The Meaning of Galatians 1:14 Explained

Galatians 1:14

KJV: And profited in the Jews' religion above many my equals in mine own nation, being more exceedingly zealous of the traditions of my fathers.

YLT: and I was advancing in Judaism above many equals in age in mine own race, being more abundantly zealous of my fathers' deliverances,

Darby: and advanced in Judaism beyond many my contemporaries in my nation, being exceedingly zealous of the doctrines of my fathers.

ASV: and I advanced in the Jews religion beyond many of mine own age among my countrymen, being more exceedingly zealous for the traditions of my fathers.

KJV Reverse Interlinear

And  profited  in  the Jews' religion  above  many  my equals  in  mine own  nation,  being  more exceedingly  zealous  of the traditions  of my  fathers. 

What does Galatians 1:14 Mean?

Study Notes

religion
In Galatians 1:13-14 the Greek word for "the Jews' religion" is Ioudaismos (Judaism). In Acts 26:5 ; James 1:26 ; James 1:27 threskeia--religious service--is translated "religion," and in Colossians 2:18 , "worshipping." Excepting James 1:27 , "religion" has always a bad sense, and nowhere is it synonymous with salvation or spirituality.

Context Summary

Galatians 1:11-17 - The True Gospel A Revelation
When men belittle the Apostle's teaching as being purely Pauline, we should recall these strong statements, which attribute his knowledge of the gospel to the direct revelation of the Lord. He received from Christ Himself that which he delivered to the Church. See also Acts 1:2. It was this that made his message authoritative.
What intensity of interest must have gathered for him about Mount Sinai, which doubtless was the objective of his journey into Arabia! Moses and Elijah had been pupils before him in its majestic solitudes. As the Apostle dwelt there, with unlimited opportunity for communion with God, his mind was turned in the direction of that massive system of thought which at once distinguishes his Epistles and connects the New Testament with the Old. It is a profound discovery when God reveals His Son as resident in the believer's soul. That Christ is in each of us, if we be truly regenerated, is indubitable. See 2 Corinthians 13:5. But it seems that, in many cases, a veil hides that blessed fact from our consciousness. We need a miracle of grace, similar to that which at the Crucifixion rent the veil in twain, from the top to the bottom, Matthew 27:51. [source]

Chapter Summary: Galatians 1

1  Paul's greeting to the Galatians;
6  He wonders why they have so soon left him and the gospel;
8  and accurses those who preach any other gospel than he did
11  He learned the gospel not from men, but from God;
14  and shows what he was before his calling;
17  and what he did immediately after it

Greek Commentary for Galatians 1:14

I advanced [προεκοπτον]
Imperfect active again of προκοπτω — prokoptō old verb, to cut forward (as in a forest), to blaze a way, to go ahead. In N.T. only here, Romans 13:12; 2 Timothy 2:16; 2 Timothy 3:9, 2 Timothy 3:13. Paul was a brilliant pupil under Gamaliel. See Philemon 3:4-6. He was in the lead of the persecution also. [source]
Beyond many of mine own age [υπερ πολλους συνηλικιωτας]
Later compound form for the Attic ηλικιωτης — hēlikiōtēs which occurs in Dion Hal. and inscriptions (from συν — sun with, and ηλικια — hēlikia age). Paul modestly claims that he went “beyond” Literally, “more exceedingly a zealot.” See note on Acts 1:13; note on Acts 21:20; and note on 1 Corinthians 14:12. Like Simon Zelotes. For the traditions of my fathers Objective genitive after ζηλοτης — zēlotēs Πατρικων — Patrikōn only here in N.T., though old word from πατηρ — patēr (father), paternal, descending from one‘s father. For πατρωιος — patrōios see note on Acts 22:3 and Acts 22:14. Tradition Paul now taught the Christian tradition (2 Thessalonians 2:15). [source]
More exceedingly zealous [περισσοτερως ζηλοτης]
Literally, “more exceedingly a zealot.” See note on Acts 1:13; note on Acts 21:20; and note on 1 Corinthians 14:12. Like Simon Zelotes. [source]
For the traditions of my fathers [των πατρικων μου παραδοσεων]
Objective genitive after ζηλοτης — zēlotēs Πατρικων — Patrikōn only here in N.T., though old word from πατηρ — patēr (father), paternal, descending from one‘s father. For πατρωιος — patrōios see note on Acts 22:3 and Acts 22:14. Tradition Paul now taught the Christian tradition (2 Thessalonians 2:15). [source]
Profited [προέκοπτον]
Better, advanced. See on is far spent, Romans 13:12. Paul means that he outstripped his Jewish contemporaries in distinctively Jewish culture, zeal, and activity. Comp. Philemon 3:4-6. [source]
Equals [συνηλικιώτας]
N.T.oThe A.V. is indefinite. The meaning is equals in age. So Rev., of mine own age. [source]
Nation [γένει]
Race. Not sect of the Pharisees. Comp. Philemon 3:5; 2 Corinthians 11:26; Romans 9:3. [source]
Zealous [ζηλωτὴς]
Lit. a zealot. The extreme party of the Pharisees called themselves “zealots of the law”; “zealots of God.” See on Simon the Canaanite, Mark 3:18. Paul describes himself under this name in his speech on the stairs, Acts 22:3. Comp. Philemon 3:5, Philemon 3:6. [source]
Traditions [παραδόσεων]
The Pharisaic traditions which had been engrafted on the law. See Matthew 15:2, Matthew 15:6; Mark 7:3, Mark 7:13, and on 2 Thessalonians 2:15. [source]

