A New Translation of Paul’s Letter to the Churches of The
Galatians
Based on the Westcott and Hort Text of 1881 with references to the Papyrus fragments of the Chester Beatty collections, c. 3rd Century A.D. and the Sinaitic Manuscript of the 4th Century.
Some notes on this translation:
Gentiles vs. nations: Many translations have translated the Greek root ethn- as Gentiles. We have translated it as nations. The reason for the discrepancy is this: The Hebrew word goyim technically means nations, but as used by the Jews for millennia, the word implies non-Jewish nations, hence, Gentiles. In writing the New Testament, the Greek equivalent of goyim was used, but since the writing was done primarily by Jews, they tended to use the word to mean non-Jewish nations. In reading this translation, readers should keep that in mind, realizing that when Paul said “nations,” he meant “non-Jewish nations.”
Thou vs. You: Many people today have a hard time understanding the Elizabethan usage of thou, thee, thy, etc. For this reason, we have chosen to avoid this archaic language. At the same time, we need to be able to fulfill the purpose of those words, which was to distinguish between a singular you and a plural you. Following the example of other translations, we have used all capital letters to indicate plural (more than one person addressed), and small letters to indicate singular (one person addressed).
Words in italics: Following the example of other translations, we have used italics for words that are not in the original text, but which are essential to the sense of the original when translated into English. Unlike other translations, however, we have NOT added words which alter the meaning of the original.
Words in (parentheses): These are not part of the biblical text, but are notes of explanation from the translator.
Jacob vs. James: Where other English Bibles have used the name James, we have used Jacob. The name James is of Gaelic origin (Seamus in Irish and Scots Gaelic), and is not found in the original text of scripture. The New Testament men named Jacob were called James by translators of the King James in an effort to flatter the king. To avoid confusion, modern Bibles continue to call these men James. Although there is no real harm in doing so, we used Jacob because we felt our readers should know the truth about the name of these men.
Galatians 1
1 Paul, an apostle (not from men, neither through man, but through Jesus Christ, and God the Father, who raised him from the dead),
2 and all the brethren that are with me, to the churches of Galatia:
3 Grace to YOU and peace from God our Father and Lord Jesus Christ,
4 who gave himself for our sins, that he might deliver us out of this present evil age, according to the will of our God and Father,
5 to whom be the glory for ever and ever. Amen.
6 I am amazed that YOU are so quickly removed from him that called YOU in the grace of Christ, into a different gospel;
7 which is not another, only there are some that agitate YOU and would pervert the gospel of Christ.
8 But if we, or an angel from heaven, should preach to YOU any gospel other than the gospel which we preached to YOU, let him be accursed.
9 As we have said before, so I say right now again, if anyone preaches any gospel to YOU other than that which YOU received, let him be accursed.
10 For am I now persuading men or God? Or am I seeking to please men? If I were still pleasing men, I would not be a slave of Christ.
11 For I am making known to YOU, brethren, that the gospel which has been preached by me is not according to man.
12 For neither did I receive it from man, nor was I taught it, but through revelation of Jesus Christ.
13 For YOU heard of my former behavior in time past in Judaism, that excessively I was persecuting the church of God and laying it waste,
14 and advancing in Judaism over many of my own age of my race, being more abundantly zealous for the traditions of my fathers.
15 But when God, who separated me from my mother's womb, and called me through his grace,
16 thought good to reveal his Son in me, so that I might announce his good news among the nations, immediately I did not consult with flesh and blood,
17 Nor did I go up to Jerusalem to those who were apostles before me, but I went away into Arabia; and I returned again to Damascus.
18 Then, after three years, I went up to Jerusalem to visit Cephas, and remained with him fifteen days.
19 But I saw none of the other apostles, except Jacob, the Lord's brother.
20 These things I am writing to YOU, look, in the sight of God, I am not lying.
21 Then I came to the regions of Syria and Cilicia.
22 But I was unknown by face to the churches of Judea that are in Christ,
23 they only heard that he who once persecuted us in times past, now preaches the gospel of the faith which he was once laying waste;
24 and they were glorifying God in me.
