The Meaning of Galatians 1:6 Explained

Galatians 1:6

KJV: I marvel that ye are so soon removed from him that called you into the grace of Christ unto another gospel:

YLT: I wonder that ye are so quickly removed from Him who did call you in the grace of Christ to another good news;

Darby: I wonder that ye thus quickly change, from him that called you in Christ's grace, to a different gospel,

ASV: I marvel that ye are so quickly removing from him that called you in the grace of Christ unto a different gospel;

KJV Reverse Interlinear

I marvel  that  ye are  so  soon  removed  from  him that called  you  into  the grace  of Christ  unto  another  gospel: 

What does Galatians 1:6 Mean?

Study Notes

grace
The test of the Gospel is grace. If the message excludes grace, or mingles law with grace as the means of either of justification or sanctification Galatians 2:21 ; Galatians 3:1-3 or denies the fact or guilt of sin which alone gives grace its occasion and opportunity, it is "another" gospel, and the preacher of it is under the anathema of God Galatians 1:8 ; Galatians 1:9 .

Context Summary

Galatians 1:1-10 - Danger From A Perverted Gospel
Note how strenuously Paul insists upon the genuineness of his call as an Apostle. It had come directly from the lips of Christ. Neither by man, but by Jesus Christ, Galatians 1:1. We who are redeemed have been lifted out of the present age, Galatians 1:4, into the next age, which may soon break forth in manifestation. It is now concealed, but it shall be unveiled. The age which preceded the fall of Jerusalem was notoriously corrupt. Speaking of the Jews at that time, Josephus says that they exceeded Sodom.
The false teachers who dogged Paul's footsteps suggested that he had only one side of the gospel, and that there was therefore abundant room for their statement of it. But this the Apostle indignantly repudiated, Galatians 1:8. No, he said; there is no gospel other than that which you have heard from my lips. These are solemn questions that each of us should ask: "What has been the effect of the gospel upon my life? Have I been redeemed out of the world that passes away, into that unseen and eternal kingdom of which my Lord is Center and Chief? Do I live according to the will of my God and Father?" Galatians 1:4. [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 1:6

Ye are so quickly removing [ουτως ταχεως μετατιτεστε]
The present middle indicative of μετατιτημι — metatithēmi to change places, to transfer. “You are transferring yourselves” and doing it “so quickly” either from the time of their conversion or most likely from the time when the Judaizers came and tempted them. So easily some of them are falling victims to these perverters of the gospel. That is a continuous amazement (ταυμαζω — thaumazō) to Paul and to men today that so many are so silly and so gullible to modern as to ancient charlatans. [source]
Unto a different gospel [εις ετερον ευαγγελιον]
See note on 2 Corinthians 11:4 for distinction between allo and heteron as here. It is not here or there a mere difference in emphasis or spirit as in Philemon 1:18 so long as Christ is preached. These men as in 2 Corinthians 11:4 preach “another Jesus” and a “different gospel” and so have fallen away from grace and have done away with Christ (Galatians 5:4). Hence the vehemence of Paul‘s words. [source]
I marvel [θαυμάζω]
Often by Greek orators of surprise as something reprehensible. So in New Testament Mark 6:6; John 7:21; Luke 11:38; John 4:27. [source]
So soon [οὕτως ταχέως]
Better, so quickly. Paul does not mean so soon after a particular event, as their conversion, or his last visit, or the entry of the false teachers, - but refers to the rapidity of their apostasy; ταχέως being used absolutely as always. [source]
Removed [μετατίθεσθε]
A.V. misses the sense of the middle voice, removing or transferring yourselves, and also the force of the continuous present, are removing or going over, indicating an apostasy not consummated but in progress. The verb is used in Class. of altering a treaty, changing an opinion, desertion from an army. For other applications see Acts 7:16; Hebrews 7:12; Hebrews 11:5. Comp. lxx, Deuteronomy 27:17; Proverbs 23:10; Isaiah 29:17. Lightfoot renders are turning renegades. [source]
Him that called [τοῦ καλέσαντος]
God. Not neuter and referring to the gospel. Calling, in the writings of the apostles, is habitually represented as God's work. See Romans 8:30; Romans 9:11; 1 Corinthians 1:9; Galatians 1:15; 1 Thessalonians 2:12; 1 Peter 1:15; 1 Peter 2:9; 2 Peter 1:3. [source]
Into the grace [ἐν χάριτι]
Into is wrong. It should be by. [source]
Another gospel [ἕτερον]
Rather a different, another sort of gospel. See Matthew 6:24; Luke 16:7; Luke 18:10. In illustration of the differences between ἄλλος anotherand ἕτερος differentsee 1 Corinthians 12:8-10; 1 Corinthians 15:40; 2 Corinthians 11:4; Romans 8:23. [source]

