Galatians 4:13

← Galatians 4:12 Galatians 4:14 →

Galatians 4:13 in Multiple Translations

Berean Standard Bible BSB

You know that it was because of an illness that I first preached the gospel to you.

King James Version KJV

Ye know how through infirmity of the flesh I preached the gospel unto you at the first.

American Standard Version ASV

but ye know that because of an infirmity of the flesh I preached the gospel unto you the first time:

Bible in Basic English BBE

But you have knowledge that with a feeble body I was preaching the good news to you the first time;

Free Bible Version FBV

You remember that it was because I was sick that I shared with you the good news on my first visit.

Geneva Bible 1599 GNV

And ye know, how through infirmitie of the flesh, I preached ye Gospel vnto you at the first.

Young's Literal Translation YLT

and ye have known that through infirmity of the flesh I did proclaim good news to you at the first,

World English Bible WEB

but you know that because of weakness in the flesh I preached the Good News to you the first time.

Noah Webster Bible WBS

Ye know that in infirmity of the flesh I preached the gospel to you at the first.

Douay-Rheims 1899 DRV

And you know, how through infirmity of the flesh, I preached the gospel to you heretofore: and your temptation in my flesh,

Translation for Translators T4T

You know that the first time I preached to you, I went to your area to regain my health, because I was physically weak.

Plain English Version PEV

even though I was sick. And I told you the good news about Jesus.

Study Highlights

Key words in the translations above are automatically highlighted. Names of God and Jesus are marked in purple, the Holy Spirit in orange, divine action verbs are underlined, and repeated key words are highlighted in yellow.

Enable Study Highlights

God & Jesus

Holy Spirit

Divine Actions

Repeated Words

Berean Amplified Bible — Galatians 4:13

BAB

Word Study

Hover over any word to see its amplified meaning. Click a word to explore its full definition and translation comparisons.

Amplified text is generated using scripting to tie together English translations for comparison. Always refer to the core BSB translation and original Hebrew/Greek text for accuracy. Anomalies may occur.

Galatians 4:13 Interlinear (Deep Study)

BIB

GRK οιδατε δε οτι δι ασθενειαν της σαρκος ευηγγελισαμην υμιν το προτερον

οιδατε eidō G1492 to perceive: see Verb-RAI-2P

δε de G1161 then Conj

οτι hoti G3754 that/since: that Conj

δι dia G1223 through/because of Prep

ασθενειαν astheneia G769 weakness: weak Noun-ASF

της ho G3588 the/this/who Art-GSF

σαρκος sarx G4561 flesh Noun-GSF

ευηγγελισαμην euangelizomai G2097 to speak good news Verb-AMI-1S

υμιν su G4771 you Pron-2DP

το ho G3588 the/this/who Art-ASN

προτερον proteron G4386 previously Adj-ASN-C

Greek Word Study

Select any word above to explore its original meaning, root, and usage across Scripture.

Use ← → arrow keys to navigate between words.

Greek Word Reference — Galatians 4:13

οιδατε eidō G1492 "to perceive: see" Verb-RAI-2P

This verb means to see or perceive, used in the Bible to describe spiritual awareness or insight. In Matthew 25:13 and John 10:4, it refers to recognizing God's presence or will. The verb is often used to encourage believers to seek spiritual understanding and discernment.

Definition: οἶδα, (from same root as εἶδον, which see), [in LXX chiefly for ידע ;] pf. with present meaning (plpf. as impf.; on irregular tense-forms, see App.), to have seen or perceived, hence, to know, have knowledge of: with accusative of thing(s), Mat.25:13, Mrk.10:19, Jhn.10:4, Rom.7:7, al.; with accusative of person(s), Mat.26:72, Jhn.1:31, Act.3:16, al.; τ. θεόν, 1Th.4:5, Tit.1:16, al.; with accusative and inf., Luk.4:41, al.; before ὅτι, Mat.9:6, Luk.20:21, Jhn.3:2, Rom.2:2 11:2, al.; before quaest. indir., Mat.26:70, Jhn.9:21, Eph.1:18, al.; with inf., to know how (cl.), Mat.7:11, Luk.11:13, Php.4:12, 1Th.4:4, al.; in unique sense of respect, appreciate: 1Th.5:12 (but see also ICC on 1Th.4:4). SYN.: see: γινώσκω. (AS)

Usage: Occurs in 295 NT verses. KJV: be aware, behold, X can (+ not tell), consider, (have) know(-ledge), look (on), perceive, see, be sure, tell, understand, wish, wot See also: 1 Corinthians 1:16; Acts 26:27; 1 Peter 1:8.

δε de G1161 "then" Conj

This is a conjunction that means and, but, or then, used to connect ideas like in Matthew 1:2 and 2 Corinthians 6:15.