Galatians 2
1 Then, after fourteen years, I went up again to Jerusalem with Barnabas, taking Titus also with me.
2 And I went up by a revelation; and I laid out before them the gospel which I preach among the nations, but privately before them who were of repute, lest by any means I should be running, or had run, in vain.
3 But not even Titus who was with me, being Greek, was compelled to be circumcised,
4 but because of false brethren brought in, who sneaked in to look down at our freedom which we have in Christ Jesus, that they might enslave us:
5 to whom we did not yield by submission, not for an hour; that the truth of the gospel might continue with YOU.
6 But of these who seemed to be something -- it makes no difference to me what sort they were before -- God does not accept the face of man. For to me, they of repute added nothing.
7 On the contrary, when they saw that I had been entrusted with the gospel of the uncircumcision, even as Peter the circumcision,
8 for he who wrought for Peter into the apostleship of the circumcision wrought for me also unto the nations,
9 and knowing the grace that was given unto me, Jacob and Cephas and John, they who seemed to be pillars, gave to me and Barnabas the right hands of fellowship, in order that we should go to the nations, and they to the circumcision;
10 they asked only that we should remember the poor; which very thing I was also zealous to do.
11 But when Cephas came to Antioch, I resisted him to the face, because he was to be blamed:
12 Because before certain people came from Jacob, he ate with the nations; but when they came, he drew back and separated himself, fearing them that were of the circumcision.
13 And the rest of the Jews dissembled likewise with him; insomuch that even Barnabas was carried away with their hypocrisy.
14 But when I saw that they were not walking uprightly according to the truth of the gospel, I said to Cephas in front all, “If you, being a Jew, live as the nations and not as the Jews, why do you compel the nations to live as the Jews?”
15 We being Jews by nature, and not sinners of the nations,
16 knowing that a man is not justified by the works of the law, but through faith in Christ Jesus, even we believed in Christ Jesus, that we might be justified by faith in Christ, and not by the works of the law: because by the works of the law no flesh will be justified.
17 But if, seeking to be justified in Christ, we ourselves also were found sinners, is Christ a minister of sin? May it not happen!
18 For if I am again building up those things which I tore down, I prove myself a transgressor.
19 For I, through the law, died to the law, so that I might live to God.
20 I have been crucified with Christ; I live, but yet, not I, but Christ is living in me: the life which I am now living in flesh, I live in faith of the Son of God, who loved me, and gave himself for me.
21 I do not set aside the grace of God: for if righteousness is through law, then Christ died for nothing.
Galatians 3
1 O senseless Galatians, who bewitched YOU, before whose eyes Jesus Christ was openly set forth crucified?
2 This only I want to learn from YOU: Did YOU receive the Spirit by the works of the law, or by the hearing of faith?
3 Are YOU so senseless? Having begun in the Spirit, are YOU now finished by the flesh?
4 Have YOU suffered so many things in vain? If yet actually in vain.
5 He therefore that gives YOU the Spirit, and works powers in YOU, does he do it from the works of the law, or by the hearing of faith?
6 Even as Abraham believed God, and it was accounted to him for righteousness.
7 Do YOU really know that they who are of faith, these are sons of Abraham.
8 And the scripture, foreseeing that God justifies the nations by faith, preached the gospel beforehand to Abraham that “in you shall all nations shall be blessed.”
9 So then they that are of faith are blessed together with the faithful Abraham.
10 For as many as are of the works of the law are under a curse: for it is written, Cursed is every one who does not continue in all things that are written in the book of the law, to do them.
11 But that no man is justified before God by law is evident, for the righteous shall live by faith;
12 and the law is not of faith but the one having done them shall live in them.
13 Christ purchased us from the curse of the law, having become a curse for us; for it is written, Cursed is every one that hangs on a tree:
14 so that the blessing of Abraham might come to the nations through Christ Jesus; that we might receive the promise of the Spirit through faith.
15 Brethren, I speak in the manner of men: A validated covenant, though of man, no one sets it aside or adds to it.
16 Now to Abraham were the promises spoken, and to his seed. He did not say, “and to seeds,” as of many; but as of one, “and to your seed” which is Christ.
