SIL Translator’s Notes on Galatians 2016 – Page 2

SIL Translator’s Notes on Galatians 3:6

Paragraph 3:6–9

The implied response to Paul’s rhetorical questions in 3:1–5 is that the Galatians received the Spirit by faith in Christ. Paul then talked about Abraham to support his case that salvation is by faith. Abraham was a familiar example of a person with great faith.

Paul explained that God accepted Abraham as righteous because of his faith. Salvation never depended on keeping the law.

3:6a–b

So also, “Abraham believed God, and it was credited to him as righteousness”: This verse is a quotation from Genesis 15:6. It proves that God considered Abraham as righteous by means of faith. Abraham’s righteousness did not depend on anything that he did.

You may want to make it clear that this is a quotation from Genesis. One way to do this is to put the reference in a footnote at the end of the verse (as in the Berean Standard Bible). A sample footnote is:

This is a quotation from Genesis 15:6.

3:6a

So also: There are at least three ways to interpret the function of the Greek word that the Berean Standard Bible translates as So also :

(1) It introduces an example. The example is Abraham and his faith. For example:

Abraham serves as an example. (God’s Word)

(2) It introduces a quotation from the Old Testament. Here, it is a shortened introduction. The longer introduction would be “just as it is written” (as in Romans 1:17). For example:

The Scriptures say that God accepted Abraham because Abraham had faith. (Contemporary English Version)
(3) It introduces a comparison. The comparison is between Abraham in 3:6 and “those who believe” in 3:7. They were both God’s people because they believed. For example:

6 Just as Abraham believed God, and it was credited to him as righteousness, 7 so then, understand that those who believe are the sons of Abraham. (NET Bible)

It is recommended that you follow interpretation (1).

Some other ways to translate this word are:

Consider Abraham (New International Version)
-or-
Think of Abraham
-or-
Remember Abraham

Abraham: Abraham is an important Jewish ancestor written about in the Old Testament. Paul often referred to him as an example of a believing person.

In some languages, it is natural to use a title or description along with the name of important people like Abraham. For example:

Abraham of old
-or-

our
(excl.) father Abraham
-or-

the prophet Abraham

believed God: Paul used the word believed to refer to faith in God. It does not refer to just accepting a statement as true.

Some other ways to translate this clause are:

trusted God
-or-
had faith in God
-or-
put his faith in God (New Jerusalem Bible)

See faith, Meaning 1 in the Glossary for more information.

3:6b

and it was credited to him as righteousness: The clause it was credited means “was calculated,” “was reckoned,” or “was regarded/considered.” God considered Abraham to be righteous because of his faith.

This clause is passive. Some ways to translate it are:

• Use a passive clause. For example:

he was counted/considered to be righteous

• As an active verb: For example:

and God accepted Abraham’s faith, and that faith made him right with God (New Century Version)
-or-
and because of his faith God accepted him as righteous (Good News Translation)

as righteousness: The word righteousness refers to the character trait of being “upright,” “blameless,” or “just.”

Some other ways to translate this phrase are:

upright/blameless
-or-
a just/straight man

See also righteous in the Glossary for more information.

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Made available under the terms of a Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike 4.0 License (CC BY-SA) creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0.
All Scripture quotations in this publication, unless otherwise indicated, are from The Holy Bible, Berean Standard Bible.
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SIL Translator’s Notes on Galatians 4:9

4:9a

But: There is a contrast between 4:8 and 4:9. The contrast is between not knowing God (4:8a) and knowing God. The Berean Standard Bible introduces this contrast with the conjunction But.

Another way to translate this is:

However

now that you know God: This clause indicates that these Galatians had become believers.

Another way to translate this clause is:

now that you have come to know God (English Standard Version)

4:9b

or rather: The Greek word that the Berean Standard Bible translates as or rather indicates that Paul wanted to clarify what he had just said.

Some other ways to translate this word are:

or, I should say (Good News Translation)
-or-
or better still (Contemporary English Version)
-or-
actually

are known by God: The verb are known is a passive verb. Some other ways to translate this clause are:

• As a passive. For example:

are known of God (King James Version)

• As an active. For example:

God knows you (Good News Translation)

4:9c

how is it that you are turning back to those weak and worthless principles?: This is a rhetorical question. Paul used this question to rebuke the Galatians strongly. He indicated that when the Galatians obey the laws of Moses such as circumcision, it was the same as returning to the pagan religion of their former lives. This was a startling and shocking statement.

