in [2:6-10](../6/06.md)) that, in contrast to the actions of the “false brothers,” the leaders of the church in Jerusalem did not require that Paul add anything to the content of his gospel message. 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 2 6 rfvs figs-explicit τῶν δοκούντων εἶναί τι 1 The phrase **the ones seeming to be something•• implies the word “important” and is very similar in meaning to the phrase ••the ones seeming important** at the end of this verse. If it would help your readers, you could express the implied word explicitly. Alternate translation: “the ones seeming to be something important” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])
GAL 2 6 flz3 ὁποῖοί ποτε ἦσαν, οὐδέν μοι διαφέρει, πρόσωπον ὁ Θεὸς ἀνθρώπου οὐ λαμβάνει 1 The phrase **what sort they were formerly matters nothing to me; God does not accept the face of man** is a parenthetical statement. Use a natural form in your language for introducing and/or expressing a parenthetical statement.
GAL 2 6 zrw5 figs-explicit ὁποῖοί 1 The phrase **what sort** implies the word “people.” If it would be helpful to your readers, you could indicate that explicitly. Alternate translation: “what sort of people” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])
GAL 2 6 st6l figs-explicit ὁποῖοί ποτε ἦσαν, οὐδέν μοι διαφέρει 1 The phrase **what sort they were formerly matters nothing to me** does not mean that Paul did not regard these people’s character as important but rather it means that he did not let their status influence his decision making. If it would be helpful to your readers, you could indicate that explicitly as modeled by the UST. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])
GAL 2 6 c9xx figs-idiom πρόσωπον ὁ Θεὸς ἀνθρώπου οὐ λαμβάνει 1 Here, the term **face** means “external status and position.” The phrase **God does not accept the face of man** is an idiom which means that God does not base his judgements and decisions on external factors. If your readers would not understand what this phrase means, you could use an equivalent idiom or use plain language. Alternate translation: “God does not judge with partiality” or “God does not look at external factors when making decisions” or “God does not show partiality” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]])
GAL 2 6 nm0b figs-gendernotations ἀνθρώπου 1 Although the term **man** is masculine, Paul is using the word here in a general sense to mean all people in general, including women. Alternate translation: “of a person” (See: rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-gendernotations)
GAL 2 6 afy6 figs-metonymy ἐμοὶ…οὐδὲν προσανέθεντο 1 added nothing to me Here, **me** represents what Paul was teaching. If your readers would not understand this, you could use an equivalent expression or plain language. 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 7 visz grammar-connect-logic-contrast ἀλλὰ τοὐναντίον 1 Paul uses the phrase **But on the contrary** to introduce a contrast to the idea that the leaders in Jerusalem might have added anything to the content of his message. 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 2 7 l5m5 figs-explicit ἰδόντες 1 Here, the phrase **having seen** means “having understood**. If it would be helpful to your readers, you could indicate that explicitly as modeled by the UST. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])
GAL 2 7 vlpz figs-activepassive πεπίστευμαι 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: “God entrusted me with” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])
GAL 2 7 m5e5 figs-metonymy ἀκροβυστίας, καθὼς Πέτρος τῆς περιτομῆς 1 Paul is describing non-Jewish people by association with something they would not have had done to them, circumcision, and he is describing Jewish people by association with something they would have had done to them, circumcision. If your readers would not understand this, you could use plain language as modeled by the UST. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])
GAL 2 8 tmva ὁ γὰρ ἐνεργήσας Πέτρῳ εἰς ἀποστολὴν τῆς περιτομῆς, ἐνήργησεν καὶ ἐμοὶ εἰς τὰ ἔθνη 1 This entire verse is a parenthetical statement. In this verse Paul gives the reason why the leaders of the church in Jerusalem determined that Paul was authorized and commissioned by God to bring the gospel to non-Jews. Use a natural form in your language for introducing and/or expressing a parenthetical statement.