Reverse Greek Commentary Search for Galatians 1:14

Acts 22:3 I am a Jew [Εγω ειμι ανηρ Ιουδαιος]
Note use of Εγω — Egō for emphasis. Paul recounts his Jewish advantages or privileges with manifest pride as in Acts 26:4.; 2 Corinthians 11:22; Galatians 1:14; Philemon 3:4-7. [source]
Acts 26:5 Religion [τρησκειας]
From τρησκευω — thrēskeuō and this from τρησκος — thrēskos (James 1:26), old word for religious worship or discipline, common in the papyri and inscriptions (Moulton and Milligan‘s Vocabulary) for reverent worship, not mere external ritual. In N.T. only here, James 1:26.; Colossians 2:18. I lived a Pharisee (εζησα Παρισαιος — ezēsa Pharisaios). Emphatic position. Paul knew the rules of the Pharisees and played the game to the full (Galatians 1:14; Philemon 3:5.). The Talmud makes it plain what the life of a Pharisee was. Paul had become one of the leaders and stars of hope for his sect. [source]
Acts 26:5 I lived a Pharisee [εζησα Παρισαιος]
Emphatic position. Paul knew the rules of the Pharisees and played the game to the full (Galatians 1:14; Philemon 3:5.). The Talmud makes it plain what the life of a Pharisee was. Paul had become one of the leaders and stars of hope for his sect. [source]
Acts 26:5 If they be willing to testify [εαν τελωσιν μαρτυρειν]
Condition of third class A neat turning of the tables on the distinguished audience about Paul‘s Jerusalem reputation before his conversion. After the straitest sect (την ακριβεστατην αιρεσιν — tēn akribestatēn hairesin). This is a true superlative (not elative) and one of the three (also αγιωτατος — hagiōtatos Judges 1:20, τιμιωτατος — timiōtatos Revelation 18:12; Revelation 21:11) superlatives in τατος — ̇tatos in the N.T. (Robertson, Grammar, pp. 279f., 670), though common enough in the lxx and the papyri. αιρεσιν — Hairesin (choosing) is properly used here with Pharisees (Josephus, Life, 38). Religion From τρησκευω — thrēskeuō and this from τρησκος — thrēskos (James 1:26), old word for religious worship or discipline, common in the papyri and inscriptions (Moulton and Milligan‘s Vocabulary) for reverent worship, not mere external ritual. In N.T. only here, James 1:26.; Colossians 2:18. I lived a Pharisee (εζησα Παρισαιος — ezēsa Pharisaios). Emphatic position. Paul knew the rules of the Pharisees and played the game to the full (Galatians 1:14; Philemon 3:5.). The Talmud makes it plain what the life of a Pharisee was. Paul had become one of the leaders and stars of hope for his sect. [source]
Romans 13:12 Is far spent [προέκοψεν]
The A.V. gives a variety of renderings to this verb. Luke 2:52, increased; Galatians 1:14, profited; 2 Timothy 3:9, proceed; 2 Timothy 3:13, wax. The word originally means to beat forward or lengthen out by hammering. Hence to promote, and intransitively to go forward or proceed. [source]
Romans 13:12 Is far spent [προεκοπσεν]
First aorist active indicative of προκοπτω — prokoptō to cut forward, to advance, old word for making progress. See note on Luke 2:52; note on Galatians 1:14; note on 2 Timothy 2:16; and note on 2 Timothy 3:9. [source]
1 Corinthians 15:3 Which I also received [ο και παρελαβον]
Direct revelation claimed as about the institution of the Lord‘s Supper (1 Corinthians 11:23) and same verbs used Four items given by Paul in explaining “the gospel” which Paul preached. Stanley calls it (1 Corinthians 15:1-11) the creed of the early disciples, but “rather a sample of the exact form of the apostle‘s early teaching, than a profession of faith on the part of converts” (Vincent). The four items are presented by four verbs (died, εταπη — apethanen was buried, εγηγερται — etaphē hath been raised, ωπτη — egēgertai appeared, Χριστος απετανεν — ōphthē). Christ died (υπερ των αμαρτιων ημων — Christos apethanen). Historical fact and crucial event. For our sins περι — Huper means literally over, in behalf, even instead of (Galatians 3:13), where used of persons. But here much in the sense of περι αμαρτιων υπερ αδικων — peri (Galatians 1:14) as is common in Koiné. In 1 Peter 3:18 we have κατα τας γραπας — peri hamartiōnclass="translit"> huper adikōn According to the Scriptures (kata tas graphas). As Jesus showed (Luke 22:37; Luke 24:25) and as Peter pointed out (Acts 2:25-27, Acts 2:35) and as Paul had done (Acts 13:24.; Acts 17:3). Cf. Romans 1:2. [source]