Definition: δέ (before vowels δ᾽; on the general neglect of the elision in NT, see WH, App., 146; Tdf., Pr., 96), post-positive conjunctive particle; __1. copulative, but, in the next place, and, now (Abbott, JG, 104): Mat.1:2ff., 2Co.6:15, 16, 2Pe.1:5-7; in repetition for emphasis, Rom.3:21, 22, 9:30, 1Co.2:6, Gal.2:2, Php.2:8; in transition to something new, Mat.1:18, 2:19, Luk.13:1, Jhn.7:14, Act.6:1, Rom.8:28, 1Co.7:1 8:1, al.; in explanatory parenthesis or addition, Jhn.3:19, Rom.5:8, 1Co.1:12, Eph.2:4, 5:32, al.; ὡς δέ, Jhn.2:9; καὶ . . . δέ, but also, Mat.10:18, Luk.1:76, Jhn.6:51, Rom.11:23, al.; καὶ ἐὰν δέ, yea even if, Jhn.8:16. __2. Adversative, but, on the other hand, prop., answering to a foregoing μέν (which see), and distinguishing a word or clause from one preceding (in NT most frequently without μέν; Bl., §77, 12): ἐὰν δέ, Mat.6:14, 23, al.; ἐγὼ (σὺ, etc.) δέ, Mat.5:22, 6:6, Mrk.8:29, al.; ὁ δέ, αὐτὸς δέ, Mrk.1:45, Luk.4:40, al.; after a negation, Mat.6:19, 20, Rom.3:4, 1Th.5:21, al. (AS)

Usage: Occurs in 2552 NT verses. KJV: also, and, but, moreover, now (often unexpressed in English) See also: 1 Corinthians 1:10; 1 Corinthians 12:9; 1 Peter 1:7.

οτι hoti G3754 "that/since: that" Conj

This Greek word means 'that' or 'because', used to introduce a reason or explanation. It appears in the New Testament, such as in Matthew 3:9 and Romans 8:38. It helps to show cause and effect in sentences.

Definition: ὅτι, conjc. (prop. neut. of ὅστις). __I. As conjc, introducing an objective clause, that; __1. after verbs of seeing, knowing, thinking, saying, feeling: Mat.3:9 6:32 11:25, Mrk.3:28, Luk.2:49, Jhn.2:22, Act.4:13, Rom.1:13 8:38 10:9, Php.4:15, Jas.2:24, al.; elliptically, Jhn.6:46, Php.3:12, al. __2. After εἶναι (γίνεσθαι): defining a demonstr. or of person(s) pron., Jhn.3:19 16:19, Rom.9:6, 1Jn.3:16 al.; with pron. interrog., Mat.8:27, Mrk.4:41, Luk.4:36, Jhn.4:22 al.; id. elliptically, Luk.2:49, Act.5:4, 9, al.; __3. Untranslatable, before direct discourse (ὅτι recitantis): Mat.7:23, Mrk.2:16, Luk.1:61, Jhn.1:20, Act.15:1, Heb.11:18, al. (on the pleonastic ὡς ὅτι, see: ὡς). __II. As causal particle, for that, because: Mat.5:4-12, Luk.6:20, 21, J0 1:30 5:27, Act.1:5, 1Jn.4:18, Rev.3:10, al. mult.; διὰ τοῦτο ὅτι, Jhn.8:47 10:17, al.; answering a question (διὰ τί), Rom.9:32, al.; οὐκ ὅτι . . . ἀλλ᾽ ὅτι, Jhn.6:26 12:6. (AS)

Usage: Occurs in 1185 NT verses. KJV: as concerning that, as though, because (that), for (that), how (that), (in) that, though, why See also: 1 Corinthians 1:5; 1 John 5:2; 1 Peter 1:12.

δι dia G1223 "through/because of" Prep

Means through or because of, like in Matthew 2:12 where the wise men left by another route. It shows cause or occasion, as in 1 Corinthians 3:15, being saved through fire. It can also describe a state or condition, like in Romans.

