King James Version

What Does Galatians 1:9 Mean?

Galatians 1:9 in the King James Version says “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 b...” — study this verse from Galatians chapter 1 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

“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.”

Galatians 1:9 · KJV

Context

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.

10

For do I now persuade men, or God? or do I seek to please men? for if I yet pleased men, I should not be the servant of Christ.

11

But I certify you, brethren, that the gospel which was preached of me is not after man.

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Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
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. Paul repeats the anathema verbatim, emphasizing absolute seriousness. "As we said before" (proeirēkamen, προειρήκαμεν, perfect tense) likely refers to his founding visit when he warned against false teaching. The perfect tense indicates past action with continuing present effect—his warning then remains authoritative now.

"So say I now again" (kai arti palin legō) intensifies the repetition. Paul doesn't soften or qualify but reinforces the curse. "If any man" (tis) broadens from "we or an angel" to anyone—no messenger, however credible, can alter the gospel without incurring damnation.

"Than that ye have received" (par' ho parelabete, παρ' ὃ παρελάβετε) uses technical language for tradition transmission. They "received" (paralambanō) authoritative teaching from Paul. The gospel is fixed revelation, not evolving tradition. Judaizers offered gospel "development"; Paul insists on gospel preservation. The double anathema (verses 8-9) functions as legal testimony (Deuteronomy 19:15)—two witnesses establish truth.

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Historical & Cultural Context

Repetition served rhetorical and mnemonic purposes in oral cultures where most believers were illiterate. Paul writes to be read aloud in assemblies; repetition ensures comprehension and emphasizes importance. The double curse also reflects Jewish legal practice requiring two or three witnesses. Paul essentially testifies twice against the Judaizers. His prior warning during founding ministry showed this wasn't new controversy but ongoing threat. The Galatians couldn't plead ignorance—Paul had equipped them with theological antibodies they failed to deploy.

Reflection Questions

  1. Why must the church treat the gospel as fixed revelation rather than evolving tradition that adapts to culture?
  2. What responsibility do believers have to remember and apply warnings previously taught but currently neglected?
  3. Where is the line between theological openness for secondary matters and uncompromising defense of gospel essentials?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 15 words
ὡς1 of 15

“As”

G5613

which how, i.e., in that manner (very variously used, as follows)

προειρήκαμεν2 of 15

“we said before”

G4280

used as alternate of g4277; to say already, predict

καὶ3 of 15

“so”

G2532

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

ἄρτι4 of 15

“now”

G737

just now

πάλιν5 of 15

“again”

G3825

(adverbially) anew, i.e., (of place) back, (of time) once more, or (conjunctionally) furthermore or on the other hand

λέγω6 of 15

“say I”

G3004

properly, to "lay" forth, i.e., (figuratively) relate (in words (usually of systematic or set discourse; whereas g2036 and g5346 generally refer to an

εἴ7 of 15
G1487

if, whether, that, etc

τις8 of 15
G5100

some or any person or object

ὑμᾶς9 of 15

“unto you”

G5209

you (as the objective of a verb or preposition)

εὐαγγελίζεται10 of 15

“gospel”

G2097

to announce good news ("evangelize") especially the gospel

παρ'11 of 15

“any other”

G3844

properly, near; i.e., (with genitive case) from beside (literally or figuratively), (with dative case) at (or in) the vicinity of (objectively or subj

ὃ12 of 15

“that”

G3739

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

παρελάβετε13 of 15

“ye have received”

G3880

to receive near, i.e., associate with oneself (in any familiar or intimate act or relation); by analogy, to assume an office; figuratively, to learn

ἀνάθεμα14 of 15

“accursed”

G331

a (religious) ban or (concretely) excommunicated (thing or person)

ἔστω15 of 15

“let him be”

G2077

be thou; also ??????? <pronunciation strongs="es'-to-san"/>, third person of the same; let them be

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 1:9 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 1:9 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Romans 16:17Proverbs 30:6Deuteronomy 4:2Revelation 22:18-19Deuteronomy 12:32-13:11Philippians 3:1

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