1 Corinthians 15:3 For our sins [υπερ]
περι — Huper means literally over, in behalf, even instead of (Galatians 3:13), where used of persons. But here much in the sense of περι αμαρτιων υπερ αδικων — peri (Galatians 1:14) as is common in Koiné. In 1 Peter 3:18 we have κατα τας γραπας — peri hamartiōnclass="translit"> huper adikōn According to the Scriptures (kata tas graphas). As Jesus showed (Luke 22:37; Luke 24:25) and as Peter pointed out (Acts 2:25-27, Acts 2:35) and as Paul had done (Acts 13:24.; Acts 17:3). Cf. Romans 1:2. [source]
Galatians 1:13 In the Jews' religion [ἐν τῷ Ἱουδαΐσμῷ]
Only here and Galatians 1:14. Lit. in Judaism. It signifies his national religious condition. In lxx, 8:2; 14:38; 4Macc. 4:26. [source]
Philippians 3:5 A Pharisee []
See Acts 23:6; Galatians 1:14. Compare on the whole verse, 2 Corinthians 11:22. [source]
Philippians 3:5 A Hebrew of the Hebrews [Εβραιος εχ Εβραιων]
Of Hebrew parents who retained the characteristic qualities in language and custom as distinct from the Hellenistic Jews (Acts 6:1). Paul was from Tarsus and knew Greek as well as Aramaic (Acts 21:40; Acts 22:2) and Hebrew, but he had not become Hellenized. A Pharisee (Παρισαιος — Pharisaios). In distinction from the Sadducees (Galatians 1:14) and he continued a Pharisee in many essential matters like the doctrine of the resurrection (Acts 23:6). Cf. 2 Corinthians 11:22. [source]
Philippians 3:5 I yet more [εγω μαλλον]
“I have more ground for boasting than he” and Paul proceeds to prove it in the rest of Phlippians 3:5, Phlippians 3:6. Circumcised the eighth day (περιτομηι οκταημερος — peritomēi oktaēmeros). “In circumcision (locative case) an eighth day man.” Use of the ordinal with persons like τεταρταιος — tetartaios (John 11:39). Ishmaelites were circumcised in the thirteenth year, proselytes from Gentiles in mature age, Jews on the eighth day (Luke 2:21). Of the stock of Israel Of the original stock, not a proselyte. Benjamin (ενιαμιν — Beniamin). Son of the right hand (that is, left-handed), son of Rachel. The first King, Saul (Paul‘s own Hebrew name) was from this little tribe. The battle cry of Israel was “After thee, O Benjamin” (Judges 5:14). A Hebrew of the Hebrews Of Hebrew parents who retained the characteristic qualities in language and custom as distinct from the Hellenistic Jews (Acts 6:1). Paul was from Tarsus and knew Greek as well as Aramaic (Acts 21:40; Acts 22:2) and Hebrew, but he had not become Hellenized. A Pharisee (Παρισαιος — Pharisaios). In distinction from the Sadducees (Galatians 1:14) and he continued a Pharisee in many essential matters like the doctrine of the resurrection (Acts 23:6). Cf. 2 Corinthians 11:22. [source]
Philippians 3:5 Of the stock of Israel [εκ γενους Ισραηλ]
Of the original stock, not a proselyte. Benjamin (ενιαμιν — Beniamin). Son of the right hand (that is, left-handed), son of Rachel. The first King, Saul (Paul‘s own Hebrew name) was from this little tribe. The battle cry of Israel was “After thee, O Benjamin” (Judges 5:14). A Hebrew of the Hebrews Of Hebrew parents who retained the characteristic qualities in language and custom as distinct from the Hellenistic Jews (Acts 6:1). Paul was from Tarsus and knew Greek as well as Aramaic (Acts 21:40; Acts 22:2) and Hebrew, but he had not become Hellenized. A Pharisee (Παρισαιος — Pharisaios). In distinction from the Sadducees (Galatians 1:14) and he continued a Pharisee in many essential matters like the doctrine of the resurrection (Acts 23:6). Cf. 2 Corinthians 11:22. [source]