Definition: διά (before a vowel δ᾽, exc. Rom.8:10, 2Co.5:7, and in (Proper name)s; Tdf., Pr., 94), prep. with genitive, accusative, as in cl.; __1. with genitive, through; __(i) of Place, after verbs of motion or action: Mat.2:12 12:43, Mrk.2:23, Luk.4:30, Jhn.4:4, 2Co.11:33, al.; σώζεσθαι (διας-) δ. πυρός, ὕδατος, 1Co.3:15, 1Pe.3:20; βλέπειν δ. ἐσόπτρου, 1Co.13:12; metaphorically, of a state or condition: Rom.14:20, 2Co.2:4 5:7, 10; δ. γράμματος, ἀκροβυστίας (Lft., Notes, 263, 279), Rom.2:27 4:11; δι ̓ὑπομενῆς, Rom.8:25. __(ii) Of Time; __(a) during which: Mat.26:61, Mrk.14:58, Luk.5:5; δ. παντὸς τοῦ ζῆν, Heb.2:15; δ. παντός (διαπαντός in Mrk.5:5, Luk.24:53), always, continually, Mat.18:10, Act.2:25" (LXX) 10:2 24:16, Rom.11:10" (LXX), 2Th.3:16, Heb.9:6 13:15. __(b) within which: Act.1:3; δ. νυκτός, Act.5:19 16:9 17:10 23:31; __(with) after which (Field, Notes, 20; Abbott, JG, 255f.): Mrk.2:1, Act.24:17, Gal.2:1. __(iii) Of the Means or Instrument; __(1) of the efficient cause (regarded also as the instrument): of God, Rom.11:36, 1Co.1:9, Gal.4:7, Heb.2:10 7:21; of Christ, Rom.1:8 5:1, 17, 1Co.15:21, 1Pe.4:11, al.; δ. τ. ὑμῶν δεήσεως, Rom.1:12, 2Co.1:4, Gal.4:23, al.; __(2) of the agent, instrument or means; __(a) with genitive of person(s), Mat.11:2, Luk.1:70, Jhn.1:17, Act.1:16, Rom.2:16, 1Co.1:21, Eph.1:5, Heb.2:14, Rev.1:1, al.; ὑπὸ τ. κυρίου δ. τ. προφήτου (δ. τ. κυρίου, 1Th.4:2 (M, Th., in l.); Lft., Rev., 121f.), Mat.1:22 2:15, Rom.1:2; δ. ἐπιστολῆς ὡς δ. ἡμῶν (Field, Notes, 202), 2Th.2:2; δ. Σ. (NTD, 22), 1Pe.5:12; __(b) with genitive of thing(s) (where often the simple dative is used in cl.; Jannaris, Gr., 375), Jhn.11:4, Act.5:12; δ. τ. πίστεως, Rom.3:30; δ. λόγου θεοῦ, 1Pe.1:23; δ. παραβολῆς, Luk.8:4; δουλεύειν δ. τ. ἀγάπης, Gal.5:13; δ. ἐπαγγελίας, Gal.3:18, __2. C. accusative; __(i) rarely, as with genitive, through (Hom), δ. μέσον Σαμαρίας (ICC, in l.; Bl., §42, 1; Robertson, Gr., 581), Luk.17:11. __(ii) by reason of, because of, for the sake of; __(a) with accusative of person(s) (M, Pr., 105), Mrk.2:27, Jhn.6:57 11:42, Rom.8:20; __(b) with accusative of thing(s), δ. φθόνον, Mat.27:18, Mrk.15:10; δ. φόβον, Jhn.7:13 20:19; δ. ἀγάπην, Eph.2:4; δ. τοῦτο, freq., for this cause, therefore, Mat.6:25, Mrk.6:14, Luk.11:49, Jhn.6:65, al.; id. before ὅτι, Jhn.5:16 10:17, al.; δ. τί, why, Mat.9:11, 14 Mrk.2:18, Jhn.7:45, al.; δ. τό, with inf., Mrk.5:4, Luk.9:7, Jas.4:2. __3. In composition, __(1) through, as in διαβαίνω; __(2) of separation, asunder, as in διασπάω; __(3) of distribution, abroad, as in διαγγέλλω; __(4) of transition, as διαλλάσσω; __(5) of "perfective" action (M, Pr., 112f., 115f.), as διαφύγω, διακαθαρίζω. (AS)

Usage: Occurs in 603 NT verses. KJV: after, always, among, at, to avoid, because of (that), briefly, by, for (cause) … fore, from, in, by occasion of, of, by reason of, for sake, that, thereby, therefore, X though, through(-out), to, wherefore, with (-in) See also: 1 Corinthians 1:1; 2 Corinthians 8:8; 1 Peter 1:3.

ασθενειαν astheneia G769 "weakness: weak" Noun-ASF

The Greek word for weakness or frailty describes a lack of strength or health, as seen in Luke 13:11-12 and John 11:4, and can also refer to moral frailty. This concept is discussed in various New Testament passages, including Romans and 2 Corinthians.