Some ways to translate this rhetorical question are:

• As a rhetorical question. For example:

why are you turning back to those weak and worthless elementary principles again?

• As statement followed by a question. For example:

surely you do not wish to turn back and obey those weak and worthless elementary principles, do you?

• As a statement. For example:

I am shocked that you should turn back to obey/follow those weak and worthless rules and laws. You should never do that!

Use whichever form is most natural in your language to express a rebuke.

are turning back: The Greek phrase that the Berean Standard Bible translates as are turning back indicates that the Galatians were returning to their pagan ways. They were abandoning the gospel and starting to follow the laws of Moses. It was the same as returning to customs that they previously obeyed before they became believers.

Some other ways to translate this phrase are:

return to follow/obey
-or-
turn back and become the slaves (Contemporary English Version)

those weak and worthless principles: The adjectives weak and worthless indicate that the weak and worthless principles have no power to save us and are of no value.

The Greek word that the Berean Standard Bible translates as principles refers to the rules, laws, customs, and principles of this world. It is the same Greek word that was used in 4:3b. You should translate here as you did there.

Some other ways to translate this phrase are:

customs and law in this world that are weak and useless
-or-
those weak and useless rules (New Century Version)
-or-
those customs/teaching of our ancestors that have no power to save people and have no value

4:9d

Do you wish to be enslaved by them all over again?: This is a second rhetorical question, after the one in 4:9c. It continues Paul’s rebuke of the Galatians.

In Greek, 4:9c and 4:9d are part of the same sentence. Some ways to translate the rhetorical question here in 4:9d are:

• As a separate rhetorical question. For example:

Why do you want to become their slaves all over again? (Good News Translation)

• As a statement. For example:

When you do that, you are enslaving yourselves to them all over again.
-or-
You are becoming their slaves again!

Use whichever form is most natural in your language to express a rebuke.

SIL Translator’s Notes on Galatians 5:21

5:21a

envy: The Greek word that the Berean Standard Bible translates as envy refers to bad feelings toward others because you want something they have. It is very close in meaning to the word above that the Berean Standard Bible translates as “jealousy.” In some languages, there may be only one word for these two Greek words.

Some other ways to translate this word are:

envying (NET Bible)
-or-
feeling envy (New Century Version)
-or-
people want the possessions of others

drunkenness, orgies: These words refer to drunken living. Such a person ignores his responsibilities to others.

drunkenness: The word drunkenness refers to drinking too much alcohol so that one is unable to think clearly.

Some ways to translate this word are:

being drunk (New Century Version)
-or-
get drunk (Contemporary English Version)
-or-
drinking too much alcohol

orgies: The Greek word that the Berean Standard Bible translates as orgies refers to wild parties with much drinking in which many evil things occur. They often result in people committing sexual sins and other sins.

Some other ways to translate this word are:

carousing
-or-
having wild and wasteful parties (New Century Version)
-or-
evil celebrations

5:21b

and the like: The phrase and the like indicates that there are many more actions that come from the sinful nature. They are like the ones Paul listed. The Galatians would be able to recognize other “works of the flesh” not included in his list.

Some other ways to translate this phrase are:

and doing other things like these (New Century Version)
-or-
and do other evil things as well (Contemporary English Version)
-or-
and many other sins like these
-or-
and similar things (NET Bible)

5:21c

I warn you, as I did before: The clause as I did before probably refers to some of Paul’s teaching when he was with them in person. The warning in this letter is not the first time that Paul has warned the Galatians about the consequences of doing the sins that he just listed.

Some other ways to translate these clauses are:

I am warning you, as I had warned you before (NET Bible)
-or-
I told you before, and I am telling you again (Contemporary English Version)

5:21d

that those who practice such things will not inherit the kingdom of God: The word inherit means “receive” something that has been promised. People who do the works of the flesh will not inherit/receive God’s kingdom. This means that they will not enter/live in God’s kingdom. They will not be citizens of the kingdom.