17 Now this covenant, I say, was confirmed beforehand of God. The law, which came four hundred and thirty years afterward, does not invalidate it, that it should make the promise of no effect.
18 For if the inheritance is from the law, then it is no longer from promise: but by promise, God gave it to Abraham.
19 Why then the law? It was added because of transgressions, until the seed should come to whom the promise was made, delivered by angels in the hand of a mediator.
20 But a mediator is not a mediator of one; but God is one.
21 Is the law then against the promises of God? May it not happen! But if a law was given that could give life, then essentially righteousness would be by law.
22 But the scriptures have locked together all under sin, so that the promise of Jesus Christ by faith might be given to them that believe.
23 But before faith came, under law we were kept under guard, locked up together until faith would be revealed.
24 So the law has become our tutor into Christ, that we might be justified by faith.
25 But faith has come; we are no longer under a tutor.
26 For YOU are all sons of God through faith in Christ Jesus.
27 For as many of YOU who have been baptized into Christ, have put on Christ.
28 There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither slave nor free, there is neither male nor female; for YOU all are one in Christ Jesus.
29 And if YOU are Christ's, then YOU are really Abraham's seed, heirs according to promise.
Galatians 4
1 But I am saying that so long as the heir is a child, he differs nothing from a slave though he is lord of all;
2 but is under guardians and overseers until the day appointed by the father.
3 So also we, when we were children, were in enslaved under the things of the world:
4 but when the completion of the time came, God sent forth his Son, born of a woman, born under the law,
5 to purchase those under law, that we might receive the adoption as sons.
6 But because YOU are sons, God sent forth the Spirit of his Son into our hearts, crying out, Abba, Father.
7 So then, you are no longer a slave, but a son; and if a son, then also an heir through God.
8 Nevertheless, when YOU did not know God, YOU slaved for those that by nature are not gods:
9 but now having known God, or rather having been known by God, how are YOU turning back again to the weak and poor things, for which YOU are willing to slave again?
10 YOU observe days, and months, and appointed times, and years.
11 I am afraid for YOU, that somehow I have labored for YOU in vain.
12 I beg YOU, brethren, become as I am, for I also am as YOU are. YOU did me no wrong.
13 YOU know that through weakness of the flesh I preached the gospel unto YOU at the first,
14 and YOUR testing in my flesh YOU did not treat with contempt, nor spit out; but received me as a messenger of God, as Christ Jesus.
15 Where then is YOUR happiness? For I bear YOU witness, that, if possible, YOU would have gouged out YOUR eyes and given them to me.
16 And have I now become YOUR enemy, by telling YOU the truth?
17 They are zealous for YOU, not in a good way; but they want to shut YOU away from me that YOU might be zealous for them.
18 But it is good to be zealously sought in a good way at all times, and not only when I am present with YOU.
19 My little children, for whom I again travail in birth until Christ is formed in YOU--
20 but I could wish to be present with YOU now, and to change my tone; for I am perplexed about YOU.
21 Tell me, YOU who want to be under the law, do YOU not hear the law?
22 For it is written, that Abraham had two sons, one by the servant woman and one by the free woman.
23 But he of the servant woman is born according to the flesh; but he of the free woman through promise.
24 Which things are an allegory: for these women are two covenants; one indeed from Mount Sinai, which brings forth children into slavery to bondage, which is Hagar.
25 Now this Hagar is Mount Sinai in Arabia and corresponds to the Jerusalem that now is: for she is in slavery with her children.
26 But the Jerusalem above is free, which is our mother.
27 For it is written, “Rejoice, barren one who does not give birth; Break forth and cry aloud, you who have no labor pains: For more are the children of the desolate, than of her that has the husband.”
28 But we, brethren, as Isaac, are children of promise.
29 But as then, he that was born according to the flesh was persecuting the one born according to the Spirit, so also it is now.
30 But what does the scripture say? “Throw out the servant woman and her son: for the son of the servant woman shall not be heir with the son of the free woman.”