Philippians 3:5 A Pharisee [Παρισαιος]
In distinction from the Sadducees (Galatians 1:14) and he continued a Pharisee in many essential matters like the doctrine of the resurrection (Acts 23:6). Cf. 2 Corinthians 11:22. [source]
Philippians 3:6 Found blameless [γενομενος αμεμπτος]
“Having become blameless” (Galatians 1:14). He knew and practised all the rules of the rabbis. A marvellous record, scoring a hundred in Judaism. [source]
2 Thessalonians 2:15 Stand fast [στηκετε]
Present imperative active of the late present στηκο — stēko from εστηκα — hestēka (perfect active of ιστημι — histēmi). See note on 1 Thessalonians 3:8. Hold the traditions (krateite tas paradoseis). Present imperative of krateō old verb, to have masterful grip on a thing, either with genitive (Mark 1:31) or usually the accusative as here. κρατειτε τας παραδοσεις — Paradosis (tradition) is an old word for what is handed over to one. Dibelius thinks that Paul reveals his Jewish training in the use of this word (Galatians 1:14), but the word is a perfectly legitimate one for teaching whether oral, by word (κρατεω — dia logou), or written, by epistle of ours (Παραδοσις — di' epistolēs hēmōn). Paul draws here no distinction between oral tradition and written tradition as was done later. The worth of the tradition lies not in the form but in the source and the quality of the content. Paul in 1 Corinthians 11:23 says: “I received from the Lord what I also handed over (δια λογου — paredōka) unto you.” He praises them because ye “hold fast the traditions even as I delivered them unto you.” The tradition may be merely that of men and so worthless and harmful in place of the word of God (Mark 7:8; Colossians 2:6-8). It all depends. It is easy to scoff at truth as mere tradition. But human progress in all fields is made by use of the old, found to be true, in connection with the new if found to be true. In Thessalonica the saints were already the victims of theological charlatans with their half-baked theories about the second coming of Christ and about social duties and relations. Which ye were taught First aorist passive indicative of παρεδωκα — didaskō to teach, retaining the accusative of the thing in the passive as is common with this verb like doceo in Latin and teach in English. [source]
2 Thessalonians 2:15 Hold the traditions [krateite tas paradoseis)]
Present imperative of krateō old verb, to have masterful grip on a thing, either with genitive (Mark 1:31) or usually the accusative as here. κρατειτε τας παραδοσεις — Paradosis (tradition) is an old word for what is handed over to one. Dibelius thinks that Paul reveals his Jewish training in the use of this word (Galatians 1:14), but the word is a perfectly legitimate one for teaching whether oral, by word Paul draws here no distinction between oral tradition and written tradition as was done later. The worth of the tradition lies not in the form but in the source and the quality of the content. Paul in 1 Corinthians 11:23 says: “I received from the Lord what I also handed over It all depends. It is easy to scoff at truth as mere tradition. But human progress in all fields is made by use of the old, found to be true, in connection with the new if found to be true. In Thessalonica the saints were already the victims of theological charlatans with their half-baked theories about the second coming of Christ and about social duties and relations. [source]
2 Timothy 2:16 They will increase [προκόψουσιν]
See on Romans 13:12, and see on Galatians 1:14. [source]
2 Timothy 1:3 From my forefathers [ἀπὸ προγόνων]
Πρόγονος , PastoSee on 1 Timothy 5:4. The phrase N.T.oFor the thought, comp. Acts 14:14; Philemon 3:5. He means, in the spirit and with the principles inherited from his fathers. Comp. the sharp distinction between the two periods of Paul's life, Galatians 1:13, Galatians 1:14. [source]
