Galatians 1:14

Authorized King James Version

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

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
καὶ
G2532
And
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
#2
προέκοπτον
G4298
profited
to drive forward (as if by beating), i.e., (figuratively and intransitively) to advance (in amount, to grow; in time, to be well along)
#3
ἐν
G1722
in
"in," at, (up-)on, by, etc
#4
τῷ
G3588
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#5
Ἰουδαϊσμῷ
G2454
the Jews' religion
"judaism", i.e., the jewish faith and usages
#6
ὑπὲρ
G5228
above
"over", i.e., (with the genitive case) of place, above, beyond, across, or causal, for the sake of, instead, regarding; with the accusative case super
#7
πολλοὺς
G4183
many
(singular) much (in any respect) or (plural) many; neuter (singular) as adverbial, largely; neuter (plural) as adverb or noun often, mostly, largely
#8
συνηλικιώτας
G4915
my equals
a co-aged person, i.e., alike in years
#9
ἐν
G1722
in
"in," at, (up-)on, by, etc
#10
τῷ
G3588
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#11
γένει
G1085
nation
"kin" (abstract or concrete, literal or figurative, individual or collective)
#12
μου
G3450
mine own
of me
#13
περισσοτέρως
G4056
more exceedingly
more superabundantly
#14
ζηλωτὴς
G2207
zealous
a "zealot"
#15
ὑπάρχων
G5225
being
to begin under (quietly), i.e., come into existence (be present or at hand); expletively, to exist (as copula or subordinate to an adjective, particip
#16
τῶν
G3588
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#17
πατρικῶν
G3967
fathers
paternal, i.e., ancestral
#18
μου
G3450
mine own
of me
#19
παραδόσεων
G3862
of the traditions
transmission, i.e., (concretely) a precept; specially, the jewish traditionary law

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 covenant community 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

This passage must be understood within the political and social structures of the biblical period. The author writes to address believers seeking to understand God's will and purposes, making the emphasis on salvation particularly relevant. Historical documents from this period show cultural practices and social structures that would have been familiar to the original readers, illuminating the verse's original impact.

Questions for Reflection