Reverse Greek Commentary Search for Galatians 1:6

Romans 5:2 Into this grace []
Grace is conceived as a field into which we are brought. Compare Galatians 1:6; Galatians 5:4; 1 Peter 5:12. The; state of justification which is preeminently a matter of grace. [source]
Romans 7:23 A different law [ετερον νομον]
For the distinction between ετερος — heteros and αλλος — allos see note on Galatians 1:6. [source]
1 Corinthians 7:15 Hath called us to peace [ἐν εἰρήνη κέκληκεν ἡμᾶς]
Rev., correctly, in peace. Compare Galatians 1:6, “into the grace” ( ἐν χάριτι , Rev., in ); Ephesians 4:4, in one hope ( ἐν μιᾷ ἐλπίδι ); 1 Thessalonians 4:7, in sanctification ( ἐν ἁγιασμῷ ). Denoting the sphere or element of the divine calling. Enslavement in the marriage relation between the believer and the unbeliever is contrary to the spirit and intent of this calling. [source]
1 Corinthians 3:11 Other foundation [τεμελιον αλλον]
The gender of the adjective is here masculine as is shown by αλλον — allon If neuter, it would be αλλο — allo It is masculine because Paul has Christ in mind. It is not here ετερον — heteron a different kind of gospel (ετερον ευαγγελιον — heteron euaggelion Galatians 1:6; 2 Corinthians 11:4) which is not another (αλλο — allo Galatians 1:7) in reality. But another Jesus (2 Corinthians 11:4, αλλον Ιησουν — allon Iēsoun) is a reflection on the one Lord Jesus. Hence there is no room on the platform with Jesus for another Saviour, whether Buddha, Mahomet, Dowie, Eddy, or what not. Jesus Christ is the one foundation and it is gratuitous impudence for another to assume the role of Foundation. [source]
2 Corinthians 11:4 Another Jesus - another Spirit [ἄλλον - ἕτερον]
Rev., another Jesus, a different Spirit. See on Matthew 6:24. Another denies the identity; a different denies the similarity of nature. It is the difference of “individuality and kind ” (Alford). See on Galatians 1:6, Galatians 1:7. [source]
2 Corinthians 11:4 A different spirit [πνευμα ετερον]
This is the obvious meaning of ετερον — heteron in distinction from αλλον — allon as seen in Acts 4:12; Galatians 1:6. But this distinction in nature or kind is not always to be insisted on. A different gospel (ευαγγελιον ετερον — euaggelion heteron). Similar use of ετερον — heteron Ye do well to bear with him Ironical turn again. “Well do you hold yourselves back from him” (the coming one, whoever he is). Some MSS. have the imperfect ανειχεστε — aneichesthe (did bear with). [source]
Galatians 4:9 How [πῶς]
“A question full of wonder” (Bengel). Comp. I marvel, Galatians 1:6. [source]
Galatians 4:9 Turn ye again [ἐπιστρέφετε πάλιν]
Better, the continuous present, are ye turning, as of a change still in progress. Comp. Galatians 1:6. Πάλιν againaccording to N.T. usage, and corresponding with πάλιν ἄνωθεν in the following clause. Not back, which is the earlier sense and the usual classical meaning. [source]
Galatians 2:7 When they saw [ιδοντες]
After seeing, after they heard our side of the matter. That I had been intrusted with the gospel of the uncircumcision (οτι πεπιστευμαι το ευαγγελιον της ακροβυστιας — hoti pepisteumai to euaggelion tēs akrobustias). Perfect passive indicative of πιστευω — pisteuō to intrust, which retains the accusative of the thing (το ευαγγελιον — to euaggelion) in the passive voice. This clear-cut agreement between the leaders “denotes a distinction of sphere, and not a difference of type” (Lightfoot). Both divisions in the work preach the same “gospel” (not like Galatians 1:6., the Judaizers). It seems hardly fair to the Three to suggest that they at first championed the cause of the Judaizers in the face of Paul‘s strong language in Galatians 2:5. [source]
Galatians 2:7 That I had been intrusted with the gospel of the uncircumcision [οτι πεπιστευμαι το ευαγγελιον της ακροβυστιας]