2 Timothy 2:16 Babblings [κενοπωνιας]
See note on 1 Timothy 6:20. Will proceed (προκοπσουσιν — prokopsousin). Future active of προκοπτω — prokoptō “will cut forward.” See note on Galatians 1:14; Romans 13:12. Further in ungodliness “To more of ungodliness.” See note on Romans 1:18; 1 Timothy 2:2. [source]
2 Timothy 2:16 Will proceed [προκοπσουσιν]
Future active of προκοπτω — prokoptō “will cut forward.” See note on Galatians 1:14; Romans 13:12. [source]
Titus 2:14 Lawlessness [ανομιας]
See note on 2 Thessalonians 2:3. A people for his own possession (λαον περιουσιον — laon periousion). A late word (from περιειμι — perieimi to be over and above, in papyri as well as περιουσια — periousia), only in lxx and here, apparently made by the lxx, one‘s possession, and so God‘s chosen people. See note on 1 Peter 2:9 (λαος εις περιποιησιν — laos eis peripoiēsin). Zealous of good works “A zealot for good works.” Substantive for which see note on 1 Corinthians 14:12; Galatians 1:14. Objective genitive εργων — ergōn f0). [source]
Titus 2:14 Zealous of good works [ζηλωτην καλων εργων]
“A zealot for good works.” Substantive for which see note on 1 Corinthians 14:12; Galatians 1:14. Objective genitive εργων — ergōn f0). [source]
Titus 2:14 That he might redeem us [ινα λυτρωσηται]
Final clause, ινα — hina and the aorist middle subjunctive of λυτροω — lutroō old verb from λυτρον — lutron (ransom), in N.T. only here, Luke 24:21; 1 Peter 1:18. Purify to himself (καταρισηι εαυτωι — katharisēi heautōi). Final clause with first aorist active subjunctive of καταριζω — katharizō for which verb see note on Ephesians 5:26. Lawlessness See note on 2 Thessalonians 2:3. A people for his own possession (λαον περιουσιον — laon periousion). A late word (from περιειμι — perieimi to be over and above, in papyri as well as περιουσια — periousia), only in lxx and here, apparently made by the lxx, one‘s possession, and so God‘s chosen people. See note on 1 Peter 2:9 (λαος εις περιποιησιν — laos eis peripoiēsin). Zealous of good works “A zealot for good works.” Substantive for which see note on 1 Corinthians 14:12; Galatians 1:14. Objective genitive εργων — ergōn f0). [source]
Titus 2:14 A peculiar people [λαὸν περιούσιον]
Λαός peopleonly here in Pastorals. In Paul ten times, always in citations. Most frequently in Luke and Acts; often in Hebrews and Revelation. Περιούσιος N.T.oA few times in lxx, always with λαός . See Exodus 19:5; Exodus 23:22; Deuteronomy 7:6; Deuteronomy 14:2; Deuteronomy 26:18. The phrase was originally applied to the people of Israel, but is transferred here to believers in the Messiah - Jews and Gentiles. Comp. 1 Peter 2:10. Περιούσιος is from the participle of περιεῖναι tobe over and above: hence περιουσία abundanceplenty. Περιούσιος also means possessed over and above, that is, specially selected for one's own; exempt from ordinary laws of distribution. Hence correctly represented by peculiar, derived from peculium, a private purse, a special acquisition of a member of a family distinct from the property administered for the good of the whole family. Accordingly the sense is given in Ephesians 1:14, where believers are said to have been sealed εἰς ἀπολύτρωσιν τῆς περιποιήσεως witha view to redemption of possession, or redemption which will give possession, thus = acquisition. So 1 Peter 2:9, where Christians are styled λαὸς εἰς περιποίησιν apeople for acquisition, to be acquired by God as his peculiar possession. Comp. 1 Thessalonians 5:9; 2 Thessalonians 2:14, and περιποιεῖσθαι toacquire, Acts 20:28. The phrase καθαρίζειν λαὸν topurify the people, in lxx, Nehemiah 12:30; Acts href="/desk/?q=ac+21:20&sr=1">Acts 21:20; Acts 22:3; 1 Peter 3:13. Only here in Pastorals. In Paul, 1 Corinthians 14:12; Galatians 1:14. For the word as a title, see on the Canaanite, Matthew 10:4, and see on Mark 3:18. [source]