Some other ways to translate this clause are:

those who do such things will not have a part/portion in the kingdom of God
-or-
those who do these things will not enter into God’s kingdom
-or-
that those who indulge in such things will never be included in God’s kingdom
-or-
no one who does these sins will live in God’s kingdom

kingdom of God: The phrase kingdom of God refers to God’s activity of ruling and caring for his people as their king. It does not refer to a land or country that he rules over. It refers to the relationship that he has with his people. He leads, protects, and cares for them. They obey, trust, and submit to him as their king.

Some ways to translate this phrase are:

• As a noun. For example:

God’s rule/reign
-or-
God’s kingship
-or-
God’s chieftaincy
-or-
God’s government

• As a verbal expression:

God rules his people
-or-
God cares for his people as king

SIL Translator’s Notes on Galatians 2:6

Paragraph 2:6–10

In this paragraph, Paul wrote about two results from the meeting in Jerusalem.

The first result of that meeting (2:6) was that the apostles and elders did not find it necessary to add circumcision or anything else to Paul’s message. They agreed that the gospel that Paul preached was true and complete.

The second result (2:7–9) was that the apostles agreed that Paul had full authority as an apostle. They recognized that God had given him authority to preach the gospel to the Gentiles.

2:6

The most important idea in 2:6 is in 2:6d. It is that the church leaders did not add anything to Paul’s message. In some languages, it will be more natural to show that 2:6d is the important idea by putting it earlier in the verse. Compare the Berean Standard Bible with the God’s Word:

a But as for the highly esteemed—b whatever they were makes no difference to me; c God does not show favoritism—d those leaders added nothing to me. (Berean Standard Bible)

a Those who were recognized as important people d didn’t add a single thing to my message. b (What sort of people they were makes no difference to me, c since God doesn’t play favorites.) (God’s Word)

2:6a

But as for: Paul began this paragraph by mentioning the leaders of the church. These leaders contrast with the “false brothers” and their views.

Some other ways to begin this verse are:

And from (English Standard Version)
-or-
But from (New American Standard Bible)

the highly esteemed: The Greek phrase that the Berean Standard Bible translates as the highly esteemed is almost identical to a phrase in 2:2b. As mentioned there, this phrase refers to the men who were recognized as important leaders of the church in Jerusalem.

Some other ways to translate this clause are:

those who were influential (NET Bible)
-or-
those who were held in high esteem (New International Version (2011))
-or-
the leaders of the church (New Living Translation (2004))
-or-
Those who were recognized as important people (God’s Word)

2:6b

whatever they were makes no difference to me: This clause refers to the fact that many people considered the leaders in Jerusalem to be superior to Paul. They considered them superior because they had been with Jesus. To Paul, what was important was a current relationship with Jesus. The fact that some people were with Jesus while he was on the earth was not important. Notice that Paul said “whatever they were.” He did not say “whatever they are.”

The leaders of the church in Jerusalem were important men, and Paul thought that it was important to meet with them. But he did not consider their status to be any different from his own status.

Some other ways to translate this clause are:

the type of people they were previously does not matter to me
-or-
it is not important to me what their status/position was before
-or-
I do not consider important the type of person they were before

2:6c

God does not show favoritism: The Greek clause that the Berean Standard Bible translates as God does not show favoritism is an idiom in Greek. A literal translation of this Greek idiom would be something like “God does not accept/receive the face of a man.” This idiom means that God does not judge a person based on outward things such as wealth or status.

Paul used this idiom to say that, in God’s eyes, the church leaders were not more important than he was. The church leaders had been with Jesus when he was on the earth. Paul had not been with Jesus. But God did not consider them to be more important than Paul.

Some other ways to translate this idiom are:

God shows no favoritism between people (NET Bible)
-or-
God doesn’t have any favorites! (Contemporary English Version)
-or-
To God everyone is the same (New Century Version)

2:6d

This verse is reordered in the Display, so see this verse part between 2:6a and 2:6b.

those leaders: In Greek, this clause is “the highly esteemed,” which is the same expression that Paul already used in 2:6a. For this reason, the Berean Standard Bible translates the clause here as those leaders. Translate this clause in a way that would be natural in your language. Because it repeats the same wording, if it would be natural in your language, you can follow the example of the Berean Standard Bible or you can combine the two phrases into one. For example:

a Those who were recognized as important people d didn’t add a single thing to my message. (God’s Word)

added nothing to me: This clause refers to the fact that the church leaders in Jerusalem did not add something to Paul’s message or change it. They agreed that he preached the true and complete gospel.