Definition: ἀσθένεια, -ας, ἡ (ἀσθενής), [in LXX for כָּשַׁל, etc. ;] weakness, frailty, sickness: Luk.13:11-12, Jhn.11:4, Act.28:9, Rom.6:19 8:26, 2Co.11:30 13:4, Gal.4:13 (MM, see word), Heb.5:2 7:28 11:34; ἐν ἀ., Jhn.5:5, 1Co.2:3 15:43, 2Co.12:9; pl., Mat.8:17, Luk.5:15 8:2, 2Co.12:5 12:9-10, 1Ti.5:23, Heb.4:15.† SYN.: μαλακία, νόσος (see DB, iii, 323a) (AS)

Usage: Occurs in 23 NT verses. KJV: disease, infirmity, sickness, weakness See also: 1 Corinthians 2:3; Hebrews 5:2; Hebrews 4:15.

της ho G3588 "the/this/who" Art-GSF

The Greek word for 'the' or 'this', used to point out a specific person or thing, like in Acts 17:28. It can also mean 'he', 'she', or 'it'.

Definition: ὁ, ἡ, τό, the prepositive article (ἄρθρον προτακτικόν), originally a demonstr. pron. (so usually in Hom.), in general corresponding to the Eng. definite article. __I. As demonstr. pron. __1. As frequently in Hom., absol., he (she, it), his (etc.): Act.17:28 (quoted from the poet Aratus). __2. Distributive, ὁ μὲν . . . ὁ δέ, the one . . . the other: 1Co.7:7, Gal.4:22; pl., Act.14:4, 17:32, Php.1:16, al.; οἱ μὲν . . . ἄλλοι δέ, Mat.16:14, Jhn.7:12; οἱ μεν̀ . . . ὁδέ, Heb.7:21, 23. __3. In narration (without ὁ μὲν preceding), ὁ δέ, but he: Mat.2:14, Mrk.1:45, Luk.8:21, Jhn.9:38, al. mult. __II. As prepositive article, the, prefixed, __1. to nouns unmodified: ὁ θεός, τὸ φῶς, etc.; to abstract nouns, ἡ σοφία, etc., to pl. nouns which indicate a class, οἱ ἀλώπεκες, foxes, Mat.8:20, al.; to an individual as representing a class, ὁ ἐργάτης, Luk.10:7; with nom. = voc. in addresses, Mat.11:26, Jhn.19:3, Jas.5:1, al.; to things which pertain to one, ἡ χεῖρ, his hand, Mrk.3:1; to names of persons well known or already mentioned; usually to names of countries (originally adjectives), ἡ Ἰουδαία, etc. __2. To modified nouns: with of person(s) pron. genitive, μοῦ, σοῦ, etc.; with poss. pron., ἐμός, σός, etc.; with adj. between the art. and the noun, ὁ ἀγαθὸς ἄνθρωπος, Mat.12:35; the noun foll, by adj., both with art., ὁ ποιμὴν ὁ καλός, Jhn.10:11 (on ὁ ὄχλος πολύς, Jhn.12:9, see M, Pr., 84); before adjectival phrases, ἡ κατ᾽ ἐκλογὴν πρόθεσις, Rom.9:11. __3. To Other parts of speech used as substantives; __(a) neuter adjectives: τ. ἀγαθόν, etc.; __(b) cardinal numerals: ὁ εἶς, οἷ δύο, etc.; __(with) participles: ὁ βαπτίζων (= ὁ Βαπτιστής, Mat.14:2), Mrk.6:14; πᾶς ὁ, with ptcp., every one who, etc.; __(d) adverbs: τὸ πέραν, τὰ νῦν, ὁ ἔσω ἄνθρωπος; __(e) infinitives: nom., τὸ θέλειν, Rom.7:18, al.; genitive, τοῦ, after adjectives, ἄξιον τοῦ πορεύεσθαι, 1Co.16:4; verbs, ἐλαχεν τοῦ θυμιᾶσαι, Luk.1:9; and frequently in a final sense, ἐξῆλθεν ὁ σπείρειν, Mat.13:3 (on the artic. inf., see Bl., §71). __4. In the neut. to sentences, phrases or single words treated as a quotation: τὸ Ἐι δύνῃ, Mrk.9:23; τὸ ἔτι ἅπαξ, Heb.12:27; τὸ ἀνέβη, Eph.4:9, al. __5. To prepositional phrases: οἱ ἀπὸ Ἰταλίας, Heb.13:24; οἱ ἐκ νόμου, Rom.4:14; neut. accusative absol., in adverbial phrases, τὸ καθ᾽ ἡμέραν, daily, Luk.11:3; τὸ κατὰ σάρκα, as regards the flesh, Rom.9:5. __6. To nouns in the genitive, denoting kinship, association, etc.: ὁ τοῦ, the son of (unless context indicates a different relationship), Mat.10:2, al.; τὰ τοῦ θεοῦ, the things that pertain to God, Mat.16:23; τὰ τῆς εἰρήνης, Rom.14:19 (cf. M, Pr., 81ff.; Bl, §§46, 47). (AS)

Usage: Occurs in 7033 NT verses. KJV: the, this, that, one, he, she, it, etc See also: 1 Corinthians 1:1; 1 Corinthians 7:16; 1 Corinthians 11:24.

