Galatians 1:13

Authorized King James Version

For ye have heard of my conversation in time past in the Jews' religion, how that beyond measure I persecuted the church of God, and wasted it:

Word-by-Word Analysis

Ἠκούσατε

G191

ye have heard

to hear (in various senses)

γὰρ

G1063

For

properly, assigning a reason (used in argument, explanation or intensification; often with other particles)

τὴν

G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

ἐμὴν

G1699

of my

ἀναστροφήν

G391

conversation

behavior

ποτε

G4218

in time past

indefinite adverb, at some time, ever

ἐν

G1722

"in," at, (up-)on, by, etc

τῷ

G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

Ἰουδαϊσμῷ

G2454

the Jews' religion

"judaism", i.e., the jewish faith and usages

#10

ὅτι

G3754

how that

demonstrative, that (sometimes redundant); causative, because

#11

καθ'

G2596

beyond

(prepositionally) down (in place or time), in varied relations (according to the case (genitive, dative or accusative) with which it is joined)

#12

ὑπερβολὴν

G5236

measure

a throwing beyond others, i.e., (figuratively) supereminence; adverbially (with g1519 or g2596) pre- eminently

#13

ἐδίωκον

G1377

I persecuted

compare the base of g1169 and g1249); to pursue (literally or figuratively); by implication, to persecute

#14

τὴν

G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

#15

ἐκκλησίαν

G1577

the church

a calling out, i.e., (concretely) a popular meeting, especially a religious congregation (jewish synagogue, or christian community of members on earth

#16

τοῦ

G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

#17

θεοῦ

G2316

of God

a deity, especially (with g3588) the supreme divinity; figuratively, a magistrate; exceedingly (by hebraism)

#18

καὶ

G2532

and

and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words

#19

ἐπόρθουν

G4199

wasted

to ravage (figuratively)

#20

αὐτήν

G846

the reflexive pronoun self, used (alone or in the comparative g1438) of the third person, and (with the proper personal pronoun) of the other persons

Analysis

The salvation theme here intersects with the metanarrative of redemption running from Genesis to Revelation. Biblical theology recognizes this as part of a unified storyline from the promise in Genesis 3:15 to its fulfillment in Christ. The phrase emphasizing divine sovereignty contributes to our systematic understanding of Christian doctrine and connects to the broader scriptural witness about God's saving work from the Exodus to the cross.

Historical Context

The literary and historical milieu of the literary conventions and historical circumstances of biblical literature shapes this text's meaning. The historical development of salvation within the theological tradition of Galatians Understanding the ancient worldview that shaped the author's theological expression helps modern readers appreciate why the author emphasizes divine sovereignty in this particular way.

Questions for Reflection

How might the original audience's understanding of divine sovereignty differ from modern interpretations, and what bridges can be built between ancient meaning and contemporary application?
What systematic theological implications arise from this verse's treatment of salvation, and how does it contribute to a biblical theology of soteriology and the doctrine of salvation?
What practical applications emerge from understanding salvation as presented in this verse, particularly in light of addressing questions of religious pluralism and the exclusivity of Christ?