Galatians 1:16

Authorized King James Version

To reveal his Son in me, that I might preach him among the heathen; immediately I conferred not with flesh and blood:

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
ἀποκαλύψαι
G601
To reveal
to take off the cover, i.e., disclose
#2
τὸν
G3588
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#3
υἱὸν
G5207
Son
a "son" (sometimes of animals), used very widely of immediate, remote or figuratively, kinship
#4
αὐτὸν
G846
him
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
#5
ἐν
G1722
among
"in," at, (up-)on, by, etc
#6
ἐμοὶ
G1698
me
to me
#7
ἵνα
G2443
that
in order that (denoting the purpose or the result)
#8
εὐαγγελίζωμαι
G2097
I might preach
to announce good news ("evangelize") especially the gospel
#9
αὐτὸν
G846
him
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
#10
ἐν
G1722
among
"in," at, (up-)on, by, etc
#11
τοῖς
G3588
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#12
ἔθνεσιν
G1484
the heathen
a race (as of the same habit), i.e., a tribe; specially, a foreign (non-jewish) one (usually, by implication, pagan)
#13
εὐθέως
G2112
immediately
directly, i.e., at once or soon
#14
οὐ
G3756
not
the absolute negative (compare g3361) adverb; no or not
#15
προσανεθέμην
G4323
I conferred
to lay up in addition, i.e., (middle voice and figuratively) to impart or (by implication) to consult
#16
σαρκὶ
G4561
with flesh
flesh (as stripped of the skin), i.e., (strictly) the meat of an animal (as food), or (by extension) the body (as opposed to the soul (or spirit), or
#17
καὶ
G2532
and
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
#18
αἵματι
G129
blood
blood, literally (of men or animals), figuratively (the juice of grapes) or specially (the atoning blood of christ); by implication, bloodshed, also k

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 revelation 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