σαρκος sarx G4561 "flesh" Noun-GSF

Flesh refers to the physical body, like the meat of an animal or the human body, as seen in 1 Corinthians 15:39 and Luke 24:39.

Definition: σάρξ, σαρκός, ἡ [in LXX chiefly for בָּשָׂר ;] flesh; __1. as in cl. generally, __(a) prop., of the soft substance of the animal body: 1Co.15:39, 2Co.12:7, Gal.6:13, al.; σ. καὶ αἷμα, 1Co.5:50; σ. καὶ ὀστέα, Luk.24:39; pl., of the flesh of many or parts of the flesh of one (cl.), Rev.17:16 19:18; φαγεῖν, Re, ll. with (cf. κατεσθίειν, 4Ki.9:36, al., and βιβρώσκειν, frequently in l.); metaphorically, Jas.5:3; mystically, φ. (τρώγειν) τὴν σ. τοῦ υἱοῦ τ. ἀνθρώπου, Jhn.6:52-56; __(b) Of the whole substance of the body, = σῶμα: Act.2:26 (LXX), 31, 2Co.12:7, Gal.4:14, Eph.5:29; μία σ., Mrk.10:8; εἰς σ. μίαν (Gen.2:24), Mat.19:5, Mrk.10:8, 1Co.6:16, Eph.5:31; hence, of the material as opposite to the immaterial part of man (cf. Lft., Notes, 88): opposite to πνεῦμα, 1Co.5:5, 2Co.7:1, Col.2:5, 1Pe.3:18, 4:6; to ψύχη, Act.2:31, Rec.; of the present life, ἐν (τῇ) σ., Rom.7:5, Gal.2:20, Php.1:22, 24 1Pe.4:2; of Christ's life on earth, αἱ ἡμέραι τ. σαρκὸς αὐτοῦ, Heb.5:7; of things pertaining to the body, ἐν (τῇ) σ., Gal.6:12, 13 Php.3:3, 4. __2. As in Heb. idiom, __(a) of a living creature: πᾶσα σ. (Heb. כָּל־בָּשָׂר; cf. Bl., §47, 9), Mat.24:22, Mrk.13:20, 1Pe.1:24; esp. of man and his mortality (Psa.55 (56):5, Sir.28:5, al.), Jhn.1:14; πᾶσα σ. (see supr.), Luk.3:6, Jhn.17:2, Act.2:17, ἐν σ., 1Jo.4:2, 1Ti.3:16; __(b) of natural origin and relationship (Gen.2:24, Isa.58:7, al.): τέκνα τῆς σ., Rom.9:8; κατὰ σάρκα, ib. 3, 5, 1Co.10:18, Gal.4:23, 29; ἡ σ. μου, Rom.11:14 (cf. Jdg.9:2, 2Ki.5:1, al.). __3. Of the physical nature as subject to sensation and desire (Plut.), __(a) without any ethical disparagement: Rom.7:18 13:14; opposite to πνεῦμα, Mat.26:41, Mrk.14:38; τ. θέλημα τῆς σ., Jhn.1:13; ἡ ἐπιθυμία τῆς σ., 1Jn.2:16; pl., 2Pe.2:18; παθεῖν σαρκί, 1Pe.4:1; __(b) in ethical sense, esp. in Pauline Epp., of the flesh as the seat and vehicle of sinful desires: opposite to νοῦς, Rom.7:25; to πνεῦμα, Rom.8:4-9, 12, 13, Gal.5:16, 17 19 6:8 (cf. DB, ii, 14f.; iv, 165f.; Cremer, 844ff.). (AS)

Usage: Occurs in 130 NT verses. KJV: carnal(-ly, + -ly minded), flesh(-ly) See also: 1 Corinthians 1:26; Galatians 6:12; 1 Peter 1:24.

ευηγγελισαμην euangelizomai G2097 "to speak good news" Verb-AMI-1S

To announce good news, especially the gospel, is the meaning of this word, as seen in Revelation 10:7 and Luke 16. It means to share the message of God's love and salvation. This word is often translated as 'evangelize' or 'preach the gospel'.

