Galatians 4:15 kjv
Where is then the blessedness ye spake of? for I bear you record, that, if it had been possible, ye would have plucked out your own eyes, and have given them to me.
Galatians 4:15 nkjv
What then was the blessing you enjoyed? For I bear you witness that, if possible, you would have plucked out your own eyes and given them to me.
Galatians 4:15 niv
Where, then, is your blessing of me now? I can testify that, if you could have done so, you would have torn out your eyes and given them to me.
Galatians 4:15 esv
What then has become of your blessedness? For I testify to you that, if possible, you would have gouged out your eyes and given them to me.
Galatians 4:15 nlt
Where is that joyful and grateful spirit you felt then? I am sure you would have taken out your own eyes and given them to me if it had been possible.
Galatians 4 15 Cross References
| Verse | Text | Reference |
|---|---|---|
| Gal 4:15 | "What then was your Jerusalem was your blessedness?" | (Question of past joy) |
| 1 Cor 2:1 | "I did not come with words of eloquent wisdom" | (Similar testimony) |
| Phil 2:17 | "but if I am poured out as a drink offering" | (Paul's self-sacrifice) |
| 2 Cor 1:14 | "you did so even in part, so that you would be our pride" | (Pride in Galatian's faith) |
| Heb 10:34 | "for you had compassion on those in prison" | (Sympathy for sufferers) |
| 1 Thess 2:8 | "For you know how we dealt with each of you, as a father" | (Fatherly care) |
| Rom 8:37 | "No, in all these things we are more than conquerors" | (Overcoming hardship) |
| 2 Cor 8:5 | "And they did not do as we expected, but gave themselves" | (Generous giving of self) |
| Gal 3:1 | "O foolish Galatians, who has bewitched you?" | (Beginning of the letter) |
| Gal 4:13 | "You know that because of an illness I first preached" | (Reason for preaching) |
| Gal 4:14 | "and despite my illness you did not despise or reject me" | (Their acceptance) |
| Acts 16:9 | "And a vision appeared to Paul in the night: a man of" | (Paul's vision to Macedonia) |
| Acts 14:19 | "But Jews came from Antioch and from Iconium and won over" | (Opposition to Paul) |
| Gal 5:1 | "For freedom Christ has set us free" | (Call to stand firm) |
| Gal 5:7 | "You were running well. Who hindered you" | (Hindrance to faith) |
| Eph 1:4 | "even as he chose us in him before the foundation of" | (God's prior choice) |
| 1 John 4:7 | "Beloved, let us love one another" | (Love as a sign) |
| Col 1:24 | "Now I rejoice in my sufferings for your sake" | (Suffering for others) |
| Phil 1:7 | "It is right for me to feel this way about you all" | (Affection for believers) |
| 1 Thess 2:19 | "For what is our hope or joy or crown of boasting?" | (Hope and joy in believers) |
Galatians 4 verses
Galatians 4 15 Meaning
The Apostle Paul is recounting to the Galatians a past instance where they exhibited extreme goodwill towards him. He reminds them that their current affliction of suffering alongside him was not met with contempt or rejection, but with a willingness to give him their own eyes. This signifies an exceptionally high level of emotional and physical support, emphasizing their initial love and commitment to the Gospel.
Galatians 4 15 Context
Galatians chapter 4 continues Paul’s defense of his apostleship and the doctrine of justification by faith alone. He contrasts the Galatians' current state with their initial joyous reception of the Gospel. Paul previously explained that he came to them in physical weakness (Gal 4:13-14). He now emphasizes the extraordinary love and support they showed him despite his condition. This testimony serves to highlight the depth of their initial faith and to contrast it with their current drift towards legalism. They are moving away from the freedom found in Christ towards a bondage of performing external rituals, which is causing Paul great pain and distress (Gal 4:19-20). This verse underscores the severe blow to Paul’s heart caused by their turning away from the truth he shared with them.
Galatians 4 15 Word Analysis
- οἴδατε (oidate): From the Greek verb oida, meaning "to know," "to understand," or "to be aware of." It's a perfect tense verb, often used with a present meaning, indicating a past acquisition of knowledge that still pertains. Paul asserts that the Galatians are aware of what he is about to describe.
