Galatians 1:7
Which is not another; but there be some that trouble you, and would pervert the gospel of Christ.
Original Language Analysis
ὃ
Which
G3739
ὃ
Which
Strong's:
G3739
Word #:
1 of 18
the relatively (sometimes demonstrative) pronoun, who, which, what, that
μή
G3361
μή
Strong's:
G3361
Word #:
6 of 18
(adverb) not, (conjunction) lest; also (as an interrogative implying a negative answer (whereas g3756 expects an affirmative one)) whether
οἱ
G3588
οἱ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
9 of 18
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
καὶ
and
G2532
καὶ
and
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
12 of 18
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
θέλοντες
would
G2309
θέλοντες
would
Strong's:
G2309
Word #:
13 of 18
to determine (as an active option from subjective impulse; whereas g1014 properly denotes rather a passive acquiescence in objective considerations),
μεταστρέψαι
pervert
G3344
μεταστρέψαι
pervert
Strong's:
G3344
Word #:
14 of 18
to turn across, i.e., transmute or (figuratively) corrupt
τὸ
G3588
τὸ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
15 of 18
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
Cross References
Acts 15:24Forasmuch as we have heard, that certain which went out from us have troubled you with words, subverting your souls, saying, Ye must be circumcised, and keep the law: to whom we gave no such commandment:Galatians 5:10I have confidence in you through the Lord, that ye will be none otherwise minded: but he that troubleth you shall bear his judgment, whosoever he be.2 Corinthians 11:13For such are false apostles, deceitful workers, transforming themselves into the apostles of Christ.2 Corinthians 2:17For we are not as many, which corrupt the word of God: but as of sincerity, but as of God, in the sight of God speak we in Christ.Galatians 5:12I would they were even cut off which trouble you.Revelation 20:3And cast him into the bottomless pit, and shut him up, and set a seal upon him, that he should deceive the nations no more, till the thousand years should be fulfilled: and after that he must be loosed a little season.1 John 4:1Beloved, believe not every spirit, but try the spirits whether they are of God: because many false prophets are gone out into the world.2 John 1:10If there come any unto you, and bring not this doctrine, receive him not into your house, neither bid him God speed:
Historical Context
The Judaizers likely used sophisticated arguments:
- Scripture commands circumcision (Genesis 17)
- Jesus was circumcised and observed Torah
- Jerusalem apostles still keep Mosaic law
- Paul was trained by Gamaliel, so they're simply correcting his oversimplification to Gentiles.
These arguments appeared biblical and traditional, making them dangerously plausible. First-century believers lacked New Testaments for reference. Paul's letters were their theological foundation, making the Judaizers' claim to represent "authentic" Jerusalem Christianity particularly threatening.
Questions for Reflection
- What distinguishes legitimate theological differences from gospel-destroying error?
- What modern teachings sound plausible and biblical while actually perverting the gospel's core?
- Why must the church exercise both theological precision and loving patience in addressing doctrinal disputes?
Analysis & Commentary
Which is not another; but there be some that trouble you, and would pervert the gospel of Christ. Paul immediately clarifies his paradox from verse 6: he called it "another gospel" (heteron, different kind), but now says it's "not another" (ouk estin allo, not another of the same kind). The Judaizers' message isn't an alternate form of genuine gospel—it's no gospel at all. Truth and error don't represent valid theological options; there's one gospel and many counterfeits.
"There be some that trouble you" identifies false teachers. Tarassontes (ταράσσοντες, "troubling") depicts agitation, stirring up, disturbing—these teachers create anxiety and confusion. "Pervert" (metastrepsai, μεταστρέψαι) means to turn, twist, distort, corrupt. They haven't merely misunderstood Paul but deliberately twisted "the gospel of Christ."
The genitive "of Christ" is subjective (gospel about Christ), objective (gospel belonging to Christ), and possessive (gospel that originated from Christ). Altering this gospel attacks Christ's person and work. To add circumcision is to declare Christ's death insufficient—the fundamental heresy Paul combats.