Galatians 2:6

Authorized King James Version

But of these who seemed to be somewhat, (whatsoever they were, it maketh no matter to me: God accepteth no man's person:) for they who seemed to be somewhat in conference added nothing to me:

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
ἀπὸ
G575
of
"off," i.e., away (from something near), in various senses (of place, time, or relation; literal or figurative)
#2
δὲ
G1161
But
but, and, etc
#3
τῶν
G3588
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#4
δοκοῦντες
G1380
these who seemed
compare the base of g1166) of the same meaning; to think; by implication, to seem (truthfully or uncertainly)
#5
εἶναί
G1511
to be
to exist
#6
τι
G5100
somewhat
some or any person or object
#7
ὁποῖοί
G3697
(whatsoever
of what kind that, i.e., how (as) great (excellent) (specially, as an indefinite correlative to the definite antecedent g5108 of quality)
#8
ποτε
G4218
indefinite adverb, at some time, ever
#9
ἦσαν
G2258
they were
i (thou, etc.) was (wast or were)
#10
οὐδὲν
G3762
no
not even one (man, woman or thing), i.e., none, nobody, nothing
#11
μοι
G3427
to me
to me
#12
διαφέρει·
G1308
it maketh
to bear through, i.e., (literally) transport; usually to bear apart, i.e., (objectively) to toss about (figuratively, report); subjectively, to "diffe
#13
πρόσωπον
G4383
person
the front (as being towards view), i.e., the countenance, aspect, appearance, surface; by implication, presence, person
#14
θεὸς
G2316
God
a deity, especially (with g3588) the supreme divinity; figuratively, a magistrate; exceedingly (by hebraism)
#15
ἀνθρώπου
G444
man's
man-faced, i.e., a human being
#16
οὐ
G3756
no
the absolute negative (compare g3361) adverb; no or not
#17
λαμβάνει
G2983
accepteth
while g0138 is more violent, to seize or remove))
#18
ἐμοὶ
G1698
to me
to me
#19
γὰρ
G1063
for
properly, assigning a reason (used in argument, explanation or intensification; often with other particles)
#20
οἱ
G3588
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#21
δοκοῦντες
G1380
these who seemed
compare the base of g1166) of the same meaning; to think; by implication, to seem (truthfully or uncertainly)
#22
οὐδὲν
G3762
no
not even one (man, woman or thing), i.e., none, nobody, nothing
#23
προσανέθεντο
G4323
to be somewhat in conference added
to lay up in addition, i.e., (middle voice and figuratively) to impart or (by implication) to consult

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 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 divine sovereignty in this particular way.

Questions for Reflection