Galatians 2:14

Authorized King James Version

But when I saw that they walked not uprightly according to the truth of the gospel, I said unto Peter before them all, If thou, being a Jew, livest after the manner of Gentiles, and not as do the Jews, why compellest thou the Gentiles to live as do the Jews?

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
ἀλλ'
G235
But
properly, other things, i.e., (adverbially) contrariwise (in many relations)
#2
ὅτε
G3753
when
at which (thing) too, i.e., when
#3
εἶδον
G1492
I saw
used only in certain past tenses, the others being borrowed from the equivalent g3700 and g3708; properly, to see (literally or figuratively); by impl
#4
ὅτι
G3754
that
demonstrative, that (sometimes redundant); causative, because
#5
οὐκ
G3756
not
the absolute negative (compare g3361) adverb; no or not
#6
ὀρθοποδοῦσιν
G3716
they walked
to be straight-footed, i.e., (figuratively) to go directly forward
#7
πρὸς
G4314
according 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,
#8
τὴν
G3588
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#9
ἀλήθειαν
G225
the truth
truth
#10
τοῦ
G3588
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#11
εὐαγγελίου
G2098
of the gospel
a good message, i.e., the gospel
#12
εἶπον
G2036
I said
to speak or say (by word or writing)
#13
τῷ
G3588
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#14
Πέτρῳ
G4074
unto Peter
a (piece of) rock (larger than g3037); as a name, petrus, an apostle
#15
ἔμπροσθεν
G1715
before
in front of (in place (literally or figuratively) or time)
#16
πάντων
G3956
them all
all, any, every, the whole
#17
Εἰ
G1487
If
if, whether, that, etc
#18
σὺ
G4771
thou
thou
#19
Ἰουδαῖος
G2453
a Jew
judaean, i.e., belonging to jehudah
#20
ὑπάρχων
G5225
being
to begin under (quietly), i.e., come into existence (be present or at hand); expletively, to exist (as copula or subordinate to an adjective, particip
#21
ἐθνικῶς
G1483
after the manner of Gentiles
as a gentile
#22
ζῇς
G2198
livest
to live (literally or figuratively)
#23
καὶ
G2532
and
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
#24
οὐκ
G3756
not
the absolute negative (compare g3361) adverb; no or not
#25
Ἰουδαϊκῶς
G2452
as do the Jews
judacally or in a manner resembling a judaean
#26
τί
G5101
why
an interrogative pronoun, who, which or what (in direct or indirect questions)
#27
τὰ
G3588
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#28
ἔθνη
G1484
the Gentiles
a race (as of the same habit), i.e., a tribe; specially, a foreign (non-jewish) one (usually, by implication, pagan)
#29
ἀναγκάζεις
G315
compellest thou
to necessitate
#30
Ἰουδαΐζειν
G2450
to live as do the Jews
to become a judaean, i.e., "judaize"

Analysis

This verse develops the salvation theme central to Galatians. The concept of truth reflects the development of salvation within biblical theology. The literary structure and word choice here contribute to biblical literature contributing to the canon's theological witness, advancing the author's theological argument. The original language emphasizes careful word choice that would have carried specific theological weight for the original audience, providing deeper understanding of the author's theological intention.

Historical Context

The literary and historical milieu of the literary conventions and historical circumstances of biblical literature shapes this text's meaning. The historical development of salvation within the theological tradition of Galatians Understanding the ancient worldview that shaped the author's theological expression helps modern readers appreciate why the author emphasizes truth in this particular way.

Questions for Reflection