Definition: εὐαγγελίζω [in LXX for בָּשַׂר pi., hith.; for good news in general: 1Ki.31:9, al.; of God's loving kindness, Psa.40:10 96:2, and esp. of Messianic blessings, Isa.40:9 60:6, al. ;] to bring or announce glad tidings; __1. act. (only in late writers): with accusative of person(s), Rev.10:7; before ἐπί, with accusative of person(s), Rev.14:6; pass., of things, to be proclaimed as glad tidings: Luk.16:16, Gal.1:11, 1Pe.1:25; impers., 1Pe.4:6; of persons, to have glad tidings proclaimed to one: Mat.11:5, Luk.7:22, Heb.4:2, 6 __2. Depon. mid. (cl.), to proclaim glad tidings, in NT esp. of the Christian message of salvation: absol., Luk.9:6, Rom.15:20, al.; with dative of person(s), Luk.4:18 (LXX), Rom.1:15, al.; in same sense with accusative of person(s) (not cl.), Luk.3:18, Act.16:10, Gal.1:9, 1Pe.1:12; with accusative of thing(s), εἰρήνην, Act.10:36, Rom.10:15" (LXX) ; τ, βασιλείαν τ. θεοῦ, Luk.8:1; with dative of person(s), Luk.1:19 4:43, Eph.2:17 3:8; αὐτῷ τ. Ἰησοῦν, Act.8:35 17:18; with dupl. accusative, Act.13:32; with accusative of person(s) and inf., Act.14:15; τ. κώμας (πολεῖς), Act.8:25, 40 14:21 (cf. προ-ευαγγελίζομαι) (AS)

Usage: Occurs in 52 NT verses. KJV: declare, bring (declare, show) glad (good) tidings, preach (the gospel) See also: 1 Corinthians 1:17; Ephesians 2:17; 1 Peter 1:12.

υμιν su G4771 "you" Pron-2DP

This Greek word means 'you' and is used to address someone directly, like in John 1:30 and Matthew 26:64. It's a way to emphasize or contrast the person being spoken to. The KJV Bible translates it as 'thou'.

Definition: σύ, pron. of 2nd of person(s), thou, you, genitive, σοῦ, dative, σοί, accusative, σέ, pl., ὑμεῖς, -ῶν, -ῖν, -ᾶς (enclitic in oblique cases sing., except after prep. (BL, §48, 3), though πρὸς σέ occurs in Mat.25:39). Nom. for emphasis or contrast: Jhn.1:30, 4:10, 5:33, 39, 44, Act.4:7, Eph.5:32; so also perhaps σὺ εἶπας, Mat.26:64, al. (M, Pr., 86); before voc., Mat.2:6, Luk.1:76, Jhn.17:5, al.; sometimes without emphasis (M, Pr., 85f.), as also in cl., but esp. as rendering of Heb. phrase, e.g. υἱός μου εἶ σύ (בְּנִי־אַתָּה, Psa.2:7), Act.13:33. The genitive (σοῦ, ὑμῶν) is sometimes placed bef. the noun: Luk.7:48, 12:30, al.; so also the enclitic σοῦ, Mat.9:6; on τί ἐμοὶ κ. σοί, see: ἐγώ. (AS)

Usage: Occurs in 2041 NT verses. KJV: thou See also: 1 Corinthians 1:3; 1 Corinthians 15:3; 1 Peter 1:2.

το ho G3588 "the/this/who" Art-ASN

The Greek word for 'the' or 'this', used to point out a specific person or thing, like in Acts 17:28. It can also mean 'he', 'she', or 'it'.

Usage: Occurs in 7033 NT verses. KJV: the, this, that, one, he, she, it, etc See also: 1 Corinthians 1:1; 1 Corinthians 7:16; 1 Corinthians 11:24.

προτερον proteron G4386 "previously" Adj-ASN-C

This word means previously or before something else happened. In John 6:62, it is used to describe events that occurred earlier. The word helps to establish a timeline of events in the Bible.

Definition: before; (adv.) before, formerly, an earlier time former, prior, Eph. 4:22; before, former, prior, Eph. 4:22; before, formerly, Jn. 6:62

Usage: Occurs in 11 NT verses. KJV: before, (at the) first, former See also: 1 Peter 1:14; Hebrews 4:6; Hebrews 7:27.

Study Notes — Galatians 4:13

Show Verse Quote Highlights

Context
Cross References
Galatians 4:13 Summary
Frequently Asked Questions
Reflection Questions
Gill's Exposition on Galatians 4:13
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Galatians 4:13
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Galatians 4:13
Trapp's Commentary on Galatians 4:13
Ellicott's Commentary on Galatians 4:13
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Galatians 4:13
Cambridge Bible on Galatians 4:13
Barnes' Notes on Galatians 4:13
Whedon's Commentary on Galatians 4:13
Sermons on Galatians 4:13

Context — Paul’s Concern for the Galatians

11I fear for you, that my efforts for you may have been in vain. 12I beg you, brothers, become like me, for I became like you. You have done me no wrong.

13You know that it was because of an illness that I first preached the gospel to you.