Some other ways to translate this clause are:

None…added anything to my message. (Contemporary English Version)
-or-
did not change the Good News that I preach (New Century Version)
-or-
did not tell me to teach something else
-or-
did not criticize my teaching

SIL Translator’s Notes on Galatians 3:17

3:17a

In this verse Paul gave his spiritual application of the human example. He said (in 3:15) that a human document could not be changed. In the same way, God’s covenant promises cannot be changed. God established and ratified the covenant long before the law was given. This means that “believing” came before “doing/obeying” the law.

What I mean is this: This clause introduces the thing that Paul wanted to explain to the Galatians when he gave his human example (in 3:15b).

Some other ways to translate this clause are:

Here is the meaning of my example
-or-
The thing that I want you to understand about God’s promise to Abraham is thi
-or-
Here is what I want you to understand

3:17b–d

Before you translate 3:17b–d, consider what is the most natural order in your language for these clauses. In some languages, it will be natural to change the order. Compare the order of the clause in the Berean Standard Bible and Good News Translation below:

b The law that came 430 years later c does not revoke the covenant previously established by God, d so as to nullify the promise. (Berean Standard Bible)

c God made a covenant with Abraham and promised to keep it. b The Law, which was given four hundred and thirty years later, c cannot break that covenant d and cancel God’s promise. (Good News Translation)

3:17b

The law that came 430 years later: This clause means that God gave the law to Moses 430 years after God made his covenant with Abraham. God established the covenant first. Much later he gave the law.

Some other ways to translate this clause are:

The law was given to Moses 430 years after God established the covenant with Abraham .
-or-

God gave the covenant to Abraham 430 years before he gave the law.
-or-

God made his promise with Abraham first. Then, 430 years later, he gave the law of Moses for the people .

3:17c

does not revoke: The Greek word that the Berean Standard Bible translates as revoke is a different word than the word that the Berean Standard Bible translates as “canceled” in 3:15b. But the meaning is very similar. Many English versions translate the two Greek words with the same English word or expression.

Some other ways to translate this clause are:

does not cancel/break
-or-
cannot set aside

the covenant: This word refers to the agreement/promise that God made with Abraham. This same word occurs in 3:15b. If possible, use the same term here as you did there.

In some languages, it will be necessary to use one word for a human covenant and another word or term for a covenant that God makes. When God made a covenant with Abraham, he did not sign a paper.

Some other ways to translate this word are:

a contract
-or-
a promise
-or-
the agreement

See covenant in the Glossary.

previously established by God: The Greek word that the Berean Standard Bible translates as established is the same word used in 3:15b. God had ratified or established his covenant with Abraham (before he gave the law). He established it by verbally promising to keep it.

Some other ways to translate this clause are:

that God made
-or-
and promised to keep it (Good News Translation)
-or-
that God sealed

In this verse, you should not translate established with a word that only refers to signing an agreement. God did not literally sign an agreement with Abraham.

3:17d

so as to nullify the promise: The Greek word that the Berean Standard Bible translates as nullify means “cancel,” “destroy,” or “abolish.” The law did not break or cancel God’s promise with Abraham. This implies that the covenant promises are still in effect.

Some other ways to translate this clause are:

and cancel God’s promise (Good News Translation)
-or-
and break the agreement

General Comment on 3:17c–d

The clause “revoke the covenant” in 3:17c is similar to “nullify the promise” in 3:17d. In some languages, both clauses can be translated as one. The one clause is underlined below.

The laws given to Moses 430 years after God had already put his promise to Abraham into effect didn’t cancel the promise to Abraham. (God’s Word)

SIL Translator’s Notes on Galatians 4:20

4:20a

how I wish I could be with you now: In this clause Paul stated that he wished that he could talk to the Galatians face to face. He wanted personal interaction with them.