Perfect passive indicative of πιστευω — pisteuō to intrust, which retains the accusative of the thing Both divisions in the work preach the same “gospel” (not like Galatians 1:6., the Judaizers). It seems hardly fair to the Three to suggest that they at first championed the cause of the Judaizers in the face of Paul‘s strong language in Galatians 2:5. [source]
Galatians 4:9 Rather to be known of God [μαλλον δε γνωστεντες υπο τεου]
First aorist passive participle of the same verb. He quickly turns it round to the standpoint of God‘s elective grace reaching them (Galatians 4:6). How (πως — pōs). “A question full of wonder” (Bengel). See note on Galatians 1:6. Turn ye back again? Present active indicative, “Are ye turning again?” See μετατιτεστε — metatithesthe in Galatians 1:6. The weak and beggarly rudiments (τα αστενη και πτωχα στοιχεια — ta asthenē kai ptōcha stoicheia). The same στοιχεια — stoicheia in Galatians 4:3 from which they had been delivered, “weak and beggarly,” still in their utter impotence from the Pharisaic legalism and the philosophical and religious legalism and the philosophical and religious quests of the heathen as shown by Angus‘s The Religious Quests of the Graeco-Roman World. These were eagerly pursued by many, but they were shadows when caught. It is pitiful today to see some men and women leave Christ for will o‘the wisps of false philosophy. Over again Old word, from above (ανω — anō) as in Matthew 27:51, from the first (Luke 1:3), then “over again” as here, back to where they were before (in slavery to rites and rules). [source]
Galatians 4:9 How [πως]
“A question full of wonder” (Bengel). See note on Galatians 1:6. [source]
Galatians 4:9 Turn ye back again? [επιστρεπετε παλιν]
Present active indicative, “Are ye turning again?” See μετατιτεστε — metatithesthe in Galatians 1:6. The weak and beggarly rudiments (τα αστενη και πτωχα στοιχεια — ta asthenē kai ptōcha stoicheia). The same στοιχεια — stoicheia in Galatians 4:3 from which they had been delivered, “weak and beggarly,” still in their utter impotence from the Pharisaic legalism and the philosophical and religious legalism and the philosophical and religious quests of the heathen as shown by Angus‘s The Religious Quests of the Graeco-Roman World. These were eagerly pursued by many, but they were shadows when caught. It is pitiful today to see some men and women leave Christ for will o‘the wisps of false philosophy. Over again Old word, from above (ανω — anō) as in Matthew 27:51, from the first (Luke 1:3), then “over again” as here, back to where they were before (in slavery to rites and rules). [source]
Galatians 5:10 Whosoever he be [οστις εαν ηι]
Indefinite relative clause with εαν — ean and subjunctive. It seems unlikely that Paul knew precisely who the leader was. In Galatians 1:6 he uses the plural of the same verb ταρασσω — tarassō and see also αναστατουντες — anastatountes in Galatians 5:12. [source]
1 Thessalonians 5:24 That calleth [ὁ καλῶν]
the caller. The emphasis is on the person rather than on the act. Comp. Romans 9:11; Galatians 1:6, Galatians 1:15; Galatians 5:8; 1 Thessalonians 2:12; 1 Peter 5:10; James 1:5. [source]
1 Timothy 1:3 That they teach no other doctrine [μὴ ἑτεροδιδασκαλεῖν]
Better, not to teach a different doctrine. For ἕτερος differentsee on Galatians 1:6. The verb Pastoolxx. oClass. The charge is not to teach anything contrary to the sound teaching (1 Timothy 1:10) or irreconcilable with it. Comp. Galatians 1:6; 2 Corinthians 11:4; Romans 16:17. [source]
1 Timothy 1:3 To tarry [προσμειναι]
