Galatians 1:17

Authorized King James Version

Neither went I up to Jerusalem to them which were apostles before me; but I went into Arabia, and returned again unto Damascus.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
οὐδὲ
G3761
Neither
not however, i.e., neither, nor, not even
#2
ἀνῆλθον
G424
went I up
to ascend
#3
εἰς
G1519
into
to or into (indicating the point reached or entered), of place, time, or (figuratively) purpose (result, etc.); also in adverbial phrases
#4
Ἱεροσόλυμα
G2414
Jerusalem
hierosolyma (i.e., jerushalaim), the capitol of palestine
#5
πρὸς
G4314
to
a preposition of direction; forward to, i.e., toward (with the genitive case, the side of, i.e., pertaining to; with the dative case, by the side of,
#6
τοὺς
G3588
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#7
πρὸ
G4253
before
"fore", i.e., in front of, prior (figuratively, superior) to
#8
ἐμοῦ
G1700
me
of me
#9
ἀποστόλους
G652
them which were apostles
a delegate; specially, an ambassador of the gospel; officially a commissioner of christ ("apostle") (with miraculous powers)
#10
ἀλλ'
G235
but
properly, other things, i.e., (adverbially) contrariwise (in many relations)
#11
ἀπῆλθον
G565
I went
to go off (i.e., depart), aside (i.e., apart) or behind (i.e., follow), literally or figuratively
#12
εἰς
G1519
into
to or into (indicating the point reached or entered), of place, time, or (figuratively) purpose (result, etc.); also in adverbial phrases
#13
Ἀραβίαν
G688
Arabia
arabia, a region of asia
#14
καὶ
G2532
and
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
#15
πάλιν
G3825
again
(adverbially) anew, i.e., (of place) back, (of time) once more, or (conjunctionally) furthermore or on the other hand
#16
ὑπέστρεψα
G5290
returned
to turn under (behind), i.e., to return (literally or figuratively)
#17
εἰς
G1519
into
to or into (indicating the point reached or entered), of place, time, or (figuratively) purpose (result, etc.); also in adverbial phrases
#18
Δαμασκόν
G1154
Damascus
damascus, a city of syria

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