31 Therefore, brethren, we are not children of the servant woman, but of the free woman.
Galatians 5
1 For freedom Christ has made us free; stand, therefore, and don’t put YOURSELVES in a yoke of slavery again.
2 Look, I, Paul, am saying to YOU, that if YOU get circumcised, Christ will profit YOU nothing.
3 For I testify again to every man that is getting circumcised, that he is a debtor to do the whole law.
4 YOU who are justified in law were made void in Christ; YOU have fallen from grace.
5 For we through the Spirit, by faith, eagerly await the hope of righteousness.
6 For in Christ Jesus neither circumcision nor uncircumcision has any strength, but rather faith working through love.
7 YOU were running well; who hindered YOU, that YOU should not obey the truth?
8 This persuasion is not of him that calls YOU.
9 A little leaven leavens the whole lump.
10 I have confidence about YOU in the Lord, that YOU will think nothing different; but he that troubles YOU will bear the judgment, whoever he may be.
11 But brethren if I still preach circumcision why do I still suffer persecution? Then the stumbling-block of the cross has been made ineffective.
12 I wish they who trouble YOU would cut themselves off. (Note: some early manuscripts indicate that Paul wished the troublemakers would emasculate themselves. The inference being that if they thought the Galatians should cut off their foreskins, these troublemakers should cut off their own genitals.)
13 For YOU have been called to freedom, brethren; only not freedom for an opportunity to the flesh, but through love, serve one another.
14 For the whole law is fulfilled in one word, in this: You shall love your neighbor as yourself.
15 But if YOU bite and devour one another, watch out that YOU don’t eat each other up.
16 But I am saying, walk in the Spirit, and YOU will not fulfill the desire of the flesh.
17 For the flesh longs against the Spirit, and the Spirit against the flesh; for these are opposed to each other; so that YOU won’t be doing whatever YOU may want to.
18 But if YOU are led by the Spirit, YOU are not under law.
19 Now the works of the flesh are manifest, which are: fornication, uncleanness, loose behavior,
20 idolatry, sorcery1, hostilities, strife, jealousy, fits of anger, fights, divisions, heresies,
21 envies, drunkenness, carousing, and such like; of which I forewarn YOU, just as I said before, that they who practice such things will not inherit the kingdom of God.
22 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faith,
23 mildness, self-control; against such there is no law.
24 And they that are of Christ Jesus have crucified the flesh with the passions and desires.
25 If we are living in the Spirit, let us also walk in the Spirit.
26 Let us not become egotistical, provoking one another, envying one another.
Galatians 6
1 Brethren, if a man also be overtaken in some fault, YOU who are spiritual, restore such a one in a spirit of mildness; looking at yourself, so you are not also tempted.
2 Bear one another's burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ.
3 For if a person thinks himself to be something when he is nothing, he deceives himself.
4 But let each test his own work, and then shall he have his boasting in himself alone, and not in comparison to another.
5 For each shall bear his own load.
6 But let him that is being instructed in the word share with him that teaches in all good things.
7 Do not be misled: God is not mocked; for whatever a man sows, that shall he also reap.
8 Because the one who sows into his own flesh, shall out of the flesh reap corruption; but he that sows into the Spirit, shall out of the Spirit reap everlasting life.
9 And let us not be remiss in well-doing: for at the appointed time we shall reap, if we do not give up.
10 So then, as we have an appointed time, let us work that which is good to all, especially to the household of faith.
11 See with what large letters I wrote to YOU with my own hand!
12 As many as desire to make a good show in the flesh, they are urging YOU to be circumcised; only so that they may not be persecuted for the cross of Christ.
13 For neither do they who are circumcised keep the law; but they desire YOU to be circumcised that they may boast in YOUR flesh.
14 May it never happen to me to be boasting, except in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, through which the world has been crucified to me, and I to the world.
15 For neither circumcision nor uncircumcision is anything, but a new creation is.
16 And as many as shall walk by this rule, peace upon them, and mercy, and upon the Israel of God.
17 On this matter, let no man be troubling me; for I bear on my body the brand marks of Jesus.
18 The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with YOUR spirit, brethren. Amen.