First aorist active infinitive of προσμενω — prosmenō old verb, attributed by Luke to Paul in Acts 13:43. That thou mightest charge (ινα παραγγειληις — hina paraggeilēis). Subfinal clause with ινα — hina and the first aorist active subjunctive of παραγγελλω — paraggellō old verb, to transmit a message along (παρα — para) from one to another. See 2 Thessalonians 3:4, 2 Thessalonians 3:6, 2 Thessalonians 3:10. Lock considers this idiom here an elliptical imperative like Ephesians 4:29; Ephesians 5:33. Certain men Dative case. Expressly vague (no names as in 1 Timothy 1:20), though Paul doubtless has certain persons in Ephesus in mind. Not to teach a different doctrine (μη ετεροδιδασκαλειν — mē heterodidaskalein). Earliest known use of this compound like κακοδιδασκαλειν — kakodidaskalein of Clement of Rome. Only other N.T. example in 1 Timothy 6:3. Eusebius has ετεροδιδασκαλος — heterodidaskalos Same idea in Galatians 1:6; 2 Corinthians 11:4; Romans 16:17. Perhaps coined by Paul. [source]
1 Timothy 1:3 Certain men [τισιν]
Dative case. Expressly vague (no names as in 1 Timothy 1:20), though Paul doubtless has certain persons in Ephesus in mind. Not to teach a different doctrine (μη ετεροδιδασκαλειν — mē heterodidaskalein). Earliest known use of this compound like κακοδιδασκαλειν — kakodidaskalein of Clement of Rome. Only other N.T. example in 1 Timothy 6:3. Eusebius has ετεροδιδασκαλος — heterodidaskalos Same idea in Galatians 1:6; 2 Corinthians 11:4; Romans 16:17. Perhaps coined by Paul. [source]
1 Timothy 1:3 Not to teach a different doctrine [μη ετεροδιδασκαλειν]
Earliest known use of this compound like κακοδιδασκαλειν — kakodidaskalein of Clement of Rome. Only other N.T. example in 1 Timothy 6:3. Eusebius has ετεροδιδασκαλος — heterodidaskalos Same idea in Galatians 1:6; 2 Corinthians 11:4; Romans 16:17. Perhaps coined by Paul. [source]
2 Timothy 1:9 Called [καλέσαντος]
Comp. 1 Timothy 6:12, and see Romans 8:30; Romans 9:11; 1 Corinthians 1:9; Galatians 1:6; 1 Thessalonians 2:12. It is Paul's technical term for God's summoning men to salvation. In Paul the order is reversed: called, saved. [source]
2 Timothy 1:9 Called us with a holy calling [καλεσαντος κλησει αγιαι]
Probably dative, “to a holy calling.” Κλησις — Klēsis here apparently not the invitation, but the consecrated service, “the upward calling” (Philemon 3:14). See note on 1 Corinthians 7:20; Ephesians 4:1, Ephesians 4:4 for the use of καλεω — kaleō with κλησις — klēsis Paul often uses καλεω — kaleō of God‘s calling men (1 Thessalonians 2:12; 1 Corinthians 1:9; Galatians 1:6; Romans 8:20; Romans 9:11). [source]
Titus 3:7 By his grace [τῇ ἐκείνου χάριτι]
By the grace of Jesus Christ. See Acts 15:11; 2 Corinthians 8:9; 2 Corinthians 13:14; Romans 5:6; Galatians 1:6. [source]
Hebrews 7:12 Being changed [μετατιθεμένης]
Or transferred to another order. See on Galatians 1:6. [source]
Hebrews 13:9 With divers and strange doctrines [διδαχαῖς ποικίλαις καὶ ξέναις]
For “doctrines” rend. “teachings.” These teachings represent various phases of one radical error - the denial of Jesus's messiahship and of his messianic economy as superseding Judaism and all other means of salvation. Among them the writer's mind would naturally turn to the prescriptions concerning clean and unclean meats and sacrificial festivals. See next clause. These teachings were various as contrasted with the one teaching of the gospel; they were strange as they differed from that teaching. Comp. Galatians 1:6-9. For ποικίλαις see on 2 Timothy 3:16. [source]
Hebrews 11:5 Was translated [μετετέθη]
The verb used of Enoch's translation, lxx, Genesis href="/desk/?q=ge+5:24&sr=1">Genesis 5:24. In Acts 7:16of the transporting of the remains of Jacob and his sons to Sychem. In Galatians 1:6, of the sudden change in the religious attitude of the Galatians. In Hebrews 7:12, of the change in the priesthood. [source]
Hebrews 7:12 The priesthood being changed [μετατιτεμενης της ιεροσυνης]
