King James Version

What Does Galatians 1:7 Mean?

Galatians 1:7 in the King James Version says “Which is not another; but there be some that trouble you, and would pervert the gospel of Christ.” — study this verse from Galatians chapter 1 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

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

Galatians 1:7 · King James Version

Context

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.

9

As 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.

Read Galatians 1 full chapter

Commentaries3 scholars

KJV Study CommentaryPublic Domain
Which is not another; but there be some that trouble you, and would pervert the gospel of Christ. Paul immediately clarifies his paradox from verse 6: he called it "another gospel" (heteron, different kind), but now says it's "not another" (ouk estin allo, not another of the same kind). The Judaizers' message isn't an alternate form of genuine gospel—it's no gospel at all. Truth and error don't represent valid theological options; there's one gospel and many counterfeits.

"There be some that trouble you" identifies false teachers. Tarassontes (ταράσσοντες, "troubling") depicts agitation, stirring up, disturbing—these teachers create anxiety and confusion. "Pervert" (metastrepsai, μεταστρέψαι) means to turn, twist, distort, corrupt. They haven't merely misunderstood Paul but deliberately twisted "the gospel of Christ."

The genitive "of Christ" is subjective (gospel about Christ), objective (gospel belonging to Christ), and possessive (gospel that originated from Christ). Altering this gospel attacks Christ's person and work. To add circumcision is to declare Christ's death insufficient—the fundamental heresy Paul combats.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

The Judaizers likely used sophisticated arguments: (1) Scripture commands circumcision (Genesis 17); (2) Jesus was circumcised and observed Torah; (3) Jerusalem apostles still keep Mosaic law; (4) Paul was trained by Gamaliel, so they're simply correcting his oversimplification to Gentiles. These arguments appeared biblical and traditional, making them dangerously plausible. First-century believers lacked New Testaments for reference. Paul's letters were their theological foundation, making the Judaizers' claim to represent "authentic" Jerusalem Christianity particularly threatening.

Reflection Questions

  1. What distinguishes legitimate theological differences from gospel-destroying error?
  2. What modern teachings sound plausible and biblical while actually perverting the gospel's core?
  3. Why must the church exercise both theological precision and loving patience in addressing doctrinal disputes?

Compare 3 commentaries from different scholars and time periods for a richer understanding.

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 18 words
ὃ1 of 18

“Which”

G3739

the relatively (sometimes demonstrative) pronoun, who, which, what, that

οὐκ2 of 18

“not”

G3756

the absolute negative (compare g3361) adverb; no or not

ἔστιν3 of 18

“is”

G2076

he (she or it) is; also (with neuter plural) they are

ἄλλο4 of 18

“another”

G243

"else," i.e., different (in many applications)

εἰ5 of 18
G1487

if, whether, that, etc

μή6 of 18
G3361

(adverb) not, (conjunction) lest; also (as an interrogative implying a negative answer (whereas g3756 expects an affirmative one)) whether

τινές7 of 18

“some”

G5100

some or any person or object

εἰσιν8 of 18

“but there be”

G1526

they are

οἱ9 of 18
G3588

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

ταράσσοντες10 of 18

“trouble”

G5015

to stir or agitate (roil water)

ὑμᾶς11 of 18

“you”

G5209

you (as the objective of a verb or preposition)

καὶ12 of 18

“and”

G2532

and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words

θέλοντες13 of 18

“would”

G2309

to determine (as an active option from subjective impulse; whereas g1014 properly denotes rather a passive acquiescence in objective considerations),

μεταστρέψαι14 of 18

“pervert”

G3344

to turn across, i.e., transmute or (figuratively) corrupt

τὸ15 of 18
G3588

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

εὐαγγέλιον16 of 18

“the gospel”

G2098

a good message, i.e., the gospel

τοῦ17 of 18
G3588

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

Χριστοῦ18 of 18

“of Christ”

G5547

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

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 1:7 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 1:7 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Acts 15:24Romans 16:17-18Galatians 5:102 Corinthians 11:13Acts 15:1-5Galatians 5:12

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