14And although my illness was a trial to you, you did not despise or reject me. Instead, you welcomed me as if I were an angel of God, as if I were Christ Jesus Himself. 15What then has become of your blessing? For I can testify that, if it were possible, you would have torn out your eyes and given them to me.

Cross References

	Reference	Text (BSB)
1	1 Corinthians 2:3	I came to you in weakness and fear, and with much trembling.
2	2 Corinthians 12:7–10	or because of these surpassingly great revelations. So to keep me from becoming conceited, I was given a thorn in my flesh, a messenger of Satan, to torment me. Three times I pleaded with the Lord to take it away from me. But He said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for My power is perfected in weakness.” Therefore I will boast all the more gladly in my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may rest on me. That is why, for the sake of Christ, I delight in weaknesses, in insults, in hardships, in persecutions, in difficulties. For when I am weak, then I am strong.
3	2 Corinthians 11:30	If I must boast, I will boast of the things that show my weakness.
4	2 Corinthians 10:10	For some say, “His letters are weighty and forceful, but his physical presence is unimpressive, and his speaking is of no account.”
5	Galatians 1:6	I am amazed how quickly you are deserting the One who called you by the grace of Christ and are turning to a different gospel—
6	2 Corinthians 11:6	Although I am not a polished speaker, I am certainly not lacking in knowledge. We have made this clear to you in every way possible.
7	2 Corinthians 13:4	For He was indeed crucified in weakness, yet He lives by God’s power. And though we are weak in Him, yet by God’s power we will live with Him to serve you.
8	Acts 16:6	After the Holy Spirit had prevented them from speaking the word in the province of Asia, they traveled through the region of Phrygia and Galatia.

Galatians 4:13 Summary

[This verse tells us that Paul preached the gospel to the Galatians because he was sick and couldn't travel anywhere else, and this shows that even in our weaknesses, God can use us to do great things, as seen in 2 Corinthians 12:9-10. The Galatians welcomed Paul with kindness and compassion, which is an example to us of how to treat others who are suffering, as seen in Matthew 25:31-46. We can learn from Paul's example to trust God and prioritize the gospel, even when things don't go as planned, and to remember that our sufficiency comes from God, not from our own strength or abilities, as seen in 2 Corinthians 3:5.]

Frequently Asked Questions

What was the nature of Paul's illness that led him to preach the gospel to the Galatians?

The Bible does not specify the exact nature of Paul's illness, but it is clear that it was a significant trial for him, and yet the Galatians welcomed him with open arms, as seen in Galatians 4:14, and this is reminiscent of the way Jesus healed the sick and preached the gospel, as seen in Matthew 9:35.

How did the Galatians respond to Paul's illness when he first preached to them?

The Galatians did not despise or reject Paul because of his illness, but instead welcomed him as if he were an angel of God, as seen in Galatians 4:14, which shows the kindness and compassion of the Galatians towards Paul, similar to the way the early church showed kindness to one another, as seen in Acts 2:45.

What can we learn from Paul's experience of preaching the gospel despite his illness?

We can learn that even in our weaknesses, God can use us to accomplish great things, as seen in 2 Corinthians 12:9-10, where Paul says that God's power is made perfect in weakness, and this is a reminder that our sufficiency comes from God, not from our own strength or abilities, as seen in 2 Corinthians 3:5.

How does this verse relate to Paul's overall ministry and the gospel he preached?

This verse highlights the fact that Paul's ministry was not based on his own strength or abilities, but on the power of the gospel, which is able to transcend even physical weaknesses, as seen in Romans 1:16, where Paul says that the gospel is the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes.

Reflection Questions

What are some ways that I can show kindness and compassion to those who are suffering, just like the Galatians showed to Paul?
How can I trust God to use me in my own weaknesses and limitations, just like Paul did?
What are some things that I can learn from Paul's example of persevering in ministry despite physical challenges?
How can I apply the principle of 2 Corinthians 12:9-10 to my own life, where God's power is made perfect in weakness?
What are some ways that I can prioritize the gospel and the ministry of the word, even when faced with challenges or setbacks?

Gill's Exposition on Galatians 4:13

Ye know how, through infirmity of the flesh,.... Meaning either their infirmity, to which the apostle accommodated himself in preaching the Gospel to them, delivering it in such a manner as suited

Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Galatians 4:13

Ye know how through infirmity of the flesh I preached the gospel unto you at the first.

Matthew Poole's Commentary on Galatians 4:13

The Scripture having not given us a particular account of Paul’ s circumstances when he first preached the gospel to the Galatians, we are at a loss to determine what those infirmities were which Paul here speaketh of, more than that he calls them infirmities of the flesh: by which may be understood, either the baseness and contemptibleness of his presence, , or some bodily sickness which Paul had at that time, (as some of the ancients guess), or his sufferings for the gospel, which were those infirmities wherein he chose to glory, .

