Galatians 1:15

Authorized King James Version

But when it pleased God, who separated me from my mother's womb, and called me by his grace,

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
ὅτε
G3753
when
at which (thing) too, i.e., when
#2
δὲ
G1161
But
but, and, etc
#3
εὐδόκησεν
G2106
it pleased
to think well of, i.e., approve (an act); specially, to approbate (a person or thing)
#4
τῆς
G3588
who
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#5
θεὸς
G2316
God
a deity, especially (with g3588) the supreme divinity; figuratively, a magistrate; exceedingly (by hebraism)
#6
τῆς
G3588
who
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#7
ἀφορίσας
G873
separated
to set off by boundary, i.e., (figuratively) limit, exclude, appoint, etc
#8
με
G3165
me
me
#9
ἐκ
G1537
from
a primary preposition denoting origin (the point whence action or motion proceeds), from, out (of place, time, or cause literal or figurative; direct
#10
κοιλίας
G2836
womb
a cavity, i.e., (especially) the abdomen; by implication, the matrix; figuratively, the heart
#11
μητρός
G3384
mother's
a "mother" (literally or figuratively, immediate or remote)
#12
μου
G3450
my
of me
#13
καὶ
G2532
and
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
#14
καλέσας
G2564
called
to "call" (properly, aloud, but used in a variety of applications, directly or otherwise)
#15
διὰ
G1223
me by
through (in very wide applications, local, causal, or occasional)
#16
τῆς
G3588
who
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#17
χάριτος
G5485
grace
graciousness (as gratifying), of manner or act (abstract or concrete; literal, figurative or spiritual; especially the divine influence upon the heart
#18
αὐτοῦ
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 grace relates to the doctrine of soteriology and God's unmerited favor in salvation and connects to the broader scriptural witness about God's saving work from the Exodus to the cross.

Historical Context

The historical context of the biblical period relevant to this book's composition provides crucial background for understanding this verse. The historical and cultural milieu of the biblical world informed the author's theological expression and the audience's understanding. The the cultural context of the biblical world would have shaped how the original audience understood grace. Archaeological and historical evidence reveals Archaeological discoveries continue to illuminate the historical context of biblical texts.

Questions for Reflection