Some other ways to translate this clause are:

I would like to be with you now
-or-
I desire to be there with you now so that we could talk together

and change my tone: The Greek clause that the Berean Standard Bible translates as change my tone means that Paul wished that he could change the way in which he was writing/talking to them. He wanted to change from being harsh to being more gentle.

Some other ways to translate this clause are:

and could change the way I am talking to you (New Century Version)
-or-
so that I could be more gentle with you (New Living Translation (1996))

4:20b

because: The Greek conjunction that the Berean Standard Bible translates as because indicates that 4:20b is the reason for 4:20a. Paul wanted to be with the Galatians, for/because he was perplexed about them.

In some languages, it will be more natural to state the reason first. For example:

b I am perplexed about you, a so I wish I could be present with you now…

I am perplexed about you: The Greek verb that the Berean Standard Bible translates as am perplexed means that Paul was “very puzzled” or “uncertain.” He was puzzled because the Galatians had accepted obedience to the law.

Some other ways to translate this clause are:

because I do not know what to think about you (New Century Version)
-or-
I’m completely puzzled by what you’ve done! (God’s Word)
-or-
I am so worried about you! (Good News Translation)

SIL Translator’s Notes on Galatians 4:31

4:31a–b

Therefore, brothers: Verse 4:31 is the conclusion to this section. The Greek introduces this conclusion with a conjunction that the Berean Standard Bible translates as Therefore.

Some other ways to translate this conjunction are:

So, brothers, (English Standard Version)
-or-
In conclusion, fellow believers

we are not children of the slave woman, but of the free woman: In this clause, Paul concluded this section by repeating the main point of his illustration. His main point is the contrast between the two branches of Abraham’s family and who they are.

The slave woman and her slave children represent the Jewish law and those who are slaves to the law. The free woman represents righteousness by faith apart from the law. Her children are free through faith in Christ. The Galatian believers are children of the free woman.

In some languages, it may be necessary to make parts of this explicit. For example:

we are not children of the slave woman and slaves to the law . We are children of the free woman, and sons of God by faith .
-or-
we are not children of the slave woman, obligated to the law. We are children of the free woman, acceptable to God because of our faith. (New Living Translation (1996))

SIL Translator’s Notes on Galatians 6:6

Paragraph 6:6–10

6:6a

Nevertheless: This verse begins with a Greek conjunction. The Berean Standard Bible translates it as Nevertheless in order to show that it introduces a contrast. The contrast is between “each one” carrying “his own load” (6:5) and believers helping their instructors. While the New International Version also translates this conjunction as “Nevertheless” and a few other versions translate it as “But,” most English versions do not translate this conjunction. In some languages, it will not be necessary to translate this conjunction either. Connect 6:6a to 6:5 in a way that is natural in your language.

the one who receives instruction in the word: This clause refers to a person/student who is taught the word of God.

This clause is passive. Some ways to translate it are:

• Use a passive verb. For example:

The person who is taught the word of God

• Use an active verb. For example:

Anyone who is learning the teaching of God (New Century Version)
-or-
Each person to whom a teacher teaches the word of God

6:6b

must share in all good things with his instructor: This clause is an indirect way to say that the student should pay his teacher. He should willingly give money or goods to the teacher. This is because the teacher may not have enough time to earn his own living by other work. (See also 2 Corinthians 9:6–12 for a similar passage about giving material things to those who serve us spiritually.)

Some other ways to translate this verse are:

should share all the good things he has with his teacher (New Century Version)
-or-
should help their teachers by paying them (New Living Translation (1996))
-or-
he should give his teacher a share in all his possessions (New Jerusalem Bible)

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Source: SIL Translator’s Notes on Galatians 2016

SIL Translator’s Notes on Galatians 3:6

SIL Translator’s Notes on Galatians 4:9

SIL Translator’s Notes on Galatians 5:21

SIL Translator’s Notes on Galatians 2:6

SIL Translator’s Notes on Galatians 3:17

SIL Translator’s Notes on Galatians 4:20

SIL Translator’s Notes on Galatians 4:31

SIL Translator’s Notes on Galatians 6:6

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