GAL 2 8 yh9s figs-explicit ὁ 1 Here, **the one** refers to God. If it would be helpful to your readers, you could indicate that explicitly. Alternate translation: “God” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])
GAL 2 8 e5wv figs-metonymy τῆς περιτομῆς 1 See how you translated the phrase **the circumcision** in [2:7](../02/07.md). (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])
GAL 2 8 n1b6 figs-ellipsis ἐνήργησεν καὶ ἐμοὶ εἰς τὰ ἔθνη 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: “also worked in me for apostleship to the Gentiles” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-ellipsis]])
GAL 2 9 qfp1 figs-abstractnouns γνόντες τὴν χάριν τὴν δοθεῖσάν μοι 1 The abstract noun *grace** refers to God graciously giving Paul the task of proclaiming the gospel to non-Jews. 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” or “kindly” as modeled by the UST, or you could express the meaning in some other way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “having understood the task that God had graciously given to me” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns]])
GAL 2 9 dt40 figs-activepassive τὴν δοθεῖσάν 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 God gave” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])
GAL 2 9 he6q figs-metaphor οἱ δοκοῦντες στῦλοι εἶναι 1 built up the church Here, **pillars** refers to James, Cephas and John, who were leaders of the believers in Jerusalem. In that culture important leaders of a group were sometimes referred to as **pillars** because of the support that they provided the group. If your readers would not understand what **pillars** means in this context, you could use an equivalent metaphor from your culture. Alternatively, you could express the meaning in a non-figurative way as modeled by the UST. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
GAL 2 9 e5rm translate-symaction δεξιὰς ἔδωκαν…κοινωνίας 1 gave…the right hand of fellowship Here, **gave the right hand** is an action that indicates agreement. Shaking hands indicated that they agreed with each other and were pledging to work together as ministry partners towards the same goal. Essentially, they would be in fellowship and shaking each others right hand indicated this. If there is a gesture with similar meaning in your culture, you could consider using it here in your translation. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-symaction]])
GAL 2 9 yxvz figs-abstractnouns κοινωνίας 1 If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea of **fellowship**, you could express the same idea in some other way that is natural in your language as modeled by the UST. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns]])
GAL 2 9 bl9v grammar-connect-logic-goal ἵνα 1 The phrase **so that** introduces a purpose clause. Paul is stating the purpose for which **James and Cephas and John … gave the right hand of fellowship to Barnabas** and Paul. 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 2 9 uuss figs-ellipsis ἡμεῖς εἰς τὰ ἔθνη, αὐτοὶ δὲ εἰς τὴν περιτομήν 1 Paul is leaving out some of the words that a sentence would need in many languages to be complete. The words he is leaving out are probably “go” or “proclaim the good news.” If it would help your readers, you could supply these words from the context. Alternate translation: “we would go to the Gentiles, and they would go the circumcision” or “we would proclaim the good news to the Gentiles, and they would proclaim the good news to the circumcision” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-ellipsis]])
GAL 2 9 j031 figs-exclusive ἡμεῖς 1 When Paul says **we** here, 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 2 9 n8en figs-metonymy τὴν περιτομήν 1 See how you translated the phrase **the circumcision** in [2:7](../02/07.md). (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])
GAL 2 10 fpj8 grammar-connect-exceptions μόνον τῶν πτωχῶν ἵνα μνημονεύωμεν 1 Here, the word **only** introduces an exception clause that qualifies Paul’s statement at the end of [2:6](../02/06.md), where Paul said that the leaders in Jerusalem “added nothing” to his message (meaning they did not require him to do or teach anything else). Use an appropriate form in your language so that it does not appear that Paul is making a statement here that contradicts his statement at the end of [2:6](../02/06.md). (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-exceptions]])
GAL 2 10 v265 figs-exclusive μνημονεύωμεν 1 When Paul says **we** here, 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 2 10 bbdk figs-explicit τῶν πτωχῶν…μνημονεύωμεν 1 Here, **remember the poor** refers to remembering the needs of the poor. If it would help your readers you could indicate that explicitly. Alternate translation: “we should continue to remember to take care of the needs of the poor” or “we should continue to remember to help the poor with their needs” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])
GAL 2 10 yfu3 figs-nominaladj πτωχῶν 1 Paul is using the adjective **poor** as a noun in order to describe a group of people. Your language may use adjectives in the same way. If not, you could translate this with a noun phrase. Alternate translation: “people who are poor” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-nominaladj]])
GAL 2 11 rdi8 grammar-connect-logic-contrast δὲ 1 Here, the word **But** introduces a contrast. The actions that Paul will describe in [2:11-13](../02/11.md) are in contrast to the decision that was made in [2:1-10](../02/01.md). Use a natural way in your language for introducing a contrast. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-logic-contrast]])
GAL 2 11 yuav figs-go ἦλθεν 1 Your language may say “went” rather than **came** in contexts such as this. Use whichever is more natural. Alternate translation: “went” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-go]])
GAL 2 11 c9h4 figs-idiom κατὰ πρόσωπον αὐτῷ ἀντέστην 1 I opposed him to his face The phrase **to his face** is an idiom which means to confront someone and could refer specifically to: (1) confronting someone directly, face to face. If your readers would not understand what this idiom means, you could use an equivalent idiom or use plain language. Alternate translation: “I confronted him directly” or “I confronted him face to face” (2) confronting someone in public. (See the phrase “I said to Cephas in front of all of them” in [2:14](../02/14.md)). Alternate translation: “I confronted him in public” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]])