Genitive absolute with present passive participle of μετατιτημι — metatithēmi old word to transfer (Galatians 1:6). A change Old substantive from μετατιτημι — metatithēmi In N.T. only in Heb. (Hebrews 7:12; Hebrews 11:5; Hebrews 12:27). God‘s choice of another kind of priesthood for his Son, left the Levitical line off to one side, forever discounted, passed by “the order of Aaron” (την ταχιν Ααρων — tēn taxin Aarōn). [source]
Hebrews 13:9 Be not carried away [μη παραπερεστε]
Prohibition with μη — mē and present passive imperative of παραπερω — parapherō old verb to lead along (Judges 1:12), to carry past (Mark 14:36), to lead astray as here. By divers and strange teachings For ποικιλος — poikilos (many coloured) see Hebrews 2:4. Χενος — Xenos for guest we have had in Hebrews 11:13, but here as adjective meaning unheard of (1 Peter 4:12) as in older Greek also. The new is not always wrong any more than the old is always right (Matthew 13:52). But the air was already full of new and strange teachings that fascinated many by their very novelty. The warning here is always needed. Cf. Galatians 1:6-9; 2 Timothy 3:16. That the heart be established by grace Present passive infinitive of βεβαιοω — bebaioō (from βαινω — bainō) to make stable with the instrumental case χαριτι — chariti (by grace) and the accusative of general reference How true it is that in the atmosphere of so many windy theories only the heart is stable that has an experience of God‘s grace in Christ. That occupied themselves “That walked” in the ritualistic Jewish rules about meats. Were not profited First aorist passive indicative of ωπελεω — ōpheleō to help. Mere Jewish ceremonialism and ritualism failed to build up the spiritual life. It was sheer folly to give up Christ for Pharisaism or for Moses. [source]
Jude 1:4 Ungodly men [ασεβεις]
Keynote of the Epistle (Mayor), in Judges 1:15 again as in 2 Peter 2:5; 2 Peter 3:7.Turning (μετατιτεντες — metatithentes). Present active participle of μετατιτημι — metatithēmi to change, for which verb see Galatians 1:6. For the change of “grace” (χαριτα — charita) into “lasciviousness” (εις ασελγειαν — eis aselgeian) see 1 Peter 2:16; 1 Peter 4:3; 2 Peter 2:19; 2 Peter 3:16.Our only Master and Lord For the force of the one article for one person see note on 2 Peter 1:1. For δεσποτην — despotēn of Christ see 2 Peter 2:1.Denying (αρνουμενοι — arnoumenoi). So 2 Peter 2:1. See also Matthew 10:33; 1 Timothy 5:8; Titus 1:16; 1 John 2:22. [source]
Jude 1:4 Turning [μετατιτεντες]
Present active participle of μετατιτημι — metatithēmi to change, for which verb see Galatians 1:6. For the change of “grace” (χαριτα — charita) into “lasciviousness” (εις ασελγειαν — eis aselgeian) see 1 Peter 2:16; 1 Peter 4:3; 2 Peter 2:19; 2 Peter 3:16. [source]
Jude 1:4 Set forth [προγεγραμμενοι]
Perfect passive participle of προγραπω — prographō to write of beforehand, for which verb see Galatians 3:1; Romans 15:4.Unto this condemnation (εις τουτο το κριμα — eis touto to krima). See 2 Peter 2:3 for κριμα — krima and εκπαλαι — ekpalai Παλαι — Palai here apparently alludes to Judges 1:14, Judges 1:15 (Enoch).Ungodly men Keynote of the Epistle (Mayor), in Judges 1:15 again as in 2 Peter 2:5; 2 Peter 3:7.Turning (μετατιτεντες — metatithentes). Present active participle of μετατιτημι — metatithēmi to change, for which verb see Galatians 1:6. For the change of “grace” (χαριτα — charita) into “lasciviousness” (εις ασελγειαν — eis aselgeian) see 1 Peter 2:16; 1 Peter 4:3; 2 Peter 2:19; 2 Peter 3:16.Our only Master and Lord For the force of the one article for one person see note on 2 Peter 1:1. For δεσποτην — despotēn of Christ see 2 Peter 2:1.Denying (αρνουμενοι — arnoumenoi). So 2 Peter 2:1. See also Matthew 10:33; 1 Timothy 5:8; Titus 1:16; 1 John 2:22. [source]

