Galatians 1:9
What does Galatians 1:9 mean?
A plain-English look at Galatians 1:9 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.
What Galatians 1:9 means
Paul repeats the anathema almost verbatim to drive the point home: the content of the message is decisive. “If any man” preaches another gospel than what the Galatians received, he is under a curse. This repetition rules out exceptions based on personal affection, community influence, or public pressure. The Gospel they received was sufficient and complete; deviation is damnable, not debatable. Paul’s firmness protects the church’s life and liberty in Christ. It also clears the air for his next defense: he is not a people-pleaser softening the message; the very opposite is true—he risks offense to remain faithful to Christ’s commission.
Parallel translations
WEB
World English Bible · 2000As we have said before, so say I now again, If any man preacheth unto you any gospel other than that which ye received, let him be anathema.
KJV
King James Version · 1611As we said before, so say I now again, If any man preach any other gospel unto you than that ye have received, let him be accursed.
ASV
American Standard Version · 1901As we have said before, so say I now again, If any man preacheth unto you any gospel other than that which ye received, let him be anathema.
BBE
Bible in Basic English · 1949As we have said before, so say I now again, If any man is a preacher to you of any good news other than that which has been given to you, let there be a curse on him.
YLT
Young's Literal Translation · 1862as we have said before, and now say again, If any one to you may proclaim good news different from what ye did receive--anathema let him be!
DRA
Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752As we said before, so now I say again: If any one preach to you a gospel, besides that which you have received, let him be anathema.
DBY
Darby Bible · 1890As we have said before, now also again I say, If any one announce to you as glad tidings [anything] besides what ye have received, let him be accursed.
Context
The verse echoes verse 8, cementing the seriousness of embracing any other message. Immediately, Paul addresses the charge that his Gentile mission catered to human approval (verse 10). His uncompromising anathema shows he seeks God’s favor, not man’s. From there (verses 11–12), he explains the divine origin of his Gospel, which further justifies his absolute stance. The flow moves from curse against false messages to the positive claim that his message is from God, not man.
v.8But though we, or an angel from heaven, should preach unto you any gospel other than that which we preached unto you, let him be anathema.
v.9This passage
v.10For am I now seeking the favor of men, or of God? or am I striving to please men? if I were still pleasing men, I should not be a servant of Christ.
Cross references
Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.
- 2 Corinthians 1:17
When I therefore was thus minded, did I show fickleness? or the things that I purpose, do I purpose according to the flesh, that with me there should be the yea yea and the nay nay?
- Deuteronomy 4:2
Ye shall not add unto the word which I command you, neither shall ye diminish from it, that ye may keep the commandments of Jehovah your God which I command you.
- Romans 16:17
Now I beseech you, brethren, mark them that are causing the divisions and occasions of stumbling, contrary to the doctrine which ye learned: and turn away from them.
- Philippians 3:1
Finally, my brethren, rejoice in the Lord. To write the same things to you, to me indeed is not irksome, but for you it is safe.
- 2 Corinthians 13:1
This is the third time I am coming to you. At the mouth of two witnesses or three shall every word be established.
- Revelation 22:18
I testify unto every man that heareth the words of the prophecy of this book, If any man shall add unto them, God shall add unto him the plagues which are written in this book:
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