Galatians 1:20
What does Galatians 1:20 mean?
A plain-English look at Galatians 1:20 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.
What Galatians 1:20 means
Sensing the potential skepticism of his readers, Paul pauses to swear truthfulness: “before God, I lie not.” This solemn oath underscores the integrity and historical reliability of his account. He is not adjusting facts to win an argument; he is invoking God as witness. Such seriousness matches the stakes of the letter. If the Gospel’s source is misrepresented, the church’s freedom and faith are endangered. Paul’s integrity becomes part of his defense: a man willing to call God as witness is not casually manipulating the story of his conversion and early ministry.
Parallel translations
WEB
World English Bible · 2000Now touching the things which I write unto you, behold, before God, I lie not.
KJV
King James Version · 1611Now the things which I write unto you, behold, before God, I lie not.
ASV
American Standard Version · 1901Now touching the things which I write unto you, behold, before God, I lie not.
BBE
Bible in Basic English · 1949Now God is witness that the things which I am writing to you are true.
YLT
Young's Literal Translation · 1862And the things that I write to you, lo, before God--I lie not;
DRA
Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752Now the things which I write to you, behold, before God, I lie not.
DBY
Darby Bible · 1890Now what I write to you, behold, beforeGod, I do not lie.
Context
This emphatic assertion follows Paul’s tightly controlled account of limited contact with Jerusalem’s leaders. It clears the ground for the next geographical move—Syria and Cilicia (verse 21)—where his ministry continued. The oath acts as a hinge between recounting his brief Jerusalem visit and describing his work away from Judea, further establishing that neither extended apostolic instruction nor Judean recognition produced his Gospel.
Cross references
Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.
- Romans 9:1
I say the truth in Christ, I lie not, my conscience bearing witness with me in the Holy Spirit,
- 2 Corinthians 11:10
As the truth of Christ is in me, no man shall stop me of this glorying in the regions of Achaia.
- 2 Corinthians 11:31
The God and Father of the Lord Jesus, he who is blessed for evermore knoweth that I lie not.
Related questions readers ask
Keep reading
Want to dig deeper? Explore Galatians 1
Hand-picked devotionals, topical studies, and pastoral answers that draw on Galatians 1.
Topics that quote it
Topic
The Gospel in the Bible
The gospel is the good news of God’s salvation through Jesus Christ, offered to all who believe.
Topic
Bible Verses About Solitude
Solitude, often distinguished from loneliness, is a state of being alone that can be intentionally sought for spiritual growth and reflection.
Topic
Bible Verses About Adoption as Sons
God’s plan for us includes adoption into his family, bringing us from spiritual orphanhood to beloved children.