What do the individual words in Galatians 1:6 mean?

I am astonished that so quickly you are deserting from the [One] having called you in [the] grace of Christ to a different gospel
Θαυμάζω ὅτι οὕτως ταχέως μετατίθεσθε ἀπὸ τοῦ καλέσαντος ὑμᾶς ἐν χάριτι Χριστοῦ εἰς ἕτερον εὐαγγέλιον

Θαυμάζω  I  am  astonished 
Parse: Verb, Present Indicative Active, 1st Person Singular
Root: ἐκθαυμάζω 
Sense: to wonder, wonder at, marvel.
ὅτι  that 
Parse: Conjunction
Root: ὅτι  
Sense: that, because, since.
οὕτως  so 
Parse: Adverb
Root: οὕτως  
Sense: in this manner, thus, so.
ταχέως  quickly 
Parse: Adverb
Root: ταχέως  
Sense: quickly, shortly.
μετατίθεσθε  you  are  deserting 
Parse: Verb, Present Indicative Middle or Passive, 2nd Person Plural
Root: μετατίθημι  
Sense: to transpose (two things, one of which is put in place of the other).
τοῦ  the  [One] 
Parse: Article, Genitive Masculine Singular
Root:  
Sense: this, that, these, etc.
καλέσαντος  having  called 
Parse: Verb, Aorist Participle Active, Genitive Masculine Singular
Root: καλέω  
Sense: to call.
χάριτι  [the]  grace 
Parse: Noun, Dative Feminine Singular
Root: χάρις  
Sense: grace.
Χριστοῦ  of  Christ 
Parse: Noun, Genitive Masculine Singular
Root: Χριστός  
Sense: Christ was the Messiah, the Son of God.
ἕτερον  a  different 
Parse: Adjective, Accusative Neuter Singular
Root: ἀλλοιόω 
Sense: the other, another, other.
εὐαγγέλιον  gospel 
Parse: Noun, Accusative Neuter Singular
Root: εὐαγγέλιον  
Sense: a reward for good tidings.