GAL 2 11 cr74 figs-explicit κατεγνωσμένος ἦν 1 Here, the phrase **he stood condemned** means that “he was deserving of blame” or “he was wrong.” If it would be helpful to your readers, you could indicate that explicitly. Alternate translation: “he was deserving of blame” or “he was wrong” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])
GAL 2 11 qvig translate-versebridge ὅτε δὲ ἦλθεν Κηφᾶς εἰς Ἀντιόχειαν, κατὰ πρόσωπον αὐτῷ ἀντέστην, ὅτι κατεγνωσμένος ἦν 1 This verse gives the result of Cephas’ hypocritical actions, and [2:12-13](../02/12.md) gives the reason for (and explanation leading to) the result. If your language would put the reason before the result, you could create a verse bridge by placing verse 12 and 13 before the contents of this verse as modeled by the UST. You would need to adapt or not translate the first phrase in [2:14](../02/14.md), “But when” so that [2:14](../02/14.md) begins with (or with something similar to) the phrase “I saw” as modeled by the UST. You would then present the combined verses as 11-13. (See: rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-versebridge)
GAL 2 12 yeeb grammar-connect-logic-result γὰρ 1 Here, the word **For** introduces Paul’s reason for why he “opposed” Cephas “to his face” (see [2:11](../02/11.md)) and for why Paul claimed in [2:11](../02/11.md) that Cephas “stood condemned.” Use a natural way in your language for introducing a reason. If it would be more natural in your language to state the reason for an action before giving the result see the note for [2:11](../02/11.md) on creating a verse bridge. Alternate translation: “The reason is that” or “The reason that Peter stood condemned is that” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-logic-result]])
GAL 2 12 hqcc figs-go ἐλθεῖν…ἦλθον 1 Your language may say “went” rather than **came** in contexts such as this. Use whichever is more natural. Alternate translation: “went … they went” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-go]])
GAL 2 12 b23d grammar-connect-logic-contrast δὲ 1 Paul uses the word **But** here to introduce a contrast between how Peter acted **before certain ones came from James** and how he acted after **they came**. Use a natural way in your language for introducing a contrast. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-logic-contrast]])
GAL 2 12 z1kg figs-explicit φοβούμενος τοὺς ἐκ περιτομῆς 1 He was afraid of those who were demanding circumcision If it would help your readers, the reason Peter was **afraid** can be stated explicitly as modeled by the UST. See [6:12](../06/12.md) where Paul says that those trying to compel the Galatian believers were doing so because the did not want to be persecuted. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])
GAL 2 12 fy79 figs-metonymy τοὺς ἐκ περιτομῆς 1 those who were demanding circumcision See how you translated the phrase **the circumcision** in [2:7](../02/07.md). Here, the term **the circumcision** probably refers specifically to Jews who were not believers in Jesus, since it is unlikely that Peter would have feared Jewish Christians or the men whom James sent. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])
GAL 2 13 urwh figs-explicit οἱ λοιποὶ Ἰουδαῖοι 1 Here, the phrase **the rest of the Jews** refers only to the other Jewish believers who were in Antioch. If it would be helpful to your readers, you could indicate that explicitly as modeled by the UST. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])
GAL 2 13 nkrh grammar-connect-logic-result ὥστε 1 Here, the phrase **so that** introduces the result of the hypocritical actions of “Cephas” (see [2:12](../02/12.md)) and **the rest of the Jews** who **joined with him**. The result was that **Barnabas was led astray by their hypocrisy**. Use a natural form in your language for introducing a result. Alternate translation: “with the result that” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-logic-result]])
GAL 2 13 iau6 figs-explicit συναπήχθη αὐτῶν τῇ ὑποκρίσει 1 Here, the phrase **led astray** means to influence or convince someone to think and/or act in a specific way. If it would be helpful to your readers, you could indicate that explicitly. Alternate translation: “was influenced by their hypocritical behavior” or “was influenced by their hypocritical behavior so that he also acted hypocritically” or “was influenced by their hypocritical behavior so that he also joined them in acting hypocritically” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])
GAL 2 13 v4cj figs-activepassive καὶ Βαρναβᾶς συναπήχθη αὐτῶν τῇ ὑποκρίσει 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: “they even led Barnabas astray by their hypocrisy” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])
GAL 2 13 vmkj figs-abstractnouns αὐτῶν τῇ ὑποκρίσει 1 If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea of **hypocrisy**, you could express the same idea with an adjective such as “hypocritical,” or you could express the meaning in some other way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “by their hypocritical behavior” or “by their hypocritical actions” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns]])
GAL 2 14 k16c grammar-connect-logic-contrast ἀλλ’ 1 Here, Paul uses the word **But** to introduce a contrast between his actions and the wrong actions of Cephas, Barnabas, and the other Jewish believers that he described in [2:12-13](../02/12.md). Use a natural way in your language for introducing a contrast. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-logic-contrast]])
GAL 2 14 sg53 figs-metonymy οὐκ ὀρθοποδοῦσιν 1 not following the truth of the gospel Here, the word **walking** is a Jewish figure of speech which refers to how a person acts or conducts their life. In Jewish culture a person’s behavior was spoken of as if that person was walking along a path. If your readers would not understand this, you could use an equivalent expression or state this using plain language. Alternate translation: “they were not acting correctly” or “they were not conducting their lives” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])