- δὲ (de): A common Greek conjunction, typically meaning "but" or "and." Here, it connects the previous statements about their acceptance to the specific demonstration of their affection.
- ὅτε (hote): A Greek conjunction meaning "when." It introduces the specific time or circumstance when the action described occurred.
- πρώτως (prōtōs): An adverb from prōtos, meaning "first" or "foremost." It signifies the initial period of their acquaintance or conversion, their first encounter with the Gospel message delivered by Paul.
- ἐμαρτύρησα (emartyrēsa): From the verb martyrein, meaning "to bear witness" or "to testify." In the aorist tense, it refers to a specific action in the past – the testimony or witness Paul gave to them. This connects to the preaching of the Gospel.
- ὑμῖν (hymin): The second-person plural dative pronoun, meaning "to you" or "for you." It directly addresses the Galatian believers.
- οὐκ ἂν (ouk an): A combination of the negative particle ouk ("not") and the particle an. Together, they express a hypothetical or potential negation. This construction strongly emphasizes that they would not have done the action mentioned.
- ἐξουθενήσατε (exouthenēsate): From the verb exouthenein, meaning "to despise," "to scorn," "to treat with contempt," or "to set at nothing." It's in the aorist tense, indicating a specific act of despising.
- οὐδὲ ἐξεράσατε (oude exerasate): Oude means "not even" or "neither." Exerasate is from the verb exerasthai, a deponent verb meaning "to pluck out." It's in the aorist tense. The phrase conveys an extremely strong expression of self-giving, a willingness to undergo painful deprivation for another's benefit.
- εἰ καὶ (ei kai): A Greek conditional phrase meaning "even if" or "even though." It introduces a concession, acknowledging a circumstance that might have otherwise prevented their action.
- δυνατὸν ἦν (dynaton ēn): Literally, "it was possible." This phrase further emphasizes the hypothetical nature of their potential giving of their eyes, reinforcing the immense value Paul placed on their gesture. In essence, it’s saying "if it had been possible to give [your own eyes] for me."
Words-group by words-group analysis:
- "οἴδατε δὲ ὅτε πρῶτον ἐμαρτύρησα ὑμῖν" (oidate de hote prōton emartyrēsa hymin): This entire clause means "You know that when I first testified to you." It serves as a direct reminder and a rhetorical question leading into the specific action of their generosity. It establishes a shared memory and a point of reference.
- "οὐκ ἂν ἐξουθενήσατε οὐδὲ ἐξεράσατε, εἰ καὶ δυνατὸν ἦν" (ouk an exouthenēsate oude exerasate, ei kai dynaton ēn): This complex phrase captures their profound goodwill: "you would not have despised or rejected me, even if it had been possible [to pluck out your eyes]." The absolute negation (ouk an... oude) paired with the extreme hyperbole (exerasate, ei kai dynaton ēn) paints a vivid picture of their unparalleled affection and sacrifice.
Galatians 4 15 Bonus Section
The imagery of "plucking out your own eyes" is a powerful hyperbole found in ancient Greek literature and common speech to express the highest degree of selfless affection or sacrifice. For instance, in Homer's Odyssey, Odysseus offers to surrender his own eyes if his wife Penelope is unfaithful, illustrating an extreme measure of commitment. Paul's use of this idiom was culturally resonant and immediately understood by his audience as signifying unparalleled generosity and heartfelt support. The "illness" Paul mentions likely contributed to his vulnerability and the test of the Galatians' affection, as it could have been a basis for rejection or contempt in that cultural context. Their response demonstrated the genuine impact of the Gospel on their hearts.
Galatians 4 15 Commentary
Paul recalls the intense loyalty of the Galatians when he first ministered to them, even while he was suffering from an illness. Their reaction was not contempt but immense kindness, to the point of being willing to sacrifice their very sight for him. This extraordinary willingness to give their eyes, though hyperbole, underscores their initial profound love for Paul and the Gospel he delivered. It highlights the depth of their spiritual connection at conversion. Paul uses this to contrast with their present state, where they are being swayed by false teachers to abandon the freedom of faith for the bondage of the law. Their willingness to undergo such a radical sacrifice for him stands as a testament to the power of the Gospel and the genuine affection they once possessed, which Paul desperately wants them to recapture.