Galatians 1:5
To whom be glory for ever and ever. Amen.
Original Language Analysis
ᾧ
To whom
G3739
ᾧ
To whom
Strong's:
G3739
Word #:
1 of 9
the relatively (sometimes demonstrative) pronoun, who, which, what, that
ἡ
G3588
ἡ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
2 of 9
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
δόξα
be glory
G1391
δόξα
be glory
Strong's:
G1391
Word #:
3 of 9
glory (as very apparent), in a wide application (literal or figurative, objective or subjective)
εἰς
for
G1519
εἰς
for
Strong's:
G1519
Word #:
4 of 9
to or into (indicating the point reached or entered), of place, time, or (figuratively) purpose (result, etc.); also in adverbial phrases
τοὺς
G3588
τοὺς
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
5 of 9
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
αἰώνων
and ever
G165
αἰώνων
and ever
Strong's:
G165
Word #:
6 of 9
properly, an age; by extension, perpetuity (also past); by implication, the world; specially (jewish) a messianic period (present or future)
τῶν
G3588
τῶν
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
7 of 9
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
Cross References
Romans 11:36For of him, and through him, and to him, are all things: to whom be glory for ever. Amen.Jude 1:25To the only wise God our Saviour, be glory and majesty, dominion and power, both now and ever. Amen.Hebrews 13:21Make you perfect in every good work to do his will, working in you that which is wellpleasing in his sight, through Jesus Christ; to whom be glory for ever and ever. Amen.Psalms 72:19And blessed be his glorious name for ever: and let the whole earth be filled with his glory; Amen, and Amen.
Historical Context
Doxologies were common in Jewish prayer and worship (synagogue liturgy). Paul adapts this liturgical form for Christian use, directing glory to God through Christ. Early Christian practice of ascribing divine glory to Jesus reflects high Christology from the earliest days—Jesus receives worship and honor belonging to Yahweh alone. In honor-shame cultures, glory (doxa/kabod) was supreme social currency. Paul's emphasis on God's exclusive glory radically challenged both pagan and Jewish honor systems.
Questions for Reflection
- Do your beliefs about salvation give all glory to God or require sharing glory with human decision or effort?
- When did you last spontaneously worship God in response to contemplating the gospel's beauty and completeness?
- What would your calendar and bank account reveal about whether you live for God's glory or your own comfort?
Analysis & Commentary
To whom be glory for ever and ever. Amen. This doxology concludes the greeting with ascription of glory to God. The relative pronoun "whom" refers to "God and our Father" (v. 4), though the unity of Father and Son suggests glory belongs to both. Greek hē doxa (ἡ δόξα) uses the definite article, pointing to God's unique, supreme, unshared glory.
"For ever and ever" translates eis tous aiōnas tōn aiōnōn (εἰς τοὺς αἰῶνας τῶν αἰώνων), literally "unto the ages of the ages"—Hebrew superlative construction expressing eternity. God's glory is eternal and essential to His nature. "Amen" (amēn, ἀμήν) from Hebrew אָמֵן means "truly" or "so be it," functioning as affirmation and prayer.
Paul's strategic placement of doxology after stating the gospel anticipates the letter's central argument: any teaching diminishing Christ's complete work robs God of glory. If salvation depends partly on human effort, glory must be shared between God and man. The Judaizers' message fundamentally dishonored God by suggesting His grace in Christ was insufficient. This makes the controversy ultimately about God's glory.