GAL 2 14 va3a figs-abstractnouns τὴν ἀλήθειαν τοῦ εὐαγγελίου 1 If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea of **truth**, you could express the same idea in some other way that is natural in your language as modeled by the UST. See how you translated the phrase **the truth of the gospel** in [2:5](../02/05.md). (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns]])
GAL 2 14 s978 figs-quotations εἰ σὺ Ἰουδαῖος, ὑπάρχων ἐθνικῶς καὶ οὐκ Ἰουδαϊκῶς ζῇς, πῶς τὰ ἔθνη ἀναγκάζεις Ἰουδαΐζειν 1 This is the beginning of a direct quotation in which Paul quotes what he **said to Cephas**. Some Bible scholars think this quote ends at the end of this verse while other Bible scholars think that this quotation goes until the end of [2:21](../02/21.md). Some Bible scholars think that part of Paul’s words in [2:15-21](../02/15.md) could be him summarizing what he said to Peter and the Jews who were present. The ULT uses quotation marks from this point through the end of [2:21](../02/21.md). Use a natural way in your language for indicating that Paul’s words from here to the end of [2:21](../02/21.md) are a quotation. If you decide that Paul is only quoting himself through the end of this verse then use a natural way in your language for indicating that Paul’s words from here to the end of this verse are a direct quotation. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-quotations]])
GAL 2 14 z4fp figs-rquestion εἰ σὺ Ἰουδαῖος, ὑπάρχων ἐθνικῶς καὶ οὐκ Ἰουδαϊκῶς ζῇς, πῶς τὰ ἔθνη ἀναγκάζεις Ἰουδαΐζειν 1 how can you force the Gentiles to live like Jews? Paul is not asking for information, but is using the question form here to emphatically rebuke Cephas and to help Cephas understand the hypocrisy of his actions. 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: “You are a Jew, and live like a Gentile, and not like a Jew, and so it is very hypocritical for you to force the Gentiles to live like Jews!” or “You are a Jew, and live like a Gentile, and not like a Jew, and so it is very wrong for you to force the Gentiles to live like Jews!” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion]])
GAL 2 14 qlzt grammar-connect-condition-fact εἰ σὺ Ἰουδαῖος, ὑπάρχων ἐθνικῶς καὶ οὐκ Ἰουδαϊκῶς ζῇς 1 Paul is speaking as if this were a hypothetical possibility, but he means that it is actually true. If your language does not state something as a condition if it is certain or true, and if your readers might misunderstand and think that what Paul is saying is not certain, then you can translate his words as an affirmative statement. Alternate translation: “Since you, being a Jew, live like a Gentile, and not a like Jew” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-condition-fact]])
GAL 2 14 ish9 figs-yousingular σὺ…ἀναγκάζεις 1 Both occurrences of the word **you** in this verse refer to Peter and are singular. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-yousingular]])
GAL 2 15 vjsh figs-exclusive ἡμεῖς 1 When Paul says **We** it is inclusive because Paul is addressing Peter and including Peter and the Jewish Christians in Antioch. Your language may require you to mark these forms. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-exclusive]])
GAL 2 15 tz45 figs-explicit ἐξ ἐθνῶν ἁμαρτωλοί 1 not Gentile sinners The word **sinners** was used by Jews as a synonym for non-Jews because non-Jews did not have or adhere to the Law of Moses. Paul is not saying that only non-Jewish people are **sinners**. The rest of this letter will make clear that both Jews and non-Jews are sinners and need God’s forgiveness. If it would help your readers you can indicate explicitly that the term **sinners** is what Jews called non-Jews, as modeled by the UST. Alternatively you could state the meaning in plain language. Alternate translation: “non-Jews who do not have or follow the Law of Moses” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])
GAL 2 16 vduo grammar-connect-logic-contrast δὲ 1 What follows the word **But** here is in contrast to what would be naturally be expected by a Jewish person in view of [2:15](../02/15.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 2 16 y3tl figs-gendernotations ἄνθρωπος 1 Although the term **man** is masculine, Paul is using the word here in a generic sense that includes both men and women. Alternate translation: “person” or “human being” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-gendernotations]])
GAL 2 16 xhx3 figs-activepassive δικαιοῦται…δικαιωθῶμεν…δικαιωθήσεται 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: “” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])
GAL 2 16 s2ys figs-possession ἔργων νόμου -1 Paul is using the possessive form to describe what types of **works** he is referring to. He is specifically referring to works of the Mosaic law. If this is not clear in your language, you could clarify the relationship for your readers. Alternate translation: “doing the works that are commanded in the law of Moses … doing the works that are commanded in the law of Moses … doing the works that are commanded in the law of Moses” or “doing the things Moses commanded … doing the things Moses commanded … doing the things Moses commanded” or “doing the things commanded in the law of Moses … doing the things commanded in the law of Moses … doing the things commanded in the law of Moses” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-possession]])
GAL 2 16 purc figs-abstractnouns ἔργων νόμου -1 If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea of **works**, you could express the same idea with a verbal form such as “obeys” or “obey”, 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 2 16 ncnt grammar-connect-exceptions ἐὰν μὴ 1 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: “but rather only” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-exceptions]])
