The first part of this verse seems to be a general principle which is in direct contrast to the attitude of the false teachers. Accordingly, many translations, including Good News Translation, interpret the verse in this manner (Jerusalem Bible “it is always a good thing to win people over, and I do not have to be there with you, but it must be for a good purpose”; New English Bible “it is always a fine thing to deserve an honest envy—always, and not only when I am present with you”). The phrase if the purpose is good may be rendered “provided what one intends to accomplish is good,” or “only if what one is trying to do is good.”

The last part of the verse, and not merely when I am with you, seems to be out of place if the first part is indeed a general principle. Accordingly, various interpretations are offered, all centering on the referents of the phrase to have such a deep interest. If the object is the Galatians, then the subject could either be Paul himself or men in general (Phillips “don’t think I’m jealous—it is a grand thing that men should be keen to win you”; New American Bible “it would be well for you to be courted for the right reasons at all times, and not only when I happen to be with you”). If the object is Paul, then there is only one possible subject, namely, the Galatians themselves, as seems to be implied by Knox (“your jealousy should be for the honourable gifts you see in a man of honour; always, not only when I am at your side”).

Quoted with permission from Arichea, Daniel C. and Nida, Eugene A. A Handbook on Paul’s Letter to the Galatians. (UBS Handbook Series). New York: UBS, 1976. For this and other handbooks for translators see here .