King James Version

What Does Galatians 1:6 Mean?

Galatians 1:6 in the King James Version says “I marvel that ye are so soon removed from him that called you into the grace of Christ unto another gospel:” — study this verse from Galatians chapter 1 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

“I marvel that ye are so soon removed from him that called you into the grace of Christ unto another gospel:”

Galatians 1:6 · KJV

Grace

Context

4

Who gave himself for our sins, that he might deliver us from this present evil world, according to the will of God and our Father:

5

To whom be glory for ever and ever. Amen.

6

I marvel that ye are so soon removed from him that called you into the grace of Christ unto another gospel:

7

Which is not another; but there be some that trouble you, and would pervert the gospel of Christ.

8

But though we, or an angel from heaven, preach any other gospel unto you than that which we have preached unto you, let him be accursed.

Read Galatians 1 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
I marvel that ye are so soon removed from him that called you into the grace of Christ unto another gospel: Paul's shock is palpable—thaumazō (θαυμάζω, "I am astonished") expresses bewilderment at their rapid defection. "So soon" (houtōs tacheōs) emphasizes shocking speed of apostasy. They are abandoning not mere doctrine but "him that called you"—deserting God Himself.

The verb metatithesthe (μετατίθεσθε, "you are being removed") uses present passive, suggesting ongoing desertion and external influence. They are victims of deception while remaining responsible. God's call came "into the grace of Christ" (en chariti Christou)—grace is the sphere of salvation. To abandon grace for law is to abandon Christ.

"Another gospel" (heteron euangelion, ἕτερον εὐαγγέλιον) uses heteros (fundamentally different kind) not allos (another of same kind). Paul will clarify (v. 7) this isn't another valid gospel but a perversion. There is only one gospel; alternatives are anti-gospels.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

The Galatians' susceptibility to Judaizers reflects their cultural background. Celtic tribes were known for impulsiveness and volatility. Having recently converted from paganism or syncretistic Judaism, they lacked theological grounding to recognize subtle error. The Judaizers likely arrived shortly after Paul's departure, presenting themselves as representing Jerusalem apostles and "completing" Paul's teaching. Their message seemed reasonable: Scripture commands circumcision; the Messiah came to fulfill, not abolish, the law; Jerusalem leaders still observed Torah.

Reflection Questions

  1. What false gospels (grace plus performance, Jesus plus politics, faith plus self-help) tempt you toward desertion?
  2. How can established believers recognize when they're drifting from grace-centered faith toward works-centered religion?
  3. Why is theological discernment essential, not optional, for persevering faith in a climate of competing messages?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 15 words
Θαυμάζω1 of 15

“I marvel”

G2296

to wonder; by implication, to admire

ὅτι2 of 15

“that”

G3754

demonstrative, that (sometimes redundant); causative, because

οὕτως3 of 15

“so”

G3779

in this way (referring to what precedes or follows)

ταχέως4 of 15

“soon”

G5030

briefly, i.e., (in time) speedily, or (in manner) rapidly

μετατίθεσθε5 of 15

“removed”

G3346

to transfer, i.e., (literally) transport, (by implication) exchange, (reflexively) change sides, or (figuratively) pervert

ἀπὸ6 of 15

“from”

G575

"off," i.e., away (from something near), in various senses (of place, time, or relation; literal or figurative)

τοῦ7 of 15
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

καλέσαντος8 of 15

“him that called”

G2564

to "call" (properly, aloud, but used in a variety of applications, directly or otherwise)

ὑμᾶς9 of 15

“you”

G5209

you (as the objective of a verb or preposition)

ἐν10 of 15

“into”

G1722

"in," at, (up-)on, by, etc

χάριτι11 of 15

“the grace”

G5485

graciousness (as gratifying), of manner or act (abstract or concrete; literal, figurative or spiritual; especially the divine influence upon the heart

Χριστοῦ12 of 15

“of Christ”

G5547

anointed, i.e., the messiah, an epithet of jesus

εἰς13 of 15

“unto”

G1519

to or into (indicating the point reached or entered), of place, time, or (figuratively) purpose (result, etc.); also in adverbial phrases

ἕτερον14 of 15

“another”

G2087

(an-, the) other or different

εὐαγγέλιον15 of 15

“gospel”

G2098

a good message, i.e., the gospel

Study Guide

Historical Context

This verse is found in the book of Galatians. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.

Theological Significance

Galatians 1:6 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

Cross-References

Verses related to Galatians 1:6 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

2 Corinthians 11:4Galatians 5:7-8Isaiah 29:13Psalms 106:13Galatians 3:1-5Galatians 4:9-15

Test Your Knowledge

Galatians 1 QuizTest your knowledge of this chapterGalatians Book QuizComprehensive quiz for the entire book

Continue Your Study

Read Galatians 1 with CommentaryAll Galatians ChaptersComplete Galatians QuizBible CharactersNave's Topical BibleAll Bible Quizzes