GAL 2 16 iivr figs-abstractnouns πίστεως -1 If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea of **faith**, you could express the same idea with a such as “believing” or “trusts”, 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 2 16 q4iw figs-exclusive ἡμεῖς…δικαιωθῶμεν 1 When Paul says **we** it is inclusive because Paul is addressing Peter and including Peter and the Jewish Christians in Antioch, so **we** is inclusive both times that it occurs in this verse. Your language may require you to mark these forms. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-exclusive]])
GAL 2 16 nzcb grammar-connect-logic-goal ἵνα 1 The phrase **so that** introduces a purpose clause. Paul is introducing the purpose for which he and the other Jewish believers **believed in Christ Jesus**, which is **so that** they **might be justified by faith in Christ**. 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]])\n\n
GAL 2 16 gp4w grammar-connect-logic-result ὅτι ἐξ ἔργων νόμου, οὐ δικαιωθήσεται πᾶσα σάρξ 1 Here, the word **For** re-introduces and re-states the reason why Cephas and the other Jewish believers **believed in Christ Jesus**. They **believed in Jesus Christ** for the reason that **by works of the law no flesh will be justified**. The phrase **by works of the law no flesh will be justified** is saying the exact same thing, in slightly different words, as the phrase which occurs earlier in the verse which says **no man is justified by works of the law**. If it would not be natural in your language to re-introduce the reason after the result you could re-introduce and re-state the result. Alternate translation: “We believed in Christ Jesus because no flesh will be justified by works of the law” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-logic-result]])
GAL 2 16 j7g5 figs-synecdoche σάρξ 1 no flesh The word **flesh** refers to human beings. Paul uses a part of humans to refer to the entire human. The phrase “any flesh” means “any person.” If your readers would misunderstand this, you could use an equivalent expression from your culture or plain language. Alternate translation: “no person” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche]])
GAL 2 16 ctbj figs-extrainfo οὐ…ἄνθρωπος…πᾶσα σάρξ 1 no flesh Both the words “man” and “flesh” refer to people in general and include all people, both Jewish people and Gentile people and refer to people of all ages and nationalities. The phrases “no man” and “any flesh” exclude all people, both Jewish people and Gentile people. Paul is saying the same thing, two different ways to emphasize that no person, Jew or Gentile, is justified by obeying the law. Since Paul explains this truth in this passage, you do not need to explain its meaning further here, but make sure to use words or phrases when translating the words “man” and “flesh” which indicate that these words refer to (include) all people of all ages and nationalities. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-extrainfo]])
GAL 2 17 gf9q grammar-connect-words-phrases δὲ 1 Here, Paul uses the word “But” to introduce new information into his ongoing explanation for why justification is through faith in Christ and not obeying the Law of Moses. Here, Paul is anticipating, and answering, a possible objection to justification by faith. The word **But** introduces this. Use a natural form in your language for doing this. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-words-phrases]])
GAL 2 17 gtu7 grammar-connect-condition-fact εἰ 1 Paul is speaking as if this were a hypothetical possibility, but he means that it is actually true. If your language does not state something as a condition if it is certain or true, and if your readers might misunderstand and think that what John is saying is not certain, then you can translate his words as an affirmative statement. Alternate translation: “Since” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-condition-fact]])
GAL 2 17 vnp6 figs-explicit ζητοῦντες δικαιωθῆναι ἐν Χριστῷ 1 while we seek to be justified in Christ The phrase **justified in Christ** means made righteous in God’s sight because of being united with Christ by believing in what he has done. This phrase means the same thing as the phrase “justified by faith in Christ” in [2:16](../02/16.md). See how you translated the “justified by faith in Christ” there and, if it would help your readers, consider stating more fully here what the phrase **to be justified in Christ** means. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])
GAL 2 17 m0tl figs-activepassive δικαιωθῆναι ἐν Χριστῷ 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: “for God to justify us through our faith in Christ” or “for God to justify us because of our faith in Christ” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])
GAL 2 17 s2r8 figs-exclusive εὑρέθημεν 1 When Paul says **we** here it is inclusive because Paul is addressing Peter and including Peter and Jewish Christians. Your language may require you to mark these forms. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-exclusive]])
GAL 2 17 mg0h figs-rpronouns αὐτοὶ 1 Paul uses the word **ourselves** for emphasis. Use a way that is natural in your language to indicate this emphasis. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-rpronouns]])
GAL 2 17 ph83 figs-activepassive εὑρέθημεν καὶ αὐτοὶ ἁμαρτωλοί 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 as modeled by the UST. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])
GAL 2 17 c1op figs-abstractnouns ἁμαρτωλοί…ἁμαρτίας 1 If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea of **sin** or being a sinner, you could express the meaning in some other way that is natural in your language, as modeled by the UST. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns]])
GAL 2 17 qw76 figs-rquestion ἆρα Χριστὸς ἁμαρτίας διάκονος 1 The phrase **is Christ then a minister of sin** is a rhetorical question. Paul is not asking for information, but is using the question form to emphasize the truth of what he is saying. 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 as modeled by the UST. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion]])
GAL 2 17 yy9s μὴ γένοιτο 1 Absolutely not! The expression **May it never be** gives the strongest possible negative answer to the preceding rhetorical question **is Christ a minister of sin?**. Use a natural way in your language for strongly and emphatically negating an idea. Alternate translation: “Of course, that is not true!” or “No, never!” or “No way!”
