Galatians 4:18

Authorized King James Version

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But it is good to be zealously affected always in a good thing, and not only when I am present with you.

Original Language Analysis

καλῷ a good G2570
καλῷ a good
Strong's: G2570
Word #: 1 of 16
properly, beautiful, but chiefly (figuratively) good (literally or morally), i.e., valuable or virtuous (for appearance or use, and thus distinguished
δὲ But G1161
δὲ But
Strong's: G1161
Word #: 2 of 16
but, and, etc
τὸ G3588
τὸ
Strong's: G3588
Word #: 3 of 16
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
ζηλοῦσθαι to be zealously affected G2206
ζηλοῦσθαι to be zealously affected
Strong's: G2206
Word #: 4 of 16
to have warmth of feeling for or against
ἐν in G1722
ἐν in
Strong's: G1722
Word #: 5 of 16
"in," at, (up-)on, by, etc
καλῷ a good G2570
καλῷ a good
Strong's: G2570
Word #: 6 of 16
properly, beautiful, but chiefly (figuratively) good (literally or morally), i.e., valuable or virtuous (for appearance or use, and thus distinguished
πάντοτε always G3842
πάντοτε always
Strong's: G3842
Word #: 7 of 16
every when, i.e., at all times
καὶ thing and G2532
καὶ thing and
Strong's: G2532
Word #: 8 of 16
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
μὴ not G3361
μὴ not
Strong's: G3361
Word #: 9 of 16
(adverb) not, (conjunction) lest; also (as an interrogative implying a negative answer (whereas g3756 expects an affirmative one)) whether
μόνον only G3440
μόνον only
Strong's: G3440
Word #: 10 of 16
merely
ἐν in G1722
ἐν in
Strong's: G1722
Word #: 11 of 16
"in," at, (up-)on, by, etc
τῷ G3588
τῷ
Strong's: G3588
Word #: 12 of 16
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
παρεῖναί am present G3918
παρεῖναί am present
Strong's: G3918
Word #: 13 of 16
to be near, i.e., at hand; neuter present participle (singular) time being, or (plural) property
με I G3165
με I
Strong's: G3165
Word #: 14 of 16
me
πρὸς with G4314
πρὸς with
Strong's: G4314
Word #: 15 of 16
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,
ὑμᾶς you G5209
ὑμᾶς you
Strong's: G5209
Word #: 16 of 16
you (as the objective of a verb or preposition)

Analysis & Commentary

But it is good to be zealously affected always in a good thing, and not only when I am present with you. Paul clarifies he's not against zeal itself. "It is good to be zealously affected" (kalon de zēlousthai en kalō, καλὸν δὲ ζηλοῦσθαι ἐν καλῷ)—literally "it's good to be zealously courted in a good thing." Zeal directed toward good ends is praiseworthy. Paul isn't jealous of the Judaizers' influence; he wants the Galatians zealous for truth, not error.

"Always" (pantote, πάντοτε)—at all times, not just when convenient or when a particular teacher is present. "And not only when I am present with you" (kai mē monon en tō pareinai me pros hymas)—their zeal for the gospel shouldn't depend on Paul's physical presence. Mature believers maintain spiritual passion consistently, not just when motivated by a favorite teacher's presence. Paul subtly suggests their inconsistency: zealous when he was there, cooling and drifting when he left. True spiritual vitality is sustained by the Spirit, not fluctuating based on human presence.

Historical Context

Paul planted churches then moved on, trusting the Holy Spirit and appointed elders to maintain sound doctrine and spiritual fervor (Acts 14:23, 20:28-31). The Galatians' rapid defection after his departure revealed inadequate spiritual maturity and grounding. False teachers often succeed by exploiting the absence of faithful teachers. Paul's point: your commitment to truth should be constant, not dependent on my physical presence. The indwelling Spirit, not any human teacher, sustains genuine faith.

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