Galatians 4:13
What does Galatians 4:13 mean?
A plain-English look at Galatians 4:13 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.
What Galatians 4:13 means
Paul reminds them that a bodily infirmity led him to preach to them initially. What seemed an obstacle became God’s means for their salvation. His weakness did not diminish the gospel’s power. This transparency shows that gospel ministry is not upheld by human strength or appearance but by God’s grace. The Galatians knew his condition and yet received the message. The verse underscores God’s providence: He uses even affliction to open doors. It also calls the Galatians to recall the authenticity they once discerned—Paul did not come with flattering form but with truth in weakness, which they recognized and believed.
Parallel translations
WEB
World English Bible · 2000but ye know that because of an infirmity of the flesh I preached the gospel unto you the first time:
KJV
King James Version · 1611Ye know how through infirmity of the flesh I preached the gospel unto you at the first.
ASV
American Standard Version · 1901but ye know that because of an infirmity of the flesh I preached the gospel unto you the first time:
BBE
Bible in Basic English · 1949But you have knowledge that with a feeble body I was preaching the good news to you the first time;
YLT
Young's Literal Translation · 1862and ye have known that through infirmity of the flesh I did proclaim good news to you at the first,
DRA
Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752And you know how, through infirmity of the flesh, I preached the gospel to you heretofore: and your temptation in my flesh
DBY
Darby Bible · 1890But ye know that in weakness of the flesh I announced the glad tidings to you at the first;
Context
Continuing the personal appeal, Paul explains the circumstances of his first preaching in Galatia. Verse 13 introduces his infirmity, leading to verse 14’s testimony of the Galatians’ generous reception. This memory contrasts sharply with their present suspicion. By recalling how God worked through weakness, Paul seeks to rekindle their affection and trust, preparing to ask in verse 16 whether he has become their enemy by telling them the truth.
Cross references
Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.
- Galatians 1:6
I marvel that ye are so quickly removing from him that called you in the grace of Christ unto a different gospel;
- 2 Corinthians 11:6
But though I be rude in speech, yet am I not in knowledge; nay, in every way have we made this manifest unto you in all things.
- 2 Corinthians 13:4
for he was crucified through weakness, yet he liveth through the power of God. For we also are weak in him, but we shall live with him through the power of God toward you.
- 2 Corinthians 10:10
For, His letters, they say, are weighty and strong; but his bodily presence is weak, and his speech of no account.
- Acts 16:6
And they went through the region of Phrygia and Galatia, having been forbidden of the Holy Spirit to speak the word in Asia;
- 2 Corinthians 11:30
If I must needs glory, I will glory of the things that concern my weakness.
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