GAL 2 18 mwuo figs-metaphor ἃ κατέλυσα, ταῦτα πάλιν οἰκοδομῶ, παραβάτην ἐμαυτὸν συνιστάνω 1 Paul speaks of no longer thinking it is necessary to obey all the laws of Moses as if he were destroying the law of Moses. When he speaks of rebuilding **those things** he is referring to going back again to acting like, and teaching, that it is necessary to keep the laws of Moses. Paul is saying in this verse that he would be sinning if he **again** tried to go back to living as if it was necessary to obey the laws of Moses after becoming convinced that it was not necessary. If your readers would not understand what it means to **rebuild** or destroy in this context, you could use an equivalent metaphor from your culture. Alternatively, you could express the meaning in a non-figurative way or you could use a simile as modeled by the UST. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
GAL 2 18 o7g8 figs-abstractnouns παραβάτην 1 If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea of **a transgressor**, you could express the meaning in some other way that is natural in your language, as modeled by the UST. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns]])
GAL 2 19 wdaa grammar-connect-words-phrases γὰρ 1 Here, the word **For** is introducing the reason that Paul said **May it never be” in [2:17](../02/17.md) and and also introducing information which gives support for what he said in [2:18](../02/18.md). Use a natural form for introducing a reason for something that was said prior. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-words-phrases]])
GAL 2 19 r55d figs-metaphor ἐγὼ…νόμῳ ἀπέθανον 1 Here, the phrase, **I … died to the law** could: (1) be a metaphor that refers to believers’ vicarious death with Christ through their believing in him and their consequent union with him which they as a result of their faith in him. If this might confuse your readers, you could express the meaning plainly or use a simile. (See [Rom 7:4](../07/04.md) and [Gal 4:4-5](../04/04.md)) Alternate translation: “I … died to the law through my union with Christ” (2) be a metaphor that refers to Paul’s experience in trying to obey the law. Alternate translation: “I … died to the law through the things that it required” or “I … died to the law through the things that it commanded” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])\n
GAL 2 19 yl7y grammar-connect-logic-goal ἵνα 1 The phrase **so that** introduces a purpose clause. Paul is introducing the purpose or reason for which he **died to the law**. The purpose was **so that** he **might live to God**. 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 2 19 l3r9 figs-explicit Θεῷ ζήσω 1 The phrase **live to God** means “live for God.” If it would be helpful to your readers, you could indicate that explicitly. Alternate translation: “I might live for God” or “I might live to serve God” or “I might live to please God” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])
GAL 2 19 xg5q figs-metaphor Χριστῷ συνεσταύρωμαι 1 The phrase **I have been crucified with Christ** is a metaphor. Paul is not saying that he literally died with Christ. Paul is using this metaphor to express the reality that as a result of his faith in Christ, and the subsequent union with Christ that his faith has brought about, God now views Paul as if he had died with Christ. If your readers would not understand what it means to be **crucified with Christ** in this context, you could express the meaning in a non-figurative way as modeled by the UST. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
GAL 2 19 fh2i figs-activepassive Χριστῷ συνεσταύρωμαι 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 “the law” was the reason Christ had to be but to death. Roman soldiers put Jesus to death, but in context Paul is explaining that it was because of the requirements of “the law” that put Christ to died. If you must state the action you could explain this in your translation as modeled by the UST. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])
GAL 2 20 o3jk figs-metaphor ζῶ…οὐκέτι ἐγώ, ζῇ δὲ ἐν ἐμοὶ Χριστός 1 Here, the phrase **I no longer live, but Christ lives in me** is a metaphor. If this might confuse your readers, you could use a simile or you could express the meaning plainly as modeled by the UST. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
GAL 2 20 y2qf figs-ellipsis ὃ…νῦν ζῶ 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: “that life which I now live” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-ellipsis]])
GAL 2 20 rtmc figs-synecdoche ὃ…νῦν ζῶ ἐν σαρκί 1 Here, Paul uses the word **flesh**, which is one part of his body, to refer to his entire body. The phrase **that which I now live in the flesh** means “that life which I now live in the body” and refers to Paul’s present life on earth in his physical body. If your readers would misunderstand this, you could use an equivalent expression from your culture or plain language. Alternate translation: “that life which I now live in the body” or “that life which I now live in my body” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche]])
GAL 2 20 a4j0 figs-explicit ἐν πίστει ζῶ τῇ τοῦ Υἱοῦ τοῦ Θεοῦ 1 When Paul says **I live by faith that is in the Son of God** he means that he now lives his life by means of having faith in God’s Son. If it would be helpful to your readers, you could indicate that explicitly. See how you translated the similar phrase “through faith in Jesus Christ” in [2:16](../02/16.md). Alternate translation: “I live by having faith in God’s Son” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])
GAL 2 20 bb2x guidelines-sonofgodprinciples Υἱοῦ τοῦ Θεοῦ 1 Son of God **the Son of God** is an important title for Jesus. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/guidelines-sonofgodprinciples]])
GAL 2 20 m55w figs-explicit τοῦ ἀγαπήσαντός με 1 The phrase **the one** refers to **the Son of God**. If it would be helpful to your readers, you could indicate that explicitly. Alternate translation: “who is the one having loved me” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])
GAL 2 20 by5a figs-explicit παραδόντος ἑαυτὸν 1 The phrase **having given himself** means that Jesus gave himself as a sacrifice. If it would be helpful to your readers, you could indicate that explicitly as modeled by the UST. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])
GAL 2 21 tj6l figs-litotes οὐκ ἀθετῶ 1 I do not set aside Here, Paul expresses a strong positive meaning by using a negative phrase, **do not**, together with a phrase, **set aside** that is the opposite of the intended meaning. If this is confusing in your language, you can express the meaning positively. Alternate translation: “I strongly affirm” or “I do uphold” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-litotes]])
GAL 2 21 g5b8 figs-abstractnouns τὴν χάριν τοῦ Θεοῦ 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 how you translated the similar expression “the grace of Christ” in [1:6](../01/06.md). (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns]])