What do the individual words in Galatians 1:14 mean?

And I was advancing in - Judaism beyond many contemporaries the countrymen of me more abundantly zealous being of the fathers traditions
καὶ προέκοπτον ἐν τῷ Ἰουδαϊσμῷ ὑπὲρ πολλοὺς συνηλικιώτας τῷ γένει μου περισσοτέρως ζηλωτὴς ὑπάρχων τῶν πατρικῶν παραδόσεων

προέκοπτον  I  was  advancing 
Parse: Verb, Imperfect Indicative Active, 1st Person Singular
Root: προκόπτω  
Sense: to beat forward.
τῷ  - 
Parse: Article, Dative Masculine Singular
Root:  
Sense: this, that, these, etc.
Ἰουδαϊσμῷ  Judaism 
Parse: Noun, Dative Masculine Singular
Root: Ἰουδαϊσμός  
Sense: the Jewish faith and worship, religion of the Jews, Judaism.
ὑπὲρ  beyond 
Parse: Preposition
Root: ὑπέρ 
Sense: in behalf of, for the sake of.
πολλοὺς  many 
Parse: Adjective, Accusative Masculine Plural
Root: πολύς  
Sense: many, much, large.
συνηλικιώτας  contemporaries 
Parse: Noun, Accusative Masculine Plural
Root: συνηλικιώτης  
Sense: one of the same age, an equal in age.
γένει  countrymen 
Parse: Noun, Dative Neuter Singular
Root: γένος  
Sense: race.
μου  of  me 
Parse: Personal / Possessive Pronoun, Genitive 1st Person Singular
Root: ἐγώ  
Sense: I, me, my.
περισσοτέρως  more  abundantly 
Parse: Adverb
Root: περισσῶς  
Sense: beyond measure, extraordinary.
ζηλωτὴς  zealous 
Parse: Noun, Nominative Masculine Singular
Root: ζηλωτής  
Sense: one burning with zeal, a zealot.
ὑπάρχων  being 
Parse: Verb, Present Participle Active, Nominative Masculine Singular
Root: ὑπάρχω  
Sense: to begin below, to make a beginning.
τῶν  of  the 
Parse: Article, Genitive Feminine Plural
Root:  
Sense: this, that, these, etc.
πατρικῶν  fathers 
Parse: Adjective, Genitive Feminine Plural
Root: πατρικός  
Sense: paternal, ancestral, handed down by or received from one’s fathers.
παραδόσεων  traditions 
Parse: Noun, Genitive Feminine Plural
Root: παράδοσις  
Sense: giving up, giving over.