Trapp's Commentary on Galatians 4:13

13 Ye know how through infirmity of the flesh I preached the gospel unto you at the first. Ver. 13. Through infirmity of the flesh] That is, though much broken with many miseries, yet I spared not to take pains among you. Zachariah, though he ceased to speak, yet he ceased not to minister; he took not his dumbness for a dismission, but stayed out the eight days of his course, Luke 1:23.

Ellicott's Commentary on Galatians 4:13

(13) Through infirmity of the flesh.—Rather, because (or, on account) of infirmity of flesh—i.e., some bodily weakness or ill-health. We should gather from this that St. Paul was detained in Galatia accidentally by illness, and that this led to his preaching the gospel there. At the first.—The first time; on my first visit. This would be the one mentioned in Acts 16:6, in distinction from that referred to in Acts 18:23. (See Introduction.)

Adam Clarke's Commentary on Galatians 4:13

Verse 13. Ye know how through infirmity] The apostle seems to say that he was much afflicted in body when he first preached the Gospel to them. And is this any strange thing, that a minister, so laborious as St. Paul was, should be sometimes overdone and overcome by the severity of his labours? Surely not. This might have been only an occasional affliction, while labouring in that part of Asia Minor; and not a continual and incurable infirmity, as some have too hastily conjectured.

Cambridge Bible on Galatians 4:13

13. through infirmity of the flesh] Rather, as R.V. ‘because of an infirmity of the flesh’, owing to bodily sickness.What was this infirmity? Most commentators identify it with the ‘thorn in the flesh’, 2 Corinthians 12:7. Bp Lightfoot (p. 169 foll.) enumerates in chronological order the different conjectures which have been put forward in early and more modern times. They are (1) some bodily ailment, (2) persecution, (3) fleshly desires, (4) spiritual trials, such as temptations to despair, blasphemous suggestions of the Devil. The most recent expositors recur to the earliest view of this infirmity—that it was some bodily ailment. Bp Lightfoot conjectures that it was ‘of the nature of epilepsy’. Between this suggestion and that of some defect of eye-sight, perhaps acute ophthalmia, it is not easy to choose. The passages adduced in support of this latter conjecture are not conclusive in its favour, though their cumulative evidence is strong. They are discussed in an interesting note by Bp. Lightfoot, p. 174, note 1.at the first] Probably, ‘on the former occasion’, i.e. on the earlier of my two visits, mentioned Acts 16:6. The second or later visit is named Acts 18:23. We may fairly infer from the Apostle’s language that on the former occasion he had not intended to preach the Gospel in Galatia, but that sickness of some kind (probably acute disorder) detained him there, and that notwithstanding weakness and pain—distress to himself, and disadvantage to the reception of his message—he proclaimed the Gospel of his Lord.

Barnes' Notes on Galatians 4:13

Ye know how - To show them the folly of their embracing the new views which they had adopted, he reminds them of past times, and particularly of the strength of the attachment which they had evinced for him in former days.

Whedon's Commentary on Galatians 4:13

13. Through infirmity—Rather, on account of infirmity, or bodily illness. A visitation of St.

Sermons on Galatians 4:13

	Sermon	Description
	Ministry in the Spirit, 8. Healing, an Introduction by Michael Flowers	In this sermon, the speaker discusses the topic of healing and the desire for all believers to be healed. They mention that not all are healed, using the example of Paul's eye affl
	A Farewell Sermon by Jonathan Edwards	Jonathan Edwards delivers a farewell sermon at the First Church in Northampton, MA, emphasizing the accountability of ministers and their congregations before Christ's tribunal on
	Faith Healing by Daniel Steele	Daniel Steele preaches about the earnest effort to restore the lost extraordinary gifts of the Spirit in modern Christianity, focusing on healing by faith and the distinction betwe
	Cranbrook 1993 May the Lamb Receive His Reward (10-5-93 Tape 1) by George Warnock	In this sermon, the speaker discusses the stumbling and falling of people when it comes to recognizing the ultimate sign of God's power, which is the death of Jesus on the cross. T
	A Reverential Fear of God by Zac Poonen	This sermon emphasizes the importance of reverent fear of God in our lives, highlighting the need to work out our salvation with fear and trembling, to live in obedience and holine
	Distress of Elijah by W.F. Anderson	In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of leaving biblical history as it is and not spiritualizing it. He encourages listeners to see the working of God in ordinary,
	"Impossible With Man, Possible With God " by Andrew Murray	Andrew Murray emphasizes the profound truth that while salvation and living a holy life are impossible for man, they are entirely possible with God, as stated in Luke 18:27. He ill