GAL 2 21 ogus figs-abstractnouns δικαιοσύνη 1 If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea of **righteousness**, you could express the same idea with an adjective such as “righteous”, 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 2 21 yl3c figs-hypo εἰ γὰρ διὰ νόμου δικαιοσύνη, ἄρα Χριστὸς δωρεὰν ἀπέθανεν 1 if righteousness could be gained through the law, then Christ died for nothing Paul is speaking as if this were a hypothetical possibility, but he means that it is not true. Paul stated two times in [2:16](../02/16.md) that no person is made righteous before God by obeying the Law of Moses. Also, Paul knows that Christ died for a definite purpose. If your language does not state something as a condition if it is certainly false, and if your readers might misunderstand and think that what Paul is saying is not certain, then you can translate his words as a negative statement. If your language does state things as a hypothetical possibility that the speaker is trying to prove false then use the natural form in your language for expressing a hypothetical situation. Alternate translation: “since we know that righteousness is through faith in Christ and not through the law, or else Christ would have died for nothing” or “because we know that God considers us righteousness because we believe in Christ and not because we keep the law, or else Christ would have died for nothing” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-hypo]])
GAL 2 21 imxg grammar-connect-condition-hypothetical εἰ γὰρ διὰ νόμου δικαιοσύνη, ἄρα Χριστὸς δωρεὰν ἀπέθανεν 1 if righteousness could be gained through the law, then Christ died for nothing Paul is using a hypothetical situation to teach the Galatian believers. Use a natural way in your language for expressing conditional “if … then” constructions. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-condition-hypothetical]])
GAL 2 21 m74u figs-explicit εἰ…διὰ νόμου δικαιοσύνη 1 Here, the word **through** expresses the means by which something happens. The phrase **if righteousness is through the law** means “if righteousness could be obtained through keeping the law.” If it would be helpful to your readers, you could indicate that explicitly. Alternate translation: “if righteousness could be obtained by keeping the law” or “if a person could be justified by keeping the law” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])
GAL 2 21 dv5f διὰ νόμου 1 The phrase **through the law** is equivalent in meaning to the phrase “by works of the law” in [2:16](../02/16.md). See how you translated the phrase “by works of the law” the two times that it occurs in [2:16](../02/16.md).
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\n\n## Special concepts in this chapter\n\n### Equality in Christ\n\nAll 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.\n\n## Important figures of speech in this chapter\n\n### Rhetorical Questions\n\nPaul 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]])\n\n## Other possible translation difficulties in this chapter\n\n### Flesh\nThis 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 in contrast with that which is spiritual. (See: [[rc://en/tw/dict/bible/kt/flesh]])\n\n### “Those of faith are children of Abraham”\nBible 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 all of 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 u6lo figs-exclamations ὦ 1 **O** is an exclamation word. Use an exclamation that is natural in your language that would be natural to use in this context. Alternate translation: “Oh” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-exclamations]])
GAL 3 1 p7uw figs-rquestion τίς ὑμᾶς ἐβάσκανεν 1 General Information: Paul is not asking for information, but is using the question form to rebuke the Galatian believers. 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 as modeled by the UST. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion]])
GAL 3 1 ryu7 figs-irony τίς ὑμᾶς ἐβάσκανεν 1 Who has put a spell on you? Paul is using irony to express the fact that the Galatian believers are acting as though someone has put a spell on them. He does not really believe that someone has put a spell on them. In fact Paul is upset with the Galatians believers for willingly choosing to believe false teachers and letting themselves be deceived. If your readers would misunderstand what Paul is saying here, consider expressing the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “You behave as if someone has put a spell on you” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-irony]])
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 phrase is a metaphor which could: (1) be referring to someone publicly drawing a picture for people to see. In this case Paul would be referring to the teaching about Jesus that the Galatians had received as if it were a clear picture that they had seen with their eyes. If your readers would not understand what **publicly portrayed** means in this context, you could use an equivalent metaphor from your culture. Alternatively, you could express the meaning in a non-figurative way as modeled by the UST. Alternate translation: “you yourselves heard the clear teaching about Jesus being crucified” (2) be referring to the practice of someone posting a public announcement for people to read. In this case Paul would be referring to his preaching the good news about Jesus as if it were a public announcement which the Galatians had read. If your readers would not understand what **publicly portrayed** means in this context, you could use an equivalent metaphor from your culture. Alternatively, you could express the meaning in a non-figurative way as modeled by the UST. Alternate translation: “you yourselves heard the clear teaching about Jesus being crucified” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
GAL 3 1 ty3a figs-activepassive προεγράφη ἐσταυρωμένος 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 as modeled by the UST. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])
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? Paul is not asking for information, but is using the question form to rebuke the Galatian believers. 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 as modeled by the UST. 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 2 dbp8 figs-possession ἐξ ἔργων νόμου 1 See how you translated the phrase **by works of the law** in [2:16](../02/16.md) where it occurs three times. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-possession]])
GAL 3 2 cfj2 figs-possession ἐξ ἀκοῆς πίστεως 1 Paul is using the possessive form here to describe the response that the Galatians had when they heard the preaching of the gospel which was to respond to it with **faith**. If this is not clear in your language, you could clarify the relationship for your readers. Alternate translation: “by believing what you heard” or “by hearing with faith” or “by trusting in the Messiah when you heard the message about him” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-possession]])
GAL 3 3 f96u figs-rquestion οὕτως ἀνόητοί ἐστε 1 Are you so foolish? Paul is not asking for information, but is using the question form to emphatically show his surprise. 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 as modeled by the UST. Alternate translation: “You are very foolish!” or “Don’t be so foolish!” or “Surely you cannot be so foolish!” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion]])
GAL 3 3 kkg7 οὕτως 1 Here, the word **so** adds magnitude to (amplifies) the word **foolish** and also points forward to what comes after the word **foolish**. Use a natural form in your language for indicating this.
