Galatians 1:4
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:
Original Language Analysis
τοῦ
Who
G3588
τοῦ
Who
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
1 of 23
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
δόντος
gave
G1325
δόντος
gave
Strong's:
G1325
Word #:
2 of 23
to give (used in a very wide application, properly, or by implication, literally or figuratively; greatly modified by the connection)
ἑαυτὸν
himself
G1438
ἑαυτὸν
himself
Strong's:
G1438
Word #:
3 of 23
(him- her-, it-, them-, my-, thy-, our-, your-)self (selves), etc
ὑπὲρ
for
G5228
ὑπὲρ
for
Strong's:
G5228
Word #:
4 of 23
"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
τοῦ
Who
G3588
τοῦ
Who
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
5 of 23
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
ὅπως
that
G3704
ὅπως
that
Strong's:
G3704
Word #:
8 of 23
what(-ever) how, i.e., in the manner that (as adverb or conjunction of coincidence, intentional or actual)
ἐξέληται
he might deliver
G1807
ἐξέληται
he might deliver
Strong's:
G1807
Word #:
9 of 23
actively, to tear out; middle voice, to select; figuratively, to release
ἐκ
from
G1537
ἐκ
from
Strong's:
G1537
Word #:
11 of 23
a primary preposition denoting origin (the point whence action or motion proceeds), from, out (of place, time, or cause literal or figurative; direct
τοῦ
Who
G3588
τοῦ
Who
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
12 of 23
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
ἐνεστῶτος
this present
G1764
ἐνεστῶτος
this present
Strong's:
G1764
Word #:
13 of 23
to place on hand, i.e., (reflexively) impend, (participle) be instant
αἰῶνος
world
G165
αἰῶνος
world
Strong's:
G165
Word #:
14 of 23
properly, an age; by extension, perpetuity (also past); by implication, the world; specially (jewish) a messianic period (present or future)
πονηροῦ
evil
G4190
πονηροῦ
evil
Strong's:
G4190
Word #:
15 of 23
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
κατὰ
according
G2596
κατὰ
according
Strong's:
G2596
Word #:
16 of 23
(prepositionally) down (in place or time), in varied relations (according to the case (genitive, dative or accusative) with which it is joined)
τοῦ
Who
G3588
τοῦ
Who
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
17 of 23
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
θέλημα
to the will
G2307
θέλημα
to the will
Strong's:
G2307
Word #:
18 of 23
a determination (properly, the thing), i.e., (actively) choice (specially, purpose, decree; abstractly, volition) or (passively) inclination
τοῦ
Who
G3588
τοῦ
Who
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
19 of 23
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
θεοῦ
of God
G2316
θεοῦ
of God
Strong's:
G2316
Word #:
20 of 23
a deity, especially (with g3588) the supreme divinity; figuratively, a magistrate; exceedingly (by hebraism)
καὶ
and
G2532
καὶ
and
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
21 of 23
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
Cross References
Matthew 20:28Even as the Son of man came not to be ministered unto, but to minister, and to give his life a ransom for many.Romans 4:25Who was delivered for our offences, and was raised again for our justification.Galatians 2:20I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me: and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by the faith of the Son of God, who loved me, and gave himself for me.1 Peter 2:24Who his own self bare our sins in his own body on the tree, that we, being dead to sins, should live unto righteousness: by whose stripes ye were healed.2 Corinthians 4:4In whom the god of this world hath blinded the minds of them which believe not, lest the light of the glorious gospel of Christ, who is the image of God, should shine unto them.Ephesians 2:2Wherein in time past ye walked according to the course of this world, according to the prince of the power of the air, the spirit that now worketh in the children of disobedience:1 Timothy 2:6Who gave himself a ransom for all, to be testified in due time.Titus 2:14Who gave himself for us, that he might redeem us from all iniquity, and purify unto himself a peculiar people, zealous of good works.Romans 12:2And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.1 Thessalonians 3:13To the end he may stablish your hearts unblameable in holiness before God, even our Father, at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ with all his saints.
Historical Context
Jewish apocalyptic thought divided history into "this age" under sin and "the age to come" when Messiah would establish God's kingdom. Paul radically reinterprets: Christ's death and resurrection inaugurated the new age, though the old continues until His return. Believers already participate in resurrection life while inhabiting fallen creation. Emphasis on Christ's self-giving directly addresses Judaizers—if Christ's sacrifice delivered from this evil age, adding law-keeping implies His work was incomplete.
Questions for Reflection
- In what specific ways has Christ's self-giving for your sins reshaped your sense of worth, identity, and purpose?
- In what areas are you still captive to this present evil age's values, priorities, and patterns?
- Why does salvation depending on God's will (not your performance) bring both freedom and assurance simultaneously?
Analysis & Commentary
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: This verse condenses Paul's gospel powerfully. "Gave himself" (dóntos heauton, δόντος ἑαυτόν) emphasizes Christ's voluntary self-sacrifice—not coerced but chosen. The reflexive pronoun intensifies personal nature: Christ didn't merely give something but gave Himself completely.
"For our sins" (hyper tōn hamartiōn hēmōn) uses hyper ("on behalf of," "in place of"), indicating substitutionary atonement. Christ didn't die as moral example but as substitute bearing sin's penalty. The purpose clause "that he might deliver" (hopōs exelētai) expresses intended result—deliverance from "this present evil age" (tou aiōnos tou enestōtos ponērou).
Paul presents apocalyptic two-age structure: present evil age dominated by sin, death, Satan; and age to come inaugurated by Christ's resurrection. Believers live in the overlap, already delivered while still physically present. Salvation came "according to the will of God and our Father," grounding redemption in divine sovereignty and initiative, not human merit or effort.