Galatians 1:4

Authorized King James Version

Who gave himself for our sins, that he might deliver us from this present evil world, according to the will of God and our Father:

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
τοῦ
G3588
Who
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#2
δόντος
G1325
gave
to give (used in a very wide application, properly, or by implication, literally or figuratively; greatly modified by the connection)
#3
ἑαυτὸν
G1438
himself
(him- her-, it-, them-, my-, thy-, our-, your-)self (selves), etc
#4
ὑπὲρ
G5228
for
"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
#5
τοῦ
G3588
Who
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#6
ἁμαρτιῶν
G266
sins
a sin (properly abstract)
#7
ἡμῶν
G2257
our
of (or from) us
#8
ὅπως
G3704
that
what(-ever) how, i.e., in the manner that (as adverb or conjunction of coincidence, intentional or actual)
#9
ἐξέληται
G1807
he might deliver
actively, to tear out; middle voice, to select; figuratively, to release
#10
ἡμᾶς
G2248
us
us
#11
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
#12
τοῦ
G3588
Who
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#13
ἐνεστῶτος
G1764
this present
to place on hand, i.e., (reflexively) impend, (participle) be instant
#14
αἰῶνος
G165
world
properly, an age; by extension, perpetuity (also past); by implication, the world; specially (jewish) a messianic period (present or future)
#15
πονηροῦ
G4190
evil
hurtful, i.e., evil (properly, in effect or influence, and thus differing from g2556, which refers rather to essential character, as well as from g455
#16
κατὰ
G2596
according
(prepositionally) down (in place or time), in varied relations (according to the case (genitive, dative or accusative) with which it is joined)
#17
τοῦ
G3588
Who
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#18
θέλημα
G2307
to the will
a determination (properly, the thing), i.e., (actively) choice (specially, purpose, decree; abstractly, volition) or (passively) inclination
#19
τοῦ
G3588
Who
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#20
θεοῦ
G2316
of God
a deity, especially (with g3588) the supreme divinity; figuratively, a magistrate; exceedingly (by hebraism)
#21
καὶ
G2532
and
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
#22
πατρὸς
G3962
Father
a "father" (literally or figuratively, near or more remote)
#23
ἡμῶν
G2257
our
of (or from) us

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 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 divine sovereignty. Archaeological and historical evidence reveals Archaeological discoveries continue to illuminate the historical context of biblical texts.

Questions for Reflection