GAL 3 3 vof3 figs-rquestion ἐναρξάμενοι Πνεύματι, νῦν σαρκὶ ἐπιτελεῖσθε 1 Paul is not asking for information, but is using the question form in order to try to make the Galatian believers think about what they are doing. 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 as modeled by the UST. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion]])
GAL 3 3 croz figs-ellipsis ἐναρξάμενοι 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: “Having begun the Christian life” or “Having begun your new relationship with God” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-ellipsis]])
GAL 3 3 xu4d figs-metonymy σαρκὶ 1 by the flesh Paul is describing the actions a person does while in their body by association with their body, which he calls **flesh**. Here, **flesh** refers to a reliance on one’s own effort in doing outward deeds and doing these actions with a self-sufficient and self-reliant trust in them instead of trusting God. If your readers would not understand this, you could use plain language as modeled by the UST. Alternate translation: “by your own effort” (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 is not asking for information, but is using the question form in order to try to make the Galatian believers think about the implications of believing and following the false teachers. 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 as modeled by the UST. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion]])
GAL 3 4 xujz figs-extrainfo τοσαῦτα ἐπάθετε εἰκῇ 1 The original word that Paul used which is translated as **experienced** by the ULT could refer to: (1) the spiritual privileges and blessings that the Galatian believers had experienced such as receiving God’s Spirit when they believed in Jesus and God “working miracles” among them, both of which are mentioned in the next verse. If your language does not allow you to use a neutral term but rather requires a more specific term you could specify that the things the Galatians experienced were good things as modeled by the UST. (2) experiencing bad things such as suffering. If this is what Paul means here, then he is referring to the suffering that the Galatians believers experienced when they were persecuted. Alternate translation: “Keep in mind that if what God has done for you was because of your obeying the laws that God gave to Moses and not because of trusting in Christ, did you not suffer many things needlessly? I certainly hope that you did not suffer like that needlessly” (3) both good things and bad things here and be referring to both the persecution that the Galatians had experienced and the spiritual blessings that they had experienced. Because it is not known for sure what type of things that Paul is referring to, if possible you should try to use a neutral term or expression. You could then translate this rhetorical question as the ULT does or with a similar neutral phrase such as “Did all the things that happened to you not cause you to think about them” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-extrainfo]])
GAL 3 4 nq68 εἰκῇ…καὶ εἰκῇ 1 for nothing Alternate translation: “uselessly … it was really uselessly” or “in vain … it was really in vain” or “for no purpose … it was really for no purpose”
GAL 3 4 xl9l figs-hypo εἴ γε καὶ εἰκῇ 1 if indeed it was for nothing? The phrase **if indeed it was really for nothing** shows contingency regarding his rhetorical question **Have you experienced so many things for nothing** and shows that Paul still has hope for the Galatians. Paul hopes that the Galatians will not make the **many things** that they have **experienced** be **for nothing** by following the false teachers who were teaching that it was necessary that they follow the laws of Moses such as circumcision and the dietary laws it required. Paul is making a hypothetical statement to help his readers recognize the serious implications of following the teachings of the false teachers instead of trusting in Jesus alone. Use the natural form in your language for expressing a hypothetical situation. Alternate translation: “if indeed it was really for nothing that you experienced so many things, but I hope with you that this is not the case” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-hypo]])
GAL 3 4 mx8b figs-rquestion εἴ γε καὶ εἰκῇ 1 if indeed it was for nothing? The phrase **if indeed it was really for nothing** is a rhetorical question. Paul is using the question form here to help the Galatians think about what he is saying and to show that he still has hope that they will not follow the teachings of the false teachers. 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 as modeled by the UST. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion]])
GAL 3 5 fuzy figs-rquestion ὁ οὖν ἐπιχορηγῶν ὑμῖν τὸ Πνεῦμα καὶ ἐνεργῶν δυνάμεις ἐν ὑμῖν, ἐξ ἔργων νόμου ἢ ἐξ ἀκοῆς πίστεως 1 This entire verse is a rhetorical question. Paul is using the question form here to teach the Galatians a truth by engaging their reasoning. 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 as modeled by the UST. Alternate translation: “God who gives you his Spirit and does miracles among you does not do these things because you obey the law of Moses. Surely you must know that God gives you these blessings because you believed the good news about the Messiah when you heart it” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion]])
GAL 3 5 upx9 figs-explicit ὁ 1 Here, the phrase **the one** refers to “God.” If it would be helpful to your readers, you could indicate that explicitly. Alternate translation: “God, who is the one” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])
GAL 3 5 qnkz figs-possession ἐξ ἀκοῆς πίστεως 1 See how you translated the phrase **by hearing of faith** in [3:02](../03/02.md) where it is used with the same meaning. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-possession]])
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 figs-possession ἐξ ἔργων νόμου 1 by the works of the law See how you translated the phrase **by works of the law** in [2:16](../02/16.md) where it occurs three times. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-possession]])
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 ahy9 grammar-connect-words-phrases καθὼς 1 Connecting Statement: Here, the phrase **Just as** indicates that what follows is connected to what precedes it, specifically [3:1-5](../03/01.md), and the phrase **Just as** is introducing new information. The new information that this phrase is introducing is the biblical example of Abraham. Alternate translation: “Even as” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-words-phrases]])
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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