Galatians 2:9

Authorized King James Version

And when James, Cephas, and John, who seemed to be pillars, perceived the grace that was given unto me, they gave to me and Barnabas the right hands of fellowship; that we should go unto the heathen, and they unto the circumcision.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
καὶ
G2532
And
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
#2
γνόντες
G1097
perceived
to "know" (absolutely) in a great variety of applications and with many implications (as follow, with others not thus clearly expressed)
#3
τὴν
G3588
who
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#4
χάριν
G5485
the grace
graciousness (as gratifying), of manner or act (abstract or concrete; literal, figurative or spiritual; especially the divine influence upon the heart
#5
τὴν
G3588
who
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#6
ἔδωκαν
G1325
that was given
to give (used in a very wide application, properly, or by implication, literally or figuratively; greatly modified by the connection)
#7
μοι
G3427
unto me
to me
#8
Ἰάκωβος
G2385
when James
jacobus, the name of three israelites
#9
καὶ
G2532
And
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
#10
Κηφᾶς
G2786
Cephas
the rock; cephas (i.e., kepha), a surname of peter
#11
καὶ
G2532
And
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
#12
Ἰωάννης
G2491
John
joannes (i.e., jochanan), the name of four israelites
#13
τὴν
G3588
who
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#14
δοκοῦντες
G1380
seemed
compare the base of g1166) of the same meaning; to think; by implication, to seem (truthfully or uncertainly)
#15
στῦλοι
G4769
pillars
a post ("style"), i.e., (figuratively) support
#16
εἶναι
G1511
to be
to exist
#17
δεξιὰς
G1188
the right hands
the right side or (feminine) hand (as that which usually takes)
#18
ἔδωκαν
G1325
that was given
to give (used in a very wide application, properly, or by implication, literally or figuratively; greatly modified by the connection)
#19
ἐμοὶ
G1698
to me
to me
#20
καὶ
G2532
And
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
#21
Βαρναβᾷ
G921
Barnabas
son of nabas (i.e., prophecy); barnabas, an israelite
#22
κοινωνίας
G2842
of fellowship
partnership, i.e., (literally) participation, or (social) intercourse, or (pecuniary) benefaction
#23
ἵνα
G2443
that
in order that (denoting the purpose or the result)
#24
ἡμεῖς
G2249
we
we (only used when emphatic)
#25
εἰς
G1519
should go unto
to or into (indicating the point reached or entered), of place, time, or (figuratively) purpose (result, etc.); also in adverbial phrases
#26
τὴν
G3588
who
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#27
ἔθνη
G1484
the heathen
a race (as of the same habit), i.e., a tribe; specially, a foreign (non-jewish) one (usually, by implication, pagan)
#28
αὐτοὶ
G846
the reflexive pronoun self, used (alone or in the comparative g1438) of the third person, and (with the proper personal pronoun) of the other persons
#29
δὲ
G1161
and
but, and, etc
#30
εἰς
G1519
should go unto
to or into (indicating the point reached or entered), of place, time, or (figuratively) purpose (result, etc.); also in adverbial phrases
#31
τὴν
G3588
who
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#32
περιτομήν·
G4061
the circumcision
circumcision (the rite, the condition or the people, literally or figuratively)

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 grace relates to the doctrine of soteriology and God's unmerited favor in salvation and connects to the broader scriptural witness about God's saving work from the Exodus to the cross.

Historical Context

This passage must be understood within the political and social structures of the biblical period. The author writes to address believers seeking to understand God's will and purposes, making the emphasis on salvation particularly relevant. Historical documents from this period show cultural practices and social structures that would have been familiar to the original readers, illuminating the verse's original impact.

Questions for Reflection